Last January, when David Briggs played a full-length recital on the historic 1955 Holtkamp at MIT's Kresge Auditorium, it was the first full-length recital on that organ by an internationally renowned organist in ... how many years? 30? 35? 40? There was an unmistakable feeling in the air that it was An Event. As an audience member myself, I can attest that it was.
This year, on Friday evening, January 27 at 8 p.m., no less than PETER PLANYAVSKY, one of Austria's greatest musicians and one of the world's most famed organists, will play the second annual recital in Kresge.
In the coming days, I will be posting information, anecdotes, and other interesting tidbits about Maestro Planyavsky, his program, Holtkamp, and MIT.
Admission to this great event is FREE.
Artistic Director of Organ Concerts at MIT
P.S. Earlier that afternoon, Planyavsky will also lead a masterclass at Boston University's Marsh Chapel, co-sponsored by BU and MIT. More information about that event will be forthcoming, as well.


Monday, June 9, 2014
Brazilian Models Adriana Lima, Raquel Zimmermann, Alessandra Ambrosio & Isabeli Fontana Unite for Vogue
Team Brazil–Four of the world’s top Brazilian models–Adriana Lima, Raquel Zimmermann, Alessandra Ambrosio and Isabeli Fontana take the spotlight for the June issue of Vogue US which features Charlize Theron on the cover. Celebrating football’s World Cup which will be hosted in Brazil this June, the girls all show off their stunning looks in matching Stella McCartney designs and Alexis Bitter cuffs for this image photographed by Steven Meisel. “The sport is such an expression of our love and culture,” Isabeli tells the magazine.
Vogue’s June 2014 Cover with Charlize Theron


On 26 November 2021 Storm Arwen struck Scotland with winds gusting up to 90mph. The winds came from the north east making trees more vulnerable to windthrow. Large extents of forest were flattened and many trees were blown over power lines. The electricity was off for four days in Tarland and more outlying properties were without power for over a week. The photographs below were taken a few days after the wind had abated and the clear up had began.
Click on the arrows to change the picture


As a result of discussions with Scottish Government, and in particular, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Ivan McKee, Photonics Scotland was asked to undertake a baseline survey of its members on behalf of Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies in order to provide an up to date view of the Scottish Photonics sector.
The survey was launched on 30th March and we are delighted to share that we have received a fantastic response, with around 70% of Scottish photonics companies submitting completed surveys! We are proud to say that these survey results represent the most detailed analysis of the sector in over a decade.
The data gathered from this survey will be used to support Photonics Scotland’s vision to treble the size of the sector in Scotland by 2030 as detailed in our vision paper, Photonics in Scotland: A vision for 2030, published last year. The data will also provide crucial information to inform the focus of support for the sector over the coming months and years.
Below are the key findings from an initial analysis of this survey. We will be providing a full breakdown and analysis of all survey data in due course.
“Over 98% of Scotland’s photonic output is exported outside Scotland with around 75% exported beyond the UK.”


Nikah Ceremony of
Sahibzada Sultan Mohammad Murtaza Najib
(Press Release, Lahore) Friday 06 December 2019
Nikah ceremony of Sahibzada Sultan Mohammad Murtaza Najib (who is also the Vice Patron in Chief of TDF) was held in Johar Town, Lahore on Friday.
Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen along with Sahibzada Sultan Mohammad Murtaza Najib, their family members and other distinguished members of Tehreek Dawat e Faqr set off from Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen House to Johar Town, Lahore to attend the ceremony.
The head administrator of Tehreek Dawat e Faqr, Naeem Abbas Sarwari Qadri received Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen and his companions at the venue. Dr Hasnain Mehboob welcomed Sahibzada Murtaza Najib by conferring a specially made garland. Amongst others, Malik Zaheer Abbas and Malik Karamat Ali were also present to welcome the guests.
Once everyone seated, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen asked for the Nikah ceremony to begin. Maulana Mohammad Aslam had the honour to read the Nikah sermon and also made a supplication afterwards. The guests and attendees congratulated Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen and Sahibzada Murtaza Najib after the formalities of the Nikah. They served specially made sweets to the guests. This followed by a grand buffet.
In the end, Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen said farewell to the hosts and headed back to Sultan-ul-Ashiqeen House along with Sahibzada Murtaza Najib and other guests.
Tehreek Dawat e Faqr Social Media Team was also present there for online coverage.
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Still having doubts on Total_Noob's 6.20 homebrew enabler for the PSP? Well, according to a recennt post from homebrew coder extraordinaire Wololo himself, Total_Noob's kernel exploit for firmware 6.20 is the real deal as he was able to beta test the exploit on his PSP 3000.
According to Wololo's post:
Total_Noob offered me to test his HEN on a PSP 3000. I gladly sacrificed my 5.03 PSP 3000, upgraded it to 6.20, and could confirm that this kernel exploit is true, and the HEN is already operational.
Total_Noob's 6.20 TN (HEN) is scheduled to arrive “before Christmas.”
드디어 6.20 출시 확정이 내려지는군요. 출시 예정일은 정확하게 잡히진 않았고,
크리스마스 이전이라고 Wololo는 밝혔습니다.
테스트한 기기는 3000번대로, 3005 유저에게 드디어 희망이 생기나 봅니다 ^^


WISCONSIN DELLS WATERPARK RESORT ANNOUNCES OVERNIGHT GUEST EXCLUSIVITY
Mt. Olympus Is Now Open!
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (May 14, 2020) – One of the most well-known attractions in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort, today announced it will be going to an “overnight guest exclusivity” policy when it reopens for the summer season on May 23rd. That means those staying at the resort, a complex that includes an outdoor water park and theme park, will no longer be sharing the amenities with day-trippers. Mt. Olympus is located along the Wisconsin Dells Parkway.
The resort is owned and operated by the Laskaris family, who said the decision was an easy one because it puts guest safety first. “We know travelers will still be looking to social distance once they set out on family vacations this summer, and this will give our overnight guests more space to safely have fun,” said Nick Laskaris. The owners added it will also help shorten lines at the waterslides, go-kart tracks and roller coasters, allowing for distance between guests as they step up to experience their favorite rides.
While acknowledging it will mean fewer visitors to the water and theme park, the Laskaris family pledged to keep value a priority. “Even if you stay just one night, you and your family can enjoy two full days of fun at the water and theme parks,” said Laskaris. Parking is free too.
“During the pause in travel, we’ve been hearing from our regular family visitors who hope their annual summer getaway will still be a possibility because it means a lot to them,” said Nick Laskaris. “With today’s announcement, it’s nice to let them know we’ll be here for them.”


Only 22% of SMEs in Spain try to get financing without having to go to a traditional bank, compared to 70% in the United States, 55% of SMEs in France or 45% in Germany, according to a study by the University of Valencia. Some data that make small businesses in our country one of the most dependent on banks to get financing. In fact, according to a study prepared by Inbonis, it states that only 3% of loans for companies in Spain come from non-banking financial entities.
Are bank or non-bank loans better?
Although both serve the same purpose, – financing small and medium enterprises – their characteristics are very different and the virtues that an SME can find in one type of financing can be inconvenient for another company. Knowing the different characteristics, both the advantages and the disadvantages of each type of loan will help us to choose in a more informed manner the type of financing that best suits our business.
Thanks to the advance of new technologies, there are many new fintech that allow us to obtain financing for our business without having to go to a bank, both loans for “traditional” companies, as well as new financing formulas increasingly popular as crowdlending – that in Spain it already has more than 33 operating platforms according to a report prepared by Crowdsurfer-.
This type of loans tend to have slightly higher interest rates than bank loans, but in exchange, they have a concession speed of between 1 and 10 days, have less related expenses, do not require a change of bank and do not require the hiring of linked products.
Due to the ECB’s new stimulus measures implemented since March this year, bank loans for SMEs have lowered their interest and increased their offers to become more competitive, in fact in 2015, the average interest on loans for companies was located in 4.6 %, according to the Bank of Spain. However, according to the study conducted by Inbonis, SMEs pay up to 10% for these loans due to the sale due to other additional expenses such as commissions (2%), cross-selling such as direct debit of social insurances or taxes (1.29%) and personal guarantees (2.10). In addition, the average waiting time until the granting of the loan is two months.
However, these two ways of obtaining loans for our SME are not exclusive, but allow us a symbiosis. Just as we diversify suppliers, it is important to have different funding sources. In this way, we can take advantage of both types of loans and not tie ourselves to a single entity as our only option to obtain financing.


Short-Term Mobility Programme in Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
The Short-Term Mobility Grant 2016 was provided by USM International Mobility & Career Centre (IMCC) and the Ministry of Education (Higher Education Division) with the aim to provide an outbound higher education experience for Malaysian university students. School of Health Sciences (PPSK) was one of the five schools in USM that was awarded the grant to execute a short-term student exchange programme with Tzu-Chi University (TCU) in Hualien, Taiwan.
Assoc Prof Dr Hanson Huang and Dr Vina Tan Phei Sean teamed up to arrange a 15-day course with a minimal of 26 contact hours for a 2-credit course entitled ‘Sustainable Practices & Humanistic Activities in Taiwan’. Application for the programme was opened to all PPSK students and a total of 15 students were selected. There were two final year Dietetic students, five 3rd-year and seven 2nd-year Exercise & Sports Science students and one 2nd-year Nursing student that took part in the programme. Assoc Prof Dr Mohamed Saat Ismail and Dr Vina later accompanied the students for the first and second week of the programme respectively. All students had to hand-in two individual reports and conduct group presentation with their TCU student partners.
Tzu-Chi University is located in Hualien, about a 2-hour train ride from Taipei City. In TCU, USM students had classes that exposed them to the humanistic nature of Tzu-Chi Foundation and the way of life in Taiwan. In classes, students learnt about the principles behind volunteerism, respecting nature, compassionate and loving-kindness actions by visiting the Silent Mentor programme, Jing-Si abode, Tzu-Chi Foundation Museum and Museum of Taiwan Native Tribes. Then, USM students also practiced those principles in tea ceremony class, flower arrangement class, recycling work and also as part of their daily activities in TCU campus. TCU campus serves only vegetarian food to reduce the pollution provided by rearing animal for food. Waste was reduced by encouraging diners to bring their own bowls, cups and utensils and providing soap, sponge and sinks to wash their own utensils after meals. Food waste was collected for compost and trash was always separated for recycling. Even within their 15-day stay in TCU dorms, USM students had to separate and throw their own trash. Initially new to these practices, USM students now hope that the same sustainable practices can be conducted in USM Health Campus. Furthermore, TCU encourages sports and physical activity to everyone on campus including the lecturers and volunteers. This was highlighted in their annual Sport’s Day and fitness facilities on campus. Finally, the biggest impact as reported by USM students were the kindness, generosity and helpfulness from the TCU students towards them regardless of race, religion or cultural beliefs (and even language barrier!). USM students on the other hand encouraged TCU students to converse in English, shared Malaysian Islamic and Indian practices and gave their TCU friends confidence to present in English.
Based on the student reports, the programme was a great success as USM students not only learnt but practiced sustainable practices while in Hualien, Taiwan. USM students also experienced the discipline, thoughtfulness and healthy behaviours in a tertiary education setting.
Figure 1: Opening ceremony with the 15 USM School of Health Science students and Assoc Prof Dr Mohamed Saat Ismail (standing behing USM student in blue T-shirt) and Tzu-Chi University students and faculty members including Assoc Prof Dr Hanson Huang (first person standing on the right).


The passing of our Queen marks the dawning of a new era.
On the 8th September 2022, our Queen, HRH Elizabeth II sadly passed away at Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire.
She died aged 96, having acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom on 6th February 1952, where she remained until her passing. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days is the longest of any British monarch, and the longest recorded of any female head of state in history.
She was succeeded by her son, HRH Charles III, the former Prince Of Wales, who acceded to the throne upon the death of his mother to become King Charles III, now King of the United Kingdom and fourteen other Commonwealth realms.
The passing of our Queen and the ascension of our new King heralds the end of the New Elizabethan era, and the beginning of the New Carolean era, full of promise and hope for the future.
All of us at Unilet Sound & Vision would like to extend our deepest condolences to all members of the House Of Windsor, express our deep gratitude to the former Queen for her incredible long service and dedication to the country, and to wish our new King the utmost good fortune and success in his reign.
Unilet will be closed on Monday 19th September
The Queen’s funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey at 11:00 BST on Monday 19th September 2022.
The day has been declared a national Bank Holiday, and so Unilet Sound & Vision will remain closed as a mark of respect to the House Of Windsor. Our normal service will resume as of Tuesday 20th September. We thank all our customers for their understanding.


In 2010, sales of companies headquartered in Europe grew by 16% compared with the previous year to reach €35,156 million. In the chemicals business, sales at €19,363 million reached the pre-crisis level. Compared with 2009, this was an increase of 32%. This development shows that BASF has emerged from the economic crisis even stronger than before in Europe.
In the Chemicals and Plastics segments, sales were far above the 2009 level thanks to increased volumes and prices in all divisions. In the Performance Products segment, sales grew substantially due in part to the strong demand for our products as well as the full-year inclusion of the former Ciba businesses. In the Functional Solutions segment, there was a strong improvement in sales, especially in the Catalysts division. The Agricultural Solutions segment exceeded its 2009 sales level thanks to higher volumes while the Oil & Gas segment posted a decline in sales owing to lower natural gas prices.
At €5,206 million, income from operations was more than twice as high as in the previous year. This was mainly due to the excellent earnings in the chemicals business, which rose by €2,579 million year-on-year to €3,212 million, thereby also significantly surpassing the pre-crisis level.
In order to take advantage of opportunities in the region and master future challenges, we developed the Strategy 2020 for the region Europe called “More Market – More Value.” This will see the expansion of existing successful approaches based on countries, customers and particularly industries. Our new industry-based initiatives include: agro/food/feed/fuel, clean tech energy and furniture/wood. All these cross-segment initiatives will help us to reach our growth targets in the Europe region in 2020.


Solar eclipses have long captivated the interest and curiosity of people around the world. These celestial events, where the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, create a breathtaking spectacle that leaves observers in awe. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of solar eclipses, with a particular focus on the year 2023. But before we delve into the upcoming eclipses, let’s first understand what a solar eclipse is.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon aligns perfectly with the sun and casts a shadow on the Earth. This alignment can result in three different types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun, creating a moment of darkness in the middle of the day. A partial solar eclipse, on the other hand, happens when the moon only partially covers the sun, resulting in a crescent-shaped sun. Lastly, an annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, causing it to appear smaller than the sun and leaving a ring of light around its edges.
The allure of solar eclipses lies in their rarity and the sense of wonder they evoke. People from all walks of life travel far and wide to witness these extraordinary events. The anticipation and excitement leading up to a solar eclipse are palpable, as individuals prepare their viewing equipment and make plans to be in the path of totality. It is a time when scientists, astronomers, and enthusiasts come together to observe and study the celestial phenomenon.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the year 2023 and the solar eclipses that we can expect to witness. In 2023, there are several notable solar eclipses that will grace the skies. On March 14, a total solar eclipse will occur, visible from parts of Australia, Indonesia, and the Pacific Ocean. This celestial event will offer a rare opportunity for those in the path of totality to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a fully eclipsed sun.
Another significant solar eclipse will take place on September 2, visible from parts of North America, Europe, and Africa. This event will be an annular solar eclipse, where the moon will appear slightly smaller than the sun, creating a mesmerizing ring of fire in the sky. It will be a sight to behold for those fortunate enough to witness it.
In addition to these eclipses, there will be several partial solar eclipses throughout the year, visible from different regions around the world. While they may not offer the same level of spectacle as total or annular eclipses, they still provide an opportunity to witness the moon’s journey across the sun and experience the unique phenomenon of a solar eclipse.
Solar eclipses have played a significant role in history, often capturing the imagination of civilizations throughout time. Ancient cultures believed that solar eclipses were a sign of impending doom or a celestial battle between the sun and the moon. In more recent history, the Great American Eclipse of 2017 garnered widespread attention and sparked a renewed interest in solar eclipses. Millions of people across the United States gathered to witness the total solar eclipse, creating a sense of unity and wonder as they marveled at the celestial spectacle.
It is crucial to note that observing a solar eclipse requires proper eye protection to prevent damage to the eyes. Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause permanent vision loss. Specialized solar viewing glasses or filters should be used to safely observe the event. It is essential to follow guidelines provided by reputable sources and avoid using homemade or improvised viewing devices.
Solar eclipses hold not only cultural significance but also scientific importance. These celestial events provide scientists with valuable opportunities to study the sun’s corona, the outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere. During a total solar eclipse, the moon’s shadow allows scientists to observe the corona without the sun’s bright glare, revealing details that are otherwise difficult to study. These observations contribute to our understanding of the sun’s behavior and help scientists make advancements in solar physics and space weather forecasting.
Looking beyond 2023, there are several future solar eclipses that enthusiasts can look forward to. One notable event is the total solar eclipse of 2024, which will cross North America from Mexico to Canada. This eclipse is expected to draw large crowds and generate immense excitement as it offers another opportunity for people to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse.
In conclusion, solar eclipses continue to captivate our imagination and spark a sense of wonder. The year 2023 holds the promise of several remarkable solar eclipses, including a total solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse. These celestial events provide us with an opportunity to witness the beauty and grandeur of the universe. However, it is crucial to remember that observing a solar eclipse safely is of utmost importance. By following proper guidelines and using appropriate eye protection, we can enjoy these extraordinary events while safeguarding our vision. So mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed as the skies put on a show like no other in the coming year.
Solar Eclipses in 2023
In the year 2023, there are several solar eclipses that astronomy enthusiasts and skywatchers can look forward to. These celestial events never fail to captivate our imagination and spark a sense of wonder. Let’s take a closer look at the solar eclipses expected in 2023, including their dates, times, durations, and the different types that may occur.
Overview of Solar Eclipses in 2023
In 2023, there will be a total of four solar eclipses. These awe-inspiring phenomena occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. The alignment of these celestial bodies creates a breathtaking display in the sky.
Dates, Times, and Durations
The first solar eclipse of 2023 will take place on April 30th. It will be an annular eclipse, which means that the Moon will be at a farther distance from the Earth, resulting in a ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette. This annular eclipse will be visible from parts of Australia, the Pacific, and the Americas.
The second solar eclipse will occur on May 26th. It will be a total eclipse, where the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s light. This event will be visible from parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
On October 20th, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from parts of North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. During a partial eclipse, the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun, creating a stunning celestial spectacle.
The final solar eclipse of 2023 will take place on November 19th. It will be a partial eclipse visible from parts of South America, Antarctica, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Different Types of Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses can be classified into three main types: total, partial, and annular.
Total Solar Eclipse: During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely obscures the Sun, revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. This is a rare and awe-inspiring event that attracts skywatchers from around the world.
Partial Solar Eclipse: In a partial solar eclipse, the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun, creating a mesmerizing celestial alignment. The degree of coverage varies depending on the observer’s location.
Annular Solar Eclipse: An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, resulting in a ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette. This creates a stunning “ring of fire” effect in the sky.
The different types of solar eclipses offer unique viewing experiences and opportunities for scientific research and observation.
Solar eclipses have always fascinated humanity, and they hold both cultural and scientific significance. In the next section, we will explore some notable solar eclipses from history and their impact.
Please note that the content provided is based on the outline given and may not be factually accurate as it contains fictional information for demonstration purposes.
III. Notable Solar Eclipses in History
Solar eclipses have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries, and throughout history, there have been several notable eclipses that have left a lasting impact. These celestial events have not only fascinated astronomers and scientists but have also influenced cultures and sparked curiosity among the general public.
A. Famous Solar Eclipses and Their Significance
One such notable solar eclipse is the Great American Eclipse of 2017. This eclipse, which occurred on August 21, 2017, captivated millions of people across the United States. It was a total solar eclipse, meaning the Moon completely blocked the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth and creating a breathtaking spectacle in the sky.
The Great American Eclipse had a significant impact on public interest in solar eclipses. It sparked a renewed fascination with these celestial events and drew attention to the importance of observing them safely. People from all walks of life gathered in the path of totality, which stretched from the west coast to the east coast of the United States, to witness this rare phenomenon. The eclipse brought communities together and created a sense of awe and wonder as people experienced the beauty and grandeur of nature.
B. The Great American Eclipse and Public Interest
The Great American Eclipse of 2017 not only captured the public’s imagination but also had a profound impact on scientific research. Scientists and researchers took advantage of this rare opportunity to study the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, which is usually hidden from view. They used advanced instruments and telescopes to gather valuable data and gain insights into the Sun’s behavior and the dynamics of its atmosphere.
This eclipse also highlighted the importance of public engagement in scientific endeavors. Amateur astronomers and citizen scientists contributed valuable observations and data during the eclipse, furthering our understanding of solar phenomena. The widespread interest in the Great American Eclipse demonstrated the power of these events to inspire and educate people about the wonders of the universe.
Solar eclipses throughout history have not only fascinated people but have also played a significant role in shaping our understanding of the cosmos. From ancient civilizations to modern-day scientists, these celestial events have sparked curiosity, inspired scientific discoveries, and brought communities together in awe of the natural world.
As we look back on these notable solar eclipses, we can appreciate the impact they have had on our collective fascination with the cosmos. They remind us of the beauty and mystery of the universe and inspire us to continue exploring and learning about the wonders that lie beyond our planet.
Stay tuned for the next section, where we will discuss the importance of observing solar eclipses safely and provide guidelines on how to do so.
Importance of Observing Solar Eclipses Safely
Solar eclipses are awe-inspiring celestial events that capture the imagination of people around the world. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety when observing these phenomena. The intense brightness of the sun during an eclipse can cause severe damage to the eyes if proper precautions are not taken. In this section, we will emphasize the importance of using proper eye protection during a solar eclipse and provide guidelines on how to safely view this extraordinary event.
Emphasizing the Importance of Eye Protection
During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, partially or completely blocking the sun’s rays. While this creates a mesmerizing spectacle, it is essential to remember that looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can lead to permanent eye damage. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm the delicate tissues of the eyes, including the retina, which is responsible for vision.
To protect your eyes during a solar eclipse, it is crucial to use proper eye protection. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not sufficient to shield your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Instead, certified solar eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers should be used. These specialized glasses are designed with special filters that block out most of the harmful UV and infrared radiation, allowing you to view the eclipse safely.
Guidelines for Safe Eclipse Viewing
Here are some guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while observing a solar eclipse:
Use certified solar eclipse glasses: Purchase eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the international safety standard ISO 12312-2. Check for the ISO certification mark on the glasses to ensure their authenticity.
Inspect the glasses: Before using the glasses, carefully inspect them for any scratches, holes, or damage. Discard any glasses that show signs of wear and tear, as they may not provide adequate protection.
Put on the glasses before looking at the sun: Always put on your eclipse glasses before looking at the sun, and keep them on throughout the entire duration of the eclipse. Do not remove them while the sun is still partially visible.
Supervise children: If children are present, ensure they are wearing proper eye protection and supervise them closely to prevent accidental exposure to the sun.
Beware of counterfeit glasses: Be cautious when purchasing eclipse glasses online or from unauthorized sellers. Counterfeit glasses may not meet safety standards and can put your eyes at risk.
Alternative viewing methods: If you are unable to obtain certified eclipse glasses, you can use indirect viewing methods, such as a pinhole projector or a solar filter for a telescope or camera lens. These methods allow you to view the eclipse indirectly without directly looking at the sun.
Remember, the safety of your eyes should always be the top priority when observing a solar eclipse. By following these guidelines and using proper eye protection, you can safely enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this celestial event.
In the next section, we will explore the cultural and scientific significance of solar eclipses throughout history.
V. Cultural and Scientific Significance of Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses have captivated the human imagination for centuries, not only for their awe-inspiring beauty but also for their cultural and scientific significance. These celestial events have played a crucial role in shaping the beliefs, traditions, and scientific understanding of various civilizations throughout history.
A. Cultural Significance of Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses have held great cultural significance in different civilizations across the globe. Ancient cultures often associated these celestial events with powerful deities or supernatural forces. For example, in ancient China, people believed that a solar eclipse occurred when a celestial dragon devoured the Sun. To prevent this, they would bang drums and pots to scare away the dragon.
In Norse mythology, a solar eclipse was seen as a sign of impending doom, with the Sun being swallowed by the wolf Fenrir. The Vikings would create loud noises by clashing weapons to frighten away the wolf and save the Sun. Similarly, ancient Mayans believed that a jaguar was responsible for devouring the Sun during an eclipse. They would engage in rituals and sacrifices to appease the jaguar and ensure the Sun’s return.
Solar eclipses also hold cultural significance in modern times. The Great American Eclipse of 2017, for instance, sparked a renewed interest in solar eclipses among the general public. Millions of people across the United States gathered to witness this rare event, fostering a sense of unity and wonder. It served as a reminder of the beauty and grandeur of the natural world, transcending cultural boundaries and bringing people together in shared awe.
B. Scientific Discoveries and Advancements
Solar eclipses have not only fascinated cultures but have also played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge. These rare events provide scientists with unique opportunities to study the Sun, its atmosphere, and the effects of its blocked light on Earth.
During a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely obscures the Sun, scientists can observe the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. The corona is usually hidden by the Sun’s intense brightness, but during an eclipse, it becomes visible as a glowing halo around the darkened disk of the Moon. Studying the corona helps scientists understand the Sun’s magnetic field, solar flares, and other phenomena that impact space weather and Earth’s climate.
Solar eclipses have also contributed to significant scientific discoveries. One notable example is the confirmation of Einstein’s theory of general relativity during the 1919 solar eclipse. British astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington observed the bending of starlight around the Sun, providing experimental evidence for Einstein’s revolutionary theory.
Furthermore, solar eclipses have paved the way for advancements in solar astronomy and photography. By capturing images of the Sun’s corona during eclipses, scientists have been able to study its structure and dynamics in greater detail. These observations have led to a deeper understanding of the Sun’s behavior and its impact on our planet.
In conclusion, solar eclipses hold both cultural and scientific significance. They have inspired awe and wonder in civilizations throughout history, shaping cultural beliefs and traditions. Additionally, solar eclipses have provided scientists with invaluable opportunities to study the Sun and make groundbreaking discoveries. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, solar eclipses remain a captivating and important phenomenon that bridges the gap between culture and science.
VI. Future Solar Eclipses to Look Forward To
As we eagerly await the solar eclipses of 2023, it’s also exciting to look ahead and anticipate the upcoming celestial events beyond that year. Here are some future solar eclipses that people can look forward to:
A. Upcoming Solar Eclipses:
– Total Solar Eclipse in 2024: One of the most highly anticipated solar eclipses in recent years is the total solar eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024. This eclipse will be visible across a large portion of North America, including parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It will traverse a path from Texas to Maine, providing an incredible opportunity for millions of people to witness the awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Annular Solar Eclipse in 2027: On October 14, 2027, an annular solar eclipse will take place. This type of eclipse occurs when the Moon is farther away from the Earth, resulting in a ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette. The path of this eclipse will cross parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Total Solar Eclipse in 2029: Another significant total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2029. This eclipse will be visible in parts of Europe, including Spain, France, and Italy. It will also pass over parts of North Africa, providing a captivating celestial spectacle for those in its path.
B. The Great American Eclipse of 2017:
While discussing future solar eclipses, it’s worth mentioning the Great American Eclipse of 2017. This total solar eclipse captivated the world as it crossed the United States from coast to coast on August 21, 2017. Millions of people flocked to the path of totality, where the Moon completely blocked the Sun, creating a breathtaking sight. The Great American Eclipse sparked a renewed interest in solar eclipses and reminded us of the profound beauty and wonder of these celestial events.
Looking ahead to the future solar eclipses gives us something to anticipate and marvel at. Whether it’s the upcoming total solar eclipse in 2024 that will sweep across North America or the annular and total eclipses in 2027 and 2029, these celestial events continue to inspire awe and curiosity. Mark your calendars and prepare to witness the magic of these natural phenomena in the years to come.
In this article, we have explored the fascinating world of solar eclipses. We began by providing a brief explanation of what a solar eclipse is and highlighting the interest and curiosity that surrounds these celestial events.
We then delved into the solar eclipses expected in 2023. We discussed the dates, times, and durations of these eclipses, as well as the different types that may occur, including total, partial, and annular eclipses. It is an exciting year for astronomy enthusiasts, as they can look forward to witnessing these awe-inspiring phenomena.
Furthermore, we touched upon the significance of notable solar eclipses in history. One such example is the Great American Eclipse of 2017, which captured the attention of the public and sparked a renewed interest in solar eclipses. These events have the power to bring people together and inspire scientific curiosity.
We also emphasized the importance of observing solar eclipses safely. It is crucial to protect our eyes during these events by using proper eye protection. We provided guidelines on how to safely view a solar eclipse, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the spectacle without risking their vision.
Solar eclipses hold both cultural and scientific significance. Throughout history, different civilizations have attached various meanings and interpretations to these celestial occurrences. Additionally, solar eclipses have led to significant scientific discoveries and advancements, providing researchers with unique opportunities to study the sun and its effects on Earth.
Looking beyond 2023, we mentioned upcoming solar eclipses that people can anticipate. One such event is the total solar eclipse in 2024, which will cross North America, offering another chance for sky gazers to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.
In conclusion, solar eclipses are captivating celestial events that continue to captivate and inspire people around the world. They provide us with an opportunity to marvel at the wonders of the universe and deepen our understanding of the cosmos. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness the magic of a solar eclipse in 2023 and beyond.


The Philippine Economic Society (PES) Board of Trustees elected its new set of officers for this year on 20 January 2023, led by Ateneo School of Government Dean, Dr. Philip Arnold P. Tuaño, as President.
Meanwhile, Dr. Agham C. Cuevas, Dean of the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños College of Economics and Management, was elected Vice President. Dr. Alice Joan G. Ferrer, Dean of the UP Visayas College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Marites M. Tiongco, Professor and former Dean of the De La Salle University School of Economics, will serve as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.
Also comprising the PES Board are:
- Dr. Faith Christian Q. Cacnio, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
- Dr. Jovi C. Dacanay, University of Asia and the Pacific
- Asec. Sarah Lynne S. Daway-Ducanes, National Economic and Development Authority
- Dr. Ricardo L. Dizon, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
- Dr. Adoracion M. Navarro, Philippine Institute for Development Studies
- Mr. Emilio S. Neri, Jr., Bank of the Philippine Islands
- Dr. Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, Ateneo de Manila University
The immediate former President, Dr. Charlotte Justine Diokno-Sicat of the Asian Development Bank, will sit as ex officio member of the Board. Dr. Emmanuel F. Esguerra of the UP School of Economics, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of The Philippine Review of Economics, will also sit as ex officio member.


The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced. With beautiful bodywork, impressive handling and performance to match, it was a surprise (and delight) to hear that the classic E-type Jaguar is going all electric. 🙌
In an effort to preserve the E-Type’s handling, Jaguar is fitting the cars with a battery pack and electric motor that have been cleverly designed to weigh nearly the same as the original engine. Meaning that they can use the braking and suspension systems from the original E-type Jag.
In addition to new cars, Jaguar Classic will also offer completely reversible conversions for existing E-Types — a fitting update for an all-time classic.
Its worth noting that this isn’t the first time that Jaguar has re-released classic cars. They recently rebuilt the 9 Jaguar XKSS that where lost in a factory fire.


Ecologist Maartje Klapwijk, SLU, and historian Erland Mårald, Umeå University, have lead a multidisciplinary research group within Future Forests, thoroughly examining the question of why the role of forests in climate adaptation has not yet come to fruition, despite great expectations.
"The lack of action is driven by objects such as unstable markets, unclear political direction, costly management, competing solutions, differing opinions and vague future prospects", says Erland Mårald. "For a climate change adapted forestry to make any difference, everybody needs to contribute. But if forest owners are hesitant as to what actions to take, and to what effort other forest owners will make, they will be reluctant to act even if they believe they should".
"There are still knowledge gaps", Maartje Klapwijk says. "For example, there is no clear scientific consensus regarding how beneficial forest biomass may be to climate or how large the negative environmental impact may be".
The study clearly shows that uncertainties cannot always be remedied with more knowledge.
"Our group has been multidisciplinary", says Maartje Klapwijk. "While I and other natural scientists pushed the importance of filling biological and technical knowledge gaps, social scientists and humanists advocated other angles, such as the importance of institutional clarity and management, and the fact that colliding values are often strong and cannot always be altered with knowledge".
"The question of how beneficial forests are to climate has recently highlighted how widely values may differ, with countries and organizations ending up on opposite sides of the conflict", says Erland Mårald. "Even though this is affecting the research area, many scientists avoid investigating the role of such normative problems".
"Bioenergy makes for an interesting example", says Maartje Klapwijk. "We see how a combination of strategic challenges, institutional shortcomings, lack of knowledge and colliding values affect the impact bioenergy may have".
"A forest owner considering contributing to adaptation to climate change by investing in bioenergy has to relate to forest- and environmental jurisdiction, certification standards, an underdeveloped and uncertain future market and conflicting opinions as to whether it is sustainable to use the forest as an energy source".
"To deal with this issue more efficiently, we should consider these aspects holistically – is there enough knowledge, is there a trust in the institutions, is the governmental support perceived as reliable in the long run, and are there conflicts of values that need to be addressed? I suspect that if there is no clear direction from the powers that be, nothing will happen", Maartje says.
Communications Officer at the Faculty of Forest Sciences
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
+46 (0)90-786 82 21, firstname.lastname@example.org
Professor at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies
+46 (0)90 786 65 45, email@example.com
(May be published without charge in articles about this press release, please acknowledge the photographer)
Maartje Klapwijk. Photo: Sverker Johansson


The investment potential of Brazil’s New Economy
Guildhall, London, 8 December 2016 - A showcase of potential green bond investments for the Brazilian economic shift
As the world’s third largest emerging economy, Brazil is one of the UK’s biggest trade and investment opportunities.
Brazil has an estimated USD 152b of investment to be made to meet its UN climate change treaty commitments. Green investment opportunities include: low-carbon urban mobility; water and sanitation; logistics infrastructure; renewable energy; and an expansion of sustainable agribusiness.
This event will showcase a pipeline of potential green bonds from some of Brazil’s most prestigious companies and financial institutions including BNDES, Suzano, Ecoagro, CPFL Energia and Klabin, presenting on goals, policy measures, and green investment opportunities becoming available.
• Executives from Brazil’s largest financiers and project developers.
• Senior officials from Brazil’s public sectors, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture.
• UK representatives from Government Ministers and Sir Roger Gifford, former City of London Lord Mayor and head of the City’s Green Finance Initiative.
|Market Opening Ceremony at the London Stock Exchange (Invite-only)
Delegates will depart for the Guidhall at 8.30am.
|Guildhall - Old Library and Print Room
Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative
Unlocking Brazil’s Low Carbon Investment Potential: Policies shaping the agenda in Brazil
Brazil’s Agriculture Industry: Feeding the world at scale, sustainably
Investing in Brazil’s Low Carbon Future
Macroeconomic Outlook: The Road Ahead for Brazil
Brazil’s Priorities for its New Economy
Trees Abound in Brazil’s Pulp & Paper Industry
|Tea and coffee
Investment Pipeline Presenters
• Eliane Lustosa, Director of Capital Markets, BNDES
Sir Roger Gifford, former City of London Lord Mayor and head of the City’s Green Finance Initiative
|Networking Lunch. End of open session.
|High-level Roundtable: Investor Dialogue with Brazil pipeline presenters – invite only
Opening Remarks: Sylvia Brasil Coutinho, Chairman and Country Head, UBS Brazil
Brazil’s Development Bank
BNDES, the Brazilian National Development Bank, is one of the largest development banks in the world and the main long-term financer in Brazil. It’s also the largest lender for renewable energy in Brazil, and has recently announced its intention to increase support to wind and solar generation projects in the country. The bank supports Brazilian companies and the overall Brazilian economy through direct financing, subscription of equity and debt securities and issuance of guarantees.
Eliane Lustosa, BNDES Director of Capital Markets, will be in London to discuss their pipeline for renewable energy financing, and a possible green bond energy fund to be launched in 2017.
Pioneer in Sustainable Forestry
Brazil’s largest producer and exporter of packaging paper and leader in corrugated board packaging and industrial bags. Klabin pioneered the adoption of mosaic planting concepts in its forestry management and has 230,000 hectares planted with pine and eucalyptus and 210,000 hectares of preserved native woodlands (over 45% of its forests). Internationally recognized as a reference in sustainable forest management, it was the first forestry company in the Southern Hemisphere to obtain Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification (FSC-C022516).
Tiago Brasil Rocha, Director of Finance and Investor Relations, will be in London to discuss their portfolio for a potential green bond on sustainable forest management.
Leader in Agriculture Securitization
Ecoagro is the largest securitization company in Brazil, with an exclusive focus on agribusiness financial transactions. Over BRL 2bn (USD 650m) of agri securitization were issued by Ecoagro in Brazil in 2015. Previous transactions include the securitization of receivables from Fibria, Suzano and other top tier companies, as well as receivables from rural producers.
Ecoagro CEO Milton Menten will be in London to discuss their portfolio for low-carbon agriculture green securitization, leveraging on the newly introduced USD-denominated securitization product in the Brazilian market.
Standard-Setter in Pulp & Paper
Suzano is the second largest eucalyptus pulp producer in the world, the eighth largest market pulp producer and holds a leadership position in the regional paper market in Brazil and South America. The company’s projects are certified by the Forests Stewardship Council (FSC) and Ceflor (PEFC).
Suzano is the first company in the world to be listed in the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) to trade carbon credits arising from planted forests. It was honored by the Rainforest Alliance in 2009 as a Corporate Sustainability Standard-Setter (companies that exhibited outstanding leadership in efforts to promote sustainability). Suzano issued USD 500m inaugural green bond in 2016, financing its sustainable forestry practices, including plantation, restoration and conservation. Proceeds will also go to water and energy efficiency projects.
In London, Suzano’s Michelle Lourenço Corda, Investor Relations, will discuss their strong investment potential to finance more projects with proceeds to sustainable infrastructure and forestry.
Head of the Renewables Sector
CPFL Energia is the largest private company in the Brazilian electricity sector. It is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries, distributes, generates and commercializes energy in Brazil as well as provides energy-related services. The company is also the controlling shareholder of CPFL Renováveis, which is the leader of the Brazilian renewable energy market. CPFL Renováveis operates in the segment of generation of energy from renewable sources (wind, biomass thermal plants, SHPPs and solar), with its current portfolio being comprised of 85 plants, totaling 1.9 GW of installed capacity.
The VP, Chief Legal & Institutional Relations Officer Luiz Osorio, will be in London to discuss renewable energy portfolio and potential appetite for BRL deals, both in the Brazilian and offshore markets.
|In association with:


Image above was borrowed from: https://www.fusestudio.net/about/start-grants-fuse
McCutcheon Will Be Getting a NEW STEAM Lab through a FUSE Studio Grant!
I wrote the grant, received support from our school's new dynamic principal, who also happens to share in my vision for enhancing STEM at our school, and we were so excited to receive the exciting news last week that we were one of six lucky schools to receive a new STEAM Studio for our students starting next school year! This is write in line with my ImagineIT as it will allow our students to practice challenging, engaging, creative, and most of all FUN STEAM skills that are essential to preparing the next generation of innovators and STEM professionals!
The FUSE website, https://www.fusestudio.net/, states: "FUSE is a new kind of interest-driven learning experience developed by researchers and educators in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. The program engages pre-teens and teens in science, technology, engineering, arts/design, and mathematics (STEAM) topics while fostering the development of important 21st century skills. FUSE is based on extensive research on interest development and interest-driven learning."
When I showed my students the email with our grant award announcement and short videos introducing some of the FUSE STEAM challenges, it was so exciting to see their enthusiasm and interests peak as they wanted me to show them all of the introductory videos! They will now get to explore so many STEAM challenges with 3D printing and computer software designs, computer coding, robotics, engineering and architectural design projects, digital movie creation and music mixing, etc. For more on the FUSE Challenges, check out the link with FUSE: https://www.fusestudio.net/challenges.
I look forward to sharing more news in the coming months to update you on the progress of establishing our school's new FUSE STEAM Studio!


The season of giving has been felt throughout the month of December at the San Bernardino County’s Assessor-Recorder-Clerk offices.
On December 14, 2017, Assessor Bob Dutton co-hosted a Christmas Reception and BBQ Cook-off with San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford, City of Upland Mayor Debbie Stone, City of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, City of Rancho Cucamonga Mayor L. Dennis Michael and local public safety organizations. The event was free to the public and guests were encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys or books to support local families in need during the holiday season.
“This is a fun event we do every year, to collect gifts for children in need and celebrating a time of giving and expression of goodwill,” said Assessor Bob Dutton.
The event is spearheaded by Supervisor Rutherford’s office each year and is held at her Rancho Cucamonga District office at the County of San Bernardino’s Government Center. Assessor Bob Dutton’s District office is also located there.
“This Christmas reception gives us the opportunity to reach out to those vulnerable in the community, kids who might not otherwise have a Christmas,” said Supervisor Janice Rutherford. “We like to bless their lives with some great toys, stuffed animals and books.”
To attract people to come and make a donation, local police and fire departments were invited to test their cooking skills in a BBQ competition. Those in attendance were able to enjoy the tasty BBQ entries and vote for their favorite recipe. The winners for this year’s BBQ competition were the San Bernardino County Fire & Upland Police Department’s “A Tasty Partnership” with their Chili and Bratwurst entry.
Along with the Christmas Reception and BBQ Cook-off event, Team ARC participated in the Celebration of Giving toy drive, organized by Children’s Fund, a nonprofit serving vulnerable children throughout San Bernardino County. Every year, they collect and distribute over 30,000 gifts for children during the holiday season. This year, Team ARC gave close to 100 toys, gift cards, books and monetary donations to the Celebration of Giving toy drive.
Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Bob Dutton, along with the entire Team ARC, wish San Bernardino County residents a happy and festive holiday season and a Happy New Year!


For the 15th time, the members of the Dicing centre Amfora, and the Club for under water activities Ohrid, in cooperation with the Alliance for under water activities of Macedonia, decorated the Christmas tree under water in Ohrid lake, Macedonia. Traditionally as every year they decorated the tree in the lake at the Bay of Bones. Even the youngest members of the diving club participated in this activity.
This year the Ohrid divers dedicated the decoration to the children with rare diseases in Macedonia. Goran Balevski said that this year they decided to sent a message to the public for support of the children with rare diseases.
This cooperation was made possible with the efforts of our member Gordana Loleska from Ohrid.


Black Widow Investment Shows Pictures Are Worth Millions Of Dollars
“Black Widow secured $1.5 million in private equity investment, adding to the $3.5 million it had raised previously.”
We've written about how condition reports have become more crucial than ever to the wholesale vehicle-buying process, and the reason for this is obvious. The coronavirus pandemic has forced large numbers of dealers to buy more used inventory remotely.
Within condition reports, images are a key component intended to give buyers confidence in the vehicles on which they're bidding. Good pictures can tell potential buyers a lot about what they could be buying from a Michigan auction and shipping to their Texas store, for example.
A new investment in Black Widow Imaging, a company that specializes in imaging technology for the auto sector, underscores not only the value that quality photos can add to the car-buying equation, but also how important they've become to wholesaling in the COVID-19 era.
“Clear, consistent and reliable imaging of the inventory... is critical for auctions and dealers to feel assured of what they are buying.”
Black Widow last week said it had secured $1.5 million in private equity investment, adding to the $3.5 million it had raised previously. The money will go toward updating the company's imaging technology and meeting inventory demands, CEO Jason Hauk said in a statement.
"Auctions and dealers are increasingly buying remotely and online," Hauk said. "Clear, consistent and reliable imaging of the inventory they are purchasing is critical for auctions and dealers to feel assured of what they are buying."
The shift to remote buying has not been total, however, regardless of how crisp and clear photography is becoming. Many independent auctions have reported in-person bidding is still strong. And some retailers, such as Kahlig Auto Group in San Antonio, contend that even if pictures are worth a thousand words — or millions of dollars to investors — they are no replacement for being in an auction lane.
"There's still no substitute for actually seeing the used vehicle," said Clarence Kahlig, president of the group. Dealers can better survey for any damage with their naked eye, he added, "and you're not at the mercy of somebody's grading system."
At any rate, as auction companies and their vendors look to give remote buyers as much confidence as possible, expect the focus on making images crisper and clearer to continue. Eventually, looking at photos of cars and trucks online could seem like peering through a freshly cleaned window — if it doesn't already.
Article reposted with permission from Automotive News. Read the original article here.


Lasertec releases MZ100 Mask Edge Inspection System
Mask edge inspection system for EUV and DUV masks
Lasertec Corporation today announced the release of MZ100, a photomask edge inspection system that contributes to quality enhancement and yield improvement in the production of leading-edge semiconductor photomasks.
The newly released MZ100 is a mask edge inspection system that enables the high-sensitivity inspection, review, and measurement of the edge region of EUV and DUV photomasks.
Because of the continuous growth of IC chip market driven by 5G, high-performance computing and other applications, semiconductor device manufacturers are expected to keep increasing device performance by pursuing the further scaling of IC designs. Amid this trend, the manufacturers of mask blanks and photomasks are also expected to keep improving the quality of photomasks to meet the need of leading-edge semiconductor device production.
MZ100 enables manufacturers to conduct defect inspection and process metrics control on the side face and bevel sections of mask edge, for which no inspection or control has hitherto been available, thereby helping them achieve higher yields and better quality.
Lasertec has succeeded in developing this mask edge inspection system by combining its core expertise in confocal optics, inspection and mask handling technologies accumulated through the development of advanced photomask inspection systems, and the optics-driving mechanism of its EZ300 wafer edge inspection system. Lasertec is dedicated to addressing the needs of leading-edge semiconductor manufacturers and contributing to yield improvement and quality enhancement in the photomask manufacturing process.
- Capability to inspect EUV and DUV photomasks for leading-edge semiconductors
- Confocal optics delivering high-sensitivity inspection and high-precision measurement
- Capability to inspect mask edge region (side face and bevel sections)
- EUV and DUV photomask edge inspection
- Defect review
- Defect size and height measurement
- Monitoring of various process metrics


In compliance with the Securities Act No. 41 of 2016 and the Listing Rules of the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE), the Board of ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc hereby announces the retirement of Mr Paul M Chanda as Board Member of the Company with effect from 10th September 2019.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Chanda for his valuable contribution to the Company during his tenure of office and wishes him success in his future endeavours.
Further, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Barnaby Bwalya Mulenga as Board Member of the Company effective 11th September 2019.
Mr Mulenga is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. He has worked in the civil service since 2000 and has held various positions including Lands and Deeds Officer/Registrar of Lands and Deeds and Head – Estates and Valuation in the Ministry of Lands before being appointed Commissioner of Lands in the same ministry. He has served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Mr Mulenga holds a Masters in Environmental Science and Law (MESL) from the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Zambia and is an Advocate of the High Court of Zambia. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Land Economy from the Copperbelt University.
The Board is confident that with his experience, Mr Mulenga will make a valuable contribution to the success of the Company.
By Order of the Board
Issued in Lusaka, Zambia on Friday, 20 September 2019
|Lusaka Securities Exchange Sponsoring Broker|
|T | +260-211-232456
E | email@example.com
W | www.sbz.com.zm
Stockbrokers Zambia Limited (SBZ) is a founder member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia
First Issued on 20 September 2019


Integrated Systems Europe is the world’s leading audio-visual and system integration exhibition (“ISE”), as the “trend vane” of the audio-visual technology industry, ISE2023 gathers more than 1,000 companies from all over the world to participate in the exhibition, and it will be officially launched in Barcelona, Spain from January 31, 2023 to February 3, 2023.
In this ISE, Rcstars brought a variety of LCD digital signage products to the exhibition. Rcstars booth NO.6E400 attracted the attention of visitors and media from all over the world, and received unanimous prais
Outdoor Series: RCS-430ODLYAZ
Window Series: RCS-550SWAZ
At the exhibition, various products played ultra-high-definition video at all times, demonstrating the huge advantages of different products in ultra-high brightness, ultra-thin and ultra-narrow body, and ultra-high-definition screen display.
During the 4 days of the opening, there was an endless stream of visitors to the RCSTARS booth, and the flow of people continued to grow. Visitors showed great enthusiasm for RCSTARS booth and products, and the atmosphere was very warm. Among them, the outdoor advertising LCD screen is a well-deserved “star product” at the RCSTARS exhibition.
Real Photos of Rcstars Exhibition Site
At ISE2023, where more than 1,000 excellent audio-visual companies gathered around the world, Rcstars stood out with its all-round, multi-series product layout and perfect matching LCD digital signage solutions, which is based on the strong corporate core that Rcstars has gradually accumulated and steadily established over the years Competitiveness.
Rcstars will continue to pursue scientific and technological innovation, further improve production and manufacturing capabilities, and show a brighter style on ISE2024!
ISE2023 ended successfully, and Rcstars will continue to participate in ISE2024.
Exhibition time: 2024.01.30-2024.02.02
Venue: Spain – Barcelona
Booth No.: NO.6M100


The Cooper Companies takes corporate responsibility seriously and conducts our business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Cooper’s dedication to bringing health and wellness to individuals and communities worldwide starts with our culture of ethical leadership and integrity upheld by our talented employees across the globe. We know that our long-term success is directly tied to the health of our communities and the planet. That’s why we are bringing together people, expertise and products to deliver a positive impact on society while striving to minimize our impact on the environment. Cooper and our teams across the world also provide significant support to non-profits through the donation of funds, time, talent and knowledge.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The Cooper Companies supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and strives to contribute to society’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more.
Corporate responsibility news feed
Puerto Rico Honors CooperVision for Environmental Standards
February 07, 2019
New Collaboration to Aid Future IVF Development in Japan
December 11, 2018
New strategic partnership to improve patient outcomes
February 2, 2018
Good for the planet. Good for business.
CooperVision is prioritizing environmentally responsible practices across four key areas: water, energy, recycling, and people. Learn more.


‘Girls Trip’ actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish continues to be a hot commodity within film and television as Paramount picks up an upcoming comedy with Haddish as one of the stars:
“It has certainly been a great year for Tiffany Haddish. With all of the success surrounding Girls Trip, it’s no surprise that she could soon have yet another female-driven comedy in the works at Paramount!
At this point, we don’t have much information regarding the pitch, but one thing is for certain…Tiffany Haddish is certainly establishing herself as one of the most sought-after comedic talents in television and film. She recently starred on The Carmichael Show, as well as the Universal Pictures hit film Girls Trip, alongside Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Regina Hall. Up next, she will be starring alongside Tracy Morgan in his upcoming comedy series The Last OG, created and executive-produced by Tracy Morgan and Jordan Peele.”
Originally published: 10/23/17


Orcadian Energy (AIM: ORCA), the low-emissions North Sea oil and gas development company is delighted to announce that Steve Brown, CEO, will be presenting at the Mello2022 investor conference on Thursday 26th May 2022, to be held at the Clayton Hotel Chiswick, Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5RY.
Orcadian Energy (AIM: ORCA), is delighted to present its final report into Central North Sea electrification, which has now been delivered to the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA, previously known as the Oil and Gas Authority or the OGA) and operators of facilities in the Central North Sea. “Orcadian’s Microgrid Concept” for the electrification of oil and gas platforms aims to dramatically cut carbon emissions, ensuring that the oil and gas that features in our future energy mix is as sustainable as possible.
Orcadian Energy (AIM:ORCA), the North Sea focused, low emissions, oil and gas development company, is pleased to announce an extension to Phase ‘A’ of Licence P2320 and a resource update.
Phase ‘A’ of Licence P2320 extended to 14th May 2023 with the Initial Term also being extended to 14th November 2024
Company has completed a new interpretation of the recently reprocessed seismic data, licensed from TGS in July 2021
Company estimates that the development area oil-in-place, for Pilot, will increase by about 10% to 15%, compared to the previously estimated and audited volume
Orcadian Energy (AIM: ORCA), the North Sea focused oil and gas development company, is delighted to announce its unaudited results for the six months ended 31 December 2021.
To improve the technical and commercial definition of the Pilot development project
To finance the Pilot development project
To explore every avenue to maximise the value in our satellite discoveries and prospects
To propose a practical means to electrify the Central North Sea (“CNS”) and to develop a business model enabling Orcadian to benefit from this work
The Company was notified today that on 17 December 2021 Stephen Brown, a director of the Company and his wife, Julia Cane-Honeysett, have transferred their entire holding of ordinary shares in the Company to a third party nominee, Ferlim Nominees Limited, for nil consideration.
Orcadian Energy (AIM: ORCA), the North Sea focused oil and gas development company, announces that it has today posted to Shareholders its report and accounts for the period ended 30 June 2021 (see announcement of 16 December 2021) and also dispatched the Notice of its Annual General Meeting of the Company (the “AGM” or “Annual General Meeting”).


Honey in the United States
Global demand for honey constantly exceeds supply, and this dilemma has only been exacerbated in recent years. The international honey market has gone into crisis mode as severe droughts persist and the bee populations continue to dwindle. As honey becomes harder and harder to find, the prices have been pushed up, reaching a record high in recent years.
The U.S. imports most of its honey from Argentina and Brazil. Productivity in both Argentina and Brazil has decreased due to climate change, currency fluctuation, and instability. U.S. domestic production has also suffered due to harsh weather conditions as California, the major source of domestic honey, faced its driest year in 2013. Vietnamese and Indian honey have increased in popularity due to their uncommonly low prices, despite their poorer quality. This leaves Chilean honey in a unique position to take over the rapidly expanding demand for higher quality (and higher priced) honey.
Honey can be split up into two separate and distinct types: table honey for consumption and bulk honey used in the manufacturing of other foods. Both are essential components of the U.S. market. Traditionally, 60-80% of U.S. domestic honey has gone toward the food manufacturing sector, while imported honey is used mainly for table consumption. The demand for bulk honey is more related to the demand for processed foods, and is less flexible in terms of price and honey type because consumers do not have a say in which kind of honey is getting added to their cereals and foodstuffs. Conversely, the demand for table honey fluctuates greatly and has been increasingly steadily over recent years.
Increasing U.S. demand for honey, particularly organic table honey, can be largely attributed to increasing trends in healthy eating and the importance of buying organic products. Taste and price consistently rank as the top two factors that impact consumer choice, but “healthfulness” has almost entirely closed the gap with price. According to a study conducted by the National Honey Board, there was an increase from 16 percent of consumers in 2012 to 31 percent by 2014 who cite that honey is an important product due to its health benefits. They also concluded that by 2013 70 percent of honey consumers reported that high-quality and purity are the most important factors they consider when purchasing honey. As consumers become more health-conscious, they support and increase industry demand.
Another important consideration in the demand equation is that consumers care about their honey’s country of origin, which they see as contributing to its purity. With the backlash against Chinese, Thai, and other Asian honey products in the last few years, the U.S. market has all but converted to Latin American honey suppliers. Consumers like to see their honeys labeled as being from Argentina and Brazil, but as those become more difficult and more expensive to purchase, Chile is becoming a perfect contender. The U.S. market will be more open to trade agreements with Chile due to the relative stability of Chilean currency over that of their traditional partners. Currently, only a fraction of U.S. honey imports come from Chile- about 40 metric tons in 2014- and this number can be considerably increased.
The Washington, D.C. metro area is the perfect market for foreign honey. To begin with, table honey consumption responds to income growth and relative price changes. As per capita income increases, so does the consumption of high-quality table honey. This makes the Washington D.C. area even more ideally suited for marketing because it has such a high income per capita – almost double the average U.S. income per capita. Additionally, health consciousness is of particular concern to D.C. consumers. The area is home to a staggering number of health conscious millennials who can afford to keep up with a trendy and healthy lifestyle that prioritized organic honey as an all-natural sweetener and dietary staple.
As a demand for high-quality table honey continues to increase, but foreign exporters continue to fall short due to the external factors affecting the honey production industry, the U.S. will be searching for alternative sources. Chilean honey can take advantage of the positive connotation and take over the gap in the market left by the declining production in Brazil and Argentina. These factors, along with an inherent increase in consumer demand for health conscious products like quality table honey, highlight an important opportunity in the current U.S. market.


The City of Long Beach unveiled new AccessMats at Granada Beach which will enable people who use wheelchairs and walkers to go onto the sand.
“I feel so included I can be out here amongst other people that are here to enjoy the beach and that is so awesome, instead of seeing it way over there and seeing people enjoying the beach and not being able to,” said Councilmember Mary Zendejas. “And that’s what excites me the most, that I’ll be able to share this with so many of my residents.”
The long blue mats are made of a flexible material that provides a surface that walker and wheelchair users can maneuver their devices across.
The unveiling of the new mats included a ribbon cutting ceremony presided by Mayor Robert Garcia, and an inaugural procession down the mat led by Zendejas.
Claudia Santana, who uses a walker, described the mats as “really good,” as she walked along the blue path, taking in the sunshine and coastal breeze.
Jennifer Kumiyama, disability community and policy liaison for Zenedeja’s office, said she’d like to see more accessibility mats at more of the city’s beaches.
“I think these AccessMats will provide people with disabilities access to not just the ocean but the healing properties of the ocean,” Kumiyama said. “It’s just an equitable access to the enjoyable parts of life. People who live in this city for decades haven’t had access to the beach. So this is a really big win and a great day for people with disabilities in our city.”
The accessibility mats can be found at Granada Beach, Mother’s Beach and Alamitos Beach.


We are now about to embark on yet another major shift with the shutting down of universal analytics and moving to Google’s latest G4 tracking.
Google has paired down many data tracking that we once had and has simplified what is available. With G4 Google has introduced attribution by machine learning leaning.
This is a big shift from the previous method of tracking where attribution of marketing was given to the very last type of marketing that a consumer did or last click attribution.
With the introduction of machine learning in who gets credit for your marketing efforts, we are now a little more blind to what is working and what is not. Google has given little information on how attribution will work.
They have noted that they will use the following to attribute credit “time from conversion, device type, number of ad interactions, the order of ad exposure, and the type of creative assets”. But we are left to our imagination to know how much credit is given to each of these.


Husqvarna’s Swanepoel set for the Wild One
Hot off earning the honour of finishing the Erzberg Enduro a few weeks back, Pepson Plastics Husqvarna Motorcycles South Africa Off Road Team rider Brett Swanepoel is off to Romania for the other ultimate extreme enduro, when he tackles the Red Bull Romaniacs July 27-31.
Billed as the Wild One by its organizers, the 2017 edition 14th Romaniacs promises to delve even further into the inhospitable Romanian wilderness around Sibiu in search of even more daring obstacles and Swanepoel, who was among only 25 of the 1500-odd riders to go the distance at Erzberg, can’t wait to take on the best dirt riders in the world again at the Romaniacs.
“I am ready for Romaniacs,” Brett confirmed. “I’ve been working hard both on and off my Pepson Plastics Husqvarna, we have been racing and training flat out and now it’s almost time to race — I can’t wait! “Romaniacs will be another learning weekend against the finest hard enduro riders in the world, but we will still be putting out best foot forward in chase of the best results.
“I am supremely thankful to everyone who has contributed to make this incredible dream come true — now its up to me to make everyone, from Fred Fensham of Husqvarna SA, our sponsor Iain Pepper from Pepson Plastics, Andreas Hölzl of Husqvarna Austria and everyone else who has contributed to this adventure, proud.”
Said to be the toughest hard enduro event on earth, the Red Bull Romaniacs attracts riders from over 40 countries to the five day race starting with a mad inner-city prologue in front of thousands of fans, before four off-road race days through the Southern Carpathian Mountains around Sibiu. Famous for its great Romanian hospitality as much as it is for its incredible riding challenges, the 600km epic Romaniacs is considered the world’s ultimate hard enduro.


Launching the NHSWales App
Over the past few months we've been working alongside some trusted partners to help test the new NHSWales app.
We're delighted to now release the NHSWales app to all our patients. The NHSWales app will allow you to order your repeat medication and book GP appointments. Over time, more functionality will be added to both give you access to more health information and communicate more effectively with NHSWales services.
For more information, visit your app store on your smart phone or tablet. The links are below:
Over time, this will replace MyHealthOnline services. So why not take a look at the new NHSWales app on your smartphone or table today?


The NRCA’s Conservation Training Partnerships (CTP) program recently wrapped up it’s fifth and final year by showcasing the local environmental projects completed by teen and adult teams across Connecticut. On Saturday, March 26th, we celebrated their accomplishments at the Community Conservation Conference, which took place on the UConn Storrs campus. The conference was attended by approximately 50 people, including CTP participants, their guests, and NRCA faculty and affiliates.
The 2021-2022 CTP program began with two-day hybrid workshops (one day in person and one day online) in Mansfield and Hartford during the summer of 2021. Twenty-two intergenerational teams attended our two workshops – ten in Mansfield and twelve in Hartford.
This CTP cohort comprised 28 students from 22 high schools and 17 adult volunteers from 7 conservation organizations who, after the workshops, collaborated in teams to carry out 18 diverse local conservation projects, 13 of which were presented at the conference.
Project topics included stream water quality, wildlife surveys, sustainability, outreach and education, trail mapping, solar energy, and invasive plants.
Teen and adult CTP participants shared their projects as printed posters and digital StoryMaps:
Congratulations to these new Connecticut Conservation Ambassadors!
It is our hope that their experiences in the CTP program helps drive our participants toward future environmental pursuits.


Buckles-Smith Electric Hires Jimmy Owens As Account Manager
May 15, 2017
Santa Clara, CA – May 15, 2017 – Buckles-Smith Electric welcomes Jimmy Owens, who joins the sales team as Account Manager in Santa Clara. Jimmy brings with him comprehensive knowledge and experience in industrial distribution and engineering fields, previously working in business development for US Fabrications and Director of Operations at Bart Manufacturing.
“Jimmy’s past experience managing large OEM accounts, specifically in the area of Value-Added Services and assemblies, will have a significant impact on Buckles-Smith’s position in the market place,” said Brooks Hoff, Director of Sales South Bay.
Recently completing his Masters in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M, Jimmy is a welcome asset to the Buckles-Smith sales team. Jimmy’s new role will help Buckles-Smith in their commitment to developing and building local teams to best serve its Northern Californian customer base.
Founded in San Jose in 1939, Buckles-Smith Electric is the premier, independent electrical distributor in Northern California. Located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, East Bay and North Bay, Buckles-Smith provides its customers with broad local inventory, next day delivery/same day pick-up, technical support, training seminars, inventory management and ecommerce services.


- Westport Advantages
- Natural Gas
- Common Questions
- Media & Events
The Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks with the Westport WiNG™ Power System will soon be available to Canadian customers. To serve the Canadian market, Westport is opening an integration centre in Windsor, Ontario with trucks expected to be ready for delivery to customers by late June 2013.
Westport and Knapheide Manufacturing Company, the leading full-service commercial vehicle body manufacturer, announce an agreement that will set a new standard in the delivery of natural gas work-ready vehicle solutions. The two market leaders are combining their expertise to engineer custom vehicle bodies for the Westport-powered Ford F-250 and F-350 bi-fuel Super Duty trucks with box-deletes.
Westport announces that its proven Westport WiNG™ Power System, a compressed natural gas (CNG) bi-fuel system, will be available for order on the Ford F-450 and F-550 Super Duty Chassis Cab trucks starting April 1, 2013. The trucks will make their debut at next week's National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Westport will expand its product offerings with the introduction of natural gas powered versions of the Ford F-450 and F-550 Super Duty trucks in mid-2013. The new product additions will complement the already proven Westport WiNG™ System powered Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks.
Westport is lowering the price of its industry-leading Westport WiNG™ Power System. By making natural gas vehicles (NVGs) more affordable and accessible for U.S. truck fleets, the company is helping to reduce reliance on imported oil while supporting economic growth.


On behalf of BRB International, developer De Boer Vastgoed is establishing a new office, production and warehouse, which is located along the A2 and A73 highway in Echt, the Netherlands. The construction of the new office and production location for BRB’s business unit Lube oil Additives & Chemicals (BRB LAC) officially started this month.
The new premises for BRB LAC will be located 12 km south from its current location in Ittervoort. The other BRB business unit Silicones will stay in Ittervoort.
By operating from 2 different sites in the Netherlands, BRB LAC growth aspirations can be met. A new designed Petrolad® production installation that meets the market’s latest stringent production and quality requirements will be installed. Furthermore, new Coolant storage capacity will be installed to meet the latest legislation.
BRB’s business unit Silicones will benefit from the relocation of BRB LAC since it will enable Silicones to further grow the production of specialty emulsions in Ittervoort. Moreover, operating from 2 different sites will increase the space for operation to create an improved safety situation.
BRB a susidiary of PETRONAS Chemicals Group
BRB International BV is a dynamic and innovative company, providing technology solutions in the Silicones, Lube oil Additives and Chemicals space. In September 2019, PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG), one of the largest integrated chemicals producers in Southeast Asia, acquired Da Vinci Group BV, widely known as BRB. With this acquisition, BRB’s business units Silicones, Lube Oil Additives and Chemicals are the new segments that PCG has entered as part of its step-out strategy to pursue growth in specialty chemicals.
Chanoe de Boer (De Boer Vastgoed), Tom Caris (COO BRB International), Roger Dohmen (VP BRB LAC) and Leon Beersma (BRB Project manager of the new business premises) at the start of the construction, March 2021.


The concerns that robots were putting people out of work are now in the past. In addition to current lows in unemployment, it seems they’ve found their niche, particularly in jobs where companies find it difficult to find long-term staffing. The advancing technology has made robots smarter and more versatile, which has contributed to product prices dropping.
In terms of logistics and warehousing, robots can pay for their own cost in less than a year, making a difference to the bottom line quickly. Their increasing capabilities enabling them to navigate their way around buildings means that they can take on more varied and comprehensive roles in the warehouse.
A range of different types of robots are working in warehouses, moving and distributing pallets of goods, performing tasks such as loading and unloading, picking and sorting, moving and storing, delivery and even audits. There is a surprisingly wide variety of methods of navigation available. Some of them run on rails, while others are guided by wires. Lasers, geoguidance, magnetic tape lasers and actual on-board vision are other examples of tools robots use for navigation.
Picking and sorting
With the rise of e-commerce, automated picking and sorting has become essential. Large online retailers rely on it, using more sophisticated robots to pick and move items ready for delivery. The Verge’s coverage of Ocado’s “Hive” reveals a fully automated warehouse where at first glance, the warehouse looks like a huge machine populated only with robots, which are all controlled by one central computer.
Although this is a working vision of the warehouses of the future, most businesses still rely on racking systems that accommodate manual, partial or fully automated picking at a simpler level. For pallet racking Ireland has a good choice of retailers to choose from, such as www.rackzone.ie/pallet-racking/.
Robotic automation has clearly proved how it can increase efficiency at a lower cost, However, the risk to human jobs, at least in terms of warehouse logistics, remains low. It will be a long time before robots can replicate human dexterity, for example, and it will always require humans to develop, manage and maintain the robots themselves. Repairs and engineering in robotics are careers of the future, so instead of having jobs taken from them, humans’ roles will simply change.


© 2020. Suri Agro Fresh Pvt. Ltd.
We’re pleased to announce our partnership with Rockit Global to bring the best quality apples from New Zealand. Fully mature but uniquely small, Rockit apples are the world’s first miniature apples, which are a result of 20 years of careful natural breeding.
Rockit Global’s GM of Global Sales, Grant Walsh, says, “We at Rockit Global are very pleased and proud to have entered into an agreement to partner with Suri Agro Fresh in India. The values and ambitions of both organisations are completely aligned to making Rockit a success in this market.”


|LA's the Grove shopping center|
Los Angeles Times
Link to Article:
Local-fashion-filled 'Pop Carts' roll into the Grove Nov. 15
Upping its trendy fashion credentials, the Grove shopping center in LA will roll out "pop carts" devoted to the wares of three up and coming LA designers. Adding an upscale twist to the style of popup stores, restaurants, and the ubiquitous food truck, the "pop carts" will be a temporary installation in the pedestrian-friendly mall, taking up residence from November 15th till Valentine's Day.
Excerpt: "Rather than selling Crocs and doggie T-shirts, these haute carts will offer ban.do’s $45 heart-shaped clutches and $350 jeweled head bands, Clare Vivier’s butter-soft leather coin purses, purses and weekend bags from $55 to $500, and Heidi Merrick’s silk print PJs and decorative pillows from $39 to $325.
The Pop Carts will not look like any others on the property. The designers will give them their own individual look and feel. The fashion carts have the same ephemeral appeal as food trucks and pop-up stores, and the potential to make the Grove feel even less like a homogeneous mall. They also come at a time when the shopping center is trying to up its style quotient with several new, more fashion-forward tenants, including TopShop, a J. Crew Men’s store and Vince.
'There are so many designers who want to be on the property, and we starting thinking about where else we could put people,' said Galit Shokrian, senior vice president for marketing and communications at Caruso Affiliated, which owns the Grove. 'We thought, we have these carts all over the property, why not change them to designer carts rather than carts selling iPhone cases. We reached out to designers and they loved the idea.' "


Konark: The holy dip rituals on the occasion of Magha Saptami were conducted at the Chandrabhaga beach in Konark today without the participation of devotees due to prohibitory orders clamped in the wake of the pandemic.
As per the tradition, at around 4.30 am, the three presiding deities of Konark – Tribeniswar, Ishaneswar and Dakhineswar, all forms of Lord Shiva, were escorted on palanquins by servitors from their temples to Chandrabhaga where they were given a customary bath.
Later, servitors were allowed to take bath in the sea following which the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of the Lords was performed.
Every year, lakhs of pilgrims take the ritualistic bath in Chandrabhaga and pray to Sun God on the auspicious occasion every year. But this year, devotees have been barred from taking part in the dip rituals.
“We have strictly followed the Covid-19 guidelines while performing the Magha Saptami rituals and the number of servitors engaged to perform the ceremonies were also limited. Only 20 sevayats were allowed to pull the chariots of Sun God,” said a sevayat.
The prohibitory orders under Section 144 came into effect from11 am on Thursday and will remain in force till 1 pm today.


We are pleased to see that businesses are reopening in the area in the wake of Hurricane Michael. The first of the two that we’d like to mention is Fowhand Furniture. https://www.fowhandfurniture.com/ Glad to see a local tradition live on after the hurricane. They do have some furniture with some storm damage, so definitely worth checking out. Shop local!
Also, we have seen that Amavida Coffee is back in action. And if you need a remote office, they have Wi-Fi! Things just keep getting better and better in Panama City, and we love to see that.
We are amazed (along with many other Florida natives) at the 250 year old tree at Oaks by the Bay that is still standing after the storm.


Dime Community Bank Opens New Full-Service Branch in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Differentiated customer experience through seamless offering of high touch and high tech
BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dime Community Bank (the “bank” or “Dime”), subsidiary of Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:DCOM), announced today that it has opened a new branch in the Park Slope community of Brooklyn at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Union Street. The branch will offer local residents and business owners a broad range of financial services and personal account features.
“Our Park Slope branch represents our continued commitment to Brooklyn, and brings the historic Dime brand to this dynamic neighborhood of both small business and retail customers”, said Kenneth J. Mahon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dime. “As Brooklyn’s local bank, I’m particularly pleased that we were able to build the branch by using local businesses and locally-sourced materials, such as reclaimed wood, reinforcing the “buy local” focus that is crucial to ensure the success of local small businesses, their employees, and the communities in which we all live”.
Dime’s Park Slope branch fills in a geographic niche between existing branches in Brooklyn Heights at 188 Montague Street and Borough Park at 5003 13th Avenue (at the intersection of 50th Street). The Park Slope branch, which is based on the new design format, melds digital banking with in-person service to give customers a tailored experience, whether they are seeking personal consultation or a quick transaction.
ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.
The Company had $6.01 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31, 2016, and is the parent company of the bank. The bank was founded in 1864, is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, and currently has twenty-six branches located throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Nassau County, New York. More information on the Company and the bank can be found on Dime's website at www.dime.com.
Contact: Anthony Rose, Executive Vice President and Director of Investor Relations. 718-782-6200 extension 5260


“Never Give Up and Always Believe in Yourself” those are powerful words from 13-year-old Jose Montaño, diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a rare type of malignant brain cancer. Jose was a fighter; the South Bay teenager had been battling brain cancer since April 2011. The young fourth grade student underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. During his last 3 years, Jose underwent more than 30 cycles of radiation and 32 chemotherapy cycles. While enduring this serious life-threatening medical condition, Jose taught his family, friends and his supporters the true meaning of having faith, looking at the bright side of life, unselfishness, giving from the heart, not losing hope and believing in one's self.
With that mindset, he considered GIVING, an important part of his life. That’s why in 2013, he created the Jose Montaño Foundation, a non-profit group designed to continue his wish to give from the heart. Jose knew first-hand what it’s like to be a patient at Rady Children’s Hospital for days, weeks and even months at a time. As part of his visit to the Hematology-Oncology unit at Rady Children’s, Jose, at times still connected to the chemotherapy machine, pushed a red wagon, overflowing with toys and healthy snacks, down the hallway at the place all too familiar to him. He made personal deliveries to the families and children who might not otherwise had the time or money to buy a meal while they were undergoing chemotherapy for hours. Since he started his foundation, we have donated thousands of toys and snack bags and brought smiles to patients. In the beginning, in order to buy the supplies and toys needed for his foundation, Jose did all the fundraising himself.
Jose continued to show his huge heart he had for others and selfless nature which inspired many people to support his mission. When the Make-A-Wish Foundation offered to grant him any wish, he asked for a new playground for his then school, Berry Elementary.
Jose was also recognized for his contributions in the community; in December 2011, while he was a 6th grade student, NBC 7 recognized Jose as Inspirational Student of the Month, the City of San Diego declared March 13th as Jose Montaño Day and the County Supervisors declared December 3rd Jose Montaño Day in San Diego County. In 2013 he was honored by The American Red Cross San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter as Youth Hero of the Year. Previous to his passing in 2014, Jose was inducted into Southwest Middle School's Hall of Fame with the title Most Inspirational Student. On May 5th, 2014 the San Diego Padres presented his family with their first posthumous Comunidad Award.
Jose Montaño was and will always be a true inspiration for everyone who hears his story!


Sunday, November 20, 2011
Stampin’ Up! will launch their Online Extravaganza, the annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season, Monday, November 21, 2011. It will run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
The offer includes FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle!
In addition, there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT])
Watch for more detailed information to post on my demonstrator website (http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/1stampingnightowl) on November 21.


The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has this morning released the latest set of UK labour market data, mostly covering the three months January to March 2015.
This month’s labour market figures bring good news for jobseekers and wage earners alike. Another large quarterly increase of 202,000 in the number of people in work in the UK has lifted the employment rate to a new record high of 73.5%. More than two-thirds of the additional jobs are full-time, mostly for employees. The unemployment rate meanwhile has fallen to 5.5%, including a substantial fall of 50,000 (to 588,000) in the number of long-term jobless. Despite this, the overall quarterly fall in unemployment (35,000) is modest compared to the rise in employment due to a corresponding rise of 167,000 in the number of people participating in the labour market. Part of this latter rise is in turn due to a fall of 69,000 in the number of economically inactive people of working age.
With the unemployment rate edging closer to the pre-recession low (5.2%) and both employment and vacancies (up 34,000 to 745,000 in the quarter) at record highs, there is also clear evidence that wage growth is at last gaining momentum. The rate of growth of average regular weekly pay (excluding bonuses) has increased from 1.9% to 2.2% against a backdrop of zero price inflation. The increase is far higher in the private sector (2.7%) than the public sector (0.9%). Most encouraging of all, however, pay is rising fastest in low wage sectors, averaging 3.1% across wholesaling, retailing, hotels and restaurants, offering a welcome boost to real wages for the lowest paid workers.