By Barrett J. Brunsman – Staff reporter, Cincinnati Business Courier
4 hours ago
Q Laboratories plans to officially open its new $10 million lab building in East Price Hill on May 17.
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus are to be on hand for the ribbon cutting for the 30,000-square-foot building, which sits on 5.4 acres in the Knob Hill City View Industrial Park.
The privately held firm’s executive team will also participate in the ceremony. David Goins is principal owner and chief operating officer of Q Laboratories, and Jeff Rowe is CEO.
The architect for the new lab was BC3D Design of Warren County’s Turtlecreek Township, while Michael Lichtenberg & Sons Construction of Sharonville was the builder.
Services provided by Q Laboratories include pathogen screening, nutritional analysis, microbial identification and shelf life/stability testing. Recent growth has mostly been driven by regulatory requirements for food, pharmaceutical and dietary supplement companies.
Construction of the state-of-the-art facility on previously vacant property, combined with existing buildings purchased at 1920 and 1930 Radcliff Drive, will allow for continued growth and a more efficient workspace for Q Laboratories’ 130 employees.
Q Laboratories’ new 30,000-square-foot lab building is in the Knob Hill City View Industrial Park of East Price Hill.
I previously reported that Q Laboratories had paid $1 million for the two buildings as part of the firm’s ongoing expansion. Q Laboratories has relocated its Microbiology Pharma Laboratory to the buildings, which encompass a total of 25,000 square feet. That allowed for expansion of both that lab and a Microbiology Food Lab, which made use of vacated space at a Harrison Avenue location in South Fairmount.
“We did most of the renovation of the existing buildings ourselves, using our facilities staff and several minor contractors,” said Mark Goins, director of business development for Q Laboratories and brother of David.
Q Laboratories plans to add 90 jobs to its East Price Hill location and invest millions of dollars in high-tech equipment. The new hires will mostly be scientists, and starting salaries are expected to range from $40,000 to $60,000, according to Mark Goins.
That will boost the firm’s payroll by $3.4 million annually by Dec. 31, 2020. The company will retain 130 jobs with an annual payroll of $5.3 million. The workforce is expected to total 220 within two years, a 69 percent increase.
“We have been fortunate to have a fantastic team that has enabled us to continue to grow,” Mark Goins said today. “Opening this beautiful new building is a testament to the dedication of all of our employees and the excellence they bring to the lab each and every day.”
Q Laboratories has remained one of the fastest-growing companies in Greater Cincinnati, doubling sales revenue and employee count twice in the last 12 years and twice being named to the Fast 55 list by the Cincinnati Business Courier.
Q Laboratories Inc. was founded in 1966 by Herb Quinn, a Procter & Gamble retiree who operated a microbiology lab in the basement of his home, testing mostly water. The company takes its name from the first letter of his last name.


CBCHC Inclement Weather Policy
Every effort will be made to conduct Sunday worship and other Sunday programs. However, in extreme hazardous weather, treacherous travel conditions, severe damage to facilities, and/or a power outage, the church will have to cancel Sunday service.
In the event of a cancellation, an announcement will be sent out through email and a text messgae as well as posted on the church website: cbchc.org. You can send an email with your cell phone number to email@example.com for registration to receive the announcement.


In mid-2015, Volkswagen proudly reached its goal of surpassing Toyota as the world’s largest automaker. A few months later, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency disclosed that Volkswagen had installed software in 11 million cars that deceived emissions-testing mechanisms. By early 2017, VW had settled with American regulators and car owners for $20 billion, with additional lawsuits still looming. Recalling major corporate scandals of the recent past—such as the collapse of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, and the deceptions practiced by Enron and WorldCom—the difference here was the extent of the conspiracy, the environmental harm done, and the admission of guilt for these actions extracted by the U.S. Department of Justice. All were unprecedented.
In FASTER, HIGHER, FARTHER, the first book on Volkswagen’s shocking fraud, Jack Ewing, the reporter who has meticulously covered the story for The New York Times, offers a riveting and cautionary tale about power and corruption. In this gripping account, he takes readers behind the scenes to expose how this happened, who discovered the deception, and how the company tried to cover up its misdeeds. Populated by a fascinating cast of characters, and unfolding with the pace of a thriller, FASTER, HIGHER, FARTHER describes VW’s rise from “the people’s car” during the Nazi era to one of Germany’s most prestigious and important global brands, touted for being “green.” Ewing paints vivid portraits of Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piëch and chief executive Martin Winterkorn, arguing that the corporate culture they fostered drove employees—working feverishly in pursuit of impossible sales targets—to illegal methods. Unable to build cars that could meet U.S. emissions standards (which are more restrictive than European standards), engineers had to cheat. Volkswagen then compounded the fraud by spending millions marketing “clean diesel.” Their lie was exposed by a handful of West Virginia University researchers operating on a shoestring budget, and the result was a guilty plea to criminal charges in a landmark federal case.
FASTER, HIGHER, FARTHER reveals a story larger than an isolated set of misdeeds, explaining how the succeed-at-all-costs mentality prevalent in modern boardrooms led to one of corporate history’s farthest-reaching cases of fraud—with potentially devastating consequences.


Surrounded by rivers on three sides, Sherman County is located in rural northern Oregon. Because of the region’s low population density—about half of all residents live in unincorporated areas—access to quality broadband was once difficult to find, and many people were still bound to dial-up and expensive satellite service as recently as the late-2000s. In 2009, county officials initiated a county-led effort to provide affordable broadband to all residents.
Taking advantage of the existing 911 system, Sherman County expanded broadband infrastructure to rural parts of the county, allowing residents to access affordable Internet service. The new system went online in the summer of 2011 and by summer 2014, 13 percent of all households in the county had signed up, with more subscribers signing up every month. Many of the new customers had no access to quality broadband before the new system was developed, while others opted to switch from a different Internet provider because the county-owned system is less expensive and more flexible than available alternatives. Access to broadband has allowed several at-home businesses to expand and help supplement household income, including a family-run hardwood brokerage company.
Sherman County Commissioner Michael Smith joins the podcast to detail the county’s innovative approach and explain how using the existing 911 system as the basis for broadband development can be an efficient strategy for bringing high-speed Internet into low-density areas.
This podcast includes music by Broke For Free, Christian Bjoerklund, and Sul Rebel.
For the full story of Sherman County’s efforts to bring broadband infrastructure to rural Oregon, check out NACo’s latest report:
Capital Investments: Counties Drive Economic Growth with Transportation and Infrastructure Innovations.
Released in December, the report describes how six counties in the U.S. are investing in transportation and infrastructure projects to drive economic growth. Read the report


In 2006 the Ontario legislation amended the Ontario Securities Act through Bill 198. Bill 198 dubbed the Canadian mini-SOX gives the right to shareholders to sue Public Corporations, Directors and Officers, Influential Persons, and Experts for public disclosures containing material inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or untimely information.
In addition, the Canadian Securities Administration, which represents the provincial and territorial stock exchanges, has issued the Multilateral Instrument (MI) 52-109. Multilateral Instrument (MI) 52-109 dictates that every issuer must file a separate annual certificate:
- The chief executive officer.
- The chief financial officer.


Humor and the Oklahoma Tornado: Some Assembly Required
The devastation and loss of life from the Oklahoma tornado was not funny. Still there was humor...
An 83-year-old grandmother walked with her son and grandsons through what was left of her home. Part of the roof was in the front yard, and the siding from the front of the house was gone. When a grandson found her keys, she laughed and said, "Oh thank God. We can get in the house."
On the other hand, the veteran CNN anchor, Wolf Blitzer, found some unexpected humor of sorts, when he was on the air with a woman who had survived the storm with her young son. He asked if she was inspired to “thank the Lord” for her survival.
After some awkward laughter, the woman responded: “I…I’m actually an atheist.”
And, in what was a failed attempt at interjecting some humor in the disaster, Lizz Winstead, the Daily Show co-creator tweeted: “This tornado is in Oklahoma so clearly it has been ordered to only target conservatives.”
After Winstead got a lot of flak for her attempted bit of humor, she apologized by tweeting: “Made a political joke, Twas before devastation revealed. In hindsight, had I understood, I would have refrained. Beyond sorry. #LetMeHaveIt,”
Humor in tragic situations works best when it comes from those directly involved in a disaster because it is an honest attempt to help them cope with what happened.
The residents of Moore, Oklahoma, which was the city hardest hit by the tornado, were no different. Those dealing with the disaster found some humor in the signs they posted on their destroyed homes. Some of the funniest, considering the damage done, were:
“Remodeling, “For sale, as is. New floor plan,” and “Open 24 hours.”
And, finally, one newspaper report in Moore, showed a photo of a grinning resident in front of a pile of debris that used to be his home. He stands beside a sign that reads:
“For Sale: Price Reduced: Some Assembly Required.”
Originally published on Examiner.com on May 29, 2013


“Pupup” Adoption Event in SoHo Nov 12th
It’s going to be a great evening! BarkBox and Swiffer have asked Foster Dogs to bring rescue dogs to tomorrow’s PUPUP adoption event in SoHo. Executive Director Sarah Brasky will act as Director of Doggies for the event, collaborating with four local rescue groups to bring some wonderful family-friendly dogs for adoption!
Sponsored by BarkBox & Swiffer
5 pm – 8 pm. 101 Wooster Street, SoHo
AMAZING NEWS: Swiffer will be MATCHING adoption fees at the event, so each dog who gets adopted will support future rescue efforts for their organization. WIN-WIN!
Meet the canine ladies & lads who’ll attend the “pup-up” adoption event tomorrow in SoHo! PRE-APPLY through BarkApproved to get first priority for adoption! Here are 16 awesome adoptable doggies you’ll get to meet. All are currently in foster care, and are healthy, groomed, and ready for their “forever home.”
Come say hello, or even better, come adopt a dog!
See photos and coverage from the previous PUPUP event with BarkBox


Inside Out Dorset Festival returns in 2020
Save the dates!
Twelve years ago Activate launched the first Inside Out Dorset Festival; a festival of outdoor art celebrating extraordinary events in extraordinary locations. The majority of Inside Out Dorset events are free.
We are delighted to announce that the next Inside Out Dorset Festival will take place from 11 to 20 September, 2020 and will, once again, present a range of extraordinary events in extraordinary places across our stunning county of Dorset.
Stay in touch by signing up to receive our e-newsletters and you can be first to know when we reveal the locations and performers.
Sign up here: http://www.insideoutdorset.co.uk/
View the 2018 Inside Out Dorset highlights film:


A Gilmanton soldier was killed in Iraq on Thursday when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Pfc. Nicholas R. Cournoyer, 25, an infantry soldier with the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, was killed while riding in a convoy in the vicinity of Baghdad on May 18, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Iraq time, said Maj. Greg Heilshorn, a spokesman for the New Hampshire National Guard.
Other soldiers were killed in the attack, Heilshorn said, but no details were available last night. Cournoyer is the 10th New Hampshire serviceman killed in Iraq since the start of the war.
Cournoyer, a 2000 Gilford High School graduate, had always wanted to be a soldier, said Heilshorn, who was asked by Cournoyer's family to speak to reporters on their behalf.
Cournoyer worked as a mason's assistant until he joined the Army in January 2005, Heilshorn said. He had been in Iraq for almost a year and was expected to come home this summer.
Cournoyer's squad leader and platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. Ryan O'Connor, called Cournoyer "Baby Diesel" and "Cournoyer the Destroyer," according to a message he left on Cournoyer's myspace page.
"Nic was a great man for the short time I knew him".
|Debra A. Cornett||Town Clerk / Tax Collector||(603) 267-6726 Ext. 126|


At Okinawa Shogaku, all students participate in volunteer activities two or more times per year. We plan and carry out various volunteer opportunities by grade, course, and class such as cleaning, fundraising, and visiting welfare facilities.
At Okinawa Shogaku, we consider culturedness to be one of the four characteristics of a global person of culture. We believe culturedness is constituted of knowledge and wisdom. Students gain knowledge (academic ability and logical thinking skills) through our learning target-based school classes, but this valuable knowledge can’t fully bloom unless the students cultivate the ability (wisdom) to skillfully apply it to real life. At Okinawa Shogaku, we believe that wisdom (experience) is best acquired by engaging in a wide variety of activities, especially activities having social significance.
On July 24 (Tuesday) and 25 (Wednesday), around 30 students from the Okinawa Shogaku Junior High School volunteered to help students in their studies at the Haebaru District Tsukazan Elementary School. This volunteer opportunity was realized when the Haebaru Board of Education Lifelong Learning Culture Section sent a request to our school, and interested junior high third-year students chose to participate.The junior high students who participated were split into six groups for the six grades of elementary school, and each group took on a group of students to assist in Japanese and math studies. The volunteer students found the experience fulfilling, offering such comments as: “I realized that teaching someone something that I understand and making sure they understand isn’t very easy,” “I was glad to be able to volunteer in a way that I was capable of,” and “I enjoyed spending time with the young children.” This opportunity offered the students an effective chance to increase their sense of responsibility and of belonging to society through engagement with other cultures and other age groups, which is one of our school’s aims.
On July 16 (Monday), Okinawa Shogaku held a charity performance at the Yui Hall of the Okinawa Prefectural General Welfare Center to support areas affected by heavy rains in Western Japan that had occurred shortly prior. The chair of the event committee was Okinawa Shogaku Educational Foundation Director Masajiro Nashiro, and the vice chair was Okinawa Shogaku Educational Foundation Vice Director Masaichiro Nashiro.The event was co-sponsored by the Kodomo Okoku Shuno Kaigi represented by Kazuaki Yamamoto.For several years, Okinawa Shogaku has co-sponsored an event organized by the Kodomo Okoku Shuno Kaigi called “Children’s Traditional Performing Arts Festival IN Okinawa,” and this year, we changed the event to a charity event at the last minute after western Japan was ravaged by damage from heavy rains.The event featured general-admission performances of Ryukyu dance, Karate, and Eisa by local elementary and junior high school students, as well as an opening attraction by Team Uniwashi under the guidance of Okinawa Culture and Arts Promotion Advisor Daiichi Hirata and performances by the Okinawa Shogaku brass band club, chorus club, Team Ryumai, calligraphy club, and Karate club. There were also support performances by the Ishimine Elementary School chorus club and the Toyomi Elementary School chorus club.Despite the short time between the announcement of the event and the date thereof, many students and parents attended and showered the high-level and enthusiastic performances with vigorous applause and cheers. Charity funds raised by selling tickets to the event were combined with funds raised through fundraising by the school’s student bodies and used to support reconstruction of the disaster-affected areas.Of the elementary and junior high school students who participated through general admission, the students who gave the highest-ranking performance will perform at the Battle of Okinawa Memorial Gathering to be held on August 8 in Tokyo.


Child Safety Car Seats Save Lives
Did you know that using child safety seats can reduce fatalities by 71 percent among babies and as much as 54 percent among toddlers? You might think this is a fixed issue, since the state law requires children to be restrained in car seats, but that’s not the case.
Incorrectly Installed Car Seats Abound
Studies show that 70% of children are incorrectly restrained, most often because the car seat is installed incorrectly. Additionally, many children under 8 years of age are allowed to use adult seat belts alone. This is not safe for them — they should use a booster seat with an adult seat belt. And children under 13 years old should not be allowed to ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag.
Make sure you are not among the 7 in 10 with incorrectly installed car seats or boosters by visiting one of the car seat safety checks available around the region on regular dates:
Montgomery County has a seat check coming up on February 27 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at
Battalion 1 Fire Station
325 Stump Road
Montgomeryville, PA 18936
Call for an appointment: 610-278-5119
A printable flyer is available showing all Montgomery County car seat check locations and dates.
There are car seat checks available at several locations in the 5-county PHILADELPHIA region during MARCH and APRIL 2015.


It has been one year today since Shelbyville teacher Shelley Mook went
missing. Police say the 25-year-old mother was last seen by her
ex-husband when she dropped their 6-year-old daughter off at his home in
Shelbyville that day. Her car was found burned up 18 miles away from
where she was last seen. Shelley was reported missing by her ex-husband
on March 1 after she did not pick up her daughter. Police believe she is
the victim of foul play. No suspects have been named.


Be a hero and donate at Heartland Blood Centers’ C2E2 Blood Drive
All attempting donors receive limited-edition “American Donor” superhero t-shirt
Aurora, Ill. – March 11, 2019 – Heartland Blood Centers (HBC), part of Versiti, is calling on Chicago pop culture fans to be a hero for patients in need and donate blood at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo Friday, March 22 through Sunday, March 24 at McCormick Place.
All attempting donors will receive a limited-edition “American Donor” superhero t-shirt in appreciation for their life-saving donations. Sporting their shirts – and other festive costumes – donors are invited to strike their best hero pose and take pictures in front of HBC’s event backdrop and share on social media platforms with #C2E2Hero.
HBC and C2E2 have hosted blood drives at the annual event since 2016. Last year, 230 life-saving donations were collected during the three-day expo. This year, HBC hopes to welcome 300 donors to help support our heroic mission of saving lives in our community and beyond.
As the blood products supplier to 71 hospitals in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, the need for blood is constant. All blood types are needed, but especially type O negative, which is the universal type that can be safely received by all patients and is given to those undergoing surgery, kids and adults battling cancer and those in emergency situations.
Donations can be made between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. all three days of the drive. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call 1-800-7TO-GIVE (1-800-786-4483) or visit versiti.org/Illinois.
About Heartland Blood Centers
Heartland Blood Centers, part of Versiti, is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Aurora, Ill., that specializes in blood products and services and provides expert medical and technical support.
Founded in 1943, Heartland is the oldest blood center in Illinois and serves patients at 71 hospitals in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Heartland operates 13 donor centers and conducts nearly 2,200 blood drives annually at area hospitals, churches, businesses, schools and community centers. To learn more, visit versiti.org.


Our Eco Committee is responsible for making sure that we are as eco friendly in school as possible, and that we do everything we can to help protect the environment in school and beyond. We are proud to currently have Green Flag Status.
Our Eco Committee have a weekly rota of duties which includes recycling paper, litter picking and reminding others about energy consumption.
This is a copy of the news story to be published in 'The Voice', written by Councillor Dave Trenery
Community Partnerships make Uttoxeter Bloom
- Uttoxeter station volunteers make Fairtrade symbol come alive with plants
- Picknalls First School ‘Eco Committee’ plants sunflowers and summer colour at Uttoxeter station
Uttoxeter Rail Station volunteers have launched two special initiatives which will brighten up the town at a special event on Thursday 16 June.
Town Councillor Dave Trenery and former MP Janet Dean launched a specially commissioned display of plants. The display has been funded by the Town Council’s Uttoxeter In Bloom committee and represents the Fairtrade Symbol. It is located beside the new Waitrose store at the entrance to the underpass to the station and is designed to support and promote the Town’s Fairtrade Campaign. The designer of the display is Mick Eyre, who worked for Stoke on Trent Parks and Gardens for many years and helped them win gold medals at the Royal Horticultural Society Tatton shows, including three best in shows. He was also responsible for much of the planting at the 1986 Garden Festival in Etruria. The display has been planted by Mick and Peter Fisher and other station volunteers.
The Chair of the Fairtrade Uttoxeter Steering Group Janet Dean said: “This is a brilliant example of partnership between different groups promoting and enhancing the town. The display is not only a beautiful addition to the Uttoxeter townscape, it also reminds people of the importance of ensuring that producers in the developing world get a fair deal for the goods they produce through Fairtrade arrangements.”
Councillor Dave Trenery, who is Chair of Uttoxeter in Bloom and secretary of the Fairtrade Group said: “This is a wonderful demonstration of the way in which groups can work together to enhance the appearance of the town. It will be a great asset to the town’s bid for another Gold Award in the Heart of England in Bloom awards. Uttoxeter is a beautiful place to live and this just makes it better.”
Children from Picknalls First School joined in the launch of the Fairtrade Planting and then went on to their own special event a Uttoxeter Rail Station. For this second project, Picknalls First School joined with North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership (NSCRP) to help the station volunteers further improve the green spaces at Uttoxeter station. A group of children and staff will attend the launch of the Fairtrade symbol and then move onto their own event at Uttoxeter Station. Children from the school’s ‘Eco Committee’, led by teacher Naomi Jones, planted sunflowers which they had grown from seed in the station gardens. They then joined the station volunteers to help create a summer planting display on Platform 1 in red, white and blue in celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday this year. The children received a certificate, "Proud to be Picknalls, Proud to be Uttoxeter", underlining the school's determination to contribute to a town of which we can all be proud
Faye Lambert, Project Manager for NSCRP, said: “Picknalls First School’s ‘Eco Committee’ project is a unique and inspiring way of engaging children to learn about, protect and improve their environment. We are delighted to have the children on board and their support will help us further improve the station environment for customers. Their involvement certainly shows the pride they have in their town and their school and we look forward to working with the Eco Committee on further projects for Uttoxeter station.
“It is also great to see our dedicated team of station volunteers, most notably Mick Eyre, putting their extensive gardening skills to use in creating this special Fairtrade garden. It has brilliantly brightened up the walkway from the station to the town. Many thanks to Uttoxeter Town Council for providing the funding to make this happen. Both projects really illustrate how much can be achieved by working in partnership.”
Picknalls First School Head teacher Anne Tapp said: “'This is a wonderful opportunity for the children at Picknalls First School and we were honoured to be invited to take part. It is great for our children to be involved in a community event that can really help to make a difference, and continue to develop their understanding of supporting and working for the local community. We are excited to develop our links further within Uttoxeter, as schools should be at the heart of the community. We have been focusing on the motto 'Proud to be Picknalls' and this is now being developed as being 'Proud to be Uttoxeter.'


On Friday, October 10, 2014, a check for $750.00 was presented to Jennifer Richardson for a donation to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life team Priscilla’s Pirates,
from the proceeds of the 2014 Pioneer Day 5K Fun Run, by Diana Reed Executive Secretary-Treasurer at the Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce. Close to 100 runners
participated in this event to kick off the 39th. Annual Pioneer Day Festival. This was chaired by Chamber Director Jason Holloway of First Security State Bank and was a big success to this years festival.


After a mild flu season in 2020-21, health officials are voicing their concern that the upcoming flu season could be significantly worse. This, combined with Covid-19, could cause a 'Twindemic', and immunosuppressed infusion patients are most at risk.
The immunosuppressed have disproportionately high hospitalization rates for acute respiratory illnesses, shed influenza viruses for longer periods, and frequently need mechanical ventilation. Immunosuppression also increases the risks and severity of primary or reactivation infections.
Immunosuppressed infusion patients should receive their flu vaccine by November 1st to achieve optimal immunogenicity.
For more on how we can help your infusion patients this flu season, please click here.


In 2020, we're repeating our #GiveBlackFriday initiative that was so worthwhile in 2019, read below about what it is and why we're supporting Beauty Banks once again.
Held the day after Thanksgiving in the USA, Black Friday has come to be a day of frantic product purchasing on a global basis. It's a relatively recent retail phenomenon, and is named after the 'fact' that it's when retailers go 'into the black' in their trading year, and start make a profit.
However, not everyone's fortunate enough to have the money or wherewithal to "Buy Buy Buy". The UK continues to experience disturbingly high levels of income equality and homelessness. For example, the widespread use of Food Banks by people experiencing poverty continues to grow and as we approach Christmas, truly a time of giving, we wanted to change our approach from 'selling' to 'giving'.
We are pleased to announce our King of Shaves 'Give Black Friday' initiative. Because more people are online and in the shops, we typically see a sales uplift, whether from supermarkets and health & beauty retailers, to Amazon and our online store, we wanted to give something back. Rather than profiting from this increase, we will be donating the equivalent value of purchases from our online sales channels on that day, Amazon UK, USA and kingofshaves.com (which are in the thousands of pounds) in products to Beauty Banks, a UK based charity who believe being clean is a basic human right.
In Beauty Banks' own words: "We are a people powered grass roots movement who believe that being clean is a basic human right, not a luxury and not a privilege. We exist to make 'hygiene poverty' history while supporting those living in poverty in the UK - those who can't afford to be clean - with personal care and hygiene essentials. This is about dignity, self-confidence and mental wellbeing. This is also about change. We support those in need while lobbying the UK government, as part of a Beauty APPG, to make change happen. Ours is beauty with purpose".
Will You Join Us In Giving Black Friday A New Meaning?
We are hoping that the introduction of our #GiveBlackFriday initiative is taken up by our fellow health and beauty companies every year, and results in the donations of tens, then hundreds of thousands of pounds of essential health & beauty products in the coming years.
Please, please help us spread the word! We will be posting across our social channels from Thanksgiving Day using the hashtag #GiveBlackFriday and hope we're able to donate a meaningful amount of product from this year, and every #GiveBlackFriday in the future.
Sign-up to our email newsletter today and get exclusive offers and the latest news direct to your inbox. GDPR compliant and easy to unsubscribe, just follow the link at the base of every email. We promise not to spam you and we will never sell your details.
Sign-up to our email news for exclusive offers! GDPR compliant, easy to unsubscribe and no spam.


OPTOSCRIBE AWARDED WITH ISO 14001:2015 STANDARD FOLLOWING A RECENT AUDIT
LIVINGSTON, UK – 16 August, 2018 – Optoscribe a global supplier of glass-based integrated photonic components is pleased to announce that it has recently achieved certification to ISO 14001:2015 standard after an independent assessment was conducted by leading certification body, Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited.
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001:2015 is the most updated standard of its kind and focuses on environmental management systems and demonstrates that Optoscribe’s systems, processes and procedures are mature and robust, and that they are regularly audited externally.
Major changes to the ISO standards include an increased focus on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction and management commitment. The certification clearly demonstrates Optoscribe’s leadership involvement and employee engagement.
Nick Psaila, Chief Executive Officer of Optoscribe said: “We are delighted that our continued hard work has been recognised. This certification to ISO 14001:2015 confirms our ongoing company-wide commitment to ensure that we identify, manage, monitor and control environmental matters across the business.
“Following on from our recent ISO 9001:2015 certification this demonstrates to our customers that achieving this environmental standard will provide them with additional assurance that we are focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.”


The ZNIR Dan Certificates for the 2016 CIA Summer Dan examination have arrived from the ZNIR in Japan through official channels. After some minor checks, CIA headquarters will be sending them out to your local Senseis, who will then present you your certificate.
The Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society (VNCS) held their annual cultural fair Saturday, October 24, 2015, and Shoshinkai Victoria was there to demonstrate. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and it was great to demonstrate our passion for Iai in front of the community. We look forward to future demonstrations with the VNCS.
Shoshinkai (初心会) Victoria is proud to represent the Canadian Iaido Association (カナダ居合道協会) at the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society’s (ビクトリア日系文化協会) annual Japanese Cultural Fair, October 24th, 2015.
The ZNIR Dan Certificates for the 2015 CIA Summer Dan examination have arrived from the ZNIR in Japan through official channels. After some minor checks, CIA headquarters will be sending them out to your local Senseis, who will then present you your certificate.
We are pleased to announce Sky Valley Hokusei Dojo has been officially approved as an affiliate Dojo in the ZNIR/CIA. We warmly welcome Sky Valley Hokusei Dojo to the Canadian Iaido Association and look forward to productive Iaido practice together.
CIA Shoshinkai had a fun evening demonstrating for many families at the Colwood Creek Park for the West Shore Parks & Recreation Neighbourhood Nights program on July 23, 2015.
The 2015 CIA Summer Seminar is complete, thank you to all who travelled to Victoria and congratulations to all who passed their dan examination.
Chris Tooley Sensei, 6dan, has moved his Saturday classes to the great facilities in Juan De Fuca recreation centre in the Westshore area in Langford.
The Canadian Iaido Association (CIA) has officially become a Kyoukai (association) of the Zen Nippon Iaido Renmei (ZNIR – All Japan Iaido Federation), under the Kanto Chiku Renmei.


Circus acts, face painting, crafts and festival activities will be taking place across the streets of County Durham this month.
Durham County Council is running a series of free festival-style events across the county’s main towns throughout March, as part of a bid to get people visiting and enjoying their high streets.
Each weekend of the month will see fun activities descend upon a different town centre, where people can enjoy a variety of entertainment including circus performances and workshops, walkabout acts, craft workshops and face painting.
In some areas there will also be an outdoor performance ring, a stage and seating, grass street furniture, pop-up marquees, a climbing wall and crazy golf.
The events support the county’s current bid for UK City of Culture 2025. If successful, the bid will mean more opportunities to bring exciting events to towns and communities across the county.
The street festival kicked off with events in Seaham and Shildon last weekend, with the next to take place on:
- Saturday 12 March, 11am to 3pm – Crook Market Place
- Sunday 13 March, 11am to 3pm – Ferryhill Market Place
- Wednesday 16 March, 4pm to 8pm – Durham Market Place
- Saturday 19 March, 11am to 3pm – Stanley Front Street
- Sunday 20 March, 11am to 3pm – Middle Street, Consett
- Friday 25 March, 4.30pm to 8.30pm – Bishop Auckland Market Place
- Saturday 26 March, 11am to 3pm – Chester-le-Street Market Place
- Sunday 27 March, 11am to 3pm – Scar Top, Barnard Castle
The events have been organised with Welcome Back Fund (WBF) money from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, which invited councils to apply to support the safe return of people to high streets following the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The WBF builds on the Re-opening High Streets Safely Fund, which was allocated to councils in 2020 to put in place additional measures to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets as their economies reopen.
As a requirement of the funding, the street festival entertainment must take place before 31 March.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We are really excited to be bringing a host of fun activities to communities across the county. With events taking place at different towns each week, we are inviting everyone to come along to their nearest high street and enjoy the activities and entertainment.
“Through schemes such as the street festivals, we are aiming to attract more visitors to our high streets, boost footfall and make our towns vibrant places to visit. The event also supports the county’s current bid for UK City of Culture 2025, which if successful will allow us to bring more cultural events and opportunities like this to our town centres.”


Online gambling already has a place on the London Stock Exchange, and this trend is set to continue boldly as worldwide acceptance of web gaming increases. The UK on the internet gambling website Betfair is thinking about a stock float of Ј1. 5 billion in 2010. Founders Andrew Black and Ed Wray, who own 25% of the firm will then realize Ј375 million, and are likely to sell some of their holdings if the stock increases as expected right after the offering.
One more large monetary move in the on the internet casino enterprise is the upcoming merger between PartyGaming PLC and Bwin Interactive Entertainment. This will generate the world’s largest on the internet wagering empire, leading the marketplace in casino, games, sports betting, and poker. Shareholders of both the entities have approved of the merger, and the deal is expected to be total in the very first quarter of 2011, and the resulting firm will be traded on the London Stock Exchange. Just before the merger, the businesses combined had net gaming revenues in 2009 of 682 million euros.
PartyGaming is based in Gibralter, and Bwin is based in Austria.
After the merger, Bwin’s assets and liabilities will transfer to PartyGaming, and the new joint business will be based in Gibralter and at that time will be de-listed from the Vienna Stock Exchange.
The merger of these two on the internet gaming giants is likely to prompt a lot more mergers and acquisitions, particularly when coupled with a worldwide trend of relaxing gambling laws.
An additional trend that is likely to improve the fortunes of the internet gaming industry is the improve in the use of mobile devices for online wagering. The value of the mobile on the internet gaming sub-sector is valued at around billion (US) in 2010, and that value is expected to grow rapidly in 2011.
Currently, the major factor holding back the impending surge in mobile gaming is that mobile device brands and media owners are waiting on various international legalities of on the web gambling to work themselves out, especially in the US, which would represent an enormous marketplace if legislation is passed by the US Congress clarifying the legal status of on the internet casinos in the US.
Nevertheless, some businesses are creating and testing mobile platforms in anticipation of growth in the marketplace, and the UK has led the way in this effort.
Other areas of the world expected to contribute significantly to the growing marketplace in mobile net gambling include Europe as a whole, which currently makes up 37% of the market. The Asia-Pacific region makes up almost 40% of the market. The biggest contributors to the fortunes of mobile gambling in terms of games are expected to be lotteries, with sports betting coming in second, and casino gaming following in third location.


In an exciting leap forward for India’s space program, the nation’s anticipated lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3, has successfully achieved its objective by landing a rover on the moon’s surface. This remarkable accomplishment marks a significant milestone in India’s journey to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and gain a deeper understanding of our celestial neighbor.
Table of Contents
The Successful Lunar Landing: Chandrayaan 3′ Achievement
In a moment of pride for India, the Chandrayaan 3 mission has triumphantly achieved its goal of landing a rover on the moon. Building upon the experiences of its predecessors, Chandrayaan 3 showcases India’s determination and capabilities in the field of space exploration.
Pioneering India’s Space Exploration: The Journey of Chandrayaan Missions
Chandrayaan 3 is the latest chapter in India’s ongoing saga of space exploration. Following the success of Chandrayaan 1 and the orbiter of Chandrayaan 2, this mission was meticulously planned to execute a soft landing on the lunar surface, a feat that demanded precision and technological finesse.
The Significance of Chandrayaan 3’s Landing
The successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 holds immense significance in advancing our understanding of the moon. The rover’s instruments will enable scientists to gather valuable data about the moon’s composition, surface conditions, and potential resources. This information could have far-reaching implications for future lunar missions and space exploration endeavors.
Technological Advancements and Challenges Overcome
An example of India’s technological prowess is Chandrayaan 3. It incorporates innovative advancements in propulsion systems, navigation algorithms, and autonomous landing procedures. Overcoming the challenges faced by its predecessor, Chandrayaan 2, this mission demonstrates India’s ability to learn from setbacks and engineer solutions for success.
Unveiling Lunar Mysteries: Chandrayaan 3’s Mission Objectives
The primary objectives of Chandrayaan 3 are to analyze the lunar soil, study the presence of water molecules and minerals, and gain insights into the moon’s geological characteristics. The rover’s sophisticated instruments will provide scientists with a wealth of information to unravel the moon’s mysteries and contribute to our broader understanding of planetary bodies.
An Inspiring Future: Chandrayaan 3’s Impact on Generations to Come
Beyond its scientific endeavors, Chandrayaan 3 inspires future generations to explore the frontiers of space. The mission’s success ignites the curiosity of young minds, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Chandrayaan 3’s legacy will be etched in the minds of those inspired to reach for the stars.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in India’s Space Odyssey
Chandrayaan 3’s successful lunar landing is a testament to India’s commitment to space exploration. As the rover embarks on its mission to gather data from the moon’s surface, the nation celebrates not only a technological achievement but also a leap forward in our quest to understand the cosmos.
Launch Event directly from ISRO official YouTube channel enjoy the Launch
Chandrayaan 3 Landing: Frequently Asked Questions
As the news of Chandrayaan 3’s successful lunar landing captures the world’s attention, curiosity and questions abound. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about this remarkable achievement:
1. What is Chandrayaan 3?
Chandrayaan 3 is India’s latest lunar mission, aimed at achieving a successful soft landing on the moon’s surface and deploying a rover to conduct scientific experiments and gather valuable data.
2. What makes Chandrayaan 3 different from previous missions?
Chandrayaan 3 differs from its predecessors in that it focuses exclusively on the goal of a successful landing and rover deployment. It learns from the experiences of Chandrayaan 2 and leverages technological advancements for a more precise and controlled landing.
3. What are the objectives of Chandrayaan 3’s mission?
The primary objectives of Chandrayaan 3’s mission are to study the moon’s surface composition, analyze the presence of minerals and water molecules, and gain insights into the moon’s geological history. The rover’s instruments are designed to provide valuable data for scientific analysis.
4. How does Chandrayaan 3 contribute to India’s space exploration efforts?
Chandrayaan 3 is a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey. It demonstrates India’s capabilities in technological innovation, engineering, and space science. The mission’s success contributes to the nation’s growing reputation in the global space community.
5. What technological advancements were incorporated in Chandrayaan 3?
Chandrayaan 3 incorporates advancements in propulsion systems, navigation algorithms, and autonomous landing procedures. These technological upgrades were aimed at overcoming the challenges faced by its predecessor and ensuring a safe and successful landing on the moon.
6. What is the significance of studying the moon’s surface?
Studying the moon’s surface provides insights into its origin, evolution, and potential for resource utilization. The data collected by Chandrayaan 3’s rover contributes to scientific understanding and could even inform future space missions, including those aimed at other celestial bodies.
7. How does Chandrayaan 3 inspire future generations?
Chandrayaan 3’s success serves as an inspiration for young minds interested in space science and exploration. It showcases the possibilities within the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and encourages the next generation to pursue careers in these areas.
8. What are the future prospects for India’s lunar exploration?
Chandrayaan 3’s success paves the way for further advancements in India’s lunar exploration efforts. It establishes a foundation for future missions that could delve deeper into lunar mysteries, explore new areas, and collaborate on international space endeavors.
9. How can I access more information about Chandrayaan 3?
For more detailed information and updates about Chandrayaan 3, you can visit the official ISRO website and other reputable space news sources.
10. Where can I find the latest updates about Chandrayaan 3’s mission?
To stay up-to-date with the latest news, developments, and updates about Chandrayaan 3’s mission, you can visit the official ISRO website or follow reputable space news outlets and social media channels.


Top Smartphones for 2017
With 2017 just around the corner, many consumers are now looking to get into a new smartphone, so they can enjoy all the latest in smartphone technology in the coming year. There’s no doubt that 2016 brought us some of the best of the best in smartphones, and 2017 is shaping up to be no exception. While we’re likely to see a return of several of 2016’s top-selling smartphones, there are also likely to be several surprises in the mix, giving consumers plenty to choose from when shopping for a new smartphone. Keep reading to find out more about the top smartphones for 2017, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
One of the most anticipated phones for 2017 is surprisingly not a Samsung or an iPhone, but the Huawei Mate 9 and Mate 9 Pro. While Samsung and Apple have both dominated the smartphone market for years, Huawei is ready to tackle the main competitors, and the Mate 9 and Mate 9 Pro are looking like the perfect phones to do just that. With a big, bright, 5.9-inch screen, curved edge display and Huawei’s own Kirin 960 chipset, paired with a full HD display on the Mate 9 and a quad HD display on the pro, these phones are set to take the world by storm. The best news? Both the Mate 9 and the Mate 9 pro are expected to cost significantly less than you’d pay for a Samsung or iPhone. You can even pick up a special edition Porsche design!
Of course, Samsung has dominated the smartphone market for years, and has no intention of backing down now. The Samsung Galaxy S7 is still one of the best-selling smartphones on the market, and 2017 is likely to continue that winning streak. With an ergonomic, slightly curved back, MicroSD support and longer-lasting battery, experts agree that the Galaxy S7 will continue to be one of the best phones you can purchase in 2017, at least until Samsung unveils the next lineup of Samsung smartphones. The S7 is fully waterproof and offers a lightning-fast processor, high-resolution, 5.1-inch AMOLED screen, 12 megapixel camera and wireless charging capability, all while running on the latest Android Marshmallow operating system. With specs this good, it’s no wonder Samsung has been the phone to beat for so many years running.
Likewise, the Samsung Galaxy Note5 promises to maintain a top spot on the best smartphones list in 2017. Despite issues with the Note7, the Note5 continues to be a favorite of Samsung smartphone fans everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. A large, brilliant 5.7-inch display, combined with a sleek metal-and-glass design, give the Note5 a sophisticated look not seen on other smartphones, and the S Pen makes everyday tasks a breeze. Inside the Note5, you’ll find a 2.1 Ghz Octa-Core Exynos 7420 processor backed by 4 GB of ram, making even the most graphics-intensive games run smoothly. Consumers can choose between the 32 GB or the 64 GB versions, depending on personal needs and budget.
Windows fans that have been disappointed by Windows phones in the past can now look forward to the Windows Surface Phone, expected to be released in early 2017. The Windows Surface Phone is expected to come with many of the same features people love about Samsung and Apple phones, but with Windows, rather than iOS or Android, as the driving force behind the powerful smartphone. Three size variants are expected, along with 8 GB of ram, 512 GB of storage space, AMOLED screen, and a Carl Zeiss rear camera, fingerprint scanner and Intel processor. The Surface Phone is expected to release sometime in February of 2017.
Finally, no list of top smartphones would be complete without the latest iPhone in the mix. The newest iPhones, released in fall of 2016, are the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and orders are still pouring in for people to get their hands on the latest Apple technology, ensuring iPhone a continued top spot on the best smartphones list for 2017. While both the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus look strikingly similar to the previous iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Apple has made significant changes that put the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus at the top of many people’s lists for the coming year. Specifically, the newest iPhones feature a faster processor, better camera technology and have been made water-resistant. In addition, the newest iPhones are missing a feature found on just about every other smartphone out there - a headphone jack. Instead, Apple has adopted the lightning port for both audio and charging capabilities, hoping to reshape the way consumers plug in to listen to audio.
No matter which smartphone operating system you love, you’re sure to find exceptional, cutting-edge smartphone technology in 2017 with any of these top smartphones. Now the only question is, which one will you choose?


Acquisition of the Spanish company Isi Condal by the Infopro Digital group
The Infopro Digital group announces the acquisition of the Spanish company Isi Condal, based in Barcelona. Isi Condal is a provider of software and management solutions dedicated to spare parts distributors in Spain. Its main products are I2I and IsiParts.
Infopro Digital, through its subsidiary ETAI Ibérica, has been successfully operating in the Spanish market since 1978 with a significant presence in the field of repair methods for mechanical and bodywork repairers and spare parts marketplaces for distributors.
In commenting on the acquisition, Juan Ramón Cervantes, founder of Isi Condal, said: “I am very pleased that Isi Condal is joining the Infopro Digital group and in particular the ETAI Ibérica teams. Our customers will be able to benefit from solutions and products developed by a leading European group in the field of software and databases designed for spare parts distributors and repairers”.
Jean-Michel Poissonnier, Director of Infopro Digital Automotive said that this acquisition: “reflects our desire to expand our presence in the Spanish market. Isi Condal develops high-performance tools for its customers. We aim to accelerate the company’s development and investments alongside Juan Ramón and his teams”.
With this new acquisition, the automotive division of the Infopro Digital group is thus further strengthened in Spain and is now constituted by nearly 50 employees who work in Barcelona and respond to the needs of more than 16,500 customers.


Last week the Tusk IC team attended the yearly TSMC Technology Symposium in Amsterdam (NL), followed by the BeneluxRF conference in Nijmegen the next day.
Both event provide important opportunities to (re-)connect with the diverse semiconductor ecosystem in which our company operates.
The TSMC Technology Symposium was a large-scale, well-organized event featuring the world’s leading foundry and an update on their innovative offerings and outlook. Great opportunity to meet with clients, suppliers and a wide range of semiconductor backgrounds. The world truly runs on Semiconductors!
The next day’s event took place in Nijmegen (NL) for the annual BeneluxRF conference. Slightly smaller scale, but a high concentration of the who’s who of the RF, mmWave and THz design community in the Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg region. Catching up with local partners and like-minded RF designers is always a treat, with a keynote from Yves Baeyens (Nokia-Bell Labs) on the next steps in microwave backhauling which will be done in Silicon!
If you weren’t able to catch up with us at one of these events, dont worry: our team members will attend the Space2Connect Conference in Matera (IT) on June 7-9, as well as the RFIC/IMS Conference in San Diego (USA) from June 11-15. Looking forward to see you there, and reach out if you want to meet up!


Microsoft have announced that they will adapt the principles of the new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) on the first day of the New Year.
Ahead of coming into full force in January 2020, Microsoft took the bold step in announcing that it would “honor” the CCPA law throughout the whole United States. This follows a similar decision in Europe where it adapted the GDPR principles globally to its business.
Microsoft’s announcement is a big deal for the tech industry as it signals just how seriously big business is taking data protection. With CCPA only being enforced in California, Microsoft have shown that as a company it wants to do more for data protection, and in fact, praised CCPA as good news. Chief Privacy Officer Julie Brill said in a blog post that the CCPA is “an important step toward providing people with more robust control over their data in the United States.”
CCPA will have a far reaching impact on businesses, especially those that are incorporated in California, but serve users nationally and internationally. With data laws overlapping in different states, and over in Europe, it’s making more sense for businesses to adapt the strictest data requirements across their entire digital operations. This will ensure that they are ready for the upcoming laws currently being drafted in a number of different states, and help them to get their systems up-to-speed and compliant.
With that compliance also comes the need of making sure that technology architecture is set up in a way that safely stores and removes data once it is no longer in use. Especially for businesses that handle personal information across states, it’s important to implement a data protection policy that tries to apply the principles of GDPR, CCPA and other laws so that risks are minimized.
For companies that want to step up their commitment to protecting their customer data, they can choose the option of buying professional degaussing equipment to fully erase old data from hard drives that will no longer be used in newer systems.


Denise Bibro Fine Art is excited to participate in the first edition of Art Wynwood, taking place during President’s Day weekend, February 16 – 20, 2012.
Art Miami, LLC. is pleased to announce the launch of Art Wynwood for President's Day Weekend, February 16 - 20, 2012 in Miami. The five-day fair is scheduled to take place during Miami's busiest holiday weekend and will open with a VIP Private Preview on Thursday, February 16, 2012. This inaugural International Contemporary Art Fair will be held in the spacious 125,000 square foot Art Miami Pavilion which attracted over 55,000 attendees during the 2011 edition of Art Miami and is located in Midtown Miami's Wynwood Arts District.
Art Wynwood will feature carefully selected art dealers, showcasing curated indoor and outdoor projects, art video & new media, solo exhibitions and conceptual art. The Fair will continue to distinguish the Wynwood Arts District as Miami's epicenter where art, fashion, design and the culinary arts intersect.
To view Art Wynwood's page, click here.


Time Warp 2023 Live Sets:
The annual techno festival Time Warp has once again left its mark on the electronic music scene with a phenomenal edition held in Maimarkthalle, Mannheim, Germany, on April 1st, 2023. This year’s edition was packed with mesmerizing live sets, ground-breaking performances, and the vibrant energy of techno fans from all around the globe. As always, the event delivered a perfect blend of visual art, cutting-edge technology, and top-notch electronic music.
Headliners and Breakthrough Performances
The Time Warp 2023 lineup featured an array of world-renowned techno DJs and live acts. Among the headliners were the likes of Amelie Lens, Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, and Sven Väth. These artists took the stage by storm, serving up hypnotic beats and captivating the audience with their unique and powerful performances.
Newcomers also made their presence known at Time Warp 2023. Up-and-coming artists such as Charlotte de Witte, Paula Temple, and Reinier Zonneveld showcased their talents, proving that they are ready to take the techno world by storm. It was clear from the crowd’s reaction that these breakthrough performances were among the highlights of the festival.
Innovative Stages and Immersive Visuals
Time Warp has always been known for its cutting-edge stage designs and visuals, and this year’s edition was no exception. The festival boasted six uniquely designed stages, each featuring innovative lighting, state-of-the-art sound systems, and immersive visuals, creating a captivating experience for the attendees.
One of the standout stages was the Futura stage, which showcased mesmerizing 3D visuals and holograms, accompanied by a crystal-clear Funktion-One sound system. The stage’s design and technological advancements left the audience in awe, as it transported them to a futuristic realm of electronic music.
The Time Warp Experience: More Than Just Music
Time Warp 2023 was not only about the music but also the overall experience. Festival-goers were treated to a variety of food and drink options, with numerous food trucks catering to different culinary preferences. Additionally, there were plenty of chill-out areas for attendees to relax and socialize between sets.
The festival also made a significant effort to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. Initiatives such as the use of biodegradable materials and a recycling program encouraged attendees to be mindful of their waste and minimize their ecological footprint.
Time Warp 2023 in Mannheim proved once again why it is considered one of the premier techno festivals in the world. The combination of stellar live sets, innovative stage designs, and a commitment to sustainability made for an unforgettable experience for techno enthusiasts. As the festival continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what a music event can be, fans can look forward to even more mind-blowing editions in the future.


The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released data on individual income taxes for tax year 2019, showing the number of taxpayers, adjusted gross income, income tax paid, and income tax shares by income percentiles. The new data outlines the tax system under the second year of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the last year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The data demonstrates the U.S. individual income tax continues to be progressive, borne primarily by the highest income earners.
- In 2019, taxpayers filed 148.3 million tax returns, reported earning nearly $11.9 trillion in adjusted gross income, and paid $1.6 trillion in individual income taxes.
- The top 1 percent of taxpayers paid a 25.6 percent average individual income tax rate, which is more than seven times higher than taxpayers in the bottom 50 percent (3.5 percent).
- The share of reported income earned by the top 1 percent of taxpayers fell to 20.1 percent from 20.9 percent in 2018. The top 1 percent’s share of federal individual income taxes paid fell to 38.8 percent from 40.1 percent.
- The top 50 percent of all taxpayers paid 97 percent of all individual income taxes, while the bottom 50 percent paid the remaining 3 percent.
- The top 1 percent paid a greater share of individual income taxes (38.8 percent) than the bottom 90 percent combined (29.2 percent).
- The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduced average tax rates across income groups.
Taxpayers reported nearly $11.9 trillion in adjusted gross income (AGI) on 148.3 million tax returns in 2019. The number of returns filed rose by 3.9 million (2.7 percent) and reported AGI rose by $319 million (2.8 percent) above 2018 levels. Total income taxes paid rose by $42 billion to $1.58 trillion, a 2.7 percent increase above 2018. The average individual income tax rate was nearly unchanged: 13.29 percent in 2019, compared to 13.28 percent in 2018.
|Top 1%||Top 5%||Top 10%||Top 25%||Top 50%||Bottom 50%||All Taxpayers|
|Number of Returns||1,482,459||7,412,296||14,824,593||37,061,482||74,122,965||74,122,965||148,245,929|
|Adjusted Gross Income ($ millions)||$2,393,383||$4,269,727||$5,621,027||$8,177,266||$10,517,131||$1,365,719||$11,882,850|
|Share of Total Adjusted Gross Income||20.1%||35.9%||47.3%||68.8%||88.5%||11.5%||100.0%|
|Income Taxes Paid ($ millions)||$612,027||$938,429||$1,117,856||$1,367,843||$1,530,288||$48,373||$1,578,661|
|Share of Total Income Taxes Paid||38.8%||59.4%||70.8%||86.6%||96.9%||3.1%||100.0%|
|Income Split Point||$546,434||$221,572||$154,589||$87,917||$44,269||$44,269|
|Average Tax Rate||25.6%||22.0%||19.9%||16.7%||14.6%||3.5%||13.3%|
|Average Income Taxes Paid||$412,846||$126,604||$75,406||$36,907||$20,645||$653||$10,649|
Note: Table does not include dependent filers. “Income split point” is the minimum AGI for tax returns to fall into each percentile. “Income taxes paid” is the sum of income tax after credits (including the subtraction of excess advance premium tax credit repayment, the earned income credit, American opportunity credit, health coverage tax credit, and the regulated investment credit credit) limited to zero plus net investment income tax from Form 8960 and the tax from Form 4970, Tax on Accumulation Distribution of Trusts. It does not include any refundable portions of these credits.
Source: IRS, Statistics of Income, ”Individual Income Rates and Tax Shares.”
High-Income Taxpayers Paid the Highest Average Income Tax Rates
In 2019, taxpayers with higher incomes paid much higher average income tax rates than lower-income taxpayers.
The bottom 50 percent of taxpayers (taxpayers with AGI below $44,269) faced an average income tax rate of 3.5 percent. As household income increases, average income tax rates rise. For example, taxpayers with AGI between the top 10th and 5th percentiles ($154,589 and $221,572) paid an average income tax rate of 13.3 percent—3.8 times the rate paid by taxpayers in the bottom 50 percent.
The top 1 percent of taxpayers (AGI of $546,434 and above) paid the highest effective income tax rate of 25.6 percent—more than seven times the rate faced by the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers.
Readers should note the IRS dataset excludes the refundable portion of tax credits such as the earned income tax credit, which means the IRS data overstates the tax rate paid by taxpayers at the bottom.
High-Income Taxpayers Paid the Majority of Federal Income Taxes
In 2019, the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers (taxpayers with AGI below $44,269) earned 11.5 percent of total AGI and paid 3.1 percent ($48.4 billion) of all federal individual income taxes.
The top 1 percent (taxpayers with AGI of $546,434 and above) earned 20.1 percent of total AGI in 2019 and paid 38.8 percent of all federal income taxes.
In 2019, the top 1 percent of taxpayers accounted for more income taxes paid than the bottom 90 percent combined. The top 1 percent of taxpayers paid $612 billion in income taxes while the bottom 90 percent paid $461 billion in income taxes.
Readers should note the IRS dataset does not account for the refundable portion of tax credits such as the earned income tax credit. If the refundable portion were included, the tax share of the top income groups would be higher than what is reported here. The refundable portion is classified as a spending program by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and therefore is not included by the IRS in tax share figures.
The share of income taxes paid by the top 1 percent increased from 33.2 percent in 2001 to 38.8 percent in 2019, down about 1.3 percentage points from a high of 40.1 percent in 2018. Over the same period, the share paid by the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers fell from 4.9 percent to just over 3 percent in 2019, up about a tenth of a percentage point from 2018.
Similarly, the share of adjusted gross income reported by the top 1 percent increased from 17.4 percent in 2001 to 20.1 percent in 2019. The AGI share of the top 1 percent fluctuates considerably over the business cycle, rising with expansions and falling with contractions to a greater extent than income reported by other groups. The share of AGI reported by the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers fell from 14.4 percent in 2001 to 11.5 percent in 2019.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Reduced Average Tax Rates Across Income Groups
The 2019 filing season was the second filing season under the TCJA. The TCJA made many significant, but temporary, changes to the individual income tax code including lower tax rates, wider brackets, a larger standard deduction, and an expanded child tax credit. The net effect of all the changes was to lower tax burdens, on average, for taxpayers across all income levels.
In 2019, individual taxpayers paid $1.6 trillion in individual income taxes, $23 billion less than in 2017, even as adjusted gross income was $946 billion higher. Average tax rates were lower in 2019 than in 2017 across all income groups. Average rates for the bottom 50 percent fell from 4.05 percent in 2017 to 3.54 percent in 2019 and for the top 1 percent, from 26.76 percent to 25.57 percent.
By Erica York, an economist with Tax Foundation’s Center for Federal Tax Policy, posted on the Tax Foundation website. To read more, click here.


Grand Circle of Commitment
for the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Quebec’s economy
ADOPTED DURING THE GRAND ECONOMIC CIRCLE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND QUEBEC
IN TIO’TIA:KE (MONTREAL) ON NOVEMBER 26, 2021
In 2006, elected officials and representatives of the First Nations and the provincial and federal governments met in Mashteuiatsh as part of the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum. The commitments, initiatives and partnerships that resulted from this important event helped give impetus to the socio-economic development of the First Nations, an effect felt for many years. Fifteen (15) years later, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) and the Government of Quebec jointly organized a new major economic event, bringing together elected officials and representatives of the business communities of Indigenous peoples and Quebec.
On November 25 and 26, 2021, this Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec brought together, at the Centre Sheraton Montreal, hundreds of political and economic leaders to discuss the objective of ensuring the full participation of Indigenous peoples in Quebec’s economy.
By participating in this Grand Economic Circle, these leaders had the opportunity to be part of a historic event, held in a spirit of reconciliation and whose impact will help lay the foundations for the creation of wealth for, by and with the Indigenous peoples.
This event is not an end but rather the beginning of a movement that we want to see spread throughout all regions of Quebec and across all sectors.
Therefore it was resolved to adopt this Declaration and encourage organizations and businesses to adhere to it to ensure the realization of a broad movement of support for the self-determination of Indigenous peoples and their full participation in Quebec’s economy.
Concerned by the fact that Indigenous peoples have remained on the sidelines of economic and social development in Quebec for too long, which has prevented them from exercising, in particular, their right to development in according to their own needs;
Aware that the current socio-economic context of the Indigenous peoples does not allow for individual or collective development, in particular to eliminate the enormous gap that separates the living conditions of Indigenous people from those of Quebecers;
Recognizing that all Quebec civil society organizations and businesses share a responsibility for improving the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples;
Convinced that the economic growth of Indigenous peoples has a beneficial effect not only for their communities but also on all of Quebec and its regions;
Convinced that business partnerships and alliances constitute a success factor for the future of Indigenous communities, with an equally beneficial impact on the Quebec economy;
Guided by the principles of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples;
Let us be part of this Grand Circle of Commitment by endorsing this Declaration.
By endorsing this Declaration, we agree to be part of the Grand Circle of Commitment, a movement for the full participation of Indigenous peoples in economic and social life in Quebec. Consequently, we commit to the following:
- Recognize that Indigenous peoples form distinct Nations, each with its own history and culture, free to choose their means of economic and social development, through representatives they themselves have chosen according with their own procedures.
- Also, recognize the existence of ancestral and treaty territories, which are of fundamental importance for Indigenous peoples and the sustainable development of their communities.
- Take an active part in the reconciliation movement by encouraging the participation of various civil society players, including the business community.
- Play an active role in raising the standard of living in Indigenous communities, particulary by contributing to their economic growth and by developing projects that meet their needs.
- Consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous peoples concerned before adopting and implementing any measure which may affect their rights or interests.
- Prioritize the conclusion of agreements with Indigenous peoples as a tool to ensure the full participation of communities in economic growth.
- Endorse the strengthening of business relations between Quebecers and Indigenous peoples as part of an approach that is beneficial for Indigenous communities and that they constitute a lever for both economic and social development.
- Adopt incentives to stimulate investment in Indigenous communities and businesses, to increase the creation of jobs and training intended for Indigenous women and youth.
- Recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the Quebec economy and their ability to be an integral part of the solution to alleviate the labour shortage that Quebec is currently facing.
- Ensure equitable representation of Indigenous people in the workplace, including investing in the recruitment and retention of Indigenous talent, support for their professional development and advancement, and the promotion of the mobility of Indigenous employees in all sectors and employment levels.
- Combat all forms of racism or discrimination against Indigenous people, particularly in matters of employment or working conditions.
- Publicize and share the commitments made and success stories and other positive actions that contribute to providing examples to be followed for other businesses and organizations, with particular attention to providing role models for Indigenous youth, women and entrepreneurs.
- Agree to hold regional Grand Circles and meet again at the provincial level within five years to take stock of the progress made and discuss new commitments to pursue the vision that inspired this Declaration.


Speech by Dr Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany,
at the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Reichspogromnacht
Check against delivery!
Ladies and gentlemen,
it was the middle of the night when the manhole cover flew through the synagogue window. Glass shattered. The next morning, the leader of the congregation was shaken. “It is terrifying to see what force anger and hatred can create,” she said.
The manhole cover which hit the synagogue in Gelsenkirchen was not thrown in 1938.
It was 2014.
It is wrong to draw parallels.
Yet when we remember the state-led rioting against Jews in November 1938 80 years ago, we are doing so not just in awareness of the worst crime against humanity in history and focusing on the lessons that we have drawn from it. We are also doing so in the knowledge that injustice is happening to this day.
Things are still happening which bring back horrendous memories.
Such incidents particularly traumatise one group of people, namely the survivors of the Shoah and their descendants who are deeply horrified when they hear such news.
Today, on this day of remembrance, we bow down before the survivors, whether they are here with us today or elsewhere.
And we bow our heads in grief and perpetual remembrance of the six million murdered Jewish women, men and children and all victims of National Socialist crimes.
Even though one day we will have no-one left who themselves witnessed this delirium of destruction, we will never let the flame of remembrance go out.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the targeted, state-led violence against Jews, Jewish businesses and synagogues in November 1938 can be viewed as a staging post on the road to implement the radical National Socialist ideology, indeed to consummate this ideology in horrific fashion.
The night now known as Reichspogromnacht did not come from nowhere. The process to exclude Jews from German and, from 12 March 1938, also from Austrian society had long since been given a legal basis. Upon taking power in 1933, the National Socialist government began laying the legal foundation for excluding Jews from society. In 1935, this process of exclusion reached an initial perverse culmination in the Nuremberg race laws.
And in 1938 alone, countless other steps followed. Jewish citizens, for example, had to register their assets. In May, so-called “Degenerate Art” was seized including that of Jewish artists by dint of their being Jewish. In the euphemistically named June Action, countless Jews were arrested due to minor offences and deported to concentration camps. In July, all Jewish doctors lost their license. And soon afterwards, Jews were forced to use Sara or Israel as middle names - the first visible marking of Jews before the yellow star was introduced in 1941.
You can see just how difficult life became for the Jews in the exhibition “1938 Projekt - Posts from the past”. We are presenting parts of this exhibition created by the Leo Baeck Institute today. They are compelling accounts which say so much more than mere numbers.
Late in the evening of 9 November 1938, the violence erupted: SA and SS officers attacked synagogues and Jewish businesses. They attacked thousands of unsuspecting Jews in their homes. All in all, some 1400 synagogues, half of the synagogues at the time, were damaged or destroyed.
Synagogues here in Berlin, also this one in Rykestrasse, were set alight on the night of 9 to 10 November. The fire was put out pretty quickly but only to protect neighbouring houses.
Some 30,000 Jews were deported to concentration camps. Approximately 1300 Jewish citizens were murdered or driven to suicide.
The brutal violence opened the eyes of many Jewish citizens. The blind destructive range, the violence which literally exploded ‑ previously they would not have thought the civilised German nation capable of such behaviour. Emigration figures shot up as a result, although new regulations made it extremely difficult to leave.
We now know from reliable sources that Reichspogromnacht was state-controlled. And even back then, most citizens realised that it had not been a spontaneous outpouring of rage, as Goebbels presented it, but that the SA and SS had been acting on orders.
There is one point I would like to make: even if on these days in November it was essentially only the SA and SS who were actively involved, we are still talking about thousands of Germans. The two organisations were so large that the pogrom could easily be launched simultaneously all across the German Reich and in Austria.
Many citizens clearly reacted by distancing themselves from what had happened, even with disgust. This is what most reports tell us. Yet, their reaction gave the Nazis valuable information: hardly anyone protested. There was no opposition to the SA and the SS. There were only isolated cases of harassed Jews receiving assistance. Hitler’s reign of terror and anti-Semitic propaganda had borne fruit. After 9 November 1938, the leadership could be sure that our citizens would not get in the way even if greater violence was used against Jews.
They were to be proven right.
There were only very few people who showed human decency and courage. Wilhelm Krützfeld was one of them. In the early hours of 10 November, the Berlin police officer stood with other officers from his beat blocking the path of the SA in front of the New Synagogue in Oranienburger Strasse. He prevented the exterior of the building being set alight and ensured that the fire which had been started inside was put out.
This example of the police officer Wilhelm Krützfeld leaves a deep impression to this day. Many will wonder if they would have had the same courage.
We can of course also ask ourselves this question today. After all, today too, we are dealing with arsonists.
With mental arsonists but also with real ones.
I want to use some statistics to make my point.
In 2016, there were almost 1000 attacks on refugee housing, more than 60 of these were cases of arson. More than 60 cases of arson. That is an average of five arson attacks a month on buildings providing housing for people who have sought refuge here.
In 2017, there were only 16 cases of arson. I tell you this quite deliberately. Sometimes it seems to me that I can hear a sigh of relief that the number of attacks on refugees and refugee housing has dropped significantly.
Yes, they have dropped. But that is no reason for complacency!
The very fact that some 300 refugees were injured in attacks in 2017 alone, that housing for asylum-seekers is a regular target for attacks - this is scandalous!
And it is also a scandal that more and more mosques are being daubed with slogans of hatred or subjected to even more serious attacks.
And it is a scandal the same thing happens to synagogues about every two weeks in Germany although they are protected by the police.
And you will all remember the Jewish restaurant-owner in Chemnitz who was recently and repeatedly attacked by neo-Nazis. Shortly after, in October, neo-Nazis targeted a Persian restaurant in Chemnitz seriously injuring the Iranian owner.
It is a disgrace for our country that such things are happening in Germany in 2018!
It is behind these people who attack refugees, Muslims or Jews, that we find the mental arsonists. My impression is that they are growing in number in Germany.
They are fuelling the fear of refugees. With their choice of words and disproportionate level of attention paid to individual incidents, they are inciting the people. They are inciting hatred against asylum-seekers and particularly against Muslims.
A party sitting on the far right in the Bundestag have perfected their skills in incitement. They are mental arsonists.
There is nothing they respect. They instrumentalise the courageous White Rose resistance movement for their own ends. They deride the victims and survivors of the Shoah by relativising National Socialist crimes. They are misrepresenting history and want to destroy our culture of remembrance.
It would have been unbearable for the Jewish community, today, 80 years after Pogromnacht, to have representatives of this party in our midst. That is why this was the only parliamentary group of the German Bundestag which we did not invite.
These forces must not be allowed to gain yet more ground. On the contrary. They must be pushed back so far that they are consigned to oblivion.
After all, to use the words of Karl Jaspers, there must be no freedom to destroy freedom.
It is up to us!
Each of us bears responsibility for ensuring that respect and tolerance define Germany’s profile.
What we need now are courageous and convinced democrats. We need people who show civil courage. People who speak out.
Civil courage starts in everyday situations. Each and every one of us can ask ourselves: do I speak out when people tell jokes about gays in the pub? Or if people speak disrespectfully about women? Or if people talk about the alleged influence of Jews from the American east coast?
Or am I afraid of being seen as a spoilsport or a stick-in-the-mud. Do I just try and fit in? Do I remain silent or do I chuckle along so as not to stand out from the crowd? Do I pretend not to hear if a coloured man is insulted in the train?
If we do not stand up for the values anchored in our Basic Law, for human dignity, when it comes to the small stuff, we cannot expect it to work on the big stuff.
As Richard von Weizsäcker put it in his famous speech marking the 40th anniversary of the end of the war, the Weimar Republic did not fail because there were too many Nazis too early, but because for too long there were too few democrats.
This is an accurate analysis and highlights precisely the difference between then and now.
Today there are enough democrats. There is no risk attached to standing up for basic rights. We need to remember, we are serving as a role model in the way we behave.
No child is born a racist.
No child is born an anti-Semite.
And yet the word “Jew” is used as an insult in school playgrounds.
That is why above all teachers need to be courageous and convinced democrats. Whether in sport, chemistry or religious education lessons ‑ anti-Semitism and racism are never acceptable. The context is immaterial. There can be no understanding for anti-Semitism and racism. There has to be a clear red line here.
The cultural scholars Aleida and Jan Assmann, who have just been awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, found wonderful words in their acceptance speech:
“There have to be undisputed convictions and a basic consensus such as the Constitution, the division of powers, the independence of the judiciary and human rights. Not every dissenting voice warrants respect.”
These convictions, this basis consensus do exist in Germany. Yet they are being called into question by the far right in a manner we have not seen for some time. That is why we need to defend this consensus.
In recent years, we have taken democracy and the rule of law for granted. Perhaps too much for granted.
Yet now we sense that democracy is not a matter of course. We have to do something for it. We have to be courageous. And we need to make both the coming generations and people from other cultures and political systems into convinced democrats.
And that is actually a wonderful task!
And if I think of the demonstrations we have seen in recent months whether under the hashtag “We are more”, “Welcome United”, “Indivisible” or “Heart not hassle”, then I sense that something is happening.
The citizens of Germany are taking to their feet. There is a sense of a new awakening.
Today, on this day so ambivalent for Germany, we are remembering above all Reichspogromnacht. But we do not want to forget the year 1989. On 9 November 1989, the Wall fell and Germany attained its unity in freedom. The country began its journey to shared democracy peacefully and without violence.
Today, the citizens are again taking to the streets together to campaign for human rights, against racism and anti-Semitism, in their hundreds and thousands. Hundreds and thousands of courageous and convinced democrats. They are not letting Germany simply drift to the right. They are fighting for the basic consensus. They make me confident about the future.
It is the dawn of a new era where Germany makes respect into one of its core values.
Ladies and gentlemen,
in the year 1938, a 12-year-old Jewish boy from Vienna uttered the following words:
“Mum, if we are really so awful and no other country wants to take us in, it is better to call it a day and turn on the gas-tap.”
Never again must we find ourselves in a situation where a human being, worse still, a child, experiences such desperation because of his background.
Thank you very much!


Here are remarks as prepared for delivery by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, PA:
Madam Chair, Honored Delegates, and my fellow Democrats, I stand before you today, not as a Congressman from Baltimore but as the son of former sharecroppers, whose parents started on a farm in the lowlands of South Carolina with no running water and no toilet, but who believed in education and taught their children the value of helping others.
My father, the late Robert Cummings, a man who left school after the fourth grade, was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known. He’d say, “Son, the test of a man is not how much he helps himself. The true test is whether he helps those less fortunate. You go to school to get blessed, so that you can bless.”
That is the standard by which he measured me growing up, it’s the standard by which I still measure myself, and it’s the standard we Democrats use today.
I stand before you because my parents saw promise in their children, but my parents did not do it alone; no one does it alone. It was our Democratic Party that pushed open the Doors of Opportunity for me, and for millions of children all across the country.
It was our party that fought for Head Start and good schools, and made college affordable, and championed Affirmative Action and school desegregation, that passed Social Security and Medicare, that defended our nation abroad and fought for our veterans back home, that protected the rights, and pensions of our workers, and that made the dream of homeownership possible for millions of American families.
It was – and still is – Our Democratic Party that championed civil rights and voting rights. It’s we Democrats who understand that when you take away a person’s right to vote, you take away their ability to shape and determine their own destiny.
And it was – and still is – Our Democratic Party that fights for women’s rights, gay marriage and LGBTQ rights. That does not just believe, but understands, that Black Lives Matter. That recognizes that our communities and our law enforcement work best when we work together.
That knows that our diversity is not our problem, but our promise. And that’s why ours is the party of unity, not division.
I am proud that our party’s platform will help not the wealthy, not the top 1 percent, but instead it will help our struggling middle class, our working families, the disadvantaged and the disabled. It will help the less fortunate.
Our platform has passed my father’s test. And it has done so, not by seeking common ground, but by aspiring to Higher Ground. It envisions a nation where we do not merely increase the minimum wage, but we enact a Living Wage.
It envisions a nation in which we eliminate the death penalty, because as Democrats we value every life, black, white, Asian, Latino… every life.
It envisions a nation where we do not have to choose between protecting the environment and creating jobs, but where we can defend our planet against global warming while, at the same time, enacting policies that foster job creation, incentivize new start-ups, and bring expatriated jobs back home.
It envisions a nation where every child can get a first-rate education and leave school equipped to compete in a global economy.
It envisions an America in which we protect a woman’s right to choose; where everyone can get the health care they need when they need it, regardless of their zip code or circumstance.
Because health care in our country is not a privilege; it is now, thanks to President Obama, our right as Americans.
Madam Chair, when I say my prayers and I look to the heavens, I see the stars. And sometimes, I see my father. I know: tonight he’s smiling down on all of us, and he—like me—is proud. Proud of our Platform Drafting Committee, our truly progressive platform, our great nominee, Hillary Clinton, and our party’s bright future.
And if my father—that brilliant man with a fourth-grade education but a mind full of wisdom and common sense—were standing here tonight, I know he would be proud of all of you.
And he would say. “You are blessed, so you can bless others. Don’t stop!”
God bless each of you, and may God bless America.


Founded in 1994, the Porto-based Parfos is one of the most successful brands in the accessories market. The company currently operates 900 stores across 65 countries, and aims to reach the mark of 1,000 stores by the end of the year. FashionUnited spoke to Susana Coerver, Parfos’ Director of Marketing and Communication about the brand’s expansion plans.
What is your expansion strategy?
We’ve entered several new markets over the past year, including the Netherlands, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Mauritania, Algeria, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Honduras, as well as joining Alibaba’s Tmall Global platform.
This year, expanding in Latin America is our most important goal. We plan on opening 11 more stores in Mexico and entering a new market in the region. We also plan to consolidate our presence in the countries where we already operate, and explore expansion possibilities in Eastern Europe and Asia.
But it’s not just about opening new stores. Making sure there are new items in store every week is a huge priority for us, as we aim to offer customers what they want right away. We’re also constantly working on improving the design and quality of our products.
We also focus on social media, striving to always improve our content. We work with a significant amount of influencers, whom we call “Parfos & Friends”


VU and Orygen, Australia’s centre of excellence in youth mental health, have announced a partnership aimed at boosting youth mental health workforce capacity, and improving mental health outcomes in Melbourne.
Victoria University (VU) is ranked number 9 globally for sport science.*
As leaders in sport we offer over 40 sports-related courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational education (TAFE) levels. Our research in human movement and sport science has a world-class reputation.
We have strong ambitions to be Australia’s leading sport university and a global leader in sport. The VU Sport Strategy, 2019-2023: From Grassroots to Elite will drive us to achieve this ambition.


Dark Horse Comics has announced a release date for the first hardcover volume of a collection of work from legendary French artist Moebius.
The Moebius Library: The World of Edena Volume 1 is expected to be released in the United States on Oct.26.
Dark Horse first announced the project back in October during New York Comic Con.
The volume contains the Edena story arc made up of five chapters: Upon a Star, Gardens of Edena, The Goddess, Stel and Sra. Moebius started the science-fiction series in the early 1980s and continued to work on it on-and-off until around 2001.
It’s been a very, very long time, nearly 20 years, since the series was seen in the U.S.
Graphitti Designs had released an english language collection in hardcover, which included the majority of Edena, in the early 1990s collecting their previous oversized paperback collections.
Those hardcovers are going for astronomical prices on eBay and Amazon, so the Moebius Library from Dark Horse Comics is great news; the series was also eventually published in other languages including Italian, Dutch and Japanese, often in very lavish collections.
From what little I’ve seen so far, it looks pretty interesting, fantastically strange and amazingly rendered (of course).
October can’t come soon enough.
Here’s last year’s press release on the project:
Dark Horse is proud to announce that the library of Mœbius, one of the most influential and respected artists in the history of comics and cartooning, will arrive on store shelves in a gorgeous series of hardcover volumes available for the first time in nearly 20 years.
With a vast array of work showcasing his mastery of realist drawing, Jean Giraud—better known as Mœbius—is one of the most influential bandes dessinées cartoonists in history, with work that helped to define the landscape of science fiction and fantasy comics. His expertise was also showcased on work in film, with credits including Alien, Tron, The Fifth Element and more.
“As a true visionary in the comics medium, it is a pleasure to once again publish collections of Mœbius’ work,” said Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson. “His influence on contemporary comics is undeniable, and it’s a true honor to be working with Isabelle Giraud, his wife and partner, to help ensure that his legacy will continue to live on for a new generation of readers.”
Leave a Reply


Bigger food benefits on the way for women and children, WIC says
WIC benefits get boost from American Rescue Plan Act
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - In time for the holiday season, the Women Infants and Children Nutrition program will have boosted benefits with money from the American Rescue Plan Act according to the Anchorage WIC program manager, Christine Pagano.
Pagano explained that the WIC program is similar to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but with a targeted client base and more resources. It’s specifically intended for women, pregnant and postpartum women, and children up to five years old.
The benefits provided by WIC are fairly sizeable. Before the boost, Pagano said that the benefits were $9 a month for children and $11 a month for women before the American Rescue Plan. Now, they are $24 for children, $43 for pregnant and postpartum women, and $47 for women who are breastfeeding.
The benefits will be running at the increased rate during November and December, Pagano said.
The boost was actually running during the months of July, Aug., and Sept., Pagano said. The Anchorage office thought that they would be losing the added benefit, but then it was extended.
Anchorage residents have been utilizing the WIC program more during the pandemic. About 1,000 people have been added since COVID-19 made times more tough for many people, according to Pagano.
“We have about 5,000 participants, but we estimate that there are probably about another 5,000 that are eligible in Anchorage,” Pagano said.
The money goes straight to participant’s WIC cards to be spent at grocery stores, though Pagano said the money is meant to be spent on specific foods.
“Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products - foods that support the health and development of pregnant women, women after they’ve given birth, and then children up to the age of 5. So we do that, as well as nutrition education, and breast feeding support, and referrals so there’s a lot that happens with WIC.”
She said they even have a transportation program to help women and their children get to the grocery store.
To sign up for these benefits, eligible residents can click here or call the WIC program office in the Anchorage Health Department at 343-4668. Because of the pandemic, Pagano said people have to apply over the phone and online right now.
“They can call us and we can set up an appointment or they can go online and start the application process through that. And it’s really awesome because we’re getting people signed up and on the WIC program, getting benefits within like a couple days,” Pagano said.
Copyright 2021 KTUU. All rights reserved.


The 2019 EDITION Foil Bag will consist of 36 figures all in Home kit, with the figures having 'ATTACK' and 'DEFENCE' ratings under the base.
Arsenal were represented by 2 January signings and ex Borussia Dortmund duo of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Chelsea collectors had a new sculpt to look forward to in defender Andres Christensen, joined by Cesar Azpilicueta and the first Chelsea release of Olivier Giroud.
Foxes fans had Adrien Silva to add to their Leicester City collection, while Liverpool had 5 figures to collect, 2 of which were first time sculpts, those being Naby Keita and Andrew Robertson, joined by the fabulous new sculpt of Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino and Virgil Van Dijk.
Manchester City had the most included of any team, champions rights of course, a whopping 6, which included two very eagerly anticipated first time sculpts, Keeper Ederson and dazzling forward Leroy Sane, both are stunning sculpts!. The other 4 Man City ones are Bernado Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero.


After the recent launch of our new website, and the success of our first Online Exhibition it was great to see a couple of pages dedicated to our group in May’s edition of Algarve Plus Magazine.
It was also very rewarding to see numerous images published as well under the topic of staying home and staying safe. Congratulations to the members who were published.
Algarve Plus is published monthly with 6000 copies distributed through a hand-picked network of locations from Faro to Paderne, Almancil, the Golden Triangle, Loulé, São Brás and Santa Barbara.
If you can’t get your hands on a copy, you can always keep up-to-date with their online edition here.