pred_label
stringclasses 2
values | pred_label_prob
float64 0.5
1
| wiki_prob
float64 0.25
1
| text
stringlengths 147
1.01M
| source
stringlengths 39
45
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
__label__cc
| 0.602588
| 0.397412
|
Wie lange dauert es, ein Bitcoin mit GTX 1080 verminen
Coinbase has lost my money twice now. Once was due to an old account that, thanks to a bug in their verification process, I cannot re-authenticate. I bought 1 bitcoin back when they were only about $50 each with Coinbase. That money is gone forever now. And I acknowledge that it’s my fault that I did not set up a forwarding email with Coinbase, their support just refused to help. The second time was a month ago. I made a trade on Coinbase, and for some reason, the app glitched to think I have 5x more money than I actually… Read more »
dtube Kryptowahrung
Ist Kryptowahrung legal in Dubai
Hat Quantencomputing zerstoren Blockchain
Zahlen Sie Steuern auf Crypto
The term altcoin has various similar definitions. Stephanie Yang of The Wall Street Journal defined altcoins as "alternative digital currencies,"[20] while Paul Vigna, also of The Wall Street Journal, described altcoins as alternative versions of bitcoin.[21] Aaron Hankins of the MarketWatch refers to any cryptocurrencies other than bitcoin as altcoins.[22]
Top 3 Kryptowahrung im Jahr 2018 zu investieren
A cryptocurrency (or crypto currency) is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses strong cryptography to secure financial transactions, control the creation of additional units, and verify the transfer of assets.[1][2][3] Cryptocurrencies use decentralized control as opposed to centralized digital currency and central banking systems.[4]
^ Iansiti, Marco; Lakhani, Karim R. (January 2017). "The Truth About Blockchain". Harvard Business Review. Harvard University. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017. The technology at the heart of bitcoin and other virtual currencies, blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that can record transactions between two parties efficiently and in a verifiable and permanent way.
Litecoin was released via an open-source client on GitHub on October 7, 2011 by Charlie Lee, a Google employee and former Engineering Director at Coinbase.[2][3] The Litecoin network went live on October 13, 2011. It was a fork of the Bitcoin Core client, differing primarily by having a decreased block generation time (2.5 minutes), increased maximum number of coins, different hashing algorithm (scrypt, instead of SHA-256), and a slightly modified GUI.
Wie hebe ich meine Bitcoin von Zwillingen
Litecoin (LTC or Ł) is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency and open-source software project released under the MIT/X11 license. Creation and transfer of coins is based on an open source cryptographic protocol and is not managed by any central authority.[citation needed] Litecoin was an early bitcoin spinoff or altcoin, starting in October 2011.[2] In technical details, litecoin is nearly identical to Bitcoin.
Wie investieren Sie in der Waage
Welches ist der beste Bitcoin Investitionsstandort
Although there are some similarities between BTC and LTC, you can’t define Litecoin without pointing out some key differences, such as instant and near-zero cost transactions, increased speed of adding a new block into the Blockchain (2.5 minutes against 10 in the Bitcoin network) and a scrypt usage in its Proof-of-Work process to make it easier for regular PC users to mine new blocks against ASIC miners. It is also one of the first cryptocurrencies that adopted SegWit.
Ist Kauf Bitcoin-Glucksspiel
Was war zuerst Bitcoin oder Blockchain
If you do have this much money tied up in Bitcoin, though, you may want a more secure space to store it. If this is the case, Coinbase offers a Coinbase vault, which has time-delayed withdrawals (giving you 48 hours to cancel a withdrawal) and the option of multiple approvers, increasing security by ensuring that all withdrawals are approved by multiple people. They also offer a multisig vault, which is basically an even more involved and more secure vault, requiring multiple keys to unlock.
While cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that are managed through advanced encryption techniques, many governments have taken a cautious approach toward them, fearing their lack of central control and the effects they could have on financial security.[81] Regulators in several countries have warned against cryptocurrency and some have taken concrete regulatory measures to dissuade users.[82] Additionally, many banks do not offer services for cryptocurrencies and can refuse to offer services to virtual-currency companies.[83] Gareth Murphy, a senior central banking officer has stated "widespread use [of cryptocurrency] would also make it more difficult for statistical agencies to gather data on economic activity, which are used by governments to steer the economy". He cautioned that virtual currencies pose a new challenge to central banks' control over the important functions of monetary and exchange rate policy.[84] While traditional financial products have strong consumer protections in place, there is no intermediary with the power to limit consumer losses if bitcoins are lost or stolen.[85] One of the features cryptocurrency lacks in comparison to credit cards, for example, is consumer protection against fraud, such as chargebacks.
Kryptowahrung Fragebogen
Sie Banken akzeptieren Bitcoin
Homero Josh Garza, who founded the cryptocurrency startups GAW Miners and ZenMiner in 2014, acknowledged in a plea agreement that the companies were part of a pyramid scheme, and pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2015. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission separately brought a civil enforcement action against Garza, who was eventually ordered to pay a judgment of $9.1 million plus $700,000 in interest. The SEC's complaint stated that Garza, through his companies, had fraudulently sold "investment contracts representing shares in the profits they claimed would be generated" from mining.[70]
Wie viele Menschen wurden Crypto Millionare
Konnen Sie Geld auf Kryptowahrung machen
Zcoin is a privacy focused cryptocurrency that was originally built on the Zerocoin protocol. However, given a number of vulnerabilities in that protocol, they recently moved to a new "Sigma" Protocol that was launched in 2019. Transactions are made private by a privacy enhancement in the protocol called "minting". Before you are able to send transactions, you have to mint new coins. Given that all coin’s transactions originate from a newly minted coin, it is hard to track the origin. Privacy on Zcoin is made possible through the use of Zero Knowledge proofs. You also have Tor integration as well as their recently released "Dandelion" protocol. This will further help to cement user privacy on the network. ZCoin uses a the Merkle Tree Proof of Work algorithm (MTP). This is a memory hard algorithm that is considered to be ASIC resistant and hence less prone to centralisation. Zcoin also has a masternode architecture with their "Znodes" (require 1,000 XZC to stake). In compensation for running this full node, the Znode will receive 30% of the newly minted Zcoins. The team behind the Zcoin protocol is quite extensive experience in blockchain engineering, software development, cryptography and many more. The developers have also been hard at work if you take a look into their GitHub repository. When it comes to markets, XZC is listed on a number of exchanges including MXC, Coinex, Binance, Huobi etc. There appears to be reasonable liquidity on these exchanges which will ease execution. However, XZC is still volatile so trade with caution. *Coin Bureau's views are not investment advice. Do Your Own Research.
Wie investiere ich in Bitcoin UK
Ist Bitcoin legal in Belgien
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2270
|
__label__cc
| 0.672443
| 0.327557
|
Crystal Encyclopedia
Smoky Quartz Meaning and Uses
The Crystal Vaults Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Crystals
Your On-Line Guide to
The Healing Energies, Metaphysical Properties,
Legendary Uses and Meaning
Introduction to the Meaning and Uses of Smoky Quartz
In the realm of dark stones, Smoky Quartz offers a rare and beautiful transparency that draws light into shades of black and brown. With crystals as pale and surreal as a wisp of smoke, as dark and clear as midnight waters, or as warm and rich as a cognac by the fire, this mineral honors its connection with Mother Earth. It is a talisman of the Root Chakra, an anchor in the natural world, drawing white light energy from the Crown down through the body to be deeply rooted into the physical plane. It initiates movement of primal forces within the body and activates one’s survival instincts in a purified way. It brings strength and stability, and a sense of personal pride in walking the Earth and inhabiting a human form. [Raphael, 90][Melody, 607][Lembo, 288]
Smoky Quartz was known as a Stone of Power. To the ancient Druids, it was sacred and signified the potent dark power of Earth gods and goddesses. In other cultures it guided souls to the afterlife, served in shamanistic rituals and tribal ceremonies, and was utilized in magic and scrying to connect with spirits of the lower worlds. Smoky Quartz’s phenomenal power, then and now, lies in its ability to protect and ground one physically and spiritually to this world, and to absorb and transmute significant amounts of negative energy and release it into the Earth to be neutralized naturally. It provides a vital shield against psychic attack, emotional and environmental stress, and is used extensively in healing and meditation. [101 Hall, 192][Hall, 240][Hall En, 186][Simmons, 366][Melody, 606-607][glimmerdream.com]
Smoky Quartz is the national gem of Scotland, a country with the longest historical association with the stone. The Celts, who began colonizing the British Isles around 300 B.C., mined the brownish-gray Quartz in the Cairngorm Mountains of the Scottish highlands, calling the dark brown to black crystals they found Morion, and the yellow-brown to grayish-brown crystals Cairngorm after the mountains where they were located. These stones eventually became prominent adornment for Highlander apparel in the form of jewelry, shoulder brooches and kilt pins, and as power stones on the handles of weaponry, especially the Scottish dagger sgian dubh, a “sock knife” which is still part of a proper kilted dress uniform. [glimmerdream.com][www.urald.ru] The term “Smoky Quartz” was first reported to the gem world by J. S. Dana in 1837 and was named for its color which had been likened to smoke. [Melody En, 741]
Smoky Quartz is readily found in many locations around the world. A variety of Quartz, it is a silicon dioxide mineral ranging in color from pale, smoky gray to deep brown and black, sometimes yellowish-brown. It forms as crystals, drusy or in massive form, and its color is caused by impurities of aluminum and natural irradiation of the stone. Though Smoky Quartz can be nearly opaque, it is almost always transparent to translucent. Many gems on the market are Clear Quartz that have been artificially treated with radium or x-rays to turn the crystals dark, and are usually very dark and unnatural looking, often lacking in transparency. Though Scottish named, the origin of the word morion may have come from the Greek term for “baneful or hideous,” or from the French moreau, meaning “black.” The name may also relate to quadertz, an old German word for a bad mineral. In any event, morion is the German, Danish, Spanish and Polish synonym for Smoky Quartz. Smoky Quartz has also been erroneously marketed as “Smoky Topaz.” [glimmerdream.com][en.wikipedia.org][Megemont, 166][www.mineral.net][www.mindat.org][Simmons, 366][Raphael, 92]
In the metaphysical world, Smoky Quartz is one of the most efficient crystals for grounding and cleansing. Alone, or naturally blended with other Quartz, it provides some of the finest healing tools available. Some varieties include:
Brandberg Smoky Quartz - an extraordinary blend of Amethyst, Clear and Smoky Quartz together in one exceedingly high-vibrational crystal. It is found only in Namibia, Africa, and is imbued with remarkable phantoms, enhydros, and other rare formations and inclusions. It attunes to pure consciousness and is a potent talisman of healing and perfection with the capacity to restore one back to their etheric blueprint in order to realign with the Divine Source. (See the Brandberg Amethyst page for complete info.)
Smoky Amethyst Quartz - a combination of Amethyst and Smoky Quartz, often included as a phantom or distinct patch within a point; an extremely useful combination for soul healing and protection. It assists in contacting the highest possible spiritual energies, then grounds that energy into the body. It is perfect for clearing entities, unwanted influences and attachments, especially at the Third Eye, and protects against psychic attack and alien invasion. It assists disconnection between those who have previously made a mystic marriage and are still intertwined at the higher spiritual chakras. This stone amplifies and directs sound healing, creating a two-way flow of energy.
Smoky Citrine Quartz - a combination of Citrine and Smoky Quartz, characterized by dark brownish-yellow patches in clear crystal; excellent for removing blockages from one’s spiritual path, and for enhancing metaphysical abilities and grounding them into everyday reality. As a variety of Citrine, this crystal does not hold negative energy and never needs cleansing. It assists in reframing vows taken in other lives, especially those of poverty and chastity, and lets go of old beliefs and thought forms that mire one down. It allows one to move out of present circumstances or an environment that precludes expansion and opens the way to abundance.
Morion - rare, naturally irradiated, very dark brown to black Smoky Quartz, usually with Dolomite or other minerals attached that enhance its shielding and detoxifying properties. It gently heals emotional conditions and trauma, overcomes lack of trust, and supports one in coping with stress and strain. It promotes alertness and productivity, and helps one tackle important tasks with zeal.
Cairngorm - yellowish-brown Smoky Quartz from the Cairngorm Mountains; brings light into the heart of darkness. It is exceptional for keeping one safe while traversing dark places or shadow worlds, or when dealing with negative energies to find light, and for its ability to synthesize alpha, beta, and theta brainwaves during meditation and journeying.
(For more information, see The Crystal Bible 2, The Encyclopedia of Crystals, and 101 Power Crystals by Judy Hall; also Healing Crystals by Michael Gienger.)
Although Smoky Quartz grounds nearly all the negativity it absorbs into the Earth, its vigilance is constant. Energetically cleansing this crystal on a regular basis is still recommended. [Simmons, 366]
Smoky Quartz Uses and Purposes
Hold Smoky Quartz to relieve tension and stress, anxiety, or panic attacks; also to ward off negative thinking, and to eliminate worry and doubt when faced with chaos or confusion. To absorb misfortune, sorrow or seemingly impossible obstacles, hold faceted or natural points of Smoky Quartz in each hand pointed down toward the ground, then consciously release these negative energies to Mother Earth for cleansing and repurposing. [Lembo, 288][Gienger, 80][Eason, 122]
Smoky Quartz links with the Earth stimulating concern for the environment and inspiring ecological solutions. Use its protective energies to block geopathic stress and absorb electromagnetic smog given off by power lines and electronics. It is invaluable in layouts for environmental healing, and assists elimination and detoxification on all levels, ushering in positive energy in its place. [Hall, 240][Hall En, 186][Ahsian, 367][Lembo, 288]
An extraordinary amulet of protection, Smoky Quartz helps guard the home, vehicles and possessions against theft, damage and accidents caused by human error. Keep one in a purse, a bag in the glove box or near valuables, especially if left unattended for long periods of time. As a driving crystal, Smoky Quartz protects against road rage and other harm while driving on motorways, on long journeys or in heavy traffic by reducing stress and increasing concentration. It also shields against unexpected mechanical breakdowns. [Eason, 122]
Place Smoky Quartz in the home or work environment to filter out bad moods, unspoken resentments, or disparaging remarks that drain one’s strength and enthusiasm. To shield against hostility or gossip in the workplace, or a bullying boss or manager, set dark Smoky Quartz points outwards on your desk in a semi-circle to create a calm, safe area in which to work. [Eason, 41, 122][Simmons, 366]
Wear or carry Smoky Quartz to enhance survival instincts, and for assistance in reaching personal and business goals, as well as manifesting dreams and ideas into reality. This crystal promotes rational, pragmatic thought processes and improves calculation and organization. It increases focus and may be used in group situations to alleviate communication difficulties and foster a spirit of cooperation. [Melody, 607][Simmons, 366][Hall, 240][Gienger, 80][www.crystalskulls.com]
Smoky Quartz is a remarkable aid for quitting smoking, gradually reducing the urge to smoke, as well as softening the anger and agitation associated with nicotine withdrawal and the detoxification process. [Lembo, 289][Megemont, 167]
Smoky Quartz Healing Therapies - Overview
(Please note: Information on this web site is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this web site, including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only. Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements or exercise programs.)
Smoky Quartz Physical Healing Energy
Because Smoky Quartz is naturally irradiated, it draws upon those frequencies to counter negative effects of radiation, including sunburn, exposure to radioactive materials, medical radiation and chemotherapy. It has also been used to relieve chronic pain, muscle cramps, headaches and tension of the shoulders and back. [Ahsian, 367][Hall, 240-241][Gienger, 80][Eason, 122]
Like other forms of Quartz, Smoky Quartz may be used in treatments of the adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys and other organs of elimination to energetically remove toxins from the body. It is believed to help regulate fluids within the body and the assimilation of minerals. [101 Hall, 192][Melody, 607][Eason, 122][Hall, 241]
Smoky Quartz is thought to protect the pulmonary tracts and regenerate the bronchi, and to benefit the reproductive system, muscle and nerve tissues. It is particularly effective for ailments of the abdomen, hips and legs. [Megemont, 167][Hall, 241][Hall En, 186]
Smoky Quartz Emotional Healing Energy
Smoky Quartz allows one to attune to the light instead of being consumed by life. Rather than merely surfacing negative energies and emotional blockages, this crystal gently dissolves these energies as it encounters them, allowing positive frequencies to take their place. It relieves fear, stress, anger and unspoken resentment, lifts depression and fatigue, and teaches one how to let go of what is no longer necessary for growth. It is a good stone for those who tend to be suicidal in nature or ambivalent about being in incarnation, by helping them come to terms with their physical body, their life and the world around them. Smoky Quartz brings assistance in tolerating difficult times with equanimity and resolve, and inspires one to be more engaged in the world. It lends the power to create and change one’s reality and to manifest one’s dreams. [Raphael, 91][Melody, 606-607][Hall, 240][Simmons, Ahsian, 366-367]
Smoky Quartz Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy
Smoky Quartz is one of the most powerful stones to use in crystal healing layouts to activate and purify the Base or Root Chakra. It may also be used to balance and direct the energy of the upper chakras to the Base Chakra, making the whole system radiant with light and laying a foundation on which the spiritual force can be manifested in the physical body. [Raphael, 90]
The Base, or Root Chakra, is located at the base of the spine and controls the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical and spiritual energy for the body. When the Base Chakra is in balance, the physical body gains strength and stamina, and spiritual energy is rekindled in the form of security and sense of one’s own power. It often leads to independence and spontaneous leadership.
Smoky Quartz is also an excellent stone for grounding in crystal healing layouts. Clusters or single generators may be placed at the instep of each foot, at the knees, upon the groin points, and/or in each hand. If the termination of the crystal is directed toward the body, it draws in and circulates healing light. Facing the point away from the body directs negative energies out of the physical and subtle bodies. Grounding all bodies to the healing vibration discourages a healing crises which could occur while activating the energy centers. [Raphael, 92][Melody, 607][Hall, 241][101 Hall, 193]
Smoky Quartz may be used to protect the Earth Chakra below the feet and its grounding chord, or for gridding around an area of disturbed earth-energy. [Hall, 240][Hall En, 186] The Earth Chakra is located between and slightly below the feet. It holds the soul into carnation and creates a solid connection to the planet Earth, allowing excess and out-of-balance energies to flow from the body.
Smoky Quartz Spiritual Energy
Providing a protective barrier of energy around the user, Smoky Quartz offers exceptional grounding and stability when working in the higher realms, helping one to receive and utilize more high-frequency Light energy. It is a remarkable tool for focused prayer and deep meditation, spiritual ceremonies and rituals, as well as strengthening the link of communication when contacting other worlds. It may also be used as a psychopomp for guiding souls to the other side. [Melody, 606-607][Lembo, 288][Simmons, Ahsian, 366-367][Hall En, 186]
Smoky Quartz also has a propensity for enticing the ethereal into manifestation. While wearing or carrying Smoky Quartz, one may be more apt to observe phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, fairies or spirit guides. Unlike situations where one’s vibration is raised to a higher level of perceptual ability, Smoky Quartz draws the entities or phenomena into one’s auric field and down to one’s level of perception. [Simmons, 366]
Smoky Quartz Color Energy
Smoky Quartz utilizes various shades of black to deepen our connection to the physical, natural world. It brings power and strength, relieving fears specifically associated with the physical existence here on Earth. Black crystals offer protection and a retreat, the safety of being hidden from your enemies.
Smoky Quartz in shades of brown also brings connection with the natural world. It is the color influence of home, hearth, and nature. It helps you relax, reconnect, and regain your composure. It is a grounding stone, promoting security and stability.
Meditation with Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz is an ideal crystal for grounding the spirit in meditation, relieving barriers between the alpha and beta states of mind in order to set aside the thinking mind and stop the mental chatter that consumes one’s consciousness. It allows one to simply be in the moment, clear all thought and attune to higher awareness. Smoky Quartz refines one’s vibratory energies and allows for a deep, prolonged meditative state, and may be used to initiate a powerful force field which can absorb many forms of negativity, both from within oneself and from outer sources. [Melody, 606][Hall, 240][Lembo, 288] Smoky Quartz is also ideal for meditative use in the West section of a medicine wheel, accompanying one through the gates of death into the otherworld and rebirth. [Hall II, 371]
Smoky Quartz Divination
The Divinatory meaning of Smoky Quartz: There is light at the end of the tunnel and you will slowly see improvements in a long-standing worry soon. [Eason, 122]
Smoky Quartz and the Angelic Realm
Smoky Quartz occurs in various shades of brown and black. If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, a Smoky Quartz of the color listed can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.
Name of Guardian Angel
There are other Angels that are partial to Smoky Quartz. The table below gives you information about them.
Name of Angel
Master of the 9th Tarot Card “The Hermit”.
Master of the 15th Tarot Card “Devil”.
Smoky Quartz Goddess Crystals
Smoky Quartz honors Hecate, the Thracian Goddess of Wisdom, Crossroads and Ghosts. She is also Goddess of the Occult and the Dark Moon, the side we are unable to see. She has power over the heavens, earth and the underworld.
Smoky Quartz honors Gaia, the Greek Earth Mother Goddess. Born directly out of Chaos, the primal emptiness, she was the first (or one of the first) beings to appear during the process of creation, and is honored as being the Earth itself.
All crystals of Quartz honor Gendenwitha, the Morning Star Goddess of the Iroquois; and Quartz clusters honor Ixcuiname, the Mayan Goddess of the Four Ages of Women.
There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with. The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac.
In this section you will find information on all three approaches.
Smoky Quartz Traditional Birthstone
Smoky Quartz is not a traditional birthstone
Smoky Quartz Natural Birthstone.
Smoky Quartz is not a Natural Birthstone.
Smoky Quartz - Zodiac Stone
Smoky Quartz has an affinity with all of the signs. It is particularly helpful to reduce Capricorn’s tendency toward self-criticism, and to give Librans the courage to look within and heal long buried wounds. [Megemont, 167]
Smoky Quartz Talismans and Amulets
Smoky Quartz is a Seeker Transformer crystal. Seekers contain a crystal energy structure that aligns the natural energy of the crystal to the natural power of the human mind in finding the way to new horizons and new capabilities. They’re pointers, directors, and compasses; the fresh start crystals. These are talismans of the scientist, the adventurer, the hunter, wanderer, and explorer. They’re also crystals of the student and the researcher.
Transformer crystals enhance efforts to change our situations, prospects, health, outlook or relationships. By transforming ourselves we transform our lives. We learn to dance, speak a new language, grow stronger, or become a better spouse or child. Seeker crystals with the earth power of the Transformer are excellent talismans to aid our efforts to grow, develop new capabilities and change our lives.
Smoky Quartz Feng Shui
Smoky Quartz utilizes Wood energy, the energy of growth, expansion, new beginnings, nourishment and health. It enhances vitality, brings abundance, and keeps us growing physically. Use brown crystals to enhance any space used for eating, in the room of a small child, or in a place of your home where you are beginning a new project. Wood energy is traditionally associated with the East and Southeast areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Family and Health area, and the Prosperity and Abundance area.
Smoky Quartz Lore and Legend
Smoky Quartz was a sacred stone to the ancient Druids and Celts who began colonizing the British Isles around 300 B.C. The clear, yet earthy color symbolized the potent dark power of Earth gods and goddesses, and was often associated with Hecate, goddess of the Occult and the Dark Moon, and Crom Dubh, the god of the Harvest, known as the “dark bent one” or “black bowed one.” Due to its smoky and sometimes ghostly effects in appearance, Smoky Quartz was also linked with Samhain, the Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, the “darker half” of the year. This festival was celebrated with huge bonfires which had great protective qualities as it was believed at this time spirits and fairies could more easily enter our world. [101 Hall, 192][www.controverscial.com][glimmerdream.com][en.wikipedia.org]
Smoky Quartz was, and is still, a favorite ornamental stone of the Scottish dirk, or sgian dubh (Gaelic for “black dagger”) - a long straight-bladed dagger with a black handle made of bog oak, a hard jet-black wood. This small but deadly weapon was customarily carried in a place of concealment, often under the armpit. When calling on another household, protocol dictated all weapons, including claymore or broadsword, dirk, a pair of pistols and a horn, all be left at the front door. Because of rapidly shifting loyalties, however, Highlanders usually kept their sgian dubh close at hand, even when visiting “friends,” but out of courtesy to the host would remove it from under the armpit and place it where it could be seen, typically in the stocking. [glimmerdream.com]
A crystal sphere of Smoky Quartz, two and a half inches in diameter, tops the Scepter of Power in the “Honors of Scotland,” as the Royal Jewels are called. They are comprised of the Crown, Sword and Scepter; the oldest being the Scepter, a gift from Pope Alexander VI to King James IV as a symbol of papal support for Scotland, a “special daughter of the Holy See.” [101 Hall, 192][glimmerdream.com][www.controverscial.com]
The world’s largest known Cairngorm crystal weighs 52 lbs. and resides at Braemar Castle in Scotland. It is just slightly larger than one bought by Queen Victoria now on display in Balmoral Castle. [www.urald.ru][en.wikipedia.org][glimmerdream.com][cairngorms.co.uk]
In the ancient world, Smoky Quartz and other varieties of Quartz were used by the Romans to carve intaglio seals. The Sumerians cut and engraved it as cylinder seals and later as ring seals. Smoky Quartz was popular in China for making snuff boxes, as well as being cut into flat panes and used as early sunglasses. These lenses provided no corrective properties, nor protected from UV rays, but did counter glare. Ancient documents describe the use of these crystal sunglasses by judges in Chinese courts to hide their facial expressions when interrogating witnesses. [www.jewelsforme.com][glimmerdream.com][www.glasseshistory.com][en.wikipedia.org]
In Switzerland, Germany and Austria, Smoky Quartz crucifixes were traditionally put on bedroom walls at night as a guardian against bad luck and to keep evil away, both human and paranormal. [Eason, 122]
A sphere of Smoky Quartz currently displayed in the British Museum is reputed to be the famous “shew-stone” of Dr. John Dee, the alchemist, mathematician, astrologer, magician, and court diviner to Queen Elizabeth I of England. Dr. Dee alleges the crystal was brought to him by the great angel, Uriel, who informed him that by gazing into the sphere he could communicate with otherworldly spirits. Scrying with Dr. Dee’s “shew-stone,” an associate, Sir Edward Kelly, claimed to have obtained a series of diagrams containing the “keys to all the mysteries of the Universe.” [101 Hall, 192][glimmerdream.com][www.controverscial.com]
Smoky Quartz has a history of being used in shamanistic rituals and North American tribal ceremonies to enhance stability and provide protection from any detrimental forces present in the ethereal realm. It was often found at the top of ritual wands and was reported to be particularly prized by the Cherokees. [Melody, 607][Melody En, 741][www.crystalskulls.com]
Smoky Quartz is said to create an astral pathway to past worlds or out-of-body travel when candlelight is shined into its center and the mind is allowed to follow its path. Smoky Quartz spheres are considered to be the most effective for this use. [Eason, 122]
Footnote References
The symbols [ ] enclose the author's name and a page number for a reference cited from the following books:
[Ahsian, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).
[Altman, pp.] Jennifer Altman, Gem and Stone: Jewelry of Earth, Sea, and Sky. (San Francisco, Chronicle Books, 2012)
[Eason, pp. ]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).
[Fernie, pp.] William T. Fernie, The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones (Blauvelt, NY: Rudolph Steiner Publications, 1973).
[Gienger, pp.] Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals (Scotland: Earthdancer Books, 2009).
[Hall, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003).
[Hall II, pp.]Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009).
[Hall III, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 3 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2013).
[Hall En ,pp.] Judy Hall, The Encyclopedia of Crystals, (Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press, 2013).
[Hall Cr, pp.] Judy Hall, Crystals to Empower You (Blue Ash, OH, Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2013).
[101 Hall , pp.] Judy Hall, 101 Power Crystals (Beverly, MA: Fair Winds Press, 2011).
[Kunz, pp.] George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (New York: Dover Publications, 1971).
[Lecouteux, pp.] Claude Lecouteux, A Lapidary of Sacred Stones (Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions, U.S. edition, 2012).
[Lembo, pp.] Margaret Lembo The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals, & Stones (Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Worldwide, 2013).
[Margherita,pp.] Margherita, The Crystal Lotus Handbook (Ontario, Canada: The Crystal Lotus, 2010).
[Megemont, pp.] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).
[Mella, pp.] Dorothee L. Mella, Stone Power II (Albuquerque, NM: Brotherhood of Life, Inc., 1986).
[Melody, pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).
[Melody, EN,pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth -The Crystal and Minerals Encyclopedia (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 2007).
[Raphaell, pp.] Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, NM: Aurora Press, 1985)
[Simmons, pp.] [Ahsian,] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).
Polished Smoky Quartz Flame
× Category: Flames
× Price: $0.00 - $47.99
quartz - smoky (4)
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2272
|
__label__cc
| 0.595092
| 0.404908
|
Jennifer Pol Colin
A native of France and expatriate in the United States, Jennifer runs Little Print Fabrics Studio in San Diego, California, where kids and grown-ups love to sew creatively.
When Jennifer arrived in the USA with 3 very little girls and an old 220V sewing machine, she was amazed by the sewing and craft supplies readily available in her new adoptive country and didn’t wait to sew for her new home and her family.She sewed as she never sewed before, and she started sharing her sewing journey through a blog named ‘'My Little Print Fabrics.'' She quickly had the opportunity to teach craft and sewing classes in schools and was happy to discover there was a new generation of very creative girls eager to learn how to sew.
Teaching sewing appeared to be a new vocation for Jennifer. Consistently inspired by her 3 daughters, she designed unique patterns for young sewers. Her hobby quickly turned into a full-time career.
With an intense teaching schedule filled with learning and designing in her studio, she wanted to write a book that reflects her classes. A deep lover of handmade textiles and unique personal goods and clothing, Jennifer wanted a book that empowers and encourages the maker to artistically personalize their project.
This book takes up the challenge to successfully mix creativity, playful ideas, and technical sewing skills.
By this author:
Sew Creative
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2274
|
__label__cc
| 0.655314
| 0.344686
|
Video: HTC Shows Us Their History Through the Smartphone Evolution
Tim May 24, 2013 49
HTC has been in the smartphone game since its inception, so sometimes you just have to give credit where it's due. They created the first Android phone that was built for consumers and even made some of the first devices to even feature keyboards and...
DROID Eris Bootloader Unlocked Thanks To HTCDev Site
Tim February 16, 2012 47
If anyone needs their DROID Eris unlocked after all these years, you can now do so at the HTCDev.com site. Whether you are into HTC phones or not, the fact that they are going back this far to allow a phone to be unlockable is impressive, to say the least....
DROID Eris Receives Update, Multimedia Bug Fixes and Various Other Enhancements
Kellen March 3, 2011 23
Long live the DROID Eris! A 13.3MB update is either available right now or at least will be in the very near future and will bring one of our original family members up to version 2.41.605.6. What's included? A bunch of multimedia bug fixes it looks like. ...
DROID Eris Running Gingerbread, I’m Officially Stunned
Kellen December 29, 2010 53
I know, I know, we shouldn't be surprised at the fact that someone is porting Android 2.3 to the Droid Eris, but since it's actually at an almost working state, it needs to be talked about. XDA member punk.kaos is leading a charge to bring a stable version of...
Android 2.2 Not Coming to DROID Eris
Kellen September 17, 2010 80
That poor Droid Eris. According to Verizon spokeswoman Brenda Raney, there are no plans to bring Android 2.2 to this long lost and original family member. There are "other options in Android devices" these days meaning...well, we're not sure what that means....
Asurion No Longer Replacing DROIDs for DROIDs, Production Stopped by Motorola
Kellen July 22, 2010 218
We've heard rumors that the original Droid is nearing "end of life" status, but according to cell phone insurance machine Asurion, it's already there. You see, we've received a handful of emails from frustrated readers who attempted to make claims on broken...
Breaking: DROID Eris Receiving Update July 16th
Kellen July 12, 2010 53
According to Verizon, Droid Eris users should expect to see an OTA update starting Friday July 16th. This update is not to Android 2.2, but does feature a bundle of OS enhancements. Here are the details... You haven't been forgotten about just yet Eris users!...
Verizon Waves Goodbye to DROID Eris, Incredible Next?
Kellen June 22, 2010 121
In the screenie above, I've filtered Big Red's site by smartphone>Android>HTC and you can clearly see that the Droid Eris has been removed. In fact, you can search for Eris all over their site and find nothing but past support documents and accessories....
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2281
|
__label__wiki
| 0.510053
| 0.510053
|
Technical University of Denmark Collaboration Collaboration news Millions for research into antibiotic resistance and better drugs
Technical University of Denmark Collaboration Collaboration news Millions for research into antibiotic...
Millions for research into antibiotic resistance and better drugs
Cells Synthetic biology Genes and genomes Medical equipment and systems Health and diseases
Thursday 26 Jan 17
by Claus Tonsberg
Frank Møller Aarestrup
Professor, Head of Research Group
fmaa@food.dtu.dk
Tilmann Weber
Thomas Lars Andresen
Head of department, professor
tlan@dtu.dk
About the Novo Nordisk Foundation
The Novo Nordisk Foundation is an independent Danish foundation with corporate interests.
The objective of the Novo Nordisk Foundation is twofold:
To provide a stable basis for the commercial and research activities conducted by the companies within the Novo Group.
To support scientific and humanitarian purposes.
The Foundation uses its independence, flexibility, and long-term perspective to promote world-class research. In this way the Foundation contributes to developing solutions that address the pressing challenges of the future – to benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
In a press release issued today, the Novo Nordisk Foundation reveals that it is grating a total of DKK 300 million (EUR 40 million) to five ambitious research projects on antimicrobial resistance and the development of better drugs. DTU heads up three of the five projects, which will each receive DKK 60 million (EUR 8 million) from the foundation.
The Challenge Programme
The grants are part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme, which annually funds up to six projects with DKK 10 million over a period of six years, for a total of DKK 60 million.
"With the Challenge Programme Novo Nordisk Foundation aims to support and promote world-class research focused on finding answers to contemporary challenges in global technology or health," says Niels-Henrik von Holstein-Rathlou, Head of Research and Innovation Grants in the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Analysing wastewater from 100 countries to reduce antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health. In a collaboration between researchers from DTU and the University of Edinburgh, Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup from DTU Food heads up an ambitious new research project to collect and analyse untreated wastewater from more than 100 cities throughout the world with the aim of increasing knowledge on the global prevalence and acquisition of antibiotic resistance. The researchers thus hope to be able to create the basis for new procedures and methods for reducing antibiotic resistance globally and optimizing the use of the most effective antibiotics.
“We hope to show that the prevalence of antibiotic resistance can be monitored in up to half the world’s population. This type of monitoring programme will vastly improve understanding of the prevalence and spread of antibiotic resistance and the measures each country should take,” says Professor Aarestrup.
Learn more about the project.
Producing antibiotics using cell factories
Antibiotic resistance is increasing, and new antibiotics are desperately needed to combat infections. The project group will use innovative screening technologies to identify new potential antibiotics and the genes that code for their biosynthesis. These data will enable the bacteria to be used as cell factories to produce large quantities of antibiotics. The project will identify thousands of unknown genes that are involved in synthesizing antibiotics and will develop new biosynthetic production processes. Most important of all, the project will discover molecules that can potentially be developed into antibiotics.
Senior Researcher Tilmann Weber, DTU Biosustain—The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, heads up the projects which is a collaboration between DTU (Denmark), KAIST (South Korea), and Fundación Medina (Spain).
“Our current antibiotics rapidly become ineffective, subjecting people to the risk of dying from even simple infections. We need to find new antibiotics now – and we need to optimize how we discover them,” says Tilmann Weber.
From needles to capsules
Insulin is a medicine that can only currently be administered by using syringes and needles. Injecting insulin causes great discomfort for many people, creates a risk of infection and often requires trained health personnel, which is expensive for society.
Developing new methods that enable people to take drugs as capsules instead would be significant the people using the medicine and for society. The greatest impediment to success is that many of the important drugs, especially proteins, are not absorbed by the intestines.
“We want to develop new methods in our new centre that can significantly increase the absorption of pharmaceutical proteins in the intestines so that these drugs can be administered to people as tablets or capsules,” says Professor Thomas Lars Andresen, DTU Nanotech.
Professor Andresen heads up the project which is a collaboration between DTU, Harvard Medical School (USA), and Monash University (Australia).
Learn more about the project
15 January 2020 Online calculator can predict mixture...
16 December 2019 Using knowledge of gut bacteria...
11 December 2019 DTU’s part in assessing the safety...
29 November 2019 ’Batman’ yeast makes fruity, milky...
28 November 2019 Enough professionals to assess...
27 November 2019 DTU students win award in synthetic...
21 November 2019 DTU expands its international advisory...
19 November 2019 DKK 18,5 million for independent...
13 November 2019 Bio-pheromones successfully tested...
07 November 2019 Complex model of the human brain...
https://www.dtu.dk/english/collaboration/collaboration-news/Nyhed?id=%7B39201475-593E-41C9-B63E-08C790731768%7D
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2282
|
__label__cc
| 0.742361
| 0.257639
|
Our Sponsored Organization
Naming Opportunity
Money Zakat
CT campaign
Support Areas
Scientific Advancement
Capacity & Program Expansion
Aya Asem is a 57357’s hero who defeated cancer and decided to pay the Hospital back by working for it
Shorouk, a 57357 hero, celebrates the last chemotherapy dose intake and wishes to become a teacher
In collaboration with Dana Farber Boston Children’s (DFBC): Hospital 57357 celebrates the graduation of 2015 and 2016 joint 57357/DFBC pediatric oncology fellowship training cohorts
In attendance of the Hospital management, Dana Farber Boston Children’s professors, Dr. Ahmed Alhiwy, treasurer of the council of Ministers’ education fund of and the graduates’ families, 57357 celebrated the graduation of 10 students representing 2015 and 2016 cohorts of the pediatric oncology fellowship training program. The program is the fruit of a collaborative effort joining Hospital 57357, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Boston Children’s Hospital instructors who are experts and leaders in this field as well as the sponsorship of Egyptian Cancer Network, ECN-US and the Association of Friends of the National Cancer-free Initiative, AFNCI. The goal of the training which sarted in 2012 is to create a new generation of pediatric oncologists capable of producing change in their own settings in this part of the world. The program duration is 30 months 27 of which are spent in Hospital 57357 and 3 months of observer ship in Boston Children’s Hospital. Up till now 28 trainees were enrolled in the program among whom four came from Kenya, Ethiopia, Kuwait and Sudan. Also attending the celebration were Dr. Hatem Abou El Kassem, dean of Egypt’s National Cancer Institute, as well as its head of pediatric oncology department, Dr. Emad Ebeid.
“Keep learning, transfer your expertise to others and dedicate your selves to helping patients”, with these words the Hospital’s general manager started his speech talking to the graduates. He stressed that the 57357 Institution is committed to spending on developing the skills and expertise and upgrade its resources to enhance the performance and improve the quality of services. The celebration included a speech by Dr. Mark. Kieran, director pediatric neuro-oncology, Harvard Medical School who expressed his excitement and how proud he was of the students who exerted utmost efforts to successfully pass the program. In a speech by Dr. Liliana C. Goumnerova, Associate Professor, Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, she said : I feel you are like my family, for the warm and friendly atmosphere that prevails between students, instructors and the program administration.
In his speech, Dr. Alhiwy expressed his pride of the Hospital that he visits for the first time and said that he sensed the positive energy everywhere in the Hospital. He also offered to help the Hospital in any way it needs.
The graduates expressed their enthusiasm about the program saying: it is a program that prepares leaders that are capable of making a change, as they learn during the program how to work in a team, exchange experiences and skills, put theory into practice and engage in research.
Egypt Cancer Network, ECN’s annual 2019 event in California stands out with the attendance of Nabila Makram , Egypt’s Minister of Immigration
Egypt Cancer Network 57357 and AFNCI (ECN), a U.S. based 501c3 non-profit (Tax ID: 26-2192003) helping to further cancer education, research, and care as well as medical infrastructure in Egypt.
© 2019 ECN USA All Rights Reserved , powered by
Subscribe to our email newsletter for ECN USA updates and news .
In 57357, with every new day, a child will overcome cancer and will resume his normal life. With your support... https://t.co/2d14ySNhNv
— Egypt Cancer Network (@EgyptCancer) May 17, 2017
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2288
|
__label__cc
| 0.524985
| 0.475015
|
Amazon dominates the online sales of four major toy brands
James Melton | Mar 21, 2018
For online sales of Lego, Mattel, Hasbro and Nintendo products, Amazon's market share was 83.3% or higher, according to Jumpshot.
One reason that Toys R Us may soon be a relic of the past? Amazon.com Inc.’s dominance of online toy sales.
The retail giant, the No. 1 retailer in the Internet Retailer 2017 Top 500, accounted for a vast majority of online sales across four major toy brands while Toys R Us Inc. lagged far behind and suffered from a plummeting conversion rate in early 2018, according to a new analysis from marketing analytics firm Jumpshot Inc.
The demise of Toys R Us puts a lot of toy sales up for grabs
Jumpshot analyzed online sales from four top toy brands, at Lego, Mattel, Hasbro and Nintendo. In each case, Amazon garnered no less than 83.3% of online sales for those brands. Toys R Us, on the other hand, had a mere 12.7% share of online Hasbro purchases and a lower share for the other three brands, Jumpshot finds. In each case, either Toys R Us or Walmart Inc. (No. 3) came in a distant second, with the other ranking third.
Adding to Toys R Us’s challenges is its online conversion rate has been steadily declining. The firm says total conversions for ToysRUs.com dipped 41% and 43% in January and February compared to the same period a year earlier. By contrast, conversion rates for the “toys and video games” category across all e-commerce sites were flat in January and down 18% in February compared to a year earlier, according to the analysis.
Deren Baker, CEO of Jumpshot, says the firm’s data shows e-commerce giants like Amazon and Walmart account for more than half online retail purchases. “Of that number over two-thirds goes directly to Amazon,” Baker says. “Combine the sales volume these e-commerce giants deliver for toy manufacturers with all the unique benefits like Amazon Prime, a great online shopping experience and the vast array of products these marketplaces offer, it’s tough to imagine a scenario where Toysrus.com could be very competitive just reselling the products Amazon already offers.”
Toys R Us is currently liquidating its U.S. operations. The toy retailer is ranked No. 38 in the Internet Retailer 2017 Top 1000, with online sales of $1.7 billion.
Retail analytics firm One Click Retail estimates Amazon’s U.S. toy sales were $4.5 billion in 2017, an increase of 12% compared to 2016. Amazon’s top toy category, One Click says, is infant/preschool, with $650 million in estimated sales. One Click also estimates Amazon’s share of the total U.S. toy market (online and offline) at roughly 16.7%.
In an ongoing effort to understand the most vital business strategies of merchants that sell online, Internet Retailer is taking a deep dive on conversion rate. Help us improve our estimates and category benchmarks by answering the two questions below.
Toys 'R' Us
Amazon considers buying Toys R Us retail spaces
Bloomberg News | Mar 20, 2018
Toys R Us collapses after rescue efforts fail
Staff and Bloomberg report | Mar 15, 2018
Toys R Us appears ready to liquidate its US operations
Bloomberg News | Mar 8, 2018
An Amazon credit card for small businesses?
Amazon offloads costs to suppliers to curb losses in price war
Walmart's e-commerce progress
Fareeha Ali | Feb 21, 2018
A shrinking Toys R Us store count may make more room for rivals
Sarah Halzack | Dec 19, 2017
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2290
|
__label__wiki
| 0.714325
| 0.714325
|
Stock News: 10 Stocks Going Ex-Dividend on Monday-Friday, August 3-7
https://www.dividend.com/stock-news-10-stocks-going-ex-dividend-on-mon-fri-august-3-7/
Abhishek Gupte Aug 01, 2015
Because timing is key with dividend investing, ex-dividend dates are essential pieces of information for investors. For a deeper analysis, take a look at Everything Investors Need to Know About Ex-Dividend Dates.
1. Idacorp
Idacorp (IDA ) offers a dividend yield of 3.07% based on Thursday’s closing price of $61.32 and pays a dividend of $0.60. The stock is down 13% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Idacorp as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.9).
2. Reinsurance Group of America
Reinsurance Group of America (RGA ) offers a dividend yield of 1.52% based on Thursday’s closing price of $97.44 and pays a dividend of $1.48. The stock is down 1.28% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Reinsurance Group of America as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.4 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.6).
3. Cabot Oil & Gas
Cabot Oil & Gas (COG ) offers a dividend yield of 0.31% based on Thursday’s closing price of $26.02 and pays a dividend of $0.08. The stock is down 26.99% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Cabot Oil & Gas as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.7).
4. Cheesecake Factory
Cheesecake Factory (CAKE ) offers a dividend yield of 1.14% based on Thursday’s closing price of $57.74 and pays a dividend of $0.66. The stock is down 0.62% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Cheesecake Factory as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.7).
5. Northfield Bancorp
Northfield Bancorp (NFBK ) offers a dividend yield of 1.86% based on Thursday’s closing price of $15.08 and pays a dividend of $0.28. The stock is down 4.92% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Northfield Bancorp as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4.0 (sector average is 3.6).
6. MDC Holdings
MDC Holdings (MDC ) offers a dividend yield of 3.38% based on Thursday’s closing price of $29.57 and pays a dividend of $1. The stock is down 5.32% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates MDC Holdings as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.2 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.5 (sector average is 3.8).
7. Columbia Banking Systems Inc
Columbia Banking Systems Inc (COLB ) offers a dividend yield of 2.19% based on Friday’s closing price of $32.66 and pays a dividend of $0.72. The stock is down 2.5% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Columbia Banking Systems as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3.2 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 4 (sector average is 3.6).
8. Acacia Research Corp
Acacia Research Corp (ACTG ) offers a dividend yield of 5.32% based on Friday’s closing price of $9.51 and pays a dividend of $0.50. The stock is down 52% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Acacia Research Corp as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.5 (sector average is 3.7).
9. Pacific Coast Oil Trust
Pacific Coast Oil Trust (ROYT ) offers a dividend yield of 14.37% based on Friday’s closing price of $3.21 and pays a dividend of $0.46. The stock is down 72.9% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates Pacific Coast oil Trust as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.5 (sector average is 3.2).
10. First Niagara Financial
First Niagara Financial (FNFG ) offers a dividend yield of 3.30% based on Friday’s closing price of $9.70 and pays a dividend of $0.32. The stock is down 1.6% from its 52-week high. Dividend.com currently rates First Niagara Financial as “Neutral”, with a DARS™ rating of 2.9 stars out of 5 stars and a dividend reliability of 3.0 (sector average is 3.6).
Trending: Walgreens Falls on Weak Quarterly Earnings
Iuri Struta Jan 16, 2020
Walgreens Boots Alliance has taken the first spot in the list as the...
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2297
|
__label__wiki
| 0.862465
| 0.862465
|
May 18, 2005 Arts & Culture » Theater
Hip Jarocho
Revival in San Pablo
By Rachel Swan @rachelswan, Stefanie Kalem and Kelly Vance
Mono Blanco
In its embryonic stages, Los Cenzontles was a youth group started by Eugene Rodriguez with Berenice Zuniga-Yap, mostly to teach traditional music and dance -- like the regional son jarocho of Veracruz, Mexico, and zapateado (a flamenco dance style with lots of fancy stomping and heel-clicking) -- to youth in Richmond and San Pablo. Then in 1994, two things happened: The first was the rape and murder of a fifteen-year-old girl in San Pablo, which made Rodriguez acutely aware of the violence ravaging his community. The second was a much brighter portent: Rodriguez produced the children's record, Papa's Dream, featuring the East LA rock group Los Lobos, the legendary guitarist Lalo Guerrero, and members of Los Cenzontles. Realizing the generative power of music, he decided to create an arts organization to provide enrichment programs for neighborhood kids and revive traditions that were on the verge of extinction. Hundreds of miles away in Veracruz, the son jarocho group Mono Blanco -- whose name means "white monkey" in English, and derives from the Popoluca god of music -- was on its own quest to resurrect rural jarocho music. Formed in 1979, the group blends West African, European, and indigenous influences -- remnants of a plantation economy in which slaves from Ivory Coast and the Caribbean toiled for Spanish settlers, who brought baroque musical styles of Europe. Mono Blanco's music harks back to the hybrid that formed when all of these cultures began poaching from each other. The group incorporates such instruments as the quijada (jawbone), Veracruz harp, and four-string guitarra de son. Los Cenzontles began collaborating with Mono Blanco in 1989, when Rodriguez started taking East Bay kids down to Mexico to tap into their roots. Eventually, Mono Blanco formed its own satellite cultural center.
Mono Blanco regales its audience this Thursday (7:30 p.m.) at Los Cenzontles (13108 San Pablo Ave.) with a mixture of African rhythms and baroque instrumentation. What's more important to Rodriguez is that this concert represents an enduring cross-border alliance, and a "fluid, participatory approach to culture." After all, Mono Blanco forms the blueprint on which the next wave of jarocho musicians, in Mexico and the East Bay alike, will build their sound. $15, $10 for children under seventeen. Info: LosCenzontles.com – Rachel Swan
Hey, Dummy!
Technically, this event is for the small 'uns in your life. But you don't have to fall in the specified two-to-nine-year-old range to enjoy the Fourth Annual Children's Literacy and Performing Arts Puppets Festival -- especially not the fest's headliners, the Fratello Marionettes. The childlike will enjoy the Fratellos' strung-up, cabaret-style buffoonery -- shows at 11:10 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. -- as much as the child. Other puppeteers perform during the event's 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. run at the Laurel Center (2652 Vergil Ct., Castro Valley), and there are storytelling and puppet-making workshops. $6 includes one professional puppet show and art materials for three projects. Kids get in free, costumes optional (no masks, please). HPNSchool.org/festival, 510-538-2667. -- Stefanie Kalem
Crimes & Misty Demeanors
Beth Henley's stage play Crimes of the Heart is a classic '80s-style cavalcade of family misery leading to female empowerment -- the story of the three Magrath sisters from Mississippi and their struggles with a dying grandfather, an abusive husband, and other problematic men. It also floats the notion that California is a tough place to find your soul. Harumph. None of this deterred Altarena Playhouse, which is opening Henley's Pulitzer-winning play, in a production directed by Bob Rossman, at 8 p.m. Friday for a run through June 18. 1409 High St., Alameda. $12-$15. For more info, visit Altarena.org -- Kelly Vance
Mr. and Mrs. Saigon
The American war in Vietnam ended thirty years ago, but memories of that conflict -- especially Vietnamese Americans' memories of their homeland -- are still fresh. Choreographer Danny Nguyen and composers Vu Hong Thinh and Jonathan Segel collected stories from the US Vietnamese community for their original live music and dance show, Struggle to Survive: 30 Years Cry for My Country -- a commemoration of the American war as well as the other wars Vietnam fought before and since. The Nguyen Dance Company presents Struggle to Survive Friday and Saturday nights (8 p.m.) at the Laney College Theatre, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. $15 from DannyDancers.org or 415-336-3154. -- Kelly Vance
Contact the author of this piece, send a letter to the editor, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
More Theater »
Loudon Clear Ooh La Teena
Anonymous and pseudonymous comments will be removed.
Latest in Theater
Actually May Be More Relevant Today Than it Was in 2017
Playwright Anna Ziegler's production stirs the ongoing demons of sexual misconduct on a university campus.
by Lou Fancher
‘Paradise Square’ Dreams Big
The reach of Berkeley Rep’s ambitious musical might at times exceed its grasp. But perhaps that’s its lasting message.
The Glass Menagerie at California Shakespeare Theater
by Laurel Hennen Vigil
Shots, Licks, and Male Ennui
Jonathan Singer-Vine's debut film is an honest coming-of-age.
by Rachel Swan
Debtor's Purgatory
People who can't afford to hire an attorney have virtually no chance in court against well-heeled lawyers for banks and debt collection companies.
Ellen Ullman Explores Her Inner Darkness With 'By Blood'
A wickedly smart, deeply creepy thriller of the San Francisco Gothic kind.
by Stefanie Kalem
Kris Saknussemm: Bent and Reverent
The author takes the dirty backroads home in Reverend America.
The Oligarch and the Potentate
Citizen K is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma. So to speak.
by Kelly Vance
Don’t Drink the Water
Nicolas Cage and family go on a rampage in Color Out of Space.
Arts & Culture Blogs
Food & Drink - January 21, 4:16 PM
Highlights of the Inaugural Bay Area Cider Week
Alameda, Berkeley, and El Cerrito Restaurant Week Deals
Food & Drink - January 7, 1:35 PM
Food & Drink - December 30, 4:53 PM
What 2019's Restaurant Openings Can Tell Us
Sobre Mesa, an Afro-Latino Cocktail Lounge, Is Coming to Oakland
More from the Blogs
A Year of Planning, 18 Hours of Shopping
It takes a village to stage the annual White Elephant Sale.
The Provocations of Brontez Purnell
The writer, filmmaker, and dancer is back with a new work at San Francisco's FRESH Festival.
How do I convince my wife to finally let the threesomes begin?
Get Your Ass Into Therapy
Is being submissive bad for me? Plus how can I get over my crippling sexual anxiety?
Oil and Latex Do Not Mix
Plus, gaping assholes, pictures of exes, and anti-gay hate mail.
Five Richmond Risk-Takers
Group-curated show displays the breadth and diversity of the city’s art scene.
A guide to this holiday season's gifts, outings, eats, and more.
By Robert Gammon, Amy Burke, Nick Wong, Daniel Lempres, Sannidhi Shukla, Katherine Hamilton, Darwin BondGraham, Michael Berry, Express Staff, Azucena Rasilla and Janelle Bitker
Our Picks for the Best Events of the Fall Arts Season
By Nicole Gluckstern, Janis Hashe, Madeline Wells, Montse Reyes, Lou Fancher, Azucena Rasilla, Janelle Bitker and Amyra Soriano
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2304
|
__label__wiki
| 0.710464
| 0.710464
|
Ex-Orient defender Clark opens up in new blog
George Sessions
Michael Clark is kissed by a Leyton Orient fan as he leaves the pitch following the 2-1 win over Hartlepool United in the 2016/17 season (pic: Simon O'Connor).
07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net
The O's academy graduate, who is now playing for Braintree Town, has discussed the mental pressure players put on themselves
Michael Clark in action for Leyton Orient away to Crewe Alexandra - the day they suffered relegation from League Two on April 22 2017 (pic: Simon O'Connor).
One-time Leyton Orient defender Michael Clark has spoken about the challenges footballers face when trying to forge a career in the professional game.
The centre back spent 11 years at the O's working his way through various age groups and eventually into the first-team during the 2016/17 campaign.
A lot of hard work and sacrifice went into making his senior bow, but a combination of injuries, a loss of form and the performances of others saw him released by the club in March 2018.
Clark made 12 appearances in total for Orient and has opened up in his blog titled 'Football On The Mental' about the pressure he would put on himself and the issues he and many youngsters face when looking to make a mark.
He wrote: "It's taken me ages to figure out where to start my story because I'm not too sure when I began to suffer mentally.
"I've always been nervous before games, which is a good thing; it means you're doing something important. However, not so long ago, these nerves turned to irrational thoughts.
"Think of these irrational thoughts as little grains of sand filling up your head. You won't notice 1 or 2 grains. But eventually, with persistent negative thinking, your head will soon be clogged up and unable to function properly. This is what happened to me.
"At my worst, I was so negative about absolutely everything. There was nothing good in the world. I'd get down about being down because football wasn't going to plan, which would make me train worse and get even more down.
"And then because I'd be performing poorly in training, I wouldn't get picked for the match-day squad and would feel even worse again. This process went on for around 6 months and I was slowly spiralling out of control in my own head.
Michael Clark playing for East Thurrock United on loan during the 2017/18 campaign (pic: Leigh Page).
"I looked ill and was deteriorating physically as well as mentally. My depression and anxiety was affecting my relationship with my girlfriend, my family and social life. I had no motivation to do anything.
"Nothing was going right for me. 'Is this it?' I used to think. My Mum and Dad had given up so much time and money during my childhood to drive me to and from football - 'and this is how I repay them?'
"'I've let everyone down. I'm a failure.' I would punish myself in my own mind, beat myself up mentally and would often bring myself to tears. I was a mess.
"To me at the time, the only way to end this mental suffering was to put an end to everything - quite literally.
"As sportsmen, why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we add to the pressure that already exists? Pressure to impress, perform and be successful whether that's individually or within a team.
"I challenge you to start accepting failure. Take it in your stride! An error only becomes a mistake when it keeps happening. We should embrace our errors - making them is the best way to learn and move forward."
Clark, in a string of honest blog posts, writes about "the trouble with bottling up our feelings."
He adds: "Money can't buy you a sound mind. And if not looked after, our minds can be extremely detrimental to our health."
The young centre back, who was highly thought of by many at O's, felt writing his thoughts down aided his turnaround from negative and depressed feelings back to his usual rational thinking.
Michael Clark of Leyton Orient and Stevenage's Matthew Godden (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo).
In a post titled 'Man Up' - a common phrase heard in the football industry from years gone by and still now - Clark explains how real courage comes from speaking out.
He said: "The easiest way to 'man up' would be to talk about how you're feeling with someone close to you.
"This shows strength and courage more than anything else and will be the start of your return to a positive mental well-being."
Orient's one-time under-18 captain also reflected on the dangers of drinking as an 'escape' and added: "my mind would often be clouded by irrational thoughts.
"Drinking alcohol would only increase the clouds and fogginess in my head - the more you drink, the more damage you'll do to your mind. You can escape the irrational thoughts that haunt you! I would recommend meditation to achieve this.
"Sit quietly, let the body relax and focus on your breathing. Clear your head. This will put you in a much better frame of mind to continue battling your enemy that got you feeling this way to begin with, your mind."
The former St Albans City defender also discussed the times when footballers can get down like the drive home after a game or Sunday mornings.
He touched upon the effect of social media too, Clark said: "It's likely that whilst you're wishing you had the new trainers or new car that someone has posted a photo of online, someone is looking at your page and wishing they had a life like yours."
A message on Clark's page under his 'My Story' column reads 'telling my story and helping others within sport'.
Given the footballer born in Welwyn Garden City is only 21, there is still time for him to make more of a mark on the game in the Football League.
Yet the bigger picture here is that now he is arguably doing something far greater than simply playing in League Two or the National League.
Clark is speaking out and helping others, which can be measured by the fact several footballers in the game have publically praised and promoted his blog and privately a lot more have got in touch too.
In an age where abuse on social media can get out of control, this young centre back is using the platform to promote a positive mindset and attitude, which highlights the real importance of academy set-ups.
While clubs like Leyton Orient hope to develop the next best talent from the area, the main goal is to develop good people and in Clark they clearly have.
Check his blog here.
Former academy manager Thomas delighted hard work at Orient paid off
Brave calls pay off for Ross to give Orient early statement win
Latest East London Sports News
O's midfielder Wright says they had to stand up and be counted
13:00 Jacob Ranson
Leyton Orient midfielder Josh Wright says they had to stand up and be counted for in the second-half as they earnt a late 1-1 draw with in-form Northampton Town.
O's boss Embleton 'astonished' at the difference in performance
Leyton Orient head coach Ross Embleton admitted it was 'astonishing' to see the difference between the first and second half as they sealed a 1-1 draw with Northampton Town.
Yesterday, 21:48 Jacob Ranson at Brisbane Road
League Two: Leyton Orient 1 Northampton Town 1
Westley revealed as new Essex captain
Essex have confirmed that Tom Westley has been appointed club captain to succeed Ryan ten Doeschate.
O's coach Embleton hoping to determine how far McAnuff is away from a return
Yesterday, 15:00 Jacob Ranson
Leyton Orient head coach Ross Embleton hopes they will soon be able to determine if they can get Jobi McAnuff back on the pitch.
Ten Doeschate steps down as Essex captain
Essex have confirmed that Ryan ten Doeschate has stood down as club captain after four seasons leading the team.
Lee Valley Lions fall short at Bracknell
Yesterday, 12:00 Laurence Thorn
NIHL South Two: Bracknell Wasps 5 Lee Valley Lions 3
Silence is not golden for West Ham as they fail to excite against Everton
Yesterday, 11:30 Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Bore draw as Hammers and Toffees share the spoils
Cauldron Foods Comedy Night Dispels Vegan Myths
Cauldron Foods' comedy night will give vegans the last laugh as Vegan comics dispel vegan myths.
Looking to rent in East London? Now you can afford it!
Lauren Knight
Riverside flats to let are coming on the market in East London - at highly competitive rents. Too good to be true? A not-for-profit landlord explains how it works…
All Points East: how the festival gives back to the community
Hannah Gosset
It's now just under a month since All Points East took over Victoria Park with two weekends of world-class music and a programme of free community events.
Most read sport
Orient coach Embleton keen to capture more signings as they look to improve results
Leyton Orient coach Embleton angry with lack of competitiveness shown at Port Vale
Enjoy the
Docklands and East London Advertiser
e-edition today
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2305
|
__label__wiki
| 0.719998
| 0.719998
|
Your Primary Playlist is an interview-style show that breaks down the major issues facing our country and what to expect from this presidential election. Every week join Host Emily Tisch Sussman, a veteran of political campaigns and issue advocacy, to talk issue by issue, candidate by candidate, with the women who know them best. With guests including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Cecile Richards, Emily will offer a comprehensive primer on what you need to know to feel ready to cast your ballot, granting behind-the-scenes access to the activism, movements, people, and research that have brought these issues to the forefront of this election.
SETTING THE STAGE: Nancy Pelosi
In this episode, Emily sets the scene by chatting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the present and future of the Democratic party, the main issues at stake this election cycle, and how Democrats can succeed. Plus, what music does Speaker Pelosi jam out to in her free time?
ABORTION AND THE POWER OF WOMEN: Cecile Richards
In this episode, Emily talks with Cecile Richards about abortion, the power of women voters, and where the candidates stand on reproductive rights.
LET’S TALK ECONOMY: Neera Tanden
In this episode, Emily talks with Neera Tanden about one of the biggest topics every election: the economy.
HEALTHCARE: Dr. Alice Chen
In this episode, Emily talks with Dr. Alice Chen, former executive director of Doctors for America, about all things healthcare.
GUN REFORM: Chelsea Parsons and Patricia Oliver
In this episode, Emily talks with Chelsea Parsons, Vice President of Gun Violence Prevention at the Center for American Progress, and Patricia Oliver, who lost her son, Joaquin, in the Parkland shooting.
IMMIGRATION: Angie Kelley and Wendy Carrillo
In this episode, Emily talks with Angie Kelley and Wendy Carrillo about the state of our immigration policy and the 2020 candidate platforms.
DEMYSTIFYING CAMPAIGNS: Allison Zelman
In this episode, Emily talks with Allison Zelman, Former Director of States and Deputy Political & Organizing Director for the DNC, about field organizing and what it takes to win a campaign.
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY: Marina Jenkins
In this episode, Emily dives into redistricting, campaign finance reform, voting rights and the legacy of Merrick Garland with Marina Jenkins, Litigation Director at the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
WILL WHITE WOMEN SWING BLUE IN 2020?: Jenna Arnold
In this episode, Emily seeks to understand how this voting block will or won’t show up for democrats in 2020 with Jenna Arnold, co-founder of ORGANIZE and a National Organizer for the Women’s March on Washington.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM?: Josie Duffy Rice
In this episode, Emily talks with Josie Duffy Rice, journalist, lawyer and President of The Appeal, about where the candidates stand on policing, clemency, marijuana legalization and more.
LIVE WITH RENT THE RUNWAY: Jenn Hyman and Fatima Goss Graves
In this episode, Emily speaks with experts on shaking up policy and business to improve workplace policies. This episode was recorded live in Washington, D.C with Jenn Hyman, CEO of Rent the Runway, and Fatima Goss Graves, CEO and President of the National Women’s Law Center.
ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CRISIS: Tiernan Sittenfeld
In this episode, Emily talks with Tiernan Sittenfeld, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at the League of Conservation Voters, about how climate policy has regressed under President Trump and how the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates hope to address the climate crisis.
LOCAL POLITICS AND GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING: Tori Taylor
In this episode, Emily talks with Tori Taylor, Head of Political Organizing at Swing Left, on what local politics and grassroots organizing can teach us about winning close elections in 2020 and beyond. This episode was recorded at a live event hosted by the Wednesday Group, which was formed after the 2016 election as a hub for activism moving forward.
THE ROLE OF THE DNC: Seema Nanda
In this episode, Emily talks to the CEO of the DNC, Seema Nanda, about employing a fifty-state strategy, focusing on down-ballot races, and working closely with presidential candidates throughout the primary process.
IMPEACHMENT: Rep. Abigail Spanberger
In this episode, Emily talks with Representative Abigail Spanberger, whose op-ed, co-penned along with six other freshman Democrats, played a key role in spurring the House Democrats to open a formal impeachment inquiry.
FOREIGN POLICY: Ambassador Wendy Sherman and Kate Hoit
In this episode, Emily talks with Ambassador Wendy Sherman to understand Trump’s nationalist approach, and what effective foreign policy should look like in the 21st century. Emily also speaks to Kate Hoit, Senior Advisor at VoteVets.org and Director at Vet Voice Foundation, to get her opinion on the situation in Syria.
THE FUTURE OF WORK: Angela Hanks
In this episode, Emily talks to Angela Hanks, Deputy Executive Director of the Groundwork Collaborative, to find out what the future of work really means, from fair wages, to union strength and more.
INFRASTRUCTURE: Emily Chatterjee and Jessica Rosenworcel
In this episode, Emily talks to Emily Chatterjee, Senior Counsel at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund, and Jessica Rosenworcel, the Federal Communications Commissioner. They each share what a comprehensive infrastructure plan would actually look like and which presidential candidates are talking about it in the right way.
VOTING RIGHTS: Stacey Abrams
In the season one finale, Emily talks to Leader Abrams about how Fair Fight tackles voter suppression by focusing on litigation, legislation, and advocacy. Leader Abrams also weighs in on how the primary candidates have been talking about voting rights, and shares what might motivate her to accept a job offer from a presidential nominee.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM YOUR PRIMARY PLAYLIST
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2311
|
__label__cc
| 0.737863
| 0.262137
|
Engine of the Week
Engine of the Year Contest
Diesel of the Week
Diesel of the Year Contest
America’s Best Engine Shops
Engine Builder Magazine
Motovicity Adds RCI to Product Lineup
Engine Builder
Cloyes Hits Safety Milestone at Fort Smith Distribution Center
Callies and Energy Manufacturing Bring Back Mopar Gen II Hemi/Wedge Cast Iron Engine Blocks
Calibration Tools – A Measure of Success
Eric Garbe
Shop Solutions – December 2019
Shop Solutions – The Power of Knowledge
Race Engine Challenge 2019
MAHLE Motorsport Toyota Supra/BMW B58 PowerPak Piston Kit
Lucas Oil Diesel Deep Clean Fuel Detergent and Particulate Filter Cleaner
Aeromotive True Variable Speed Fuel Pump Controller
Utilizing Instagram
Higher Revving Education
John Carollo
Chassis vs Engine Dyno
Video: Engine of the Week – 440 cid Whipple-Blown LS Engine
Video: Diesel of the Week – D&J Precision Machine's Enforcer Engine
762 cid N/A Hemi Engine
Shop Solutions – November 2019
430 cid LS7 Dirt Late-Model Engine
440 cid Whipple-Blown LS Engine
Technologies that Speed Up Custom Piston Design
Piston design used to be a tedious process: pen had to be laid to paper, mathematical equations required solutions and other processes needed to be completed before a single tool could be touched.
“In the old days, some manufacturers would modify OEM pistons and others would take pistons from a different application and modify them to fit a particular engine. Beyond that you’d cast new versions of the OEM piston for volume depending on the compression you were after,” says Nickolaus DiBlasi, JE Pistons’ director of product management.
Once the forging process was introduced and more durable aluminum alloys became commonplace, the aftermarket piston business began to take shape—literally—as it fueled the massive aftermarket performance industry’s growth. Most of the designs were done by hand and through manual machining, and the skirt shape was contoured through the use of a master hand-shaped piston that was traced.
“Much like having a key made where they take your original key as the master and follow the contours to make the new key, a master piston was used for skirt shapes. Once computers were introduced, manual machines were slowly phased out,” DiBlasi says.
The advent of computer-controlled machinery improved the speed of the design process, but only in recent years has the method become truly streamlined through an extremely powerful system to program the machinery, which then cuts the final designs from a variety of piston forging blanks.
In-house forging is the starting point for any quick custom piston job. A library of forging blanks and billet pucks makes for quick turnaround.
It takes knowledgeable people to input the correct information into the program, and other talented people to forge the blanks, run the machines and prepare the pistons for delivery to the customer. The people involved in the process are the first step on the technology ladder.
The commonalities mentioned above allow engineers to collaborate and seek out opportunities to streamline processes. Sometimes one basic forging can have applications across engine families and even brands depending upon engine configuration, valve placement and skirt dimensions along with other measurements. The final machining process can differentiate that piston from one destined for an LS engine to one designed for another platform.
Market specialization is the secret sauce, according to DiBlasi.
“Design engineer specialists are key,” says DiBlasi. “Sport compact, European, drag race, powersports, circle track, and other specific engineers design parts for those segments of our business. This allows them to design parts more quickly as they are very familiar with the engines, with some of them racing in those segments themselves.”
The right piston design software holds the second key, so to speak, to turning piston orders around quickly.
“It’s custom-tailored for making pistons in record time. This technology enables the engineers to design a part and see it in a three-dimensional working environment within minutes. We can’t go into the specifics as it is proprietary,” says DiBlasi.
Needless to say, the ability to move the part from the design phase to a 3D mockup so quickly far outpaces the old process of drawing the piston on paper and then creating a master blank by hand. This technological advance is perhaps the most critical when it comes to speed of manufacture, as the engineering process is still done by people.
3D modeling software that can rapidly digitalize not only pistons, but also combustion chambers, is a must.
For example, let’s say there’s a shelf-stock piston, which fits the customer’s needs 85-percent of the way, but they want to add gas ports and another extra feature to the final configuration. In the past, these upgrades would all be done by hand, but today the changes are handled through keystrokes much more efficiently and accurately. Even so, this is still what you’d consider the choke point in the process.
“CNC programming is the fastest part of our manufacturing lead time. Our robust proprietary system can program an entire piston in under 60 seconds. We do have some special occasions where we have additional programming required for complex three-dimensional, seven-axis machining, however that can be accomplished in under an hour. The original design of the piston is typically where all the engineering lead time is taking place. Some designs can be done in five minutes if the bore is only changing slightly. Some complex new designs may take many hours to complete as engineers will need to determine specific forgings to use and run analysis on engine configurations,” says DiBlasi.
Although it is not specifically a manufacturing technology, mapping out engine components is an important step—one we’ll consider step three—to ensure that the final piston design is accurate and provides the required clearances and dimensions. This is done through the use of two tools: a Romer Arm, and three-dimensional printing. The Romer Arm is a coordinate measuring machine, which can precisely measure an object in a three-dimensional coordinate system and requires a person to operate it. The measurements it takes are often compared to those created by computer-aided design programs to ensure consistency. The 3D printing process allows the engineering team to quickly mock up the product and ensure the design parameters are correct.
Digital scanning abilities allow rapid layout of stock pistons and heads so that a custom piston can be created.
“The Romer Arm is used just for reverse engineering of cylinder heads, pistons, gaskets, blocks, cranks, rods, and other engine components. It is not directly affecting the manufacturing process, but enabling products to be designed with accuracy,” DiBlasi explains.
Another major advancement is the company’s software, which runs the computer-controlled machinery populating the manufacturing room.
“The machine programming system we have is nothing short of the state-of-the-art in aerospace technology. This proprietary machine programming system has been in development for over 35 years and is constantly improved to become better every day. We can take a piston design straight from engineering and have it fully programmed for CNC machines in under 60 seconds,” says DiBlasi.
With four technologies in place, it comes down to the final step in the process: turning chunks of aluminum into finely-crafted racing pistons, and this doesn’t happen without the most advanced machines and manufacturing methods.
When validating a design for fitment in a real-world block, there is no beating 3D printing that creates an almost identical part in only a few minutes. This allows mockup and validation without the expense or time delay of machining an actual piston.
“Our facility and state-of-the-art CNC machines are the final technology to make pistons accurately and quickly. Our modern machines are designed for higher spindle speeds than ever seen before with higher accuracy. Our custom-designed fixturing enables the least tolerance stacking along with repeatability from set to set. If you order a set of pistons today and a year from today, they will be identical,” says DiBlasi.
Each of the technologies are equally important as they all work harmoniously together. Without one technology nothing could work. Each has its special part of the equation. It’s this consistency in manufacturing which helps to set JE Pistons apart.
This article was sponsored by JE Pistons. For more information, please visit our website at www.jepistons.com
Watch Engine Builder's latest discussions and explanations.
Shop the latest Engine Builder merchandise.
Stay up to date by signing up for the Engine Builder newsletter.
Forging a Stronger Piston: Aligned Grain Flow Technology
Crowning Glory - Coatings Make Great Pistons Even Better
ARMEX
Improve your Turbocharger Cleaning Process with Soda Blasting
Components: Calibration Tools – A Measure of Success
Shop Solutions: Shop Solutions – December 2019
Commentary: Cheers to a New Decade
Engine News: Motovicity Adds RCI to Product Lineup
Engine News: Cloyes Hits Safety Milestone at Fort Smith Distribution Center
Lubriplate Lubricants Company
Contact: James JamesPhone: 800-733-4755Fax: 800-347-5329
129 Lockwood St., Newark NJ 7105
How to Break-In Your Piston Rings, The Right Way!
Crowning Glory – Coatings Make Great Pistons Even Better
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2314
|
__label__cc
| 0.620123
| 0.379877
|
The Old Ship of Zion
Festival: 2015 Written By: Natalia NamanDirected By: Peter Hardy
Category(s): Georgia Playwright, World Premiere
Click here for video trailer.
A warm, touching play about the members of a small African-American church, struggling to keep its doors open and adapt to changing times. Mama Gwen is a beloved elder who feels the burden of others who depend on the strength of her faith, and Quincy is a young man who loves his church but is beginning to realize that he’s gay. A Professional World Premiere about people searching for a spiritual life in trying times. With lots of music!
Featuring the acting talents of: James G. Smith, Jimmica Collins, Sharan Mansfield, Lydia Frempong, Cheryl Booker, Sundiata Rush and Lemond Hayes
Natalia Naman is a playwright writing and teaching in her hometown of Columbus, GA. Her plays include THE OLD SHIP OF ZION, LAWNPEOPLE, and CROSSING OVER. Her work has been produced at Princeton University, The Cherry Lane Theatre, HERE Arts Center, and Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. She is a Cherry Lane Mentor Project Finalist, a three time nominee for the Wendy Wasserstein Prize, and a Lark Play Development Center alumna. She graduated from Princeton University with a BA in English and NYU Tisch with an MFA in Dramatic Writing. Read more…
July 20 City Lights with Lois Reitzes
Atlanta INtown Preview
ArtsATL Preview
Atlanta Theatre Buzz: “Attention must be paid”
Audience Response:
“The Essential Theatre’s production of THE OLD SHIP OF ZION touched my heart!”
“I’m definitely coming back and bringing friends.”
“People have to see this play!”
“The Old Ship of Zion is good story telling, simply done with moments of great beauty.”
“a well-written, superbly acted drama which touched just about every emotion…I encourage all Atlanta theatre goers to take the opportunity to see this. You’ll be glad you did.”
The Old Ship of Zion performs on the following dates:
Friday July 24, 8pm (opening)
Saturday July 25, 8pm
Saturday August 1, 8pm
Sunday August 2, 2pm
Thursday August 6, 8pm(Neighborhood Night)
Friday August 7, 8pm
Tuesday August 11, 8pm ($10 Industry Nt)
Thursday August 13, 8pm
Saturday August 15, 8pm
Sunday August 16, 2pm
Monday August 17, 8pm ($10 Industry Nt)
Friday August 21, 8pm
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2318
|
__label__wiki
| 0.835841
| 0.835841
|
Mum reveals her unique way of cooking a full English breakfast - and it's blowing people's minds
This breakfast hack has taken the internet by storm
Hannah Kane
Whether it's putting the jam on a scone before the cream or the milk in the tea before hot water, everyone has their own way of doing things.
However, cooking a full English breakfast seems more straightforward.
You'd think that all you need to do is heat some oil in a pan and get frying.
But one mum has taken the internet by storm after sharing her breakfast hack on Facebook.
Sonia Cheetham, 36, has come up with a simple and healthy way to give her family a treat before school, reports Liverpool Echo.
These are the top 10 places to go for breakfast in Essex according to TripAdvisor
Sonia Cheetham's post went viral after she first thought of the idea in September (Image: Sonia Cheetham)
Instead of chucking the ingredients in a frying pan, Sonia puts bacon, sausages, beans and tomatoes in a slow cooker.
She says you can even cook scrambled eggs in a mug the same way.
Her Facebook post has since gone viral after the mum from Little Fransham in Norfolk first had the idea in September.
Sonia posted in a group called Slow Cooker Wonders, and has gone on to receive over 27,000 shares.
Miss Cheetham said: “Using a slow cooker is so easy, I'm type one diabetic so I don't like cooking with all that fat, and it gets everywhere as well so this saves your arms.
These are Chelmsford's top 10 cafes according to TripAdvisor
Sonia wanted to give her family a healthy alternative to a greasy fry up (Image: Sonia Cheetham)
"The slow cooker is a much healthier way of doing things, don't add any oil or water to the pan, just a bit of butter to the mushrooms.
"I find that the meat, in particular the sausages, taste much better, they're far softer and have a lot more flavour."
She added: "It's been a hit with the children anyway! Now it's getting colder outside, it's nice to send them to school fed with warm food.
"It only takes about eight or nine hours, so when you wake up in the morning all you have to do is stick the toast on, and then dish up."
This simple trick allows you to order a GIANT McMuffin
Miss Cheetham described the reaction to her idea on social media and in the press as "overwhelming".
She said: "My kids have been going into school and telling everyone that I’m famous."
White House FarmThe tragic note Colin Caffell left for White House Farm murder victim Sheila Caffell at her funeralSheila was murdered by her brother Jeremy Bamber
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2319
|
__label__wiki
| 0.65507
| 0.65507
|
We use cookies on our website. If you agree, please click the "Accept" button. You may cancel your choice at any time by changing your internet browser settings. We will not place any cookies on your device if you disagree. However, if you decline the website might not function properly. Please see our Privacy policy for more information.
En | lt
Financials & Investments
Ellex Valiunas advises leading financial institutions and investment companies on the most significant finance transactions. We enjoy a heavy volume of banking-related work, including commercial lending, syndicated loans, refinancing and portfolio restructuring. Our experts assist clients seeking to operate on a cross-border basis to comply with EU passporting and general good provisions or, alternatively, we help clients to structure the nature of their investment services in order to comply with applicable restrictions or requirements.
Key projects in the field
Financials & Investments Latvia
Financials & Investments Estonia
Giedrius Stasevičius
Head of Banking and Finance practice
crypt:PGEgY2xhc3M9ImVtYWlsIiBocmVmPSJtYWlsdG86Z2llZHJpdXMuc3Rhc2V2aWNpdXNAZWxsZXgubHQiPmdpZWRyaXVzLnN0YXNldmljaXVzQGVsbGV4Lmx0PC9hPg==:xx
Ieva Dosinaitė
crypt:PGEgY2xhc3M9ImVtYWlsIiBocmVmPSJtYWlsdG86aWV2YS5kb3NpbmFpdGVAZWxsZXgubHQiPmlldmEuZG9zaW5haXRlQGVsbGV4Lmx0PC9hPg==:xx
What's new in the field
Ellex Valiunas advises Cognizant on acquisition of Storebrand business services centre in Vilnius
Ellex Valiunas advised the managers in the largest EUR 1.5 billion and first ever dual tranche Eurobond issue Read more
Ellex Valiunas advised Danske Bank on one of the biggest Lithuanian banking deals Read more
Deal closed: we advised Blackstone on completing the acquisition of a majority stake in Luminor bank for EUR 1 billion Read more
We Advised an Asset Management Company United Partners in Preparation of a Bond Issue of EUR 4.7 Million Read more
Ellex Valiunas assisted Baltic Sea Properties in obtaining refinancing loan at bank Luminor for EUR 23.4 million
The law firm Ellex Valiunas assisted Norwegian real estate development company Baltic Sea Properties in obtaining refinancing loan at bank Luminor for EUR 23.4 million. The loan will be used to refinance 23 stores in Lithuania that are leased by the retail chain Norfa and the logistics centre where Rhenus Logistics is located.
According to the signed agreement, Luminor refinances financial liabilities of Baltic Sea Properties held in another bank in Lithuania and provides financing for other business needs.
According to the data of the end of 2018, the total value of commercial premises owned and operated by Baltic Sea Properties amounted to approximately EUR 104 mln. The company’s income from the lease amounted to EUR 7.67 mln. The company’s portfolio consists of 101.000 sq. m of commercial premises. Baltic Sea Properties is a listed company traded on Merkur Markets, Oslo Stock Exchange.
Ellex Valiunas associate partner Julija Nikitaravičienė assisted Baltic Sea Properties in negotiating refinancing and loan documentation.
Want to get the latest legal news? Subscribe to our newsletter!
We Advised an Asset Management Company United Partners in Preparation of a Bond Issue of EUR 4.7 Million
The bonds of UPP & CO KAUNO 53 OÜ admitted to trading on Nasdaq Baltic First North market June 12, 2017. The size of the bond issue is EUR 4.7 million. Ellex Raidla and Ellex Valiunas teams advised UPP & CO KAUNO 53 OÜ in connection with the preparation of the bond documentation.
UPP & CO Kauno 53 OÜ is a corporate body founded by United Partners Property – a company which manages United Partners’ real estate investments. The bonds providing funding for the acquisition of Rimi's central warehouse in Lithuania.
First North is regulated as a multilateral trading facility, known as the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). This means that, although First North does not have the legal status as a regulated market it operates in the Nordic and Baltic countries in parallel with regulated market. Nasdaq decided to go to First North in order to provide investors with an easy and transparent way to sell or buy the bonds if they want to.
Global leader in IT, consulting and business process outsourcing services Cognizant has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the Vilnius business services centre of Storebrand, a Norwegian insurance and pension fund management company.
After this deal Lithuania will become an integral part of Cognizant’s global network. The company operates in the USA, Europe and South East Asia. Cognizant manages over 100 business services centres around the world, which employ over 219,000 professionals.
Ellex Valiunas advised the managers in the largest EUR 1.5 billion and first ever dual tranche Eurobond issue
Lithuania has successfully issued two (10– and 20–year) Eurobonds of EUR 750 million each in October 2015, that is a new milestone in the country’s borrowing history.
„Lithuania has borrowed a large amount for a long duration by issuing a dual tranche Eurobond for the first time. The decision reflected investors’ demand and our borrowing strategy. The long duration will allow us to achieve a smooth debt profile and lock into low interest rates for a longer period. Low interest rates will help to refinance old debts and to redirect savings on interest to public needs“, – Lithuanian Finance Minister Rimantas Šadžius said.
Ten-year EUR 750 million Eurobond has the lowest coupon in the country’s history – 1.25 per cent. It is also the largest among Lithuania’s Eurobonds of such duration in the euro market. Twenty-year EUR 750 million Eurobond with the 2.125 coupon is the first Lithuania’s Eurobond issue.
The transaction was lead-managed by Barclays, BNP Paribas and HSBC.
Ellex Valiunas advised Danske Bank on one of the biggest Lithuanian banking deals
Ellex Valiunas advised Danske Bank regarding sale of its retail banking business in Lithuania and Latvia to Swedbank.
Ellex Valiunas advised fashion brand Robert Kalinkin on accepting an investment
Ellex Valiunas advised UAB Robert Kalinkin (the company behind one of the best known modern Lithuanian fashion brands) on a deal during which Practica Capital (one of the most active Lithuanian venture capital firms) agreed to invest into further development of the fashion house.
Ellex Valiunas was represented by associate partner Robertas Ciocys and senior associate Povilas Junevicius.
We defended Lithuania against 229 million euro investment arbitration claim
We helped the State to win in investment dispute under UNCITRAL arbitration rules, launched by an Italian wine producer Luigiterzo Bosca regarding alleged violation of investors rights under the bilateral investment protection treaty between Lithuania and Italy in relation to the privatization process of a major Lithuanian sparkling wine and spirits producer. The arbitral tribunal dismissed the entire claim of EUR 229 million.
Our team advised NASDAQ in taxation issues related to its retirement program
NASDAQ is the leading global operator of exchanges and a provider of capital markets technology. Our team advised NASDAQ in taxation issues concerning a voluntary early retirement program. It was a unique case as there was no previous practice of this nature.
Our team assisted Middle Europe Investment Baltija in the sale of the business centre, Evita
We advised our clients on their investment exit. The sale of the business centre Evita was complicated due to legal issues relating to the fact that a part of the complex consisted of residential apartments and various co-ownership issues had to be resolved. Our assistance included seller’s legal due diligence of the property, negotiations with multiple potential buyers and negotiating sales documentation.
Our firm actively participates in a process of liberalization of labour laws and improvement of the employment environment
Our firm is a member of the Investors’ Forum and a partner of Invest Lithuania. Therefore, our Labour & Employment team has ample opportunity to share its expertise to improve the Lithuanian employment environment and to take part in various workshops on the liberalisation of the Labour Code. In addition, our partner Ramūnas Petravičius acts as Chairman of the Employment Relationship Group at the Investors Forum.
We participated in the first public takeover since the financial crisis
Citigroup’s private equity arm, Citi Venture Capital and Invalda - a major investment company, operating mainly in Lithuania and Poland - chose Jefferies as their investment bank for the sale of Sanitas's shares. Sanitas is a generic pharmaceutical company operating in CEE and Russia, which is also listed on NASDAQ OMX Vilnius stock exchange. We helped Jefferies to sell Sanitas's shares to Valeant Pharmaceuticals, a multi-national specialty pharmaceutical company.
We assisted the bankrupt bank SNORAS to sell its shares in Lithuania's largest media group
BAB Bank SNORAS, one of the major Lithuanian banks, went bankrupt. While undergoing its bankruptcy procedures, the bank sold its subsidiary UAB Snoras Media, which served as a holding company for 34% of the shares in the largest Lithuanian media group, Lietuvos Rytas. Lithuania’s leading perfumery and cosmetics wholesale company Fragrances International was the buyer. Our team helped the bank and its bankruptcy administrator with all aspects of the deal, including the important pre-sale restructuring of UAB Snoras Media’s indebtedness to BAB Bank SNORAS.
We assisted a major investment company to perform a unique rescue deal of the Litagra Group
Invalda is a major investment company operating mainly in Lithuania and Poland. We assisted the company to acquire the shares of the Litagra group of agricultural companies, one of the major players in the Lithuanian market. This transaction, besides classical aspects of M&A deal work, required us to harmonise interests of different parties - an already existing financial investor, a private capital fund, and the new financial investor Invalda AB. We drafted the Shareholders' Agreement and helped to structure the deal through the acquisition of newly issued shares. A portion of the funds paid for the acquisition of shares was used to buy-out a due issue of bonds of Litagra Group.
We helped RSA to sell its subsidiary companies in the Baltics
RSA Insurance Group, one of the world's largest insurance companies, agreed to sell its subsidiary companies in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland to the Polish insurance company Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen (PZU). We helped RSA Insurance Group to sell its companies in the Baltic Countries: Lietuvos Draudimas in Lithuania, Balta in Latvia, Codan Forsikring in Estonia.
We helped RSA to acquire the largest insurance company in the Baltic States
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc. was a subsidiary of RSA Insurance Group plc., one of the world's leading insurance groups. We assisted it in the 99,997% share acquisition of Lietuvos draudimas AB, the insurance market leader in Lithuania and the largest insurance company in the Baltic States. The transfer of the shares constituted an intra-group transaction and was a part of an internal restructuring of RSA Group. We helped Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc. to structure the deal and advised on various regulatory and security matters, related to the transfer of shares in insurance company.
We advised DNB, one of the largest banks in Lithuania, on relocation of its HQ to a new office building
Quadrum Business City, built by Norwegian company Schange Real Estate, was the largest office defelopment and the largest office lease in Lithuania in 2012. The project included a new office building; tailor-made to serve as a new office of DNB bank HQ. We advised DNB bank as a future tenant of the building.
We assisted Insighted Venture Partners to invest in the online clothing market Vinted.com
Insight Venture Partners, a leading global private equity and venture capital firm, acquired a minority shareholding in Friendly Fashion Limited. This company manages vinted.com – the online social platform for swapping, selling or giving away second hand clothing. At that point the platform had over 2.4 million active members and operates in Germany, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania and the USA. We advised the investor on all Lithuanian law issues of this transaction, which at its time was the largest venture capital investment into a Lithuanian start-up.
We assisted in the complex sale of stakes in the largest and most innovative wheat starch and gluten manufacturer in Northern Europe
Amilina AB is one of the largest and most innovative wheat starch and gluten manufacturer in Northern Europe. We assisted Amber Trust II S.C.A, SICAR, a private equity fund for global blue-chip investors, in sale of its stake in Amilina AB to the new invester Roquette Freres. We also advised Grudaine UAB, the controlling shareholder of Amilina AB, in concluding the shareholders’ agreement with Roquette Freres.
We provided advice on possible restructuring of the debt of Vilnius
We analyzed and evaluated the debt of Vilnius city, proposed alternatives for restructuring the debt, reviewed current legal regulation on municipality's borrowing possibilities and suggested changes in legislation, reviewed how the client could increase its income and provided it with guidelines for long term sustainable debt management.
We helped to establish Lithuania’s first EMTN programme and inaugural issue
Our team assisted BNP Paribas and Barclays Capital as dealers in relation to the establishment of EMTN programme of the Republic of Lithuania and inaugural issuance under it. Notes in nominal value of EUR 500 million was issued. This was the first ever EMTN programme of the Republic of Lithuania.
We advised the Aviation Capital Group Corp. (lessor) in leasing an export credit agency financed aircraft to a leading Lithuanian charter company
This was a noted transaction for the Lithuanian market, as it was probably the first export credit agency financed aircraft transaction in Lithuania and also one of the most complicated aircraft financing transactions involving multiple lenders.
We acted as the Lithuanian counsel to Aviation Capital Group Corp. (as a lessor) in leasing an export credit agency financed Airbus A320-200 aircraft to a leading Lithuanian mid-size aircraft charter company.
The export credit agencies requested legal advice from our team concerning the leasing transaction and preparation of the Lithuanian law governed mortgage over the aircraft. Apart from the usual role of Lithuanian counsel, we assisted both parties in highly specialised technical issues, including advising on aircraft maintenance, airworthiness and registration matters.
We represented DNB bank on alleged miss-selling of structured products
DNB Bank AB had provided its clients with the possibility to invest in equity linked bonds, issued by the bank itself. A number of investors borrowed from this bank in order to invest in these bonds before the financial crisis. Later, they sued the bank in civil court for alleged miss-selling of structured products, also activities of the bank when offering these products were investigated by the supervisor. Our team represented the client as a defendant in a number of administrative as well as civil cases (more than 20 in total), two of which were the first class-actions brought before Lithuanian courts and one of which is an action brought by an association in order to protect public interest.
We assisted EIF in granting multimillion loan facilities to Lithuanian banks for the purpose of SME financing
The project JEREMIE, joint initiative of the European Commission and European Investment Bank Group, was committed to help SMEs receive external funding sources using a share of support from the European Union’s structural funds. We advised EIF, acting as JEREMIE holding fund, on the funding agreements and other documentation with respect to Lithuanian law, including creation of security in favour of EIF.
We represented Finasta Asset Management in a case of alleged misconduct.
Collective investment undertakings management company, Finasta Asset Management UAB, was sued by two retail investors (spouses) for the compensation of losses which incurred due to allegedly improper provision of services under a portfolio management agreement. We represented our client in litigation, which resulted in the claim of the plaintiffs being dismissed by both the court of first instance and the appeal court. However, the Supreme Court has decided to return the case for re-examination at the first instance. This decision was based on the grounds that the lower courts have wrongfully interpreted the scope of obligations of the portfolio manager and thus have not performed a thorough analysis. After the case was returned, the court of first instance has repeatedly dismissed the claim of the investors and the appeal is now pending.
We provided advice on the largest real estate transaction in Lithuania during 2014
Vilnius Business Harbour is the largest office building in the Baltics. Situated in the heart of Vilnius business district it has the possibility to develop additional office buildings in a neighbouring land plot. The acquisition of Vilnius Business Harbour was the largesest real estate transaction in Lithuania in that year.
The deal structure was highly complex due to the major legal risks associated with the property. The transaction was structured as an asset deal with two sellers and two buyers (SPV's).
Our team provided services of legal due diligence, deal structuring, incorporation, financing & tax, banking, negotiating transaction documents and asset take-over.
We assisted our client in acquiring the Central Securities Depository of Lithuania
Our team has helped NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. in the tender for the sale by the Bank of Lithuania of shares of the public limited liability company Central Securities Depository of Lithuania. This acquisition helped our client to fully integrate Stock Exchanges and depositories in the Baltics and Nordic region.
We advised on the largest Lithuanian real estate transaction in 2012
Our team advised East Capital Baltic Property Fund II in acquiring GO9, the most well-known high street shopping centre in Vilnius. It was the largest real estate transaction in Lithuania in 2012.
We also helped our client in the lease negotiations with the Swedish retail giant H&M, which signed a lease agreement with UAB Gedimino 9, owner of the shopping centre, to open a store in GO9.
We assisted EBRD to finance the construction of a furniture plant in Belarus
Belarussian company Mebelain, owned by SBA furniture group, planned to construct a greenfield veneer-faced furniture factory in the Free Economic Zone Mogilev, in the Republic of Belarus. Ensuring cooperation between sides from three countries, our team advised EBRD on financing the factory’s construction, equipment and commencement of operations.
We assisted a group of investors in acquiring a large amount of high-yield notes, related to refinancing of Paroc Group Oy
At the beginning of 2014 Paroc Group Oy issued high-yield notes worth 430 million euros. We consulted and helped our clients to acquire these notes and also to provide Paroc Group Oy with a 60 million euro valued senior revolving credit facility. Amongst other services provided, our team completed legal due diligence of Paroc UAB, helped to create and negotiate a multi-layer Lithuanian security package for the lenders and gave comments on the Offering Memorandum.
We represented creditors in bankruptcy proceedings of Bank SNORAS
SNORAS was the fifth largest Lithuanian bank when it was discovered that approx. 300 000 000 euros of assets were missing. As the bank was at risk of insolvency it was nationalized. The bank’s collapse raised many complex legal issues and questions, which our team had to deal with while representing over 70 of the bank's largest creditors in bankruptcy proceedings.
We participated in the first Lithuanian forced sale of the 2nd pillar pension funds
UAB Citadele investicijų valdymas had to liquidate its 2nd pillar pension funds before it could cease its activities in Lithuania. In order to transfer the remaining 2nd pillar pension fund clients to the active fund, managed by other company, special procedure was implemented by the regulator; Bank of Lithuania. UAB MP Pension Funds Baltic met the requirements and was offered to take over the remaining participants of one of the funds of UAB Citadele investicijų valdymas. In the course of the transaction certain shortfalls of the regulation were identified and our team helped to fix them and improve the rules regulating the forced transfer procedure.
Our team took part in the development of the biggest retail park in Lithuania, anchored by the IKEA store
The retail park near Vilnius airport is expected to become the largest in Lithuania and one of the biggest in the Baltics. After the construction of the first IKEA store in the Baltic states part of the 16 ha territory was sold to another investor with further plans to build an additional 40,000 sq.m shopping centre.
We assisted the client in contractors selection and construction contract negotiations and assisted in the negotiations with an anchor tenant in a complex lease agreement.
Our team took part in the development and divestment of retail park DomusPro
DomusPro is the first new generation retail park in Lithuania. We assisted our client in the development of this park during several years. In 2013 DomusPro was sold to another of our clients – real estate fund Northern Horizon Capital. The deal included the forward commitment regarding further project development.
We assisted the consumer credit company Provident Finansai to solve sensitive tax issues.
We advised Provident Finansai on the seting-up of a consumer credit business in Lithuania. Provident‘s unique business model is based on on self-employed agents selling consumer credits directly to clients in their homes. This model raises serious employment and tax issues. Our employment and tax advisors assisted Provident Finansai to create an efficient tax structure in line with Lithuanian rules.
We represented 3 major banks in the case of alleged prohibited agreement
In 2009, the Lithuanian competition authority opened an investigation against three major Scandinavian banks operating in Lithuania – SEB, Swedbank and DnB along with a company providing cash-in-transit services – G4S. The investigation had been opened as G4S was suspected of abusing its dominant position; obliging the banks to purchase cash-in-transit services exclusively from this company. We represented three banks in these proceedings, which has resulted in the competition authority adopting an infringement decision. We have also represented and through following litigation, which resulted in the Supreme Administrative Court annulling the decision of the competition authority and concluding that our clients could not be held liable for the infringement of competition law.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2323
|
__label__wiki
| 0.597614
| 0.597614
|
Nutrition books available from TALC
This series of titles are available from TALC (Teaching Aids at Low Cost), and are valuable for Nutrition Practitioners and Trainers as recommended by Ann Burgess and Marko Kerac (June 2011). The * indicates the book is available in other languages besides English.
A. Series Basic list, more essential books: sound information and good value
Community Nutrition: a handbook for health and development workers. 2009. Burgess, Bijlsma & Ismael, £5.50
Infant and Young Child Feeding - model chapter for textbooks for medical students and allied health professionals. 2009. WHO £1.30
Caring for Severely Malnourished Children. 2003 Ashworth & Burgess £4.50 (also available at the same price as a PDF download)
Sight and Life Manual On Vitamin A Deficiency Disorders (VADD) (2nd ed 2001). SIGHT & LIFE £1*French/Spanish
Infant Feeding in Emegencies. Module 2 version 1.1. 2007. Emergency Nutrition Network. Free *French
B. Series Fuller texts, needed for special training and services
The Politics of Breastfeeding (3rd edition). 2009. Palmer £7.75
Protein-Energy Malnutrition. 2006. Waterlow £7.50
Hospital Care for Children - Guidelines for the Management of Common Illnesses with Limited Resources. 2005 WHO £5.65* French and Russian.
ABC of Nutrition (4th edition). BookPower 2003 £6
Nutrition for Developing Countries (2nd edition). Savage King & Burgess 1993 £12 (some sections dated, but still contains much valuable material.)
CD-ROMs - useful for libraries and good value
Community Nutrition. TALC 2006. Free to health professionals who have limited access to the internet. Community Nutrition is a CD-ROM containing hundreds of nutrition resources including manuals, training courses, academic papers, briefs, practical guidelines, pictures, PowerPoint presentations and a video.
Topics in International Health. Nutrition Wellcome Trust, 2000. £5.00. 12 interactive tutorials that provide an illustrated introduction to the causes, epidemiology, treatment and prevention of malnutrition in developing countries.
e-TALC Health Development CD-ROMs
The e-TALC project provides a reliable and regular source of free health information aimed at health care workers in developing countries who have no or limited access to the internet.
Small Coloured Insertion Tape (MUAC) 115mm 0.25p
Haemoglobin Colour Scale £25.00. A simple device for estimating haemoglobin for use when laboratory haemoglobinometry is not available.
You can order the books and other items through the 'Shop' at TALC's website www.talcuk.org or by emailing info@talcuk.org. Prices do not include postage.
If you know of other recent and good-value nutrition-related books that TALC might add to their catalogue, please inform TALC email: info@talcuk.org
FEX: Evaluation of TALC’s CD-ROM ‘Community Nutrition’
TALC (Teachingaids At Low Cost) is undertaking a mini-evaluation of their CD-ROM on ' Community Nutrition'. This CD contains documents and other materials relevant to health...
Resource: Management of the child with a serious infection or severe malnutrition. Guidelines for care at the first referral level in developing countries
An IMCI guideline, based primarily on WHO 'Manual for physicians and other senior health workders on the management of severe malnutrition' (1999) guidelines but includes a...
Resource: Management of severe malnutrition: A manual for physicians and other senior health workers
Available online at: whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/1999/a57361.pdf Has very little about infants < 6 months. A bit about using cups never bottles and importance of...
FEX: WHO/TALC materials on the Management of Severe Malnutrition
Given the recent debate and rapidly evolving developments in the management of severe malnutrition, knowledge of current guidelines and training materials and how to access...
FEX: New Community Nutrition CD-ROM from TALC
Community Nutrition is a new CDROM containing nutrition materials for health care workers in resourcepoor areas. The CD-ROM was produced by TALC with financial support from...
Resource: Caring for Severely Malnourished Children
This book describes how to manage severely malnourished children in hospitals and other health units with inpatient facilities. Based on the WHO manual for physicians and other...
FEX: Caring for Severely Malnourished Children: Book Review
The last issue of Field Exchange reported on the publication of a new book 'Caring for Severely Malnourished Children' by Ann Ashworth and Ann Burgess. The book describes how...
FEX: Update for ‘Caring for Severely Malnourished Children’ book
A short 4-page update for the book 'Caring for Severely Malnourished Children' has been prepared to reflect some important developments in the management of severely...
FEX: New Information Sheet on Nutrition Society Website
The Nutrition Society has a new Information Sheet on its website at www.nutritionsociety.org/careers/studentsinfo.htm. This is Information Sheet #4 and it lists email...
FEX: Community Nutrition: A Handbook for Health and Development Workers
A new book 'Community Nutrition: A Handbook for Health and Development Workers' has just been completed. It is targeted at health and other development professionals who work...
FEX: Improving patient assessment: The ‘MOYO’ Weight-for-Height Chart
By Marko Kerac and Andrew Seal, UCL Centre for International Health & Development, UK We are pleased to include with this edition of Field Exchange, a complementary copy of...
FEX: Caring for Severely Malnourished Children
By Darryl Cowley and Professor David Morley (Teaching-aids At Low Cost) This book describes how to manage severely malnourished children in hospitals and other health units...
FEX: INASP Health Directory 2003/2004
The International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) has launched the online INASPHealth Directory 2003/2004. The Directory is a networking tool...
Nutrition for Developing Countries 3rd edition
Newly released: Nutrition for Developing Countries 3rd edition published by Oxford University Press, edited by Felicity Savage King, Ann Burgess, Victoria J. Quinn and Akoto K....
FEX: Reprint of ‘Protein-energy malnutrition’ by J.C.Waterlow
First published in 1992, but unobtainable for some years, 'Protein-energy malnutrition' has been reprinted, supplemented by 22 pages of updated new material including growth...
FEX: All in Diary – a practical resource for those working in emergencies
The All In Diary is a web-based resource - with country-specific print versions - for field-based humanitarian workers, particularly those working in disaster situations. It is...
FEX: Debate on the Management of Severe Malnutrition
by Marie McGrath, Fiona O'Reilly and Jeremy Shoham (ENN). Over the past six months, ENN has been a party to debate regarding technical aspects of the management of severe...
FEX: Debate on the Management of Severe Malnutrition : A Response
By Professor Ann Ashworth, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Background Many individuals and organisations, including NGOs, have contributed to the improved...
FEX: Updated Nutrition Society Information Sheets
The Nutrition Society Interim Professional Body for Nutrition has updated its Information Sheets 1-4. These are particularly for nutritionists in low-income countries. Sheet 1...
FEX: Food Security E-learning Courses and Training Materials from FAO
The EC-FAO Programme (www.foodsec.org) has developed a series of free Food Security e-learning courses and related training materials, designed to support capacity building and...
Nutrition books available from TALC. Field Exchange 41, August 2011. p29. www.ennonline.net/fex/41/nutrition
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2324
|
__label__cc
| 0.509928
| 0.490072
|
A world away from bland
eporta workspace re-design.
design stories x eporta
Read time 5 minutes
By Lorna on 8.1.2019
Workspace design is a complex beast to unpick. The spaces we choose to work in affect how we work and how we feel about what we do. They need to facilitate a number of behaviours, personalities and working styles, whilst also embodying a brand's values in a tangible way. These were just some of the considerations faced when designing our own eporta workspace in late 2018. This project story looks at the tale from start to finish with the three major project contributors- Aneeqa Khan, founder and CEO of eporta, Samantha Kay-Foster, Director of Brand and Design and Jo Dolan, Head of Procurement.
“Boring. Bland. Fine.” Where the story begins, with Aneeqa's three-word synopsis of the office in its original form. Jo goes one step further describing the space as “bleak, grim and temporary.” In reality, the 3,000 sqft shell in London’s Clerkenwell district had potential. Complete with kitchenette, exposed pipework and large windows lining one whole side of the North-West facing space. This was eporta’s first foray into a singular company workspace, having worked in co-working spaces to date. Following a successful $8 million funding round in April, Aneeqa knew that eporta needed it's own space to reflect this significant step change for the company.
"Outline" sofa by MUUTO in reception area of new eporta workspace
It was critical that the office project team had defined roles. When asked hers, Aneeqa described herself as the “overly attached client in the process.” She provided the initial brief, confirmed sourcing specifications, and exercised final sign off on decisions. Sam sat somewhere in the middle between client and designer. “My main priority was maintaining the integrity of the visual style throughout the space and making sure it felt on brand.” She also encompassed the role of a designer; gathering inspiration, space planning and product designing. As Head of Procurement, Jo is used to taking a design brief, procuring the items to bring the design to life and project managing the scheme to installation on the client's behalf. As such it’s no surprise that Jo took on the role of Project Manager.
The office can get pretty lively. As we’ve scaled the business we’ve worked to maintain a culture where everyone is comfortable being themselves and working in a way that suits them.
The critical requirement for the design according to the trio was future proofing. In the last year, eporta has grown from 22 team members to 45, as Aneeqa points out “we are growing really quickly, so we always have the need for more bums on seats.” The space needed to be flexible and accommodating for growth, even if it meant compromising on other elements of the space. But what else was integral to the success of the scheme? To answer this question, the senior team sat down with the wider company to compile wish lists for the design. Jo noted that “surprisingly the feedback from the wider team was fairly aligned.”
The workplace of eporta dreams would have three other major elements:
Variety- A range of meeting spaces with different levels of formality and privacy. The original space had one meeting room, with echoey acoustics and poor visibility to the wider office. There also needed to be a space that accommodated larger team meetings, such as supplier training sessions, all hands meetings and team presentations.
Time away- eporta live by the age-old principle that the family who eats together stay together, so break out spaces were critical. Aneeqa notes- “A large lunch area was a must, people in our office like eating together and we needed to create a space that allowed them to do that comfortably.”
Cocooning tones and soft lighting solutions from Petite Friture create a formal but inviting meeting room.
Sound quality- As Jo pointed out from the offset, one of the difficulties within the space was the acoustics. Hardwood floors and exposed ceilings meant that noise carried, so if one person was on the phone in one corner of the space they could be heard in the meeting room at the other. A solution for this had to be found. Ironically the team also wanted an injection of noise, in the form of a sound system. Jo pointed out “Music was a must." Aneeqa followed, "We wanted to create an environment that was inspiring and productive, the survey's proved that for team members music was critical to that.”
But as with most workspace designs you are catering to opposing needs, there are members of the team or activities that they undertake which need quiet. Aneeqa continued, "The office can get pretty lively. As we’ve scaled the business we’ve worked to maintain a culture where everyone is comfortable being themselves and working in a way that suits them." This point is echoed by Sam, “The idea was that you come from your home and get to work and still feel like you’re at home.” This also influenced 'the look' of the space it needed to hit a domestic tone that resonated with the friendly, relaxed and welcoming eporta values.
Spacestor "Residence" sound proof pod for private meetings and quiet work
With its loose c shape, hardwood floors, and pillars, the game was on to create a workspace that could successfully evolve with the company, whilst reflecting its current needs too. The space was relatively tight for the newly enlarged team, so to add even more desk space in the future would mean sacrificing the luxury of some break out space. For this reason, very few items in the office are fixed, so that spaces can be expanded into with workstations, should the need arise.
Jo also looked to solve the need for a variety of meeting spaces. The suggestion of Spacestor’s soundproof pods arose as a solution to peoples need for quiet workspaces. And it looks like they aren't alone in their search for workspace zen, searches for soundproof pods on eporta have risen by 20% in the last year. The layout also includes an open meeting space opposite the entrance. Here, collaborative meetings take place around the whiteboard and Studio Henk table, under soft domestic lighting from Menu.
Menu "TR Suspension Lamp" providing soft lighting over the informal meeting area.
In the meantime, the trio shared inspiration and product suggestions through a collaborative Pinterest board. Sam was keen to point out that “We didn’t look to ‘offices’ for inspiration, we looked at homes that felt comfortable and clean, as well as welcoming.” These melting pots of individual contribution can spark genius or disaster, in this case, they realised early on how closely aligned the team were. “In all honesty, it felt right and was very organic. Aneeqa and I had the same vision and it worked really well.”
This is also when the tangible inclusion of brand arose. The idea wasn’t to just paint the walls in brand colours but to incorporate the visual identity more succinctly, as Sam explains “Our brand is very pared back and although I didn’t want us to use our brand palette for the room, the colours needed to complement each other.” A big personification of the brand values is the kitchen area. A blush pink "Stelvio Table" sits alongside black “Co Dining” benches from Ton, allowing 16 to sit comfortably. The hanging Tala pendants in this area added a domestic note and softer glow lighting.
Communal living- soft nude "Stelvio Table" by Ton in the kitchen area
But was it all plain sailing?
The trio looks to each other and chuckle, Jo is the first to speak. “Timing was everything. We had a window of opportunity during the summer break in August to complete the project with the least disruption to the team. However, that is also supplier summer shutdown time, so the process took longer than desired.” Jo says this, but from design to completion the workspace was transformed in under 4 months. Some alternatives had to be sought in order to complete the scheme on time. “Where we had to make changes or move away from the original vision, we did it in a way that never felt like a compromise. Using our own platform was great because it provided us with so many amazing choices to go back to.”
The seemingly simple act of communication is vital for the smooth running of a project...
Now that the dust has settled, and the project completed, how do the trio describe the space they’ve created in 3 words. All three opted for 'welcoming’. Given the mission of the design to create an inviting, relaxed and friendly place it sounds like they’ve achieved their goal. Other words include happy, warm, sophisticated and considered. When asked would they change anything about the space, Aneeqa is a resounding “NO!”. For Jo it’s not that she would change anything, it’s more about what she has taken from the project. She notes it was great for the wider team to understand first-hand what goes into a workspace design, plus it's a great opportunity to see how suppliers perform from a client perspective. For Sam, it came down to the importance of collaboration in a design process. “The seemingly simple act of communication is vital for the smooth running of a project, we were lucky that as a small team we synced up well.”
Hard at work- The new workstations and office chairs in action
My next statement may seem biased as an eporta employee myself, but in reality, this space was designed for myself and the 44 other colleagues I work with. It only seems fair that I get to offer a judgement of the success on the scheme. So here is how I would describe the original space: bare, mundane and cold. Compared to now: alive, warm and relaxed. I guess the trio completed their mission.
Aneeqa's Pick
Favourite Item
"My favourite space in the office, and therefore product is actually one we designed ourselves. The step meeting area is a great space for the entire team to come together."
Sam's Pick- Voronoi I lightbulb by Tala
"The Tala bulbs we have dotted around bring me joy everyday. They are just pure craftsmanship through and through and a great company to work with."
Jo's Pick- Outline Sofa by Muuto
"This is such great opening piece for the office. The clean design is really tactile, welcoming and contemporary. I think it really speaks to the brand."
More from Interviews
Studio Mash - Made With Love
How Abbie Smith got her design ducks in a row.
Securing success: How to make goals and stick to them.
More epic reads
Project of the Week
Lobito de Mar by Astet
Interiors Business School
There's no such thing as bad press, right?
PNY Gaité by Bernard Dubois
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2329
|
__label__cc
| 0.743714
| 0.256286
|
FEMA IS-18: FEMA EEO Employee Course Answers
1. If an employee feels he or she has been the victim of unlawful discrimination, that individual must initiate contact with an EEO Officer within how many days of the occurrence of the alleged discriminatory act?
A. 15 days
B. 45 days
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
2. Tom, a supervisor, calls a team meeting and asks Mary, the only woman on the team, to take notes and make copies of a memo for team members who are her peers. In previous meetings, he has asked her to make coffee. Mary complains to an EEO Counselor. Which of the following statements is true?
A. These peripheral requests are not sufficient basis for a complaint. An EEO complaint must relate to the essential functions of a job.
B. Because her peers were not asked to do the menial tasks, Mary may have grounds for a complaint of sex discrimination under the Equal Pay Act.
C. Because of the sexist treatment from her supervisor, Mary may have grounds for a complaint of sex discrimination under Title VII.
D. Tom should not have asked only Mary to do these things; however, it is solely Mary’s responsibility to ensure her boss treats her fairly.
3. EEO Counselors are responsible for assisting employees who allege they have been discriminated against, helping employees and supervisors resolve potential EEO matters, and:
A. Notifying supervisors if their employees are being discriminated against.
B. Helping a supervisor determine if someone is the most qualified person for a job.
C. Serving as a neutral party during the EEO complaint process.
D. Deciding if an EEO claim is valid based on EEO laws and regulations.
4. During the informal stage of the EEO complaint process, the Complainant may opt to use EEO counseling or he or she may:
A. Bring the case before an Administrative Judge.
B. Use Alternative Dispute Resolution if it is offered.
C. Hire a lawyer and sue FEMA in Federal court.
D. File a formal complaint with the EEOC.
5. After receiving the Notice of Right To File a Discrimination Complaint, the Complainant has how many days to file a formal complaint?
A. 7 calendar days
B. 15 calendar days
C. 60 calendar days
D. 90 calendar days
6. Martha and Rose work in the same office, and have worked on several projects together. Martha, a middle-aged African-American woman, was surprised when Rose, a young white woman, was given a supervisory position for which Martha thought she was more qualified. Rose has worked for FEMA for only a short time. In order to minimize the potential of a charge of age and/or race discrimination, Rose’s supervisor should:
A. Tell Martha she will be considered for the next supervisory opening.
B. Prepare statistics to show an increase in minority promotions over the past 5 years.
C. Have records proving Rose was better qualified for the job.
D. Tell Martha she doesn’t have the right attitude and leadership skills to be a supervisor.
7. _____ on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information is illegal.
A. Mentoring
B. Networking
C. Accommodation
D. Harassment
8. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act of 2008 protect persons with which of the following conditions?
A. Disorders from current illegal drug use
B. Compulsive gambling
C. Pyromania
D. HIV
9. After the Complainant files a formal complaint, within how many calendar days must the EEO investigation be completed?
D. 180 days
10. After receiving a request for a final agency decision, how many days does the agency have to issue its decision?
11. Which of the following is NOT a reasonable accommodation?
A. Providing a modified work schedule structured around an employee’s physical therapy.
B. Providing a large-screen computer monitor for a visually impaired employee.
C. Constructing a wheelchair ramp to accommodate an employee in a wheelchair.
D. Exempting an employee with a disability from performing essential functions of the job.
12. One of your subordinate employees, Timothy, worked extra hours on Tuesday and Thursday so he could attend
Ash Wednesday services at his church. Which of the following statements is true?
A. This situation is only problematic if a colleague complains about Timothy’s absence Wednesday or is offended by the
ashes on his forehead.
B. Permitting Timothy to make up time lost due to the observance of religious practices is a reasonable religious accommodation.
C. Supervisors can use individual discretion when deciding whether to allow a subordinate to adjust his work schedule for religious practices.
D. Timothy should have taken personal leave in order to miss work to attend religious services during his scheduled work time.
13. A supervisor was interviewing a female applicant for a position that would require extensive out-of-town travel to rough areas. The supervisor commented that “as a woman,” she probably would have trouble with the travel “because it is dangerous.”
A. The supervisor, after telling the woman of the job requirements and locations, should have allowed her to decide if she wanted the position.
B. The supervisor was acting in accordance with FEMA’s safety policies in warning the woman that she wouldn’t want to travel to dangerous locations.
C. The supervisor isn’t allowed to say anything about the danger of the territory, and should simply choose the best qualified applicant for the job.
D. The supervisor should not have interviewed the woman for the job in the first place if it was too dangerous for a woman to do it.
14. While deployed to a disaster operations center, an employee informs a supervisor that they have a medical condition, and require some sort of adjustment to their normal work routine. What should the supervisor do?
A. Explain to the employee that discussing medical conditions in the work place is sensitive and probably should be left up to professionals to figure out.
B. Explain to the employee that you have the same medical condition, and you do not require any accommodations, so you do not believe they need one either.
C. Recommend that the employee meet with the FCO to discuss the matter further.
D. Determine if there is something that can be done to accommodate the employee. Contact the deployed Equal Rights Officer or the Disability Employment Program Manager at HQ for further assistance.
15. Which of the following is an example of discrimination under Title VII?
A. Discrimination based on unequal pay.
B. Discrimination on the basis of age. .
C. Discrimination on the basis of race or national origin.
D. Discrimination on the basis of physical or mental impairment.
16. If an employee at Headquarters feels that he or she has been discriminated against, he or she should inform:
A. The Office of Equal Rights.
B. His or her immediate supervisor.
C. All co-workers in his or her work unit.
D. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
17. After a complaint is investigated, the Complainant may either request a final agency decision or:
A. Appeal to the EEOC for reconsideration.
B. Request an EEOC hearing and decision.
C. Participate in counseling with an EEO Counselor.
D. Refile a formal complaint.
18. Cathy, a supervisor, asks Bob, one of her employees, to go out with her on several occasions. Each time, Bob refused. When training opportunities became available, Bob requested training. Although other employees were allowed to take training, Cathy refused to approve Bob’s request. The actions on the part of Cathy, the supervisor, may constitute sexual harassment.
19. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires Federal agencies to:
A. Provide to employees and general public comparable access; and use of information and services for people with and without disabilities.
B. Post on their public Web sites statistical data relating to EEO complaints filed against the Agency.
C. Pay women and men comparable wages for work performed that is of similar skill, effort, and responsibility.
D. Accommodate the religious practices of employees and prospective employees unless it would pose an undue hardship on the employer.
20. According to the Age Discrimination and Employment Act, at what age does an employee fall into the age-protected class?
21. Who is responsible for demonstrating the existence of unlawful discrimination by a preponderance of the evidence?
A. EEO Officer
B. Complainant
C. FEMA Office of Equal Rights
D. Supervisor
22. Which statement below is false as it pertains to mediation (a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution)?
A. A trained neutral party conducts the mediation session(s).
B. A mediator helps the parties work toward reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.
C. Mediation can occur at various times during the EEO complaint process.
D. All employees who file an EEO complaint must go through mediation.
23. Who is responsible for issuing decisions on EEO complaints?
A. Administrative Judge
B. EEO Officer
C. Neutral assigned to mediate the complaint
D. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
24. If the Complainant is not satisfied with the results of the final agency decision, then he or she may file a civil action in Federal court. Filing must take place within how many days of receipt of the decision?
25. The No FEAR Act protects employees from:
A. Age discrimination.
B. Sexual harassment.
C. Reprisal discrimination.
D. Racial harassment.
26. After receiving the Report of Investigation, how many calendar days does the Complainant have to request
either an EEOC hearing or a final agency decision?
A. 10 calendar days
Find answers to the next exam here: FEMA IS-19: FEMA EEO Supervisor Course Answers
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2333
|
__label__cc
| 0.624579
| 0.375421
|
Poll shows broad citizen support for regulating products that drive deforestation
Public opinion may be splintered across the political spectrum on many issues, but stopping deforestation is something we all agree on. A poll carried out in April 2019, by YouGov and commissioned by Environmental Investigation Agency, Fern, Greenpeace and WWF demonstrated that, no matter which country or whom you ask – men or women; old, young or middle aged – European adults overwhelmingly care about forests and want legislation to protect them.
Ninety-one per cent of those polled across 25 EU countries said they cared deeply about forests and agreed that deforestation is harmful for people and wildlife. The majority of EU citizens also think that neither their national governments (66 per cent) nor the EU (61 per cent) are doing enough to tackle global deforestation.
Importantly, 87 per cent indicated that new laws are needed to ensure the products sold in European Union countries do not contribute to global deforestation.
These results were published as the European Commission is expected to unveil plans to step up EU action against deforestation. It remains unclear whether any new regulation will be proposed.
European citizens, the European Parliament, governments and NGOs have all called for regulatory measures to ensure that products placed on the EU market do not cause deforestation or violate human rights.
The EU has made an international pledge to halt global deforestation by 2020, but remains one of the largest markets for deforestation-driving agricultural commodities, such as beef, palm oil, soy and cocoa.
The survey is available here, including results from all Member States (except Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta).
Go back to FW246
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2334
|
__label__wiki
| 0.507002
| 0.507002
|
The Mindful Leader: Embodying Christian Wisdom? (MDT) (19/05/2020)
by Ministry Development (MDT)
The Rufus Centre
Steppingley Road
MK45 1TH
What is at the core of leading well in demanding and turbulent times?
The workshop will provide an opportunity to reflect on what does being a ‘mindful leader’ mean in your context. The workshop will offer a framework about how Christian wisdom and understanding, with its central beliefs in resurrection, reconciliation, truth and responsibility, can help shape your next steps as a leader. How can qualities like patience, humility, self-control, forgiveness and sacrifice inform the way you develop your leadership approach? We will explore how best to bring a calm and mindful approach to dealing with difficult leadership challenges and making decisions against the background of the weight of expectations on your shoulders.
The core text for the workshop will be the book, ‘The Mindful Leader: embodying Christian wisdom’: a complimentary copy of the book will be given to each workshop participant.
Canon Professor Peter Shaw was a Director General in the UK Government before moving into executive coaching of individuals and teams. He has worked with senior leaders across six continents. He is a Visiting Professor of Leadership Development at Surrey, De Montfort, Chester and Huddersfield Universities and a Professorial Fellow at St John’s College, Durham University. Peter has written twenty-eight books on aspects of leadership. Peter and Alan Smith co-authored ‘The Reflective Leader’, which was the topic of a previous workshop. Peter is Chair of Guildford Cathedral Council and a lay canon at the cathedral.
United Kingdom Events Central Bedfordshire Events Things to do in Flitwick Flitwick Other Flitwick Spirituality Other
The Mindful Leader: Embodying Christian Wisdom? (MDT) (19/05/2020) at The Rufus Centre
Steppingley Road, Flitwick, MK45 1TH, United Kingdom
Browse Flitwick Events
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2336
|
__label__wiki
| 0.732621
| 0.732621
|
Antagonist A.D ' Closer To The Sun' NZ Tour
Sat 23 May 2009, 7:00pm–12:00am
Where: The Meteor, 1 Victoria Street, Hamilton, Waikato
general Admission: $10.00
Additional fees may apply
www.elevenfiftyseven.com
Listed by: elevenfiftyseven
Auckland & Hamilton's HARDCORE MONSTERS ANTAGONIST A.D are back and set to take on New Zealand once again. Following up their release of their sophomore album 'We are the Dead', 2009 has seen Antagonist A.D touring continuously.
First up with an extensive tour of Australia in January and February with friends The Red Shore (AUS) & As Blood Runs Black (USA). March saw the band delve into unfamiliar territory hitting 5 countries throughout SOUTH EAST ASIA (Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia) as well as including a headlining tour of Japan.
May will see an energetic, refueled & mature ANTAGONIST A.D that has only gone from strength to strength.
With so many stamps in their passports & kilometres under ripped macbeths, (footwear) it's easy to see how this relatively young New Zealand band has grown into force now recognised worldwide.
Restaurants to book near Antagonist A.D ' Closer To The Sun' NZ Tour
Queen + Adam Lambert - The Rhapsody Tour 2020
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Otago
Mon 10 Feb 6:00pm
Mt Smart Stadium, Penrose, Auckland
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wed 5 Feb 6:00pm
Western Springs Stadium, Western Springs, Auckland
Wed 25 Mar 4:30pm
Amplify Rock Festival ft. Wolfmother, Devilskin + More
Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2337
|
__label__wiki
| 0.564086
| 0.564086
|
Exchange and Mart>Reviews>Suzuki>SX4 S-CROSS
Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS (2013 - 2016)
Used car model guide
Suzuki SX4 S-CROSS (2013 - 2016) used car model guide
Suzuki has a long heritage in SUV-style vehicles of all kinds, but back in 2013, it wasn't at the forefront of the fashionable trend for so-called 'Crossovers', cars that bring a little extra lifestyle and practicality to the kind of ordinary family hatchback that many families would otherwise have to have. With this SX4 S-Cross, the company aimed to put itself back into play, this car larger and better suited to buying trends of the time than its rarely seen predecessor. Today, there's certainly a place for it for used car buyers shopping in the Qashqai class, but is it worth a place in your garage?
Suzuki's SX4 S-Cross. Back in 2013, this was where the brand first got serious about Crossovers. Think of cars in this segment, family hatches with extra space and SUV attitude, and you don't tend to think of Suzuki. Which must be frustrating for the Japanese brand, given that their initial entrant in this sector, the MK1 SX4 of 2006, actually pre-dated the original Nissan Qashqai that most people think pioneered this class of car.
That first generation SX4 was a little too small, a little too shy and retiring and a little too poorly promoted to set the sales charts alight the way its Nissan competitor did, but Suzuki watched, learned and came back fighting. This SX4 S-Cross proved to be a much more competitive proposition.
It's certainly helped that the design was all Suzuki's own. The original SX4 of 2006 was developed in conjunction with Fiat, who badge-engineered their own version and probably compromised the end result. With this MK2 version, the Japanese maker was free to think bigger, not only when it came to this car's size but also in terms of efficiency and technology. As a result, they promoted this as the Crossover that's 'perfect for families without being just a family car'. But what exactly does that mean? We're going to find out...
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
This SX-4 S-Cross model may not be quite as eye-catching as the motorshow concept car that gave it its name but it's still better aesthetically tuned into the needs of the Crossover market than its neatly styled but rather forgettable first generation SX-4 predecessor. To some extent, that's due to the fact that the SUV part of the styling equation was a little more overt in MK2 guise. But it's probably mostly because, though still compact, this car proved to be a size bigger than before, leaving commentators like us with the headache of whether to classify it as a supermini-based model (like a Ford EcoSport or a Vauxhall Mokka) or a family hatch-sized Qashqai-class example of the breed.
Family customers less concerned with segment semantics will probably simply recognise in this car the Qashqai they liked the look of but found they couldn't really afford. This Suzuki does, after all, deliver nearly all of what you get in that car - as long as you like the way it looks. Is this quite as eye-catching as Nissan's class favourite? Perhaps not, but there's little here to offend, the huge headlamps and gentle curves intended to convey a sense of strength and solidity emphasised by modulated lines running down the sides from the front bumper to the rear combination lamps. The styling's all Suzuki's own this time around. In contrast to the first generation SX4, styled by Italian design house Giugiaro, a car that was originally due to be called the 'Aerio', until that word was discovered as being Grecian for breaking wind.
But we're getting way from the matter at hand - which is just how different this car is from its first generation predecessor. Previous owners still tempted to doubt that have only to lift the tailgate and inspect a boot area nearly double the size - 430-litres, about the same as you get in a Qashqai and around 20% more than you get in smaller Crossovers - Mokkas, EcoSports, MINI Countrymans, Peugeot 2008s and the like. Of course it's not big enough for a third seating row (you have to stretch to a bigger, much pricier Crossover like a Mitsubishi Outlander or a Hyundai Santa Fe for that), but you can at least make good use of the space available thanks to a neat false floor that lifts to reveal hidden storage. There's also a pair of lidded cubbies hidden behind the rear wheelarches, plus shopping bag hooks and a 12V power supply. Only if you need more space than the basic boot area provides might the S-Cross disappoint, for pushing forward the split-folding rear bench only increases your capacity up to 875-litres - around half what you'd get from a rival Peugeot 3008 in the same configuration. It does help though, that if you position the false boot floor properly, you can get a totally flat loadbay
You can't increase the basic boot space by sliding the rear bench backwards and forwards, but the backrest does recline in some models and if you were to put it into an uncomfortably vertical position, Suzuki says you'd get an extra 10-litres of trunk capacity. It's more important to note that you get more significantly room here for legs, elbows and shoulders than you would in a smaller Crossover. Knees too, thanks to the careful way the front seatbacks have been moulded. As usual in the Qashqai class, two adults will be fine - and three won't be too uncomfortable at a squash - provided they're not too tall. Vertically challenged folk will especially struggle if they happen to be seated in a plush variant equipped with a twin sliding panel panoramic sunroof that eats into ceiling room, so if you're tempted by that and fancy this feature, test the back of the car in question out first. If you can live with the roofline, this sunroof is certainly a nice thing to have, offering one of the largest open apertures in this segment.
And up-front? Well, it's much like the outside really, an inoffensive but quite effective piece of sensible design that was decently screwed together by the Hungarian factory. There are a few more contoured and padded surfaces than Suzuki has provided in the past, but still nothing that'll especially surprise or delight you, though there are blue-ringed dials and silver trim around the air vents to try and lift the ambience. There could be a little more cabin storage, the door pockets being shallow and the glovebox size limited, though you do get a reasonably-sized bin ahead of the gearlever.
At least the switchgear is commendably intuitive, with no buttonfest to baffle you upon first acquaintance. We would recommend that you try and stretch to a variant fitted with the infotainment touchscreen, which not only includes the expected satellite navigation set-up but also offers an easier way to access entertainment than the rather fiddly stereo you get on baseline models. More exalted brands could learn a thing or two from this system's simplicity.
Most of the SX-4 S-Cross owners from the 2013 to 2016 period that we came across seemed to be pretty happy with their cars on the evidence of our survey. However, inevitably, there were issues. One owner experienced a start button malfunctioning problem and another repeatedly got a 'keyfob not detected' message when trying to unlock the car with the key in his pocket. In fact, there were several reports of locking problems. One owner found rust spots on the paintwork, which started off as pin-pricks, then grew in size; look out for these. Another had a problem with the sat nav screen freezing. We heard reports of severe wind noise from the front door seals and one owner experienced a rattle from under the driver's seat. Another had to have the throttle body replaced and yet another had to replace a tyre pressure monitoring sensor. We also came across a report of clutch pedal squeaking and a crankshaft failure. One owner had a reverse parking sensor failure. Otherwise, just check the usual things in SUVs; alloy wheel scratches and interior damage caused by unruly children.
Latest used Suzuki's for sale on Exchange & Mart…
2016 Suzuki Vitara £9,995
2016 Suzuki SX4 £7,990
2016 Suzuki SX4 £10,245
2016 Suzuki Celerio £5,990
(approx prices based on a 2014 SX-4 S-Cross 1.6 DDiS ex VAT) An oil filter costs around £5 - or around £20 for a pricier brand. Brake pads sit in the £26 to £46 bracket for a set but you could pay up to around £72 for a pricier brand. Brake discs sits in the £65 bracket. You'll pay around £21 for a drive belt, around £30 to £50 for a water pump and tyres sit in the £35 to £45 bracket. Wiper blades cost between £5 and £16.
If, like us, you're a little tired of Crossover models of this kind being promoted as being 'sporty', then you might find this S-Cross to be refreshing in its sensible, family-orientated approach to vehicle dynamics. Suzuki knows how to do sporty - as you'll know if you've ever got behind the wheel of the Swift Sport hot hatch whose 1.6-litre 120PS petrol engine this car shares. But the company also knows that a higher-riding vehicle that must offer a more absorbent ride and a modicum of off road prowess can never be properly made to handle like a sporting car. More to the point, we're not sure why, as an owner, you'd ever really want it to.
What you will need are safe, predictable responses, feelsome steering, plenty of pulling power and suspension able to soak away the worst tarmac scars you'll encounter in the urban jungle that represents this car's preferred natural habitat. All of which the S-Cross can deliver - though we would insert a caveat in that statement when it comes to engines. For the pulling power part of the equation, you have to pay the premium for the DDiS diesel engine, a Fiat-sourced unit that offers double the torque of the petrol unit we've just mentioned - 320Nm as opposed to 156Nm. That's a massive difference and it's a pity because otherwise, the petrol engine is a pleasant little powerplant, its rest to 62mph sprint time of 11s actually a second quicker than its black pump-fuelled stablemate.
Otherwise, the two units are actually quite similar, both 1.6-litres in size with a 120PS output. If you don't tow, drive off road or undertake many long journeys, the petrol version will probably suit quite well. Otherwise, we'd probably want to stretch to the diesel. It really does pull like a train, enabling a braked towing capacity of 1,500kgs (up from the 1,200kgs the petrol version manages). Even if you're never planning to hitch up, there are times when you'll really notice the extra grunt this engine produces - say when you're overtaking. Stay in fourth gear for example, accelerating from 30 to 70mph, and you'll get there around 3 seconds quicker than you would in a directly comparable 1.7-litre diesel Kia Sportage.
If you do choose the DDiS model, you'll have to accept manual transmission, so it's just as well that's what's provided is a reasonably slick 6-speed 'box. For some reason, the CVT automatic option is limited to petrol models that in manual form get a 5-speeder as standard. Urban folk will want to look at the CVT and it's with them in mind that Suzuki has set up this car to ride fairly softly. True, the ride isn't quite the equal of Nissan's Qashqai class favourite but maybe that's a compromise worth making as the S-Cross has the measure of its Japanese rival when it comes to body control on more challenging roads where the car corners crisply, though two wheel drive models sometimes lack a bit of traction out of slow corners, something that'd certainly be helped during the colder months by the fitment of winter tyres.
That's not an issue you'll be troubled with if you pay the premium for ALLGRIP 4WD. This isn't the permanent layout provided on Suzuki's Grand Vitara SUV but the same lighter part-time set-up that was provided on the previous SX4 model, using an electronically-controlled clutch pack that distributes drive between front and rear under orders from a four-position switch beside the handbrake. As with most such systems, this one will leave you in front wheel drive most of the time, unless a lack of traction is detected, in which case the rear wheels will be dialled in. That's what happens if you leave the whole thing in its set-and-forget 'Auto' mode. There are three other options though. 'Sport' is meant for more spirited driving and in this mode, up to 20% of torque is diverted to the rear wheels for livelier handling.
Which leaves us with two options intended for the kind of off road use this car will very rarely see, primarily thanks to restricted ground clearance that can be as little as 165mm on a plush variant. First there's the 'Snow' setting, the name a bit misleading as this is actually a mode intended for all kinds of slippery, muddy conditions. Here, the system will stay in 4WD all the time, constantly varying the power-split front and rear depending on the conditions: that'll be ideal the next time you have to venture out on an icy, frozen morning. Finally, there's the 'Lock' setting, which splits the torque equally front-to-rear to give you the maximum chance of extricating your S-Cross from somewhere you probably shouldn't have ventured to in the first place.
After supersizing the original SX4 to create this MK2 SX4 S-Cross model, Suzuki found itself with a far more competitive vehicle on its books and one well equipped to handle the grim realities of modern family life, with its congested school runs, child-centred messiness and weekend visits to ungrateful relatives. If, like many people, you don't have a 'lifestyle' family but would rather like a 'lifestyle' car of this kind, then by all means try an S-Cross. We think you'd probably like it.
True, the motoring magazines may well tell you of other Qashqai-class Crossovers they prefer - but inspect the fine print when it comes to comparably-sized models and you'll almost certainly find that all of these will cost you significantly more, an important consideration when you've to feed, clothe and holiday with increasingly demanding offspring. Of course, it's worth stretching up to something better if that something offers a more practical, efficient alternative. The question is though, whether the rival Crossovers that shade this Suzuki in terms of handling, cabin ambience or total luggage space are really worth paying so much more for.
Spend some time with an S-Cross and you may well conclude that they aren't. It'd be nice if 4WD versions of this car were more affordable, but then that's an issue with so many models in this class, more obvious choices than this one but, as we've suggested, not necessarily better for it. So yes, make sure you try this Suzuki if you're shopping in this segment. 'Perfect for families without being just a family car'? The more we think about it, the more we think that sums this Suzuki up rather well.
Have you considered these alternative models...
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
Abarth Alfa Alfa Romeo Alpina Alpine Ariel Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Citroen CUPRA Dacia Daewoo Daihatsu Dodge DS Ferrari Fiat Ford Great Wall Honda Hummer Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Iveco Jaguar Jeep Kia Lada Lamborghini Lancia Land Rover Lexus Lotus Maserati Maybach Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz MG Motor UK MINI Mitsubishi Morgan Nissan Perodua Peugeot Porsche Proton Renault Rolls-Royce Rover Saab SEAT Skoda Smart SsangYong Subaru Suzuki Tesla Toyota TVR Vauxhall Volkswagen Volvo
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2339
|
__label__wiki
| 0.504362
| 0.504362
|
Home Aclu W.Va. Voter ID Law Begins Jan. 1 | News, Sports, Jobs
W.Va. Voter ID Law Begins Jan. 1 | News, Sports, Jobs
PARKERSBURG –Beginning Jan. 1, voters will have to show identification proving who they are before casting ballots in West Virginia.
The new voter identification law, passed by the Legislature in 2016 and signed by then-Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, will require a voter to provide identification before casting a ballot during early voting or on the day of an election. It also changes the types of identification that will be accepted, according to Wood County Clerk Mark Rhodes.
Among the changes is that voters will be allowed to use their voter registration card, Rhodes said. Previously, the voter registration card, which does not include a photo, was not among the allowable forms, he said.
The aim of the legislation is to eliminate chances for voter fraud, Rhodes said.
If a person doesn’t have the correct form of identification, they can still vote a provisional ballot and then produce a valid identification before the official canvassing of the returns by the county commission, Rhodes said.
Recently, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner launched the “Be Registered & Be Ready to Vote” campaign to educate voters and elections officials about the types of identification they should have on them at the voting polls.
The acceptable forms on non-photo identifications are:
– Voter registration card
– Medicare card or Social Security card
– Birth certificate
– West Virginia hunting or fishing license
– West Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program ID card
– West Virginia Medicaid ID card
– Bank or debit card
– Utility bill or bank statement issued within six months of the date of the election
– Health insurance card issued to the voter.
Acceptable forms of photo IDs are:
– A West Virginia driver’s license or other West Virginia ID card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles
– A driver’s license issued by another state
– A U.S. passport or passport card
– A military ID card issued by the U.S.
– U.S. or West Virginia government employee ID card
– Student ID card
– Concealed carry permit.
Exceptions are:
– The voters accompanied by an adult who has known the voter for at least six months, shows a photo ID with their name and address and signs an affidavit confirming the voter’s identity.
– The voter is known by the pollworker for at least six months.
– Residents of licensed West Virginia care facilities do not have to show ID if they are a resident of the care facility, the care facility is a polling place and the resident’s polling place is located at the care facility.
“With some municipalities holding city elections at the beginning of the year, we want the public to be aware they will need to show some kind of identification to poll workers,” Warner said. “We want the process to be easy for our voters and to make clear that no voter will be turned away from a polling place because of lack of ID.”
The Elections Division of the Secretary of State is working with county clerks to provide free photo IDs to registered voters who do not have an acceptable type of ID, Warner said.
The Secretary of State’s office also is working with groups to distribute information about the law change, including distributing 40,000 rack cards detailing the changes, he said.
Among the participating groups are the County Clerks Association, the Association of Counties, the Municipal League, the West Virginia Press Association, the Bureau of Senior Services, the ACLU of West Virginia, political parties, the NAACP, the Department of Veterans Assistance, the Citizen Action Group, the League of Women Voters and Disability Rights of West Virginia.
DENVER (AP) — Alexa, where’s Santa?
Amazon’s diligent, computerized know-it-all is the latest technology to …
By JILL COLVIN
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 40 former U.S. attorneys and Republican and …
beginsIDJanJobslawnewssportsVoterWVa
China shuts down thousands of websites for breaking the law | News | DW
Gambling, felon rights initiatives top 600K signatures – News – Washington County News/Holmes County Times-Advertiser
ACLU training volunteers to bird-dog’ presidential candidates –...
Eight Texas counties agree to halt voter citizenship...
Letter: There might be Dems whom I can...
Voting in Jail? New Bill Seeks to Expand...
Orion Danjuma: Court Recognizes Threat Kobach Poses to...
Why America’s strict new anti-abortion laws could backfire
Secretary of State and DMV Issue New Guidance...
Champaign County ACLU seeks “Justice For All” :...
ACLU reminds jail officials of their duty to...
House saves Texas from SB9’s shameless voter suppression...
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2341
|
__label__cc
| 0.728725
| 0.271275
|
Main St, Haltwhistle
NE49 9AB
Legal firm's office revamp
Organic insight on cards
Legal team go 'over and above'
© 2019 by Cartmell Shepherd. Proudly created by 32West Ltd
'One of my best ever decisions'
Haltwhistle area great for raising a family
Miya Mark, assistant solicitor with Cartmell Shepherd based at its Haltwhistle office, says moving to the area was one of the best decisions she has ever made.
Miya, 32, originally from Preston, studied at Durham University before moving on to gain further legal qualifications at Northumbria University.
With Miya working in Haltwhistle and her husband Stuart, 34, an engineer, working in Newcastle, she says the Haltwhistle and Hexham area is a great place to bring up a family - they have 18-month old twins Ellis and Joshua.
Miya says it’s also perfect for family dog walks with their spaniel Skye, with lovely countryside to enjoy in every direction, including direct from the doorstep.
Further afield there are days out throughout Northumberland and over to Newcastle and the north-east coast, or to the Lake District in the west and the Scottish Borders only a short drive away.
In terms of commuting, Miya says the A69 makes anywhere along the Tyne Valley a great place to be, with easy access to Newcastle.
Miya finds it’s an especially easy drive east from Newcastle to Haltwhistle in the morning, and west in the afternoon, as more often than not you will be travelling against the main traffic.
The attractive market town of Hexham, with its cinema and lively arts scene, as well as a vibrant shopping mix of quality independent traders and major high street names and supermarkets, is only 25 minutes from Haltwhistle.
Miya, who has worked with Cartmell Shepherd since joining as a trainee solicitor in 2010, is part of a seven-strong team based at the Haltwhistle office.
She is keen to stress that Haltwhistle is also a great place to build your career, with complex, challenging and rewarding work, to rival any similar city role.
This means that you can continue to advance your successful career here which, combined with all the benefits that living in a rural community brings, makes it the perfect choice for many.
“Working here suits someone who likes to be part of the community. I take my dog to work and on dog walks at lunchtime I will often see clients to stop and talk to.
“It means that you end up getting to know your clients really well. And that means while you might have started off helping a family or an individual in one area of their life, you end up advising them on a whole range of issues, which is very rewarding,” says Miya.
“Working for Cartmell Shepherd in Haltwhistle provides the support of a large firm whilst having the day to day, work-life balance that living in this beautiful part of the world brings.”
Cartmell Shepherd now has an exciting opportunity for a Private Client Solicitor to join its team based at its office in Haltwhistle, on a full-time, permanent basis.
The role, available immediately, will find you working in one of the region’s top law firms in a supportive team environment where your contribution is valued and essential.
#fivereasonswhy
Meet Miya
#fivereasons
Perfect for dogs
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2344
|
__label__wiki
| 0.673617
| 0.673617
|
Explore Freedom » Daily Articles » TGIF: What an Honest Conversation about Race Would Look Like
TGIF: What an Honest Conversation about Race Would Look Like
Ever since George Zimmerman’s fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin hit the national headlines last year, calls for an “honest conversation about race” have been heard throughout America. (Up until then, apparently, we’ve had only conversations about having a conversation about race.) However, one need not believe that the Zimmerman shooting and verdict were about race — I watched the trial and I don’t — to think that an honest conversation about race is indeed long overdue.
First on the agenda should be the many ways that government policies — either by intent or by palpable effect — embody racism. Let’s call them vehicles for official racism. I have in mind things like the war on certain drug manufacturers, merchants, and consumers; the crusade against “illegal” guns; the minimum wage and related laws; and the government’s schools. All of these by far take their greatest toll on people of color.
Private racism, whether violent or nonviolent, is evil and abhorrent; it is also unlibertarian — yes, even nonviolent racism is unlibertarian, as I point out in “Libertarianism = Anti-Racism.” There I wrote,
What could be a libertarian reason to oppose nonviolent racism? Charles Johnson spelled it out in The Freeman. Libertarianism is a commitment to the nonaggression principle. That principle rests on some justification. Thus it is conceivable that a principle of nonviolent action, such as racism, though not involving the initiation of force and contradicting libertarianism per se, could nevertheless contradict the justification for one’s libertarianism.
For example, a libertarian who holds his or her philosophy out of a conviction that all men and women are (or should be) equal in authority and thus none may subordinate another against his or her will (the most common justification) — that libertarian would naturally object to even nonviolent forms of subordination. Racism is just such a form (though not the only one), since existentially it entails at least an obligatory humiliating deference by members of one racial group to members of the dominant racial group. (The obligatory deference need not always be enforced by physical coercion.)
Seeing fellow human beings locked into a servile role — even if that role is not explicitly maintained by force — properly, reflexively summons in libertarians an urge to object. (I’m reminded of what H. L. Mencken said when asked what he thought of slavery: “I don’t like slavery because I don’t like slaves.”)
Another, related, libertarian reason to oppose nonviolent racism is that it all too easily metamorphoses from subtle intimidation into outright violence. Even in a culture where racial “places” have long been established by custom and require no coercive enforcement, members of a rising generation will sooner or later defiantly reject their assigned place and demand equality of authority. What happens then? It takes little imagination to envision members of the dominant race — even if they have professed a “thin” libertarianism to that point — turning to physical force to protect their “way of life.”
It should go without saying that a libertarian protest of nonviolent racist conduct must not itself be violent.
But as bad as private racism is, official racism is worse, since it is committed under color of law and leaves its victims all the more vulnerable.
No one with open eyes can possibly believe that a black or Hispanic male walking down the street at night — or even during the day — faces the same hazards presented by the police that a white person does. The criminal justice [!] system — from the police to the courts to the prison complex — is far more entangled in the lives of men of color than of white men. Blacks and Hispanics are stopped disproportionately under New York City’s abominable stop-and-frisk policy. (See David D’Amato’s article in the forthcoming August issue of Future of Freedom.) What are the cops looking for? Drugs and guns. Police can stop virtually anyone because the official standard for suspicion is low and subjective — and that gives racist cops plenty of scope to harass (and worse) people they dislike. It’s a vehicle for official racism.
The drug laws were originally inspired by racial and ethnic animus against blacks, Mexicans, and Chinese. (See Thomas Szasz’s books Ceremonial Chemistry: The Ritual Persecution of Drugs, Addicts, and Pushers and Our Right to Drugs: The Case for a Free Market.) Since drug prohibition is a crime by the standard of natural law and justice, and since it was motivated by racism and is racist in effect, those who passed and those who now enforce those laws are arguably guilty of hate crimes.
Prohibition — and the violent black markets and gang culture it spawns — makes the inner cities barely livable, while chasing legal businesses and jobs away. (Other government regulations contribute to this devastating result.) The cost to young people in terms of their futures is incalculable.
What about the war against “illegal” guns? It’s much the same story. As gun historian Clayton E. Cramer writes,
The historical record provides compelling evidence that racism underlies gun control laws — and not in any subtle way. Throughout much of American history, gun control was openly stated as a method for keeping blacks and Hispanics “in their place,” and to quiet the racial fears of whites.…
It is not surprising that the first North American English colonies, then the states of the new republic, remained in dread fear of armed blacks, for slave revolts against slave owners often degenerated into less selective forms of racial warfare. The perception that free blacks were sympathetic to the plight of their enslaved brothers, and the dangerous example that “a Negro could be free” also caused the slave states to pass laws designed to disarm all blacks, both slave and free. Unlike the gun control laws passed after the Civil War, these antebellum statutes were for blacks alone.
While the drug and gun laws today may not be racial in intent (though they may be), they are such in consequence. Again, they are vehicles for official racism. Whose neighborhood has more to fear from a local militarized police SWAT raid?
The government’s schools for decades consigned black children to ramshackle custodial institutions misleadingly called “schools,” where the kids’ future choices were systematically narrowed to a demeaning few. With white-controlled elitist school boards depriving minority communities of resources (through taxation), it took heroic family and neighborhood action to help kids to overcome these official barriers. Things are little different today. Even though a great deal more tax money is spent on inner-city schools now than previously, the results are not much better.
These handicaps on minority children are reinforced by the minimum wage and related laws, such as the Davis-Bacon Act. By pricing low-skilled, poorly educated workers out of the market, these laws make getting a first job especially hard if not impossible. For many unfortunate victims of the law, their lives are stifled in ways that cannot be reversed without herculean effort.
Tragic coincidence? No. The laws were racially motivated — intended as barriers against black workers aspiring to compete with exclusionist white unions. (See “Eugenics: Progressivism’s Ultimate Social Engineering” by Art Carden and Steven Horwitz.)
And to this list of offensive interventions let us add immigration controls, zoning laws, occupational licensing, and restrictions on street vendors and taxi drivers, all of which impose their heaviest burdens on people of color, who are thwarted at every turn, as my account here indicates. Most tragically, all these government inventions, which serve to create dysfunctional communities, feed the private racists’ poisonous narrative.
This hardly exhausts the discussion of official racism. So, yes, let’s have that honest conversation about race. And let’s begin with the biggest enabler of racism of all: the state.
Categories: Free Society, Sheldon Richman's TGIF
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2349
|
__label__wiki
| 0.800729
| 0.800729
|
Adimab signs bispecific antibodies deal with Japan’s Takeda
Apr 27, 2016 6:40am
Takeda becomes the latest in a long list of Big Pharma drugmakers to buy into Adimab’s antibody platform to help it discover and develop a range of new drugs.
Adimab has penned a multi-target partnership with Japans’ Takeda that will see the biotech use its platform to discover and optimize antibodies against multiple targets chosen by Takeda--who in return will have the right to develop and commercialize drug programs coming from the collab.
Lebanon, NH-based Adimab--which has been backed by Google ($GOOG) in previous funding rounds--will use its yeast-based discovery and optimization platform or its proprietary rapid B cell sorting capabilities to find fully human antibodies and against selected targets.
For each of these targets, Adimab will give Takeda the right to research antibodies the biotech can find from the deal, while for its troubles Adimab will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, research fees, and technical milestones.
On top of this, for each target Takeda will also have the option to exclusively license antibodies discovered during the collab, for which Adimab will get an extra payload. No financial terms of the deal were however disclosed.
Bispecific antibodies combine two or more antigen-recognizing elements into a single construct, able to bind to two or more targets.
This is not its first focus on mAbs and back in 2014, Takeda also signed a pact with MacroGenics ($MGNX) in a deal potentially worth $1.6 billion for its DART monoclonal antibody-based program for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, along with options on the biotech’s early-stage autoimmune candidate MGD010.
“We are pleased to be working with a company with such deep expertise in antibody discovery and engineering," stated Christopher Claiborne, head of Oncology Discovery at Takeda.
“Adimab’s breadth of technical offerings, including bispecifics, as well as their reputation in the industry enables us to continue fulfilling our mission of aspiring to cure cancer.”
Tillman Gerngross, CEO and co-founder of Adimab, added: “We are excited to have Takeda as a partner, and we look forward to demonstrating Adimab’s advantages to the Takeda team.
“This partnership, like most of our initial partnerships, will focus on a handful of projects. Our goal is to have our partners see the output from the collaboration and fall in love with the platform. We are always happy to expand the initial collaboration into additional funded discovery projects, or even transfer the platform to our partner’s facilities--to date most of our partnerships have expanded in some way.”
This comes in the same week that France’s Glaxo ($GSK) signed an updated $908 million deal with Vancouver-based Zymeworks to develop new, bispecific antibodies, although the Big Pharma is looking to use the deal to seek targets outside of cancer.
And over the past seven years, Adimab has established funded discovery collabs with over 35 companies. With this latest deal, Takeda joins an impressive list of drugmakers allured by Adimab's expertise, including: Sanofi ($SNY), Merck ($MRK), Roche ($RHHBY), Novartis ($NVS), Eli Lilly ($LLY) and GlaxoSmithKline, to name but a few.
This also comes several months after the biotech wrote a paper in the journal Science that outlined a pro bono project in which they radically reduced the amount of time it takes to identify a lineup of antibodies that could be used to combat Ebola, using Adimab's single B cell isolation platform.
-check out the release
clinical research collaboration Takeda monoclonal antibody
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2350
|
__label__cc
| 0.566783
| 0.433217
|
Telstra makes investment in transaction management company DocuSign
Telstra has made a strategic investment in eSignature and digital transaction management (DTM) provider DocuSign, a move it says will help it accelerate paper-based processes for its enterprise customers.
The companies did not reveal the amount of the investment.
Initially, the service provider will use the DocuSign platform internally to accelerate manual, paper-based processes and then it will later use the technology to develop a product it can offer to its business and enterprise customers later this year.
By using DocuSign's platform, a customer can upload a document, add the names and email addresses of the signers, place tags in the document where the signature, initials and dates are required, and then hit send. These activities can be done in what DocuSign says is a secure online environment.
Being a cloud-based platform, businesses can collect and send business information and sign documents on any compatible mobile or fixed computing device.
What's compelling about DocuSign is it that it's an established brand with over 40 million users in 188 countries, and 775,000 documents containing more than 3.5 million pages are being DocuSigned every day.
When it eventually offers the DocuSign platform to its business customers, particularly large global multinationals, Telstra will be able to potentially process orders faster for a segment that's continually looking for ways to save time and be more efficient.
"Telstra's investment in DocuSign demonstrates our commitment to giving customers best-in-class technologies that can help them find new efficiencies, improve productivity, reduce costs and enhance customer service," said Mark Sherman, Telstra Ventures managing director, in a release.
This latest pact with DocuSign is just one of many new relationships that the service provider has been adding as it looks to deepen its presence as a cloud-based provider. Telstra has been working with other third parties that have specialized capabilities such as Whispir and traditional telecom infrastructure providers like Cisco and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC).
- see the release
Telstra expands Whispir platform to the U.S., deepens cloud presence
Telstra goes global with its cloud-based Unified Communications service
Telstra furthers pact with Ericsson, Ciena to get ready for SDN, NFV
Telstra accelerates into the cloud with Cisco technology
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2351
|
__label__wiki
| 0.520718
| 0.520718
|
The PianoTuner of EarthQuakes (2006); Mutual Appreciation (2006); Unknown (2006)
THE PIANOTUNER OF EARTHQUAKES
starring Amira Casar, Gottfried John, Assumpta Serna, César Saracho
screenplay by Alan Passes and The Quay Brothers
directed by The Quay Brothers
MUTUAL APPRECIATION
starring Justin Rice, Rachel Clift, Andrew Bujalski, Seung-Min Lee
written and directed by Andrew Bujalski
½*/****
starring Jim Caviezel, Greg Kinnear, Bridget Moynahan, Joe Pantoliano
screenplay by Matthew Waynee
directed by Simon Brand
by Walter Chaw The Quay Brothers, Stephen and Timothy, are marvellous animators, having shepherded stop-motion and a disquieting biomechanical ethic into a series of notably discomfiting shorts, more than one of which pays tribute to their hero/mentor Jan Svankmajer. I met their 1995 transition to live-action features (Institute Benjamenta) with equal parts excitement, curiosity, and trepidation--I believed they'd be a little like either fellow animator-turned-director Tim Burton or those masters of a form who overreach by switching to a different medium, à la Michael Jordan. The truth is somewhere in-between, as the Quays have retained a bit of their glacial patience and a marked affection for created environments but have miscalculated the extent to which our fascination with animate clockworks translates into a commensurate fascination with people sitting around, staring at a wall. The former inspires existential thoughts on the nature of sentience; the latter generally inspires boredom. No question in my mind that something's lurking in the Quays' underneath, but it's important to mark that fine line distinguishing fascination from obtuseness for the sake of itself. Exploring the waking/dreamlife divide is interesting--but it's neither original nor terribly useful when the main tactic seems to be to conjure up pomposity-inspired sleepiness.
Continue reading "The PianoTuner of EarthQuakes (2006); Mutual Appreciation (2006); Unknown (2006)" »
Posted in 2000s, Authors: Walter Chaw, Drama, Esoterica, Mumblecore, Theatrical, Thriller, UK | Permalink | Comments (0)
Quinceañera (2006); Fall to Grace (2006); The Puffy Chair (2006)
**½/****
starring Jesus Castanos, Araceli Guzman-Rico, Emily Rios, Alicia Sixtos
written and directed by Richard Glatzer & Wash Westmoreland
FALL TO GRACE
½/****
starring René Alvarado, Ricardo Azulay, Bill Johnson, Cassidy Johnson
written and directed by Mari Marchbanks
THE PUFFY CHAIR
starring Mark Duplass, Kathryn Aselton, Rhett Wilkins, Julie Fischer
screenplay by Mark Duplass
directed by Jay Duplass
by Walter Chaw Gentrification is the inciting phenomenon of Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland's Quinceañera, only the second film to land both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Sundance. Its celebration at the festival--which, like most festivals, prices itself culturally and financially out of most of the subjects its films exploit--should be regarded as something of a foregone conclusion: If it's not a product born of self-flagellation, Quinceañera at least owes its existence to an instinct towards the atonement of its two white, privileged creators, shooting a quasi-documentary/half-improvised character drama in the Echo Park neighbourhood where they found themselves the land-investor fixer-uppers. But it's even more complicated than that, owing to Glatzer and Westmoreland's homosexuality and the specific insight that an unpopular, oft-misrepresented minority engaged in the creation of a non-traditional family unit might bring to a story of another unpopular, oft-misrepresented minority (Mexican working class) looking to create a haven of kinship in a sea of cultural turmoil. Inserting themselves into the story as unkind spoiler-avatars in the piece (a gay, white couple acts as Quinceañera's bogeymen)--the set for their tasteful duplex serves as Glatzer/Westmoreland's real-life digs--is as thorny a po-mo entanglement as these two otherwise successful guys interpolating themselves in their neighbour's lives, homes, and rituals with movie cameras and an evangelical mission.
Continue reading "Quinceañera (2006); Fall to Grace (2006); The Puffy Chair (2006)" »
Posted in 2000s, Authors: Walter Chaw, Comedy, Drama, Mumblecore, Theatrical, Thriller | Permalink | Comments (0)
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2352
|
__label__wiki
| 0.522171
| 0.522171
|
finder.com.au
Utilities + Telco
Bundle your electricity and gas and save
Long Expiry
International SIMs
Choose from our selection of the best mobile plans on offer.
Best NBN Plans
Cheap NBN plans
Choose from our selection of the best broadband plans on offer.
Wireless Charging Phones
Check out the 10 top budget phones you can buy right now
Best budget phones
NBN Rollout
Rollout Map
NBN Upgrade Guide
Find a better NBN plan to suit your needs
Stream TV Shows
Discover your next favourite show
Explore Mobile phones
Navigate Mobile Phones
Best Telstra phones
Best Optus phones
Best Vodafone phones
Best mobile plans
Mobile Phone Brands
Sony Xperia phones
Alcatel phones
OnePlus phones
Razer phones
Telstra phones
Optus phones
Aspera phones
Konka phones
Kogan Agora phones
Doro phones
What is an MVNO?
Phone warranties
Phone category speeds
Transfer iPhone data
Blue Tick Telstra phones
Get exclusive tech offers and guides
Sign me up! loading
By signing up, you agree to the Finder Privacy & Cookies Policy and Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy.
Motorola Razr 2019: Features | Pricing | Specs
Alex Kidman
Motorola's iconic Razr brand returns as a foldable phone with a strong focus on portability.
876 x 2142px
2,510 mAh
Finder rated as Good vs similar phones
Power, storage and battery
Device features
Rear camera megapixels
Rear camera aperture size
Front camera megapixels
Front camera aperture size
172mm x 72mm x 6.9mm
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Network category speed
External storage support
Up to N/A
2,510mAh
Launch price (RRP)
Alex Kidman was the tech and telco editor at Finder and is now a freelance technology writer. He's been a technology writer with experience spanning more than 20 years, writing and editing at Gizmodo, CNET, PC Magazine, Kotaku and many more. Alex has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New England and a serious passion for retro gaming.
What's in this guide?
Early outlook
Motorola Razr 2019 specifications
It's hard to understate just how heavily Motorola owned the mobile market when the original Motorola Razr burst onto the scene back in 2004. One part style icon, one part super-durable feature phone, the Razr was the desirable handset of its time.
Motorola is now hoping its first foray into foldable phones, adorned with the Razr name, can recapture that magic. Where competitors in the folding phone space have opted for designs that add size when unfolded to a regular phone, Motorola is instead betting on portability, with a design that more or less halves itself to fit easily into a pocket or purse.
6.2-inch primary POLED display
2.7-inch Quick View display
Hinge completely seals up the phone, just like the classic Razr
Read more about the Motorola Razr 2019's design
A huge part of the original Razr's appeal was its design, with a flip-open display and glowing number pad that felt impossibly futuristic... at least by 2004 standards.
Motorola has taken that idea and applied it to the world of smartphones with a design that really isn't like any other foldable phone released to date. With the Motorola Razr 2019 unfolded, you're facing a 6.2-inch POLED display, which isn't the largest you can get on a phone. Indeed, it's almost a standard size for smartphones these days, although it has a 21:9 aspect ratio screen, which isn't common at all.
In keeping with the classic Razr style, the Motorola Razr 2019 has a prominent lower "chin", which is where much of the phone's actual connectivity hardware, including antennae, speakers and USB C charging ports, reside.
That chin also gives the 6.2-inch screen a clean space to fold down into, at which point you switch to the external 2.7 inches Quick View display. Motorola's intent here is exactly the same as it was on the classic Razr. It's not the intent that you'll use the external display on an ongoing basis – instead, it can be used quickly check notifications as and when they come in while keeping the overall size of the Motorola Razr 2019 as small as possible when it's folded up.
As for colourways, back in the day, Motorola ended up making a whole slew of different Razr designs, but for now, if you want a Motorola Razr 2019, you'll have to get it in black.
Single flippable 16MP camera
5MP front-facing camera on the primary screen
Read more about the Motorola Razr 2019's camera
What we've seen in foldable phones to date have been devices pitched at the premium market, and that's meant that multi-camera arrays have been the expected default.
Once again, Motorola has taken a different approach, although it's one that ties in very closely with how that Razr hinge works. The primary camera has a single 16MP sensor, but because of the vertical nature of the folding mechanism, it's only the "rear" camera when the Motorola Razr 2019 is fully unfolded.
Fold it down, and it sits underneath the Quick View display and effectively becomes the "front-facing" selfie camera. It's an interesting design idea, although clearly not as flexible as the multi-camera setups on foldable phones such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold or the Huawei Mate X.
The Motorola Razr 2019 does have a selfie camera with a 5MP resolution, but it's only accessible when the full screen is unfolded. Because that screen folds into itself, it doesn't become the "rear" camera when folded down, so you'll need to have the phone fully unfolded to take both front and rear shots.
Snapdragon 712 processor
Motorola actions onboard
Read more about the Motorola Razr 2019's performance
Other foldable flagships have gone to market with cutting-edge high-end processors, but again, the Motorola Razr 2019 differs from the pack. It's running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 processor, quite mid-range for a high-cost phone. Apparently Motorola's take here is that higher-end processors such as the Snapdragon 855 chew too much power and create too much heat for the Motorola Razr 2019's thin frame.
It's also only an Android 9 phone, which is a little disappointing for a handset due to release in late 2019. Motorola's track record of updates isn't always one of smooth sailing, but we're hopeful that by the time the Motorola Razr 2019 reaches our shores it'll be packing Android 10.
Motorola's approach to Android is at least fairly hands-off, with the inclusion of its own custom gestures the only notable additional software that we can expect from the Motorola Razr 2019. If you're a fan of chopping the phone in the air to flick on the flashlight, you'll have another party trick to play with. Although, we are curious to find out if that works with the Motorola Razr 2019 folded up, because presumably, the light would be facing – and blinding – you if you did.
2,510mAh battery is very low for a flagship phone
No wireless charging
Read more about the Motorola Razr 2019's battery life
As phones have become increasingly thinner, there's been a precarious balance between battery capacity and performance. It's an issue that's clearly affected the Motorola Razr 2019 because it only has a 2,510mAh battery on board. It's almost half of what we've seen on some other flagships (or even Motorola's own Moto G7 Power), but it appears to be the necessary trade-off to keep the Motorola Razr 2019 so particularly thin.
Motorola, of course, claims that the phone is capable of all-day battery life, and the lower-performance Snapdragon 712 may have a role to play there too. We'll have to wait and see how it stands up under real-world testing to be sure.
To keep it charged up, Motorola will supply a 15W "TurboPower" charger in the box for wired charging, but disappointingly, wireless charging is not supplied. Again, that's almost certainly a design consideration around the placement of the wireless charging coils and the additional bulk that they would introduce.
Do consumers want portability more than screen size?
Read our early Motorola Razr 2019 verdict
It's been a long while since Motorola really played in the premium smartphone space, but that's undeniably where the pricing of the Motorola Razr 2019 places its latest flagship.
Motorola is betting on the idea that consumers would prefer a smaller, more easily pocketable phone, and that they're prepared to both pay a premium and put up with a few less-than-premium features as a result. It's certainly a different take than we've seen so far from Huawei or Samsung, although the latter does appear to have an upcoming foldable that takes the same approach.
Like the rest of the foldable phone market, we're still very much in the "version one" phase of development, with prices to match. The original Motorola Razr was a style icon, but it was very much an affordable one. The Motorola Razr 2019 may become a style sensation all over again, but its price point means it'll be a phone for only a select cashed-up few.
US pricing at US$1,500
Coming to Australia
If you're in the US, the Motorola Razr 2019 will go on sale through Verizon for US$1,500, which equates to around AUD$2,200 at current exchange rates.
Previous Motorola flagships, including many of its moto mod capable handsets, never officially made it to our shores, but Motorola Australia has told Finder that we will see the Motorola Razr 2019 launch in Australia.
Danny Adamopoulos, Motorola Australia's GM Sales APAC for Mature Markets said in a statement:
"I am delighted to confirm that the device you've all been waiting for will be coming to Australia. This is a transformative time for both Motorola as a company, but also the broader telecommunications industry here in Australia. And much like the Razr flip-phone redefined what a smartphone could be in the noughties, we're now ready to flip your world all over again with the world's first vertical folding display in a mobile device. The Razr is coming. Stay tuned."
Motorola One Macro review: A very focused budget phone
Motorola's One Macro phone tries something genuinely different with a focus on macro photography. Read more…
by Alex Kidman
Motorola Moto E6 Plus: Features | Pricing | Specs
Modern smartphone features don't have to cost a fortune thanks to the Motorola Moto E6 Plus. Read more…
by Matt Sayer
Huawei Mate X: Hands-on impressions
Huawei's Mate X delivers a large screen folding experience, and we've had the chance to give it a brief test run. Read more…
To ask a question simply log in via your email or Facebook or create an account.
You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:
finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
Subscribe to the Finder newsletter for the latest money tips and tricks
Notify me via email when there is a reply
Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Finder AU
Level 10, 99 York St, Sydney, NSW, Australia 2000
United States New Zealand United Kingdom Canada Hong Kong Singapore Mexico
© 2020 finder.com.au
Disclaimer - Hive Empire Pty Ltd (trading as finder.com.au, ABN: 18 118 785 121) provides factual information, general advice and services on financial products as a Corporate Authorised Representative (432664) of Advice Evolution Pty Ltd AFSL 342880. Please refer to our FSG - Financial Products. We also provide general advice on credit products under our own Credit Licence ACL 385509. Please refer to our Credit Guide for more information. We can also provide you with general advice and factual information on about a range of other products, services and providers. We are also a Corporate Authorised Representative of Countrywide Insurance Group Pty Limited. ABN 49 625 733 539 AFSL 511363 for the provision of general insurance products. Please refer to our FSG - General Insurance. We hope that the information and general advice we can provide will help you make a more informed decision. We are not owned by any Bank or Insurer and we are not a product issuer or a credit provider. Although we cover a wide range of products, providers and services we don't cover every product, provider or service available in the market so there may be other options available to you. We also don't recommend specific products, services or providers. If you decide to apply for a product or service through our website you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product or service and not with us. We endeavour to ensure that the information on this site is current and accurate but you should confirm any information with the product or service provider and read the information they can provide. If you are unsure you should get independent advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan. (c) 2020.
By submitting your email, you agree to the finder.com.au Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of major banks, insurers and product issuers.
finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product. You should consider whether the products featured on our site are appropriate for your needs and seek independent advice if you have any questions.
Products marked as 'Promoted' or "Advertisement" are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options and find the best option for you.
The identification of a group of products, as 'Top' or 'Best' is a reflection of user preferences based on current website data. On a regular basis, analytics drive the creation of a list of popular products. Where these products are grouped, they appear in no particular order.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2353
|
__label__wiki
| 0.58123
| 0.58123
|
Samuel L. Jackson Back with Tarantino for 'Hateful Eight' Live-Read
Briefly: This month we learned that Quentin Tarantino would give a small audience the chance to see his delayed western The Hateful Eight come to life in the form of a live-reading of the script at at LACMA on April 24th. Tarantino was also said to be directing and picking the cast for this special event that will not be recorded or broadcast to the public, and Deadline has confirmed (complete with a tweet from Film Independent) that Samuel L. Jackson will yet again collaborate with his Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained director for some sort of role in the reading. We're not sure who else might pop up, but stay tuned for more. Reporting on this event is about as close as we'll get to being in attendance, so stay tuned.
Find more posts: Events, Hype
Drumming up for the announcement that it is back on, no less.
DAVIDPD on Apr 18, 2014
I hope so. I want this.
grimjob on Apr 18, 2014
that seemed to be the case - he said he was on his third draft now, and that the live-read was from the first (which was the leaked version). said he is re-doing chapter five entirely. he's probably pissed b/c he has to rewrite half his movie just because some ass in hollywood thought he was cool showing a tarantino script to a model and it leaked.
ds NYC on Apr 20, 2014
Dear whomever leaked this script, FUCK YOU. Sincerely, All of Taratino's fans being punished
Astroboy3000 on Apr 18, 2014
It was a shitty thing to do for sure, but Tarantino could just stop being such a stubborn prick and make it anyway.
Nielsen700 on Apr 19, 2014
well, aren't you a pompous ass. could you maybe say naive a few more times?
I'm not going to read that. Brevity, Bo, brevity.
Tonight I witnessed a legendary Director at work. I am someone who is greatly inspired by Tarantino and love the universes he creates. This reading showed me a side of Tarantino that I feel honored to have seen. His dedication and passion for his story along with characters development, is beyond encouraging. His choice of casting and his written script action allowed Quentin fanatics to obsorb something genuine. As I was force to leave my cell phone in the car I left the Ace Hotel more uplifted then I’ve been in a long time at entertainment. Somehow I felt this was a way for Tarantino to connect to his most passionate film buffets. Allowing us to watch him work.
Danny Martens on Apr 20, 2014
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2356
|
__label__cc
| 0.520398
| 0.479602
|
BooksHarry Potter
By: NinnyTreetops
An ordinary albeit particularly lazy sunday. Hermione is trying to read her papers and Ron cannot keep his gob shut. Fluffity flufffluff. Fluff. Rating for language.
Rated: Fiction T - English - Romance/Humor - Hermione G., Ron W. - Words: 3,773 - Reviews: 43 - Favs: 191 - Follows: 32 - Published: 2/25/2011 - id: 6777030
Disclaimer: HP is not mine. Not at all. Not even remotely. I bloody well wish it were, but if that were the case, it probably would have turned out nowhere near as brillaint as it is now. So it is all well that JKR owns it and thus receives all the money that comes through Harry Potter. Because, just in case you were wondering: not a single cent comes form it. It's all funsies. As every person with half a brain knows. Thus: funsies!
A/N: Whoa, this is my longest one yet. It's snowballing out of control. I probaly could've split this into two chapters. But then again, I'm a one-shot type of girl, and I like long chapters. So there.
The front door slammed shut.
Smiling towards the ceiling, she waited for the second, louder crash of Ron kicking it into its malfunctioning lock.
"Every bloody time…" he muttered, and a second later appeared in the doorway, already wriggling out of his trainers and chucking them under the bed.
He stared desolately at the cold fireplace.
"What, no fire?"
Hermione didn't even bother to remove the duvet from across her nose.
"It's really, really cold, Ron."
"You tell that to the man who just braved the elements in his jim-jam bottoms? Think my balls fell off somewhere around the corner of Brushfield and Crispin. "
"If you hadn't taken my jumper, crawling out of bed to retrieve my wand and get the fire started might have been feasible. Remotely."
"Hm, I was wondering why this one was so tight and clingy."
"Yes, Auror training really broadened that manly, muscular body of yours."
"Love, you might want to go all the way with that duvet, I can still see your eyes rolling. Here: a Latte for my Lady."
He moved a stack of books from her bedside table to the floor and put down a large paper cup in its place, taking off its lid and proceeding to fan the rising steam towards her, he wriggled his eyebrows.
"Mmmmh, can you smell that? It's caffeine. Your favourite."
Her head emerged from the down feathers' loving embrace.
"Can't move. Too cold." she moaned.
"Maybe we can pad the place out with the 30 pounds of Sunday paper I brought you."
He unceremoniously dumped the weekend Guardian and Sunday Times onto the foot of the bed and began shrugging out of his jacket.
Before he could even free one arm, Hermione had emitted a delighted sound and lunged out of the covers towards the newsprint.
"And up she gets. It's a miracle!" Ron exclaimed, hands raised above his head. He carelessly tossed the jacket over his shoulder into the hallway and then peeled off his old jumper to drop it into her lap.
"Here. Wouldn't want you to freeze halfway through the cover story."
She smiled up at him in thanks, then emitted a moan of satisfaction as her face re-emerged through the collar, the lines of her pillow still imprinted on her left cheek.
"It's all warm and perfect. Can we please make it a thing that you pre-heat all my clothes in the morning?"
He glanced at her as, with trained hands, he pulled the sports sections from amidst the other pages.
"Only if you promise there won't be any Photo evidence."
She reached out to smooth down the hair at the back of his head.
"I'm fairly certain a pencil skirt would really become you. You have some lovely calves."
"Oh, now you're just sucking up." He chuckled, straightened up and turned towards the fireplace.
"Well, no, not yet. But we've got ample space for activities today."
Ron wheeled around to make sure he had heard right, but her head was already bowed over the paper again, which was rapidly invading all available space on the crossed his arms, cocked a hip and cast about for a good comeback.
"Aren't you taking your mouth a bit full there?"
Her ancient alarm clock ticked twice and he was already composing an apology involving the words "Demeaning, crude, stupid thing to say" in his head when he saw a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"Well played, Mr Weasley." She acknowledged without looking up. He smiled at this new frontier of bantering and turned back to the task at hand.
The fire took quickly to the Sports section, then engulfed the smaller bits of wooden kindling. He was wedged just so into the small space between the wall and the foot of the bed. Behind him, Hermione was sorting sections into her personal reading order. The steam rising from her coffee fogged up several of the photos on the wall. Ginny, during their Graduation ceremony, was waving frantically to draw attention to her predicament, but went unnoticed. Finally, the first bigger log was properly on fire. Ron placed another two around it, then grabbed his own cup and crawled under the covers.
"Your manly man made you some fire. Just so you know."
He took a sip from his cup and smacked his lips appreciatively. The rustle of newsprint alerted him to some movement from the other side of the bed as Hermione leaned over to brush her lips over his once, ever so lightly, twice. She hovered for just a moment, eye to eye with him and said: "Thank you." Then she pulled away, her nose rubbing along his as she did so.
"Is that chocolate I detect on my manly man's lips?" she asked, smirking.
Ron leaned back against the groaning headboard and took another gulp.
"Yup. Dark chocolate. With Vanilla and Marshmallows. And Testosterone. The drink for chaps who are secure in their masculinity."
Crookshanks sneezed from his illusive spot of sunlight on the floor.
"That's right, Crookshanks. You tell him."
"Oi!"
Hermione turned to him and grinned, with her tongue caught between her teeth. He decided the most effective course of retaliation would be to touch his icy feet to her bare thighs under the covers. The resulting squeal and squirm was unbelievably satisfying.
"Ahaha! Don't like the cold, now, do ya? Do ya?" he cackled gleefully, his left foot consistently poking.
The fourth time around, she somehow managed to trap his wandering foot between her calves, and considering the warning glare she shot him as she shook out her paper, he figured it was in everybody's best interest that he just leave it there for the time being. He leant back against the headboard and crossed his arms behind his head.
"So, are we going to replace that broken stove anytime soon? I really miss wowing you with my Sunday breakfast."
"Correction: You miss Sunday breakfast. And: Of course. Sure."
"Yeah?"
"Absolutely. You see, one of the elves under my supervision came up to me just this past Thursday and handed me her life savings. "No Miss, you take it. Your need is greater than mine and I, why, I hardly know what to do with the stuff.", she said. And what a happy day it was. God bless us. God bless us everyone."
"So, that is a no?"
"Oh yes."
He grabbed his scarf from the floor and stuffed it along the crack were the wood of the windowpane ineffectively met the sill to stop a cold draft that kept blowing in.
"In any case, I think I'll have Dad over later to help me fix that lock. Again."
"Ron?"
"Read your bit of the paper, will you?"
Ron huffed and ostensively reached for the g2 magazine.
"This isn't even a proper section, Hermione. It's stapled and all."
"Yes, which means there is hardly any way for you to crumple it and fold it all wrong and generally cock it up so the edges don't align anymore. Which is why I allow you to read it before me."
She uncrossed her legs a bit underneath the pile of paper and blankets to release his foot.
"This one's fairly warmed up now. Pass the right one."
He shifted to the foot of the bed to do so, and then reclined on his elbow to peruse the paper. The interesting features were quickly done with, though, and instead he settled for watching her through his fringe.
The sun had returned to the far away exotic places to which it belonged in December and the sky was once again its usual heavy, murky grey. A bit like the porridge back at school when you were late for Saturday breakfast. Crookshanks had forsaken his window spot in favour of curling up in front of the fire and was purring softly. The old wooden floorboards creaked and popped, expanding as the room warmed up. Wind was rattling the flimsy windows. Every three minutes or so, paper rustled as Hermione turned a page. He watched her scrunching up her nose in displeasure or nodding almost imperceptibly in agreement as she poured over the pages. Her right hand was focused on the task of untangling the ends of her hair. She kept it rather short nowadays, and whilst she claimed that it was much more manageable now, her bed head certainly begged to differ. Cue the frustrated blowing and hand-raking.
She chewed on her left thumbnail in thought.
Cracked a knuckle on the same hand.
Scratched the scar on her neck. Seven times.
Leaned sideways to retrieve her own scarf from a chair and wound it loosely around her neck.
Took a sip form her coffee but missed slightly and drizzled some onto the world news; cursed mildly and blotted it up with the sleeve of his – nay, her old jumper. The one she had taken to Hogwarts for her seventh year and refused to relinquish ever since.
Leaned across him to break off a bit from one of the orange scones he had brought. Patted his bum in the process.
Washed it all down with some more coffee and then cradled the cup against her left cheek as she read on.
Which was when the mumbling started. As he knew it would.
First up was a sarcastic "Oh really?" complete with raised eyebrows and accompanied by another swig form the cup.
Then, two pages later: "Oh, I'd love to see you try that one."
"Ooof course you did."
"Yes, you would love that, now, wouldn't you, Mister Blair?"
"Marry me."
Crookshanks' ears perked up as he felt a definite shift in the room's atmosphere. Sure enough, a glance towards his two humans confirmed that something was clearly amiss by their pale snouts. He briefly considered investigating whether that delinquent rat from two alleys over had found its way into the flat again, thus causing their discomfort. But he quickly decided that, really, it was their damn problem, and settled back down.
Ron thought the scarf must have dislodged itself form the window, because an icy cold trail was making its way down his spine. Except for the fact that a pool equally as cold was collecting somewhere in the pit of his stomach, where it joined his heart, which was miraculously still succeeding in pumping inordinate amounts of blood into his suddenly burning ears.
For a split second, he thought he had just been thinking exceptionally loudly. But Hermione was a bit stiff for that.
It had slipped out. How in the bloody arsed-up world had it slip out?
Well, at least he'd found a way to get her attention.
She was staring at him, slack jawed, her cup tilting at a dangerous angle.
Ron scrambled upright.
"Whoa, whoa, watch out for your Grandmum's linens!" , he said, gently grasping her wrist with one hand and extracting the cup with the other. He lay flat on his stomach in front of her to put the coffee on the floor, mangling the papers beyond all recognition as he shifted about. Straightening back up, he took her other hand in his free one and sat back on his knees amidst the remains of the Guardian travel section.
"What?" Hermione breathed, her eyes resolutely focussing on the empty space two feet behind and slightly to the right of his head.
"I…" he stammered, his throat closing off, the chocolate curiously feeling more like tar just now.
Now or never, Weasley. The damage is done. Might as well be hanged for a dragon as an egg. …Stop thinking in phrases.
"I said… "Marry me.". I…" he swallowed dryly, tried again "I love you. Marry me."
Smooth. Incredibly smooth. Tosspot.
His face scrunched up into a permanent wince as hers remained impassive and impossibly… vacant.
Yup, that's just great. You broke her. Bellatrix Lestrange couldn't finish her off, but your ugly freckled mug threatening a lifetime of commitment did her in. Retreat! RETREAT!
"I mean, of course I didn't…"
He began to pull away, but her grip around his hands tightened.
"I mean, seriously, how old are we? 21! Well, you're 22, obviously…"
Applying more force, he succeeded in withdrawing his hands and rubbed his palms across his thighs fretfully, his eyes darting every which way.
An exasperated yelp burst from her mouth as she leaned forward on her knees, grasped the sides of his head and decidedly pressed her lips against his with rather more force than was called for. Teeth knocking together, they both winced and pulled back. Ron's eyes found focus again on her left temple.
"Please say yes."
Heartbreaking as the desperate catch in his voice was, she had to strongly resist the urge to shake the living daylights out of him. Certain that the concept of "happy tears" would not resonate properly with Ron at the moment, Hermione took a deep breath to calm herself.
"Merlin's left… YES!"
She could not stop herself from laughing at the look of shocked elation on his face as she continued: "Yes, you prat! By all things good and evil, McGonagall's drawers and every single freckle on your body, a thousand bloody times: Yes. Yes. Yes!", punctuating each affirmation with a hastily placed kiss to his forehead, his left cheek, the corner of his jaw.
Tension left his body along with the breath he had been holding for the past minutes, and his hands left his thighs to wander past the hands cradling his neck and along her arms. His left hand settled at her elbow, whilst the other continued its journey, his fingertips finally settling over her shoulder blade. A sensation not unlike that of using his deluminator dissolved the icy pool in his stomach and pulled up a corner of his mouth, which currently found itself right next to that temple he had been staring at moments ago.
"Glad that's settled, then.", he beamed into her hair. She was stroking the nape of his neck. He removed his hand from her elbow to tangle his fingers with hers as he pressed a lingering kiss to her cheekbone. Resting his forehead against hers, now thoroughly unable to stop grinning, he asked:
"Really?"
Hermione grinned back.
"Without a shred of doubt."
Her thumb found his pulse as his grin touched hers and for 27 brilliantly long seconds, their shared joy silenced everything else.
Then, abruptly, Ron pulled back.
"Oh, I am such a tit!" he exclaimed.
Hermione, still slightly dazed, frowned into the middle distance.
"Please tell me this isn't about you forgetting to get the loo roll again."
"What? No. Don't be daft." His ears reddened "… is of course not what I said to you after you've just agreed to marry me." He pressed a kiss to her wrist and then unceremoniously untangled himself from her and dove under his side of the bed, his bum wriggling in the air.
Hermione gazed frowningly at the mesmerising display. Old socks, Martin Miggs comics and a pair of Keeper's gloves went flying
"Well, whatever it is, can't this… wait?" she asked as she crawled over to trail a hand over his spine.
"Nonononono." He swatted her hand away. "Sorry. No. Hang on. It's got to be… a-HA!"
Triumphantly, he straightened up, his old chess set in one hand.
"Ooooh, yes." Hermione said, nodding emphatically. Then: "I'm still not following you."
Ron placed both hands on her shoulders and pushed her back resolutely.
"Sit.", he said. Then, he opened the chess set. Inside was his old homework planner, which he carelessly tossed over his shoulder with a scoff.
"This just keeps getting more and more magical." Hermione commented dryly.
Ron shot her a look as he pulled out the velvet pouch that contained the pieces and after a bit of rummaging produced a seal ring. Carefully, he placed it in her palm. It was surprisingly heavy for its small size. The seal was a modest letter design, A capital "H", surrounded by ornaments.
"It's the seal of a small printing press and book binder, apparently." Ron began to explain. "Unless the bloke in Islington fobbed me off. Remember the observation last year? Well, it got a bit boring three weeks in. And browsing the antiques stalls is less conspicuous than staring at the same flat for hours on end. And, so… I found this. Name of the Press was Haw…. thorne …. scompe…. kins… Well, something with H, anyways. There's also an inscription."
Hermione angled the ring towards the light from the window
"Vincat Scientia Tenebras" she read out loud.
Ron nudged the ring with his index finger. "It was their motto. Now, my Latin is shoddy at best, but unless all else fails me, that means…"
"Let knowledge conquer darkness." Hermione said, smiling.
Ron grinned.
"Oh, good. I was afraid it might mean "When in doubt, bugger a donkey" after all. Harry was even more useless than me. Apparently, muggles don't learn any Latin in … pre-Hogwarts School."
"I… I love it."
"I thought you might. I meant to give it to you for your 21st birthday. But then… I didn't. I decided to save it. For, err… yes."
"Ron, that was over a year ago."
"I know. I just wanted to wait untill I'm done with my training, and you've progressed from that ridiculous assistant position. You know, when we have a bit of money, and don't live in this drafty shithole anym..."
"Don't knock the shithole. I love the shithole. It's our shithole." Hermione said as she traced the roughened edges of the ring, studying each scratch and indentation in the old metal.
Ron chuckled and nudged her forehead with his.
"Well, then." He gingerly lifted the ring from her palm with two fingers and sat up straight.
"Let's get this right: On this truly enchanting Sunday morning in the luxurious east end." He gestured towards the window, outside of which, as if on cue, somebody was yelling for his friends to "fucking wait you sodding piss heads!". They both broke out in laughter, their bed squeaking along and settling underneath them.
"Haaaaah, as I said:" Ron continued after a moment, clearing his throat. "Here in our very own shithole, with an old ring and your manky old cat still giving me the stank-eye; Because you know how I eat my porridge and I am the only breathing thing that knows how to get your coffee right. Because I love your dry snarks and you laugh at my corny jokes. You're one of the two best friends anyone could ever ask for and in every – and I'm not making this up – every single great memory of the last ten years, there is you. Be-because every time I cast a Patronus, there is you."
He paused, concentrating on the sight of the ring held at the very tip of her finger.
"Because I've actually thought this through for once and nothing else makes sense to me: I ask you to marry me."
In lieu of an answer, Hermione leaned forward once more – a lot more slowly this time around. The ring slid onto her finger, scratched and dented and slightly too big and perfect and she reached up to frame his face with her hands as she pressed a kiss to his lips.
Ron felt the tiniest of cool spots where her ring pressed into his cheek as he leaned forward to deepen the kiss, with no intentions to stop any earlier than absolutely necessary to escape having his arse chewed out by his supervisor the next morning.
Yet, rudely, he was shoved aside.
"Oh my God!", Hermione exclaimed, staring out the window.
"What?" his hand was halfway to his wand as he twisted around to follow her stare.
"Snow!" Hermione beamed.
"What?" Ron asked, disbelievingly looking on as his newly acquired fiance made to untangle herself from the sheets he would very much like to see her tangled up in right about now, thank you very much. "What are you…"
"Come on!" she grinned, shoving his jacket at him. "It's the first snow, let's go!"
He was still gaping. "But… can't this wait?"
Hermione paused in wriggling into her Wellies. "You are joking, right?" she asked, gaping back. "For the past ten years, hell or high water, at the first snow, you have dragged us outside. In third year, when that snow was a blizzard, we were out there in the grounds. The night before christmas, 1998, 4 am, you and Harry pulled me out of my bed at my parents' house."
She had now successfully booted up and was pulling knitted hats from a box under a bed. Resurfacing, she tossed one into his face and fixed him with an accusing finger and a smirk.
"We are not breaking with tradition just because of an engagement." She flung back the covers, came crawling over, snatched the scarf from the window sill and begann the endless task of winding the old thing around his neck. "Get dressed. I love you. Very much. And right now, we have a best friend to kick out of bed. I will not have you miss first snow. Ever."
And I will love to see that day
That day is mine
When she will marry me outside with the willow trees
And play the songs we made
They made me so
And I would love to see that day
Her day was mine
Beirut, "Postcards from Italy"
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2361
|
__label__cc
| 0.58437
| 0.41563
|
TV ShowsGlee
All Bets Are Off
By: jkaso
Sebastian makes a bet with his friends to stay sex-free for one month. He thought he'd win it easily, until he agreed to letting Kurt's cousin stay at his house. Who would've thought that Hummel had such a ridiculously sexy, enticing and oh, under-aged, relative? COMPLETE
Rated: Fiction T - English - Romance/Humor - Hunter C., Sebastian S. - Chapters: 19 - Words: 58,041 - Reviews: 315 - Favs: 170 - Follows: 190 - Updated: 3/2/2015 - Published: 2/10/2013 - Status: Complete - id: 8996608
1. Chapter 12. Chapter 23. Chapter 34. Chapter 45. Chapter 56. Chapter 67. Chapter 78. Chapter 89. Chapter 910. Chapter 1011. Chapter 1112. Chapter 1213. Chapter 1314. Chapter 1415. Chapter 1516. Chapter 1617. Chapter 1718. Chapter 1819. Chapter 19
N/A: An epilogue written in celebration of Huntbastian Humpday's "famous AU" theme! If you haven't already, check out their Tumblr and get in on it! Hope you all enjoy :)
"How the hell am I supposed to finish all this shit by tomorrow morning?"
"I told you not to take his class, but you just had to do it," Sebastian taunted with a smirk as he entered the living room, where Hunter was sitting in front of a pile of books and papers. Hunter shot his boyfriend a dirty look but didn't comment otherwise. Afterall, Sebastian had given him a written list of professors to avoid, but Hunter had wanted to prove that he could handle it. In retrospect, he should've listened.
Sebastian sauntered towards Hunter and buried his nose into the nape of the younger man's neck.
"Maybe you should take a quick break."
"You know I can't," Hunter protested weakly as he felt Sebastian's hands slide under his shirt. Sebastian nipped at the other's earbud and chuckled when Hunter practically shuddered under the contact.
"Suit yourself," Sebastian quipped as he pulled back, but he was stopped when Hunter held him firmly by the elbow.
"If I fail this assignment, it's on you," Hunter growled and dragged Sebastian onto the couch. In a blink of an eye, they were a pile of tangled limbs, both fighting to gain dominance. Their lips continued to crash into each other, their hands roaming, fingers pushing and pulling against flesh. Only the sound of needy moans and desperate panting filled the otherwise silent room.
Hunter had forgotten about the assignment by the time Sebastian's hand was inside his jeans.
"Hi, can we get a picture with you?"
Both Hunter and Sebastian looked up from their dinner to see two girls standing with their phones, their eyes practically twinkling in excitement. Hunter couldn't help but notice that this was becoming an increasingly frequent event whenever they spent any prolonged period of time outside their homes.
"Sure thing," Sebastian drawled. Hunter had come to find out that Sebastian was generally quite nice to his fans (which was a surprise). He continued to watch as the girls took their turn taking selfies with the model-slash-designer-slash-celebrity.
Hunter stabbed the piece of broccoli on his plate with a fork.
"So um, are you guys really together?" One of the girls asked shyly, her curious eyes roaming between the two men. Hunter was fully aware of the thousands of pictures people had taken of them eating out together, taking a stroll in the park, watching movies and standing around. There were even pictures of Sebastian waiting for Hunter right outside the department building. They hadn't publicly commented on the photos, because Sebastian didn't want to drag Hunter into it, and because Hunter didn't feel like entertaining people, but they never made an effort to exactly hide it.
"Maybe, maybe not," Sebastian replied with a trademark grin. Hunter rolled his eyes. The girls seemed very pleased as they rushed back to their tables giggling and whispering.
"Thanks to you I have people at my school asking me if we screw each others' brains out," Hunter grumbled lowly. Sebastian quirked an eyebrow with an amused smirk.
"And what do you tell them?"
"Nothing."
"Aww, no fun."
Hunter was about to make a retort when another voice interrupted them. This time, it wasn't young girls asking for photographs. It was a man. Probably in his late 20s. He was tall, with cinnamon-colored hair styled to perfection. His eyes were the perfect shade of green, his nose high and prominent, and his lips fixed into a sultry pout. Now, Sebastian was a very, very good-looking man, but this stranger standing over their table was...a perfect 10. No, an 11. Or maybe even a 12.
He was so ridiculously hot, Hunter had to wonder if he was a celebrity that had stopped by to say hi to a fellow celeb.
"Sebastian, Smythe, right?"
"Yeah. And who wants to know?" Sebastian asked, leaning back against the chair.
"Just another diner. I'm Mark," the stranger replied, offering a hand. Sebastian took it and shook it.
"What can I do for you, Mark?"
Hunter couldn't believe that Sebastian was engaging. He wanted to punch both the guy and Sebastian in the face.
"Nothing we can do here, but if you want to find out," he replied smoothly and slid a business card onto the table. Hunter watched the interaction with his mouth agape. Was he invisible? What the hell?
The asshole, Mark, walked off, not forgetting to flash Sebastian a flirty smile that Hunter really didn't want to admit was gorgeous as fuck.
"What the fuck was that?" Hunter hissed as soon as the man was gone. He knew Sebastian was flirty by nature, but this was going too far.
"What, this?" Sebastian asked nonchalantly, holding up the business card.
"You're really going to do this?" Hunter's patience was running out very quickly. Sebastian, while friendly to his fans, had never let something like this happen before.
"Don't be silly," Sebastian replied with a delicate roll of his eyes as he crinkled the small piece of paper in his fist. "I might be a flirt, but I don't cheat."
"Oh that's comforting," Hunter returned the eye roll with added drama. He had definitely picked that up from Sebastian.
"Plus, I'm sure he's seen at least one of the million photos of us together."
Hunter was not impressed.
Sebastian was scheduled to start filming next week, having been chosen for one of the leading roles in an upcoming romantic comedy with Quinn Fabray. The decision had been a bit of a shock for the teen, because Sebastian had been quite adamant about staying out of that particular limelight. But Santana had been equally persistent, and eventually Sebastian gave in.
He hadn't really given much thought to the idea of Sebastian and his increasing popularity. Sure, many people came up and said HI or take pictures, but none had been Mark hot. And now that Sebastian was finally entering Hollywood, he was going to be surrounded by beautiful people...
Hunter did not like this one bit.
Shit hit the fan exactly a week later.
Hunter had googled Sebastian Smythe (because he was bored, and because why not), thinking that he was going to be looking through new pictures of them together, but surprise, surprise, he was bombarded with gossip site articles on his boyfriend supposedly romantically engaged with a fresh faced heartthrob co-star named Spencer Porter.
What the actual fuck?
Hunter clicked a random link and scrolled past all the bullshit about the chemistry between the two. The first photo had the two of them standing facing each other. OK, so that didn't mean shit. The next photo had Spencer leaning forward and seemingly whispering something into his boyfriend's ear. Now, the next photo was what really got on his nerves.
Sebastian was laughing with his head lulled back, as if he had just heard the funniest joke on the planet. Sebastian very, very rarely laughed like that. Actually, Hunter couldn't remember seeing his own damn boyfriend laughing like that in person.
Hunter wanted to break his own laptop.
He knew that Hollywood had a tendency to exaggerate and pair any two random people for shits and giggles, but these were the same people who had written about Sebastian and his teen boytoy only a few days ago. Now they had stories about how he and Sebastian couldn't handle the distance and that Sebastian had gone back to his playboyish ways.
Hunter picked up his phone and dialed Sebastian. Of course he didn't pick up.
Hunter decided to text instead.
To: Seb (2:38)
WTF did u see the news or not
u better call me asap
i know u go on breaks
im going to kill u
Hunter was fuming. There was no way in hell that Sebastian was filming for more than 4 hours straight.
Was Sebastian really not capable of staying in a committed relationship for more than a few months? Or had Sebastian been seeing people behind his back the whole time? Everyone else had been so confident that the teen had tamed the beast once and for all, but now this? Hunter wasn't so sure anymore.
They had been official for months now. They were practically living together, since Hunter rarely slept at his own apartment. In fact, they had plans to find a place together closer to campus, but was this it? Was this the end of this relationship? Hunter was beginning to think that he had been a complete fool for thinking that they'd end up together happily ever after. It was stupid of him to ignore Sebastian's notoriety.
If u dont call back within the hr im taking all my shit back to my place
Hunter huffed as he threw his phone onto the couch and began packing up. He knew he wasn't being entirely reasonable. Deep inside, he knew that Sebastian wasn't a cheater. He was a flirt, but he wasn't a cheater, but it just...hurt too much to sit around and wait for his call. He couldn't ignore the possibility that maybe Sebastian had gotten tired of dating just one person.
Afterall, they first met during Sebastian's bet to go sex-free for a month.
Hunter was halfway done packing when he heard the door open, followed by loud stomps. He looked up and saw Sebastian practically running towards him, his chest rising and dropping with each heavy breath. His face was flushed, and it didn't take much for Hunter to realize that his boyfriend had been running.
"What the hell!" Hunter growled and threw the poor cushion that happened to be right next to him. Sebastian easily batted it away. "Way to ignore my texts, asshole! What the hell are you even doing here!" He continued, flinging his arms to his sides.
"Dramatic much? I can't believe you threatened to leave!" Sebastian hissed as he did his best to catch his breath.
"Why the fuck didn't you text or call or something!"
"My phone died. I just got your texts when I landed."
"What the hell are you even doing here anyway?"
"I saw the fucking photos and I knew you were going to be all broody and shit so I came to tell you nothing's going on between me and Spencer."
Hunter stopped and watched Sebastian. Did he just hear that right?
Had Sebastian really flown all the way back to New York from California to assure his boyfriend in person that he wasn't cheating? Hunter's hands dropped to his sides.
"You came all the way here to tell me that?"
"Yeah, and I'm glad I did because you were going to leave," Sebastian muttered, pointing at the large duffel bag by Hunter's feet. Hunter felt his cheeks flush once everything registered.
"Well. Shit. What about the movie?"
"What are they going to do, fire me? Plus, I'm taking the next flight back."
Hunter shuffled his feet nervously.
"And just to make things clear," Sebastian continued, taking a few steps forward. "I'm not cheating on you. And I never will, and you need to learn to trust me."
Hunter swallowed hard as Sebastian pressed his forehead against his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," Hunter whispered, guilt washing over him. He shouldn't have ever suspected Sebastian of cheating. They were stronger than this.
"Fuck, I'm tired."
"When's your flight?"
"In...a couple of hours."
"Have time for a quick round?" Hunter asked with a playful smirk. Sure they were fighting only about a minute ago, but water under the bridge, right? And while he would never admit it in person, he had really missed Sebastian, and now that they were both here...
"Maybe even two," Sebastian growled into his ear as he pushed Hunter towards the bedroom. Hunter laughed as he let himself be dragged into the room.
It wasn't until months later that Sebastian publicly announced on Ellen, Late Night and every other show he was on to promote his new movie that he was madly in love with the one and only, Hunter Clarington.
Did Hunter get a lot of unwanted attention after that?
Yes, yes he did, but he could live with that.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2362
|
__label__cc
| 0.591727
| 0.408273
|
Behold, the Resealable Craft Beer Can
Courtesy of the craft brewery that put good canned beer on the map.
© Oskar Blues Brewery
Introduced in 2012, the “Crowler” quickly became one of the coolest new innovations in the craft beer world. As the name implies, a Crowler is part can, part growler – a way for (typically small) breweries to offer a to-go version of their beers instantly filled and sealed into a can on the premises, all with one relatively small and affordable device. Unlike growlers, which are usually large glass jugs (commonly in 64-ounce or 32-ounce sizes), Crowlers – which are available as 32-ounce or 25-ounce cans – are lighter and more portable. They’re also disposable (although the can’s designer prefers the word “recyclable”), meaning beer lovers don’t have to remember to lug their onerous growlers to the brewery in the hope of saving on a deposit fee. Still, 32-ounces is a decent amount of beer: That was one advantage to traditional growlers – unlike a pop-top can, these jugs could be re-capped for later use. But now, the makers of the Crowler are touting their latest innovation: a resealable Crowler can.
“The Resealable CROWLER Can is simple to open and reclose with just a quarter turn,” Oskar Blues Brewery, which helped develop the Crowler along with major canning company Ball Corporation, announced yesterday. Dayton Systems Group, the food and beverage innovator that created the original “Cap Can,” was brought in to nail down the resealable technology and DSG’s managing directo Dick Glennon added this on how the technology works: “The DSG cap contains an oxygen scavenger to help maintain beer’s freshness, something we know is of premium importance to craft brewers and beer drinkers.” In theory, an oxygen scavenger can help reduce the amount of oxygen in the can after it’s been opened and resealed which should help keep the beer inside from going bad. That said, in its press release, Oskar Blues didn’t speculate on just how long a Resealable Crowler should be good for after its been opened. Still, it’s doubtful a resealed Crowler would be any worse than a resealed growler once either has been opened.
Plus, the advantages of a resealable can go beyond simply storing it in your fridge to finish at a later date. Sometimes being stuck with an open can just sucks; and being stuck with an open 32-ounce can sucks nearly three times as much. With a Resealable Crowler, you can start the beer at home and then toss it in a bag to finish at a friend’s house. You can enjoy it during multiple stops on a long hike. You can make sure it doesn’t spill when you hit choppy waters on your yacht. No matter how excessively rich you are, a Resealable Crowler can have its advantage. It seems like this small innovation could be another big winner.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2363
|
__label__wiki
| 0.941186
| 0.941186
|
Cruzeiro get Dede's Copa Libertadores suspension revoked by CONMEBOL
Cruzeiro will not have to play the second leg of their Copa Libertadores quarter-final against Boca Juniors without Dede.
Dede will be available to Cruzeiro for the second leg of their Copa Libertadores quarter-final against Boca Juniors after his suspension was rescinded.
Referee Eber Aquino showed Dede a red card in the 75th minute at La Bombonera following a VAR check on the Brazil international's clash of heads with Boca goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, who sustained a fractured jaw.
The centre-back denied there was any malice in his challenge, but Boca made the most of their numerical advantage as Pablo Perez added to Mauro Zarate's first-half opener for a 2-0 win.
Cruzeiro appealed against the decision to CONMEBOL and received backing from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) after Mano Menezes called on the governing body for support.
A tweet from the official Copa Libertadores account confirmed Dede's suspension had been annulled by CONMEBOL, making him available for Boca's visit to the Mineirao on Thursday.
La @CONMEBOL hizo lugar al reclamo de @Cruzeiro y anuló la expulsión de Dedé ante @BocaJrsOficial ; está habilitado para jugar la revancha de los cuartos de final de la #CONMEBOLLibertadores pic.twitter.com/JQ739s3Ewd
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@Libertadores) September 26, 2018
"We won, despite the damage – Dede will play against Boca Juniors. It was a victory for the effort our board made," said Cruzeiro president Wagner Pires de Sa.
"I would like to thank the CBF's management, who helped us with the CONMEBOL president, who reconsidered in the face of the facts.
"I also want to thank the president of CONMEBOL, who welcomes us very well with his board of directors, and justice was finally done.
"We will try to overturn the score on the pitch. Our team is very focused and we expect victory."
Menezes hinted at an anti-Brazilian conspiracy within CONMEBOL after the first leg and Cruzeiro vice-president Itair Machado echoed those sentiments.
"I think this time they did for a Brazilian team as they have done for an Argentine team. It is time for us Brazilian clubs to unite, so that we can assert our rights and ensure football is decided on the pitch," said Itair.
The announcement of the decision the overturn Dede's ban was made shortly before Cruzeiro's 1-1 draw against Palmeiras, which secured a 2-1 aggregate win and a place in the Copa do Brasil final against Corinthians.
Anderson Vital Da Silva, Cruzeiro, Boca Juniors, Copa Libertadores.
CBF backs Cruzeiro's Dede appeal and suggests VAR investigation
Menezes complains of anti-Brazilian conspiracy after Dede's VAR red
Cruzeiro 1 Boca Juniors 1 (1-3 agg): Visitors through to Libertadores SFs
Copa Libertadores Review: Zarate leads Boca, River draw
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2368
|
__label__wiki
| 0.806771
| 0.806771
|
Games | Board Games | Political Games
Page: << < 6 7 8 View All (95)
The Godfather Board Game: Corleone's Empire
The Godfather: The Board Game plunges players into the world of crime, corruption, and the Mafia in New York City.
(£55.57 after automatic discount!, RRP is £73.99)
The King Is Dead Board Game
King Arthur is dead. The nation is divided. The Saxons are coming.
Now, more than ever, Britain needs a ruler who can unite the kingdom, but who will take the crown? Players work behind the scenes, marshalling their limited resources to give power to competing factions and gain influence within ...More...
The King's Dilemma Board Game
The King's Dilemma is an interactive narrative experience with legacy elements, featuring several branching storylines leading to many possible finales with an evolving deck of event cards at its core. Players represent the various Houses leading the government of the Kingdom of Ankist. You will ...More...
The King's Guild Board Game
Centuries ago, the kingdom of Greycastle was founded through a pact between the great guild leaders of the realm. Under the pact, only a guild can rule the kingdom, and only a guild leader may claim the throne. Now, with the king on his deathbed, the Council of the Wise will convene. As one of the ...More...
The Romans Board Game
The Romans traces the history of the Roman Empire from its inception as a small Italian Kingdom, through its development and expansion as a Republic and thence to the full blown Empire that dominated the classical world. Enemies mount challenges throughout the game and ultimately the barbarian invasions ...More...
Tower Of London Board Game
Prepare to dispatch your Beefeaters, collect ravens, and fight for control in Tower of London. Designed by Daryl Andrews and Stephen Sauer, Tower of London lets players use their influence to occupy buildings and gather ravens all in an effort to control the tower and In Tower of London, on each ...More...
Trajan Board Game
Set in ancient Rome, Trajan is a development game in which players try to increase their influence and power in various areas of Roman life such as political influence, trading, military dominion and other important parts of Roman culture. In Trajan, a player has six possible actions: building, trading, ...More...
Tudor Board Game
Welcome lords and ladies to Tudor! Your family has risen in stature to serve the House of Tudor in the court of King Henry VIII and now you will begin to maneuver through the halls of power. Using intrigue and cunning, you will seek to gain influence and ensure your family members are promoted to ...More...
Watergate Board Game
In June 1972, five men are arrested in Washington’s Watergate building. What looks like a third-rate burglary attempt on the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee induces journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of the Washington Post to start a thorough investigation. Over the following ...More...
World Without End Board Game
England in the early and middle 14th Century!
Journey to Kingsbridge, England, where 200 years ago Prior Phillip oversaw the building of the cathedral renowned as "The Pillars of the Earth." Now farmers, wool dealers, and builders seek wealth and prestige amidst a rivalry between the priory ...More...
Zong Shi Board Game
In a large town in old China, several talented artisans, Masters in their own right, aspire to become recognized as Zong Shi — the Grand Master craftsman. You are one of these Master artisans, and together with your Apprentice, you are competing with the other Masters to attain this elevated status ...More...
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2370
|
__label__wiki
| 0.785181
| 0.785181
|
Interested in Joining? Find out more on UGLE
UGLE & SGC
UGLE
Initiatives & Clubs
Provinces, Districts & Groups
Lodges, Chapters & Individuals
Freemasonry Cares
RMBI
Tour of St Michael's Hospice in Hereford after investment of £8 million
An invited tour of the extensive new £8 million build at St Michael’s Hospice on the last day of 2014 by Herefordshire Freemasons, reflected the extent of appreciation for their committed support
In the presence of Ruth Denison, Fundraising Manager at the hospice, the RW Bro the Rev David Bowen, Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire, accompanied by fellow Freemasons, was informed that the new building would be the most advanced and highly specified in the country.
The new facilities, including the imaginative and highly technical five clusters of four bedded areas for in-patients, representing a significant increase in capacity, will enable the hospice to sustain its excellent national reputation.
The visiting local Freemasons were also told that the projected £3.2 million refurbishment of the thirty-year-old part of the existing hospice will take place during the coming twelve months, thus completing a challenging period of development.
The Rev David Bowen presented a donation of £2,804 on behalf of The Freemasons’ Grand Charity – since 1984, the charity has donated more than £11 million to hospices in England and Wales – and David Hudson, Worshipful Master of Coningsby Lodge presented an additional £500 on behalf of the members.
Speaking about the donations, David Bowen said: 'Freemasons in Herefordshire are pleased that The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has continued to provide this vital funding for our local hospice. The care, compassion and support the hospice provides to the community is outstanding and we are delighted that we are able to show our continuing dedication to their cause.'
Published in Provinces, Districts & Groups
St Michael's Hospice
Coningsby Lodge No 6383
Rev David Bowen
PGL Herefordshire
Provincial Grand Master
The Freemasons' Grand Charity
FMT No 30 – Summer 2015
Michael Holland is Installed as the new Provincial Grand Master for Herefordshire
Lincolnshire Freemasons work with community first responder charity in £20,000 defibrillator project
Derbyshire Freemasons honour Royal Navy connection by donating £5,000 to Sea Cadet organisations
Freemasonry goes public with sponsorship of Imp on new Lincoln promotional trail
Installation of Peter Kinder as Provincial Grand Master of Leicestershire & Rutland
More in this category: « Continuous Giving scheme huge success in Durham Jersey Sea Cadets receive £10,000 from Provincial Grand Lodge of Jersey »
Subscribe to FMT
English and Welsh Freemasons give $150,000 for victims of Australian bush fires
People who have lost everything in the catastrophic Australian bushfires will be among those to…
UGLE’s Grand Master, The Duke of Kent, unveils Victoria Cross Remembrance Stone at Freemasons’ Hall
In honour of all English Freemasons awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross (VC), the United Grand…
Freemasons’ Hall earns 2019 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Freemasons’ Hall – the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) – has…
New behind the scenes film – ‘Discover Freemasonry’
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has unveiled a new film capturing behind the scenes footage of a…
Families of seriously-ill children and young people will be supported thanks to £63,000 grant from Berkshire Freemasons
Families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions across Berkshire will receive counselling and support,…
United Grand Lodge of England seeks a Social Media Executive
United Grand Lodge of England seeks a Social Media Executive. You will be responsible for…
Pro Grand Master's address - September 2019
Quarterly Communication 11 September 2019 An address by the MW the Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes…
Bedfordshire Freemasons donate £500,000 for new accommodation lodge for local Scout Group
Anthony Henderson, Bedfordshire’s Provincial Grand Master, announced the exciting news that work has now begun…
Bedfordshire Freemason raises £10,000 for local scouts with daring wing walk
Bedfordshire Freemason Terry Thurley undertook a sponsored Wing Walk to raise £10,000 for the Bedfordshire…
Pro First Grand Principal's address - November 2019
Regular Convocation of Supreme Grand Chapter 13 November 2019An address by the ME Pro First…
Pro Grand Master's address - December 2019
Quarterly Communication 11 December 2019 An address by the MW the Pro Grand Master Peter Lowndes…
Tweets by @Freemasonry2day
© 2020 UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND
UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND, FREEMASONS' HALL, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON, WC2B 5AZ
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2377
|
__label__wiki
| 0.570535
| 0.570535
|
Frontiers in Physiology
Leonardo A. Peyré-Tartaruga
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Tatiana S. Cunha
Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
Rodrigo S. Delevatti
Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Front. Physiol., 18 June 2018 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00725
Effects of Consecutive Versus Non-consecutive Days of Resistance Training on Strength, Body Composition, and Red Blood Cells
Yifan Yang1*, Pang B. Bay1†, Yongtai R. Wang1†, Junli Huang1, Hilary W. J. Teo1 and Jorming Goh2,3‡
1Physical Education and Sports Science, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
2Combat Protection and Performance Program, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore, Singapore
3Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Health authorities worldwide recommend 2–3 days per week of resistance training (RT) performed ∼48–72 h apart. However, the influence of recovery period between RT sessions on muscle strength, body composition, and red blood cells (RBCs) are unclear.
Aim: Examine the effects of three consecutive (C) or non-consecutive (NC) days of RT per week for 12 weeks on strength, body composition, and RBCs.
Methods: Thirty young, healthy and recreationally active males were randomly assigned to 3 C (∼24 h between sessions) or NC (∼48–72 h between sessions) days of RT per week for 12 weeks. Both groups performed three sets of 10 repetitions at 10-repetition maximum (RM) of leg press, latissimus pulldown, leg curl, shoulder press, and leg extension for each session. Ten RM and body composition were assessed pre- and post-RT. RBC parameters were measured on the first session before RT, and 0 and 24 h post-3rd session in untrained (week 1) and trained (week 12) states.
Results: No training × group interaction was found for all strength and body composition parameters (p = 0.075–0.974). Training increased strength for all exercises, bone mineral density, and total body mass via increased lean and bone mass (p < 0.001). There was no interaction (p = 0.076–0.994) and RT induced temporal changes in all RBC parameters (p < 0.001–0.003) except RBC corrected for plasma volume changes (time × training interaction; p = 0.001). Training increased hematocrit and lowered mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.001–0.041) but did not alter uncorrected RBC, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and RBC distribution width (p = 0.178–0.797).
Conclusion: Both C and NC RT induced similar improvements in strength and body composition, and changes in RBC parameters.
Health authorities worldwide, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM; Garber et al., 2011) and World Health Organization (World Health Organization, 2010), recommend that adults perform RT at least twice a week for health benefits. The recommendation is to perform the RT sessions at least 48 h apart, i.e., on NC days (Garber et al., 2011). This recommendation stems from two acute studies by Haddad and Adams (2002) and Bickel et al. (2005) which demonstrated that a recovery period of 48–72 h between RT sessions is needed to optimize the molecular responses favorable to gains in muscle size and strength based on two bouts of isometric contraction via electrical stimulation in rats (Haddad and Adams, 2002) and humans (Bickel et al., 2005).
However, the chronic influence of recovery period between RT sessions on muscle strength and mass is unclear. In addition, it is common for fitness enthusiasts, serious athletes (including competitive weightlifters) and “weekend warriors” to perform RT on C days, and yet studies on C days of RT are scarce. One recent study showed that 37 C days of high intensity squatting increased (based on values with no significance testing) the 1RM for squat in two male powerlifters and one male weightlifter, with the peak 1RM (tested daily except day 36) occurring on day 35 or 37 (Zourdos et al., 2016). Fat-free mass also increased among all participants but changes in fat mass and quadriceps thickness were inconsistent. Another subsequent study of five resistance-trained men showed that 21 C days of 1RM testing and maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the elbow flexors significantly improved the 1RM strength in both arms to a similar extent, and that the arm that performed three additional sets of elbow flexions daily also significantly increased arm muscle thickness (Dankel et al., 2017). These results suggest that prolonged C days of RT can improve muscle strength and size in individuals that are very experienced in RT, but it remains to be investigated if the results would be applicable to the general population, and if C days of RT would produce differential responses to NC days of RT, given the small sample sizes in these studies and lack of direct comparison between C and NC days of RT. Only one recent study compared C and NC days of RT and showed that 3 C (n = 10) or NC (n = 11) days of RT per week for 7 weeks produced similar adaptations in maximum strength and skinfold-determined body composition (Carvalho and Rodrigues Santos, 2016). However, the authors only reported strength changes for two exercises and did not account for the other exercises that were also performed.
Furthermore, both acute and chronic effects of recovery period between RT sessions on many other physiological variables, including RBCs, are unknown. Aside from erythrocytes’ role in athletic performance, collectively, RBC parameters are also commonly evaluated as part of a broad health screening for hematologic conditions, such as anemia. Altered RBC count may lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and other symptoms. AT in healthy population acutely decreases PV leading to a transient increase in Hct post-exercise but stimulates PV and RBC volume expansion over time (Hu and Lin, 2012; Mairbäurl, 2013). As PV expands more rapidly or greater than RBC volume, decreased RBC, Hct or Hb due to hemodilution, termed “sports anemia,” can be observed with AT. Thus, it is important to understand both acute and chronic exercise-induced changes to help differentiate between exercise-induced and pathological changes in RBC parameters. However, compared to AT, studies on RT-induced RBC changes are relatively limited (Hu and Lin, 2012), with a mix of acute and chronic RT studies that reported conflicting results on RBC parameters (Schobersberger et al., 1990; McCarthy et al., 1997; Kilgore et al., 2002; Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Craig et al., 2008; Hu et al., 2008; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Hulmi et al., 2010; Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012; Teixeira et al., 2014). Moreover, only two studies (Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012) investigated both acute and chronic effects of RT on RBC parameters within the same study. Furthermore, little is known about the effects of multiple bouts of RT, which is more aligned with weekly physical activity guidelines, and the 24 h recovery period on RBC to elucidate if it may be suboptimal. RBC, Hct and Hb returned to baseline levels by 30 min post-RT (Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Teixeira et al., 2014); thus, it is likely that a 24 h recovery period is sufficient for RBC.
Therefore, given the above reasons, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of 3 C or NC (n = 15 men in each group) days of RT per week for 12 weeks on strength, body composition and RBCs. Muscle strength and body composition (using DXA) were measured before and after 12 weeks of RT. RBC parameters were measured on the first session before RT, and 0 and 24 h after the third RT session in the untrained (week 1 of RT) and trained (week 12 of RT) states. This is the first study to investigate the post-exercise responses of RBC to multiple bouts of RT in untrained and trained states, and how recovery period influences the responses. We hypothesized that: (1) responses would be similar between C and NC groups in all aspects of strength, body composition and RBC parameters, and (2) multiple bouts of RT can induce transient temporal changes in RBC parameters that would be modulated by training.
A total of 30 young, healthy and recreationally active men completed this study, which was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Nanyang Technological University. Two other participants (one from each group) withdrew early on in the study due to time constraints. All participants were advised of the purpose of the study and associated risks, and gave written informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki prior to the commencement of the study. The lowest statistical power, based on mixed design repeated measures ANOVA, for the effects of interest, which are the interactions involving group and main effects of training and time, is 0.87 with 15 participants in each group as calculated by G∗Power version 3.1.9.2 [2 (group) × 2 (training) design; compromise power analysis with medium effect size, f = 0.25; beta/alpha ratio of 1; and correlation of 0.5 among repeated measures].
Participants included in the study were 21–35 years old and non-smokers, with a body mass index of < 30 kg⋅m-2. Volunteers with poor health were excluded from the study, such as those that (1) failed an exercise stress test; (2) took long term prescribed medications (including traditional Chinese medicine) for heart, blood, lung (except controlled asthma), liver, kidney, or joint conditions; (3) took anabolic steroids or hormones; (4) had consistent readings of systolic blood pressure > 120 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure > 80 mmHg (taken over three readings in first session and repeated on second session if first session had readings that were elevated); or (5) had fasting blood glucose > 6 mmol⋅L-1. Volunteers with any other health conditions or injuries that prevented them from performing strenuous physical activity or any RT required by the study were also excluded. Grounds for exclusion in terms of physical activity status were those that (1) did not engage in any regular physical activity at least once a week for 10 min or more; (2) engaged in regular RT for >3 days per week in the last 6 months before the study; (3) engaged in strenuous physical activity for >5 days per week; or (4) competed in powerlifting, weightlifting or bodybuilding. The range of physical activity criteria was to enhance generalization of the study results for physical activity guidelines while excluding competitive/seasoned strength athletes and highly active individuals. To assess participation eligibility, participants completed (1) a questionnaire to assess health status, (2) the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire to assess the risks prior to exercise engagement, and (3) the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess habitual physical activity level. Body mass (Mettler-Toledo GmbH ID1 Plus/KCC150s, Albstadt, Germany), height (Seca 242, Hamburg, Germany), blood pressure (Omron HEM-7211, Kyoto, Japan) and fasting blood glucose (LifeScan One Touch Ultra 2, Milpitas, CA, United States) were also measured as part of the screening procedure.
Participants were randomly assigned to either 3 C or NC days of RT per week for 12 weeks (Figure 1). Groups were balanced for group size (n = 15 in each group), and baseline body mass, height, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level by minimization. Participants in both groups underwent the same procedures including the RT protocol except for the recovery period between RT sessions. RT sessions during each week were separated by ∼24 h of recovery for C group and ∼48–72 h for NC group. C RT sessions were scheduled such that no one performed 6 C days of RT within a 2-week period (e.g., Friday–Wednesday). Outcome measures were 10RM strength, body composition and RBC parameters. Baseline and post-training 10RM and body composition were assessed ∼3–8 days before the first RT session and ∼3–9 days after the last (36th) RT session, respectively. RBC parameters were measured on the first session before RT (Pre), and 0 and 24 h after the third RT session (0 h and 24 h post-3rd RT) in untrained (week 1 of RT) and trained (week 12 of RT) states. To control for diurnal variation, all 10RM assessments and blood draws were conducted in the morning after an overnight fast of 10 h with ad libitum water intake, and trained measurements were taken within ∼± 2 h from the time of the day of corresponding untrained measurements. DXA scans were performed in a rested state (and before the 10RM assessment if both were done on the same day) after an overnight fast with ad libitum water intake or ≥ 2 h fast following a light meal. For each session with DXA scan, 10RM, or blood sampling, participants wore non-compressive exercise clothing and were required to abstain from (1) any physical activity outside of the study except activities of daily living at least 48 h prior to the session, and (2) alcohol and caffeine at least 24 h prior to the session. Trained baseline blood samples were obtained ∼48 h or more after the previous RT session.
FIGURE 1. Experimental design. Participants were randomly assigned to either three consecutive (C) or non-consecutive (NC) days of resistance training (RT) per week for 12 weeks, and completed the same procedures except for the recovery period between RT sessions of each week. Blood samples were collected at weeks 1 and 12 of the RT as indicated. DXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; 10RM, 10-repetition maximum; UT, untrained; T, trained.
Dietary Control
Participants were instructed to maintain a consistent diet during the study and required to complete a 2-day dietary record prior to the first and third RT sessions in untrained (week 1) and trained (week 12) states, and ∼ every seven RT sessions in between for a total of 8 × 2-day dietary records. A reference list for portion size estimates and instructions were provided to participants at the start of the study. Dietary intake was monitored over the course of the study and feedback was provided to help participants avoid huge fluctuations in daily caloric intake and macronutrient composition without limiting their caloric intake. Participants were also required to abstain from taking medication (including traditional Chinese medicine) not previously declared unless when ill, hormones, steroids, and supplements (including protein, vitamin and mineral supplements) during the entire duration of the study. Nutritional information of different food/beverage was sourced from various online databases and collated into a common database for use during analyses. The use of a common database helped to reduce inter- and intra-rater discrepancies.
Since caloric intake and macronutrient composition influence some indices of body composition (Aragon et al., 2017), time-varying covariates of daily dietary caloric intake, % fat intake (of daily dietary calories) and % protein intake (of daily dietary calories) were used to adjust for the effects of dietary intake when analyzing body composition changes after 12 weeks of RT. Daily dietary caloric intake was used as a covariate for all body composition parameters except BMC and BMD. In conjunction with daily dietary caloric intake, % fat intake was used to adjust for total and regional fat mass (arm, trunk and leg fat mass), and % body fat; while % protein intake was used to adjust for lean (muscle) mass. Specifically, the average daily dietary caloric intake, % fat intake and % protein intake obtained from the first and second dietary records (i.e., week 1 of RT) were used as covariates for untrained DXA scan measurements, while those from the third to eighth dietary records were used for trained DXA scan measurements.
Physical Activity Control
Participants were instructed to keep a consistent physical activity level, abstain from any forms of strenuous exercise external to the study and to refrain from commuting by foot or cycle for longer distances, such as to work or school, during the entire study. However, restrictions were not set for short distance walking, such as walking to the bus stop or between classes. Accelerometer (Actigraph wG3TX+, Pensacola, FL, United States) was worn on the right hip at all waking hours throughout the entire study, except when showering or sleeping, to assess physical activity level. ActiLife version 6.9.5 (Actigraph) was used to analyze the data. Tri-axes accelerometer counts were summarized in 1 s epochs and Freedson cut-off points were used to define intensity domains (Sasaki et al., 2011). A valid day was defined as having at least 10 h of daily accelerometer wear time (Choi et al., 2011). Non-wear was defined by intensity of at least 60 consecutive minutes of zero activity counts, with allowance for 1–2 min of counts between 0 and 100 (Troiano et al., 2008). Energy expenditure was calculated based on Freedson VM3 combination (2011) physical activity energy expenditure algorithms (Sasaki et al., 2011). Daily energy expenditure from physical activity was used as a time-varying covariate to adjust for the effects of physical activity on all body composition parameters except BMC and BMD. Specifically, the average daily kcal from physical activity for the first week of RT was used as a covariate for untrained DXA scan measurements, while that from weeks 2 to 12 of the RT was used for trained DXA scan measurements.
Assessments of 10RM and Body Composition
Participants were familiarized with the equipment and procedures before being assessed for their 10RM in leg press (Technogym Selection, Cesena, Italy), latissimus pulldown (Technogym Pure Strength), leg curl (Technogym Selection), dumbbell shoulder press, and leg extension (Technogym Selection) in the order as listed. This order was used during both 10RM assessments and each RT session. Instead of using a percentage of 1RM for the intensity, 10RM was chosen to ensure that participants maxed out by the 10th repetition. Ten RM corresponds to ∼65–75% 1RM depending on individual variation and this intensity aligns with the recommended guidelines for improving strength and muscle hypertrophy (Garber et al., 2011). For each exercise, the initial load was set relatively light (∼2.5–10 kg) for warm up. If they successfully completed 10 repetitions of the exercise at this load, the weight was increased and they would then attempt another 10 repetitions under the new load. Increments in load (typically 2.5–20 kg) were repeated until participants could only perform 10 repetitions of each exercise and not more. Ten RM was achieved within 5–7 sets including the first warm-up set. Participants were verbally encouraged to give their best effort. During each 10RM testing and RT session, assistance (“spotting”) was given only when participants reached muscular fatigue. DXA (Hologic Discovery W, Marlborough, MA, United States) was used to assess body composition in a rested supine position. Data were analyzed by the same trained personnel.
RT Protocol
Participants performed three sets of 10 repetitions at their pre-determined 10RM of leg press, latissimus pulldown, leg curl, shoulder press, and leg extension sequentially without warming up. All leg exercises were unilateral but both legs were tested and trained during the entire study. Passive rest of 2 min was given between sets. Each RT session lasted about 45 min. The load for each exercise was increased after every 4–5 weeks if participants could do so in proper form. During each RT session, ingestion of plain water was allowed ad libitum. All participants achieved 100% attendance except 1 C and 2 NC participants that missed 1 out of 36 RT sessions. One NC participant had a right knee discomfort during his post-RT 10RM testing for leg curl and thus, the post-RT 10RM for his right leg curl was based on his last week of RT.
Blood Sampling
Blood sample was taken from an antecubital vein using a 22 G needle and collected in a 3 ml vacutainer with spray-coated K2EDTA for a total of six times per participant. Whole blood samples were kept cold (∼4°C) prior to analyses within hours of sample collection. The samples were analyzed by National University Hospital Referral Laboratories, Singapore, Singapore, for RBC count, Hct, Hb concentration, MCV, MCH mass, MCHC, and RDW. Percent change in PV was calculated from measurements of Hct and Hb using the equation derived by Dill and Costill (1974). RBC count at 0 and 24 h post-3rd RT in untrained and trained states were then corrected for PV changes after a bout of RT (Teixeira et al., 2014).
Data were checked for assumptions prior to application of the appropriate inferential tests. Group differences for participants’ baseline characteristics were assessed using independent t-test (for diastolic blood pressure) or Mann–Whitney U test (all other characteristics due to non-normality). Ten RM differences were analyzed using 2 (groups: C and NC) × 2 (training: pre- and post-RT) mixed design repeated measures ANOVA with aligned rank transformation for non-normal data with or without equal variances (all exercises except shoulder press). Partial eta squared (ηp2) effect sizes were calculated. Body composition differences were determined using linear mixed models (LMMs) with group and training as fixed categorical variables, and training as a repeated factor. Time-varying covariates of daily dietary caloric intake and daily physical activity energy expenditure (for total, lean and fat mass, and % body fat) plus % fat intake (for total and regional fat mass, and % body fat) or % protein intake (for lean mass) were included to adjust for effects of dietary intake and physical activity. No adjustments were made for BMC and BMD. Differences in RBC parameters and PV were analyzed using LMM with group, training (weeks 1 and 12) and time (pre-exercise, and 0 and 24 h post-3rd RT) as categorical variables, and training and time as repeated factors. For all LMM, different covariance structures were tested and the model with the best fit was selected for each variable. Calculation of effect sizes for LMM is not straightforward. Thus, an equivalent of Cohen’s d effect size for pairwise comparison was calculated using the mean difference between the pair divided by the pooled standard deviation, which was calculated from the standard error obtained from the estimated marginal means table. Alpha was set at 0.05 for all tests. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 23. All 95% CI presented in the text represent CI in the unit of the corresponding variable.
Participant’s Baseline Characteristics
Both groups had similar age [mean 25 (SD 2) years], height [1.72 (0.06) m], body mass [65 (10) kg], BMI [22.2 (2.7) kg⋅m-2], systolic and diastolic blood pressures [114 (5)/69 (8) mmHg], fasting glucose [4.5 (0.3) mmol⋅L-1], and physical activity level [2144 (1428) MET-min⋅week-1] to begin with (p = 0.161–0.999) (Table 1). Within each group (n = 15 each), three participants did vigorous RT 1–3 days per week while two (C) or three (NC) others did non-vigorous RT using bodyweight (e.g., squats, push-ups, sit ups) or light dumbbells in short duration (≤15–20 min) 2–3 days per week. All, except one NC participant, did moderate or vigorous AT in the form of recreational activities and/or walking/cycling as part of transportation for 4–7 days per week but none exceeded the exclusion criteria of >5 days per week of vigorous physical activity.
TABLE 1. Participants’ baseline characteristics.
Dietary Intake
Dietary intake had a considerable amount of variation within the participants but similar dietary patterns and variability between groups. Therefore, the results are presented as an entire cohort. Mean daily dietary caloric intake was 1,825 kcal⋅d-1 with a mean CV of 22% within participants and mean range of 1,453 kcal⋅d-1 within participants (i.e., mean difference between minimum and maximum daily caloric intake within each participant is 1,453 kcal). Mean % fat intake was 32% with mean CV of 22% and mean range of 24% within participants. Mean % protein intake was 18% with mean CV of 23% and mean range of 14% within participants. Mean % carbohydrate intake was 51% with mean CV of 15% and mean range of 27% within participants. Such within-participant variations highlight the need to monitor dietary intake at multiple time points during the study and use time-varying (instead of time-invariant) covariates, of which both were done in this study even though the data were reduced to two time-points for the covariates (pre- and post-RT).
Both groups complied well to the physical activity restrictions. C group had a mean (SD) wear time compliance of 74 (20)% (min–max: 40%–99%) out of 84 days. Daily caloric expenditure from physical activity was 598 (134) kcal⋅day-1 (min-max: 403–799 kcal⋅day-1) and only 13 (3)% (min–max: 9%–17%) of valid wear time (i.e., ≥ 10 h of waking hours per day including RT days) was spent on MVPA (% MVPA). Physical activity level within participants was consistent; mean CV of % MVPA within participants was 9 (5)% (min–max: 4%–19%). NC group had an 89 (13)% (min–max: 49%–100%) wear time compliance. Daily caloric expenditure was 600 (105) kcal⋅day-1 (min–max: 409–830 kcal⋅day-1) and % MVPA was 13 (2)% (min–max: 10%–17%). Mean CV of % MVPA within participants was 7 (2)% (min–max: 3%–9%).
Strength Changes
No significant training × group interaction and group effect was found for all strength parameters (p = 0.075–0.974; ηp2 < 0.01–0.11, small effect sizes), and the parallel lines are strong evidence for the absence of interaction (Figure 2). The full set of results is presented in Table 2. Only main effect of training was significant for all strength parameters (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.79–0.92, large effect sizes), meaning both groups increased in strength to a similar extent following 12 weeks of RT for all exercises. The a priori power for a 2 × 2 mixed design (in this context) is the same for both interaction and within-subject main effects. The fact that significant and large training effect was found for all parameters is another strong indicator that the lack of differential responses between groups (i.e., no interaction) is not because the study was underpowered.
FIGURE 2. Ten-repetition maximum and body composition in untrained (UT) and trained (T) states for consecutive (C, ) and non-consecutive (NC, ) groups for: leg press with right leg (A), latissimus pulldown (B), leg curl with right leg (C), shoulder press (D), leg extension with right leg (E), body mass (F), lean mass (G), fat mass (H), fat percentage (I), arm fat mass (J), trunk fat mass (K), leg fat mass (L), bone mineral content (M), and bone mineral density (N). Values are means with 95% confidence interval. For (F–L), means are calculated from predicted values after adjustment for covariates. No significant training × group interaction for all parameters (p = 0.075–0.974). ∗Significant difference between UT and T states (p < 0.001). #Significant group difference between C and NC (p = 0.025).
TABLE 2. Changes in ten-repetition maximum (10RM) strength and body composition.
For leg press, the mean 10RM increase in both legs was 55 kg. The 10RM for left leg press increased 80% from 67 to 121 kg (95% CI [45, 60], ηp2 = 0.88), while that for right leg increased 81% from 70 to 126 kg (95% CI [50, 65], ηp2= 0.87). The 10RM for latissimus pulldown increased 31% from 70 to 91 kg (95% CI [18, 25], ηp2 = 0.79). For leg curl, the mean 10RM increase in both legs was 13 kg. The 10RM for left leg curl increased 53% from 24 to 37 kg (95% CI [11, 14], ηp2= 0.92), while that for right leg increased 51% from 25 to 37 kg (95% CI [11, 14], ηp2 = 0.91). The 10RM for shoulder press increased 59% from 10 to 16 kg (95% CI [5, 7], ηp2 = 0.90). For leg extension, the mean 10RM increase in both legs was 20 kg. The 10RM for left leg extension increased 68% from 30 to 50 kg (95% CI [18, 23], ηp2 = 0.91), while that for right leg increased 64% from 31 to 50 kg (95% CI [18, 21], ηp2 = 0.91).
Body Composition Changes
The predicted values adjusted for covariates for body composition parameters (no covariate adjustment for BMC and BMD) are presented in Figure 2. Similar to strength changes, no significant interaction was found for all body composition parameters (p= 0.140–0.825), with the parallel lines in most parameters as strong evidence. Even prior to adjustment for covariates, there was no interaction for all parameters as well (p= 0.242–0.996, Table 2). Similarly, the conclusions for main effects of training and group are also the same between adjusted and non-adjusted values for all parameters except % body fat (elaborated below) and hence, only adjusted results will be highlighted unless otherwise stated. We found significant training and group (lowest a priori power) differences, again demonstrating that the study had adequate power to detect interactions.
Both groups responded similarly in body composition post-RT (Table 2). RT increased total body mass by 1.7 kg (95% CI [1.1, 2.3], p < 0.001, d = 0.17) via increases in lean mass by 1.6 kg (95% CI [1.0, 2.3], p< 0.001, d = 0.29) and BMC by 26 g, (95% CI [14, 38], p < 0.001, d = 0.08). Although C group has higher BMD than NC (0.73 kg⋅m-2 denser; 95% CI [0.10, 1.37], p = 0.025, d = 0.87), both groups also increased their BMD similarly following RT (average increase of 0.19 kg⋅m-2, 95% CI [0.11, 0.28], p < 0.001, d = 0.23). There were no other group differences [p = 0.099 (for BMC)–0.991] and RT did not change total and regional (arm, trunk, and leg) fat mass (p = 0.154–0.994), and % body fat (-0.5% points, 95% CI [-1.3, 0.3], p = 0.218, d = 0.09). However, unadjusted % body fat was reduced post-RT (-0.8% points, 95% CI [-1.5, -0.1], p = 0.029, d = 0.13).
PV and RBC Changes
For better evaluation of hematological changes post-exercise, RBC count were corrected for PV changes (Teixeira et al., 2014) at 0 and 24 h post-3rd RT in untrained and trained states. Time × training interaction was significant (p = 0.014) with no other significant interaction (p = 0.314–0.630) for PV (Figure 3A). In the untrained state, there was a trend for PV to decrease at 0 h post-3rd RT (-2.8% from 57.5 to 55.9%, p = 0.067) before increasing significantly at 24 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (4.1%, 95% CI [0.3, 4.4], p = 0.021, d = 0.71) and 0 h post-3rd RT (7.0% from 55.9 to 59.8%, 95% CI [2.6, 5.3], p < 0.001, d = 1.04). Following 12 weeks of RT, there was no change in baseline PV (57.5% versus 57.2%; p= 0.336) and the pattern of responses is similar but more suppressed. Only an increase of 3.5% from 56.2% at 0 h post-3rd RT to 58.2% at 24 h post-3rd RT (95% CI [0.7, 3.2]) was significant (p = 0.001, d = 0.67).
FIGURE 3. Plasma volume and red blood cell (RBC) parameters before resistance training (RT) at first session (Pre), and 0 and 24 h post-3rd RT session in untrained (UT, solid lines) and trained (T, dotted lines) states for consecutive (C, blue squares) and non-consecutive (NC, red circles) groups: plasma volume (A), RBC count (B), RBC count corrected for plasma volume changes (C), hematocrit (D), hemoglobin (E), mean corpuscular volume (F), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (G), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (H), and RBC distribution width (I). Values are means with 95% confidence interval. No significant interaction for all parameters (p= 0.076–0.994) except corrected RBC count (∗significant time × training interaction, p = 0.001; details in text). Significant main effect of time for all parameters (p < 0.001–0.003). Different letters indicate significant difference from other time points (p < 0.001–0.040). Comparison between UT and T states indicates significant difference between them (p = 0.001–0.041). #Significant group difference between C and NC (p = 0.006–0.030).
There was no interaction of any kind for all RBC parameters (p = 0.076–0.994) except a time × training interaction (p = 0.001) for corrected RBC count (Figure 3). There were time, training and group differences, again demonstrating that the study had adequate power to detect group interactions. Exercise decreased corrected RBC count at 0 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre in the untrained state (-1.5%, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.01], p = 0.021, d = 0.15) and 24 h post-3rd RT in both untrained (-3.7%, 95% CI [-0.27, -0.12], p < 0.001, d = 0.32) and trained states (-1.4%, 95% CI [-0.12, -0.02], p = 0.003, d = 0.15).
Temporal changes were significant for all RBC parameters. Uncorrected RBC count decreased at 24 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (-1.9%, 95% CI [-0.16, -0.04], p < 0.001, d = 0.22) and 0 h post-3rd RT (-2.7%, 95% CI [-0.20, -0.08], p < 0.001, d = 0.31). Hct increased 1.7% 0 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (95% CI [0.3, 1.2], d = 0.37) before decreasing 3.4% at 24 h post-3rd RT (95% CI [-1.9, -1.0], d = 0.75) and falling 1.7% below Pre level (95% CI [-1.2, -0.3], d = 0.37), all p < 0.001. Similar to Hct, Hb increased 1.0% 0 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (95% CI [0.0, 0.3], p = 0.040, d = 0.16) before decreasing 2.5% at 24 h post-3rd RT (95% CI [-0.5, -0.2], p < 0.001, d = 0.40) and falling 1.5% below Pre level (95% CI [-0.4, -0.1], p = 0.005, d = 0.24).
Morphological properties of RBC were also altered post-exercise. MCV increased at 0 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (1.0%, 95% CI [0.5, 1.1], p < 0.001, d = 0.11) and 24 h post-3rd RT (0.7%, 95% CI [0.3, 0.9], p < 0.001, d = 0.08). MCH increased 0.5% 24 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (95% CI [0.0, 0.2], p = 0.005, d = 0.04). MCHC decreased at 0 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (-0.7%, 95% CI [-0.4, 0.0], p = 0.011, d = 0.27) and 24 h post-3rd RT (-1.0%, 95% CI [-0.5, -0.1], p < 0.001, d = 0.36). Similar to MCV, RDW increased at 0 h post-3rd RT compared to Pre (0.6%, 95% CI [0.0, 0.2], p = 0.011, d = 0.08) and 24 h post-3rd RT (0.8%, 95% CI [0.0, 0.2], p < 0.001, d = 0.09).
While RT increased Hct by 0.8% (95% CI [0.0, 0.7], p = 0.026, d = 0.18), RT decreased MCH (-0.4%, 95% CI [-0.2, 0.0], p = 0.041, d = 0.04) and MCHC (-0.7%, 95% CI [-0.4, -0.1], p = 0.001, d = 0.29). C group on average has higher Hb and MCHC than NC group (Hb: 15.2 compared to 14.4 g/dL, 95% CI [0.1, 1.4], p = 0.030, d = 0.83; MCHC: 2.8% higher, 95% CI [0.3, 1.6], p = 0.006, d = 1.08). RDW was 6.7% lower in C group compared to NC group (95% CI [-1.7, -0.1], p = 0.023, d = 0.86). There were no other training (p = 0.178–0.797) and group differences (p = 0.130–0.422).
Mean values of all RBC parameters (including RBC corrected for PV changes) for both groups were within normal clinical range at baseline and post-exercise regardless of training status (Supplementary Table S1). However, RBC (uncorrected and corrected), Hb and MCHC had 1–4 participants in C or NC group with normal baseline values but RT-induced out of range values at 0 and/or 24 h post-3rd RT in the corresponding untrained or trained states (maximum 4 out of 30 participants at any time point per parameter; data not shown). Such occurrences were similar between C (n = 5) and NC (n = 4) groups collectively across these three parameters.
This study aimed to determine the effects of 3 C or NC days of RT per week for 12 weeks on strength, body composition and RBCs. The results revealed no interaction involving group in all measures of strength, body composition, and RBC parameters as hypothesized. Both C and NC RT are equally effective in improving strength, lean mass, BMC and BMD that are comparable to those reported by other studies (elaborated below). There is no change in fat mass or fat distribution for both groups post-RT. This is the first study to investigate responses of RBC parameters after multiple bouts of RT in untrained and trained states, and whether recovery period modulates the responses. RBC responses did not differ between groups. There was no interaction and RT induced temporal changes in all RBC parameters except RBC corrected for PV changes (time × training interaction). A novel finding is that all RBC parameters returned to baseline at 24 h post-3rd RT regardless of training status except Hct and Hb that were influenced by PV changes, and MCH that was partly affected by Hb (elaborated below). Chronic RT increased Hct and lowered MCH and MCHC, but did not alter uncorrected RBC, Hb, MCV and RDW. Regardless of the changes, mean values of all RBC parameters were still within normal range. However, for a small number of participants who had normal baseline values of RBC parameters, strenuous RT induced out of range values in RBC (uncorrected and/or corrected), Hb and/or MCHC even at 24 h post-3rd RT in untrained or trained states. Therefore, it is best to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 h prior to a full blood count measurement to avoid false positive readings.
Strength and Body Composition Changes
One critical observation from this study is that despite not adhering to the recommended 48–72 h of recovery between RT sessions, the C group did not exhibit attenuated increments in strength, lean mass, BMC or BMD when compared to the NC group. Our findings agree with those of the only study that directly compared C and NC days of RT. Carvalho and Rodrigues Santos (2016) found similar improvements in 1RM bench press and leg press, and body composition between both groups after 7 weeks of 3 days per week of RT. Collectively, these results are not baseless. Although some acute animal (Haddad and Adams, 2002) and human (Bickel et al., 2005; Flores et al., 2011; Radaelli et al., 2012; Korak et al., 2015) studies do point to at least 48 h of recovery between RT sessions for better strength recovery and muscle growth, other chronic RT studies are inconclusive regarding the optimal recovery period and do not indicate that C RT is indeed inferior to NC RT. Hunter (1985) found 4 C days to be superior to 3 NC days of RT per week, despite the same weekly volume, in increasing maximum bench press and bench press endurance after 7 weeks. While the better results with C RT was attributed to the higher frequency, one could also attribute it to C RT being superior to NC RT. In another study, Gillam (1981) had participants perform 9 weeks of intense RT of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 C days per week and the group with 5 C days per week had the best strength improvement. Each day of RT was the same and thus, while one could argue that 5 C days per week had the best outcome because of the higher volume and/or frequency, the result certainly does not support the notion that strength adaptation is compromised with C RT.
Improvements of 31–81% amounting to large ηp2 of 0.79–0.92 in 10RM strength observed in this study are similar to or greater than those reported in other studies [12–52% over 3–6 months (reviewed by Ralston et al., 2017) or 12–21% over 6 weeks (Paulsen et al., 2003)] of RT with similar weekly volume and intensity (3 sets × 7–12 repetitions × 7RM–12RM × 3 days per week) in young untrained or trained males for the similar exercises. Such increments seen in this study reflect the relatively untrained status of our participants (for RT) on average at baseline, and the robust RT stimulus provided in this study. The latter adds credibility to our study as it meant that the lack of differential responses between C and NC groups was not due to an ineffective RT program. In fact, every participant improved their 10RM in all five exercises except 1 C participant in the latissimus pulldown and another 1 C participant in the shoulder press. Both were the second strongest out of both groups for the respective exercise that they did not improve. C RT per se did not impair the ability to improve strength because the strongest participants in latissimus pulldown and shoulder press were also in the C group and did improve their strength further.
Two other noteworthy findings from our study were that recovery requirement did not differ between (1) upper and lower body exercises, and (2) single- and multi-joint exercises, contrary to popular beliefs, since both groups improved 10RM similarly in all five exercises. These results echoed the findings of Korak et al. (2015) and Carvalho and Rodrigues Santos (2016), with one exception. Korak et al. (2015) found that multi-joint exercises required longer recovery period compared to single-joint exercises, and that bench press and deadlift required longer recovery period of more than 48 h. The finding on bench press contradicted that by Carvalho and Rodrigues Santos (2016) who found no difference in 1RM bench press between C and NC groups after 7 weeks of RT. This discrepancy could be due to one being an acute study (Korak et al., 2015) and the other a long-term study (Carvalho and Rodrigues Santos, 2016). Deadlift was not performed in this study and that by Carvalho and Rodrigues Santos (2016). Future chronic studies with an array of exercises are needed to explore if differential recovery between multi- and single-joint exercises exist.
RT-induced muscle growth is well established and the 1.6 kg (3.3%) lean mass gain observed in this study is consistent with the -0.5 kg to 1.5 kg changes observed in young participants of varying training status as reviewed by Morton et al. (2017), and the 2 kg (3.4%) increase in young, inactive men post-RT (McCarthy et al., 1997). These comparable or superior improvements in strength for all exercises and lean mass demonstrated the robust stimuli provided by the RT in our study. The RT program is concordant with recommendations by ACSM except the recovery period for the C group (Garber et al., 2011). We kept the sets, repetitions and relative intensity constant while adjusting the load as this is a common RT protocol reported in the literature (Ralston et al., 2017; Schoenfeld et al., 2017), especially for novice or intermediate exercisers to RT. Carvalho and Rodrigues Santos (2016) and McCarthy et al. (1997) used an undulating periodization approach in which each of the three RT sessions of the week was different in intensity and volume, and also found similar improvements in strength and body composition between C and NC groups, and comparable lean mass gain to our results, respectively.
In the present study, participants increased total body BMC by 1.1% (26 g) and BMD by 1.7%. The inclusion of bone results from this study is valuable because RT studies on BMD in young males are limited as most intervention studies focused on women and older adults due to the high prevalence of osteoporosis in these populations. McCarthy et al. (1997) found a similar, albeit non-significant, increase of 0.6% (16 g) in young, inactive men after 12 weeks of RT. Young, recreationally active males increased BMD at the lumbar spine by 7.7% and femoral neck by 4.2% after 24 weeks of RT (Almstedt et al., 2011). Male college rowers increased 2.9% in BMC and 4.2% in lumbar spine BMD after a 7-month training program of 8 h rowing, 1 h RT and 1 h running per week (Cohen et al., 1995).
No significant change in fat mass (+2 g adjusted for covariates, 95% CI [-533, 537], p= 0.994, d < 0.001), fat distribution and % body fat (-0.5% points adjusted for covariates) was found in both groups. Our participants were on average non-overweight (Table 1). Results from this study add to the limited pool of data on fat loss with RT in young, healthy, non-obese individuals, and agree with the common findings that RT alone is ineffective for reduction in fat mass and % body fat in this population (Poehlman et al., 2000; Lemmer et al., 2001; Olson et al., 2007). However, McCarthy et al. (1997) did find a large 1.9 kg (12.0%) decrease in fat mass and 2.7% points reduction in % body fat from 20.4% in young, healthy, normal weight (BMI 25.1 kg⋅m-2) men using an undulating periodized RT program. Given the paucity of comparisons in different RT periodization approaches to fat loss, it remains to be seen if this is a major contributor to the discrepancy. On the other hand, diet is a potent cofounding factor for body composition, but there is limited information on dietary intake and control in these studies.
PV Changes
Acute and chronic PV responses did not differ between the two groups. Instead, RT-induced transient post-exercise changes were modulated by training status (time × training interaction). While there was a pattern of small, non-significant decrease of PV immediately post-3rd RT (-2.8% and -1.7% in untrained and trained states, respectively), our results contrasted with the decrease in PV commonly observed immediately after a bout of RT, ranging from -6.9 to -10.4% for intensity of 8RM–12RM or 70–80% 1RM (Wallace et al., 1990; Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Teixeira et al., 2014). Such decreases were still evident when hydration status was controlled for (-22.6%, Craig et al., 2008) or sweat loss during the RT session was replaced with fluid intake (-7.5%, Ahmadizad et al., 2006). A more plausible explanation is the difference in posture during blood sampling and RT. Just by changing from a supine position to a leg press posture, there was a PV drop of 10–15% across the three times that this condition was repeated (Craig et al., 2008). When 3 sets × 10 repetitions × 10RM leg presses were performed, PV dropped a further of ∼10% points. In our study, all were seated/standing exercises but all blood samples were taken in a supine position. It is likely that by resuming a supine position, PV may increase by 10–15% and thereby negating any RT-induced PV drop to non-significant amount. We assumed a supine position for blood sampling for ethics approval as a preventive measure should participants get lighted headed during the procedure.
Less is known about PV changes after 24 h post-RT. Wallace et al. (1990) reported a 7% PV expansion 24 h after 7 sets × 8–12 repetitions × 8RM–12RM for seven exercises in recreational lifers while we observed PV expansion of 4.1% and 1.7% (non-significant) 24 h post-3rd RT in the untrained and trained states, respectively. The subdued responses in our study could be due to a lower volume (3 sets × 5 exercises). Similarly, research on chronic effects of RT on PV is sparse but our finding of non-significant change in resting PV (-0.5%) after 12 weeks of RT is consistent with those of others that found changes of -0.4% to -1.8% (Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Hulmi et al., 2010) or +2.2% (non-significant, McCarthy et al., 1997). However, suppression of post-exercise PV changes with chronic RT in our study (Figure 3A, gentler slopes in trained states) was not observed by Cakir-Atabek et al. (2009) (-6.85% and -8.07% 0 h post-RT in weeks 1 and 6, respectively). Interestingly, Kilic-Toprak et al. (2012) found increases (significance not tested) of 3.8%, 2.4%, and 2.9% 0 h post-RT in weeks 1, 4, and 12 but the different intensity and volume used in weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4–12 made the interpretation challenging. More studies are needed to investigate whether chronic RT influences resting values and post-exercise responses of PV.
RBC Changes
Echoing our findings on strength and body composition, this is the first study to show that recovery period of 24–72 h does not affect the acute and chronic responses to RT differently in PV and all RBC parameters. Without similar studies for comparisons, we focus on the temporal and training changes to corroborate our findings. Given the effect of PV on RBC count, we compared post-exercise RBC count corrected for PV changes instead of uncorrected values. If corrected values were not provided, we calculated them from the PV changes reported (Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009) or estimated from Hb and Hct (Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012) using the equation by Dill and Costill (1974), and indicate “significance not tested.” Like PV, RT-induced temporal changes in corrected RBC count were modulated by training. Most studies (Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Teixeira et al., 2014) had no change or a decrease ranging from -2.6 to -4.1% right after a bout of RT in agreement with the -1.5% change (untrained state) 0 h post-3rd RT in our study. However, Kilic-Toprak et al. (2012) saw 0 h post-RT increases (significance not tested) of 3.5% at week 1 and 2.8% at week 4. The acute decreases could be due to increased hemolysis as observed with 6 weeks of RT (Schobersberger et al., 1990) as a result of mechanical stress from large muscular contractions (Mairbäurl, 2013). Future acute RT studies should be conducted to investigate this further. The magnitude of decrease seems to be influenced by intensity and repetitions with no change after 3 sets × 6 repetitions × 85% 1RM but -3.2% (significance not tested) after 3 sets × 12 repetitions × 70% 1RM (Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009).
To our knowledge, no RT study has investigated the 24 h post-exercise responses for RBC parameters but PV and RBC returned to basal levels 30 min after a bout of RT (Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Teixeira et al., 2014), similar to our finding of no change in corrected RBC count at 24 h post-3rd RT regardless of training status. Taken together, it is likely that corrected RBC count returned to basal level by 24 h after a bout of RT and thus, recovery period of 24–72 h did not matter and both groups had similar responses 24 h post-3rd RT. Following chronic RT of 18–42 sessions, most studies reported no change in resting RBC volume (Hulmi et al., 2010) or count (Schobersberger et al., 1990; Hu et al., 2008; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012) like what we found. However, increasing the length of RT from 10 to 20 weeks (frequency not specified; Hu et al., 2008) and/or using an undulating periodization approach increased basal RBC volume (McCarthy et al., 1997) or count (Kilgore et al., 2002; Hu et al., 2008). Chronic RT seemed to suppress post-exercise responses in corrected RBC count [Figure 3C and the study by Kilic-Toprak et al. (2012): 3.5%, 2.8%, and 2.4% (significance not tested) 0 h post-RT in weeks 1, 4, and 12, respectively]. Furthermore, no change in corrected RBC count 0 h post-RT was observed in trained bodybuilders (Teixeira et al., 2014). Similar to PV, such suppression in post-exercise responses with chronic RT in corrected RBC count was not observed by Cakir-Atabek et al. (2009); -3.2% in week 1, -3.6% in week 6 for 70% 1RM, and 0.0% in week 1, -0.8% in week 6 for 85% 1RM].
For all other RBC parameters, there was no interaction but RT-induced temporal changes. While there is a confusing array of changes from decrease, no change, to increase in Hct and Hb based on statistical significance, the pattern of change in them is clear and consistent considering the absolute effect sizes in conjunction with PV changes. Hct at 0 h post-RT increased with decreased PV (Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Craig et al., 2008; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Teixeira et al., 2014), or decreased with increased PV (Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012). All these authors attributed the acute changes in Hct and Hb mostly to PV changes. Hb mimicked changes in Hct in direction and magnitude [within 0.8% points; (Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Craig et al., 2008; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009); Hb not measured (Teixeira et al., 2014)] except Hct increased 0.6% but Hb decreased 2.8% 0 h post-RT at week 4, and a 2.2% point difference at week 1 in the study by Kilic-Toprak et al. (2012). Hb changes generally mirror those of Hct because the total amount of Hb is dependent on Hct and the amount of Hb in each cell, of which the latter is generally saturated and constant in healthy individuals (Austin et al., 2011). Likewise, our results for Hct and Hb at both time points had similar direction and magnitude of change (0.2–0.9% points difference) and were inversely related to PV. Thus, Hct and Hb dipped below baseline 24 h post-3rd RT due to PV expansion (based on absolute change). In all, results from this study and others (Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009) suggest that any transient RT-induced hemolysis is of a smaller influence than PV decrease, resulting in a net increase in Hct and Hb 0 h after one or multiple bouts of RT.
Transient 0 h post-3rd RT increases in MCV (1%) and RDW (0.6%), and decrease (-0.7%) in MCHC as observed in our study, indicate a higher number of young erythrocytes. Young RBCs are usually larger, leading to a rise in RDW and MCV, and drop in MCHC. Furthermore, young RBCs are characterized by improved deformability (Mairbäurl, 2013). Increased RBC deformability has been observed immediately after a bout of RT in untrained (Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009) or trained state (Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012), and has been associated with increased MCV and decreased MCHC (von Tempelhoff et al., 2016). These results suggest that RT acutely accelerates the turnover of RBCs with increased hemolysis while increasing erythropoiesis to maintain hemostasis. Along with the non-significant change in MCH (0.2%), our findings agree with those of other RT studies: -0.2% (non-significant) to 0.6% in MCV; -0.2% to 0.9% in MCH (all calculated values as MCH is seldom reported); and -3.5% to 0.6% (both limits non-significant) in MCHC immediately after a bout of RT (Ahmadizad and El-Sayed, 2005; Ahmadizad et al., 2006; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012). The exception is a significant 0.4% decrease in MCV 0 h post-RT at week 12 and larger changes in MCH of -2.7%, -3.1%, and -1.0% at weeks 1, 4, and 12, respectively, in the study by Kilic-Toprak et al. (2012). Acute or chronic effects of RT on RDW are seldom reported. One study found non-significant change of -11.2% in RDW immediately after a bout of 35% 1RM RT (Ghanbari-Niaki and Tayebi, 2013) and the discrepancy could be due to differences in RT protocol. All RBC indices returned to baseline by 24 h post-3rd RT except for a small increase of 0.5% in MCH (Figure 3), due to a slightly more gradual decline (i.e., slower kinetics) in Hb (-2.5%) than RBC (-2.7%) from 0 to 24 h post-3rd RT. MCH is 10× the ratio of Hb to RBC.
Following chronic RT, Hct increased 0.8% on average (main effect of training with no interaction) compared to untrained state with non-significant change of 0.1% in Hb. Only two other studies investigated both acute and chronic effects of RT on RBC parameters but the authors did not directly test the effect of training (Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012). Therefore, we compared all our results of training effect with the resting values of corresponding parameters reported by others. Our results agree with the direction of change in resting values following chronic RT as reported by others [Hct: 0.4–3.2% and Hb: 0.6–2.2% (Kilgore et al., 2002; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009; Hulmi et al., 2010; Kilic-Toprak et al., 2012), or not significantly different from controls at week 10 (Hu et al., 2008)]. This range of varying changes in Hct and Hb may be partly due to seasonal variation (Kristal-Boneh et al., 1997; Hu et al., 2008), along with seasonal variation in PV (Kristal-Boneh et al., 1997). An important note, our study was conducted in Singapore, which does not have four seasons. We observed lower MCH (-0.4%) and MCHC (-0.7%) with non-significant changes in MCV (0.3%) and RDW (-0.7%) following RT. Others (Hu et al., 2008; Cakir-Atabek et al., 2009) found non-significant changes in MCV and MCHC (MCH and RDW were not reported). The decreased MCHC was also observed by Hu et al. (2008) at week 20 but not week 10 and attributed to RT-induced plasma osmolality changes and metabolic acidosis.
Firstly, blood samples were not obtained after the first and second bouts during weeks 1 and 12, and more frequently during the 12 weeks of RT (e.g., adding week 6). The consideration was to minimize blood sampling frequency while fulfilling the research aim of examining the acute and chronic responses to multiple bouts of RT in groups of differing recovery period without overcomplicating the analyses with too many time points. Secondly, like most training studies, we did not blind the investigators and were unable to control for diet and physical activity external to the sessions by providing standardized meals or having participants confined to the laboratory during the entire study. However, to reduce potential bias and interrater variability, the same team of research staff evaluated and trained both groups, and both groups of participants were encouraged to perform their best during training and evaluations. In addition, the monitoring and use of diet and physical activity as covariates strengthened the internal validity of the study. In fact, few studies utilized measures to such extent to control for confounding factors. Lastly, only males were recruited in the study as menstrual cycles could affect several outcome measures. However, there were no sex differences in strength and body composition adaptations to 7 weeks of 4 C or 3 NC days per week of RT (Hunter, 1985).
The intent of this study is to provide impartial evidence on the effects of RT recovery period on various physiological variables and enable us to refine physical activity guidelines and exercise prescription. The results indicated similar improvements in strength for all five exercises and body composition, and changes in RBC parameters after 3 C or NC days of RT per week for 12 weeks. These findings refute current guidelines concerning the recovery period between RT sessions to optimize strength and muscle gains. C RT does not mean no rest as there is a 24 h recovery period between sessions and when performed 2–3 times a week, there is a rest of 4–5 days between weekly cycles. Moreover, most RBC parameters returned to baseline at 24 h post-3rd RT. Therefore, collectively, it is plausible that a recovery of 24–72 h between sessions did not matter as suggested by the results. There are no differential responses between C and NC RT to recommend one over the other for young, healthy individuals. For these individuals who perform 2–3 C days of RT per week, such as weekend warriors due to time constraints, they should not hold back for fear of inferior or detrimental adaptations if weekly volume and intensity are appropriate.
YY and JG designed the study. YY, PB, YW, JH, and HT contributed to data acquisition and analyses. YY, PB, and YW contributed to data interpretation and manuscript drafting. All authors contributed to the critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content and final approval of the version to be published.
This work was supported by the National Institute of Education Academic Research Fund (NIE AcRF grant RI 5/14 YYF).
Theauthors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
The authors thank Stuart Tong, Edmund Ng, Claire Wong, Nicholas Koa, Jeanette Poong, Dr. Chong Bee Kiang, Lilia Suaiso, and Dr. Gervais Wansaicheong Khin-Lin for helping with data collection.
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00725/full#supplementary-material
AT, aerobic training; BMC, bone mineral content; BMD, bone mineral density; C, consecutive; CV, coefficient of variance; DXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; Hb, hemoglobin; Hct, hematocrit; MCH, mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCHC, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; MCV, mean corpuscular volume; MVPA, moderate-vigorous physical activity; NC, non-consecutive; PV, plasma volume; RBC, red blood cell; RDW, red blood cell distribution width; RM, repetition maximum; RT, resistance training.
Ahmadizad, S., and El-Sayed, M. S. (2005). The acute effects of resistance exercise on the main determinants of blood rheology. J. Sports Sci. 23, 243–249. doi: 10.1080/02640410410001730151
Ahmadizad, S., El-Sayed, M. S., and MacLaren, D. P. (2006). Effects of water intake on the responses of haemorheological variables to resistance exercise. Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc. 35, 317–327.
Almstedt, H. C., Canepa, J. A., Ramirez, D. A., and Shoepe, T. C. (2011). Changes in bone mineral density in response to 24 weeks of resistance training in college-age men and women. J. Strength Cond. Res. 25, 1098–1103. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d09e9d
Aragon, A. A., Schoenfeld, B. J., Wildman, R., Kleiner, S., VanDusseldorp, T., Taylor, L., et al. (2017). International society of sports nutrition position stand: diets and body composition. J. Int. Soc. Sports Nutr. 14:16. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0174-y
Austin, A. W., Patterson, S. M., and von Kanel, R. (2011). Hemoconcentration and hemostasis during acute stress: interacting and independent effects. Ann. Behav. Med. 42, 153–173. doi: 10.1007/s12160-011-9274-0
Bickel, C. S., Slade, J., Mahoney, E., Haddad, F., Dudley, G. A., and Adams, G. R. (2005). Time course of molecular responses of human skeletal muscle to acute bouts of resistance exercise. J. Appl. Physiol. 98, 482–488. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00895.2004
Cakir-Atabek, H., Atsak, P., Gunduz, N., and Bor-Kucukatay, M. (2009). Effects of resistance training intensity on deformability and aggregation of red blood cells. Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc. 41, 251–261. doi: 10.3233/CH-2009-1176
Carvalho, A. D., and Rodrigues Santos, J. A. (2016). Nonconsecutive versus consecutive-day resistance training in recreationally trained subjects. J. Sports Med. Phys. Fitness 58, 233–240. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.16.06660-3
Choi, L., Liu, Z., Matthews, C. E., and Buchowski, M. S. (2011). Validation of accelerometer wear and nonwear time classification algorithm. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 43, 357–364. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181ed61a3
Cohen, B., Millett, P., Mist, B., Laskey, M., and Rushton, N. (1995). Effect of exercise training programme on bone mineral density in novice college rowers. Br. J. Sports Med. 29, 85–88.
Craig, S. K., Byrnes, W. C., and Fleck, S. J. (2008). Plasma volume during weight lifting. Int. J. Sports Med. 29, 89–95. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-965108
Dankel, S. J., Counts, B. R., Barnett, B. E., Buckner, S. L., Abe, T., and Loenneke, J. P. (2017). Muscle adaptations following 21 consecutive days of strength test familiarization compared with traditional training. Muscle Nerve 56, 307–314. doi: 10.1002/mus.25488
Dill, D. B., and Costill, D. L. (1974). Calculation of percentage changes in volumes of blood, plasma, and red cells in dehydration. J. Appl. Physiol. 37, 247–248.
Flores, D. F., Gentil, P., Brown, L. E., Pinto, R. S., Carregaro, R. L., and Bottaro, M. (2011). Dissociated time course of recovery between genders after resistance exercise. J. Strength Cond. Res. 25, 3039–3044. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212dea4
Garber, C. E., Blissmer, B., Deschenes, M. R., Franklin, B. A., Lamonte, M. J., Lee, I. M., et al. (2011). American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 43, 1334–1359. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb
Ghanbari-Niaki, A., and Tayebi, S. M. (2013). Effects of a low intensity circuit resistance exercise session on some hematological parameters of male collage students. Ann. Appl. Sport Sci. 1, 6–11.
Gillam, G. M. (1981). Effects of frequency of weight training on muscle strength enhancement. J. Sports Med. Phys. Fitness 21, 432–436.
Haddad, F., and Adams, G. R. (2002). Selected contribution: acute cellular and molecular responses to resistance exercise. J. Appl. Physiol. 93, 394–403. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01153.2001
Hu, M., Finni, T., Sedliak, M., Zhou, W., Alen, M., and Cheng, S. (2008). Seasonal variation of red blood cell variables in physically inactive men: effects of strength training. Int. J. Sports Med. 29, 564–568. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-989320
Hu, M., and Lin, W. (2012). Effects of exercise training on red blood cell production: implications for anemia. Acta Haematol. 127, 156–164. doi: 10.1159/000335620
Hulmi, J. J., Myllymaki, T., Tenhumaki, M., Mutanen, N., Puurtinen, R., Paulsen, G., et al. (2010). Effects of resistance exercise and protein ingestion on blood leukocytes and platelets in young and older men. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 109, 343–353. doi: 10.1007/s00421-010-1360-7
Hunter, G. R. (1985). Research: changes in body composition, body build and performance associated with different weight training frequencies in males and females. Strength Cond. J. 7, 26–28.
Kilgore, J. L., Pendlay, G. W., Reeves, J. S., and Kilgore, T. G. (2002). Serum chemistry and hematological adaptations to 6 weeks of moderate to intense resistance training. J. Strength Cond. Res. 16, 509–515.
Kilic-Toprak, E., Ardic, F., Erken, G., Unver-Kocak, F., Kucukatay, V., and Bor-Kucukatay, M. (2012). Hemorheological responses to progressive resistance exercise training in healthy young males. Med. Sci. Monit. 18, 351–360. doi: 10.12659/MSM.882878
Korak, J. A., Green, J. M., and O’Neal, E. K. (2015). Resistance training recovery: considerations for single vs. multi-joint movements and upper vs. lower body muscles. Int. J. Exerc. Sci. 8, 85–96.
Kristal-Boneh, E., Froom, P., Harari, G., and Ribak, J. (1997). Seasonal differences in blood cell parameters and the association with cigarette smoking. Clin. Lab. Haematol. 19, 177–181.
Lemmer, J. T., Ivey, F. M., Ryan, A. S., Martel, G. F., Hurlbut, D. E., Metter, J. E., et al. (2001). Effect of strength training on resting metabolic rate and physical activity: age and gender comparisons. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 33, 532–541.
Mairbäurl, H. (2013). Red blood cells in sports: effects of exercise and training on oxygen supply by red blood cells. Front. Physiol. 4:332. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00332
McCarthy, J. P., Bamman, M. M., Yelle, J. M., LeBlanc, A. D., Rowe, R. M., Greenisen, M. C., et al. (1997). Resistance exercise training and the orthostatic response. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. Occup. Physiol. 76, 32–40. doi: 10.1007/s004210050209
Morton, R. W., Murphy, K. T., McKellar, S. R., Schoenfeld, B. J., Henselmans, M., Helms, E., et al. (2017). A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. Br. J. Sports Med. 52, 376–384. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608
Olson, T. P., Dengel, D. R., Leon, A. S., and Schmitz, K. H. (2007). Changes in inflammatory biomarkers following one-year of moderate resistance training in overweight women. Int. J. Obes. 31, 996–1003. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0803534
Paulsen, G., Myklestad, D., and Raastad, T. (2003). The influence of volume of exercise on early adaptations to strength training. J. Strength Cond. Res. 17, 115–120.
Poehlman, E. T., Dvorak, R. V., DeNino, W. F., Brochu, M., and Ades, P. A. (2000). Effects of resistance training and endurance training on insulin sensitivity in nonobese, young women: a controlled randomized trial. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 85, 2463–2468. doi: 10.1210/jcem.85.7.6692
Radaelli, R., Bottaro, M., Wilhelm, E. N., Wagner, D. R., and Pinto, R. S. (2012). Time course of strength and echo intensity recovery after resistance exercise in women. J. Strength Cond. Res. 26, 2577–2584. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31823dae96
Ralston, G. W., Kilgore, L., Wyatt, F. B., and Baker, J. S. (2017). The effect of weekly set volume on strength gain: a meta-analysis. Sports Med. 47, 2585–2601. doi: 10.1007/s40279-017-0762-7
Sasaki, J. E., John, D., and Freedson, P. S. (2011). Validation and comparison of ActiGraph activity monitors. J. Sci. Med. Sport 14, 411–416. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2011.04.003
Schobersberger, W., Tschann, M., Hasibeder, W., Steidl, M., Herold, M., Nachbauer, W., et al. (1990). Consequences of 6 weeks of strength training on red cell O2 transport and iron status. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. Occup. Physiol. 60, 163–168.
Schoenfeld, B. J., Ogborn, D., and Krieger, J. W. (2017). Dose-response relationship between weekly resistance training volume and increases in muscle mass: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Sports Sci. 35, 1073–1082. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1210197
Teixeira, A. O., Franco, O. S., Borges, M. M., Martins, C. N., Guerreiro, L. F., da Rosa, C. E., et al. (2014). The importance of adjustments for changes in plasma volume in the interpretation of hematological and inflammatory responses after resistance exercise. J. Exerc. Physiol. Online 17, 72–83.
Troiano, R. P., Berrigan, D., Dodd, K. W., Masse, L. C., Tilert, T., and McDowell, M. (2008). Physical activity in the United States measured by accelerometer. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 40, 181–188. doi: 10.1249/mss.0b013e31815a51b3
von Tempelhoff, G. F., Schelkunov, O., Demirhan, A., Tsikouras, P., Rath, W., Velten, E., et al. (2016). Correlation between blood rheological properties and red blood cell indices (MCH, MCV, MCHC) in healthy women. Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc. 62, 45–54. doi: 10.3233/ch-151944
Wallace, M. B., Moffatt, R. J., and Hancock, L. A. (1990). The delayed effects of heavy resistance exercise on plasma volume shifts. J. Strength Cond. Res. 4, 154–159.
World Health Organization (2010). Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. Available at: http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/global-PA-recs-2010.pdf [accessed May 20, 2017]
Zourdos, M., Dolan, C., Quiles, J., Klemp, A., Jo, E., Loenneke, J., et al. (2016). Efficacy of daily 1RM training in well-trained powerlifters and weightlifters: a case series. Nutr. Hosp. 33, 437–443.
Keywords: resistance training, recovery period, muscle strength, muscle mass, bone mineral density, fat loss, erythrocytes hematology
Citation: Yang Y, Bay PB, Wang YR, Huang J, Teo HWJ and Goh J (2018) Effects of Consecutive Versus Non-consecutive Days of Resistance Training on Strength, Body Composition, and Red Blood Cells. Front. Physiol. 9:725. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00725
Received: 14 February 2018; Accepted: 25 May 2018;
Published: 18 June 2018.
Leonardo Alexandre Peyré-Tartaruga, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
Tatiana Sousa Cunha, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brazil
Copyright © 2018 Yang, Bay, Wang, Huang, Teo and Goh. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Yifan Yang, yifan.yang@nie.edu.sg
†These authors have contributed equally to this work.
‡Present address: Jorming Goh, Ageing Research Institute for Society and Education (ARISE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore; Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2381
|
__label__cc
| 0.508207
| 0.491793
|
(719) 591 5566 info@gauntletpress.com
Gauntlet Magazine
Past Publications
Past Special Offers
Books from Other Publishers
Barry Hoffman
Home » Products » Matheson Uncollected: Volume Two
Matheson Uncollected: Volume Two
by Richard Matheson
Volume Two of this collection of previously uncollected work of Richard Matheson, including never-before-published material
Uncollected Volume Two Choose an option500-copy signed numbered edition is $7552-copy signed traycased lettered edition is $200 Clear
Matheson Uncollected: Volume Two quantity
SKU: N/A Categories: Authors, Books, Richard Matheson
SKU: N/A. Categories: Authors, Books, Richard Matheson.
Volume Two of Matheson Uncollected (a signed limited edition) contains:
Two aborted horror novels, House of the Dead and Red Is The Color of Desire
10 short stories and Matheson’s screenplay for “What Dreams May Come.” Matheson wasn’t happy with the screen adaptation of his novel (which didn’t utilize his script). Here you can compare what Matheson envisioned with what was filmed.
A newly-found previously unpublished short story, “An Element Never Forgets”
Only the lettered edition will include an alternate version of House of the Dead – in facsimile form with Matheson’s handwritten corrections.
Paul Stuve, co-editor of The Richard Matheson Companion recently found a “lost” Richard Matheson short story (in the western genre) called “The Hunt,” published in West magazine in 1952. It’s never been in any of his collections and even Matheson himself forgot about it. He has agreed to have it appear in Matheson Uncollected: Volume Two. Special thanks to Paul for this, and a number of other stories, that were included in this collection.
Mountains of the Mind (an unfinished novel)
“Now Die In It” (a short story)
“Where There’s a Will” (a short story written with Richard Christian Matheson)
“Getting Together” (a short story)
“Person to Person” (a short story)
“Portrait” and “Portrait Illustration”
“Haircut” (a short story)
“An Element Never Forgets” (a short story)
Red is the Color of Desire (an unfinished novel)
The House of the Dead (an unfinished novel)
“What Dreams May Come” (an unpublished screenplay)
Lettered Edition Only:
“The House of the Dead” (alternate version)
“The book reveals the ingenuity and craft that has made Richard Matheson one of the truly great and enduring American storyteller. The handsome collection is a pleasure in every way.” — Ed Gorman
“This diverse collection makes clear Matheson’s influence on speculative fiction and will be absolutely treasured by his fans.” — Publishers Weekly
“MATHESON UNCOLLECTED VOL. 2 is the perfect companion to the first volume, and sheer reading pleasure for lovers of superb genre fiction.” — Tomb of Dark Delights
Available to purchase for this title:
500-copy signed numbered edition
52-copy signed traycased lettered edition
Uncollected Volume Two
500-copy signed numbered edition is $75, 52-copy signed traycased lettered edition is $200
Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend Screenplay (Censored and Unpublished)
Richard Matheson: Collected Stories, Volume Two
Champion: Collectors Edition
Richard Matheson: Collected Stories, Volume Three
Elist Specials
Gauntlet Press, Inc.
5307 Arroyo Street
(after 10am Mountain Time)
Email: info@gauntletpress.com
Matheson Uncollected: Volume OneAuthors, Books, Richard Matheson
Matheson Uncollected Backteria and Other Improbable TalesAuthors, Books, Richard Matheson
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2384
|
__label__cc
| 0.655059
| 0.344941
|
Menu toggler
What can we help you underline?
When you’re not reading books, read our newsletter.
Thank you for signing up. Hold up. Tell us a little more about yourself! One more sec while we redirect.
You must be signed in to do that!
By Kelley Armstrong
Secrets don't remain hidden for long in this thrilling read from a #1 New York Times bestselling author that's perfect for fans of Adam Silvera's More Happy Than Not and Barry Lyga's Bang.
Three years after losing her brother Luka in a school shooting, Skye Gilchrist is moving home. But there's no sympathy for Skye and her family because Luka wasn't a victim; he was a shooter.
Jesse Mandal knows all too well that the scars of the past don't heal easily. The shooting cost Jesse his brother and his best friend--Skye.
Ripped apart by tragedy, Jesse and Skye can't resist reopening the mysteries of their past. But old wounds hide darker secrets. And the closer Skye and Jesse get to the truth of what happened that day, the closer they get to a new killer.
+ Add to My Bookshelf
+ Add to Goodreads
Copyright © 2020 Penguin Random House LCC
Forty-four hours after I heard those words, I was in the backseat of my grandmother’s car, with all the belongings I could stuff into a duffel. Anything I’d left behind, I’d never see again. We were running. Running as fast as we could, and the only reason we hadn’t left sooner was because my aunt Mae had insisted Mom stand firm. Except my mother was, at that point in her life--as at any point thereafter--barely able to stand at all.
That was three years ago.
I’m skipping those three years. I have to. The aftermath of that day . . . Even thinking about it makes me feel like I’m back there, caught in the eye of a tornado, hanging on for dear life.
My father is long gone. He called my mother that night to say he wasn’t coming home. That whatever happened with Luka, it was her fault. Which was exactly what she needed at that moment. Sorry, but this one’s yours, babe, I’m outta here.
When the divorce went through, he married the business partner who’d been with him on all his trips. What happened with Luka just gave him an excuse to dump us for her, and I’ll never forgive him for that.
I can break it down from there, like a prisoner tracking time on her cell wall. I keep everything about that first month confined to its place--don’t let it out, even when it pounds at the back of my head, sometimes a dull throb I can ignore, other times a gut-twisting migraine.
One nightmare month followed by six of mere hell. A period of shame and guilt, the feeling that I’d failed Luka. Or that I’d failed to stop Luka.
There’s grief, too, but I bury that even faster. You aren’t allowed to grieve for someone like Luka. It doesn’t matter if he was an amazing brother. Luka Gilchrist was a monster. Write it on the board a hundred times and don’t ever forget it.
There’s doubt and curiosity, too, which must be doused as quickly as the grief. I want to understand what happened. I want to know how my brother--my kind and thoughtful brother--joined his friends in a school shooting.
How my brother killed four kids.
Except Luka didn’t kill four kids. He didn’t kill anyone.
No, see, that’s an excuse. You aren’t allowed to make excuses for him, Skye. He participated in a horrible tragedy, and he would have killed someone, if he hadn’t been shot by police. Making excuses for him belittles what he did and belittles the value of the lives lost.
Judgment. That’s the big one. Being judged. Sister of a school shooter.
My early curiosity led me places I shouldn’t have gone, into online news articles, where I got just enough details to give me nightmares. Then into the comments sections, which was even worse as I discovered total strangers who thought I should die for my brother’s sins and said it so offhandedly, like it was the most obvious thing. Hey, I hear one of those bastards has a sister. Maybe someone should take a gun to her school. Or maybe someone should take her and--
I won’t finish that sentence. I see the words, though. Thirteen years old, reading what some troll thinks should be done to me and wondering how that would help anything.
Then came anger and resentment and feeling like maybe, just maybe, I didn’t deserve the petition that went around my new school saying I shouldn’t be allowed to attend, for the safety of others. But on the heels of that anger and resentment I would slingshot back to shame and guilt, thinking about the kids who died and how dare I whine about whispers and snubs and having die, bitch written on my locker and yes, the janitor will paint that over the next time he does repair work and no, I’m sorry, Mrs. Benassi, but there are no other lockers for your granddaughter at this time.
Six months of that. Then Gran moved us, and I registered under her surname. That blessed anonymity only lasted a few months before someone found out. Then it was homeschooling and moving again and that time the new surname worked. By then two years had passed, and when kids did find out, I lost a few friends, but otherwise, compared to those first six months, it was fine.
Now, three years later, I’m going back.
Back to Riverside, where they have definitely not forgotten who I am. Back to Riverside, where I will live two miles from my old house. Back to Riverside, where I will go to school alongside kids I grew up with.
I’m returning to the only place I ever truly called home. And there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2390
|
__label__cc
| 0.732583
| 0.267417
|
Used Seat Ibiza cars in Chorley
Sharp lines, clever tech, a host of safety features and an engaging driving experience all combine to make the SEAT Ibiza a serious class contender. Available in a variety of body styles, including three and five-door hatchback variants and an estate model, the Ibiza is a one of the manufacturer's best selling cars in the UK for a good reason. Take a look at the current selection of used SEAT Ibiza models for sale in Chorley right now here on the website. Come to GTS Automotive and you're not only guaranteed great deals but also unrivalled customer service. Get in touch today for more information and to book a test drive.
Finance is available to UK residents aged 18 years or older, subject to status. Terms & Conditions apply. Indemnities may be required. Other finance offers may be available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase, commission may be received. We are only able to offer finance products from these providers. Postal Address: GTS Automotive, 38 Wigan Road, Euxton, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 6JZ. Find contact details here.
GTS Automotive 38 Wigan RoadEuxtonChorleyLancashirePR7 6JZ
GTS Automotive Ltd are a credit broker and not a lender. We are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA No: 831433 Finance is Subject to status. Other offers may be available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase.
Registered Office: Address:
38 Wigan Road
Euxton
PR7 6JZ
Choose a make: Any makeBMWCITROENDSFIATFORDHYUNDAIJAGUARKIALAND ROVERMAZDAMERCEDES-BENZMININISSANPEUGEOTRENAULTVAUXHALLVOLKSWAGENVOLVO
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2394
|
__label__cc
| 0.723843
| 0.276157
|
Dubai Police Official Urges Qatar To Muzzle Qaradawi
Gulf media is reporting that a Dubai police official has urged Qatar to stop Global Muslim Brotherhood leader Youssef Qaradawi from what is describing as insulting the UAE following televised comments in which he accused the UAE of being against Islamic rule. According to a Gulf News report:
Youssef Qaradawi
January 24, 2014 Qatar was urged to stop a cleric from continuing to insult the UAE, following a televised Friday prayer sermon in which he accused the UAE of being ‘against Islamic rule’.
The Egyptian-born Yousuf Al Qaradawi, speaking live on Qatari state TV from a Doha mosque, was talking about the developments in Egypt that followed the ouster of former president Mohammad Mursi, a Muslim Brotherhood leader, last July by a popular uprising.
Al Qaradawi heads the Muslim Brotherhood affiliated International Federation of Muslim Scholars (IFMS). He said the new Egyptian administration was ‘ruling against Allah’s will’ and that Mursi must be reinstated to realise a government by Islamic rule.
He criticised the UAE for supporting the current Egyptian government claiming the UAE ‘has always been opposed to Islamic rule’. UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Mohammad Gargash condemned the comments. ‘It is shameful that we allow Al Qaradawi to continue his insults of the UAE and ties [that bind]the peoples of the Arabian Gulf,’ he wrote on his official twitter account.
Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security, wondered on his twitter account why Qatar allowed such comments against the UAE by a cleric who is ‘known to have ties to terrorist groups’.
At least two members of Al Qaradawi’s IFMS were convicted in the UAE last year on charges of plotting to de-stabilise the government and forming a clandestine Muslim Brotherhood cell in the UAE.
Read there rest here.
Our predecessor publication reported in November 2012 on the comments by
A post from November 2012 reported on comments by Lieutenant Tamim, accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of creating unrest in the UAE. As noted in that post, he also said that UAE Muslim Brotherhood members who had been arrested had met with Kuwaiti Brotherhood “mentors” including Kuwaiti Brotherhood leader Tariq Al-Suwaidan.
Youssef Qaradawi is the most important leader of the Global Muslim Brotherhood and is the de facto spiritual leader of the movement. He is also considered to be the “spiritual guide” for Hamas and his fatwas in support of suicide bombings against Israeli citizens were utilized by Hamas to justify their operations. In 2004, Qaradawi turned down the offer to head he Egyptian Brotherhood after the death of the Supreme Guide and now denies that he has any relationship with the Egyptian Brotherhood. He is based in Qatar and has said the Qatari Emir has protected from being designated as a terrorist by the U.S. He has also reportedly amassed substantial wealth by serving as the Shari’ah adviser to many important Islamic banks and funds. Qaradawi is the head of the Union of Good (UOG), a worldwide coalition of charities helping to raise funds for Hamas and is the leader of the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR), the theological body of the European Muslim Brotherhood. MEMRI has produced two video compilations of Qaradawi’s extremist statements. Qaradawi been banned from entering the US since 1999 and UK since 2008. Last year, authorities also refused him entry into France. Last September, the GMBDW reported that Egypt’s chief prosecutor had issued an arrest warrant for Qaradawi who was accused of inciting the killing of Egyptian security forces and meddling in the country’s affairs. The same report also noted that Qaradawi was asked to leave Kuwait as a result of were been described as “divisive remarks he has made inciting violence and bloodshed.
Egypt Declares Muslim Brotherhood To Be Terrorist Organization - 02:15 PM Israel Outlaws Council for European Palestinian Relations; Describes Organization As Leading Hamas Group In Europe - 02:39 PM Qaradawi Says He Has “No Relations” With Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood - 06:42 PM Youth Wing Of European Muslim Brotherhood Launches Ecological Project Funded By Council Of Europe - 07:01 PM
Rachid Ghannouchi Deceives Washington Post - 11:59 AM Top Morsi Aides Remain In Military Detention; Group Includes Essam El-Haddad And Ayman Aly - 12:09 PM Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood Satellite Channel Launches From Turkey; Qaradawi Opens Program - 01:40 PM Israelis Say Turkey Has Replaced Iran As Hamas Financier - 01:53 PM US State Department Expresses Concern Over Egyptian Designation Of Muslim Brotherhood As Terrorist Group - 02:31 PM Egypt Hopes To Improve Relations With Qatar Over Muslim Brotherhood Support; Qatari Emir Says Supporting Muslim Brotherhood A “Duty” - 05:15 PM Hamas Condemns Egyptian Designation Of Muslim Brotherhood As Terrorist Organization; Rejects Calls To Sever Ties With Brotherhood - 05:26 PM
FEATURED STORY: Qaradawi Associate Designated By US As Al Qaeda Financier - 11:30 AM Egypt Freezes Assets Of Muslim Brotherhood Leader - 04:25 PM Tunisian Muslim Brotherhood Condemns Egyptian Decision To Designate Brotherhood As Terrorist Organization - 04:47 PM Kurdistan Muslim Brotherhood Tries To Distance Itself From Muslim Brotherhood - 10:00 PM Egypt Vows “Full Force” Against Muslim Brotherhood; Qatari Ambassador Summoned Over Criticism - 10:03 PM
Egypt Refers Morsi To Trial On Jailbreak Charges; Also Charges Youssef Qaradawi - 04:41 PM RECOMMENDED READING: “Egypt Scolds Qatari Ambassador Over Foreign Ministry’s Remarks ” - 05:01 PM Qaradawi Says Egyptian Army Bombed Its Own Security Offices - 10:00 PM FEATURED STORY: US Syrian-American Group Tied To US Muslim Brotherhood; Group Is Close With US State Department - 10:30 PM
US Muslim Brotherhood Gathers To Honor Jamal Barzinji - 10:09 AM MPAC Issues Declaration Against Extremism; Organization Continues To Make Extremist Claims - 10:27 AM “RECOMMENDED READING: Al Jazeera Faces Criticism In Egypt Over Its Coverage Of Muslim Brotherhood” - 01:17 PM Kuwaiti Charity Tied To Global Muslim Brotherhood To Cordinate Kuwait’s Aid To Syrian Refugess - 01:58 PM
New UK Initiative Launched To Aid Palestinians in Syria; Effort Linked To Hamas - 11:15 AM
2013 Reviving The Islamic Spirit Conference Featured Usual Cast Of Global Muslim Brotherhood Leaders; Tariq Ramadan Calls For Turkish Premier’s Resignation - 03:19 PM Qaradawi Rules Voting In Egyptian Referendum Is Prohibited; Calls Voting Collusion With “Sin” - 03:59 PM
Hamas And Iran Rapproachment Underway; Egypt-Hamas Relations Reach Historic Low - 11:50 AM Morsi Trial Postponed: Deposed President Fails To Appear In Court - 12:19 PM
UK Media Discovers That Muslim Brotherhood Has Offices In London, They”ve Actually Been There Since At least 1993 - 06:17 PM
Oxfam Runs Gaza Exhibition With INTERPAL Trustee And East London Mosque - 07:09 PM Egypt Plans To Take On Hamas Following Muslim Brotherhood Crackdown - 10:00 PM
Oxfam Cancels Controversial Exhibition - 06:11 PM Copenhagen Politicians Won’t Be Attending Opening Of New Muslim Brotherhood Mosque; New Facility To Be Denmark’s Largest - 11:36 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Egyptians Approve New Constitution; Muslim Brotherhood Vows Continued Protest - 06:40 PM
FEATURED STORY: US Syrian Foundation Tied To Muslim Brotherhood/Hamas Sponsors US Tour Of Controversial Sheikh - 01:02 PM
FEATURED STORY: Illinois Governor Gives Keynote Address At US Muslim Brotherhood Convention; Speakers Included Controversial Syrian Sheikh - 06:53 PM London Gaza Protest Features UK Muslim Brotherhood - 10:03 PM
UAE Convicts 30 For Running Muslim Brotherhood Branch - 10:00 PM Libyan Muslim Brotherhood Withdraws From Government - 10:03 PM Hamas Teens Encouraged To Become “Suicide Martyrs” And To Prepare For War With Israel - 10:05 PM
Kuwaiti Muslim Brotherhood Sends Aid To Syrian Refugees In Lebanon - 10:00 PM
FEATURED STORY: UK Muslim Brotherhood Leader Meets Obama In White House; Anas Altikriti Supported Iraqi Insurgents - 12:17 PM Dubai Police Official Urges Qatar To Muzzle Qaradawi - 10:00 PM
Hamas Placing Rockets Near Civilian Facilities; Also Digging Dozens Of Tunnels Into Israel - 10:00 PM WAMY To Host Speaker Who He Said He Supported Bin Laden - 10:03 PM
Egypt Charges 20 Al-Jazeera Journalists With Belonging To Muslim Brotherhood - 10:00 PM Morsi Appears As Defendant In Criinal Trial - 10:03 PM
Kuwaiti Muslim Brotherhood Criticizes Egypt For Designating Brotherhood as Terrorist Group - 11:25 AM
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2399
|
__label__wiki
| 0.993169
| 0.993169
|
Home Entertainment Glastonbury 2019: Sigrid to meet crying fan girl after Twitter appeal
Glastonbury 2019: Sigrid to meet crying fan girl after Twitter appeal
Fans watching the singer’s Glastonbury set on TV said Nina’s joy made them cry, too
Norwegian singer Sigrid will meet a 13-year-old fan who cried throughout most of her Glastonbury set, following an appeal on social media to find her.
Sigrid saw Nina singing “all the words” during the Other Stage gig on Saturday.
The singer said she had wanted to meet Nina straight away but logistics had proved “difficult”.
Following her appeal on Twitter to find the young fan, Sigrid invited her and her “cool dad” Adam to see her perform at Latitude Festival later this month.
Many fans commented on Sigrid’s tweet – saying the girl’s joy made them cry, too, that her “living and loving the music” was “lovely to see”, and praising her as a “No. 1 fan”.
Sigrid has risen to fame over the last two years, winning BBC Music’s Sound of 2018.
Influenced by Lorde, Robyn and Joni Mitchell, the star has become known for catchy, quirky and literate pop songs.
A friend of Nina’s replied to Sigrid’s post with a picture of the super fan smiling broadly as she clutched Sigrid’s set list – a present from the security team at the end of the gig.
The BBC saw the message and managed to put Nina’s father Adam in touch with Sigrid’s publicist.
Nina put her high emotions down to being “so close” to one of her favourite artists.
Yui Mok/PA
Sigrid, 22, said Nina was “on fire” throughout her show on Saturday
A member of the security team gave Nina the set list used by Sigrid during the gig
The schoolgirl from South Hampstead, north London, told the BBC: “When she saw me singing along… I think she pointed at me, or kind of waved, and I was like ‘oh my god, this is crazy’.”
“It was the fact I was at the front, that she was there, and that she saw me,” she said.
“I’m a very emotional person I think in general,” Nina added.
Adam, 47, who has taken his daughter to gigs and festivals before but “nothing as big as Glastonbury”, said the whole experience was “amazing”.
He described the kindness of fellow festival-goers who made space for the pair of them at the front, and of the security worker who ensured Nina got the set list.
Adam and Nina had been to lots of gigs and festivals together before but “nothing as big as Glastonbury”
Nina said she was “already so overwhelmed” and “so happy” that she had not even begun to hope she might meet the singer.
Sigrid has arranged Latitude tickets for the pair and said she “can’t wait” to meet them.
The singer-songwriter, whose full name is Sigrid Solbakk Raabe, told the BBC: “I spotted this girl in the front row, she was singing all the songs and looked like she knew all the words.”
“I really wanted to get to meet her but logistically it was difficult since it’s such a big festival,” she said.
“Thanks to Twitter and the help of the BBC we managed to find the dad, Adam, and I can’t wait to meet Nina and Adam at Latitude Festival in the next few weeks.”
The Don’t Kill My Vibe singer, 22, will perform at the Obelisk Arena at Latitude on 21 July.
Previous articleSocial care: Hunt and Johnson urged to consider NHS-style free service
Next articleBritain’s oldest building firm collapses
GlobalNewsOnline
Weinstein lawyer urges ‘biased’ judge to step down
Chris Packham: Dead fox left at TV presenter’s home
Mark Wahlberg donates reshoot fee to Time’s Up defence fund
Trump leaves Scotland on Air Force One
Stormzy: My Glastonbury doubters have ‘gone mad’
IICSA inquiry says UK government should pay Australia child migrants
Video games: How big is industry’s racial diversity problem?
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2400
|
__label__cc
| 0.727863
| 0.272137
|
How To Build A Currency Strength Meter Via Tradingview
Posted on: 22 Mar, 2019
In this article, I will introduce the methodology I use that allows me to monitor the overall strength of a currency vs its peers in order to assess the overall aggregate demand or supply.
The Nature Of Forex vs Stocks Trading
The Forex market comprises a constant flow of buying and selling orders in a range of currencies. The main distinction when trading Forex vs the stock market resides in the characteristic of how these instruments are traded. While the name of a stock can genuinely develop a bullish trend by which the value, denominated in the country's local currency, keeps increasing, in the Forex market, that’s not the case. Due to the nature of how currencies trade against each other, whenever there is an imbalance of demand or supply against a particular currency, it must be cross-referenced against another currency, which is why we end up trading pairs. That’s a major distinction to make and why the development of a currency strength meter that can take the pulse of the overall performance of a currency in the market is key.
We don’t see a product available to trade Apple vs Facebook, right? We could theoretically and very easily do so if we were bullish that imaginary pair by buying the stock of Apple and selling the stock of Facebook and hope to make money by the larger gains of the former. As elusive as it sounds to trade the pair Apple/Facebook, that’s how we trade the Forex market, by analyzing the demand/supply of a currency vs another, which is why theoretically, we don’t really see bullish trends per se in Forex but the strength or weakness of a currency vs another.
Because of that, wouldn’t it be handy if we could assess, at any one time, what’s the aggregated performance of a particular currency vs the rest of the FX universe in equally weighted terms? Unless we find a way to mitigate this obvious shortcoming to objectively spot the overall performance of a currency, scanning through the charts all the pairs available to determine which currencies are the best to pair with one another is an incredibly difficult task and very time-consuming.
The Art Of Matching Up Strongest vs Weakest
In this article, I will introduce the methodology I use that allows me to monitor the overall strength of a currency vs its peers in order to assess the overall aggregate demand or supply. At the end of the day, profiting from trading currencies, at its core, involves the art of identifying a currency that is losing value vs one that is gaining value in order to create a matchup that moves in a particular direction. This gives us a major advantage to exploit the most obvious market trends developing.
Despite it is well known that a large share of the volume transacted in the Forex market goes through the books of the Euro vs the US Dollar, which is why the DXY index is weighted by almost 60% towards the trading pair EUR/USD, wouldn’t it be of use if we could evaluate the performance of the EUR against its main peers, so that we can come up with a more equally weighted balance of the overall performance of the currency across the entire marketplace? What if we could create an index that measures precisely this overall performance for every single currency instead of having to contend with just the performance of the DXY as guidance?
I am about to explain in detail, how anyone can do that in a few simple steps. The end result would be access to the overall performance of all currencies represented in chart lines, which will account for the total demand or supply that such particular currency has exhibited across the G8 complex. I mention G8 because to keep the exercise as relevant as possible, I’ve only selected the 8 most heavily traded forex (exc Yuan): EUR, GBP, USD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CAD, CHF.
The Currency Index Formula Via Tradingview
Let's think about the rationale behind creating the index via tradingview. There are a few factors we must take into consideration before the calculation of the formula such as how can we account for the different volatility measures to still come up with an equally weighted index? If we were to shrug off this factor, a move in a highly volatile EUR pair at times such as the EUR/GBP due to Brexit, could easily distort the result of the formula (index) and defeat the purpose.
That’s why when creating the formula in tradingview, not only we need to make the sum of all EUR pairs (EURUSD + EURJPY +...) but we must relativize the volatility of each pair by adding the current exchange rate of the pair in the denominator. So, essentially what it means is that each pair ends up with an initial value of 1, for an aggregated total value of 7 since we are monitoring 7 pairs vs the EUR. Here is where the magic resides, as from the original starting point in the chart, the index then begins to fluctuate up and down, with its value a true representation of an equally weighted EUR performance vs its main FX competitors.
The formula to calculate the EUR index, therefore, would be as follows:
EURUSD/1.13+EURJPY/125.5+EURGBP/0.87+EURCHF/1.135
+EURCAD/1.49+EURNZD/1.655+EURAUD/1.59
Note 1: In the denominator, the values assigned refer to the Euro pair rates in mid-Feb ‘19. It's important that one keeps the values in the denominator updated on a constant basis for the currency index to remain accurate. As a rule of thumb, an update of the values in the denominator every Monday should enough unless major vol mid-week.
Note 2: A Global Prime client was kind enough to make the process of updating the currency indices' values a seamless and straightforward process. Simply access this publicly available excel spreadsheet document and copy/paste the values you find in the blue boxes in tradingview every time you wish to update the index.
In order to create a particular currency index, you have 2 options.
Option 1. You can add the calculation into the chart by selecting the section COMPARE in tradingview. See the blue arrow.
Option 2. You can instead add the calculation in the asset's ticker section. See the red arrow.
In the chart below, I illustrate as an example the exchange rate of the EUR/USD in a candle chart vs the EUR index performance overlayed in black. I’ve also boxed an instance in the chart where the EUR/USD kept selling while the overall performance of the EUR index was bullish. This information is very powerful, as it’s a communication that even if the EUR/USD was selling-off aggressively, there were other currencies, judging by the EUR index, that were under even stronger pressure.
What this means is that if we are able to either put together in one single chart all the currency indexes and regularly analyze the overall performance or alternatively monitor the technicals of one particular currency index separately, that comes down to your own preferences.
Regardless, it allows us to be in a position to trade the markets much more efficiently and stay ahead of the game by being in constant sync to exploit the best opportunities, which occur when we are able to match up the strongest vs weakest currencies.
The best traders I’ve known over the years, they are nimble, fast thinkers, and believe that the market is constantly making itself available for opportunities If we know how to find them. If you are a trader simply sticking to a certain set of pairs to trade, and due to reduced vol, the number of opportunities is largely reduced, why wouldn’t you resort to a cross-reference of the strongest vs weakest currencies in the market to open up the window of opportunities the market makes available to you?
An example of a chart that includes the overall performance of all the currency indices to get an instant eagle-eye view of the forex market can be found below. To create this chart, since one must overlay multiple currency indices on top of each other in the same chart, you must resort to option 1 above to create it.
However, if your preference is to analyze the individual performance of a currency index, you can simply go about building a different tradingview template by splitting your terminal into 8 different charts, each with its specific currency index performance. One of the advantages, if you want to only add one single currency index per chart, is the ability to visualize it under a candlestick formation. If you opt for this way, option 2 is the route to create it.
Build Your Own Currency Indices Or Gain Access To A Pre-Packaged One
Here is the good news for any user of tradingview. As long as you register a free account, anyone that follow the instructions described above can build their own currency strength meter, either by overlapping lines in the chart or instead by creating candlestick formations of the currency indices in multiple charts.
Alternatively, if you prefer to having access to a pre-packaged currency index without going through the process of building your own, all you have to do is to register your details and we will give you access. It's that easy! The only limitation is that if you wish to make changes, the link will only be in a readable format.
Find below the link to register for the first format we've set up in a line chart on a daily chart with the currency indices overlapping with each other.
The other option you have, via this link (you need a PRO account), is to register to gain access to the candlestick format on a daily chart with each currency index analyze separately. Note, in the 2nd window of every chart, the aggregated tick volume has been incorporated as a measure of the market's commitment in a particular direction.
If you have other preferences, please, do not hesitate to reach out to me, Ivan Delgado, Market Insights Commentator at Global Prime, via ivan.delgado@globalprime.com.au I will be more than happy to customize a currency index to your specific needs to any Global Prime client with a live or demo account.
From Noise To Regular Turns
Before I get started on this section, an important caveat applies. Unless you are a tradingview pro plus or premium member, you will not be able to apply indicators on top of other indicators, which is the next feature I am going to explain as part of reading the forex market from a holistic approach. Since indicators on top of indicators is a more sophisticated feature, tradingview limits the functionalities to those under a free membership. Judge by yourself if it's worth purchasing a plan.
With this warning out of the way, let’s touch now on an important question. Notice that the black line below representing the EUR currency index is far from regular? It literally goes all over the place and it’s hard to perceive the actual trend. If you notice this to be a limitation, there is something we can do to address the erraticness of the moves.
It consists of a 2 steps process, after which, you will be surprised at how smooth that line has become, hence allowing us to start defining certain biases based on the slope of the line. First of all, in tradingview, you want to place the cursor on top of the EUR index line, then right-click, and select ‘Add indicator on…’
After that, type “moving” in the search box, as shown below, and select ‘moving average’ from the right side column of the pop-up window.
Once you’ve done that, a 9-period MA of the EUR index will be applied to the chart by default (in the orange line below). What you want to do next is to change the settings to 5-period MA. Voila, notice how smoother the index becomes?
However, there is more to it. I wasn’t still fully satisfied with the lack of regularity at the turns, as the line sometimes goes into a bit of a chop fest, leading to a potential increase in fake turnarounds in the slope, which is what communicates when the currency may be initiating a new trend. So, here is the solution I came up with to smooth it out even further, without compromising the lag. What you need to do is select the settings of the 5-period MA line and change that to 3 periods instead.
Next, and here is the trick, let’s repeat the same process again, by applying an indicator, this time to the 3-period moving average EUR index (in orange). The one we want to select this time is called ‘Triple Moving Average Foxx’ by AndryFoxx (free resource).
We are almost there. You will notice the chart is getting messier, with plenty of lines, which we will remove in a sec, only to stick with the single one to be used as our true EUR index. The chart has now been populated with an extra set of 3 lines as part of the ‘Triple Moving Average Foxx’ indicator. Right-click on this indicator, go to the section ‘Style’ as shown below, and unclick the standard 10 and slow 22 moving averages, only keeping the fast 5 moving average. Lastly, click OK.
It’s time to remove the noise from the chart, but first of all, do you notice the smoothness in the index line that we’ve been able to achieve by first applying the 5-period moving average (orange), only to take it one step further by reducing the orange line to 3-periods and applying a second fast indicator to it? (green line) It is this second tweak that will allow us to increase the accuracy of true turns in sentiment due to the significant improvement in the regularity of the slope. However, that will come at the expense of spotting turns in the index slightly later if compared to the 3 or 5-period moving average. That's why I always encourage experimenters and testers of this new modality of looking at the forex market to play around with the values of the moving averages to something that resonates with your style.
I will continue this article by sticking to the last settings based on the triple moving average, as a reference to obtain the index of the currency. So, what we must do next is to hide the unnecessary instruments from the chart, and only keep the green line as our EUR barometer (currency index). It’s very important that you click at the unwanted lines, you select hide instead of remove. If you remove the black or orange line since the green line is an indicator derived and dependable from these lines, you would be losing the EUR index line, and we don’t want that to happen. See the end result below. This is what we could understand as the most granular trend in the EUR index, taking as a reference, upon your own preferences, a 3-period moving average, which then gets smoothed out further by applying the triple moving average indicator (only the fast MA), to essentially result in the turns of the slope with a slight degree of delay if compared to the original 5-period moving average.
That was just the beginning though, as the same process must now be repeated for the rest of currencies. It may take a while to set up your chart, but it’s only once you must build it. After the creation of the remaining currency indices, this is what it should look like.
How To Use The Currency Strength Meter?
What I do is to keep an eye on 2 different types of trends (micro and macro), even if nowadays, with the volatility in the forex market at multi-year lows, one must be much more proactive by constantly adjusting to changes in micro-trends.
That’s why I’d suggest, until obvious macro trends emerge, to take the trends developing based on the last 24h of trading activity as the foundation to gauge the micro trends in currencies, which can be calculated with a 25-period moving average on the hourly to complement the granular trends (5-period MA) as shown below.
Depending on the timeframe that you trade, you should adjust the temporality of these currency indexes to best accommodate your needs. For instance, if you are trading off the hourly chart, look to enter at key decision points, aligning technicals in order to exploit the opportunities of the strongest currencies vs the weakest. If we were to take the above chart as a reference, judging by the slopes of the daily trends (right chart), one would think that looking for buy-side opportunities in the EUR, JPY, AUD against the GBP, USD and CAD would be the best combination of currencies to stay on the right side of the market flows. This is a principle that you can apply to trade currencies every single day, by constantly analyzing the strongest vs the weakest. You can then tap into the insights on the granular intraday trends to further exploit turnarounds in sentiment.
What’s highly recommendable is that you constantly monitor the turns of the slopes, that’s the best way to get a validation of the inflection points in which a currency has experienced a shift in flows. The longer the period moving average you use to smooth out the lines aiming for more regularity, the less proactive you can be to catch the early stages of a move, but the more certainty you will have that there is real meat in the bone in such turn of the slope. If you are an intraday trader using the 5m chart to trade, what you then want to do is to constantly monitor the granular trend in the currency index off the 5m timeframe to identify in almost real time the potential changes in currency flows. Prior to that, you should have defined what are the best currencies to pair with one another, and as I show above, I find no better way than go through a re-evaluation of trends based on the micro slope, which is derived from the movements in currencies in the last 24h of trading activity.
Wait For It, There Is More In-Store!
I had in mind to transition from just eye-balling and monitoring these charts manually to build a script via Tradingview that makes calculations real-time (whenever the change in the moving average slope first occurs, and not when the bar/line closes), so that one can decide whether or not its a signal worth trading as part of a new trend emerging. Note, this script is not so much a signal-triggering indicator but rather a tool to constantly be on the lookout monitoring what currencies might start to develop trends.
Read on, as everything you need to know is explained in the following article "Identify Trends Via This FX Meter Script" A spoiler of what the script looks like below.
Be In Sync With Currency Flows
In this article, I took aim at demystifying the notion that just because the currency market may be going through a low volatile period, it doesn’t mean there is a shortage of opportunities. We just need to find a smarter way of monitoring the currency flows, which is what the currency strength meter does. You will now be in a position to monitor the overall strength or weakness of a currency, and most importantly, cross-reference it against its most contrasting instrument in terms of performance. Follow the steps in this article, and you have no reason not to expose yourself to the best moves in the Forex market. It’s now up to you to exploit these ever-evolving flows in the currency market.
What Is A Pip In Forex? And Why Does It Matter?
What Is A Bond's Yield Curve?
How To Define Your Bias Thru Forex Options
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2401
|
__label__cc
| 0.540169
| 0.459831
|
Omar and Judith's Story
The Madrid Family
Ronnettia's Story
Ahmed & Rusul
Stephany's Story
Tanya's Story
Homeowner Impact Report
Michelle's Story
Sandra's Story
“Because of Habitat, I was able to put my kids through college.”
Watch Ronnettia describe how her Habitat home created stability for her family.
Growing up, Ronnettia watched her mom struggle to make ends meet. As a single parent, her mom did her best to provide for their family by working multiple jobs in order to afford a decent place to live. Years later, Ronnettia realized that her life was imitating her mom’s... and as a hardworking single mother of three kids, she faced an ongoing struggle to afford decent housing for her family.
Before partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Ronnettia and her children were squeezing into a 2-bedroom apartment. They found themselves moving frequently, always in search of better, more affordable housing. “The most important thing my kids needed was a foundation.”
When Ronnettia was selected to build and purchase her own home through Habitat for Humanity, she felt like “it was a dream come true.”
“It was so exciting to help build my own home and see all the love that was put into it,” shared Ronnettia. “I invested more than 513 hours of sweat equity because I didn’t want to miss a single day of my home being built.”
Ronnettia saw an immediate impact in her three kids when they moved into their new home. Through their new stability at home, her kids’ grades all improved. “Habitat is the reason why my kids were able to do well in school.”
“By watching me work hard to become a homeowner, my kids are encouraged to not give up on their own dreams. It gives them the willpower to do anything the put their minds to. Thank you Habitat!”
Your Generous Donation Will Make a Difference!
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2407
|
__label__wiki
| 0.590508
| 0.590508
|
Extenda Acquired by STG Partners
Point of Sale software for Tier 1 retailers.
Stockholm, 1 October 2018 - GP Bullhound acted as exclusive financial advisor to Extenda Holding AB on its sale to STG Partners, the California based private equity firm focused on investing in innovative software, data, and analytics companies.
Extenda is one of Europe’s leading providers of Point of Sale software to tier 1 retailers. Extenda’s product range includes omni-channel solutions, self-scanning and self-checkout, mobile POS and e-commerce integrations. STG Partners has also signed an agreement to acquire Visma Retail from The Visma Group, and will merge Extenda and Visma Retail to form Extenda Retail.
Håkan Valberg, CEO of Extenda commented: “This merger is a perfect match in terms of complementary solutions, geographic coverage, delivery capabilities and organisational culture, all backed by one of the most respected investors in the market. We can push ahead with our growth plans for the new organisation with great confidence. GP Bullhound has been a great advisory partner and their global reach, software industry expertise and execution capabilities proved invaluable in delivering this transaction for us.”
Carl Wessberg, Executive Director at GP Bullhound, commented: “It has been a pleasure to work with Extenda. We are convinced that we have found a great partner for Extenda in STG Partners, and that the combination of Extenda and Visma Retail into Extenda Retail will form a compelling offering.”
This is GP Bullhound’s 16th transaction in 2018, and the firm’s 8th deal completed in the Nordics in the last 20 months including the recent sale of Solita to Apax Digital, the sale of The North Alliance to Norvestor, and the sale of Icomera to Engie Ineo, among others.
For enquiries please contact: Carl Wessberg, Executive Director, at carl.wessberg@gpbullhound.com, or Johannes Åkermark, Vice President, at johannes.akermark@gpbullhound.com.
About GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a leading technology advisory and investment firm, providing transaction advice and capital to the world’s best entrepreneurs and founders. Founded in 1999, the firm today has offices in London, San Francisco, Stockholm, Berlin, Manchester, Paris, Hong Kong, Madrid and New York. For more information, please visit www.gpbullhound.com, or follow on Twitter @GPBullhound.
FintechSoftware
Nordics/BalticsUSA
Carl WessbergJonathan CantwellJohannes ÅkermarkKarl Blomsterwall
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2412
|
__label__cc
| 0.636416
| 0.363584
|
USA Holidays 41
The joys of river cruise
Oct 18, 2019 · By Rashmi Guha Ray
Sailing along the rivers of Europe is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely holiday and discovering the wonders of every destination at the same time.
Joanna Lumley's Japan Episode 2
Oct 17, 2019 · By Katie Shaw
Last week, we left Joanna Lumley amidst the bright lights and bustle of Tokyo, Japan’s hyperactive capital. Episode 2 opens with a dramatic reminder of the city’s chaos; vast crowds of people, neon billboards flashing against the dark night skies, and non-stop traffic.
This week on ITV, Joanna Lumley is in the land of the rising sun, Japan, for part 1 of a 3-part adventure through a destination renowned for being as diverse as it is compelling.
Around the World by Train – Episode 1: Europe
Feb 28, 2019 · By Katie Shaw
'Around the World by Train' episode one showcases the wonders of European rail travel, as Blackadder actor and train aficionado Tony Robinson rails across the continent from Paris to Istanbul.
A tasty treat aboard Switzerland’s Chocolate Train.
Where can you mix the perfect pleasures of soothing rail travel with delicious chocolate? The answer is an obvious one, Switzerland of course!
The history and legacy of the British Raj in India
Aug 16, 2018 · By Sukie Chapman
Every August 15th India commemorates the momentous occasion when it finally gained its independence from British colonial rule, and 2018 marks the 72nd anniversary of the country’s emancipation.
Top three late escape destinations from the experts at GRJ independent
Experienced travellers from Great Rail Journeys Independent let us into the secrets of what makes for the perfect late escape for all those still hankering after an autumn getaway.
Experts, authorities and all-round good sorts – our guest speakers
We’re not the world’s leading escorted rail company for nothing; we draw on experts from around the world to make sure our tours pull out all the stops and offer something different to your usual package holiday.
Late spring, early summer escapes
May 08, 2018 · By Katie Shaw
Choosing the ‘right’ season to visit a certain location can make or break or holiday, and whilst most destinations have something to offer all year round, some come in to their own during certain times of the year. Find out where you should be jetting off to this spring and summer below!
Tips and tricks for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
May 04, 2018 · By Lorna Heatley
Working at Great Rail Journeys, it’s hard not to become a bit of a railway enthusiast, and we all have our favourite lines, locomotives and carriages. This edition, explore the delights of the North Yorkshire Moors railway with copywriter Lorna.
Together we can make travel clean, green and pristine
May 02, 2018 · By Sukie Chapman
Find out how you can help the planet, whilst also taking fantastic holidays! Arm yourself with vital information about how to be a responsible tourist, in any country, and what green policies to look out for when selecting a tour company to book with.
The Natural Beauty of the United States
Feb 23, 2018 · By Lorna Heatley
Happy Birthday Mr President! No, we're not talking about the current one, we're talking about the original. The number one. The man who started it all: George Washington, who is celebrated on Presidents Day, that took place on the 19th of February this year. What better way to celebrate his country than having a look at some of its most spectacular natural wonders?
Showing 1 to 12 of 48 posts
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2415
|
__label__cc
| 0.584755
| 0.415245
|
Little Havens
Staying at the Hospice
Day Stays and Therapy Groups
Wellbeing Care
The J's
Inspire! Social Group
Fair Havens
Light up a Life
New Fair Havens
Contact Our Volunteer Team
Donate Refer
Shopping Centre is Taking on Cycling Challenge for Essex’s Only Children Hospice
On Sunday 30th June, the region’s largest shopping centre held a charity spinathon as part of their fundraising for Essex’s only children’s hospice.
intu Lakeside in Thurrock joined forces with their chosen charity Little Havens Hospice to hold a spinathon at the weekend to fundraise and train for a challenge they are taking part in this September.
Earlier this year, Lakeside announced they had chosen Little Havens as their charity partner for the next 18-months and the shopping centre will be holding several events and fundraisers for the charity which helps families when they are told that there is no cure for their child’s illness. Little Havens is there to make the journey as comfortable as possible, controlling pain and medication, offering respite and caring for babies, children and teenagers at the end of their lives. This specialist care is free – for as long as is needed – within the family home and at the hospice in Thundersley.
One of the events Lakeside are taking part in is the charity’s bespoke bike ride which will take them 207 miles through the beautiful Essex countryside from Little Havens to Holland via Harwich and down to Bruges in Belgium which is affectionally known as the Venice of the North, and is famous for its chocolate, culture and architecture.
On Sunday the Lakeside team were joined by other members of Team Havens who are also taking on the Little Havens to Bruges Bike Ride including Emma Hamilton, Challenges Fundraiser at Havens Hospices who has organised this challenge. She said,
“It’s fantastic that Lakeside have put a team together to join us on the ride, I’m really looking forward to completing the course in September with them and the rest of Team Havens. We still have a few spaces left on the team; so, if you’re looking for a challenge which is going to be a lot of fun and is suitable for riders new to road-racing as well as the more experienced cyclist then please get in touch.
“On behalf of Little Havens, I’d like to thank Lakeside for choosing to support us. We have to raise over £46,000 every week to be there for every child, baby and teenager who needs us and we can only do that with the support of our local community who choose to fundraise for us by taking part in our events and challenges.”
For more information on joining the team please click here [https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/events], email Emma [ehamilton@havenshospices.org.uk] or call 01702 220308. Registration for this event closes on Friday 12th July.
Read more of our latest news and updates on how we're 'Making every day count.'
Inter-Church Trust raises funds for local Hospice
The Inter Church Trust which cares for elderly and disabled people in the area, has been raising money to help provide nursing care at Fair Havens.
Law firm raises £11,000 for Havens Hospices
Law firm raises £11k for Essex hospice care and supports local Will writing scheme
Voice Winner Ruti joins Havens Hospices Fundraiser
Local 13-piece Irish/Punk Band, Dirty Water, are holding a festive concert in aid of Havens Hospices this December.
A Very Merry Christmas Party for Havens Hospices
A festive fundraising event raised over £4,400 for new Fair Havens Hospice as 200 guests attended a Christmas dinner and dance at the Rayleigh Club.
Contact us 24 hours a day on 01702 220350 or email us
Newletter sign up
Daws Heath Road
Benfleet
SS7 2LH
The J’s
119 Newland Street
CM8 1BE
124-126 Chalkwell Avenue
Westcliff on Sea
SS0 8HN
Unit 11, Braiswick Park
SS15 6EB
Havens Hospices is registered in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee.
Registered address: Stuart House, 47 Second Avenue, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 8HX
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2416
|
__label__cc
| 0.565865
| 0.434135
|
Home » Animals and Plants » Animals » Animal health » Bees » Bees, representatives of biodiversity
Bees, representatives of biodiversity
Bees are insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. This order also includes, among others, hornets, ants and wasps, which are often confused with bees. Bees are either domestic or wild.
Domestic or wild?
Domestic bees, also called honeybees, are part of the apidae family. Apidae are social bees that also include bumblebees. Social bees live in colonies. Honeybees are social bees that man has been able to "tame" and breed to produce honey.
There are two types of wild bees: solitary bees, which live alone, and social bees that live in small colonies. Vast majority of the bee species are wild, and generally of the solitary kind (about two thirds). In this case, each female bee makes its own nest, deposits a single egg and feeds a single larva. Wild social bees form small colonies. There are about thirty species in Belgium (bumblebees).
Bees feed on nectar collected from flowers, from where they also collect pollen for their larvae. Some species may forage many varieties of plants, while others are more specialists, they can forage only a single species.
Bees around the world
Worldwide, more than 20,000 species of bees pollinate 80% of the flowering plants. It is estimated that only 30 species are used by humans for the production of honey.
Bees used for beekeeping are domestic honey bees, Apis mellifera. Other species of bees, this time wild ones, also produce honey directly harvested in the natural environment by "honey hunters". This is especially true of Asia, where forest honey is harvested.
Bees in Belgium
Belgium has 370 known species of bees, of which only one is raised by beekeepers. The other 369 species are wild and live in nature usually as solitary bees.
• UG, Laboratory of Zoophysiology
• Koninklijke Vlaamse Imkersbond vzw (Royal Flemish Beekeepers Association)
• Aculea, Wilde bijen en wespen, Natuurpunt
• Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC)
• FSAGX, Functional and Evolutionary Entomology Unit
• Umons, Atlas Hymenoptera, Laboratory of Zoology
• ULB biological evolution and ecology
• Apis Bruoc Sella, Brussels-based association for environmental education and awareness of urban nature.
• Centre apicole de recherché et d’information (CARI) (Beekeeping Centre for Research and Information)
• L'Union des Fédérations d'Apiculture de Wallonie et Bruxelles (The Union of Beekeeping Federations of Wallonia and Brussels)
Footer Menu EN
Heath care professions
Consultative bodies
Consumer's information
Specific added substances
Environmental rights
Seas, oceans and Antarctica
Products for home use
Placing of products on the market
Towards a sustainable society
Vehicles and fuels
Place Victor Horta / Victor Hortaplein, 40 box 10
Fill in the online contact form
Associated organizations
Belgian Advisory Committee on Bioethics
Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2417
|
__label__wiki
| 0.727943
| 0.727943
|
Hello Jacksonville
The Best Food and Drink in South Carolina for 2019
The Best F...
The Palmetto State - in particular its Lowcountry coast and its oldest city, Charleston - is known for its rich food traditions. These stem from the state's access to the sea and the bounteous hinterlands of the Piedmont and Upstate, as well as Charleston's long history of international commerce - the city has been one of North America's important entrepôts for trans-Atlantic shipping from its founding up to the present.
Though some of this cosmopolitan history is grim - and that's putting it lightly; the city was a major center of the slave trade until the Civil War - it has given birth to a diverse present, with traditional Lowcountry and Southern cuisine standing alongside other delicacies from around the world to enliven the culinary landscape of modern-day South Carolina. We've rounded up the best offerings available in the state today as part of our second annual guide to the best food and drink in every state.
Though the Charleston area is home to only 761,000 of the state's nearly 5 million people, the city's longstanding status as a cultural center has concentrated much of the culinary spotlight. Charleston seems to have everything from the state's best pizza (Monza) to the best lobster roll (The Ordinary), and it's hard to ignore the gravitational pull of chef Sean Brock's wildly successful restaurants, such as McCrady's (even though he sent shockwaves through the city by leaving his restaurant group in 2018).
How did we go about choosing the best eats in South Carolina? Over the course of the past year we've honored everything from its best hot dogs and brunch spot to its best bar and craft beer in our comprehensive and wide-ranging lists and rankings, compiled through extensive research and with input from a wide network of site contributors, bloggers, journalists, and chefs. We've compiled these into individual galleries celebrating the best food and drink in every state, and you can find our South Carolina gallery ahead.
Best Airport Restaurant: DeSano Pizza Bakery (Charleston International Airport)
At DeSano Pizza Bakery, you can have traditional pizza the way it's made in the dish's hometown of Naples, where the art of pizza twirling was perfected. In the morning, you can wake yourself up with a frittata pizza or even a Nutella pizza among other choices, and the restaurant also offers salads and calzones. Cocktails, wines, and beers are also on the menu, as is the option for a sweet cannoli or gelato.
The Best Airport Restaurant in Every State
Ron E./Yelp
Best All-You-Can-Eat Deal: Captain George's Seafood Restaurant (Myrtle Beach and Kill Devil Hills)
Captain George's has two waterfront South Carolina locations, and they're offering a spectacular fresh seafood feast. Alaskan snow crab legs, Dungeness crab legs, soft-shell crabs (in season), steamed shrimp and clams, mussels, crawfish, blackened mahi, broiled fish, fried oysters and scallops, oysters Rockefeller, stuffed clams, and she-crab soup are just a handful of their seafood offerings; other specialties include barbecue pork ribs, sirloin steak, mac and cheese, homemade breads, and more than 15 homemade desserts. It costs 20 bucks for kids 12 and under, and $36 for adults.
Maikidi B./Yelp
Best Bar: Proof (Charleston)
Craig Nelson's Proof is an intimate craft cocktail bar with an extensive wine-by-the-glass list and a beer list full of pilsners, lagers, stouts, sours, and ciders. But the real attractions are the creative concoctions like the Pink Rabbit (Ancho Reyes liqueur, Hendrick's gin, Proof's house-made strawberry "quick," and mole bitters); Knuckle Ball (Old Grand-Dad 114 bourbon, Mexican Coca-Cola reduction, orange bitters, and pickled boiled peanuts); and the Charleston Buck (Woodford Reserve bourbon, Tuaca, citrus, egg white, Proof's ginger beer, and blood orange bitters). Since our list was published last year, Proof has added 19 more cocktails to its menu. There is also a daily changing menu of small plates scribbled on the bar's chalkboard.
The Best Bar in Every State
Brandon T./Yelp
Best Beer: Mexican Cake, Westbrook Brewing (Mount Pleasant)
South Carolina's Westbrook Brewing cooked up their Mexican Cake as a first anniversary celebration for themselves, but beer fans are really the ones who have something to celebrate with this imperial stout. Cacao nibs and vanilla beans give this beer a rich, sweet flavor and the Mexican influence comes into play perfectly with hints of cinnamon and habanero pepper. Happy birthday, indeed!
The Best Beer in Every State
Yelp / Scotty C.
Best Brunch: Magnolias (Charleston)
Magnolias has been a standard-bearer for true Lowcountry cuisine in Charleston since 1990 (it played a large role in igniting the city's still-burgeoning culinary renaissance), and it's one of the city's most acclaimed Sunday brunch destinations. The brunch menu is full of down-home country dishes like house-made pimento cheese, ham cracklin biscuits, she-crab bisque, shrimp and scallops over grits with lobster butter sauce, crab cake with hoppin' John risotto, country fried steak, and house-made biscuit with sausage gravy; but it's also not afraid to think outside of the box: Just look at the apple fritter poppers with cinnamon cream cheese mousse, a duck confit omelette with roasted mushrooms and goat cheese, huevos rancheros with braised short ribs, and banana pudding-stuffed French toast with peanut butter syrup and bacon. This is one of those places where no matter what you order, it's bound to be delicious.
The Best Brunch in Every State
Annie H./Yelp
Best Burger: Husk (Charleston)
So what's the secret to the burger at Husk? Bacon ground right into the patty. House-made buns are steamed, sliced, toasted, and smeared with butter and beef fat. The two patties are a blend of chuck and hickory-smoked Benton's bacon, seared on a ripping-hot nonstick griddle and scraped off to retain their crust. The toppings? Three slices of American cheese, shaved white onions in between the patties, bread-and-butter pickles, a "special sauce" that closely resembles the one at In-N-Out, and lettuce and tomato only when they're in season.
The Best Burger in Every State
Brett N./Yelp
Best Chicken and Waffles: Early Bird Diner (Charleston)
It's all about the little details at this Charleston institution. For example, the chicken in their chicken and waffles is double-breaded with a combination of ground pecans and flour, so it takes on a nutty flavor. The waffle batter is spiked with a small amount of cinnamon, and honey mustard sauce served on the side (along with maple syrup) is a no-brainer. With so much thought given to every single component, there's no way that these chicken and waffles wouldn't be legendary.The Best Chicken and Waffles in America
Yelp / Michael U
Best Chinese Restaurant: Red Orchids (Charleston)
Charlestonians flock to this inviting West Ashley gem for its unique spins on traditional Chinese classics. You'll find well-prepared dumplings, lo mein, fried rice, and kung pao chicken here, but the real stars of the menu are the house specialties, which include fried red snapper, mapo tofu, five spiced lamb chops, and tea smoked duck. For dessert, don't miss the banana spring rolls with homemade ice cream.
The Best Chinese Restaurant in Every State
Photo by Wendy F. via Yelp
Best Chocolate Shop: Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier (Charleston)
You could spend eternity staring at the stunning chocolates at this Charleston chocolate shop. The luxurious chocolates here are all hand-painted, resulting in bold morsels that are almost too gorgeous to eat. But, of course, you'll want to eat these chocolates, which come in subtle flavors (Earl Grey tea, hazelnut) and outrageous (bleu cheese) alike.
The Best Chocolate Shop in Every State
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier-Patissier/Yelp
Best Coffee Shop: Methodical Coffee (Greenville)
Located in Greenville, the most underrated place in South Carolina, Methodical Coffeehas been featured in multiple top publications, receiving praise from The New York Times, Vogue, Bon Appétit, and USA Today among others. In addition to their high-quality espresso and typical brews, they're also known for specialty drinks such as the tres leches or spiced honey latte.
Rabia Q./Yelp
Best Cupcakes: Cupcrazed Cakery (Fort Mill)
If genius can be disguised as madness, well, bring on the crazy! This incredible cupcakery embraces the sugared insanity and churns out unique and artful cupcakes in the process. "Crazy" cupcake flavors are posted every day at 10 a.m. (recent selections include a caramel cupcake topped with bacon and a tiny pancake), but be sure to call ahead - they often sell out quickly. They also sell more traditional flavors like red velvet and double chocolate if you're not in the mood to be adventurous.
The Best Cupcakes in Every State
Photo by Pamela G. via Yelp
Best Doughnuts: Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts (Charleston)
Opened by Allison Smith, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of Charleston, this doughnut shop takes its eccentric flavors wonderfully seriously. Let your taste buds guide your decision-making, but if you want our opinion, we really recommend the tiramisu or the lemon meringue pie.
The Best Doughnuts in Every State
Photo by Joseph P via Yelp
Best Farmers Market: Charleston Farmers Market (Charleston)
In historic downtown Charleston's Marion Square, the Charleston Farmers Market thrives with food, art, and entertainment. There are fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as artisan foods like flavored pecans and prepared foods, from authentic French crêpes to shrimp and grits, from more than 100 vendors. The market is open every Saturday, April to November, and every Saturday and Sunday in December.
The 101 Best Farmers Markets in America
Ken Bowman Photography
Best Food Truck: Pink Bellies (Charleston)
Pink Bellies serves Vietnamese favorites like ph�? and bánh mì to the good people of Charleston, and they love it. The menu options rotate, but here are the kinds of things to expect: pulled pork with mayo, blueberry jam, chiles, pickled carrots, pickled red onions, and cilantro; "The Realest" bánh mì with pâté, pork belly, loin ham, roast pork, chiles, cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro, and spring onions; or the house lo mein with red roast pork, tofu, shrimp, yu choy, Chinese celery, vegetables, and chile satay. Pair it with a Vietnamese iced coffee or toasted sweet iced tea (matcha green tea, ginger, toasted rice), and your belly will be happy.
The 101 Best Food Trucks in America
Rob E./Yelp
Best French Fries: Tattooed Moose (Charleston)
This laid-back Charleston dive bar is one funky joint (so much so that it inspired a visit from Guy Fieri for an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives), and sandwiches like the duck club and Lowcountry Cuban keep locals coming back for more. But no visit is complete without a big, overflowing basket of the signature duck-fat fries. Thin-cut for maximum crispiness and fried in a bubbling cauldron of duck fat, these really are a thing of beauty.
America's 50 Best French Fries
The Tattooed Moose
Best Fried Chicken: Husk (Charleston)
The original Charleston location of Husk is located in a stunning Victorian-style house, and the fried chicken is equally picturesque. Once upon a time, diners had to call ahead and place an order two days in advance, but now the fried chicken is a staple on the daily-changing lunch menu. The secret is in the fat: The chicken is fried in a mixture of butter, chicken fat, bacon fat, and country ham fat.
The Best Fried Chicken in Every State
Todd P./Yelp
Best Grocery Store: Harris Teeter
The Charleston area has many options for grocery shoppers but the Harris Teeter on Bay Street is considered the ultimate go-to for many locals. "I love this store. Everything is always great, clean, fresh, amazing staff, great options available. CHEAP ORGANICS!!" Tabitha Dery said in a Google review.
The Best Grocery Store in Every State
Photo by Harris Teeter via Yelp
Best Hot Dog: Sandy's (Columbia)
Founded in 1978 by Bud Sanderson, this Columbia institution serves custom-made Black Angus hot dogs in two sizes and makes all of their chili, coleslaw, and pimento cheese in-house, from scratch. Put it all together and wash it down with some Cheerwine and you've got a recipe for a seriously good hot dog.
The Best Hot Dog in Every State
Charlie P./Yelp
Best Hotel Restaurant: The Ocean Room (Kiawah Island)
Perched atop a grand staircase on the second floor of the luxurious Sanctuary resort hotel on tony Kiawah Island, The Ocean Room is an upscale and elegant AAA 4 Diamond steakhouse, with plenty of windows overlooking the ocean, ample space between each of the roomy tables, elegant carpeting, and plenty of high-end fixtures and furnishings. The steak offerings include dry-aged bone-in strips, ribeyes, and T-bones for two (toppings include jumbo lump crab or broiled shrimp Oscar, broiled lobster tail with béarnaise, and a blue cheese crust). Non-steak offerings are equally impressive, and include braised octopus with scallop mousse agnolotti, butternut squash purée, squid ink sauce, aged feta, and frill mustard; truffle-encrusted halibut with littleneck clams, salsify, romanesco, leek, charred onion, pine nuts, and fumet blanc; and Storey Farms chicken with roasted carrots, smoked carrot purée, braised wheatberries, purple cabbage, and Madeira jus.
The Best Hotel Restaurant in Every State
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Best Ice Cream Stand: Sweet Cream Company (Columbia)
Sweet Cream Company's flavors are so good, they don't even offer toppings. Their website claims that this is to let the "flavor of the ice cream itself shine."
The Best Ice Cream Stand in Every State
Avesh J./Yelp
Best Italian Restaurant: Trattoria Lucca (Charleston)
This beloved local spot in Charleston's Elliotborough neighborhood is a winner all around. Chef-owner Ken Vedrinski was nominated for the James Beard Award in 2011, and he changes his menu daily based on what he finds at the farmers market and what local fisherman bring to his kitchen door. Pastas are handmade and cheese and salumi are imported from Italy. It's tough to predict exactly what you'll find on the menu, but recent standouts include house-made porchetta with arugula, pecorino, and apple mostarda; tagliolini with blue crab, anchovy, lemon, and bread crumbs; local doormat flounder with rye crust, cider, bacon, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts; and veal scallopini Milanese with trumpet mushroom caponata, spicy provolone, and Barolo vinegar. Hungry yet?
The Best Italian Restaurant in Every State
Bill S./Yelp
Best Lobster Roll: The Ordinary (Charleston)
The lobster roll served as weekly special at chef Mike Lata's Charleston�??seafood mecca is slightly out of the ordinary (ha), but still insanely delicious. Lobsters are brought in straight from Maine, and they're given the royal treatment: A half-pound of lobster meat goes into each roll, mixed with a bright combination of mayo, Tabasco, lemon, mustard, garlic, celery, chives, shallots, and Old Bay.
America's 20 Best Lobster Rolls Outside of Maine
Best Macaroni and Cheese: Crave Kitchen & Cocktails (Mount Pleasant)
The "secret ingredient" in Crave executive chef Landen Ganstrom's legendary macaroni and cheese may be a mystery, but the creamy, tangy, gooey result of a combination of ten year-aged California Cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mozzarella is insanely delicious, helped along by the genius decision to replace macaroni with chewy corkscrew-shaped cavatappi. You can top your mac with your choice of pulled pork, lobster, bacon, broccoli, chicken, scallops, shrimp, or short ribs, but we suggest keeping it unadorned.
Where to Eat America's Best Macaroni and Cheese
Best Mexican Restaurant: Minero (Charleston)
When chef Sean Brock decides to turn his attention to casual Mexican fare, you know the end result is going to be spectacular. And at Minero, it is. Queso fundido, tacos al pastor, pork carnitas with salsa verde and seasonal carnitas, roasted shrimp tacos with cucumber-jicama slaw and salsa morita - no matter what you order, you can't go wrong. And just to remind you that this is a Sean Brock restaurant (even though he is no longer involved with the restaurant group), the menu's lone burrito includes hoppin' john, and you can order Carolina Gold arroz rojo on the side.
The Best Mexican Restaurant in Every State
Elise D./Yelp
Most Romantic Restaurant: Peninsula Grill (Charleston)
Located right in the heart of Charleston, Peninsula Grill is a renowned upscale restaurant that's the perfect date night spot. The romance begins before you even walk through the front door: All guests walk through a garden path just to enter (garden seating is also available on nice days). Once inside, the dining room is bustling but elegant, with gray walls and large white tablecloth-topped tables, chandeliers, and portraits and equestrian paintings on the walls. Highlights from the sophisticated Southern-influenced menu include she-crab soup, roasted domestic lamb porterhouse, pan-roasted local trout, and some of the city's finest steaks.
The Most Romantic Restaurant in Every State
Peninsula Grill/Yelp
Best Pasta Dish: Spaghetti Chitarra, McCrady's Tavern (Charleston)
The spaghetti chitarra served at McCrady's Tavern is a prime example of founder and former owner Sean Brock's boundless creativity: It's not just great; it's the best pasta dish in the state. The thick strands of house-made spaghetti are partnered with local shrimp, chile, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a big dollup of fresh burrata, and all the flavors work so well together you'll completely forget that Italians tend to shun combining cheese and seafood. Hey, when it tastes good it tastes good.
The Best Pasta Dish in Every State
Yelp/ Jing L.
Best Pizza: Monza Pizza (Charleston)
The Italian town of Monza houses an historic speedway where every year since 1922, owners of the finest cars, from Alfa Romeo to Ferrari, take the curves of the 6.25-mile track. Monza in Charleston feeds off the history of its namesake city to offer handcrafted pies.
Monza uses imported San Felice wheat flour, Neapolitan yeast, and filtered and pH-balanced water to develop their version of the most traditional-style pizza possible. The pies are baked in the wood oven at a sweltering 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for a thin and crispy crust, and are topped with mozzarella with fresh and usually regional ingredients.
The Best Pizza in Every State
Photo by Caroline N. via Yelp
Best Restaurant for Breakfast: Hominy Grill (Charleston)
One of Charleston's most legendary restaurants (and one of the best restaurants in America, period), James Beard Award-winner Robert Stehling's Hominy Grill has been serving top-notch Lowcountry cuisine in two charming and comfortable dining rooms since 1996. It opens its doors at 7:30 during the week and at 9:30 on weekends, and its country breakfasts with a Lowcountry twist are simply beyond reproach. One taste of the shrimp and grits; huevos rancheros with jasmine rice; pimento cheese biscuits with sausage gravy; grit bowls topped with beef braised in Creole sauce or slow-smoked pork belly, egg, and Cheddar; buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes; bread pudding French toast; heirloom cornmeal waffle with Cajun pork cracklins; or the legendary Charleston Nasty Biscuit - a fried chicken breast and Cheddar biscuit sandwich drowned in sausage gravy - and you'll understand why Hominy is so popular with the locals as well as a must-visit for so many tourists.
The Best Restaurant for Breakfast in Every State
Heather M./ Yelp
Best Restaurant: Husk (Charleston and Greenville)
Husk, located right in the heart of Charleston's beautiful historic downtown, celebrates heirloom indigenous Southern products like no other restaurant can: If it's not Southern, they won't cook with it, not even olive oil. But that strict rule doesn't hinder chef Sean Brock's most beloved restaurant (even though he left his restaurant group to focus on Nashville earlier this year) at all; in fact, it's the best thing about it. The market-driven menu changes daily, but if they're available, try the slow-smoked sweet-and-sour Tennessee pork ribs; Cheddar pimento cheese with house-made benne (sesame) crackers and crispy country ham; Southern-fried chicken skins with hot sauce, honey, and scallions; and Kentuckyaki pig's ear lettuce wraps, and you'll agree. If you come during lunch, make sure you try the burger.
The 101 Best Restaurants in America
Best Barbecue: Sweatman's BBQ (Holly Hill)
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sweatman opened their first barbecue place in Holly Hill in 1959. After closing, they continued to cook for family and friends, but it wasn't until 1977 that they re-opened Sweatman's BBQ. Today they continue to cook their whole hogs over hot coals for up to 14 hours, while oak, hickory, and pecan trees are used for the wood burned in the cooking process. Known for traditional South Carolina barbecue, their secret mustard-based sauce is continually slathered on the meat until it's fully smoked.
America's 35 Best Ribs
Yelp/ Photo by Art H.
Best Sandwich: Charleston Nasty Biscuit, Hominy Grill (Charleston)
At Charleston's Hominy Grill, chef-owner Robert Stehling has landed upon the perfect formula: comforting Lowcountry cuisine made with the highest-quality ingredients. The perfect expression of that philosophy is the Charleston Nasty Biscuit (formerly known as the Big Nasty): a light and flaky high-rise biscuit, cut in half and filled with a huge piece of golden-brown fried chicken breast, topped with melted cheese and a giant ladle of creamy sausage gravy. It's a once-in-a-lifetime sandwich, but if you have the opportunity to eat it even once, you'll be very fortunate.
The Best Sandwich in Every State
Jen C./Yelp
Best Seafood Shack: Bowen's Island Restaurant (Charleston)
Set among the marshes at the tip of a small, 13-acre island, Bowen's was recognized by the James Beard House as an "American Classic." This legendary restaurant - where customers are encouraged to write on the walls - is famous for its fried shrimp and roasted oysters. Bowen's first opened in 1946, and through the decades has made a name for itself in the world of seafood shacks, even after a devastating fire in 2006.
America's 40 Best Seafood Shacks
Judi H./Yelp
Best Soup: She-Crab Soup at Hominy Grill (Charleston)
Chef Robert Stehling's low-key Hominy Grill is a Charleston legend, a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. His menu of down-home country staples is essentially flawless, and every item on the menu, be it biscuits and gravy or fried chicken, is nothing short of a definitive version. The same goes for his version of she-crab soup, a Lowcountry staple: It's thick and creamy, loaded with local blue crab, fish stock, cream, and just enough dry sherry to tie it all together.
The Best Soup in Every State
Yelp/ Mike C.
Best Steakhouse: Oak Steakhouse (Charleston)
Chef Jeremiah Bacon, who's spent time in kitchens including New York's Le Bernardin and Per Se, might have a porky last name, but beef is the star of the show at his Charleston steakhouse. The dry-aged Certified Angus steaks come sizzling on a hot platter (with local shrimp compound butter on top). While the steak, including a prime bone-in rib-eye and a New York strip, is certainly the menu's centerpiece, Bacon brings a farm-to-table approach to the entire menu with standout dishes like house-made charcuterie, pan-seared sea scallops with smoked grapefruit purée, and a daily rotating seafood selection depending on what's available at the market that morning.
The Best Steakhouse in Every State
Cris F./Yelp
Best Tacos: Carnitas, Carmen y Juan's (Mt. Pleasant)
Located far from the beaten path in Mt. Pleasant, this unassuming strip mall joint is serving some seriously delicious tacos. Everything from the tortillas to the hot sauce is made from scratch (including a killer mole and a traditional long-cooked menudo), and the slow-cooked meats are deeply satisfying. Make sure you try the carnitas, big chunks of falling-apart pork marinated in orange and pineapple juice before being simmered in hot oil and tucked into a fresh tortilla with onion and cilantro. Be sure to drizzle on some of the housemade hot sauce. To learn about the best eats in other states, check out our ultimate guide to the best food and drink in every state for 2019.
The Best Taco in Every State
Scotty C./Yelp
32 Foods That Help Fight Bloat
Regional Chain Restaurants We Wish Were National
Survival Tips for Holiday Travel
The One Restaurant You Need to Visit in Every State
The World's Best Once-in-a-Lifetime Travel Journeys, Ranked by Top Travel Professionals
Good Friday Traditions From Around the World
https://www.hellojacksonville.com/
The 50 best places to vacation in 2019
www.HelloJacksonvilleBeach.com
www.HelloGainesville.com
www.HelloOcala.com
www.HelloDaytona.com
www.HelloDaytonaBeach.com
www.HelloPortOrange.com
© 2020 Hello Jacksonville - All Rights Reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2426
|
__label__wiki
| 0.829381
| 0.829381
|
Lorraine Kelly shares rare family photo with lookalike daughter Rosie and husband Steve
Lorraine and Steve are spending the summer with Rosie
August 13, 2019 - 08:40 BST Hanna Fillingham Lorraine Kelly shared a rare photo with her daughter Rosie and husband Steve Smith during a trip to Mumbai
Lorraine Kelly has been making the most of her time off from work over the summer by spending it with her beloved daughter Rosie. The ITV daytime star and her husband Steve Smith have gone out to Mumbai with their only child, and on Monday she shared a lovely picture of the three of them doing a spot of sightseeing in the Indian city. Fans adored seeing the rare family photo, and many were quick to comment on just how much Rosie looks like her famous mum. One wrote: "Lovely, your daughter is your double!" while another joked: "Seeing double!" Loose Women star Saira Khan added: "Wow Lorraine, your daughter is the spitting image of you. Enjoy India."
Lorraine Kelly with her daughter Rosie and husband Steve in Mumbai
The trip is extra-special for Lorraine and Steve as they don't get to see Rosie as often as they would like to since she moved to Singapore a few years ago to work for a charity. Despite the fact that they miss her very much, Lorraine previously opened up about just how proud she is of Rosie. Talking to Prima magazine, she said: "She was 21 when she moved to the other side of the world for work and is embracing a new culture in Singapore. She's being an independent woman doing amazing things." She added: "It's hard when children leave home anyway, but luckily her lunch hour is 6am for me so I can FaceTime her while I'm getting my hair done."
MORE: Kate Garraway showcases new summer hairstyle - and fans adore it!
Lorraine is very close to her only daughter
The doting mum has been surprised by Rosie on a number of occasions during live episodes of Lorraine. In March, the 24-year-old sent her mum a sweet video message via a video link, which was shown during a special Mother's Day segment on the daytime show. Fashion guru Mark Heyes introduced the clip to the star, who was left in tears after watching it. Rosie was standing in front of the Singapore skyline in the footage, and told her mum: "Happy Mother's Day all the way from Singapore, I'll see you really soon and we can celebrate properly. I love you, bye!" Lorraine then said: "I love you more, that's so sweet you're going to get me crying again! She looks so beautiful, I miss her so much."
READ: Parenting tips for the summer holidays, according to the Beckhams
Lorraine has also spoken about her close relationship with her daughter during an interview with Weekend Magazine. She said: "We talk about everything under the sun. I'm her mum, though, I'd never say I was her best friend because she's got her friends already. I'd love to think she tells me everything but she doesn't."
Lorraine Kelly
More about lorraine kelly
Lorraine Kelly's £15 M&S jumper goes perfectly with her leather pencil skirt
Lorraine Kelly just wore the blue leopard print dress you didn't know you needed
Lorraine Kelly's £20 snake print ASOS dress is going straight in our basket
Lorraine Kelly reveals where she has gone on holiday
Lorraine Kelly makes rare appearance with lookalike daughter Rosie
Lorraine Kelly steps out in dreamy floral dress – and it's the perfect summer staple
Lorraine Kelly wears top-to-toe Zara – including this £30 wardrobe staple
GMB's Piers Morgan has live disagreement with fellow presenter Lorraine Kelly
Lorraine Kelly in tears after daughter Rosie surprises her at work
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2427
|
__label__wiki
| 0.899005
| 0.899005
|
> TV & Film
Coronation Street spoilers: Jan comes clean to Eileen
Get your Corrie spoilers here!
July 31, 2019 - 14:58 BST Emmy Griffiths Coronation Street's spoilers for next week are here! Find out everything you need to know about the upcoming episodes here
In next week's Coronation Street, Jan drives an unconscious Seb to hospital and leaves him in A&E, Sarah doesn't think they have enough money to rebuild the factory and a furious Steve tells Tyrone that Evelyn is running an illegal gambling den from the corner shop. Find out what else is happening in Weatherfield here…
Monday 5 August part one
Seb asks Faye to go the salon and give a note to Alina. When another girl does her nails Faye asks her to pass Alina the note. Seb is delighted when he gets a text from Alina asking him to meet her at the salon after work but as he arrives he is confronted by Nikolai. Meanwhile, Robert arrives at Vicky's to find Jed there and Vicky packing her bags; as the two men square up. Vicky tells them to leave her alone whilst she makes her decision.
Imran uses insider information to offer Claudia £10k under the asking price for her flat - he knows the bail hostel plans have been dropped but she doesn't. Elsewhere, taking out a wad of Rick's money, Gary stashes it in a desk drawer, before heading off on some dodgy business leaving Ryan to mind the furniture shop. In the corner shop, Mary's shocked to discover Evelyn is marking the prices down on goods she wants to purchase herself. When Mary threatens to report her to Dev, Evelyn bars her from the shop.
Monday 5 August part two
Jan drives an unconscious Seb to hospital leaving him in A&E. Abi gets a call to say Seb is in the hospital, Eileen rings Jan who says he is working in Birmingham. The two women rush to the hospital to see Seb. Meanwhile, Gary's impressed when Ryan reveals that while he was out, he sold two pieces of furniture for £200. A clearly agitated Gary tells Ryan that there was £650 hidden in the desk that he sold. Ryan's apologetic and reveals that Mary bought the desk for the flower shop.
Mary tells Tim how she caught Evelyn altering the prices in the shop. When Tim suggests she could do with more evidence, Mary asks him to do some snooping on her behalf. When Tim confirms he couldn't find any evidence of Evelyn's dodgy pricing scam, Mary's disappointed. Having found out from James that County's game tomorrow promises to be a disaster as the goalkeeper's gone down with a stomach bug, Evelyn uses the information to her advantage and has a £20 wager with Tim that County's keeper won't even make the team. Elsewhere, when Imran reveals that the bail hostel plans have fallen through but Claudia's blissfully unaware, Toyah's deeply uneasy to realise he intends to rip off a neighbour.
Wednesday 7 August part one
Eileen quizzes Jan but he insists he was working in Birmingham but something is niggling her and she heads to the salon where she finds Jan, Nikolai and Rachel hastily putting all the fixtures and fittings into a van.
Gary calls in the flower shop and rifles through the desk drawers in search of his money. Mary assures him that the drawers were empty when she took ownership. Ryan tells Alya he's sold some vinyl so he can now afford to join her in Copenhagen. Alya's thrilled. Gary tackles Ryan over the missing money. Ryan swears blind he knows nothing about it but when Alya lets slip that Ryan has come into some money, Gary quietly fumes.
Toyah frets about the flat purchase, unhappy at the thought of ripping off Claudia. Unable to live with the guilt, Toyah steals herself to tell Claudia the truth. Elsewhere, Carla refuses to go out for lunch with Peter and instead heads over to Sally's hot tub. Emma agrees to babysit Joseph for Gemma instead of going to the hospital to visit her dad.
Wednesday 7 August part two
Eileen is gutted when Jan tells her that he's a liar and a cheat and that he never cared for her. A fight ensues between Jan and Nikolai who smashes Eileen's phone so she can't call the police. As Eileen starts to fear for her life the police smash their way into the salon and arrest them all and cart them off to the police station. Having been interviewed by the police, Eileen's released without charge. Abi explains how Seb called the police which led to the raid on the nail bar. A downbeat Eileen tells Abi that Jan was part of the trafficking ring.
Gary confronts Ryan over his apparent windfall. When Gary threatens to call the police, Ryan admits he took the money from the desk drawer but swears he had no idea it was Gary's. Gary tells him he can pay it back plus interest.
READ: See the Coronation Street stars' beautiful engagement rings
When Claudia announces that her plans have changed and she's moving into her flat after all, Ken masks his disappointment, aware that he'll miss her. Rita urges Ken and Claudia to talk honestly with each other as it's clear to her that they're going to miss one another. Elsewhere Carla steps into the breach when Roy slips in the cafe, injuring his back. Fed up Emma reluctantly agrees to mind Liam as well as Joseph.
Friday 9 August part one
Sarah tells the workers that the insurance company will only pay out £20k which will not be enough to rebuild the factory. But Gary has an idea and introduces a business associate Derek Milligan to Nick as a new investor for the factory. Meanwhile, Emma returns from finally visiting her Dad in hospital and in a state of shock, tells Maria that he's been diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Having been discharged from hospital, Seb returns to No.11. He and Eileen sympathise with each other over the harrowing events at the nail bar. Accompanied by a support worker from the Salvation Army, Alina approaches No.11. Elsewhere, Maria's on a high after her date with Ali. Audrey's delighted to see her so happy. Meanwhile, Jo Lafoe, a business associate of Carla's is taken aback to find Carla working behind the cafe counter. Evelyn's intrigued to find out from James that Tommy Orpington is injured and won't be playing in tonight's game and uses it to her advantage.
Friday 9 August part two
Gary explains to Nick that Derek would buy the land, rebuild the factory and rent it out to Underworld on the proviso that he's put in charge of the building work. When Izzy finds out that Sarah has refused to accept the offer as Derek is an associate of Gary's she tells the factory staff who are furious she is putting her feelings above their jobs. Sarah is overruled. Meanwhile, Maria does her best to comfort Emma who's clearly very worried about her Dad. Clearly upset, Emma tells Maria that her Mum, who lives in Australia, refuses to come over and visit her Dad despite his illness.
Alina tells Seb how the police raided the house where she and the other girls were staying, but her support worker is sorting her out with a safe house. Seb begs Alina to keep in touch but she refuses to make any promises. Elsewhere, a furious Steve tells Tyrone that Evelyn is running an illegal gambling den from the corner shop using inside information gleaned from James. Jo Lafoe tells Carla about her new online business and offers her a job. Carla's flattered.
READ: Paula Williamson, Coronation Street actress & ex-wife of Charles Bronson, dies
More about coronation street
Coronation Street star Alexandra Mardell celebrates new relationship milestone
Inside the Coronation Street stars' houses away from the cobbles
Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn opens up about terrifying hospital dash
Coronation Street spoilers January 14-18: Sinead gives birth early after receiving tragic news
Coronation Street spoilers: Peter's boat goes up in flames – but will everyone make it out safely?
Coronation Street spoilers: Tracy won't let Tyler ruin their adoption plans
Coronation Street spoilers: Shona is torn between her past and her future
Coronation Street spoilers: One family face devastation after losing a loved one
Coronation Street 31 March – 5 April spoilers: Tim in danger after suffering heart attack
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2428
|
__label__cc
| 0.652541
| 0.347459
|
>Music
>Johnny Cash - HFSID 203576
JOHNNY CASH - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 203576
JOHNNY CASH Signed photo of Cash performing in a casual outdoor setting Photograph signed: "Johnny Cash", B/w, 8x10. Cash (1932-2003) had some big country/pop crossover hits in the 1950s, including "I Walk the Line" (1956) and "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" (1958).
Condition: lightly creased
Signed photo of Cash performing in a casual outdoor setting
Photograph signed: "Johnny Cash", B/w, 8x10. Cash (1932-2003) had some big country/pop crossover hits in the 1950s, including "I Walk the Line" (1956) and "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" (1958). After recovering from amphetamine abuse problems with the help of his wife, June Carter Cash, he bounced back with hits including "Ring of Fire", "Folsom Prison Blues" (1969) and "A Boy Named Sue" (1970). Cash had a TV show (1969-1971), has appeared in several films and earned ten Grammy awards between 1967 and 2000. In 1980, he became the youngest ever inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Cash outlived his wife June by less than four months. Lightly creased. Ink note (unknown hand) on verso (no show-through). Fine condition.
JOHNNY CASH - RECORD ALBUM COVER SIGNED - HFSID 283825
JOHNNY CASH - PROGRAM SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 279542
JOHNNY CASH - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH CIRCA 1988 - HFSID 269363
JOHNNY CASH - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 216270
JOHNNY CASH - MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPH SIGNED - HFSID 54379
JOHNNY CASH - INSCRIBED PICTURE POSTCARD SIGNED - HFSID 192928
JAMES COTTON - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 279551
FILLMORE EAST - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 281120
FATHER KNOWS BEST TV CAST - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 282752
SHIRLEY TEMPLE - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH 1990 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 190980
GENE AUTRY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 41874
THE PLATTERS - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 322850
GUY LOMBARDO ORCHESTRA (KENNY GARDNER) - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 258729
DON MURRAY - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 344428
JACK LEMMON - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 294137
AL CHECCO - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 142127
Baseball Bats (1)
Sports Cards (68)
Unsigned Posters (1)
Unsigned Lobby Cards (1)
Media Covers (54)
Record Albums (267)
Pick Guards (31)
Drumheads (14)
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2430
|
__label__wiki
| 0.885919
| 0.885919
|
Profile for Abigail
new search (on/off)
Courtesy reminder: Please do not contact the provider(s) below if you're seeking any kind of illegal / inappropriate sexual services. Mention you found their ad on HolisticAnywhere.com. Please read our Privacy Policy and Third Party Disclosure.
Enter your ZIP code or select a city.
Find providers within mileskms
Incalls & Outcalls Incalls Outcalls
Include virtual (online, phone) providers.
Only profiles w/photos.
Show me just the photos, no description.
Search reviews for keywords too. Help
Massage! Massage! Massage!
E-mail: (awaiting verification)
Location: Central London and Surrounding areas
London, Greater London SE1, UK
Outcalls only. Available within the provider's 5 mile range.
Style(s): Swedish massage with gentle to firm pressure and a mix of the most relaxing tecniques from both Western and Eastern massage traditions.
Hours: 11am - 8pm Wednesday to Sunday
Fees: £60 for 90 minutes.
Description: “I love to get a massage but I'm quite a baby with it. I don't like them too hard or anyone walking on me or anything. When it's good, it's the best thing ever. When it's bad, it's an hour of absolute agony.” Lara Stone, model, actress and wife of David Walliams.
If you love gentle to firm massage then my massage is for you. I enjoy making people feel amazing and therefore people who are open to having a complete body massage- head- scalp and face, torso, legs and feet are the people who benefit most from one of my massages.
A good massage is just as good as a physical exercise regime but without the blood, sweat and tears. Christian Barnard the first surgeon to perform a successful heart transplant said
"If the poor overweight jogger only knew how far he had to run to work off the calories in a crust of bread he might find it better in terms of pound per mile to go for a massage."
The best place to have a massage is at home so that if you don't want to get up once the massage is over you don't have to.
"I like to have a massage therapist come to my house, get a massage, take a bath, go to bed. That's a perfect night alone for me.” Stacy Keibler, model and actress.
I treat both men and women.
(click to resize)
Complaint? Let us know.
CAUTION: HolisticAnywhere.com does not as a regular practice screen or verify users, advertisers, advertisements or other content. Your use of the HolisticAnywhere.com website and contact with persons is solely at your own risk and discretion, subject to the Terms of Service.
About | FAQ | Advertise | Contact Us
Linking to HA | Terms of Service | Privacy
Copyright 2018 HolisticAnywhere.com™. All rights reserved.
Other marks, names and titles are property of their respective owners.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2432
|
__label__wiki
| 0.527204
| 0.527204
|
Samantha D'Souza, MSc
"Over the past two years, the experiences I have gained at the BRI have truly been invaluable. I am grateful for the endless encouragement and support I have received, which has not only helped to increase my skill set, but has also fostered new academic opportunities."
Investigating Sensory Plasticity in Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral palsy Following Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP) experience upper limb sensory processing and motor deficits. While constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is effective in improving motor hand function in HCP, its impact on sensory function remains under-investigated. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of CIMT on sensory function in children with HCP using neuroimaging and clinical diagnostic tools. Ten children with HCP attended a three-week CIMT intervention with the integration of a sensory component to optimize potential sensory change. Both magnetoencephalography (MEG) and clinical sensory/motor assessments were completed at: baseline (one week prior to CIMT), one and six months post-baseline. Clinical sensory and MEG measures were compared between all three time points. CIMT did not result in significant changes in clinical sensory modalities or MEG somatosensory processing of the affected hand. This suggests that sensation may be less remedial to CIMT intervention than enhanced upper limb motor function and hand usage. Other potential interpretations include the contribution of lower synaptogenesis ability for a subcortical axonal injury versus cortical lesion injury and high baseline sensory function. This is the first study to investigate the effect of CIMT on sensory function utilizing clinical sensory measures and neural processing.
Jessica Tomasi, MHSc
"The Bloorview Research Institute is a uniquely collaborative and inspiring place to work and study. Both the academic support and sense of community within our lab, and the Research Institute as a whole, enriched my graduate student experience and made my time at Holland Bloorview two years to remember. Thank you!"
Development and evaluation of a Sensor System to monitor the stance-phase control function of the Automatic Stance-Phase Lock (ASPL) mechanism
The Automatic Stance-Phase Lock is the novel stance-phase control mechanism employed by the All-Terrain Knee. Gait analysis tools are often limited to controlled environments and cannot directly monitor the ASPL. The objective of this project was to design and test a sensor system to measure ASPL function and to begin to explore the effects of relevant alignment, terrain, and mobility conditions on its performance.
The results of the study indicate that the developed system is sensitive to knee lock position changes, knee extension and flexion, and gait events. Data collected by the system confirms the fundamental relationships between applied moments and knee lock engagement which defines ASPL stance-phase control. Measurable differences in ASPL function allude to its responsiveness to variable gait conditions.
The developed system has the proven potential for use in larger biomechanical and clinical studies to inform All-Terrain Knee design iterations and optimise patient-specific prosthetic alignment and set-up.
Sarah Sarabadani, MASc
"Having the opportunity of working in the warm and supportive environment of BRI provided me with lots of valuable professional outcomes. Conducting study with direct interaction with children with autism and feeling that you have an impact on their lives was a great and exciting part of my work."
Physiological Detection of Emotional States in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with difficulties in emotion processing including attributing emotional states to others and processing of one’s own emotional experiences. These difficulties are linked to core social impairments and increased severity of psychiatric co-morbidities such as depression. The nature of these difficulties has remained largely unknown. This is partially due to limitations in obtaining reliable self report of emotional experiences in this population.
Emotion detection using physiological signals is a promising direction in addressing this limitation. Physiological signals can provide a language free method for understanding emotional states in ASD. The use of this approach has not been studied in ASD.
To this end we develop a physiological approach to detection of emotion in children with ASD. We showed that emotional states can be classified with accuracies>80% in a sample of children with ASD which affirms the feasibility of discriminating affective states in this population.
Zahra Emami, MASc
"It has been a wonderful past couple of years getting to know the talented and passionate people that make up BRI. If the BRI environment was any more enjoyable than it was, I would have been distracted from my own research!"
Addressing the Effects of Distractors in a Brain-Computer Interface
A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a technology that allows its user to operate a device or application by means of cognitive activity. Because they do not require any motor input, BCIs have significant applications for individuals with severely impaired motor control. Therefore, the ultimate setting for the use of BCIs are real-world environments such as clinics and homes. However, the effects of certain variables present in the real-world, which may not be present in the lab where BCI research is normally conducted, may impede the ease and successful use of BCIs by the end-user. One environmental factor whose influence on BCIs has yet to be systematically examined is a distractor. My thesis investigated the effect of transient, visual task-irrelevant distractors on a motor imagery BCI using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain signals. While distractors had an adverse effect on motor imagery-related brain activation patterns, and on a physiological measure of cognitive load, the BCI system was relatively robust to distractor effects on performance. This thesis demonstrated that such a BCI system may be promising for eventual real-world use, although efforts at reducing distractor-related increases in cognitive load on BCI users need to be made to improve the ease-of-use of the technology.
Nicole Proulx, MASc
"The BRI was a positive and supportive environment which continuously motivated me to learn more and pursue research which would improve quality of life."
Detection and Online Classification of the Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Fast Optical Signal for Brain-Computer Interfaces
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can detect a fast optical signal (FOS), corresponding to optical property changes in neuronal tissue during neuronal activation. The FOS has high temporal and spatial resolution, but has a low signal-to-noise ratio. The FOS has yet to be automatically classified, hence its value as a BCI control signal remains unknown. During offline and online sessions, participants performed a visual oddball task. In offline sessions, the FOS was validated with electroencephalography (EEG) measurements of event-related potential (ERPs). Spectral relationships between FOS and ERP oddball responses were found in upper delta and theta bands using coherence and Granger causality metrics. A temporal FOS-ERP correlation was also found 200 ms after oddball presentation. Offline and online FOS classification of oddballs versus frequent responses was achieved with average balanced accuracies of 62 ± 5% and 63 ± 6%, respectively. FOS classification results were above chance but did not reach the threshold (>70%) for effective BCI communication.
Elias Abou Zied, PhD
"I enjoyed a motivating environment, where research is put into practice to enable kids with disabilities."
A Ternary Brain-computer Interface based on Single-trial Readiness Potentials of Self-initiated Fine Movements
This thesis investigates the feasibility of a ternary brain-computer interface (BCI) using the single-trial readiness potential (RP) of self-initiated fine movements. The BCI classified among an idle state and fine motor movements in the left and right hands. Three studies were conducted, each investigating a step towards this ternary BCI. The first study presented a novel technique of feature fusion from an optimal number of electrodes, for the prediction of a self-initiated fine movement from an idle state in single-trials. This technique achieved significantly lower classification error than the best single classifier and some conventional classifier fusion methods. The first study also confirmed the detection of the self-initiated fine movements on a single-trial basis, at above-chance levels, starting 396 ms before their motoric realization. The highest detection accuracy was 82.21% at 250 ms before movement. The second study formulated a novel pipeline of spatio-temporal filtering (PSTF) feature extraction method for laterality classification of self-initiated fine movements. The PSTF achieved significantly higher average classification accuracy (74.99%) than two conventional methods. This second study achieved a significant improvement in single-trial fine movement laterality prediction from RP features alone. The final study investigated a ternary BCI based on a single-trial RP of self-initiated fine movements. The study extended the PSTF for feature extraction in the ternary case, and proposed a diversified classification algorithm for multiclass binary decomposition. The proposed approach achieved significantly higher average classification accuracy (96.24% for idle class; 77.79% for left class; 72.37% for right class) than the conventional multiclass classifier and popular binary decomposition methods. This thesis demonstrates the potential of a ternary BCI based exclusively on RP features. It supports further study of RP-based BCI for intuitive asynchronous control of the environment, such as in augmentative communication or wheelchair navigation.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2433
|
__label__wiki
| 0.713386
| 0.713386
|
'The Seer and the Unseen': Film Review | San Francisco Film Festival 2019
6:30 PM PDT 4/13/2019 by Caryn James
Courtesy of Sara Dosa
Savvy, appealing and meticulously made. TWITTER
An Icelandic woman communicates with elves and tries to save the environment in a strong, surprising documentary.
Ragnhildur Jonsdottir, known as Ragga, is a gentle, thoughtful woman who says that since childhood she has been able to see and communicate with the elves, dwarves and trolls who are an integral part of Icelandic myth and history. Now a grandmother and a seer often consulted about where elves are and what they are saying, she is also an environmental activist and the heroine of The Seer and the Unseen.
While its mystical subject defies logic, Sara Dosa’s verite film is cogent and appealing thanks to a savvy strategy. Dosa respects Ragga’s beliefs without endorsing them, and positions her activism as a metaphor for saving the environment. In fact, the activist group Ragga is part of focuses on protecting nature. Think of her as a poet rather than an elf-whisperer and this beautifully constructed film works for even the most rational viewers.
Dosa sets up the trajectory of The Seer and the Unseen gradually, first introducing viewers to Ragga as a character, then to her particular environmental cause, and eventually the entire Icelandic economy. This director knows what she’s doing. Her 2014 documentary, The Last Season, about a Cambodian and an American war veteran who bond, was nominated for an Independent Spirit Truer Than Fiction Award.
Ragga is heard in voiceover, seen with her grandchildren putting a dish of honey outside the door for the elves who live in the yard, and talking to an offscreen, unheard interviewer. (Much of the film is in English, including Ragga’s on-camera interview, with smaller sections in Icelandic with subtitles.) She emerges as thoroughly likable, not a firebrand or proselytizer, clear-eyed and sensible about the skepticism of the unbelieving world.
As a child, she says, she hid her ability to talk to spirits because the other kids would have thought she was crazy. But within the last decade she has become outspoken about it. The cameras go along as the owner of a bed and breakfast, planning an addition to the inn, asks her to consult. He wants to know if there are spirit creatures living on the land who might be upset. She looks around, points to places where she sees elf settlements and tells the owner they would not be disrupted. The elves appreciate his asking. For him, the consultation seems to be a harmless reassurance, almost superstitious, but neither of them seems like a crackpot.
The pic soon focuses on the cause engaging Ragga and her group, Friends of the Lava Conservation. They are fighting against plans for a road to be built over a lava field in a suburb of Reykjavik. The group protests, refusing to move from the path of the bulldozers until police come and haul them away. Dosa’s pacing is shrewd throughout. Just when it seems as if this protest is happening off the radar, her cameras pull back to include television news crews covering the event, the camera people in bright yellow identifying vests that say "Media."
The film deftly links that road to the Icelandic economy, rebounding after the 2008 crash. Experts and quick news clips tell us that deregulation led to a boom and an influx of foreign money, then to the crash. Only recently has the country gotten back on track financially, with construction once more threatening to blight parts of nature.
Although the road-building continues, soon the elves are asking Ragga to at least save their church, located inside a giant bolder in the construction’s path. She lobbies the town officials, and is surprisingly effective, getting them to move the rock aside. As Ragga and the cameras watch, a crane lifts the boulder, which seems about to break apart. The film creates enough suspense to make you hold your breath, even if you are convinced no elf has ever worshipped there.
The movie’s tone is not far from Ragga’s own. "I won’t try to convince you," she tells a small group as she leads a snowy tour of a park where elves live. She asks only that they try to look with the open eyes of their childhood selves, and let the adult parts of their brains kick in after. She herself is a realist about what she can do. "You have to save whatever can be saved," she says, happy that at least the church was preserved. Ever an optimist, she mentions having seen angry dwarves and trolls, but her emphasis is on more benign spirits.
Even though the filmmakers documented Ragga over several years, Erin Casper’s editing and Patrick Kollman’s camerawork make it look seamless. Spectacular views of nature — ice and sea, flowers and hills — are juxtaposed with scenes of sprawling, ugly construction sites. The look is crisp and uniform, the comparisons effective. After the silence of a natural scene, the sound of machinery is jarring.
As the title hints, Ragga is both a seer, as in visionary, and a see-er to whom the spirit world is visible. This captivating film does not ask viewers to see elves with her, but to observe and hear the quiet, enduring, threatened natural world all around.
Production company: Signpost Pictures
Director: Sara Dosa
Producers: Shane Boris, Sara Dosa
Director of photography: Patrick Kollman
Editor: Erin Casper
Music: Giosue Greco, Tara Atkinson, Dan Romer
Venue: San Francisco International Film Festival
Sales: Submarine Entertainment
Caryn James
THRnews@thr.com carynjames
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2434
|
__label__wiki
| 0.597158
| 0.597158
|
Human Rights in China 中国人权 | HRIC
Citizens' Square
HRIC Biweekly
HRIC Publications
June Fourth
China and the United Nations
709 Crackdown
A Culture Endangered: Depopulating the Grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau
Tenzin Norbu
China Rights Forum
Print HTML Forward Facebook Twitter Reddit 微博 QQ空间 百度贴吧
Overview: Melting Tibetan Plateau
With an average elevation of 4,500 meters, the Tibetan Plateau is one of the most distinctive land-features on earth. It occupies an area of 2.5 million square kilometers—more than one quarter of the size of China—and is the world’s highest and largest plateau in the world. For many generations, this Plateau has provided the basic necessities to sustain life, allowing human civilization to flourish beyond its vast border. The modern era now begins to acknowledge the significance of its strategic location for both developing peace and harmony within the region or conflict.
The Tibetan Plateau, also referred as “The Water Tower of Asia,” is the headwaters of major rivers that flow into India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Approximately 1.3 billion people are directly dependent on the health of ten major rivers that originate in Tibet. The total river basin area is estimated to be greater than 5.6 million square kilometers. With its snow peaks and glaciers, the Plateau provides freshwater resource to a wide swatch of Asia, in areas ranging from the deserts of Pakistan and India to the rice paddies of southern Vietnam, from the great Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia to the North China Plain.
In recent years, critical components of Tibet’s ecosystem are undergoing major transformations due to climate change. For instance, climate change has led to receding glaciers, shrinking and disappearance of thousands of lakes, drying of wetlands, thawing of permafrost, and reduced flow regimes in many rivers. Abnormal weather conditions due to climate change have made subsistence farming and herding more unpredictable, thus impacting the livelihoods of a majority of Tibetans. These days, on the Plateau, the spring thawing is earlier and the permafrost is melting away before the growing plants can access the water. These changes affect not only the crops but also the native vegetation of Tibet, especially in wetlands and other low lying areas. The loss of wetland in turn threatens the migratory birds that are used to making Tibetan stopovers during the mating season.
Endangering Pastoralism and Grasslands Stewardship in Tibet
It was mobility that was the very essence of herding. Pastoral nomads in the Old World Dry Belt, whether in the savannahs of Africa, the steppes of central Asia or the high altitude pastures of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, have always needed to move their animals regularly to make use of the spatial and temporal patchiness of grassland resources. Nomadism was therefore more than just an ecological adaptation or an adaptation to the political environment. It was a ‘region-specific, temporally and spatially ubiquitous survival strategy… an alternative to the sedentary cultures of agricultural and urban societies.
Fred Scholz, Nomadismus. Theorie und Wandeleinersozio-ökologischenKulturweise (Nomadism.Theory and change of a socio-ecological mode of culture), 1995.
While often ridiculed as primitive or even ‘incomplete’ by outsiders, [nomadism] is in fact a highly sophisticated adaptation for exploiting energy captured in the grasslands of the region.
R. Merkle, “Nomadism: A socio-ecological mode of culture,” 2000. Centre for Development Studies, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Free University of Berlin, Germany.
Mobility was crucial, moving on before grazing pressure destroys plants, exposing the dying turf to the icy gales and blizzards of Tibet which can strip soil, leaving only bare rock. Nomadic knowledge of how, when and where to graze, and the nomadic willingness to live in portable woven yak hair tents, summer and winter, with their animals, kept the pasture free of invasive toxic weeds, erosion, shrub invasion, and infestations of pests. None of this was known in the 1980s, except to the nomads themselves…. It is only in the 21st century that Chinese and global science have caught up with what the nomads have always known.
Gabriel Lafitte, development policy expert, from communications with the author, 2010.
Pastoralism on the Tibetan Plateau is an adaptation to a cold environment at elevations above the limit of cultivation. For centuries, the Tibetan nomads, drogpas, in Tibetan, and herders have successfully maintained a sustainable and mobile lifestyle, traveling from winter to summer pasture lands and from autumn to spring pasture lands (Figures 2 & 3). The grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau represent one of the last remaining agro-pastoral regions in the world. Almost 70 percent of the Plateau itself is covered in these precious grasslands. The pasture lands are made habitable through the co-existence of the Tibetan people and their yaks. Through their efforts, they have maintained sustainable use of this area for many centuries.
China’s grassland policies over the past several decades, however, threaten the sustainability of this delicate environmental balance. The policies have reduced the flexibility and mobility of the nomads, which are the key components of nomadic pastoral production. At the same time, the livestock has been blamed for overgrazing the grasslands.
Implementation of Failed Policies
In the name of modernization and conservation, Chinese authorities forcibly removed the Tibetan nomads from their ancestral pastoral lands and compelled them to slaughter and sell their livestock. The nomads have been made to live on state rations; some of them sold their belongings to become small vendors. And their lack of other skills prevents them from finding alternative means of making a living.
During the era of the commune system, 1958-1979, the nomads were herded into communes, stripped of all their possessions, turned into production brigades, and given rations according to their work points. No production meant no rations. From the outset, the new class of cadres in command saw the nomads not as stewards and curators of the landscape, but as ignorant, backward, and irrational people, utterly lacking in enthusiasm for class struggle. At the same time, under the control of the new cadres, the herd size steadily grew to unsustainable levels and the chain of grassland degradation began. Twenty years later, in the late 1970s, the communes collapsed, having failed except for one achievement: the number of animals, in all Chinese official statistics, had climbed steadily every year.
In the early 1980s, nomads were given their animals back, but not their land. As soon as they regained some control over their lives, the nomads cut the number of sheep back to more sustainable levels. It is now widely known that grassland degradation and the increased grazing pressure actually started with the commune system.
The Household Contract Responsibility System (HCRS) or the “Grassland Law” was adopted in 1985, ostensibly to protect the degrading grasslands and to modernize animal husbandry. But some researchers argue that, in fact, the law was implemented to enable the government to gain more control over the pastures and to stop the over-exploitation of the grasslands, which the government apparently viewed as the most important cause of grassland degradation. In the 1980s Tibetan nomadic herders, like China’s peasant farmers, were officially promised long term land tenure, to encourage them to see their allotted grazing land as theirs, and be motivated to care for it. Long after the Chinese farmers had been given such guarantees of land use in the form of land lease certificates, the nomads were at last given the same guarantees, in the 1990s—long-term leaseholds to their land that ranged from 30 to 50 years. This encouraged conservation of pastures and gave the nomads a sense of ownership.
Along with the Grassland Law, state authorities gradually implemented the so-called Four-Way Program or“Si Pei Tao”（四配套）, ordering region-wide fencing regimes and the construction of shelters for nomads and livestock (Fig 4). The Animal Husbandry Bureau, the implementing agency of the program, stated that this program was meant to improve people’s lives and control livestock and grazing. In practice, the program limited the mobility of the livestock and encouraged the herders to invest and spend more time in winter pastures, resulting in increased grazing pressure on a smaller land area. Thus the program in fact intensified, or, at least in part, caused, the problems for which the herders are now being blamed. At the same time, other policies, driven by China’s longstanding disdain for mobile people, were also implemented. Limits on family size and herd size were gradually made compulsory. Gone was the annual cycle of overwintering in lower plateau pastures and herding up into the alpine meadows in summer. Mobility was compromised and curtailed.
In the 1990s, after the implementation of a series of policies and measures, it became obvious that everything on the grasslands was going wrong. The living turf was dying, eroding, and slumping, only to be torn away by wild weather, reduced to bare rock or “black beach,” as Chinese scientists called it. Burrowing rodent populations exploded, in plague proportions. Toxic invasive weeds multiplied. The rangelands were degrading, including the arid area of northeastern Tibet where both of China’s great rivers, the Yangtze and Yellow River, rise from glacier melt.
Chinese scientists and administrators offered only one explanation: the nomads were overstocking beyond the carrying capacity of the pastures. The compulsory overstocking during the commune system was not mentioned; the subject was, and still is, off-limits. But recent research has revealed that overgrazing and degradation of the grasslands are not the result of grazing livestock alone. Herders point to weather changes, rodents, and mining activities as important factors causing grassland changes.
In 2003, a grassland rehabilitation policy was implemented throughout China’s grasslands and in pastoral areas. In Chinese, the Restore Grassland Policy is called tuimu huanco（退牧还草）, which means “closing pastures to restore grasslands.” The key measure of this policy is the relocation of herders from the grasslands to state-built housing, a measure that has been intensified in recent years. The land lease certificates guaranteeing nomads long term land tenure have been nullified. Instantly, all of the herders’ skills, risk management strategies, environmental services, traditional knowledge, and biodiversity conservation practices were made superfluous. The harshest measures have been enforced in Golok and Yushu prefectures, in the area China considers to be the source of its great rivers. There, in Chinese view, the downstream water supply is threatened by rangeland degradation caused by destructive nomads. In this large area, nomads are frequently “villagized” in new concrete settlements called “line villages” that are far from their customary grazing land, and they are required to sell their livestock.
For decades, other policies such as de-stocking and rodent poisoning were enforced against the religious sentiments of the herders. For instance, one person from each family is required to join in the drive to poison the rodents, the Tibetan pikas. Tibetans find it deeply distressing to have to poison the animals whose habitat they share. They also dislike having to sell so many animals, both because raising animals for slaughter is against Buddhist ethics, but also because, in a land with no social safety net, herd size is the only wealth, security, insurance, capital, collateral against loans, and dowry. Over the past 40 years, the Chinese government has sponsored the systematic poisoning of pikas, most recently using grain laced with Botulin C strain toxin (Clostridium botulinum). Approximately 320,000 square kilometers grasslands were poisoned! But researchers have argued that these rodents are the keystone species of the grasslands, and that their large-scale killing may even be harmful for the grasslands and is almost certain to affect other wildlife and the broader environment.
China’s own scientists have now learned, through patient observation that the grasslands of Tibet, when grazed moderately and intermittently, with herds being moved on well before the short summer growing season ends, actually maintain a higher biodiversity than un-grazed pastures, where toxic weeds pervade and biodiversity declines.
What Science Says about Grassland Degradation
Many researchers have found that depopulating these grasslands and labeling the nomads as ecological migrants will not help to restore the pastures. Although the stated objective of tuimu huancao is to grow grass and thus conserve watersheds, careful scientific observation shows that when all grazing is removed, the biodiversity of grasses diminishes, medicinal herbs are driven out by toxic weeds, and woody shrubs make the land unusable.
Research has shown that the carrying capacity of some grasslands has been far exceeded partly due to the inappropriate land-use and land management practices of the 1950s. Researchers also cite rainfall—rather than livestock numbers, past or present—as the major determinant of grassland productivity on the Tibetan Plateau. Some recent field studies also revealed that grazing actually helps regenerate the grasslands by improving the soil carbon-nitrogen ratio and extending the growing season. Even some Chinese researchers have attributed the degradation of these grasslands to factors such as permafrost degradation, irrational human disturbance (mining, road construction, conversion of grassland to cropland, gold mining, overgrazing etc.), and climate warming.
Field observations conducted on these grasslands indicate positive connections between the grazing herds of the nomads and the grasslands. Researchers say that abandoning these grasslands will lead to the domination by invasive species and reduced biodiversity. Damage to the grasslands would in turn affect the permafrost soil.
Joblessness and alcoholism amongst the youth are prevalent in the new settlements—where the elders are often seen reminiscing their past lives and reliving them in their memories, and the younger ones are scavenging to earn a little extra money. From our recent interactions with drogpas and herders who fled into exile in India, and from research conducted inside Tibet, we came to know that the current policy of forced “villagization” is in fact a very strategic move on the part of the state to keep all the mobile pastoral wanderers on a tight leash and to have open access to pastures for extractive industries without facing any resentment. The policy also enables the central government to boast that it has made sizable investments in elevating the lifestyles of local residents. But, as many anthropologist and scholars recognize, development has less to do with external materialistic life than with the freedom to choose and to lead the life that one values and respects. Given the choice of livelihood, we believe that almost all the residents of these newly constructed concrete settlements would prefer to go back to their previous lifestyle without a second thought, even it if meant leaving a two-bedroom house.
A documentary, “The Last Of The Mogru Nomadic Clan,” has captured the plight of the displaced drogpas in Mogru, in Qinghai. Chinese tourists who visit Mogru town like to be photographed with Tibetan children of the Mogru clan, who are made to dress as if they are timeless nomads, people without history, forever smiling. Perhaps the tourists do not know that the land of the clan was taken to build the Atomic City tourist facilities, and the Mogru Tibetans have no source of income other than posing for happy tourist snapshots. Attempts by the Mogru Tibetans to petition Beijing and seek justice have come to nothing.
We have found that the people being moved or lured to these concrete settlements under the guise of different programs euphemistically named ecological migration or comfortable housings projects number approximately 3.2 million in whole of Tibet, including Amdo and Kham province. According to Chinese state media in 2011, another 185,500 families are expected to move into new homes by 2013. These figures reflect the number of people whose lifestyle is now directly under the control of the central government and nothing more.
Following his mission to China in December 2010 where he saw the conditions of the newly-settled drogpas and herders in the concrete camps, Prof. Olivier De Schutter, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, publicly opposed the resettlement policy.[1] More recently, on March 6, 2012, at the UN Human Right Council in Geneva, he again expressed concerns about the displaced people living in the "new socialist-villages”.[2]
The compulsory ecological migration of the Tibetan nomads is grounded in ignorance, prejudice, and a failure to listen and learn. China is far from alone in assuming its nomads are backward and responsible for degrading land. But around the world, governments now increasingly recognize that pastoral nomadic mobility holds the key to sustainability on the dry lands of the world.
Any development in Tibet should be based on the approach of listening to the land and listening to the people. The land and its resources must be used within its capabilities and ecological limits; and any policy implementation and developmental activities must respect the cultural tradition of Tibetans, which is based on centuries-old practice of sustainable use.
The experiences and intimate knowledge of pastoral nomads should be incorporated into rangeland management practices. There should be a principle of collaborative management attending to the needs of the pastoral nomads and herders alike.
A healthy and sustainable Tibetan Plateau is important because it would benefit the entire Asian continent and would further enhance peace and harmony within the region, especially between two major super powers, India and China.
Tenzin Norbu is the Director of the Environment and Development Desk of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, India. He is a graduate of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, where he studied Environmental Technology and Management, and later worked as a senior researcher in the Environmental Engineering Program. He was born in India.
[1] UN – A/HRC/19/59/Add.1 Human Right Council 19 Session, Agenda item 3.
[2] UN Special Rapporteur challenges China’s forced resettlement policy in Tibet, http://tibet.net/2012/03/07/un-special-rapporteur-challenges-chinas-forc...
Anthony D. Arthura, Roger P. Pecha, Chris Daveya, Jiebub, Zhang Yanmingc, Lin Huid, Livestock grazing, plateau pikas and the conservation of avian biodiversity on the Tibetan plateau, Biological Conservation 141 (2008) 1972 -1981
Associated Press, phayul.com, China forcing Tibetan nomads to settle in towns, http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=16790&t=1
Barnett, T.P., Adam, J.C., Lettenmaier, D.P., 2005. Potential impacts of a warming climate on water availability in snow-dominated regions. Nature 438, 303–309.
Breivik, Irene. 2007. THE POLITICAL ECOLOGY OF GRASSLAND CONSERVATION IN QINGHAI PROVINCE, CHINA: DISCOURSE, POLICIES AND THE HERDERS. MA thesis, Norwegian University of Life Sciences , Department of International Environment and Development Studies, NORAGRIC http://www.case.edu/affil/tibet/tibetanNomads/documents/IreneBreivikpoliticsgrasslands.pdf
D.J. Miller, 'Why Tibet Matters Now Part 1', China Dialogue, http://www.chinadialogue.net.
EDD-COP15 Briefing papers, Environment and Development Desk, DIIR, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala, HP, India. Available online, http://tibet.net/publications/
Environment and Development Desk, 'TIBET, A Human Development and Environment Report' EDD, DIIR, Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamsala, HP, India, ISBN 81-86627-68-5, (2008).
Gabriel Laffite, personal communication. www.rukor.org (2010).
Guodong Cheng and Tonghua Wu, Responses of permafrost to climate change and their environmental significance, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 112, 2007 http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-07/17/content_5437231.htm
Human Rights Watch, China “No One Has the Liberty to Refuse", Tibetan Herders Forcibly Relocated in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and the Tibet Autonomous Region, June 2007, Volume 19, No. 8 (C).
J. Marc Foggin, Depopulating the Tibetan Grasslands, National Policies and Perspectives for the Future of Tibetan Herders in Qinghai Province, China, Mountain Research and Development Vol 28 No 1 Feb 2008: 26–31, doi:10.1659/mrd.0972. http://www.case.edu/affil/tibet/tibetanNomads/documents/Foggin_J._Marc.pdf
Jane Q., China: The third pole: Climate change is coming fast and furious to the Tibetan plateau, naturenews, Published online July 23, (2008).
John Isom, Tibet's Nomadic Pastoralists: Tradition, Transformation and Prospects, http://www.iwgia.org/publications/search-pubs?publication_id=402
Julia A. Klein, John Harte and Xin-Quan Zhao, Experimental warming causes large and rapid species loss, dampened by simulated grazing, on the Tibetan Plateau, Ecology Letter, (2004).
Julia A. Klein, John Harte and Xin-Quan Zhao, Experimental warming, not grazing, decreases rangeland quality on the Tibetan Plateau, Ecological Applications, 17-2, (2007).
Matt Perrement, 'Resettled Tibetans “can’t live on charity forever”, China Development Brief, Reporting the latest news on China's social development. http://www.surmang.org/pdf/pah1.pdf
PhurbuThinley,phayul.com,,China relocates 6000 Tibetan nomads in Shangri-la under its controversial program, http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=28631&t=1
Ptackova: Sedentarisation of Tibetan nomads in China: Implementation of the Nomadic settlement project in the Tibetan Amdo area; Qinghai and Sichuan Provinces. Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice 2011 1:4.
R. Merkle, Nomadism: A socio-ecological mode of culture, Centre for Development Studies, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Free University of Berlin, Germany. http://www.ilri.org/InfoServ/Webpub/fulldocs/yakpro/SessionA12.htm
Scholz F. 1995. Nomadismus. Theorie und Wandeleinersozio-ökologischenKulturweise (Nomadism. Theory and change of a socio-ecological mode of culture). Franz Steiner Verlag, Stuttgart, Germany. 300 pp.
Tenzin Norbu and Chokyi „Climate Change on the Roof of the World‟, Global Convention on Climate Security and Eco – Investors Forum, S M Convention Centre, Palampur (HP), India.12 – 14 June 2009, pp. 123- 124
Tony Lovell and Bruce Ward, Regenerating grasslands (2009), http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jul/13/manchester-report-gras...
709 Crackdown Access to Information Access to Justice Administrative Detention All about law Arbitrary Detention
Asset Transparency Bilateral Dialogue Black Jail Book Review Business And Human Rights Censorship
Charter 08 Children Chinese Law Circumvention technology Citizen Activism Citizen Journalists
Citizen Participation Civil Society Commentary Communist Party Of China Constitution Consumer Safety
Contending views Corruption Counterterrorism Courageous Voices Cultural Revolution Culture Matters
Current affairs Cyber Security Daily Challenges Democratic And Political Reform Demolition And Relocation Dissidents
Education Elections Enforced Disappearance Environment Ethnic Minorities EU-China
Family Planning Farmers Freedom of Association Freedom of Expression Freedom of Press Freedom of Religion
Government Accountability Government regulation Government transparency Hong Kong House Arrest HRIC Translation
Hukou Human Rights Council Human rights developments Illegal Search And Detention Inciting Subversion Of State Power Information Control
Information technology Information, Communications, Technology (ICT) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) International Human Rights International perspective International Relations
Internet Internet Governance JIansanjiang lawyers' rights defense Judicial Reform June Fourth Kidnapping
Labor Camps Labor Rights Land, Property, Housing Lawyer's rights Lawyers Legal System
Letters from the Mainland Major Event (Environment, Food Safety, Accident, etc.) Mao Zedong Microblogs (Weibo) National People's Congress (NPC) New Citizens Movement
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Olympics One country, two systems Online Activism Open Government Information Personal stories
Police Brutality Political commentary Political Prisoner Politics Prisoner Of Conscience Probing history
Propaganda Protests And Petitions Public Appeal Public Security Racial Discrimination Reeducation-Through-Labor
Rights Defenders Rights Defense Rule Of Law Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Special Topic State compensation
State Secrets State Security Subversion Of State Power Surveillance Technology Thoughts/Theories
Tiananmen Mothers Tibet Torture Typical cases United Nations US-China
Uyghurs, Uighurs Vulnerable Groups Women Youth Youth Perspective
Header and Footer Blocks
Human Rights in China
HRIC New York Office: 110 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, United States
Tel: +1 212-239-4495, hrichina@hrichina.org
HRIC Hong Kong Office: GPO, P.O. Box 1778, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2710 8021, hrichk@hrichina.org
© Human Rights in China, 2013.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2438
|
__label__wiki
| 0.635168
| 0.635168
|
Sportopinion
Are British coaches deemed an afterthought in Super League?
Paul Cooke analyses Super League's coaching situation following Huddersfield's appointment of Simon Woolford
Paul Cooke
Huddersfield Giants have replaced outgoing Rick Stone with Newcastle Knights assistant coach Simon Woolford.
It seems British coaches are an afterthought when it comes to Super League appointments. Is there a lack of British coaches capable of taking the elite level jobs as opposed to Australian coaches? It’s a debate that could be answered strategically with good arguments for and against depending which side of the fence you sit.
I’ve visited many different organisations, all have differing opinions on sport and getting the best out of players. Weekly schedules differ, coaches have different philosophies. But one thing that never differs is that each coaching set-up coach basically the same things, they give roughly the same amount of time to each broken down element of the game.
St Helens and Wigan Warriors stars in top Super League stats for round 13
That’s Australians, British or whichever nationality of coach I’ve come across. Lots of coaching is about managing the players you have, getting the best out of them as individuals and them as a group. Tailoring your sessions to suit your organisation but all under extreme pressure.
Sometimes there’s an element of luck involved in coaching, players you inherit, a right time right place for the appointment, yet upon any appointment I’m sure the coach works just as hard as the previous coach in charge, but his fresh ideas are just what a club needs at that time.
WINNERS AGAIN: Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis with coach Lee Radford and the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. (Image: SWpix)
There’s an argument that in more recent Super League history it’s the British coaches that are the most successful. Shaun Wane, Lee Radford, Brian McDermott, Daryl Powell and Chris Chester have led the way in terms of accolades and plaudits.
Appointing the right man for the job is a tough process I can imagine, it needs to be a person that the players will follow, regardless of nationality, I hope for the Giants sake that Woolford can turn things around quickly for the Super League’s bottom club.
The Hull Daily Mail has recently launched a free app which features all the latest news, sport and what’s on information. You can download it foriPhone and iPad from Apple's App Store, or get the Android version from Google Play.
Hull City LiveLive Hull City transfers and news: FA Cup clash sells out, Jarrod Bowen's career bestThe latest from the City camp and updates from across the Championship
Hull CityHull City to take on Chelsea in front of sold-out KCOM Stadium crowdThe Tigers are aiming for a place in round five
Hull KRDanny McGuire on Hull KR's search for new recruitsThe pack has been hit hard by pre-season injuries
Hull CityCounter attacks, injuries - What Hull City learned about Chelsea during their draw against ArsenalThe Blues dominated last night, despite being held to a 2-2 draw
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2440
|
__label__wiki
| 0.535446
| 0.535446
|
Afternoon crash kills one
One man is dead following a two-vehicle crash this afternoon in northern Vigo County.
According to a press release from the Vigo County Sheriff's Office, Joseph Minnis, 78, of West Terre Haute, was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries suffered during the crash.
Deputies from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, along with West Terre Haute Police and Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the fatal crash at the intersection of southbound S.R. 63 and Trinity Avenue, just before 1:30 p.m.
Reportedly, a northbound Buick LeSabre, driven by Minnis, lost control and crossed the median just south of Trinity Avenue. Minnis’ car was then struck by a south bound semi tractor trailer driven by Alvia Cooper of Dover, Tenn. Cooper was not injured. It is not believed that drugs or alcohol were a factor.
The multi agency Fatal Crash Reconstruction Team was called to the scene to assist with the investigation. No arrests or citations are anticipated.
Responding Agencies:
- Vigo County Sheriff’s Office; Lt Brent Hall, Deputy Jon Silver, Deputy Chris Sweeney
- West Terre Haute PD Chief Scott Melton
- Vermillion County Sheriff's Office
- New Goshen Fire/Rescue,
- Trans Care Ambulance
- Indiana State Police
- Multi Agency Fatal Crash Team
Arson suspect admits causing fire with cigarette
Hylman/Vigo County Jail
By Lynn Hamilton
Howard William Hylman, 23, of Terre Haute, was arrested Sept. 24 after allegedly admitting to setting a Terre Haute home on fire earlier this month. He is facing a charge of arson, a level 4 felony.
On Sept. 8, according to a probable cause affidavit prepared by Vigo County Sheriff’s Department Officer Norman Loudermilk, the Otter Creek Fire Department received a report about a house fire on the 22oo block of Haythorne Avenue. The fire department’s investigation revealed that the fire originated between the front door and screen door of the home, and that the cause was arson.
A witness had reportedly told police that he was driving by the house and saw a plastic bag on fire, and stopped to help an elderly person out of the house before calling 9-1-1. The resident allegedly stated that Hylman had been threatening him via text.
Hylman was located at his own residence on Sept. 24, and allegedly waived his Miranda rights. He then allegedly admitted on audio and video that he had started the fire by placing a lit cigarette in the trash bag, which had smelled of alcohol.
Loudermilk’s report stated that Hylman’s story fit the physical evidence found at the scene.
Hylman was in court Friday. His next scheduled court appearance is Wednesday. Bond is set at $50,000, with no 10 percent allowed.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2447
|
__label__wiki
| 0.947159
| 0.947159
|
:: Issues > Reform Issues
Egypt’s Ayman Nour Expects Prison "At Any Moment"
When Egypt’s presidential runner-up Ayman Nur heads to court Sunday, he will take his prison bundle with him, expecting the final nail in the coffin of his challenge to the regime of arch foe President Hosni Mubarak. "I’ll be going with my personal effects, (as) I have done for several days. I’m expecting to be jailed any moment," Nur told News Agencies in an interview. "My wife
Sunday, December 4,2005 00:00
by (Agencies)
When Egypt’s presidential runner-up Ayman Nur heads to court Sunday, he will take his prison bundle with him, expecting the final nail in the coffin of his challenge to the regime of arch foe President Hosni Mubarak.
"I’ll be going with my personal effects, (as) I have done for several days. I’m expecting to be jailed any moment," Nur told News Agencies in an interview.
"My wife knows exactly what to put in the bag: a small blanket and pillow, underwear, medicines and large quantities of cigarettes which are the only currency in prison," he said.
On Sunday, the 41-year-old lawyer returns to the dock to answer charges of forging affidavits for the creation of his Ghad (Tomorrow) party, a trial he says was trumped up to torpedo his political career.
"They will have done absolutely everything to crush and condemn the one who dared to compete with the father and the son," he said, referring to Mubarak and his son Gamal, the heir apparent.
Nur first rose to prominence in January as a young opposition lawyer whose six-week remand in custody prompted US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to cancel a trip to Egypt.
Once freed, Nur gave his all in the country’s first pluralist presidential election last September, emerging as the only serious challenger after a feisty campaign against Mubarak’s 24-year-old grip on power.
But the Ghad party leader’s downfall was just as swift.
Nur talks about his "political assassination" with the curdled smile of a candid first-timer who was conned at the gambling table, his gaze lost in what could have been.
"The way all our MPs were excluded from parliament is scandalous. A decision was taken at the highest level that Ghad would not win a single seat," he said.
In the month-long parliamentary elections that are coming to a close on Wednesday, Nur’s faction looks set to be demoted from the largest legal opposition bloc by losing all seven MPs it had in the People’s Assembly.
Nur himself lost in his own Bab al-Shaaria stronghold in the first round.
"They announced my defeat on public television half an hour before the counting had even started," he said.
To compound his humiliation, the only victorious MP running under the Ghad banner in the fifth of the polls’ six rounds belongs to a dissident faction that spelled the fledgling party’s doom before the elections.
The limelight has since shifted to the Muslim Brotherhood, which shocked the country by increasing its seat tally fivefold after only two out of three election rounds.
Nur finds the rise of the Islamists a bit hard to swallow.
"We are going to get a bunch of philistines, enslaved to their ideologies and with little political know-how... The street is with the Brothers right now. People like winners but they don’t understand," he said.
Nur acknowledges the officially banned Brotherhood has shown remarkable savvy in its campaign but charges that their slogan "Islam is the solution" conceals an empty programme and an inability to run the country day to day.
"I want to know how they would use the country’s budget. I want to know what they plan to do to my wife who doesn’t wear the veil," he said.
Nur also feels abandoned by Washington.
"The US was very positive when I was detained, then Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif -- in other words Gamal -- went to Washington in May. Then I felt further estrangement after Egypt cut a deal with Israel over the Gaza border," he said.
Nur accuses the US administration of betraying its pledge to favour democracy over stability in the Middle East.
His bravado doused by the chain of events of the past two months, Nur -- who formerly used to support Mubarak when deemed useful to his career -- feels downtrodden by the regime.
But the charismatic lawyer still comes alive when pleading in court.
"The headline I chose for the latest edition of my (weekly) newspaper was ’The assassination of Ayman Nur’, but after pleading on Tuesday I felt I wasn’t quite dead yet and I asked the staff to change it."
But the Al-Ghad staff forgot to remove the sombre column printed under it, titled "The will of the hanged man."
Posted in Reform Issues
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2452
|
__label__cc
| 0.549199
| 0.450801
|
Production Deciding Which Is The Best Method For Playing Melodies
Thread starter Fade
The Beat Hamster
*** ill o.g. ***
Battle Points: 1
Producing Hip Hop beats is a very tricky business, mostly because you can use a wide array of tools to create your productions. Putting together a drum loop is simple enough, especially if you're using a breakbeat, but what about melodies and basslines?
The melody of a beat doesn't have to be complex because you can get away with throwing in a few notes here and there, since it is Hip Hop, after all. But what if you want to play something, rather than put a few notes?
Whether it's a music keyboard or your computer keyboard, this is the preferred option because of how easy it is to play a melody. The way the keys are arranged (not so much for the computer keyboard), make it a breeze to construct a few chords.
Even with the computer keyboard, you can pretty much come up with some really dope melodies, mostly because it's being recorded as MIDI notes in your DAW, to which you can easily correct them, if needed.
The downside: Not everyone has a music keyboard, or is inclined to use their computer's keyboard to play music notes. There was a time when I didn't have a real keyboard, so I substituted it with my computer's and I had some great results. But it's not my preferred method.
I think that most Hip Hop producers are using pads. It's simple, really, because most of us have something like an MPC. It could be an MPC itself, or Maschine, or any other unit in between, so it's a no-brainer that we'll be using it to play melodies.
Don't be mistaken though, because when I say melodies, I don't mean just triggering music samples from the pads. I mean having actual notes laid out across the pads and then playing them like that.
It's simple to do because whichever gear you're using, they probably have a feature where you can load up one musical note onto a pad and then have it spread across the rest of the pads, with each pad going up a note in pitch.
The downside: Not everyone has gear like this, or feels comfortable playing melodies this way. Some producers have a musical background with keyboards and pianos, so the thought of using pads is foreign to them.
The pencil option is probably one of the most underrated features of a lot of software. I was actually never a big fan of the pencil until I started using Reason. The reason (pun intended) was that I was using Reason years ago to create full tracks, so after I would create my drum loop, I would then start adding bass. With no keyboard, and no pads, I decided that the next best option was to use the pencil feature.
Even though the pencil doesn't give you a more fluid melody like you would if you were to play them by hand, it's still very practical. Just click where you want notes to appear, and that's it. Let the software play the musical notes for you.
The downside: Most people probably won't even consider the pencil option because it may seem too "robotic", so to speak. I understand that kind of thinking, but let's face it - we're making beats here, not trying to orchestrate a 100 piece orchestra ensemble.
Deciding
When deciding what the best option is for you, consider a few things:
What is more practical for you.
What is more comfortable for you.
What sounds best to you.
I like all of them, but I prefer the pads, but that's because I use Maschine. When I was using Reason, I used the pencil, and when I'm in my Sonar DAW, I use a keyboard.
I have seen people come up with some amazing beats with such minimal amount of equipment, and other people will full studios that have garbage beats. It really doesn't matter what you use for your melodies, but what you like the best for your needs.
So, which method do you prefer, and why?
Check out DOPE SAMPLE PACKS! http://bit.ly/2M5uCiv
5 Reasons Why You Should Totally Make Beats! http://bit.ly/2VKQYcS
Beat Making Tutorial: Learn How To Sample http://bit.ly/35wmpMk
silverlineBEATS
i prefer the keyboard method,its easier to lay down whats in my head,and i sometimes kick it with ma homeboy and he s all about hes instruments,having the whole frequency range in front of me,its just easier.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2453
|
__label__cc
| 0.576077
| 0.423923
|
THE KING OF FIGHTERS-i 2012.
Released: May 3, 2012
"KOF 20 th Anniversary" special sale announcement!
KOF will turn 20 this August 25th.
In order to celebrate this unique event, SNK PLAYMORE's appliations will be available to purchase at $0.99 each
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to get the best of SNK on your favorite device at a very attractive price!
Sale duration: August 22nd ~ September 12th, 2014
Applications in sale:
・THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98
・THE KING OF FIGHTERS-i 2012
・THE KING OF FIGHTERS-i
・METAL SLUG 3
・METAL SLUG X
・SAMURAI SHODOWN II
・BLAZING STAR
“KOF-i 2012” is currently available at a reduced price! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!!
"NESTS-Style KYO" and "IORI with the Power of Flames" extra characters are available at the small price of $0.99 each!! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!!
* If you have one of the following devices, please go to the download screen for "KOF-i 2012" from your device in order to download a compatible version of the application.
Relevant devices:
· iPhone 3GS
· iPod Touch (3rd gen.)
· iPod Touch (4th gen.)
· iPad (1st gen.)
* The problem of compatibility with the Bluetooth funtion on iPhone 5S can be avoided by updating to iOS 7.0.3.
32 playable characters!! Fight against the strongest players from all over via Wi-Fi Network!! 6 different game modes available in SINGLE MODE to enjoy the game for hours and hours even alone! Simple Commands allow to easily perform any type of combo!
The 2D versus fighting game “KOF-i” returns on iPhone / iPod touch with tons of new content like never before!!
■VS BATTLES FROM ALL OVER VIA WI-FI
A"RANK VERSUS" Mode, in which your player ranking changes depending on your number of victories and losses, as well as a “FRIEND VERSUS” Mode, where your rank is not reflected, are available.
Challenge the strongest players from all over!
■NEW CHARACTERS, NEW TEAMS
In addition to the characters from he previous installment, the 4 new “ART OF FIGHTING”, “PSYCHO SOLDIER”, “KIM”, and “IKARI” teams (12 new characters), join the cast of "KOF-i”!! You can now create your favorite team from this formidable roster of 32 fighters!
■A SINGLE-PLAYER MODE RICH IN CONTENT
6 game modes are available for thousands of hours of enjoyment even when playing alone: “SINGLE BATTLE” for 1-on-1 fights, “TEAM BATTLE” for classic KOF 3-on-3 gameplay, “ENDLESS” Mode to defeat as many opponents as possible with one character, "CHALLENGE" Mode to clear trials by fulfilling requirements, the newly introduced "TIME ATTACK" Mode to compete for the best clear times by winning 10 matches, and “TRAINING” Mode to get accustomed to the Virtual Pad-based controls and practice your combos.
■SIMPLE COMMANDS
The Virtual Pad recreates perfectly reproduces KOF’s smooth controls. Even novice players in fighting games will be able to release various Special Moves, Super Special Moves, NEOMAX Super Special Moves, and other complex moves in one touch. With the Simple Commands, you can easily perform many of the game's fancy combos!!
*Please refer to "TUTORIAL" Mode for an explanation of these commands.
■ADDITION OF TONS OF NEW TRADING CARDS, ILLUSTRATIONS, AND OTHER EXTRA CONTENT
Plenty of new Trading Cards (that can be acquired by using points earned during gameplay) along with new Illustrations (which can be viewed at any time by fulfilling certain conditions) have been added to this latest release! Moreover, "KOF-i 2012" includes rough sketches and illustrations that can only be seen here, which fans cannot afford to miss!
■SIMULTANEOUS RELEASE OFADDITIONAL CHARACTERS
2 additional characters, “NESTS-Style KYO” and “IORI with the Power of Flames” are available to download! (paid DLC)
Several bugs have been fixed.
+ THE KING OF FIGHTERS-i 2012. is a highly rated app (4.5-star).
Tiny Wings
Developer: Andreas Illiger || Version: 2.3
Developer: Paul Salameh || Version: 1.4.77
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2454
|
__label__cc
| 0.662993
| 0.337007
|
Duvert, Tony; Other People's Eroticism, an essay; From the Semiotexte website & http://denniscooper-theweaklings.blogspot.com.es
During the controversy provoked by pornographic productions, someone quoted this sentence:
"Pornography is other people's eroticism." ...
Since majority eroticism has beauty for its principal trait, any ugliness, vulgarity, stupidity, gratuitous obscenity, in the representation of sexuality, is our signal that it is not ours, but that of the X's. ...
I have said how the two genres were distinguished: since majority eroticism has beauty for its principal trait, any ugliness, vulgarity, stupidity, gratuitous obscenity, in the representation of sexuality, is our signal that it is not ours, but that of the X's. ...
It is up to us to emancipate ourselves from the clichés, the illusions that our sexual conditioning and our frustrations have produced. The expression of sexuality need not be either beautiful or ugly, cultivated or crude, brilliant or idiotic: but it must become the free discourse of desire authentically expressed and no longer the staging of an eroticism we dream up for ourselves when we are deprived of the right to experience any at all.
Jahnke, Sara, Imhoff Roland, & Hoyer Juergen; Stigmatization of People with Pedophilia: Two Comparative Surveys; Arch Sex Behav
Despite productive research on stigma and its impact on people's lives in the past 20 years, stigmatization of people with pedophilia has received little attention. We conducted two surveys estimating public stigma and determining predictors of social distance from this group.
Both studies revealed that nearly all reactions to people with pedophilia were more negative than those to the other groups, including social distance.
Results strongly indicate that people with pedophilia are a stigmatized group who risk being the target of fierce discrimination. We discuss this particular form of stigmatization with respect to social isolation of persons with pedophilia and indirect negative consequences for child abuse prevention.
Kuehl, Michael; Kirk Douglas was "Raped" by His Teacher; Ipce, Jul 06 2015
Kirk Douglas fondly recalls an affair with his teacher: "I had been a ragamuffin kid of 15 coping with a neighborhood filled with gangs. Under my teacher's guidance, I became a different person. I'm eternally grateful. By today's standards, she would have gone to jail. I had no idea we were doing something wrong. Did she?"
Pachankis, John E.; The Psychological Implications of Concealing a Stigma: A Cognitive–Affective–Behavioral Model; Psychological Bulletin; 133(2), 328–345
Many assume that individuals with a hidden stigma escape the difficulties faced by individuals with a visible stigma. However, recent research has shown that individuals with a concealable stigma also face considerable stressors and psychological challenges. The ambiguity of social situations combined with
the threat of potential discovery makes possessing a concealable stigma a difficult predicament for many individuals. The increasing amount of research on concealable stigmas necessitates a cohesive model for integrating relevant findings. This article offers a cognitive–affective–behavioral process model for
understanding the psychological implications of concealing a stigma. It ends with discussion of potential points of intervention in the model as well as potential future routes for investigation of the model.
Ipce remarks that several stigma's are mentioned here, but just not having pedophilic feelings and desires - clearly even here a taboo that still might be kept in mind. Also, several examples of secrets that must be kept hidden are mentioned, but just not the secret of a child or teenager who has had sexual experience with an adult.
The first taboo might be deminished if the feelings will not be lead to acts, and thus ever might be accepted as human feelings. The second taboo, the secret to be kept hidden, should be avoided by the same: feelings that do not lead to an act.
figure_1_-_construction_of_identity.jpg
Patzer, Harald; Die griechische Knabenliebe (extract, English translation); 62-66
This points to the fact that the term "homosexuality" is used with many different meanings, and it is indeed very important to expose and overcome an underlying confusion of terms which goes unnoticed here as well, and which is firmly rooted in the popular imagination and has not been thoroughly abandoned even by science. It has enormous impact, because it causes barriers to understanding and communication that may even have disastrous practical consequences.
[Ipce remarks: This same analysis can be made regarding "pedophiles" and "pedophilia".]
O’Brien, Erin; Fear: The Emotional Outcome Of Mass Media In America; Hohonu; 2, 49-52
The mass media in America serves many functions that have had an array of effects on those exposed. Throughout time, technological innovations have given rise to the mass communications and media, leading to an escalation of its effects on the world’s people. The most important effect has been a psychological shift to a constant state of fear due to media exposure.
Fear of black men,
fear of airplane crashes,
fears of violence amongst children, and
fears of cultural domination
fear-_the_emotional_outcome_of_mass_media_in_america--vol02x13fear.pdf
Quinn, Diane M., & Earnshaw Valerie A.; Concealable Stigmatized Identities and Psychological Well-Being; Soc Personal Psychol Compass.; Jan 7(1), 40–51
Many people have concealable stigmatized identities: Identities that can be hidden from others and that are socially devalued and negatively stereotyped. Understanding how these concealable stigmatized identities affect psychological well-being is critical. We present our model of the components of concealable stigmatized identities including valenced content – internalized stigma, experienced discrimination, anticipated stigma, disclosure reactions, and counter-stereotypic/positive information – and magnitude – centrality and salience. Research has shown that negatively valenced content is related to increased psychological distress. However, smaller identity magnitude may buffer this distress. We review the research available and discuss important areas for future work.
nihms-469629.pdf
Editors, Wikipedia; Social Stigma
Social stigma is the extreme disapproval of (or discontent with) a person or group on socially characteristic grounds that are perceived, and serve to distinguish them, from other members of a society. Stigma may then be affixed to such a person, by the greater society, who differs from their cultural norms.
Social stigma can result from the perception of mental illness, physical disabilities, diseases such as leprosy (see leprosy stigma), illegitimacy, sexual orientation, gender identity, skin tone, education, nationality, ethnicity, ideology, religion (or lack of religion) or criminality. Attributes associated with social stigma often vary depending on the geopolitical and corresponding sociopolitical contexts employed by society, in different parts of the world.
According to Goffman there are three forms of social stigma:
Overt or external deformations, such as scars, physical manifestations of anorexia nervosa, leprosy (leprosy stigma), or of a physical disability or social disability, such as obesity.
Deviations in personal traits, including mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, and criminal background are stigmatized in this way.
"Tribal stigmas" are traits, imagined or real, of ethnic group, nationality, or of religion that is deemed to be a deviation from the prevailing normative ethnicity, nationality or religion.
Gieles, Frans; A Comment on Seto's "Is Pedophilia a Sexual Orientation?", Jun 29 2015
Seto's proposal to view pedophilia as 'being attracted to ..', thus as a feeling -- as an orientation similar to heterosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality -- may be a first step towards humanizing those of our fellow human beings who have such feelings.
However ...
Thus ...
Moreover ...
Seto, Michael C.; Is Pedophilia a Sexual Orientation?; Arch Sex Behav; 41, 231–236
In this article, I address the question of whether pedophilia in men can be construed as a male sexual orientation, and the implications for thinking of it in this way for scientific research, clinical practice, and public policy.
I begin by defining pedophilia and sexual orientation, and then compare pedophilia (as a potential sexual orientation with regard to age) to sexual orientations with regard to gender (heterosexuality, bisexuality, and homosexuality), on the bases of age of onset, correlations with sexual and romantic behavior, and stability over time. I conclude with comments about the potential social and legal implications of conceptualizing pedophilia as a type of sexual orientation in males.
seto_fig_1.jpg
Gieles, Frans; Born as a pedophile?
A critical comment on
“Minor Physical Anomalies as a Window into the Prenatal Origins of Pedophilia”, by Fazio, Rachel L., Dyshniku Fiona, Murray Michelle E., Lykins Amy D., & Cantor James M.; Archives of Sexual Behavior; Jun 10 2015.
These authors report that they have found correlations between specific physical anomalies that are supposed to date from an early stage in utero, and what they call "pedophiles".
The conclude that the origins of 'pedophilia' also must date from that early stage in utero.
Tha author of this Comment argues the weakness of that study, and thus of its conclusion.
In an Epilogue he argues an alternative way to cope with the phenomenon 'pedophilic feelings', for person and for society.
Fazio, Rachel L., Dyshniku Fiona, Murray Michelle E., Lykins Amy D., & Cantor James M.; Minor Physical Anomalies as a Window into the Prenatal Origins of Pedophilia; Archives of Sexual Behavior; 2015(564), , Jun 10 2015
Evidence is steadily accumulating to support a neurodevelopmental basis for pedophilia. This includes increased incidence of non-right-handedness, which is a result primarily of prenatal neural development and solidified very early in life. Minor physical anomalies (MPAs; superficial deviations from typical morphological development, such as un-detached earlobes) also develop only prenatally, suggesting them as another potential marker of atypical physiological development during the prenatal period among pedophiles.
This study administered the Waldrop Physical Anomaly Scale to assess the prevalence of MPAs in a clinical sample of men referred for assessment following a sexual assault, or another illegal or clinically significant sexual behavior.
Significant associations emerged between MPA indices and indicators of pedophilia, including penile responses to depictions of children, number of child victims, and possession of child pornography. Moreover, greater sexual attraction to children was associated with an elevated craniofacial-to-peripheral anomalies ratio. The overall sample demonstrated a greater number of MPAs relative to prior samples of individuals with schizophrenia as well as to healthy controls.
Garland, Randall J., & Dougher Michael J.; The Abused/Abuser Hypothesis of Child Sexual Abuse: A Critical Review of Theory and Research; 488-509
A widespread belief among the general public and professionals alike is that “sexual abuse causes sexual abuse”. That is, sexually abused children and adolescents who have engaged in sexual behavior with an adult (or a significantly older adolescent) are commonly thought to be at risk in later years of themselves becoming sexually involved with children and adolescents. This belief is referred to here as the “abused/abuser hypothesis of child and adolescent sexual abuse.”
Given the popularity of the abused/abuser hypothesis, it is perhaps surprising to find that there is a dearth of evidence supporting it. This is not to say that there is a substantial body of contradictory evidence. Rather, only a handful of studies have actually investigated the presumed association, and the designs and methods of these studies have been less than ideal. Most of the relevant data come from retrospective studies of adults that do not allow for direct causal analysis.
"The conclusion that seems warranted from the review is that childhood and adolescent sexual contact with adults is neither a necessary nor a sufficient cause for becoming an adjudicated sex offender of children or adolescents."
"Thus, sexual contact with an adult during childhood or adolescence is not a necessary cause for becoming an adjudicated adult sex offender of children and adolescents. Sexual contact with an adult during childhood or adolescence also does not appear to be a sufficient cause for becoming an adjudicated sex offender of children and adolescents."
"In summary, the abused/abuser hypothesis — the belief that sexual behavior between adults and children or adolescents causes those children and adolescents, as adults, to become sexually involved with other children and adolescents — is inadequate and incorrect."
"The belief that sexual abuse causes sexual abuse, the so-called “abused/abuser hypothesis,” is simplistic and misleading."
"The conclusion reached is that sexual contact with an adult during childhood or adolescence is neither a necessary nor a sufficient cause of adult sexual interest in children or adolescents."
the_abused-abuser_hypothesis_book_chapter.odt
the_abused-abuser_hypothesis_book_chapterooo_export.pdf
the_abused-abuser_hypothesis_book_chapter.html
Table 19. 1
pedophilia_-_bio-social_dimensions--jay_r._feierman_eds..pdf
Jahnke, Sara, & Hoyer Juergen; Stigmatization of People with Pedophilia: A Blind Spot in Stigma Research; International Journal of Sexual Health
Stigmatization restricts people’s opportunities in life and has severe consequences on mental health and psychological wellbeing. This article focuses on stigmatization research on pedophilia. Based on an extensive literature search, it reviews studies that have empirically determined lay theories, stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination against people with pedophilia, as well as the effect of stigma on this group. The review reveals a scarcity of empirical studies on the subject.
While the majority of studies give at least an indication that stigma against people with pedophilia is highly prevalent, we also identified severe methodological limitations and a lack of a unifying and systematic research agenda.
We discuss the need for more theory-driven, rigorous, and representative empirical studies and propose perspectives and requirements for the scientific study of stigma against people with pedophilia.
stigmatization_of_people_with_pedophilia.pdf
table_1.pdf
Guyon, Rene; Human Rights and the Denial of Sexual Freedom
René Guyon had the following text privately printed in Bangkok in the form of a rather flimsy brochure. He then sent it to all European and American sexologists whose addresses he knew. [...] As a public service, we are here providing the full text of our own copy. - Ipce.
[...] Human dignity is no more affected by sexual acts than it is by individual preferences in food or in recreation. It is an infantile stratagem of the puritans to pretend that there is any "indignity" in living Sexually outside the range of their childish and inexperienced conceptions. [...]
Modern men and women proclaim and loudly repeat that they no longer wish to be slaves. Yet the anti-sexual mores and laws have established for them a servitude from which they suffer at all ages of their lives. They are the slaves of the prohibitory laws that govern them. [...]
The Sexual Freedom which I have proposed is that which rests firmly upon the reciprocal consent of the parties involved in the sexual act or any of its varieties. [...]
Ng, Emil M. L.; Pedophilia from the Chinese perspective; Archives of Sexual Behavior; 31, 491–492
In traditional Chinese medicine, there has never been a mental disease called pedophilia (or an equivalent term), or homosexuality, or most of the other so-called sexual variations for that matter. Depictions of “child-romance” in ancient or modern Chinese literature are not difficult to find. Children are usually described as natural sexual beings and erotic stimulation and sex-play are seen as beneficial to their healthy development.
Some writers very vehemently question the capacity of children to give valid consent to sexual activity with adults. Despite their arguments, to the Chinese [...] the focus of discussions on the child consent issue in pedophilic activities is blatantly irrelevant and hypocritical.
There are certain occasions when the adults do respect the children’s wishes and ask for their consent, but only when the choices are within the adult acceptable range. [...]
Indeed, when it comes to a child’s sexual activity, the debate begins ...
Money, John; Pedophilia: A Specific Instance of New Phylism Theory ...; 18 pp
In society and in the criminal justice system, there are the prevalent assumptions that pedophilia is a voluntary orientation and a product of jaded depravity and that the next step will be sadistic assault and molestation ending up in lust murder. These assumptions are faulty and are based on rare and sporadic cases in which there is an overlapping of pedophilia, which is a paraphilia of the eligibilic/stigmatic type, with a paraphilia of the sacrificial/expiatory type. Pedophilia, both androphilic and gynephilic, is its own syndrome, unaccompanied by sacrificial or expiatory cruelty.
The pedophile's attachment to a child represents a merger of parental and erotic love.
Based on its roots in the Greek language, "pedophilia" means "child love." Two meanings of love are telescoped into the one word. One meaning is love as in parental love and pairbonding between parent and child. The other meaning is love as in making love and the sexual bonding of two partners, one of which is a juvenile. The two meanings share in common the reciprocality of bonding between two people.
Alhonte, Michael; The Politics of Ageism
Ageism is a topic which many individuals in the Lesbian and Gay community have given little or no attention to. As gay youth, we feel that it is necessary to raise consciousness on this subject in order to avoid conflicts which may arise out of ageist attitudes. In this article we attempt to define ageism and show how it manifests itself within the community. We point out also how ageist behavior threatens the efficiency of the community as a whole, and provide suggestions as to how concerned individuals can rid themselves of their ageism.
Galaburda, Cyril E.; Hello Susan Clancy
Hello, Susan
I am a paedophile and I've read your book ["The Trauma Myth"]. ...
But despite of your wit you write really stupid things about the question. Your prejudice against the child lovers does not allow you to understand simple things. If you are real scientist, not moralist, you would be able to answer the next topics: ... ... ...
So, Susan, I disproved all ideological stratification on your scientific work. ...
And if "victims need to hear the truth" tell them truth.
Galaburda, Cyril E.; Letter to the Ukrainian Parliament
Dear the Supreme Soviet of Ukrainian state.
I ask the Supreme Soviet to legalize any forms of sexual relations between an adult and a minor on conditions that the minor wants to participate in the concrete relations, ...
Kutschinsky, Alexander; Russian Prison Encyclopedia
Description of a Russian jail, seen through the eyes of a prisoner, especially those of the lowest cast in the intern hierarchy according to the harsh informal rules. Translated from Russian.
In a Russian cell tens of people are living together. The most despised caste of a zone is pulled-downs and "obízhennys". This caste is made of passive homosexuals, sexual offenders and victims of zone violence.
Pulled down are called "petúkhs" [...]. There must always been a separate territory for them, so called pethúkhs' corner". [...] Sometimes they are made to produce screens and isolate themselves from the other. In dining-rooms there are special tables and benches just for petúkhs. If some normal prisoner sits in a petukhs' place he'll become "contaged" and loose universal esteem.
The pulled down is charged with the most disgusting work: [...]
Most of the pulled down cannot stand and commit a suicide.
Schuster, Filip; Every fifth boy and man is pedophilic or hebephilic, Sep 24 2014
A meta-analysis of all seven relevant phallometric studies reveals that 22% of normal men show greater or equal sexual arousal to child stimuli (individuals up to 13 years old) than to adult stimuli.
Combined results of two of these studies reveal male prevalence rates of about 3% for pedophilia (mostly sexually aroused by prepubescents) and about 16% for hebephilia (mostly sexually aroused by pubescents). Details of these studies are described, and implications of the results for sexual science and society are discussed.
Every fifth boy and man is pedophilic or hebephilic
(ed.), Jay Feierman R.; Pedophilia: Biosocial Dimensions; 600 pp
Most of the lay and professional literature although voluminous, reflect a narrow anthropo-, ethno-, and chrono-centrism that precludes any real understanding of the topic with anything more than the preconceptions of our times. [...]
[...] This volume adds to this data base by including new, biosocial contribution from the perspectives of history, political science, sexology, biology, primatology, anthropology, experimental and developmental psychology, and psychiatry. What results is a transspecies, transcultural, and transhistorical perspective that gives new biosocial insights into the roots of pedophilia as the phenomenon is found in contemporary industrialized societies.
Gieles, Frans; The tail end of a dachshund
In May 2011, the Martijn Association decided to set up an Ethics Commission. Ethics is concerned with the question of what is good and what is bad; with values, norms and guidelines. [...]
In this article, I aim to place these guidelines in a broader context, namely that of the debate which has taken place in the Netherlands – and far beyond its borders – since the 1990s. The commission does not come up with any revolutionary, new advice, but follows up on a long-standing discussion, like the tail end of a long dachshund.
It shows that, as long as people with paedophilic feelings are allowed to enter into serious discussion, far from ending up in ‘raunchy suggestions’ the end result is an actual ethical code – and a fairly strict one at that.
Maruna, Shadd, & Mann Ruth E.; Quotes from: A fundamental attribution error? Rethinking cognitive distortions; 37 pp
The notion of ‘cognitive distortion’ has become enshrined in the offender treatment literature over the last 20 years, yet the concept still suffers from a lack of de?nitional clarity.
Treatment programmes for offenders often aim to eliminate excuse-making as a primary aim, and decision-makers place great weight on the degree to which an offender “takes responsibility” for his or her offending.
Yet, the relationship between these after-the-fact explanations and future crime is not at all clear. Indeed, the designation of post hoc excuses as criminogenic may itself be an example of fallacious thinking.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2455
|
__label__cc
| 0.741383
| 0.258617
|
News #Tomorrowthink
Future Focus 2019: Searching for Trust
Misty Locke
Jan 9, 2019 · Argentina ar
In Future Focus 2019, we examine how brands that are built on credibility, relevance, and reliability will see trust as the very foundation for their success in the digital economy.
The digital economy has brought new opportunity for development and innovation in every business sector. While the majority is “good innovation”, we continue to see a significant gap at a societal level, driven by a continued disparity in access to technology based on socio-economic factors. In today’s hyper-sensitive media landscape, how should brands and publishers navigate the notion of truth and authenticity?
We interviewed more than 300 global marketers and leaders across a broad spectrum of brands, including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, and used the real-time responses to outline key insights and priorities necessary for businesses to thrive in our fast moving, high expectation digital economy.
Feedback shows that trust is at the forefront globally with 88% of marketers making trust in their brand a priority in 2019. Marketers see gaining consumer trust as vital to business growth with 76% stating that trust is important to keep consumers buying their brand. Digital will play a clear role in this with 60% believing that the rise of AI will increase consumer trust as it allows for more relevant and personal experiences.
83% don’t believe brands will dominate over convenient experiences in the future
62% don’t have a proactive role in approaching online reviews, although they think reviews represent the greatest risk to consumer trust
62% say the quality of their purchase experience and after-sales service will be a priority for 2019
69% think the rise of digital assistants represents an opportunity to become closer and develop stronger relationships with consumers
The report also includes exclusive interviews with global leaders from businesses, such as The New York Times Company, IBM, Microsoft, Hilton, The Economist, Rachel Zoe, Inc., IKEA, and AccorHotels.
Chapter One: Credibility in the Age of Doubt
Outlines the role of purpose in the digital economy and how immediate benefits for brands will be bestowed to those who can use digital to build and reinforce their credibility in the eyes of consumers. By protecting the integrity of their brand online, communicating their values, and leveraging the power of technology, brands will see a steady increase in trust of their brand.
Includes exclusive interviews with:
Mark Thompson, CEO and President, The New York Times Company, on leading the battle against misinformation and fake news.
Armin Molavi, Interim VP Media, Hilton, on trust in the travel industry, social responsibility and the new place for data.
Mark Cripps, Chief Marketing Officer, The Economist, outlines opportunities in the new value exchange and the notion of being data-responsible.
Chapter Two: Relevance in the Age of Noise
Explores the rise of shrinking consumer attention and an increasingly fragmented consumer landscape. Successful brands will be those who focus on relevant experiences, outplay the influx on digital content, and make the most of the Assistance revolution.
Vanja Mlaco, Digital Growth Strategist, Transavia, on the importance of putting the consumer ahead of conversion, and using technology as a goal, not a means to an end.
Carrie Seifer, Vice President and Chief Revenue Office, IBM Watson and Weather, on the unstoppable rise of AI and how trust and transparency must underpin all action.
Laurent Tiersen, Country Marketing Manager, IKEA UK & Ireland, on the constant focus on staying relevant to their customers.
Jonathan Foster, Principal Experiences Manager, Microsoft, on how he builds Cortana, using personality goes a long way to building trust, and using art to show humanity to humans.
Chapter Three: Reliability in the Age of Convenience
Focuses on the rise of convenience as it intersects with the more traditional power of brand, and highlights the subtle balance between building brands and designing highly convenient solutions. Successful companies will dominate by focusing on the convenience of their digital properties, media assets, and presence on third-party reseller platforms.
Antoine Dubois, SVP Marketing Global Strategy, AccorHotels, on the convenience, artificial intelligence and the war for talent.
Rachel Zoe, CEO, Rachel Zoe Inc., on navigating the rise and influence of digital in the fashion and luxury landscape, and why adaptability is key.
Global Chief Marketing Officer ·
Related to #Tomorrowthink
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2457
|
__label__wiki
| 0.929878
| 0.929878
|
Jim Power
Joe Gill
Oliver Mangan
Brian Keegan
Kyran Fitzgerald
Eamon Quinn
Geoff Percival
Ruth Doris
Nick Charalambous
Alan McQuaid
Conall MacCoille
Dermot O'Leary
Philip O'Sullivan
Ruth McCarthy
Mandy Johnston
David Horgan
Conor OConnell
Greencore managers sacked in €20m-fraud probe
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 02:26 PM
Leading Irish food group Greencore has sacked three senior managers after a €20m fraud was uncovered, it was revealed today.
The money went missing after costs were deliberately concealed at its Scottish mineral water business, Campsie, over the last three years.
Greencore said the false accounts from 2006 up to last year amount to €21m.
Greencore said that the "concealment of costs" was undertaken by a former manager who left the business prior to the concealment being uncovered
The company said three managers directly responsible for the staff member blamed for the fraud have been dismissed.
Greencore said it had not uncovered a motive for the fraud, but insisted it was an isolated incident.
The three former staff members have since been replaced.
“The group is taking legal advice on what, if any, elements of this financial impact can be recovered,” the company said.
The effect of the fraud was also detailed.
“The financial implications of these issues will lead to a restatement reducing the group’s operating profit by €4m for 2006 and by €8m for 2007,” the Dublin-based company said in a statement.
“In addition, the estimated impact of this issue in 2008 will be a reduction of operating profit of €9m.”
It is also expected to hit shareholders with earnings per share down by 4 cent.
All of Greencore’s businesses will be reviewed internally with the support of accounting consultants KPMG while internal controls, financial reporting and external auditing will also be looked at.
TOPIC: Heathrow
Start-up supporting Gateway UCC helps create 370 jobs
Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe quits after six years
Concern for future of traditional advertising as high profile agency shuts
Auctioneers call for end to 'archaic' property system
Scientists develop blood test that can ‘predict final menstrual period’
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2458
|
__label__wiki
| 0.797607
| 0.797607
|
Genesys PureCloud named as Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Cloud Contact Centers, Q3 2018
By Sherif Fahmy
Genesys PureCloud named as Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Cloud Contact Centers, Q3 20182018-10-022018-10-04https://www.istnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ist-logo.pngIST Networkshttps://www.istnetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/screen-shot-2018-10-02-at-08.17.55.png200px200px
There is a lot that makes Forrester Wave Cloud Contact Center report unique, however from my personal standpoint is that it matches the speed of the cloud, by being released every quarter, rather than annually. Due to the nature of Cloud Contact Centers, you’d find new releases and features update every quarter, just last month, Genesys PureCloud released 3 new communication channels supporting Facebook Messenger, Twitter Direct Message and Line.
Without further introductions, let’s get straight into the Forrester Wave Cloud Contact Centers, for Q3 2018
Genesys has been named as a leader in the wave for its PureCloud offering. Forrester has done an in-depth of analysis of all the cloud contact centres on based on a number of criteria:
Current Offering
OmniChannel Capabilities
Third-Party Ecosystem
Genesys’s PureCloud has scored highly on all the criteria, while specifically being recognized and top scoring for its product offering, omnichannel capabilities, infrastructure, and CRM integrations. To get the full Forrester report & see the full scoring please click here .
One of the things that really caught my attention in the report was in the introduction, where it claims, cloud contact centers are now a reality, or in their own words “Old News”. That real new battlefield when it comes to the cloud contact centers is
offering a scalable omnichannel where its easy and scalable to add new channels, as seen with PureCloud last month, with its release of 3 new communication channels,
Integrated Workforce Optimization, the leaders in Forresters Wave are offering WFO integrated within their cloud contact center offering, and this is true in the case of PureCloud, which not only comes with its own full-fledged cloud WFO solution offering, scheduling, forecasting and more but also offers the ability to integrate with your own WFO platforms .
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the future of cloud contact center is in the investment of vendors in their AI technologies. Genesys has been heavily investing into AI, the most notable is its latest acquisition of AltoCloud, where we personally at IST cannot wait enough to see the integration of AltoCloud with PureCloud
To read the Forrester Cloud Contact Center wave report, please click here
To learn how IST can help you in implementing, enhancing and supporting your CX strategies please contact us here
All-In-One cloud contact center, cloud contact center, cloud contact centre, customer experience, PureCloud
PureCloud: Leads G2 Crowd Reviews
PureCloud new feature: Post Interaction Survey
Why Move from Avaya?
Instantly help your agents with all the information they need
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2459
|
__label__wiki
| 0.991748
| 0.991748
|
Video-Photo
Cornell physicist contributed to Nobel-winning project
Cornell Physics Professor Peter Wittich remembers descending a mile underground to get to his lab space.
Cornell physicist contributed to Nobel-winning project Cornell Physics Professor Peter Wittich remembers descending a mile underground to get to his lab space. Check out this story on ithacajournal.com: https://ithacajr.nl/1Lmr6tS
Andrew Casler, acasler@ithacajournal.com | @AndrewCasler Published 5:12 p.m. ET Oct. 9, 2015 | Updated 12:29 p.m. ET Oct. 10, 2015
Peter Wittich(Photo: Photo Provided)
Cornell Physics Professor Peter Wittich remembers descending a mile underground, and then walking a mile horizontally, to get to his lab space.
“It’s this dark, dusty place,” he said. “You expect it to be clean, but there’s rock everywhere and you’re wearing a headlamp and there are miners everywhere – it was an awesome, awesome experience.”
Wittich was on a team of about 80 graduate students, post-doctorate researchers and faculty who worked under professor Arthur McDonald on a project that won the 2015 Nobel Prize for Physics.
Descending deep underground helps shield outside radiation, Wittich said. The experiments were based in a huge tub of water that attempts to detect neutrinos.
On Wittich’s 29th birthday, the neutrino observatory - located in an active nickle mine in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada - detected its first neutrino, setting the stage to prove that neutrinos have mass.
“My thesis was the same measurement (that McDonald took the Nobel Prize for), but because we wanted to wait until we had enough data to really nail it down completely, nobody ever got to see my thesis,” Wittich said. ”I had a result, but it was basically kept under wraps for about two years.”
Researchers pose for a group shot during the construction period of the the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory in Canada (Photo: Photo Provided)
McDonald and professor Takaaki Kajita took the Nobel for the discovery of neutrino oscillations, which shows that neutrinos have mass.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said the two researchers made key contributions to experiments showing that neutrinos – which are ghostly, invisible particles – change identities.
"The discovery has changed our understanding of the innermost workings of matter and can prove crucial to our view of the universe," the academy said.
Kajita and McDonald will split $960,000 in prize money. Each winner also gets a diploma and a gold medal at the prize ceremony on Dec. 10, a news release said.
“I’m hoping that this is an opportunity for all of us who worked on the experiment to get together and just have a big party – that’s what I would like,” Wittich said.
Follow Andrew Casler on Twitter: @AndrewCasler
Read or Share this story: https://ithacajr.nl/1Lmr6tS
Shots fired on West Spencer Street, and police are looking for info
What's next for IPD? Myrick says lawsuits expected in fallout.
Singer-songwriter Tsukamoto to return to Trumansburg
Court rules city has to pay fees to fired officer's attorney
Couple harvest ingredients for botanical remedies
Attorney says officer in IPD dispute a 'scapegoat'
Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin • Elmira Star-Gazette • Ithaca Journal
N.Y. News
Cornell/Colleges
Around New York
© 2020 www.ithacajournal.com. All rights reserved.
Subscriber Disclaimer
Cars.com Ithaca
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2460
|
__label__cc
| 0.593229
| 0.406771
|
.NET Jobs in Berkshire
.NET Vacancies
The following table provides summary statistics for permanent job vacancies advertised in Berkshire with a requirement for .NET skills. Included is a benchmarking guide to the salaries offered in vacancies that have cited .NET over the 6 months to 22 January 2020 with a comparison to the same period in the previous 2 years.
Microsoft .NET (dotNet)
South East > Berkshire
Rank change year-on-year 0 -2 +2
Permanent jobs citing .NET 554 728 958
As % of all permanent IT jobs advertised in Berkshire 11.00% 12.76% 14.62%
As % of the Libraries, Frameworks & Software Standards category 30.86% 34.75% 40.59%
Number of salaries quoted 470 661 905
Berkshire median annual salary £50,500 £52,500 £45,000
Median salary % change year-on-year -3.81% +16.67% +5.88%
South East median annual salary £47,500 £45,000 £43,000
% change year-on-year +5.56% +4.65% +1.18%
.NET is in the Software Libraries and Frameworks category. The following table is for comparison with the above and provides summary statistics for all permanent job vacancies advertised in Berkshire with a requirement for technical specification, industry standards, software libraries and framework skills.
All Software Libraries and Frameworks
Permanent vacancies with a requirement for technical specification, industry standards, software libraries and framework skills 1,795 2,095 2,360
Median salary % change year-on-year +7.62% +10.53% -
% change year-on-year +5.26% +5.56% -
Job Vacancy Trend in Berkshire
Job postings citing .NET as a percentage of all IT jobs advertised in Berkshire.
Salary Trend in Berkshire
This chart provides the 3-month moving average for salaries quoted in permanent IT jobs citing .NET in Berkshire.
Salary Histogram in Berkshire
The salary distribution of IT jobs citing .NET in Berkshire over the 6 months to 22 January 2020.
Job Locations in Berkshire
The table below looks at the demand and provides a guide to the median salaries quoted in IT jobs citing .NET within the Berkshire region over the 6 months to 22 January 2020. The 'Rank Change' column provides an indication of the change in demand within each location based on the same 6 month period last year.
Reading -6 249 £55,000 +10.00% 46
Maidenhead +18 81 £45,000 - 12
Bracknell +1 74 £57,500 - 13
Slough +29 58 £50,000 -9.09% 10
Wokingham -3 31 £45,000 -21.74% 7
Newbury -8 21 £46,250 +8.82% 23
Crowthorne +6 3 - -
Ascot - 3 £75,000 -
Thatcham - 1 - -
Top 30 Co-occurring IT Skills in Berkshire
For the 6 months to 22 January 2020, IT jobs citing .NET also mentioned the following skills in order of popularity. The figures indicate the absolute number co-occurrences and as a proportion of all permanent job ads across the Berkshire region with a requirement for .NET.
1 462 (83.39%) C#
2 290 (52.35%) JavaScript
4 228 (41.16%) ASP.NET
5 206 (37.18%) Agile Software Development
9 165 (29.78%) MVC
10 144 (25.99%) HTML
11 133 (24.01%) Software Engineering
12 123 (22.20%) CSS
13 119 (21.48%) jQuery
14 106 (19.13%) .NET Core
15 103 (18.59%) Degree
16 98 (17.69%) AngularJS
17 97 (17.51%) ASP.NET MVC
18 91 (16.43%) Scrum
18 91 (16.43%) Problem-Solving
19 86 (15.52%) DevOps
20 79 (14.26%) .NET Framework
21 78 (14.08%) ASP.NET Web API
22 75 (13.54%) Computer Science
23 72 (13.00%) Computer Science Degree
24 70 (12.64%) Mentoring
24 70 (12.64%) Web Services
25 69 (12.45%) HTML5
26 68 (12.27%) Git (software)
26 68 (12.27%) Python
27 67 (12.09%) Ajax
Co-occurring IT Skills in Berkshire by Category
1 22 (3.97%) SharePoint
1 22 (3.97%) Sitecore CMS
4 13 (2.35%) Umbraco
6 8 (1.44%) Drupal
6 8 (1.44%) SugarCRM
6 8 (1.44%) WordPress
7 4 (0.72%) EPiServer
7 4 (0.72%) WebLogic
8 2 (0.36%) Alfresco
8 2 (0.36%) Apache Spark
8 2 (0.36%) Documentum
8 2 (0.36%) Sitefinity
8 2 (0.36%) WildFly
9 1 (0.18%) Apache
9 1 (0.18%) BizTalk Server
9 1 (0.18%) MS Exchange
2 7 (1.26%) Microsoft Office
3 3 (0.54%) Microsoft PowerPoint
4 1 (0.18%) Adobe Illustrator
4 1 (0.18%) Adobe XD
4 1 (0.18%) InVision
4 1 (0.18%) Photoshop
3 2 (0.36%) Dynamics GP
3 2 (0.36%) Oracle Cash Management
4 1 (0.18%) NetSuite
4 1 (0.18%) Temenos T24
2 58 (10.47%) SaaS
3 49 (8.84%) AWS
4 17 (3.07%) GitHub
4 17 (3.07%) PaaS
8 7 (1.26%) Microsoft Flow
9 5 (0.90%) Serverless
10 4 (0.72%) Azure Functions
10 4 (0.72%) BrowserStack
10 4 (0.72%) IaaS
10 4 (0.72%) Office 365
10 4 (0.72%) PowerApps
11 3 (0.54%) Heroku
12 2 (0.36%) Azure Active Directory
12 2 (0.36%) npm
12 2 (0.36%) Zapier
13 1 (0.18%) AWS CloudFormation
1 9 (1.62%) Internet
1 9 (1.62%) TCP/IP
2 4 (0.72%) Firewall
2 4 (0.72%) Intranet
3 3 (0.54%) DHCP
3 3 (0.54%) DNS
4 2 (0.36%) DOCSIS
4 2 (0.36%) SMTP
4 2 (0.36%) SSL
5 1 (0.18%) Broadband
5 1 (0.18%) Extranet
5 1 (0.18%) HTTP
2 39 (7.04%) NoSQL
4 31 (5.60%) SQL Server Integration Services
5 28 (5.05%) Relational Database
6 18 (3.25%) MySQL
7 16 (2.89%) Azure SQL Database
8 11 (1.99%) PostgreSQL
9 9 (1.62%) Power BI
10 6 (1.08%) RDBMS
11 5 (0.90%) Data Warehouse
11 5 (0.90%) Hadoop
11 5 (0.90%) MongoDB
11 5 (0.90%) MS Access
12 4 (0.72%) Big Data
12 4 (0.72%) Cosmos DB
12 4 (0.72%) SQL Server 2016
13 2 (0.36%) SQL Server Analysis Services
1 68 (12.27%) Git (software)
3 40 (7.22%) Selenium
5 30 (5.42%) Visual Studio
6 21 (3.79%) Team Foundation Server
7 16 (2.89%) Visual Studio Team System
9 11 (1.99%) Mocha
10 9 (1.62%) ReSharper
10 9 (1.62%) SonarQube
10 9 (1.62%) SpecFlow
11 8 (1.44%) CircleCI
11 8 (1.44%) SoapUI
11 8 (1.44%) WebDriver
12 7 (1.26%) Xcode
13 6 (1.08%) SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
13 6 (1.08%) TestRail
1 24 (4.33%) Finance
3 14 (2.53%) Automotive
5 7 (1.26%) Banking
5 7 (1.26%) Retail
6 5 (0.90%) Games
6 5 (0.90%) Publishing
7 3 (0.54%) Billing
7 3 (0.54%) Local Government
7 3 (0.54%) Retail Banking
8 2 (0.36%) Back Office
8 2 (0.36%) Manufacturing
8 2 (0.36%) Marketing
9 1 (0.18%) Advertising
9 1 (0.18%) Electronics
1 406 (73.29%) Developer
2 192 (34.66%) .NET Developer
3 117 (21.12%) Software Developer
4 108 (19.49%) Senior Developer
5 81 (14.62%) C# Developer
6 64 (11.55%) Software Engineer
7 48 (8.66%) .NET Software Developer
7 48 (8.66%) C# .NET Developer
8 38 (6.86%) Senior Software Developer
9 36 (6.50%) Front End Developer (Client-Side Developer)
10 34 (6.14%) Full Stack Developer
11 32 (5.78%) C# Software Developer
12 30 (5.42%) Applications Developer
13 29 (5.23%) .NET Software Engineer
14 28 (5.05%) C# Software Engineer
15 26 (4.69%) Senior Software Engineer
16 25 (4.51%) Web Developer
17 23 (4.15%) Azure Engineer
17 23 (4.15%) Senior Applications Developer
18 22 (3.97%) Senior .NET Developer
2 144 (25.99%) HTML
3 123 (22.20%) CSS
4 119 (21.48%) jQuery
5 106 (19.13%) .NET Core
6 98 (17.69%) AngularJS
7 97 (17.51%) ASP.NET MVC
8 79 (14.26%) .NET Framework
9 78 (14.08%) ASP.NET Web API
13 45 (8.12%) Node.js
14 41 (7.40%) CSS3
14 41 (7.40%) React
15 39 (7.04%) Twitter Bootstrap
16 36 (6.50%) WebSockets
17 33 (5.96%) RESTful
19 24 (4.33%) Vue.js
2 37 (6.68%) Analytical Skills
4 15 (2.71%) Greenfield Project
5 13 (2.35%) Cloud Native
6 12 (2.17%) Enterprise Software
6 12 (2.17%) Social Media
7 10 (1.81%) iPad
7 10 (1.81%) Mobile App
7 10 (1.81%) Robotics
8 8 (1.44%) Algorithms
9 4 (0.72%) Video Conferencing
10 3 (0.54%) Embedded Systems
11 2 (0.36%) Linux Command Line
12 1 (0.18%) Analytical Mindset
12 1 (0.18%) Augmented Reality
12 1 (0.18%) Data Structures
12 1 (0.18%) iPhone
12 1 (0.18%) Private Cloud
12 1 (0.18%) Public Cloud
1 25 (4.51%) Windows
2 22 (3.97%) Apple iOS
3 21 (3.79%) Linux
4 13 (2.35%) Android
5 7 (1.26%) Mac OS
5 7 (1.26%) tvOS
6 5 (0.90%) Unix
6 5 (0.90%) Windows Server
7 3 (0.54%) Windows Server 2008
8 2 (0.36%) CentOS
8 2 (0.36%) Red Hat Enterprise Linux
3 133 (24.01%) Software Engineering
4 91 (16.43%) Problem-Solving
4 91 (16.43%) Scrum
5 86 (15.52%) DevOps
6 75 (13.54%) Computer Science
7 70 (12.64%) Mentoring
8 63 (11.37%) TDD
9 62 (11.19%) Microservices
10 60 (10.83%) Test Automation
12 47 (8.48%) Artificial Intelligence
13 43 (7.76%) BDD
13 43 (7.76%) Mathematics
13 43 (7.76%) OO
14 37 (6.68%) CRM
14 37 (6.68%) Front End Development
14 37 (6.68%) Physics
15 33 (5.96%) Product Roadmap
4 68 (12.27%) Python
5 62 (11.19%) Java
6 53 (9.57%) VB.NET
7 47 (8.48%) T-SQL
8 21 (3.79%) Apex Code
9 16 (2.89%) PowerShell
10 15 (2.71%) C++
10 15 (2.71%) ES6
12 11 (1.99%) Bash Shell
12 11 (1.99%) TypeScript
13 10 (1.81%) Perl
13 10 (1.81%) VBScript
14 8 (1.44%) VB
15 7 (1.26%) Objective-C
1 103 (18.59%) Degree
2 72 (13.00%) Computer Science Degree
4 9 (1.62%) SC Cleared
5 7 (1.26%) SANS
6 6 (1.08%) Microsoft Certification
7 3 (0.54%) BC Cleared
7 3 (0.54%) DBS Check
8 2 (0.36%) MCITP
9 1 (0.18%) Master's Degree
9 1 (0.18%) MCP
9 1 (0.18%) MCSA
9 1 (0.18%) MCSE
9 1 (0.18%) Numerate Degree
2 7 (1.26%) COBIT
2 7 (1.26%) NIST
3 2 (0.36%) WCAG
4 1 (0.18%) ISO/IEC 27001
2 6 (1.08%) Active Directory
3 3 (0.54%) NFS
1 27 (4.87%) Puppet
3 10 (1.81%) MIIS
4 7 (1.26%) Terraform
5 6 (1.08%) Ansible
5 6 (1.08%) Docker Swarm
6 2 (0.36%) HP Quality Center
6 2 (0.36%) Icinga
6 2 (0.36%) Opscode Chef
2 24 (4.33%) Sage
2 24 (4.33%) Sitecore
3 23 (4.15%) Salesforce.com
4 15 (2.71%) Oracle
5 13 (2.35%) IBM
6 9 (1.62%) Apple
7 8 (1.44%) hybris
8 7 (1.26%) Atlassian
8 7 (1.26%) Telerik
9 6 (1.08%) BT
10 4 (0.72%) CommVault
10 4 (0.72%) Google
10 4 (0.72%) Xamarin
11 3 (0.54%) CheckPoint
11 3 (0.54%) F5
11 3 (0.54%) NEC
11 3 (0.54%) Northgate
11 3 (0.54%) Tableau
12 2 (0.36%) Infragistics
119 .NET job vacancies in Berkshire
.NET Vacancies in Berkshire| Privacy Policy| Copyright| Disclaimer| About us| Contact us
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2461
|
__label__wiki
| 0.831772
| 0.831772
|
NJ5 Candidate Arati Kreibich Slams Opponent for Silence on Social Security Bill
September 11, 2019, 8:27 am | in
(GLEN ROCK, N.J.) Sept. 11, 2019 — Arati Kreibich, a Glen Rock Councilmember and a Democratic candidate for New Jersey’s 5th district House seat, stood with seniors today to support a bill to improve and stabilize Social Security. The Social Security 2100 Act increases benefits for all current and future Social Security recipients. It cuts taxes for nearly 12 million seniors while ensuring the system’s solvency through the year 2092. The benefit increases are paid for in part by payroll tax increases for the top 0.4 percent highest income earners in the country.
The bill, which was introduced in January, has been co-sponsored by more than 200 members of the House. So far Kreibich’s primary opponent, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, has withheld his support. Gottheimer had previously promised he would work tirelessly to help seniors in the district, many of whom struggle to keep up with the district’s high cost of living.
“We have a bill on the table that’s designed to address exactly those campaign promises that he made,” Kreibich said. “So why isn’t he supporting it?”
Kreibich, who spoke to a crowd of seniors at a senior housing complex at 1 Glen Ave in Glen Rock, said that Gottheimer’s reluctance stems from the payroll tax hike affecting the wealthiest people in the country, who happen to include his donors.
“Congressman Gottheimer likes to talk about moochers — he talks about moocher states who he blames for our New Jersey’s high taxes. Now who he means are people who are on social security, people on SNAP benefits, the poor and the working class in Alabama, and Mississippi and states like that,” Kreibich said. “Those aren’t the people who are really mooching off of us. The people who are really mooching off of the seniors in our district are the wealthiest who are not paying their fair share…The real moochers are the corporations who are lobbying Washington to keep their taxes low and our taxes high.”
Jeanne Theisen, a local activist and NJ5 constituent, joined Kreibich at the event. She later noted that Gottheimer’s leadership of the Problem Solvers Caucus also presented a hurdle to his support of the Social Security bill. The group claims to be bipartisan, but in reality gives “political cover to lawmakers with conservative voting records” while accomplishing very little otherwise, as the Washington Post reported last year.
“Who is he working for?” Theisen asked. “Voters in NJ-5 or the Problem Solvers Caucus?”
Raritan-Grounded Ciattarelli Slaps ‘not from NJ’ Murphy Justice over Order: Women Of Color and NJ’s #MeToo moment Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 1/22/2020 Fight of the Week: Richter V. Hurley – Who’s Right on the Van Drew Question? In Paterson, Long Takes the Place of Vaughn McKoy
Atlantic City and Bobby Kennedy: 1964; Atlantic City and Amy Kennedy: 2020 KZG’s Beth Dohm and Eric Orlando Named Executive Vice Presidents Francis to Launch Campaign for Congress with a Walk Insider NJ’s Morning Intelligence Briefing: 1/22/2020 Raritan-Grounded Ciattarelli Slaps ‘not from NJ’ Murphy
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2474
|
__label__cc
| 0.620975
| 0.379025
|
Underwriters and Insureds Taking Harder Look at Commercial Property Risks
By Andrea Wells | December 24, 2019
Commercial property underwriters are adjusting to a market defined by rising catastrophe losses and dwindling profits. From increasing rates and higher deductibles to fewer classes of business and stricter underwriting, even the best in class properties are feeling the heat.
Overall, commercial property rates have risen several percentage points even for buyers not facing catastrophe risks, according to Willis Towers Watson. For those with significant cat exposures or adverse losses, the rate hikes are in the double digits in the aggregate for the first time in several years.
Commercial property insurance renewals are generating rate increases between 5% to 10% for the best accounts, while some property programs have seen increases of upwards of 50% or more in 2019, according to Woodruff Sawyer, an Insurance Journal Top 100 Agency.
Casey Soares, senior vice president, property specialist at Woodruff Sawyer, says that while there’s plenty of capacity available in the market, carriers are scrutinizing every piece of business and re-underwriting commercial properties, in particular.
The heightened attention is part of an effort to turn the market around following the surge of single risk losses during the past two years, she said. The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the costliest seasons on record with combined insured losses of more than $200 billion from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Then in 2018, California experienced its most destructive wildfire season ever with insurance claims surpassing $12 billion.
“These events are what spurred this market turn,” Soares said. “That’s causing carriers to look at each account and make sure they’re making smart decisions and actuarially sound rates and coverage.” It’s been an “across-the-board dedication” to transform the market.
While the adjustment has been good for the insurance industry, it’s a challenge for commercial property owners who are facing insurance costs based on a “true reflection of risk,” she says, noting that’s a difficult adjustment for any insured.
Agents say habitational is the most challenging commercial property risk today. “Anything frame construction, especially frame builder’s risk,” Soares said. “Habitational is truly a hard market where there is a lack of capacity.”
Accounts with a high loss potential such as those in manufacturing, with a hazardous or combustible risk profile, can also be tough in today’s market, she says.
Despite the re-evaluations going on, even in the toughest classes of business, there’s some carrier willing to write the property coverage. Barry Whitton, managing director for Burns & Wilcox Brokerage, contends market capacity is not an issue, although more stringent requirements on that capacity are.
“I think there’s been an uptick of companies underwriting more, restricting their capacity usage more,” he said. “There is less of a willingness to use that capacity for a cheap price.”
Even the standard commercial property market is experiencing rising rates, albeit at a slower pace, Soares said.
This has been a tough year for property, and 2020 is not likely to get much better, says Alex Silva, vice president, commercial lines, RIC Insurance General Agency, a division of Worldwide Facilities.
For Silva, who sees some of the most challenging commercial properties in California, rates are up as high as 50% to 100%. Every day he sees carriers writing property accounts with more restrictions and some pulling out of certain geographies all together.
“I’m constantly getting non-renewals on properties that may be seen as now too close to brush, or too close to water.” Underwriting is much tighter, too. Older properties, even those that have been fully upgraded, are considered undesirable, he says. Tenant occupancy is sometimes an issue, as well.
Properties that have been great risks, with no claims history but are too close to the Malibu region are getting nonrenewed because of location, he added.
For the higher risk properties, like those in Malibu, there just isn’t much property owners can do that would make their building a favorable risk right now to carriers, Silva added. But agents can play a huge role when it comes to education, he said. “Just providing information to their insureds on why these changes are happening in the insurance market, helps,” he said. “The insured may not like the reason, but at least they know why it’s happening.”
And if they aren’t happy, then let them shop the coverage, Silva says. “Shopping will just validate what you are already telling them.”
Controlling Interest
The good news: the market is pushing insureds to take better control over their property programs, which is a good place to encourage this because most risks are controllable, according to Soares.
‘I think there’s been an uptick of companies underwriting more, restricting their capacity usage more.’
“With property we can really help clients put together long-term plans and see where it makes sense to make investments in their overall risk,” she said. Of course, she advises her clients to not only earmark additional money for the rising cost of premium, but to also consider making investments toward risk improvements and funding higher deductibles for the long term.
“I think that’s the only way people are going to get through this hard market … if they feel like they have some control over it and clients feel like it’s not just happening to them, then they can take an active role and put together thoughtful plans over the long term,” Soares said.
Today’s hardening commercial property market puts more emphasis on the loss prevention and the risk management services an agent provides to clients, says Alan Goodrich, commercial insurance advisor/shareholder, with HMK Insurance, an Alera Group company.
HMK Insurance added its own risk management department two years ago. Most insurance carriers will offer some type of risk management and loss prevention services to policyholders, but Goodrich says it’s more reactionary. “If you ask for pre-inspection of a property for prospective clients, for example,” he said.
Goodrich says clients’ response to having access to in-house risk management resources has been “phenomenal.” Middle market accounts, or those doing $10 million to $40 million in sales, don’t typically have in-house risk management and must rely on insurers and their and agents for the help. “They love having that additional resource from a safety and loss control standpoint,” he said.
Goodrich hasn’t witnessed the dramatic commercial property rate hikes seen in other more cat-exposed regions; he is seeing low single digit increases. “Here in Pennsylvania, we are seeing very modest rate increases,” he said. “But industry-wide and in different pockets of the country based on vulnerability to natural catastrophes and other types of perils, double digit increases are not uncommon.”
Being an advisor is likely the most important role agents can play today, Woodruff Sawyer’s Soares says. “Honestly, I think that’s our only role. We have to be that trusted advisor and participate in giving risk management advice.”
Woodruff Sawyer has in-house engineers as part of its client team to help agents and their clients put together risk improvement plans. “Then we look at different coverage options and price where the client retains risk, and where they allocate dollars,” she said.
Catastrophe risk management is one area where clients look for the most help, she said.
Simply giving insureds the information isn’t enough, Soares said.
Agents must be able to advise insureds about actual loss scenarios and be able to discuss how those losses could affect them, including evaluating catastrophe models that produce property loss scenarios. “You get these numbers and say, ‘Oh, you’re one in two 50-year event is X. Would you like to buy some earthquake coverage?'” That’s where clients really rely on their agent or broker partners to explain.
“For example, if a client is seeing that their catastrophe charge, whether it’s in their property policy or if they buy a standalone earthquake policy, if that pricing is doubling, they’re obviously going to want to take a harder look at what is the value that that coverage is bringing them. Is it worth it? Should I keep buying the same amount? What’s my true exposure? What’s this going to look like after an event?” she said. That “number” handed back from the catastrophe software modeling firm isn’t always helpful without an agent’s interpretation, she says.
Catastrophe modeling companies such as Risk Management Solutions (RMS) and AIR Worldwide build software that simulates hundreds of thousands of events with varying probabilities across a portfolio. The output (Probable Maximum Loss figures or PMLs) has become a key component for pricing catastrophe-exposed insureds.
Today, clients need the context provided by an agent or broker more than ever, telling them, “Let’s talk about your individual business, how it’s going to be affected, where disruptions will happen … because the computer output just doesn’t give you much value in a vacuum,” Soares said.
Soares advises her property clients that in today’s market, properly managing loss control and mitigating property exposures can make the most difference in total cost. “It’s where they can have the most impact,” she said.
This article was originally published in the Oct. 21 edition of Insurance Journal magazine.
P/C Insurers Boosted Underwriting Profit, Surplus in 2019’s First 9 Months
Categories: National NewsTopics: Commercial Lines, commercial property, property risk management, Risk Management
retired risk manager says:
Hot debate. What do you think?
A classic example of the yo – yo effect of cash flow underwriting. Also a good example of the failure of carriers to monitor where the risk is located, and its relation to surrounding risks that might be insured by the carrier. Concentration of exposures leads to larger risks. Don’t try and write all of the houses in a certain area, pick and choose and spread your risk. remember the old Sanborn maps. I started as a mapping clerk. It was my job to inform the underwriter if “we” had any insured exposures. Did we insure the next door building? What was the construction and protection rating of the submission? Most underwriters don’t even know what the different construction classes mean. Here’s what is going to happen. Premiums will go up and carriers might lose some market share. Then management will see the premiums available, and get greedy. Premium dollar underwriting. The first line of defense against improper risk selection was the “special agent”. He/she and the agent, would actually put eyes on the risk. What looks good on paper is not necessarily so, and also the reverse. Property insurance is NOT difficult. It just takes a common sense approach.
Former UW says:
I'll clarify in saying the system mentioned is proprietary to a 'large, multinational insurance carrier', but know that other large carriers have similar systems as well based... read more
JaxAgent says:
Tiger, I think that ours is a capacity issue as much as anything and as long as capacity is plentiful, comp rates decreasing* and no biblical cat losses occur, I'd guess that ... read more
I couldn't agree more, Former UW. It is awfully presumptuous and borderline egotistical to assume that property underwriters don't know how different construction classes shou... read more
Meat Loaf Sues Texas Hotel, Blames Negligence for Disabling Fall
More Than a Dozen Florida Insurers Facing Ratings Downgrades
Ben & Jerry's Says No Depositions Possible in Claims Against 'Happy Cows'
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2475
|
__label__cc
| 0.503745
| 0.496255
|
TAX / PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING
New Life for Charitable Lids
Two recent court victories give formula clauses more power in estate plans.
BY WAYNE E. NIX, CPA, DBA, LEE G. KNIGHT, PH.D. AND RAY A. KNIGHT, ESQ., CPA/PFS
Taxation of Estates and Trusts
One common estate planning technique the IRS has opposed or blocked for years is “charitable lid planning.” This technique relies on “defined value” and “value adjustment” clauses or similar provisions in wills, deeds or other transfer documents to cap the transfer taxes on estates, gifts or generation-skipping trusts at some predetermined amount. The IRS has consistently argued against defined-value clauses on the basis of the Fourth Circuit’s holding in Commissioner v. Procter (142 F.2d 824 (1944)) that such clauses are void because they remove the IRS’ incentive to audit returns and thus are against public policy.
In Procter, the taxpayer’s trust indenture making a gift of a future interest in trust property to his children provided that if a “court of last resort” determined that any part of the transfer was subject to gift tax, that portion would be deemed automatically void and excluded from the conveyance. The Fourth Circuit concluded that the clause would, in effect, nullify the very court judgment it invoked as a condition, noting that a federal law at the time prohibited any declaratory judgment by a federal court as to whether a gift was subject to gift tax. In subsequent cases, courts denied “savings clauses” that provided for a portion of a gift deemed subject to gift tax to revert to the donor. The IRS has also argued on similar grounds against clauses that would have a similar effect on transfer tax liability, but by making or increasing donations to charities rather than by a reversion.
In back-to-back decisions in late 2009, however, the Tax Court and Eighth Circuit in Estate of Christiansen v. Commissioner (130 TC 1, aff’d, 8th Cir. (2009)) and the Tax Court in Estate of Petter v. Commissioner (TC Memo 2009-280) rejected the IRS’ public policy arguments and opened the door for using charitable lid strategies to limit a donor’s transfer tax liability while fulfilling charitable goals. However, CPAs and their clients should also note continuing developments in this area of estate law.
The reduction in transfer taxes also entails a couple of risks that the CPA needs to discuss with clients. First, the IRS probably will audit their transfer tax returns and make value adjustments, requiring them to transfer additional assets to charitable organizations. Second, the IRS has not indicated its acceptance of the decision in Petter, so it probably will appeal the decision to the Ninth Circuit. A victory for the IRS would mean a split among the circuits that could lead to an appeal to the Supreme Court. A taxpayer victory, however, may not keep the IRS from appealing a Tax Court decision in other circuits.
This uncertainty makes it imperative that CPAs and others who advise wealthy clients watch the tax horizon for updates on this important issue. The Eighth Circuit includes Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The Ninth Circuit covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington state.
This article explains how defined-value clauses activate charitable lid strategies and considers the impact of Petter and Christiansen on using charitable lid strategies to limit transfer taxes. The article should provide CPAs a basis for informing their high-net-worth clients about the technique and its applicability to their situations.
STRUCTURE AND BENEFITS OF CHARITABLE LID STRATEGIES
Charitable lid strategies rely on a combination of defined-value clauses (also called formula clauses) and value adjustment clauses to limit transfer taxes. A defined-value clause is used to calculate the value of property transferred by gift (will) to noncharitable and charitable beneficiaries. The transferor often limits the value transferred to the noncharitable done (heir) to his or her remaining gift (estate) tax exclusion, but the limit can be any predetermined amount. The value of the property in excess of the amount transferred to the noncharitable beneficiary is transferred to the charitable beneficiary. The goal of this technique is to limit transfer tax liability to zero or a predetermined amount. For example, a defined-value clause might state a gift amount as equal to the donor’s “net remaining generation-skipping tax exemption.”
Most value-adjustment clauses define “value” for purposes of computing the amounts passing to the beneficiaries as the value at the date of the transfer, as finally determined for transfer (gift, estate or generation-skipping) tax purposes. If the IRS or a court later determines that the value of the property transferred is greater than initially reported on the gift (estate) tax return, only the “excess” amount (the amount transferred to the charitable beneficiary) increases. The amount transferred to the noncharitable beneficiary is set by the formula and will not increase. The value-adjustment clause ensures that the donor’s transfer tax liability is not increased by value adjustments proposed by the IRS during its audit of the transfer tax return.
A charitable lid strategy uses these clauses to limit the transfer tax liability by specifying the portion of a split-interest gift going to a noncharitable donee (often through a family partnership or LLC created to facilitate the transfers). If the value of the property at the transfer date exceeds the formula-derived amount, the excess passes to the charities designated by the donor.
Often, family partnership or LLC interests transferred under a charitable lid strategy are discounted in value for lack of marketability and/or control. The IRS, however, may contest the discount and increase the value of the interests. With formula clauses, when this happens, the resulting increase can be channeled to one or more designated charities. This allows the donor to claim a higher charitable deduction without paying additional transfer taxes. The formula clauses effectively place a “lid” on the transfer tax liability. The example in Exhibit 1 illustrates how the strategy typically works.
Exhibit 1: Charitable Lid Planning Strategy Example
Joshua Benz wishes to transfer units of a family LLC to a family trust in an amount equal to the gift tax exclusion, $1 million. Benz also wishes to transfer LLC units to the Greystone Public Health Foundation, a section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity, in an amount equal to the value of the transferred property in excess of the exclusion amount. The transfer document accomplishes these goals with the following provisions: “Joshua Benz hereby transfers property described in the attached schedule (which describes units of the Benz Family LLC) with a fair market value not to exceed $1,000,000 to the Benz Family Trust; any excess shall be transferred to the Greystone Public Health Foundation. Fair market value shall be defined as the value of the property as finally determined for federal gift tax purposes.”
Benz retains a qualified appraiser to value the property he transfers to the Benz family trust. The appraiser values the units at $1,100,000 on the date of transfer. The IRS subsequently audits the transfer return, and Benz agrees with the IRS that the value of the units as of the date of the gift was $1,500,000. Estate planning by Benz results in the following:
Benz transfers Benz Family LLC units equivalent to the excess value at the transfer date, $100,000, to the Greystone Public Health Foundation ($1.1 million appraisal value - $1 million to Benz Family Trust = $100,000 excess).
Benz transfers Benz Family LLC units equivalent to the maximum value specified in the transfer document, $1,000,000, to the Benz Family Trust.
Benz transfers Benz Family LLC units equal to the increased agreed-upon value to Greystone Public Health Foundation ($1.5 million - $1.1 million = $400,000).
Benz pays no transfer tax on the transfers because the $1 million lifetime exclusion offsets the amount transferred to the Benz Family Trust, and Benz’s charitable deduction shields the gift from taxation.
CHRISTIANSEN : CHARITABLE LID PLANNING WITH A DISCLAIMER CLAUSE
Another commonly used estate planning technique, useful for reducing both gift and estate taxes, is a qualified disclaimer. IRC § 2518 provides that if certain conditions are met, a beneficiary can disclaim all or a portion of an interest that can be treated for gift tax purposes as passing directly from the transferor of the property to the person entitled to receive the property as a result of the disclaimer.
In Christiansen, Helen Christiansen’s will left her entire estate to her daughter, Christine Hamilton, but included a provision that any portion disclaimed by Hamilton would pass to a designated charitable foundation. Christiansen’s estate consisted primarily of an interest in a family LLC that a reputable independent appraiser valued at $6.5 million shortly after her death. Hamilton disclaimed the value of the estate in excess of $6.35 million, resulting in $150,000 passing to the foundation (for a discussion of related aspects of the case, see “Tax Matters: Charitable Deduction Due to a Partial Disclaimer,” JofA, March 2010, page 61).
The IRS audited the estate tax return and challenged the value of the estate. The parties settled on a value of $9.5 million. Because of the formula disclaimer, the entire additional amount passed to the foundation. The estate claimed a corresponding increase in its charitable deduction and thus took the position that it incurred no additional estate taxes.
The IRS disallowed the increased charitable deduction for the increase in value that passed directly to the foundation on the grounds that the adjustment clause included in the disclaimer was contrary to public policy. The IRS contended that the adjustment clause took away its opportunity to collect additional estate taxes regardless of the value determined during audit and thus its incentive to audit tax returns.
RESPONSE OF TAX COURT AND EIGHTH CIRCUIT
The Tax Court disagreed with the IRS’ public policy contention and let the estate increase its charitable deduction for the increase in value passed directly to the foundation. The court rejected the IRS’ contention that Christiansen was analogous to Procter. In contrast, the adjustment phrase in Christiansen did not undo a transfer, the court said; it merely reallocated the value of the property between Hamilton and the charitable foundation. Besides, Judge Mark V. Holmes wrote in the court’s opinion, “We are hard pressed to find any fundamental public policy against making gifts to charity—if anything the opposite is true.”
On appeal, the IRS again tried to get the value-adjustment clause voided, claiming it was contrary to public policy. The Eighth Circuit, however, rejected the IRS’ arguments and affirmed the Tax Court’s decision. The appeals court listed three reasons that the value-adjustment clause was not void as a matter of public policy: (1) The IRS’ role is to enforce tax laws, not just maximize tax receipts, (2) there is no clear congressional intent of a policy to maximize tax collections by providing an incentive to audit (but there is a congressional policy favoring gifts to charity), and (3) other mechanisms exist to ensure values are accurately reported.
PETTER : USING CHARITABLE LID PLANNING FOR GIFT TRANSFERS
The petitioner in Petter, Anne Petter, inherited a substantial amount of stock in United Parcel Service of America Inc. (UPS) before the company went public. After holding the UPS stock for 16 years, Petter retained an estate planner to help put her estate in order. She wanted the plan to accomplish two objectives: (1) provide a comfortable life for her children and their children and (2) contribute the remainder to two charitable foundations. To accomplish these objectives without exceeding Petter’s remaining lifetime gift exclusion, her estate planner developed a plan that included a complex formula for allocating the property’s total value among the donees.
To implement this plan, Petter first transferred her stock investments (primarily the UPS stock) to a family-owned LLC. Second, she transferred the LLC units in a part sale/part gift arrangement to family trusts created for the benefit of her children and grandchildren. Last, Petter donated LLC units to the two charitable foundations. The estate planner obtained a formal appraisal of the property and used the allocation formula to allocate LLC units among the donees.
The transfer documents stipulated that the property value exceeding that transferred to the family trusts should be transferred by gift to the charitable foundation. The value and quantity of each donee’s gift was determined by the formula provided in the transfer document. The transfer documents defined the value of the LLC units as the value finally determined for federal gift tax purposes. Petter timely filed her gift tax return and included the appropriate documentation. The IRS subsequently audited the gift return and concluded that the value established by the appraiser was too low. Petter agreed to the IRS’ proposed adjustment to the value of the property but opposed the IRS’ disallowance of a corresponding increase in the charitable deduction. The IRS once again relied on Procter to argue that the defined-value clause was void as a matter of public policy.
TAX COURT’S RESPONSE
The Tax Court rejected the IRS’ public policy arguments and held for Petter, based upon the reasoning of the court in Christiansen. It again struck down the IRS’ contention that using formula clauses to achieve a donor’s transfer objectives leaves the public unprotected from inaccurate estate values. The opinion, again by Holmes, further stated that the fiduciary responsibilities of transferors and the policing responsibilities of state agencies and the IRS already provide sufficient safeguards to protect charities from inaccurately low values and to enforce tax laws.
ADVISING CLIENTS
These decisions are important victories for taxpayers and estate planners since they encourage the use of formula clauses to effect charitable lid strategies. CPAs should inform wealthy clients who want to leave their estates to a combination of individuals and charitable organizations about the significant reduction in transfer taxes that formula clauses and value-adjustment clauses can produce.
Some “best practices” that may be helpful in reducing the risks related to the use of charitable lid techniques are provided in Exhibit 2.
Exhibit 2: Best Practices From the Opinion in Petter
Ensure that charities are not just passively enabling the donor to reduce transfer taxes. The following practices were noted in Petter:
Engage in arm’s-length transactions with the charities.
Involve the charities in the planning process so that they are in a position to protect their interests.
Allow the charities to receive ownership rights rather than mere assignees’ rights, so that both the LLC managers and the family trust have fiduciary duties to the charities.
Give the charities an ascertainable dollar amount rather than a specified number of units or a percentage of ownership in the LLC.
Use a professional appraisal for allocating the initial transfer under the formula clause.
Fully disclose the gift/sale transactions on the gift tax return. For example, Petter’s disclosures included the following items:
Formula clauses included in the transfer documents
Spreadsheet showing the family LLC unit allocation
Organizing documents of the LLC
Trust agreements
Letters of intent provided to foundations
The appraisal report
Consistently describe the donations used to establish charitable gifts (in this case, to donor-advised funds) as formula transfers.
Provide for or discuss mechanisms available to enforce the valuation determination in the transfer documents (that is, advise parties of fiduciary duties).
A CAUSE FOR CLAUSES
The Tax Court’s acceptance of formula and value-adjustment clauses used in Petter and Christiansen could eventually prompt the IRS to agree with Judge Holmes’ conclusion in Petter that “formula clauses are fine.” Until the IRS reaches this point, however, CPAs can add value for their clients by explaining the risks, costs and benefits of using formula clauses to put a lid on transfer taxes.
The IRS has opposed “charitable lid” strategies to limit estate and gift taxes, but recent taxpayer victories in the Tax Court and Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals have opened a door for CPAs to at least explore them with clients in their estate plans.
Defined-value clauses (also known as formula clauses) put a lid on taxes by expressing a gift by reference to a tax exclusion amount. Value-adjustment clauses designate a fair market value of a gift as it is “finally determined” for transfer taxes, ensuring that it will remain constant even if the valuation of underlying units changes as a result of an examination or other development.
A partial disclaimer by a noncharitable beneficiary of an interest in excess of a stated amount, with that excess going to a charitable beneficiary, accomplished a similar result in Estate of Christiansen v. Commissioner (130 TC 1, aff’d, 8th Cir. (2009)).
In Estate of Petter v. Commissioner (TC Memo 2009-280), the donor allocated gifts among charitable and noncharitable donees with defined-value clauses that were upheld by the Tax Court. The court’s opinion provides some indications of best practices to follow in such plans that could lessen the likelihood that they will be successfully challenged by the IRS.
Wayne E. Nix (wenix@live.com) is an assistant professor of accounting at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss.; Lee G. Knight (knightlg@wfu.edu) is a professor of accountancy at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Ray A. Knight (rayknight@capstoneplanning.net) is managing director of Capstone Planning Alliance LLC in Winston-Salem, N.C.
To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Paul Bonner, senior editor, at 919-402-4434 or pbonner@aicpa.org.
AICPA RESOURCES
“Charitable Planning: CRTs, CLTs and the Increasing Payment CLAT,” JofA, July 2010, page 18
“Charitable Remainder Trust Update,” JofA, Oct. 2009, page 24
“Back to the Basics: Common Gift Tax Return Mistakes,” The Tax Adviser, July 2010, page 471
“Tax Clinic: Be Careful Making Disclaimers Where Trusts Are Involved,” The Tax Adviser, Feb. 2009, page 79
Use journalofaccountancy.com to find past JofA articles. In the search box, click “Open Advanced Search” and then search by title. To find past articles from The Tax Adviser, go to aicpa.org/pubs/taxadv.
Publication on demand
Estate and Related Planning During Economic Turmoil (#091033PDF)
CPE self-study
Estate Planning Essentials: Tax Relief for Your Clients’ Estates (#745111)
Advanced Estate Planning: Practical Strategies for Your Clients (#736981SNF)
AICPA Briefing on Sophisticated Tax Planning for Your Wealthy Clients, Nov. 15–16, New York City
AICPA Conference on Tax Strategies for the High-Income Individual, May 5–6, 2011, Las Vegas
For more information or to make a purchase or register, go to cpa2biz.com or call the Institute at 888-777-7077.
The Tax Adviser and Tax Section
The Tax Adviser is available at a reduced subscription price to members of the Tax Section, which provides tools, technologies and peer interaction to CPAs with tax practices. More than 23,000 CPAs are Tax Section members. The Section keeps members up to date on tax legislative and regulatory developments. Visit the Tax Center at aicpa.org/tax. The current issue of The Tax Adviser is available at aicpa.org/pubs/taxadv.
PFP Member Section and PFS credential
Membership in the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Section provides access to specialized resources in the area of personal financial planning, including complimentary access to Forefield Advisor. Visit the PFP Center at aicpa.org/PFP. Members with a specialization in personal financial planning may be interested in applying for the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential. Information about the PFS credential is available at aicpa.org/PFS.
More from the JofA:
Find us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2487
|
__label__wiki
| 0.87677
| 0.87677
|
Hitler’s Mein Kampf (My Struggle) may soon become our struggle | kabbalah.info
Kabbalah.info - Bnei Baruch Kabbalah Education & Research Institute
Kabbalah Worldwide
Kabbalah Home/Kabbalah Worldwide/Hitler’s Mein Kampf (My Struggle) may soon become our struggle
Hitler’s Mein Kampf (My Struggle) may soon become our struggle
By MICHAEL LAITMAN 06/16/2016 10:21
The mass distribution of Adolf Hitler’s infamous, anti-Semitic rant known as Mein Kampf (My Struggle) has recently been given a big boost by the initiative of Italian conservative leaning newspaper, Il Giornale, to give the book as a gift to anyone who buys a copy of the paper. Considering the global rise of anti-Semitism, this move could prove to be a precursor of another epic catastrophe for the Jewish people.
“If … the Jew is victorious over the other peoples of the world, his crown will be the funeral wreath of humanity.” This past weekend, thousands of readers of the Italian newspaper, Il Giornale, consumed these venomous words, as well as numerous other anti-Semitic tropes, as the paper distributed thousands of free copies of Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler’s autobiography.
The newspaper was scolded for its decision. Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, described the act as “squalid,” while others criticized the newspaper’s move as a “sales trick.” In its defense, the paper argued that the initiative would “educate readers about the evils of Nazism.”
Since the end of World War II and until January 1, 2016, the distribution of the book had been banned in Europe. But now that the copyrights have expired, the book is being distributed once more. Although an annotated version of the text is being distributed and sold in Germany and Italy “for educational purposes,” copies of the original text can easily be purchased online and in bookstores throughout the world. In consequence, just over seventy years after the end of the most satanic attempt to exterminate the Jews, the text that fueled the Nazi ideology is once again a bestseller—all around the world.
Anti-Semitic Fuel
Despite the decades that have passed since the end of World War II, very little has changed with regard to attitudes toward Jews. There may have been a hiatus in overt expressions of Jew hatred, but its poison has neither faded nor lost its malice. In recent years we have witnessed a reemergence of blatant anti-Semitism the world over. While terrorists are killing innocent civilians on the streets and in cafés in Tel-Aviv, the international media warps the truth and portrays such actions as “shooting incidents.” Anti-Israel movements, such as BDS (Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions) are trying to maim Israel economically and academically, and following every major terror attack around the world, some petty politician declares a false-flag and puts the blame on Israel.
Back in the early 1950s, renowned Kabbalist, Rav Yehuda Ashlag, wrote in his insightful composition, The Writings of the Last Generation: “The world erroneously considers Nazism a particular offshoot of Germany. In truth … all the nations are equal in that; there is no hope at all that Nazism will perish with the victory of the allies, for tomorrow the Anglo-Saxons will adopt Nazism.”
As Mein Kampf fueled anti-Semitism then and gave it “rational” justification, so it can do now. Today the book is so widespread that to undo its vile impact we must tackle the reason for its spreading in the first place: anti-Semitism.
The Power of Connection
In that same book, the Rav Ashlag notes that “it is a fact that Israel is hated by all the nations, whether for religious, racial, capitalist, communist, or for cosmopolitan reasons, etc. It is so because the hatred precedes all reasons, and each [faction] merely resolves its loathing according to its own psychology.” Ashlag continues to explain that the Jewish people have a role to play in the world, and as long as we refrain from carrying it out we will be hated under various pretexts.
To know our role in the world, we need to understand our place in the global network that is humanity. Within that network, the Jews are the joints and junctions that allow us to feel connected, learn from one another, empower, and be empowered by each other. Without the Jews, the human network would be dark and lifeless. Our ancestors, the ancient Hebrews, developed a method of connection whereby each person could use his or her natural egoism for the common good, thereby supporting the society and strengthening it.
The early Jews did not suppress their egos the way Eastern teachings and New Age groups often suggest. Instead, they rose above their egos, as King Solomon states (Proverbs, 10:12), “covering their crimes with love.” In doing so, they unleashed a force that elevated them above their egos and fused them into a unified nation.
This unique method was not intended for the Jews alone. It was intended as a means of connection for the entire world. Israel was meant to be “a light unto nations,” providing the world with an example of a method for achieving unity because, as the Rav Kook put it, “In Israel lies the secret to the unity of the world.”
His Struggle, Our Struggle
“The Jew is only united when a common danger forces him to be or a common booty entices him,” writes Hitler, and not without a grain of truth. “If these two grounds are lacking, the qualities of the crassest egoism come into their own,” he concludes.
The Rav Ashlag, Rav Kook, and many other Jewish leaders point to the connection between the state of the world and the role of the Israeli people. In his book, Orot (Lights), the Rav Kook wrote, “The construction of the world, which is currently crumpled by the dreadful storms of a blood-filled sword, requires the construction of the Israeli nation. The construction of the nation and the revealing of its spirit are one and the same, and it is one with the construction of the world, which is crumpling in anticipation for a force full of unity and sublimity.”
But in the absence of that “force full of unity” in our connections, the power of hatred prevails in the world and drives people apart. This malignant force is what caused Adolf Hitler, Henry Ford and numerous anti-Semites throughout the ages to feel that the Jews are the source of all that is evil in the world. They felt that the Jews were not doing what they were intended to do. In consequence, as the Rav Ashlag wrote, “In such a generation, all the destructors among the Nations of the World raise their heads and wish primarily to destroy and to kill the Children of Israel, as it is written (Yevamot 63), ‘No calamity comes to the world but for Israel.’” It is so because, to use the words of The Zohar (Tikkun no. 30), Israel are causing “poverty, ruin, robbery, killing, and destructions throughout the world.”
But when we Jews take to the path of brotherhood and unite “as one man with one heart,” we invoke that power of connection and project it throughout the human network to the entire world. That power softens people’s hearts and brings them closer to each other. At the same time, it uproots anti-Semitic thoughts, as people begin to sense the benefit that Jews are bringing to the world. In the words of the Maor Vashemesh, “The prime defense against calamity is love and unity. When there are love, unity, and friendship between each other in Israel, no calamity can come over them.”
This is our struggle. Through the quality of our connections we will cause the rise of Hitlerism or its final disappearance.
Michael Laitman is a Professor of Ontology, a PhD in Philosophy and Kabbalah, and an MSc in Medical Bio-Cybernetics. He was the prime disciple of Kabbalist, Rav Baruch Ashlag (the RABASH). Prof. Laitman has written over 40 books, translated into dozens of languages; he is the founder and president of the ARI Institute, and a sought after speaker.
https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Hitlers-Mein-Kampf-My-Struggle-may-soon-become-our-struggle-456819
Delve Deeper into the Real Reason Behind Anti-Semitism and the Role of the Jews
If you're interested in further exploring the causes of anti-Semitism and the role of the Jewish people, we recommend that you take our free course, The World, the Jews and the Science of Human Survival.
The Year of Change
We Have to Check the World into the Nearest Repair Shop
An Analysis of Europe's Security Troubles from the Perspective of Kabbalah
Brexit — Britain did itself and the world a favor
Fascism is looming over the US - and it’s bad news for the Jews
Our Purim Spiel
Passover — a chance to pass over
Post Passover — the birth of a nation
The 2nd Holocaust - How can we prevent it?
What Jonah Tells Us about Anti-Semitism
We were given the Torah, but have we received it?
Understanding the piece process
Opinion: Is America heading toward a clash of civilizations?
Breaking Out from the Straits
Beyond black and white in America
Why Tishrei means a new life
The secret to Israel's independence
The futility of politics (and how we can really make things better)
World Kabbalah Convention in Israel, Feb. 2019
St. Petersburg Congress - "The Round World"
All As One. World Kabbalah Convention in Israel, Feb. 2017
North American Kabbalah Convention
Free Public Lecture In Toronto
Zohar Convention
North American Convention - New York 2010
EurAsian Kabbalah Congress
International Kabbalah Congress
What the Bleep !?
South American Kabbalah Congress
Dr. Laitman - US & Canada Tour
The Table of Free Voices
The New Planetary Consciousness
Wisdom in Action
Creating a New Civilization
PR Web
WRPI Radio
Dr. Michael Laitman Interview Series
The Essence of Life
Jewish Business News
Kabbalah Newsletter
Free weekly updates, articles and videos.
Privacy: Your email address will never be rented, traded or sold.
What Is Kabbalah?
Study Kabbalah
Kabbalah Video Clips
Kabbalah Music
Life, Love & Family
The Zohar
Kabbalah Channel
Kabbalah TV
Kabbalah Blog
Kabbalah Publication
Kabbalah Bookstore
Kabbalah Library
Interactive FAQ
Choose Your Language Kabbalah — English Каббала — Русский קבלה — עברית Cabalá — Español Cabale — Français Kabbalah — Deutsch Kabbalah — Italiano كابالا - العربية کبالا — فارسی Кабала — Български Kabbala — Magyar Kabbala — Nederlands Kabały — Polski Kabbala — Suomi Kabala — Latviešu Kabbala — Eesti Kabbalah — Português Каббала — Українська Kabala — Türkçe קבלה - יידיש 語本日 — ラバカ Καβαλα — Greek ქაბალა — Georgian Kabala — Lietuvių — Amharic Kabbalah — Swedish Cabala — Romanian Kabala — Hrvatski Kabbalah — Norsk Kabala — Filipino Kabala — Česky Kabbalah — 한국어 Kabbalah — हिन्दी 卡巴拉 — 中文 Кабала — Македонски Kabala - Srpski
Home About Contact Donations
Download Donate
Bnei Baruch's Mission
Bnei Baruch is a non-profit organization for teaching and sharing the wisdom of Kabbalah. To maintain its independence and integrity, Bnei Baruch is not supported, funded, or otherwise tied to any government, religious or political entity. Its success in disseminating the Wisdom of Kabbalah to the world is directly related to the contribution of personal time and financial support by its students.
קבלה | Каббала | Cabalá (esp) | Kabbalah
Kabbalah Education Center | Kabbalah Channel | Kabbalah TV | Kabbalah Books
Kabbalah International | Kabbalah Publication | Kabbalah Blog
Zohar | ARI Films | Kabbalah Radio | About Bnei Baruch | Contact | Donations
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy | Media Kit | Help Share Kabbalah
kabbalah.info is maintained by the group of Kabbalists Bnei Baruch
Copyright ©1996-2020. Bnei Baruch. All rights reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2492
|
__label__wiki
| 0.841648
| 0.841648
|
'Hot felon' makes New York Fashion Week debut after viral mugshot
Jeremy Meeks Instagram SOURCE: Jeremy Meeks Instagram
The man whose mugshot earned the description of "hot felon" has made his catwalk debut in one of the biggest fashion weeks in the world. Jeremy Meeks was arrested in June 2014 for felony gun charges. Not long after his mugshot was posted to the Stockton, California police Facebook page, it went viral, according to CNN. After the 32-year-old was released from prison, he was offered a modeling contract with White Cross Management. This week he walked on the runway for designer Philipp Plein during New York Fashion Week.
The man whose mugshot earned the description of "hot felon" has made his catwalk debut in one of the biggest fashion weeks in the world.
Jeremy Meeks was arrested in June 2014 for felony gun charges. Not long after his mugshot was posted to the Stockton, California police Facebook page, it went viral, according to CNN.
Thanks for all the love #Blessed
A post shared by JEREMY MEEKS (@jmeeksofficial) on Jan 5, 2017 at 1:55pm PST
After the 32-year-old was released from prison, he was offered a modeling contract with White Cross Management.
This week he walked on the runway for designer Philipp Plein during New York Fashion Week.
Big thanks to @philippplein78 for believing in me... Last night was epic !!! #NeighborHoodKingsNEWYORK @whitecrossmanagement @supamodelmanagement @carineroitfeld #supastar #epic #godisgood #blessed
A post shared by JEREMY MEEKS (@jmeeksofficial) on Feb 14, 2017 at 9:04am PST
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2495
|
__label__wiki
| 0.739972
| 0.739972
|
Exploring alternatives to EpiPen amid shortage
There are other options for auto-injectors than Epi-Pen
by: Alexandra Limon
Posted: Aug 19, 2019 / 12:30 PM HST / Updated: Aug 19, 2019 / 12:30 PM HST
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — The nationwide shortage of EpiPen continues but there are alternatives you can use when a life-threatening allergic reaction happens.
While most families are shopping for notebooks and new jeans, the parents of kids who suffer from severe food allergies also have to ensure they have epinephrine auto-injectors both at school and at home.
“To help their child be safe and included in all activities,” said Lisa Gable with Food Allergy Research an Education.
Gables said there continues to be shortages of the most commonly known injector — EpiPen.
The Food and Drug Administration urges people to keep and use their EpiPen for up to four months past their expiration date — but get immediate medical assistance afterward.
The FDA also fast-tracked approval of alternative injectors to fight allergic reactions.
“The challenge is those products are not accessible and available at all medical centers as well as retail operations,” Gable said.
Most national pharmacies carry only the EpiPen brand but that is slowly changing.
“Kaleo recently got Auvi-Q, so that it could be introduced a Walgreens,” Gable said.
You can find a list of independent pharmacies that carry alternative injectors on Healthmart.com.
Ensuring that prescriptions are not written for a specific brand name will improve the odds of getting the prescription filled by pharmacies and covered by your insurance.
“Make sure that you get as much flexibility in the way that they write that prescription,” Gable said.
More Washington-DC Stories
Senate debates rules for impeachment trial of President Trump
by Joe Khalil / Jan 21, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. (NEXSTAR) - "When the founders wrote the impeachment clause, they had precisely this type of misconduct in mind," Representative Adam Schiff, D-California, said.
"A partisan impeachment is like stealing an election," White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said.
Historic Trump impeachment trial begins Wednesday — but Senate must agree how to do it first
by Russell Falcon, Nexstar, and Anna Wiernicki / Jan 21, 2020
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nexstar) — Today is the first day of President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate, marking just the third time a President has faced removal from office in U.S. history.
But before the two sides could begin delivering their opening arguments, Senators debated what that trial should look like.
Senate continues lengthy debate over rules for impeachment trial
by Morgan Wright / Jan 21, 2020
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) ─ The U.S. Senate has been battling for hours over the rules that will govern the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, believes the rules proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, don't provide enough time, witnesses and documents to unveil the truth.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2496
|
__label__wiki
| 0.872455
| 0.872455
|
Future of You Home
DIY Health
Hope/Hype
Your Brain On Tech
Your Genes
Science News Podcast
This Moment on Earth
When It Comes to Medical Device Design, Nurses Are Doing It For Themselves (Video)
Lesley McClurgJon Brooks
Anna Young is the CEO of MakerHealth and co-founder of MakerNurse, organizations dedicated to the idea that the most apt tools for treating patients are sometimes developed on the front lines, by those who work directly with patients.
For generations nurses have been raiding hospital supply closets, modifying and repurposing standard equipment to better suit the needs of patients, Young says in a recently released TEDMED presentation. (See above.)
She gives the example of visiting a Nicaraguan neonatal intensive care unit, where the director proudly showed her a brand new ventilator. But what caught her attention was "the nurse working quietly in the background," placing hand-cut cloth glasses on infants under a phototherapy lamp.
"It was amazing to me that this simple, elegant, handmade solution was dramatically improving the quality of care for these tiny babies," Young says.
She believes the health care industry has been “constrained by black box medical device design."
"It’s really not about inventing it at MIT," Young says, "this is about inventing it everywhere."
Below, you can read our original post on how the maker movement has been making inroads into some traditional medical settings.
Inside sterile hospital environments, medical MacGyvers are designing and building new medical devices with an assortment of raw materials to improve patient care.
Doing the crafting, tinkering and inventing are nurses, doctors, patients and even caregivers.
Nurses have used plastic cups and surgical tape to keep children from picking at their IVs. They've adapted goggles to protect the eyes of neonatal infants. And you've seen tennis balls on walkers, right?
It's called MakerHealth, born out of the maker movement.
Lego Buff Called to Action
In the early part of the 20th century, nurses paired a rocking chair with roller skates to make a wheelchair, or used hot corncobs as bed warmers.
Oncology nurse Victor Ty knew the usual protocols wouldn’t cut it when he was assigned a teenager with autism.
Typically, Ty offers a detailed briefing to explain how radiation treatment works at Maimonides Cancer Center in Brooklyn, New York. But his patient was nonverbal and Ty was stumped, until the teen's mother mentioned her son loved Legos.
“I had been a Lego buff my whole life," Ty says, "and a picture speaks a thousand words."
Ty built an elaborate white-and-red Lego model of the large machine to which the patient would roll inside for radiation treatment. The device is called a linear accelerator, which destroys cancer cells with X-rays.
When the patient began playing with the model, Ty used hand gestures to explain the treatment. The experiment was a success; daily radiation was administered for weeks without incident.
Ty has hacked traditional medical equipment, too.
“I think frustrations happen every day in the hospital that require you to innovate or repurpose a device," Ty says. "For example, I might only have a square dressing to lay over a wound in a breast cancer patient. So I’ve starting using nipple pads for nursing if I need a circular gauze dressing.”
Oncology nurse Victor Ty built a Lego model of a linear accelerator machine. (Victor Ty)
Recently Ty designed a Lego MRI machine for a pediatric specialist who hoped the device would inspire kids to skip sedation if they understood the procedure. Over the past year, Ty says, 50 kids who have seen the replica have decided against anesthesia.
Administrators Can Be a Tough Sell
When other hospitals caught wind of Ty’s success with Lego models, they invited him to speak to their staff. But not all institutions are excited about handmade devices. Even Ty’s supervisor was not high on the project.
“I was told the [linear accelerator] Lego model was unprofessional because there was no documentation,” Ty shrugs.
He handed the model off to his wife, who is a pediatric radiation nurse at NYU Langone Medical Center, to help her explain the treatment to young patients.
Long History of Maker Nurses
The founders of the MakerHealth movement recently published an academic article tracing the last 120 years of maker nursing.
In the early part of the 20th century, nurses used common household items for patient care. They paired a rocking chair with roller skates to build a wheelchair, for example, and used hot corncobs as bed warmers.
From 1900-1947, the American Journal of Nursing documented these devices and their blueprints. In 1938, the Red Cross sponsored a training for nurses on how to improvise hospital equipment. There was even a regular series called The Trading Post, which ran in the journal for 15 years after World War II.
But the movement began to lose steam as more rigorous scientific standards in health care took hold. Fewer and fewer DIY solutions were documented in the latter half of the 20th century, and the field of nursing began focusing more on methodology and validation, and less on improvisation.
“They were amazing inventors early on, but eventually nursing administrators, who were likely threatened by anything new, squashed new ideas,” says José Gomez-Marquez, co-founder of MakerHealth. “Hierarchy matters a lot in nursing, and nursing research and evidence became prioritized.”
Marquez wonders whether the movement went dark, or if maker nurses just went underground. Either way, he's trying to reignite health hackers by embedding DIY labs inside hospitals.
MakerHealth Space at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. (MakerHealth)
A Revolutionary Space
Last fall, MakerHealth opened its first formal laboratory on the fifth floor of John Sealy Hospital, at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Just down the hall from patient care, a large room has become a maker-space lab/hospital supply closet mashup.
"The mindset is what we are after," says lab manager Nik Albarran. "It’s OK to tinker. It’s OK to fail. It’s OK to try things out."
A laser cutter, 3-D printer, band saw, belt sander and array of tools are all available to innovators, as are a chemistry lab, sewing machine and fluid management station for IV drips. At any given time, about 25 projects are in the works.
Jason Sheaffer, a nurse manager in the burn unit at UTMB, recently designed a system for irrigating patients with serious burns. Nurses in the unit routinely spend up to 11 hours sluicing water over burn victims, so Sheaffer developed a stand-alone shower system that clamps on to the bathtub inside hospital rooms, allowing patients to irrigate themselves.
The Future of Health Hackers
“Nothing has made it to the market yet,” says Albarran. “Right now, the products are being tested and studied. And then patenting and commercialization could be the next step.”
New maker labs are planned for medical centers in Weymouth, Massachusetts; Richmond, Virginia and Corpus Christi, Texas.
But big institutions can be a tough sell. MakerHealth tried to create labs at UCSF Medical Center and Kaiser in California but ran into bureaucratic hurdles.
“It was difficult to work with large institutions that are accustomed to working with NIH grants and longer-term projects,” says MakerHealth co-founder Anna Young. “They weren’t nimble enough to add something new.”
In systems that depend on billing codes and published research, gaining traction for DIY methods is difficult. But Young is not deterred.
“My hope is that one day, your doctor prescribes not just a pill, but a blueprint for making an easy-to-open pill box," she says. "And you go not just to a pharmacy, but to a craft store with your occupational therapist. And that if you have an idea for improving health care, you go to a medical makerspace and make it!”
Get the best of KQED’s science coverage in your inbox weekly.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2501
|
__label__wiki
| 0.836296
| 0.836296
|
Charity Regulations
Charity law covers regulations in England and Wales, ensuring that the legal framework and legislation is beneficial to charities, as well as assisting in the development of charity performance within our society.
Charity law monitors the following areas:
New legislations
Change – forming progression
The aid for start ups
Whilst encompassing the following three key areas below:
Charities Act 2006
The Charities Act of 2006 was updated and developed as a legal system covering charities in England and Wales, to parallel new laws and industries.
The Charity Commission is a non-ministerial government department, with duties including the regulation of charities in England and Wales. Separate from the Cabinet Office the commission is under no direction or control of minister. The charity commission covers:
Starting up a charity
Requirements and guidance
Annual returns and accounts
Updating details and name changes
Closing or merging a charity
Fundraising And Public Charitable Collections
Public street collections are regulated under the Police, Factories Etc Act 1916, ensuring fewer false identity clams and improved approaches towards public fundraising.
House-to-house collections are regulated by the House to House Collections Act 1939 and the House to House Collections Regulations 1947. House-to-house regulations are set out to ensure maximum security for both the collectors and those approached in the home.
Important issues covered in Public Street collections Acts and regulations are:
Uniforms – creating an official identity
Friendly and non-intimidatory approach
Regulations involving the re-pursuit of a potential funder
Grievances and disputes.
Important issues covered in House-to-house Acts and regulations collections are:
Safety in a non-public space
Effective communications
Please note: The views expressed in community areas of this site do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of Law on the Web, its owners, its staff or contributors. All comments are moderated prior to publication.
Personal & Family Law
Your Rights Online
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2511
|
__label__cc
| 0.674968
| 0.325032
|
WHAT PROGRAM? This could easily go under our F.A.Q., but we get the question often enough that we've devoted an entire page to it. It mostly comes from ATOMS parents thinking of doing ATOMS again or moving up to a team.
We'll try and give some tips to help you decide but ultimately it's up to your and your player. If you've completed a season of ATOMS then we feel confident that your players will have the familiarity with the skills in order to improve them quickly. Obviously some players are natural quick learners and thrive on challenges, others may learn new things at their pace and spending more time building confidence is what they need. Parents will be a pretty good judge of that. No Ego's allowed!
Costs - ATOMS is by far the cheapest hockey around. You'll pay $45 at USA Hockey, then $60 (Both Phases) at LAHA and $62 at the Rink for a Season Pass - ATOMS jerseys are included.
To join a Recreational Team, you'll pay $45 at USA Hockey, then $90 at LAHA and $180.25 at the rink for a Season Pass - Rec Team jerseys are included.
House league team registration is included in the Recreational Team registration. Games are played on the weekends at Los Alamos between teams constructed of LAHA players to achieve competitive balance. All House games are non-checking.
Tournament teams are by invitation only. The rosters are chosen by the coaches based on playing skills and other factors. Registration fees for each tournament are divided evenly between the players traveling for each individual tournament. Team jerseys are required and cost ~$65. The teams travel to other rinks and most attend tournaments in New Mexico and Southern Colorado at an additional cost (however they are optional).
Gear Costs are common to both programs.
Time Commitment - ATOMS has the smallest time commitment as well. There are two practices per week at 1.25 hours each. There are no games, but this year we've allotted time on most Saturdays and Sundays for scrimmages. The scrimmages are optional but they certainly are fun and the players have a great time.
Recreational teams also practice twice per week for 1.25 - 1.5 hours each night. Games are played on weekends at all the different rinks in New Mexico. Game schedules are set so that there are typically 2 games played at a venue and a team will usually only play on one day on a weekend. However, there are occassionaly games on both days of a weekend. Teams also occassionally travel to various tournaments during the season.
Most teams will typically play between 15 and 20 games in a season. Away games are played about 2 times per month
Skills Required and Skill Development - While all LAHA programs will focus on fundamental skill development - the ATOMS program spends most of the time on the individual skills of skating, puck control, passing and shooting. ATOMS players are separated by age and ability so that we can have age/level specific instruction and drills. Individual playing rules are introduced along with these skills. Basic Concepts of team play are introduced later in ATOMS but are not a primary focus of the drills and instruction.
Recreational Teams will focus on idividual skills and team skills. Concepts of team play are taught so that the team may compete in organized games. Team and game play rules are taught to the players. Obviously in order to excecute team skills, the basic individual skills must be present. Players will have plenty of opportunities to improve individual skills. Individual Skill proficiency is not required to play.
Candid Answer - ATOMS is structured so that players from Groups B or C can and do move up a group when their skills improve. Going from Group C to a rec team is not uncommon but also not the typical progression for 90% of the players. Staying within the same ATOMS group is also not unheard of. Even the PROS work on fundamental skills and there aren't ANY LAHA players that couldn't use the whole season just for improving fundamental skills. The players' desire to play then becomes the major factor for change. Players in Groups A and B should consider moving to a team at the completion of ATOMS.
Skill progressions come from the following USA Hockey Publication - Skill Progression for Players and Coaches. If you browse this handbook please keep in mind that the skills and knowlege listed for each level are assumed to be taught in that level and not necessarily mastered before the start of that level.
Every player is different, they play for different reasons, they learn and become proficient at different rates. For that reason it is impossible to give a single answer to the question on where to go next.
Don't hesitate to contact the coaches from both levels to get an idea where your specific player might fit the best.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2513
|
__label__cc
| 0.588643
| 0.411357
|
You are at:Home»All News»Soweto Ratha Yatra, 2015
Soweto Ratha Yatra, 2015
By Ragalekha dd on 26 Sep 2015 0 Comments
Written by Rukmini dd
It was dull, with almost a drizzle on Ratha Yatra morning (20 September), as the devotees who worked though most of the night put the finishing touches onto Lord Jagannatha’s cart. The neigbourhood kids gathered and spontaneously chipped in – diminishing lifetimes of karma with each untangled paper flower. Devotees live from festival to festival. As familiar faces were greeted with warm smiles, the energy intensified and within moments, the fire of kirtan was stoked. The very first sparks brought sunshine streaming out of the clouds in a burst of festive expectation. Kadamba Kanana Swami took the lead in straight fifth gear. Ropes in hand, Soweto was ready for a party.
The South African calendar is ablaze with Ratha Yatra festivals; from the famous Durban four-day celebration over Easter to the sweet Cape parade during the Christmas season, and host of others in Gauteng and in-between. Yet this Soweto Heritage Festival is especially significant. Just as the world knows Nelson Mandela, the world also knows Soweto. It is a global stage and the Ratha Yatra turns all eyes on us. Heritage day (24 September, a public holiday just a few days later in South Africa) is a celebration of culture and the Ratha Yatra sets the tone perfectly.
Soweto Ratha Yatra is also Maharaj’s brainchild. He had heard of how the Sowetan devotees had played a video of a Durban Ratha Yatra kirtan and danced all night in front of the television screen. “I don’t cry tears when hearing about the rasalila,” Maharaj once mentioned at a Sunday love feast, “but when I hear about those devotees in Soweto…” Touched by that, Maharaj made every sacrifice to give them a Ratha Yatra. He personally nursed the maiden festival in 2007 through its infancy and dealt with all the teething problems. Now he inspires devotees to take on the service and give it their best. Eight years later, the festival gains strength and momentum and the Sowetan devotees are making it their own.
And the people of Soweto pour out onto the street, taking in the colourful celebrations with awe and joy (and sometimes confusion!). It is visually noticeable that there are more locals in full devotee garb that ever before. Maharaj keeps the pace of the kirtan lively so that no feet stays grounded for long. Very soon he calls out for Mahaprabhu Das, a Sowetan pioneer, to lead the kirtan. Mahaprabhu’s steady but powerful, all-time favourite melody rings out across his hometown. Brahmachari’s leap in the air and gopi skirts swirl in full colour, all to the beat of the djembe. Sweets rain down from the chariot and local children pile over each other in attempt to capture the maha-prasad.
We reached the festival grounds. It was an impressive improvement – colourful stretch tents for the kids, a dining area, a small Govinda’s take away and a main stage with cultural acts. In the Q&A, Maharaj spoke about the concept of karma, breaking it down to the basics. After a short energy packed kirtan in front of Lord Jagannatha, Maharaj headed-off to the main stage for the final kirtan. The heavens poured, forcing everyone to take shelter of the tent and of the holy name. Once inside, it was kirtan crazy! More than a dozen devotees were on stage with Maharaj, sharing the microphone. A spontaneous symphony with funk and style in true Soweto fashion ensued with jaw hanging bystanders on the sidelines.
The Krsna conscious pulse of Soweto beats fast and hard, with good omens for the future.
Visit Flickr to see all the full slide-show.
Photo credits: Ragalekha, Naimisaranya, Radha Jivan, Bhakta Nimai (Germany) and Jnana-samudra.
South Africa, September 2013: Part I – UPDATED!
Johannesburg, October 2016
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2516
|
__label__cc
| 0.526674
| 0.473326
|
Playmakers work to ensure life is good for all kids. Positive relationships with adult caregivers are the most critical component to successful early childhood trauma treatment.
Become a Playmaker
Light is most brilliant when contrasted with darkness.
Optimism Over Adversity
Optimism is powerful. When human beings grow their capacity to see and focus on the goodness in themselves, others, and the world, their social, emotional, and cognitive superpowers emerge.
In the life changing relationship business, optimism is a required, pragmatic, and evidence-based approach to overcoming adversity. The Life is Good Playmakers take an optimism-infused approach to trauma-informed care.
The Life is Good Playmakers support childcare professionals and organizations to create life-changing relationships and optimal environments where our most vulnerable kids can heal, learn, and grow.
Learn how we are revolutionizing the focus of professional development for childcare professionals and elevating the social-emotional wellness of both kids and staff.
After 30+ years of field experience, we've developed a 4-step framework for building optimal learning and healing environments.
Through partnerships with leading childcare organizations across the U.S. and Haiti, we help create safe, loving, joyful, and engaging environments where everyone - especially kids - can thrive.
The Life is Good Playmakers have provided workshops, tools, and ongoing coaching to childcare professionals. Together, we work to transform their care settings into optimal environments for kids to learn, heal and thrive.
Playmakers working in schools, hospitals, and social service agencies across the U.S. and Haiti.
1,000,000 +
kids each year who overcome trauma associated with poverty, violence, and illness thanks to Playmakers.
of childcare professionals report the Playmaker program has a positive impact on the social, emotional, physical well-being of kids they care for.
Playmakers on the Map
Hand-in-hand across the world, Playmakers are making an impact.
Playmaker Spotlight
Kim Whitmore
What I’ve learned is that once you know trauma, it’s even more essential to know (in the same kind of lasting forever way) compassion, humor, authenticity, fun, gratitude and above all else, love.
Riley Hammond
When Camille’s mom, Robin, turned to me and said, "I want to make all the cutesy stuff," I smile and asked her to tell me more. She told me more about the art projects they’d started through hospice services and how important it was to capture good memories.
Gina Fleurvil
There are a lot of assumptions made around the world about what kids in Haiti need. As someone who works closely with these kids every day, I can tell you that our kids need what all kids need: nutritious food, clean water, a warm, safe place to sleep, learn, and grow, time to play, and people who love them to play with.
Lakia Small
I figured out that a big reason why the kids were connecting with me was because of how I was making them feel. Engaging them in a way that brought joy and laughter. I wanted to make my Headstart classroom a place filled with love, fun, and compassion – a place where kids could actually play.
Join the thousands of Playmakers worldwide who are harnessing the power of optimism to help kids heal. Sign up for one of our public 2-day intensive retreats below!
Sat, Mar 21 at 9:00 AM - Sun, Mar 22 at 4:30 PM
March Playmaker 2-Day Intensive Retreat
Life is Good Headquarters
Sat, May 16 at 9:00 AM - Sun, May 17 at 4:30 PM
May Playmaker 2-Day Intensive Retreat
Life is Good Shops
Speaking Inquiries
Life is Good Adventures
Newsletter Sign Up Submit
First-time subscribers will be sent a code for 15% off a future purchase.
SHARE #SOMETHINGGOOD
TERMS AND CONDITIONS | Social Responsibility | Privacy Policy
WE NEVER SELL PERSONAL INFORMATION
© The Life is Good Company. All Rights Reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2525
|
__label__wiki
| 0.980936
| 0.980936
|
File photo. The current FDI regime permits foreign companies to own 49% in Indian defence units through the automatic approval route. Photo: Bloomberg
India allows 100% FDI in defence via govt approval
1 min read . Updated: 20 Jun 2016, 07:29 PM IST P.R. Sanjai
Foreign firms will be able to own as much as 100% equity through the govt approval route in cases where it is likely to result in access to modern technology
mint-india-wire FDIdefencegovernment approvalMake in IndiaOEMsArms Act 1959Narendra Modidefence manufacturing
Mumbai: India allowed foreign companies to own as much as 100% equity in the local defence sector through the government approval route in cases where it is likely to result in access to modern technology, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
The current foreign direct investment (FDI) regime permits foreign companies to own 49% in Indian units through the automatic approval route.
“Foreign investment beyond 49% has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to ‘state-of-art’ technology in the country has been done away with," the statement said.
FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to manufacturing of small arms and ammunitions covered under Arms Act 1959, the statement said.
With 60% of India’s defence requirements met through imports, local defence production is at the heart of the Make In India programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in 2015, a year after he launched his government’s flagship campaign.
The defence budget estimate for 2016-17 is ₹ 3.4 trillion, about 10% more than the previous year’s budget estimate, which is broadly consistent with past increases.
“It is a significant step forward as it provides global OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) strong incentive to establish substantial local manufacturing in India. We expect this to result in greater ease of transfer of higher value and complexity characterised system level work as it will help to allay some fears on technology transfer and ownership," said Rahul Gangal, partner at consulting firm Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
“India can expect larger aerospace defence competence and capability building through a larger number of wholly owned subsidiaries. This will have a downstream uptick of work-package flow to the wider Indian-owned manufacturing value chain," Gangal said.
Vimal Bhandari, managing director and chief executive officer of IndoStar Capital Finance Ltd, said the easing of FDI rules will facilitate entry of global players.
“This, in turn, should help in accelerating pace of investment and enhancing business opportunities," Bhandari added.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2527
|
__label__wiki
| 0.885811
| 0.885811
|
Roxy Jacenko Bio, Net Worth, Family, Career, Married To Oliver Curtis, Kids, Ex-Girlfriend Nabil Gazal
By Pat Sajak 09/12/2019 Actors and actresses 0 Comments
Roxy Jacenko was born as Roxxane Jacenko on 8 June 1980. She is an actress who is known for The Celebrity Apprentice Australia and The Weekly With Charlie Pickering.
Roxy Jacenko Career Details
Roxy Jacenko Net Worth
Roxy Jacenko Married, Kids, Ex-Girlfriend
Quick Facts About Roxy Jacenko
Roxy Jacenko is the director of Sydney-based public relations firm which was founded in 2004 when Jacenko was 24 years old. Roxy has extended her business over the years to help found the ministry of talent. She also created her daughter’s popular hair accessory business, Pixies Bows.
In 2010, Jacenko signed a deal with the Seven Network to star in a reality television show called The SweatBox. It was announced that the show would be similar to the US television show, The Hills, but would focus on Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs. Later in 2010, Channel Seven canceled the production of the show.
Jacenko published her first book, Strictly Confidential: A Jazzy Lou Novel in 2012. It was published by Allen & Unwin and is a semi-fiction behind-the-scenes view of the public relations and fashion industries. Columnist Ros Reines, who reviewed the book before its official release, suggested many of the characters were, so thinly disguised as to almost be see-through, that many were, in fact, caricatures of real and well-known Sydney socialites.
In a 2013 Good Weekend feature, Jacenko admitted she shared several significant character traits with the novel’s main character including an “extreme” dedication to her career, a passing addiction to Nurofen and “strict” dieting. In 2017, Jacenko has also admitted to battling depression while her husband was in jail.
In 2013, Jacenko appeared on the Australian version of The Celebrity Apprentice. Her appearance was characterized by conflicts with Prue MacSween and swimmer Stephanie Rice and by accusations she favored some team-mates over others. In the season finale, Jacenko, John Steffensen and Jeff Fenech were named as runners-up to Rice who was named Celebrity Apprentice.
Currently, the estimated net worth of Roxy Jacenko is $13 million mostly because of her Sweaty Betty Empire.
Roxy Jacenko is married to Oliver Curtis, a former investment banker, from whom she has two children, daughter Pixie, and son Hunter. Before marrying Oliver Curtis, she was dating Nabil Gazal, who is a Sydney property developer and owner of real estate investment company Gazcorp. She dated him until 2010. In 2017, Jacenko was seen kissing Gazal and admitted to having an affair, despite still being married to Curtis at the time.
June 8 , 1976
Family Name :
Davis-Jacenko
Birth Sign :
Actress Lynn Whitfield Bio, Age, Career, Husband, Married, Divorce, Children, Family, Single Mother, Net Worth
LisaRaye McCoy Bio, Net Worth, Age, Career, Lifestyle, Zodiac Sign, Quick Facts
Josh Server Net Worth, Age, Bio, Gay Rumours, Body Measurements, Married, Dating, Girlfriend
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2528
|
__label__wiki
| 0.981085
| 0.981085
|
Caring teacher mourned
PUPILS and staff at Maghull High School have paid tribute to a young teacher who died in a car crash.
Irish-born Bronagh O'Kane, an Information Technology teacher at the school, suffered massive injuries in the collision while visiting family in County Donegal.
Miss O'Kane, 28, was newly-qualified and joined the staff at the Ormonde Drive comprehensive last September.
The accident, in the early hours of Easter Monday, left her with severe head injuries and she died on Friday, April 23.
Staff and pupils attended a funeral service in the Donegal town of Letterkenny last week. Acting head of Maghull High School, Mo Millar, said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of Miss O'Kane.
"She was a much-loved teacher who demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism, care and concern for pupils.
"She was a ray of sunshine and the community at Maghull is deeply upset but is pulling together."
Mrs Miller added: "A party of 24 children and staff, including the head girl and boy of the school, was privileged to attend the funeral in Ireland.
"A service of thanksgiving, which the family have agreed to attend, will also be arranged by the school.
"Books of condolence have already been filling up at the school and they are available for the next week."
Miss O'Kane was one of two passengers in the car which collided with another vehicle on the N56 Sligo Road, near Larry Brook.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
WaltonMan knocked down by taxi outside Iceland after fight spills onto roadThe man, in his 30s, got involved in an altercation on Walton Road, and is now seriously hurt
TravelUrgent Coronavirus advice for UK holidaymakers going abroad in 2020The government has issued a full statement on new measures including checks on airport passengers
Special FeaturesLocal primary school receives glowing Ofsted reportBlessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School has been rated ‘good’ in its latest inspection
Liverpool FCJurgen Klopp on plan for Fabinho return and other Liverpool team news ahead of WolvesLiverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirms latest injury updates in his squad ahead of Wolves match as Fabinho nears place in starting eleven again
Everton FCMo Besic hints at permanent Everton exit as he talks up loan move to Sheffield UnitedBesic joined The Blades on a season-long deal
Liverpool FC'Fighting' Man City send Liverpool a defiant Premier League title message
Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker is determined to keep fighting Liverpool for the title until the race is over
Everton FCBlues battle for prolific winger Oussama Idrissi and other Everton transfer rumours rated
A round-up of the latest Everton transfer rumours
Blood Red podcastLiverpool star answers big question to prove he is now undroppable
When Gini Wijnaldum signed for Liverpool, some asked 'where will he play'? The answer is everywhere and he is now key to Jurgen Klopp's side
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2529
|
__label__wiki
| 0.87199
| 0.87199
|
Danny Cowley focused on Wycombe as he confirms 'no contact' from Sheffield Wednesday
"It frustrates me when people speak categorically when none of it is true"
Mark Whiley
Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley (Image: Chris Vaughan/CameraSport)
Danny Cowley has confirmed there has been no contact from Sheffield Wednesday regarding their vacant manager’s job.
Having turned the chance to join Huddersfield Town earlier this week, the Lincoln City boss has been heavily linked with the Owls, who are looking for a new permanent boss following Steve Bruce’s departure to Newcastle United.
Cowley remains the bookmakers’ favourite to take over at Hillsborough, with national media reports claiming he has already held talks with the Championship club.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s League One clash at Wycombe Wanderers, he was asked if he would like to put the speculation behind him.
Lincoln City LIVE - Danny Cowley confirms 'no contact' from Sheffield Wednesday over manager's job
“It would be nice to put it behind me, but I’m not sure if I can. You guys [the media] always seem to know more than I do,” said Cowley.
“Ultimately, that’s where it is. There’s been no contact from Sheffield Wednesday and we’ve already spoken about Huddersfield.
“We can’t control what people say or write. All I can do is control where my focus lies and that is fully on the game ahead and Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.”
When asked how he felt about the speculation and its potential impact, Cowley said: “I just want to us focus on what’s ahead in football. Like I said, I can’t control what people say and what people write. I understand that it’s par for the course and that people will always have opinions.
Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley (Image: CameraSport)
“It frustrates me when people speak categorically when none of it is true. It amazes me. I listen to some of our supporters who speak so categorically about things and aren’t even close to any of the truth.
“I listen to journalists and radio stations who, again, speak with so much confidence when they’re blatantly wrong. It amazes me when that can happen and people listen to that, but they do.
“That is football and I suppose the higher you go and the bigger your profile becomes, the more people have opinions.
“It’s just when people don’t know the facts. There’s always three parties involved. If it was down to me, I’d just tell you how it is, but obviously I have to tow the party line I suppose.”
Imps news
Report: Dale 1-1 Imps
Dale vs Imps recap
Toffolo: We weren't good enough
McCombe on penalty calls
Report: Imps 0-1 Rovers
Imps v Rovers recap and reaction
Will Cowley raid Imps?
Giggs hails Morrell
When asked he felt the need to speak to the players about media speculation and social media chatter, he said: “You’re always speaking to the players. We have a group of fans who can be quite critical of one or two of our important players. That hurts us.
“It’s doesn’t just hurt the player, it hurts all of us. We’re all upset and disappointed when that happens.
“We also understand social media and understand there can be a noisy minority. People call it banter – I thought it had to funny to be banter, but anyway.
“Certain people will want to vent their opinion and with social media you get the extremities. It’s either brilliant or terrible. Infrequently, it’s an intelligent, balanced opinion because I think people nowadays think that is boring.
“We understand that and accept that is par for the course and try to make sure we are resilient enough to cope with it.”
Follow the Imps on social media
For news, videos and pictures, see our Lincoln City - Lincolnshire Live Facebook page.
Chat and debate with fellow fans on our Lincoln City Chat Facebook group.
And for regular updates on Twitter, follow @ImpsLive, @LincsEchoSport and our Imps writer @MarkWhiley_LE.
Danny Cowley
Lincoln City FCLincoln City closing in on deal for Southend United striker Tom HopperIt remains to be seen if he would be a replacement for one of the current forwards
Boston United FC'I'm not daft' - Craig Elliott admits Boston United were fortunate to beat BrackleyDominic Knowles scored a late winner against one of the Pilgrims' promotion rivals
Lincoln City FCJohn-Jules on getting used to the Red Arrows, League One and why he needed a loan moveThe Arsenal youngster was impressed by the 'crazy' atmosphere at the LNER Stadium
Lincoln City FCWhat a difference a break makes! Lincoln City have shown promotion form over last 10 gamesThe LNER Stadium has become a fortress
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2535
|
__label__wiki
| 0.673944
| 0.673944
|
Dynamic LED ceiling feature stuns in new Moxy San Diego hotel lobby (MAGAZINE)
The millennial target crowd will discover an all-new hotel experience at the modern Marriott Moxy hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, and the hotel’s dynamic LED ceiling feature that rises through a glass roof sets the room vibe, reports Maury Wright.
In the millennial-targeted Moxy hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, guestrooms surround a courtyard-like space where an LED-based architainment feature rises from the hotel lobby below through a glass ceiling, delivering dynamic shows conceived to evoke images such as a stream or waterfall. The dynamic RGB-LED-based system was created by Moment Factory and crafted by Digital Ambiance to be a “hero centerpiece fixture” to be enjoyed by guests. (Photo credit: J Street Hospitality.)
Arrive as a guest at the new Marriott Moxy hotel in San Diego, CA and you will instantly know that it’s not your typical Marriott. Arrive late in the afternoon and you may find a DJ spinning tunes while guests lounge in communal spaces, perhaps play a classic game of video Pacman, and even create their own art on writing walls. And looming over the bar area in the center of the lobby, flowing to the back of the space, and rising through a glass ceiling into open space, a dynamic LED light-as-art feature enhances the guest experience. The solid-state lighting (SSL) feature is courtesy primarily of artistic consultancy Moment Factory and design studio Digital Ambiance.
Moxy San Diego has been open just a few months but is proving popular both with traveling guests and locals who frequent the Gaslamp Quarter. Moxy is a relatively new Marriott brand targeted at millennials and priced around the middle of Marriott’s diverse portfolio of different hotel concepts. The San Diego hotel is the first Moxy property in California.
The Moxy development project was driven by J Street Hospitality in San Diego, Delawie was the architect, and Swinerton built the eight-story hotel on a lot that was previously a surface parking lot. Azul Hospitality Group is managing the hotel operation.
Back to the guest experience, there is no registration desk. An arriving guest may be met by an employee on a tricycle-like cart where they can both mix the guest a custom arrival cocktail and register the guest. Or the check-in process can be completed at the bar.
The interior design concept is meant to be appealing, although the operational concept will enable a relatively lean operating budget as well. The 20-to-30-year-old target crowd will appreciate the fact that everything is a social space. Hotel employees, meanwhile, can multitask. There’s no conventional hotel restaurant. But there is a casual all-day menu available in the bar area along with grab-and-go food.
SSL feature
The developer and architect teams brought Moment Factory into the project development to create a “hero centerpiece fixture,” according to Andy Merkin, producer and office director for the Los Angeles, CA Moment Factory office. Merkin said the hotel was designed to “reimagine the hotel experience” and the SSL feature was an important part of that reimagination.
Moment Factory works on projects ranging from what they call “destination installations,” meaning permanent ones, to temporary installations for shows and events. The projects have ranged from high-resolution media such as video walls to lower-resolution yet dynamic projects such as the Moxy LED feature.
Standing in the rear of the hotel lobby, the architainment feature transitions from horizontal in nature and rises upward through the glass ceiling into an open space surrounded completely by the hotel structure. The outdoor portion of the SSL system had to be engineered to withstand a relatively harsh environment and is IP68 rated with the LED-based pucks integrating an encapsulated PCB, with 12 RGB LEDs in each puck. (Photo credit: Maury Wright.)
The LED installation consists of RGB (red, green, blue) LED-based pucks or pixels that are suspended on guy wires stretched across custom steel frames that are generally circular to oval in nature. Both Merkin and Robb Pope, CEO of Digital Ambiance, referred to the steel structures as leaves or as having a leaf-like look. But as you can see in the images, the leaves are relatively large compared to the typical plant leaf. Watch the video below to see an example of how the SSL system looks in action.
Project goals and obstacles
Moment Factory generally works on what Merkin calls congregational spaces. And he said the Moxy project was undertaken with the typical goal of creating “senses of awe and wonder when people are brought together in a space.” But the hotel project presented immediate challenges. The larger part of the installation would be above the glass roof in the rear of the lobby, surrounded by the hotel structure in a courtyard-like area, and exposed to the elements. Moreover, even without concerns relative to a harsh environment, there simply aren’t off-the-shelf SSL products to accomplish what Moment Factory had in mind.
Digital Ambiance, however, specializes in custom or bespoke systems that are conceived and manufactured specifically for a project such as the Moxy. Digital Ambiance could immediately counsel Moment Factory as to what might work and what would not in terms of reliable and affordable LED lighting systems with dynamic capabilities.
Pope and his team custom-designed the LED pucks that are essentially small plastic elements that deliver diffuse light. The clam-shell like pucks were based around an injection-molded housing. A small printed-circuit board (PCB) is installed in each puck. That PCB includes six RGB LEDs each on the top and bottom sides essentially delivering 360° of light. The pucks don’t use monochromatic red, green, and blue LEDs to provide the color mix. Pope’s team uses a multi-emitter LED from Cree with each packaged LED having RGB emitters. The team experimented and determined that 12 LEDs would afford the light levels they needed for the project.
The LED feature can paint the lobby in a chosen color or play dynamic shows such as a Happy Birthday celebration. The lobby does not resemble a traditional hotel lobby. All of the lobby space is intended for communal gatherings; guests can write messages on walls, there are classic video games such as PacMan, and there’s even a shipping container used for storage. (Photo credit: J Street Hospitality.)
The PCB design also includes a DC/DC converter to drive the 12 LEDs. The DC power comes via a simple three-wire cable assembly strung along the guy wires and connected in daisy chain fashion to a number of nodes. AC/DC LED drivers are hidden in the steel frame that forms each leaf and feed the DC power to the pucks.
That architecture sounds simple enough, but consider that the team still had to develop a connectivity scheme for controlling each puck, and the system had to work reliably outdoors. One approach to outdoor reliability would have been to design the molded housing to be waterproof. But Pope said such an approach would have been costly and hard to accomplish. Instead, the team used a conformal coating to encapsulate the PCB; thus, it doesn’t matter if moisture enters the puck housing. And of course the encapsulant materials used had to have relatively good optical properties. Pope said the design is IP68 rated. For more information on ingress protection ratings, see a prior feature article that discussed the ratings.
Connecting and controlling the nodes
For a connectivity scheme, Pope’s team sought to develop a system where each puck would have its own IP (Internet Protocol) address as is the case in Ethernet networks. Moreover, as is common in entertainment or architainment applications, Moment Factory wanted to use a DMX scheme to control the system.
Ultimately, Digital Ambiance used the Art-Net royalty-free protocol to transmit DMX commands in IP packets. The Art-Net protocol reached the pucks via the SPI (serial peripheral interface) that is a standardized serial communication scheme most often used for communications between digital ICs in products such as computers and consumer electronics. The SPI signals were connected using the same three-wire cable assembly that delivers the DC power to the pucks.
A PixLite DMX512 control system is the brains of the dynamic SSL feature. Moment Factory did the programming and created a catalog of what Merkin calls shows — essentially dynamic content meant to evoke a theme. The simplest shows might just use a static color as you can see in some of the photos presented here.
The complexity of the Moxy LED feature equated to a relatively long project-development timeline, although that timeline was impacted by the building of the hotel. But Pope said his team worked on the design of the SSL system for 18 months. Then the team had to get the system manufactured and installed in two months.
Back to the shows, when we visited the hotel during the middle of the day, the system was playing a simple repetitive color-changing loop. But Merkin said the full catalog includes shows that “try and build emotional connections” with people gathered in the space. He said the content, even in the case of the relatively low-pixel-resolution system, is intended to impact feelings, accentuate celebrations, and in general trigger an emotional response. For instance, there is a show he calls Burst Mode for Happy Birthday celebrations.
Guests that enter the Moxy won’t find a check-in counter, but may be met by an employee on the tricycle seen in the back right of the photo. That employee can handle the check-in procedure and mix the guest a welcome cocktail. Meanwhile, the bar marks the first leaf of the LED ceiling feature that continues through the lobby and up through the hotel space. (Photo credit: J Street Hospitality.)
One of the signature shows is meant to evoke a waterfall flowing through the lobby and ironically upward through the glass ceiling into the open area surrounded by guest rooms. Merkin said the animation utilizes planes of movement, a ripple effect, and varies the speed of movement in the same way water would flow at different rates in different parts of a stream or a waterfall.
For now, the Moxy LED feature is limited to the preprogrammed shows. Moment Factory is well known, however, for developing projects that take input from people or the surrounding environment to instantly conjure new shows. Merkin calls that technique “creative behavioral activity.” We have featured other projects that offer such capability including an architainment installation in the lobby of a Boston office building.
Data responsive
Moment Factory has such an iconic project in Montreal, Canada on the Jacques Cartier Bridge. The company describes that project as a data-responsive SSL installation. It creates shows based on traffic patterns and other activities in the city. One show uses a sensor to capture the spectral power distribution (SPD) of the sunset and replicates that on the bridge lighting.
Indeed, Merkin discussed such projects as a way to allow residents to visualize the smart-city movement. Cities are installing a variety of sensors that are meant for mission-critical applications such as traffic and pedestrian safety, but the data can be freely used elsewhere.
Merkin’s comments about smart cities were especially timely since we recently published a feature article on a San Diego smart city project where the city has installed cameras and other sensors throughout the Gaslamp Quarter and other parts of the city on street-light poles. In fact, there are multiple such smart-city nodes near the Moxy and San Diego has indicated a willingness to allow businesses in the city access to anonymized data.
Merkin said the Moxy management could still decide to add such data-responsive capability to its system. But he also cautioned that care is required. He said systems such as the aforementioned Boston office that take input from the public are inevitably impacted as mischievous people try and coerce some obscene or other inappropriate show. He said you have to always consider the potential of negative experiences for people.
For now, the Moxy system doesn’t even have a program that syncs to the music of the DJ mentioned at the top of this article. That fact was a conscious decision at this point, according to Merkin, because the system is easily capable of such a show. Even with music playing, disco is not the vibe of the congregational social space in the Moxy.
Latest in Indoor Lighting
More in Indoor Lighting
LED lamp efficacy policy fractures in the US market after court fights
California has temporarily won the right to place stricter efficacy requirements on all LED replacement lamps, while the US Department of Energy has essentially eased efficacy policy in other states.
One basic SSL design serves in wall-wash to spotlight to projector roles in the relighting of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain, delivering light quality and energy efficiency while protecting the precious works.
Acuity debuts low-voltage, DC-powered option for linear LED luminaires
A proprietary DC grid or distribution scheme will enable Acuity Brands to offer more energy efficient commercial & industrial SSL that is also easier to install and includes controls capability.
Psychology permeates LED lighting design at Strategies in Light
Strategies in Light keynoter Thomas Paterson describes how a new approach to light can enrich the human experience by enhancing the purpose and less-measurable impacts of the built environment.
Manufacturing Services & Testing
Virtual prototyping LED products across the supply chain speeds development — Part 2 (MAGAZINE)
ANDRÁS POPPE, ROBIN BORNOFF, GUSZTAV HANTOS, and JANOS HEGEDUS describe the process of creating a pilot implementation of an LED luminaire design using Industry 4.0 principles and virtual prototyping.
Inspiration drives concept, followed by perspiration in implementation (MAGAZINE)
MAURY WRIGHT looks toward our latest content and upcoming events for a renewed outlook on the solid-state lighting industry.
Signify ups the CRI of office luminaires to 90
WELL, WELL, WELL: The company says the move from 80 is in line with the WELL Building standard for health and wellbeing.
LED lamp efficacy policy prompts broad legal action against US DOE
Two separate environmentally-conscious coalitions, including one comprised of New York, California, and other states, have filed suit against the US Department of Energy over LED lamp efficacy policy.
Is lighting the next phase of grading your workplace?
How light impacts employees is a loaded question since much of the information is survey feedback. But lighting specifiers and customers nonetheless are turning an eye toward a holistic workspace design for employees.
LED business news: Seoul financials, Leviton and ALW acquisitions
Seoul Semiconductor announces solid financial quarter including wins in display backlights, while ALW acquired v2 Lighting Group and Leviton acquired Viscor.
Signify Q3 income falls, and the company warns on 2019
Just when it was turning a corner, US retailers and other factors rained on the parade.
GE Current changes name, restates revenue
Goodbye “Current, powered by GE,” hello “GE Current, a Daintree company.” Modest proposal: How about “GE Current, a smaller company”?
Our SSL industry seems afraid of its own shadow (MAGAZINE)
MAURY WRIGHT observes some harsh truths about maintaining a healthy market and leveraging SSL business opportunities.
IT specialist Netscout adopts employee-centric SSL in new Texas office
Eureka Lighting supplied the LED-based luminaires that were critical in Netscout’s new Allen, TX facility encouraging teamwork and collaboration in open spaces.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2538
|
__label__wiki
| 0.922005
| 0.922005
|
07/07/2017 Fri 11:42 in Singapore by Janice Tan
MCI spot encourages Singaporeans to take charge of their future
The Ministry of Communications and Information’s (MCI) has launched a new campaign focusing on the main themes of innovation, internationalisation, partnership and skills. Titled, “Future Economy Campaign”, the campaign is depicted through the stories of four Singaporean entrepreneurs.
In a statement to Marketing, MCI’s Tribal spokesperson said the Future Economy Campaign aims to assure the public that the government is well-prepared for coming economic changes, and Singapore will be a nation of possibilities. The campaign also aims to create awareness about the Committee on the Future Economy (CFE), which was created to review Singapore’s economic strategies and address the new challenges it faces.
Targeted at Singaporeans and local enterprises, the campaign will run on TV and online. MCI collaborated with Tribal Worldwide and Starcomm Media for the campaign.
The first video was launched on 27 June in English and Bahasa Melayu, and will run for two weeks. Subsequent videos will be launched consecutively in July and August, the spokesperson said. They feature success stories from Joel Leong, co-founder of Shopback, Veera Sekaran, founder of Greenology and Richard Eu, CEO of Eu Yan Sang.
The series hopes to drive home the message that Singaporeans can acquire and utilise “deep skills” and expand their knowledge of the markets by taking charge of their own learning and development.
The first of the video series features Dian Rasid, a former psychologist and lecturer who quit her job and became an entrepreneur in order to spend more time with her family.
Each video was filmed in one continuous take, with intensive levels of planning and rehearsing required before the shoot. The costumes were also specially designed so they can be easily worn and taken off
“There is no better way to feel inspired than to literally walk down the path of someone who has been through it all,” Jeff Cheong, president of Tribal Worldwide Asia, said.
Opinion: Why I said yes to the other PR’s request and not yours
In-store cutout gets Shell Malaysia global media attention
04/18/2018 Wed 12:05 PM in Singapore by Staff Writer
SPH and Google tie up to deliver news through voice activation
Now you can say, “Hey Google, play me the news from The Business Times.” ..
11/15/2012 Thu 11:43 AM in Regional by Rezwana Manjur
Fonterra shortlists Carat, MediaCom and OMD
Fonterra has shortlisted media agencies Carat, OMD and MediaCom for the final round of the review for its regional media account. ..
07/12/2017 Wed 11:19 AM in Singapore by Janice Tan
Siemens launches new digital hub, spearheads IoT efforts in SEA
This is with the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board. ..
03/26/2019 Tue 09:43 AM in Singapore by Farzanah Farveen
Singtel inks deal with Amazon Prime, launches ‘GOMO’ offering to lure youths
The new GOMO (Get Out More Often) plan aims to provide a new level of convenience with a slew of offerings...
06/09/2017 Fri 13:00 PM in Singapore by Janice Tan
Gong Cha to relaunch in Singapore with new look, marketing yet to be finalised
"Our marketing plans, including use of agencies, will be finalised once we have made a decision on how best to relaunch the brand,..
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2541
|
__label__cc
| 0.534083
| 0.465917
|
Network Operations Center: Tel: 503.294.5300|noc@LSNetworks.net
ASPENUC
WHY LSN
PORTLAND, ORE | 01/16/2017
CompuNet Inc. to Offer LS Networks’ Business Broadband Solutions
CompuNet Inc., a leading value-added reseller and managed service provider for information technology (IT) solutions across the Northwest, has chosen LS Networks to provide data and broadband IP services for its business broadband customers. The partnership means that CompuNet’s channel agents will have access to LS Networks network reach, strong operational support model and pre-sales support commitment. CompuNet offers services to online retailers and education, healthcare, utility and public agency sectors.
“We’re committed to providing high-level engineering and technical support for organizations across the Pacific Northwest,” said Bryan Adams, Director of Sales and Marketing at LS Networks. “With this partnership, CompuNet gains unmatched transparency and a true partnership, including access to all of the operational support LS Networks offers, from executive to engineering to sales. LS Networks is proud to partner with CompuNet and the entire wholesale agent community in order to provide superior service and network capabilities to shared customers.”
LS Networks will serve CompuNet’s end-customer needs across the Northwest with increased redundancy and better performance, from Seattle to Boise to Yakima to Bend to Medford and points in-between.
“Our goal is to become a more nimble organization and LS Networks has enhanced this,” said Christopher Paskewich, Sales Operations Director at CompuNet Inc. “Their ability to build custom networks and work with both the agent and the end-user is unparalleled in the marketplace. We’ve been playing with the big fish in the pond and weren’t satisfied with their performance. It’s been beneficial to bring not just an alternative — but a local — provider to customers, especially across our rural markets.”
About CompuNet
CompuNet Inc. is a leading value-added reseller and managed service provider for information technology solutions, with 10 locations in the Western U.S. and their headquarters in Meridian, Idaho. Their mission is to understand clients’ business needs, engineer IT solutions that precisely fit those needs and deploy those solutions on time and on budget. CompuNet strives to create technology solutions that are a perfect fit with what their clients want to accomplish today and tomorrow. Learn more at Compunet.biz.
About LS Networks
LS Networks is a privately held competitive local exchange and interexchange carrier, founded, based and headquartered in Portland, Oregon. LS Networks is committed to serving communities and businesses throughout the rural Northwest with the high-caliber equipment and network connectivity that other carriers typically deploy only in metropolitan areas. The company’s network is designed to deliver data and broadband IP services to any size institution, organization or campus in the Northwest.
Headquartered in Portland, Ore., LS Networks is committed to the community and is owned by a collective of rural electric cooperatives and a Native American business enterprise, including over 60,000 citizens and communities. We’re not about the money. We’re about the service to and for our customers.
Dan Swanson, VP Marketing
dswanson@LSNetworks.net
LS Networks Used In Partnership with Insitu to Fight Eagle Creek Fire
PORTLAND, ORE | 12/05/2017 - LS Networks’ low latency and high availability enabled first-ever drone flights to provide near real-time data to first responders
LS Networks Broadband Unfazed During 2017 Solar Eclipse
08/28/2017 – The Specialized Gigabit Network Provided Sufficient Bandwidth to Accommodate Influx of Central Oregon Traffic
LS Networks Ready for 5G and Small Cell Rollout in the Northwest
07/26/2017 – With over 500 Towers, LS Networks is Ready to Support Changes in Mobile Communication Standards with Cell Tower Connectivity
ESDs Work to Close The Connectivity Gap with LS Networks
05/02/2017 – LS Networks Expands Broadband Services for Educators Across Rural Oregon and Washington
LS Networks Powers Curry County Coastal Libraries
04/03/2017 – Specialized gigabit network connects library system and creates community resource centers.
01/16/2017 – Network strengthens relationship between network service provider, wholesale agent and users.
See if LS Networks is right for your business.
921 SW Washington Street
Copyright 2019 - LS Networks | All Rights Reserved | Webmaster
Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2555
|
__label__wiki
| 0.668163
| 0.668163
|
Lullaby is the first artwork Luke has made specifically for young children. As a parent, he is particularly aware that a child’s bedtime is a very special and fragile time of day. Lullaby is a gift to a city, a surround sound illuminated artwork, created by its own citizens and delivered at dusk to the public’s door.
At dusk, when the suburban streets are quiet and empty, a young family wait for the Lullaby to pass by their home. Music can be heard drifting down the streets and a shoal of twinkling lights is seen in the distance, getting closer.
Only as the mass of lights pass their house do they realise that the music is coming from speakers attached to dozens of decorated bikes producing the most ambient light and serene music.
The last Lullaby event took place in Bristol, 2015, commissioned by Sustrans. See this map of the route taken.
Watch this film capturing a father and son’s experience.
As a father of two young children, Lullaby is the first artwork Luke has made with children and young families in mind. Lullaby stems from Luke’s other sleep based projects Sky Orchestra, The Dream Director and his Dream Concerts. The idea for Lullaby also came from an early childhood memory, when each Christmas the local bus company would decorate a double decker bus with lights then drive around villages at night, playing distorted carol music through tannoy speakers. Seen from the other side of the valley it was like aliens were landing.
Lullaby on Tour
The first Lullaby took place in Bristol with Sustrans in 2013. With music composed by established Bristol musician Andy Taylor, the pre-recorded surround-sound music was played from 5 audio speakers mounted onto bikes. With the route advertised in advance through the local paper and with flyers attached to lampposts on each street, many families chose to stay up and wait on the porch, for the Lullaby to arrive at their homes.
“Curtains were opened and many people waved as we passed. We even had a round of applause from one family. Some children ran after the bikes waving their own light sticks whilst others just stood with their mouths open, smiling.” said Luke.
In September 2014, Lullaby was delivered to the children of Portland, UK for the B-Side Festival 2014. The surround sound event was delivered by local residents back to their own community.
Performed over seven consecutive nights, the artwork was presented in Holland at the Incubate Festival in Tilburg 15-21 September. Watch film. Watch on regional news.
In March 2015, Lullaby was commissioned by Sustrans in Northern Ireland and took place over three nights in different areas of Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Residents from both sides of the political divide, delivered a Lullaby to those in the opposite community. Listen to a BBC radio interview.
“You’re coming back next year aren’t you?!”
“I heard the music coming through the baby monitor at home. So I rushed out to watch.”
“As darkness fell, my son was drifting off to sleep with the window open, and Ben and I sat in the living room, working. Suddenly we heard the sound of birdsong and music coming from the top of the street, and raced to the window to watch. Twenty or so bikes, covered in lights, meandered by in the dusky evening, the music getting louder and then quieter again as they passed the house. Ben, with his face pressed up against the glass, had a look of wonder on his face.”
“We could tell they were coming, when we suddenly heard birdsong drifting down the street”.
Feedback from Cycling Participants
“It was wonderful watching all the children in their dressing gowns come out of their homes with their parents to watch the procession as we passed by. You could tell some families had been waiting for us to pass.”
“It made a big impression on my kids who took part in the ride with me, they’ll remember the ride for a long time!”
“It was the highlight of my bank holiday: especially seeing everyone’s faces light up — literally — as we approached.”
“That was such a wonderful experience, I loved every minute.”
Lullaby in Australia
In April 2017, Lullaby was commissioned by Awesome Festival in Perth, Australia. 8 performances took place over 8 consecutive evenings across the city. Find out more here.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2559
|
__label__cc
| 0.698021
| 0.301979
|
HomePod Hands-On: Unboxing and Overview
Friday February 9, 2018 2:29 pm PST by Juli Clover
Today's the official launch day of the HomePod, Apple's new Siri-powered smart speaker. As of now, the HomePod is available in all three launch countries -- the United States, UK, and Australia.
The first orders have gone out to customers who purchased a HomePod starting on January 26, and Apple retail stores also have plenty of supply for walk-in purchases.
We picked up a couple of HomePods this morning, and MacRumors videographer Dan has spent the last few hours testing out the sound quality, the Siri integration, the HomeKit controls, the touch gesture integration, and more.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Design wise, the HomePod is deceptively small, but it's also heavy and has a solid build. It's covered in a soft, pliable mesh material meant to enhance sound, and there's a fabric-covered cable at the back.
After a bit of a snafu with the setup process, which appears to be related to HomeKit and iCloud keychain and is something we'll need to investigate further, we had the HomePod up and running with an alternate Apple ID.
Sound, as previous reviews and impressions have suggested, is incredible. Music is crisp and clear, with the HomePod highlighting and separating every element of a song. Even if you're not an audiophile, you're going to notice the high-quality sound of the HomePod right away.
We tested HomePod with Apple Music, which is how HomePod is meant to be used, but you can also play music from other third-party music services like Spotify using AirPlay.
HomePod's voice detection works impressively well, with Siri able to pick up a "Hey Siri" command from across the room even with music playing loudly. Siri is useful for playing content from Apple Music and controlling your HomeKit devices, but if you're used to something like Amazon Alexa, you're going to notice a few shortcomings.
Siri on HomePod is basically like Siri on the iPhone, and the personal assistant has almost the same feature set on both devices. Apple didn't make major improvements to Siri for the HomePod, and that's definitely one of the most disappointing aspects of the device.
For HomePod owners out there, how are you liking the HomePod so far? Let us know in the comments. Make sure to check out our HomePod roundup if you're new to HomePod or planning to purchase one -- it's got everything you need to know about HomePod along with a running list of our HomePod how tos.
Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral)
thisisnotmyname
The bigger annoyance to me is that you have to say “Hey, Siri” then wait for it to wake up, THEN issue a command. With my echo, I can just say “Alexa, play music” with no pause. Far better solution.
JaimePomDeInglaterra
I’m totally loving mine, first product in an age from Apple I can categorically say I love love love. This is Apple of old. Pure engineering genius mixed with an ability to make something extremely simple, easy to use and while still looking and feeling amazing.
Patriot24
This is not true, and I also believe it's the reason "Sound When Using Siri" is Off by default - they're trying to break people of this behavior. You do not need to wait. Say whatever you need to and it'll pick it up.
hot ham water
I have a collection of completely ridiculous (and frankly inexcusable) things Siri has done. Sure, HomePod sounds great, and sure, software updates will come, but Apple has had years to make Siri even the slightest bit dependable and now has released a $350 speaker that runs only via Siri.
https://twitter.com/singersteve/status/956157955736522752
citysnaps
Have not experienced that with mine.
I don't even need the "," pause after Hey Siri. For example, just: Hey Siri play sneaker pimps.
LaraCroft835
Picked up 2 in SG and can't wait for stereo upgrade. Set up was easy and flawless. Siri is for me, exceptional.
Btw the power cable is removable; it just takes a little force.
hmark8
To other's reading this, the commenter is presumably making a joke. Aka, it's removeable in the sense that you can remove a tail from a cat but have fun reattaching it.
That's false. With any iOS device or Homepod you can do not have to pause at all after saying Hey Siri, just like with Alexa. On non Homepod devices there is typically a ding, so people sometimes erroneously assume they have to wait but you do not. Simply try it right now on your HomePod or iOS device of which I assume you have otherwise you wouldn't be providing the information.
i just wanna know just because you can shout across room and siri to respond, why would you even want to do that?
It can happen, but why would you do it anyway away?
One the good features of HomePod is that you don't have to shout. I have an Echo and Homepod. With Echo, if music is playing you have to shout for it to hear the commands, which ironically are typically lower the volume. If the music is very loud Echo has almost no chance of hearing you. With HomePod was able to play max volume, and talk at a normal voice and it heard. Even tried speaking very quietly and heard. That being said was able to get it to not hear on a few occasions, but 100% better than Echo in this department, though this speaker is more expensive, so imagine Amazon will improve on this. That all being said, Siri has shown her dumbness time and time again compared to Alexa since getting the HomePod today.
anson42
NOT for an audiophile.
Not for "some" audiophiles, especially those who don't have an open mind and can't accept that a cheap speaker – and this is super cheap in many audiophile circles – can sound decent.
This audiophile has no problem praising the sound of the HomePod. Something this small sitting alone in the kitchen has no right to sound as good as it does. My audiophile system is enjoyed in its room where it lives and the HP will never come close to what that system can do, but the HP will get lots of playing time when I'm cooking or whatever.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2562
|
__label__cc
| 0.61985
| 0.38015
|
I-220 in northern Louisiana temporarily closed after car accident
On behalf of Lee M. Schwalben, M.D.,J.D.,LLC | May 11, 2015 | Car Accidents, Firm News
Emergency responders were recently called to a portion of Interstate 220 in northern Louisiana where a crash involving three vehicles occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. during the morning commute. That section of the roadway was closed while police investigated the car accident. Numerous motorists were delayed during the closure.
Even though the investigation is not yet complete, some details have been released. A vehicle heading east on the interstate veered into the oncoming lanes of travel. A second vehicle was unable to avoid colliding with the wrong-way car. After the initial impact, a third vehicle struck the wreckage of the eastbound car.
The driver of the wrong-way vehicle was ejected at some point during the accident. Emergency responders transported her to an area hospital with injuries described as life threatening. The two occupants of the second vehicle and the driver of the third vehicle all suffered injuries authorities say were moderate and not life threatening. Their current conditions are not known, and authorities are still attempting to ascertain why the woman crossed into the westbound lanes.
As investigators work to answer this question, the injured victims may file personal injury claims seeking restitution for the expenses and other damages they have incurred — and will incur — as a result of the injuries suffered in this car accident. In order to prevail in their claims, it will be necessary to prove to a Louisiana court that the party deemed responsible for the crash was negligent. If successful, the court may consider an award of damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, along with other damages allowable under state laws.
Source: ksla.com, “Names released in I-220 3-vehicle wreck”, May 5, 2015
Steps to take when a medical procedure goes wrong
Choosing the right surgeon will put your mind at ease
Summer’s “100 Deadliest Days” a dangerous time to be on the road
Newborn baby dropped, receives unauthorized ultrasound
What injuries can occur during labor and childbirth?
Schwalben Law Firm
Lee M. Schwalben, M.D.,J.D.,LLC
We represent clients on a contingency basis and offer a free initial consultation.
Lake Charles Office
Lake Charles, LA 70601-4337
Baton Rouge Office
11716 Bricksome Ave
*inactive
© 2019 Lee M. Schwalben, M.D.,J.D.,LLC. All Rights Reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2566
|
__label__cc
| 0.608362
| 0.391638
|
Opinion > Focus on Policy
Anatomy of a Momentous Decision
— Health policy expert David Nash, MD, MBA, looks at the the Supreme Court ruling and the masterful role Chief Justice Roberts played.
by David Nash, MD, MBA, FACP, Contributing Writer, MedPage Today July 31, 2012
The decision is in – and it is likely to have a substantial impact on this year's elections, the Congress, the Court, the healthcare industry, and all Americans.
Of all the commentary I've read in the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision, Time Magazine's "Special Report: The Health Care Decision" struck me as the most balanced and comprehensive.
In the lead article, "Roberts Rules," author David Von Drehle skillfully dissected the legal gymnastics that turned a potential zero-sum game into a win-win situation.
The controversies will persist, but two things are certain:
Healthcare reform as formulated in the hotly debated Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is constitutional, and
Congress cannot force states to adopt the Medicaid expansion provision, a key element in attaining the goal of universal coverage.
There is now not a single doubt that Chief Justice Roberts does indeed rule.
Sharp as the horns were on this dilemma, Roberts was sharper -- and, whatever one's political leaning, his performance was sheer artistry!
His interpretation of the law allowed liberals to realize their long sought (and fought-for) dream of government-led reform and simultaneously aided conservatives in their quest for limits on congressional power over states.
Here is how it went down: Roberts began by stating that the conservative position on the "individual mandate" was indeed correct – i.e., the Constitution does not give Congress the power to require citizens to buy health insurance if they don't want it.
Predictably, this part of the ruling was supported by the four Republican appointees on the Court.
Roberts went on to say that Congress is empowered by the Constitution to levy taxes and that the mandate is, in essence, a tax on citizens who decide not to buy health insurance.
Just as predictably, the Democratic appointees sided with Roberts on this part of the ruling. Neither side got exactly what it wanted, but both "won" something.
The 5-4 split was not unusual, but the fact that the Chief Justice took the reins rather than the perennial swing voter, Anthony Kennedy, made jaws drop across the country.
From a political standpoint, Roberts' ruling guarded the Court against charges of partisanship while protecting Obama from accusations that he wasted the first year of his term "fiddling over an unconstitutional overreach" while the economy was burning.
I particularly liked Von Drehle's keen observation that what Roberts managed to do with the ACA "vindicated the virtue of compromise in an era of Occupiers, Tea Partyers, and litmus-testing special interests" and positioned him above the "toxic cloud of partisan rancor."
One question that remains is why Roberts decided to take the lead.
Von Drehle consulted John Q. Barrett, professor of law at St. John's University, who saw it as a classic example of a cautious Chief Justice who feels that "for public credibility and independence of the court, major legislation should not be struck down by a 5-4 vote on the grounds that Congress lacks the power."
In this context, "cautious" was far from wimpy!
In fact, the limits the decision imposes on Congress' power to regulate commerce and use its spending power to coerce states will undoubtedly spur conservatives to pursue even greater limitations.
So, was it a "sober compromise" or a "clever ruse" to facilitate the conservative agenda?
Barrett pointed out that the relatively young Chief Justice might not have wanted his tenure to be defined in terms of the opposite ruling, which would have been a "permanently controversial landmark."
For the time being, only Justice Roberts knows -- but the answer will surely become obvious to all of us over the next few years.
Want more on health policy? Read David Nash's blog.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2567
|
__label__wiki
| 0.857087
| 0.857087
|
Autism program receives donation
McNeese Autism Program
McNeese State University’s Autism Program was one of 60 organizations in six states that won grants in Albertson’s LLC inaugural Community Partners Challenge.
McNeese Theatre to present "All My Sons"
Performing Arts Box Office
McNeese State University Theatre Bayou Players will present “All My Sons” by the great American playwright Arthur Miller at 7:30 p.m. March 14-17, with a 2 p.m. matinee March 18 in the Shearman Fine Arts Theatre.
Banners presents Far Cry Chamber Orchestra
March 9 - 7:30pm
A Far Cry, a chamber orchestra that says it is “a far cry” from a traditional chamber orchestra, will perform for the McNeese Banners Cultural Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 9, in F.G. Bulber Auditorium on the McNeese campus.
Visual Arts to sponsor gumbo fundraiser
The McNeese Visual Arts Department will sponsor a gumbo fundraiser on March 9 to raise funds to help send ceramics students to the 46th Annual National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts Conference.
Visual Arts receives donation
The McNeese Department of Visual Arts has received a $1,000 donation from Associated Louisiana Artists Inc. Each year, the organization sponsors a fundraiser - Affaire D'Art - in support of the department, with the proceeds used to help fund student scholarships. Larry Schuh, left, associate professor of art, accepts the donation from Anne Dentler of Associated Louisiana Artists. ALA operates Gallery by the Lake & the Creative Arts Center at 106 W. Pryce St.
McNeese Art Briefs
Dr. Wendy Whelan, McNeese assistant professor of American literature and women studies, has received her doctorate in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
McNeese to hold t-shirt design contest
McNeese is holding a t-shirt design contest for an upcoming t-shirt exchange in March.
Armand named student of the month
Andrew Armand of Lake Charles is the Campus Life Student of the Month for January.
Performing Arts hosts faculty recital
Department of Performing Arts
The McNeese State University Department of Performing Arts will present a faculty recital featuring Jan Scott on clarinet, with Lina Morita on piano and guest artist Lin He on violin, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Ralph Squires Recital Hall.
Theatre Auditions for "All My Sons" and "Louisiana Purchase" Announced
McNeese Theatre auditions for spring productions, "All My Sons" and "Louisiana Purchase," will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, in the Shearman Fine Arts Theatre, with call backs beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. Based upon a true story, "All My Sons" by Arthur Miller opens the spring season March 14-18. This play is a tremendously impressive drama that received the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the Tony Award for Best Play. Set in August of 1946 in the mid-west of the United States, Joe Keller and Herbert Deever ran a machine shop that made airplane parts during the war. Deever was sent to prison because the firm turned out defective parts, causing the deaths of many men. Keller went free and made a lot of money.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2583
|
__label__wiki
| 0.710949
| 0.710949
|
Maya gets ass-fucked by a 26-year-old
by 50 Plus MILFs RSS Feed | posted in: 50 plus milf, Photo, XXX" | 0
In her 50PlusMILFs.com debut, 57-year-old Maya Luna calls Rion into her office and gives him the once-over. She's dressed in a business suit and is wearing glasses, so she looks professional but sexy. Before long, she's seducing Rion, which doesn't take much time, then she's sucking and fucking his young cock right there in the office.
And getting her tight old ass fucked. Yep, Maya takes it in the ass from a 26-year-old, and she obviously enjoys it. Rion does, too, judging by the way he glazes her pretty face with a giant load of cum.
Maya, who was born in the Philippines and lives in Southern California, is a wife and a mother of two sons. She's petite at 5'1", 126 pounds, and when we asked her if people she knows would be surprised to see her here, she said, "Yes, surprised and shocked at the same time. People don't know I'm capable of this. I never talk about all my sexual encounters to anyone. It's like I have a second life."
Maya is retired, kind of.
"I'm managing my household, but I discovered webcamming when me and my husband attended an adult expo in Los Angeles and then another in Vegas. I said I would like to try it, and he said, 'Go for it!' It's been four years now. I like it so much. We both benefit from it. We are learning a lot and enjoying sex more."
Maya also enjoys hiking, gardening and making her own jewelry. Her perfect day would involve "just hanging out in the house, having a good dinner and watching a movie." She's not a swinger. She's not a nudist. But she is doing this. Welcome, Maya!
See More of Maya Luna at 50PLUSMILFS.COM!
Alby teaches Jynn how to fuck on-camera
Jynn, a 50-year-old mom from Michigan, is on the set for her first-ever on-camera...
Sandy Pierce fucks a big, black cock
What are friends for? Sandy Pierce, a 59-year-old mother and grandmother, is about to...
50 Plus MILFs RSS FeedJanuary 9, 2020
Tabatha Jordan gets her ass stretched
When this video opens, 46-year-old Tabatha Jordan is doing a sexy dance for us....
40 Something RSS FeedMay 2, 2018
Curvy realtor fucks big, black cock
"I love being watched while I have sex," 43-year-old wife Amber Dawn said. "The...
40 Something RSS FeedNovember 28, 2019
The boss wants cock
Tarzan is the employee. Dallas Matthews, who's 57 years old, is his boss. He...
50 Plus MILFs RSS FeedJuly 4, 2017
Constance, 52, fucks a 23-year-old
We asked Constance Joy, a 52-year-old divorcee and mother, how she felt about having...
50 Plus MILFs RSS FeedSeptember 11, 2018
Biker Babe
This is a gorgeous new pictorial of Merilyn that dramatically highlights her stunning body...
71-year-old Christina Starr returns
Great 70Plus MILFs are hard to find. Let's face it: Most 70somethings don't have...
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2588
|
__label__wiki
| 0.978999
| 0.978999
|
Pentagon Blocks Request to Send Marine Embassy Guards to Taiwan
Marine Staff Sgt. Scott Pence, U.S. Embassy Marine detachment commander for marine security in Luxembourg, salutes during the Veteran’s Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memoria.. (U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Nick Wilson)
Military.com | By Gina Harkins
Defense Department officials have declined a State Department request to send about a dozen Marines to guard a de facto embassy in Taiwan, Military.com has confirmed.
Military officials were planning to send a squad-sized Marine Security Guard detachment to Taipei City, Taiwan's capital, as soon as next month, a defense official said. That plan has since been scrapped after the State Department's request was denied by Pentagon officials, the source added.
The move was first reported Thursday by CNN.
The State Department had requested the Marines be sent to the American Institute in Taiwan earlier this summer. It would have marked the first time in nearly four decades that Marines would have guarded a diplomatic post there.
There's no U.S. embassy in Taiwan. The U.S. recognizes the "one-China policy," preventing direct diplomatic or military exchanges between Washington and Taipei. Officials in Beijing balked at the idea of basing Marines at the diplomatic post in Taiwan, which they said violated "political preconditions for China-U.S. relations."
"The U.S. ... knows it should exercise caution on this issue to avoid affecting overall bilateral ties," Lu Kang, a Chinese ministry spokesman, said in June.
State Department officials declined to answer questions about who denied the request and why, adding only that they "do not discuss specific security matters concerning the protection of our facilities or personnel."
CNN reported that Defense Secretary Jim Mattis made the call to reject the request over resource constraints. It wasn't done to avoid irritating the communist government, the outlet reported.
The American Institute in Taiwan recently doubled in size following the addition of a $250 million facility. It houses about 450 diplomatic staff members.
-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ginaaharkins.
Military Headlines Marine Corps Topics Department of Defense - DoD Global Hot Spots Pacific Militarization China
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2589
|
__label__wiki
| 0.510591
| 0.510591
|
You are here: Home / Archives for missouri flooding
For some northwest Missouri farmers, this flood could wipe out a crop…and an income
May 9, 2019 By Missourinet Contributor
Some farmers in northwest Missouri face the very real possibility of not planting a crop this year due to the flood. Congressman Sam Graves, who lives near Tarkio, says he has heard from many farmers who still have fields under water and no prospect of getting a crop in the ground this year.
Photo courtesy of KFEQ
“You have no income. There will be no income for folks that are farming along the river,” Graves says. “They can’t put a crop in. So, okay, you erase a year’s worth of income. What do you do? You want to talk about stress and frustration, that’s what you hear.”
The prospect of no crop and, thus, no income this year grows more realistic as rain comes down and floodwaters fail to recede. Fields ruined by the flood are not likely to drain and dry out in time for planting.
Graves says older farmers likely have banked enough savings to survive the year.
“But, a lot of younger farmers, they aren’t in that position and the fact of the matter is the machinery payments continue, the farm payments continue, the house payment continues regardless of whether or not you have income or not and that puts people in a real bind when you’re dealing with that, so yeah, it could put people under,” according to Graves.
A disaster aid package continues to work its way through Congress. Whether it will be enough to offset the losses from this year’s flood remains to be seen. Graves does note that the package likely will contain some money to compensate for the loss of stored grain, ruined when floodwaters surrounded, then collapsed grain bins in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
By Brent Martin of Missourinet affiliate KFEQ in St. Joseph
Filed Under: Agriculture, News, Politics / Govt, Weather Tagged With: missouri flooding, sam graves
U.S. House to debate disaster aid to help states, including flood-stricken Missouri
May 7, 2019 By Alisa Nelson
The U.S. House is expected to bring up a $17 billion federal disaster relief package this week that involves helping Midwestern farmers, including in Missouri. Northern Missouri Republican Congressman Sam Graves tells Missourinet affiliate KWIX in Moberly the plan addresses several things.
Congressman Sam Graves
“The biggest thing that’s going to affect us is obviously getting the dollars in there to fix the levy breaches so that we can close those up,” says Graves.
The measure includes $1.5 billion for construction projects intended to reduce flood risks, $1 billion for Community Development Block Grant funding for rebuilding efforts, and $500 million to assist farmers and ranchers whose land was damaged.
“After the disaster declaration, we are obviously going through the process of trying to get a disaster package put together, which is stalled in the Senate. We are working on it in the House now. Hopefully we are going to be able to come to a compromise,” says Graves.
Democrats and Republicans have been butting heads about the bill because Democrats want more money to help Puerto Rico rebuild from 2017 hurricanes. Republicans say Puerto Rico has been given enough aid.
Graves’ district includes northern Missouri counties along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
Copyright © 2019 · Missourinet
Filed Under: Agriculture, News, Politics / Govt, Transportation, Weather Tagged With: missouri flooding, sam graves
Gov. Parson makes official federal disaster request, congressional delegation urges prompt action
April 24, 2019 By Missourinet Contributor
Governor Mike Parson wants President Donald Trump to approve a major disaster declaration for Missouri for federal assistance for 13 counties after historic flood levels caused an estimated $25 million in damage to infrastructure and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance.
Some areas cannot be assessed until flood waters recede, so the governor says he expects the request to be expanded to include additional counties.
Parson is requesting Public Assistance for Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Holt, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Platte, Ray, and Ste. Genevieve. If approved, local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies may seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
Parson is also requesting federal individual assistance for five Missouri counties for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings and vehicles and other qualifying flood-related expenses. Those counties are Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, and Platte.
The governor is also requesting that the U.S. Small Business Administration assist businesses, homeowners, and renters in these counties with low-interest loans. Those affected by the flooding are encouraged to continue documenting and photographing the damage and keeping all receipts.
The governor says he is “confident federal assistance will be forthcoming,” but the state’s bipartisan congressional delegation sent a joint letter to President Trump asking for his prompt action in granting federal aid.
“The severity and magnitude of the flooding has [sic] caused several communities to be evacuated and has resulted in the destruction of homes, farms, and businesses,” the delegation wrote. “We respectfully request your prompt action to ensure that these communities receive the immediate support needed to respond to the disaster. Along with our fellow Missourians, we appreciate your attention to this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible.”
Filed Under: News, Politics / Govt Tagged With: Gov. Mike Parson, missouri flooding
Governors of Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska meet with Army Corps officials to discuss flood-prevention
April 4, 2019 By Alisa Nelson
Three governors feeling the pain of major flooding recently are calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to change its management of the Missouri River. The governors of Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa met Wednesday in Iowa with Corps and Federal Emergency Management officials to talk about growing flooding problems. At a press conference Wednesday afternoon in Council Bluffs, Governor Mike Parson says something needs to change.
Three governors at meeting with Army Corps and FEMA officials (photo from @GovParsonMO twitter account)
“For far too long, we’ve had these incidents occur and we’ve had meeting after meeting, but it seems to be the same results all the time. I think it’s time that we need some straight up answers from the Corps of Engineers of how they’re managing the river,” says Parson.
Northwest and southeast Missouri have especially been hit hard by recent flooding. Parson has made a couple of trips to northwest Missouri to view the damage. About half of Nebraska has been devastated by flood waters.
“First of all, we’ve got to find out just kind of what happened. I think we are still looking for those answers,” says Parson. “But more importantly, what can we do in the short-term and what can we do in the long-term. We’re still not out of the woods yet. We still have got water coming out, snow melt and ice coming out, plus spring rains that could really affect us.”
Parson, a Republican, says the management of the river is key to the citizens of each state.
“When you look at the states that are involved here of the Missouri River, it has a huge impact on the United States of what it is we do,” Parson says. “We are totally dependent on the management of those rivers for a lot of reasons. When you talk about that livelihood, that economic development side of it, it is really centered around the management of the rivers. That affects every one of us and the people of our states and the economy of our states. That’s really how important this is.”
From left to right, Governors Parson of Missouri, Ricketts of Nebraska & Reynolds of Iowa (Photo from @GovRicketts Twitter account)
He says there need to be other solutions to prevent further flooding issues.
“You look at the reservoir situation. Can we have more reservoir space to be able to handle this water that we know is going to be coming here every year? Can we build maybe more levees,” asks Parson. “But I think more importantly, does the state take more of an active role in these decisions instead of just leaving it up to one agency? I think the states will have to take more of a role in the management of the river and the Corps is going to have to work with us from a different perspective of what we’ve done than in the past.”
Last Friday, Parson signed an executive order giving the Missouri Department of Natural Resources some flexibility in easing requirements during and after recent Missouri flooding.
He says river management needs to get back to the basics by prioritizing flooding and safety.
Travel problems prevented the governor of Kansas from attending the gathering, but she plans to be part of the next meeting in three weeks.
Filed Under: Agriculture, Legislature, News, Transportation Tagged With: flooding, Gov. Mike Parson, missouri flooding, Missouri River, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Flooding causes major roadblocks for Missouri farmers
March 20, 2019 By Alisa Nelson
Record-breaking flooding expected in northwest Missouri will be felt by farmers for months. Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst tells Missourinet the damage to the infrastructure will be a struggle.
“The difficulties in travel. The difficulties in moving grain, moving fertilizer, moving seed. We have visited with several people that had seed stored over there for the spring season. They had to move it out,” he says. “It will be hard to get fertilizer to northwest Missouri from the west.”
Hurst has farm land in Atchison County’s Tarkio. He says his land luckily has not been damaged but 20 miles down the road near Rock Port is a different story.
“It will be hard, a lot of us deliver grain to a big elevator over there west of Rockport that sits on the bottom,” Hurst says. “They’re not going to have any way to get grain away. The roads are going to be washed out. The railroads are going to be washed out.”
The Missouri Department of Transportation says Interstate 29 remains closed from the Missouri/Iowa border all the way to St. Joseph.
Hurst says the flood event is worse for farmers than the 2011 flood.
“One of the things that happened this time, which I think is a little unique and really kind of frightening is that this happened without warning,” says Hurst. “In 2011, as bad as that was, the farmers over there had some time to get grain out, to get their machinery to higher ground.”
Hurst thinks most area farmers were able to get their tractors and combines to higher ground but not their grain.
“Particularly soybeans, when they come in contact with water, they swell up. The steel bins that they’re stored in will literally just split along the sides of the bins and just collapse. We’re going to see that happen all up and down that Missouri River bottom,” he says.
Some area farmers will have to wait and see how the flooding problems impact their planting season. Hurst says most of the area affected is crop land – not cattle ground.
Filed Under: Agriculture, News Tagged With: agriculture, flooding, I-29, Missouri Farm Bureau, missouri flooding
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2594
|
__label__cc
| 0.717499
| 0.282501
|
MOLA is one of the UK’s largest providers of Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessments. Our desk-based assessments identify the likely presence, nature and significance of below-ground archaeological remains and where appropriate, include assessments of built heritage.
Our Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessments accurately determine the nature of a site’s archaeological remains and recommend workable solutions for managing archaeology in support of planning applications.
They are used by our clients in support of their planning applications and are compliant with national and local planning policy and professional standards. Our assessments are expertly researched, relying on our comprehensive understanding of the diverse data sources available for any one project. We draw on our unique Geographical Information System (GIS), which holds multiple layers of information.
The precision delivered in our desk-based assessments reduces unforeseen risks in both the planning and post-planning stages of development. Working with project teams we make practical recommendations for further work. To convey complex information neatly, our assessments include high-quality graphics and images, produced by in-house professional graphic designers and photographers. We bring together data from our other in-house technical specialisms, including geophysics, geoarchaeology and geomatics, providing a rapid and integrated service.
King's Dyke Crossing desk-based assessment
We worked with Cambridgeshire County Council in 2013 to complete a Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment, for a railway crossing at Whittlesey.
Desk Based Assessment for Admiralty Arch, London
MOLA undertook a Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment to assist with the redevelopment of Admiralty Arch;
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2595
|
__label__cc
| 0.689233
| 0.310767
|
Newsreading
November 10, 2017 November 10, 2017 - Dustin Coons Leave a comment
Elise Craig lives in a garden apartment in Portland, Oregon, where children roll in the grass and run barefoot across lawns in the summer light. A year ago, she realized that whenever the landlord spread lawn-care chemicals on the grass, her six-year-old son, Michael, lost bowel and bladder control for weeks afterward.
“Michael’s symptoms came back every time they treated the lawn,” says Craig. “They told us it was safe after a day, so I kept him off the grass for a week or two. Michael still got sick. We were ultimately successful in organizing our community to go organic, but we are about to move, and I may face this battle in our new home with new neighbors.”
In Portland, where Craig organized teams of weed-pulling parents at her son’s school (with help from a principal who’s an organic farmer), the city has put up billboards that say, “Is Your Lawn Chemical-Free? Maybe It Should Be.”
Each year, Americans apply more than 80 million pounds of chemical products–including herbicides, insecticides and fungicides–to their lawns and gardens.
Homeowners often don’t realize the myriad health hazards associated with lawn-care pesticides sold under such innocuous names as Weed & Feed and Bug-B-Gon. These products contain pesticides such as 2,4-D (linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and MCPP (associated with soft-tissue cancers).
People think the government would warn them if these widely sold chemicals were known to damage their nervous systems, harm fetuses or give them cancer. None of these long-term adverse health effects are required by law to be listed on product labels.
“Forty years ago, in the enormously praised and fiercely criticized book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson demonstrated the dangers of pesticides,” says H. Patricia Hynes, director of the Urban Environmental Health Initiative at Boston University and author of The Recurring Silent Spring. “Lawn chemical usage has nearly doubled since 1964.”
Pesticides used solely on lawns are not required to undergo the same rigorous testing for long-term health effects as those used on food. No federal studies have assessed the safety of lawn-care chemicals in combination, as most are sold. Because of industry lobbying, the identities of “inert ingredients” are protected as trade secrets under federal law. Pesticides may contain up to 99 percent inert ingredients, some of which are suspected carcinogens, while others are linked to nervous system disorders, liver and kidney damage and birth defects.
“More than 90 percent of pesticides and inert ingredients are never tested for their effects on developing nervous systems,” says John Wargo, director of the Yale Center for Children’s Environmental Health and author of Risks from Lawn-Care Pesticides, a report from Environment and Human Health. “Children are more affected by exposure to such chemicals because they are smaller and their organs are not mature.”
Wargo adds, “Streams and groundwater in the Midwest are contaminated with atrazine, a widely used herbicide linked to sexual mutations in fish and amphibians. Is this the price we pay for green lawns?”
The Natural Resources Defense Council is suing the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to protect the public from environmental and health threats posed by atrazine, which is banned by the European Union. “Atrazine poses a serious cancer risk for millions of Americans,” says Jay Feldman, director of Beyond Pesticides. “Companies, federal and state regulators downplay the hazards of commonly used pesticides.”
Steps To Pesticide Freedom
Try “natural” alternatives. Chrysanthemum-derived pesticides, diatomaceous earth and boric acid are sold in garden centers. SharpShooter (citric acid) is an effective insecticide. Or make your own solution of three to six tablespoons of dishwashing soap (without degreaser) per gallon of water.
Squirt weeds. Instead of RoundUp, use BurnOut (lemon juice and vinegar) to kill weeds along walkways. And what’s so terrible about clover anyway?
Get rid of grubs. Beneficial nematodes and milky spore kill them.
Choose native plants. Replace grass with ground covers or wildflowers.
Know your insects. Some bugs are beneficial. Ladybugs eat aphids; lacewings eat caterpillars; and praying mantises eat all insects (even each other).
Posted in My Blog
Hug Of The Year – Michelle & G Bush
Hug Of The Year
The Biggest Plant Of Carbon Capture To Start Soon
Carbon Capture To Start Soon
To Return Or Not? Tony Blair’s Political Career
Staying Connected With The News Headlines
Follow the news headlines
Top tips for newsreading
Tip for Reading news
Section In Blog
Taking Care of Your Retainers
Finding the Right Plumber – Plumbing Services
Truck Traffic from Mexico – Standards are Different
Should you have a standby Generator
Orthodontics Combines Health and Good Looks
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved Mistermikileaks.com
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2604
|
__label__cc
| 0.726016
| 0.273984
|
Wait Not, Want Not: Six Ways to Run Restaurants Without Waiters
4 Min Read 12.13.2019 By Rachel Ferguson
They’re the restaurant’s human face: ensuring customers feel welcome, answering questions and bringing out each course with efficiency and charm. That’s right, we’re talking about waiting staff. Waiters and waitresses have always played a big part in the experience of eating out. However, in big cities with high property prices, good ones can be hard to find, never mind pay. That’s why some restaurants are starting to think the unthinkable: is it possible to have a successful waiter-free restaurant?
The idea of virtual service came up in a recent report on the UK restaurant sector by Paymentsense. It highlighted enthusiasm for the idea. Indeed, 76 percent of consumers would consider ordering by app, if they could, including up to 92 percent of young families.
So, are waiting staff critical to the dining experience? Or just a cultural hangover from a more deferential age? And what approaches are restaurant businesses using right now to serve customers without servers? Let’s take a look at a few emerging trends.
Idea #1: The Customers Do It
As the hub of America’s digital start-up sector, San Francisco is a magnet for ambitious entrepreneurs and skilled tech workers. But this unprecedented boom has sent property values soaring while waiting staff have become ever more scarce and expensive.
One approach, pioneered by Greek restaurant, Souvla, is to get the customers to muck in. Runners deliver the food, but diners must find their own seat, get their own water from a stand and, if they fancy more wine, go back to the counter to order it.
Self-serve is perhaps one way to minimise customer dissatisfaction, too. Our report has shown that if there is one thing consumers don’t like, it’s waiting. 59% of diners we surveyed rated waiting for their food as their biggest frustration, even more so than encounters with rude staff.
By offering a limited range of high-quality food in charming surroundings and eliminating servers, it’s possible to reduce costs without compromising on quality. Of course, self service is nothing new, but this is a different approach with a new name: ‘fast fine’ and it’s creating interest among purveyors of other cuisines.\
Idea #2: The Chefs Do It
Further down the California coast, in Encino, outside Los Angeles, flamboyant chef Phillip Frankland Lee is pioneering a different approach centred on his Scratch Bar & Kitchen. Rather than eliminate waiters, he’s delegated the role to his cooks.
As well as preparing the food, his kitchen staff must also meet and greet customers, wait tables and take payment. One advantage of this arrangement is that customers are served by someone with an intimate understanding of each dish.
Rather than see his idea as cost-cutting, Lee believes it’s an opportunity to forge a new relationship between staff and customers. And despite a few ups and downs, it seems to be working.
Idea #3: Robots Do It
Alibaba Group is China’s own version of Amazon, reconfiguring multiple business models at scale for massive profits. However, unlike their American rivals, they now run restaurants and their Freshippo chain is leading the way in robotised service.
At their Shanghai branch, customers use an app to secure a table. Once seated, they scan the table’s QR code and use an app to make their meal selection. The robotic servers then use radio frequency identification to wheel the meal over in a serving pod with a lid that opens automatically.
Idea #4: The Owner Does It
At De Haan restaurant, in the Dutch city of Groningen, owner Dennis de Haan does everything. He’s the chef, cook, server, sommelier and dishwasher at the sixteen-seat establishment which serves five courses and features an open kitchen and wine bar.
He’s done it by ruthlessly rationalising every aspect of the experience and every inch of space. Each course has a wine pairing and a dedicated work surface, with ingredients located at arm’s length. Guests simply write down what they’ve eaten to create the final bill.
However, as de Haan admits, solving the logistical challenges would be worthless without great food. Fortunately, customers keep coming back.
Idea #5: Nobody Does It
The Wufangzhai restaurant chain in China’s eastern city, Hangzhou, is over 100 years old. Yet the company recently revolutionised its offering with a new type of “intelligent restaurant.” The food is still prepared by human hands, but everything else is automated.
Customers enter an unmanned, hi-tech space and use their Alipay smartphone app to select and pay for a hot meal. Within five minutes, they can pick up their purchase from one of the automatic lockers lining one wall. They can also order in advance or choose from a range of pre-prepared items.
The new concept has halved the company’s annual labour costs, while encouraging customers to spend more cash, and less time, in-store.
Idea #6: It Doesn’t Happen
Perhaps inevitably, the recent take-off of take-out meals has led some restaurant brands to eliminate their bricks and mortar presence. As a result, we’re now seeing restaurants with a ‘delivery only’ app presence.
This is possible due to the arrival of ‘ghost kitchens’ – out-of-town warehouses where all types of food are prepared purely for delivery through apps such as Just Eat, Deliveroo or Uber Eats. With minimal restaurant overheads and burgeoning demand, this trend is taking off in London, Paris, Los Angeles, and throughout China.
Some of these digital restaurants are simply extensions of existing bricks and mortar establishments, such as Wagamama or GBK. Others are entirely virtual concepts with no actual walk-up presence.
Adapting to Change
So, will these new trends threaten high street restaurants or save them? Are they destroying livelihoods or providing an alternative? And will people eat out less – or eat restaurant food (in and out) more?
Perhaps these questions are too simplistic. In the end, businesses are simply adapting to changing economic incentives and new technology. The price points may make these ideas viable for many, but there will always be a demand for a proper night out – and that usually requires table service.
Rachel Ferguson
@paymentsense
Rachel Ferguson is a digital writer at Paymentsense. Paymentsense are a payments provider, that last year alone, enabled and empowered over 70,000 merchants process over 300 million transactions across the UK and Ireland. In their latest restaurant report 2020, they have used their own anonymised transaction data, along with a survey of 2,085 UK nationally representative consumers and a second attitudinal survey of 350 UK restaurant owners.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2608
|
__label__wiki
| 0.507498
| 0.507498
|
Drug companies would be held accountable in new…
Drug companies would be held accountable in new Baker health care proposal
By Michael Norton |
Expanding access to behavioral health and primary care, targeting hidden consumer costs, and holding drug companies accountable for “unjustified” price hikes are major goals of a new health care bill offered by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Baker unveiled his proposal at a Friday afternoon press conference, saying it also includes measures to help “distressed” community hospitals and community health centers, focuses of health care legislation that died last legislative session.
Under his bill, providers and insurers, including MassHealth, would be required to increase spending on behavioral health and primary care by 30 percent over three years “within the construct of the state’s healthcare benchmark.”
Baker also signed an executive order forming a commission to study the individual and small group insurance market and look at trends that are pushing costs higher for individuals and smaller employers in the so-called merged market.
The Baker administration also announced that it had approved $15 million to be deposited into the Health Safety Net Trust Fund to support care provided to uninsured and under-insured patients by acute care hospitals and community health centers.
“This legislation supports holistic approaches to care, provides consumers and employers with affordable care options, promotes behavioral health parity, and ensures everyone has access to the services they need,” Baker said in a statement.
Michael Norton
Concerns for MCI-Souza-Baranowski prison safety mixed
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2610
|
__label__wiki
| 0.931688
| 0.931688
|
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard sues Hillary Clinton for defamation in Manhattan court
Indie Pop Band Plays First-Ever Chat Roulette Concert
An Audience of 15 Sees Live Music on Webcam Site
By Liza Eckert • Published at 10:08 am on March 5, 2010
Chat Roulette can let you talk to random strangers and often see way more of them than you ever wanted, but one band gave the webcam craze a new role: music venue.
Indie pop band Nurses played the first-ever live concert on the site when they performed a 45-minute show in front of 15 computers set up in frontman Aaron Chapman's Portland living room last week. Chapman told Spinner that playing a set to a tiny group of anonymous users was a surreal experience.
"If a stranger just stumbled into one of our live shows, they'd probably just sit patiently and watch, even if they weren't into it," Chapman said. "With a Chat Roulette performance, the people watching are in their own homes and it's completely anonymous, so they can - and will - tell you if they don't like your music."
The completely random nature of Chat Roulette is what interested the band. Celebrities like the Jonas Brothers have been spotted chatting, as well as plenty of friendly anonymous faces. But it also has more than its share of exhibitionists who ignore the site's terms discouraging obscene material, and one click of the 'next' button can take you from regular conversation to full-on nudity, which Chapman said is the weirdest part of the site.
"I don't really see how the site is relevant as porn, so it's shocking to me," he said. "We did this performance on Chat Roulette, but I didn't tell my mom to tune in. I didn't want her to see that!"
Nurses are about to go on tour with the Tallest Man on Earth, where they hope to be playing to slightly larger crowds.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2615
|
__label__wiki
| 0.995287
| 0.995287
|
Car Windows Smashed at Metro Station for Disabled Parking Permits
By Adam Tuss • Published at 9:36 pm on September 9, 2015
Someone is smashing car windows at a Metro station to steal disabled parking permits rather than cash or even electronics.
“They just reach in there and take the handicap sticker and that's all they’re taking," said a woman whose window was busted and permit taken at the Morgan Boulevard station last week.
She has back issues and can't walk for long periods but she's parking away from the disabled spaces because she is afraid her car will be broken into again.
Virginia 57 mins ago
What to Know Ahead of Tax Filing Season in Virginia
Maryland 3 hours ago
Riders at the station are disgusted
"It's just like, what's next?” Rochelle Smallwood said. “If you get that low to take somebody's placard, that really means you have nothing better to do."
Metro confirmed five vehicles were broken in to Tuesday for permits.
"Someone told me that they steal them and sell them for like $50 each,” rider Ava Fuller said. “I think that's despicable."
This kind of crime is happening to a small percentage of cars, Metro said, and crime in parking lots is trending downward.
Metro said it can install temporary cameras if needed, but so far there’s no indication it will.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2616
|
__label__cc
| 0.605602
| 0.394398
|
Browse by State and County
Browse by Family Surname
Vintage Postcards, Photos, and Images
Additional Helps
Hearthstone Legacy Publications
My Genealogy Hound
Browse the Dalzell Family Surname Genealogy
This section makes it possible to view all the biographies currently available for the Dalzell family surname.
Please keep in mind that this is a list of only the primary biography surnames. Other surnames mentioned within a biography are not included in these lists of surnames. To search for the other surnames, use the search website feature. Also note that new biographies added to the website may not be listed in these lists for several days after the biographies go onto the website. This is a rapidly expanding section, so check back often.
To browse the currently available biographies for the Dalzell family surname, click on the desired biography in the list below:
John Dalzell (Allegheny County, Pennsylvania)
Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of family biographies.
My Genealogy Hound is a free service of Hearthstone Legacy Publications. All contents of this website are copyright 2012-2017.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0119.json.gz/line2619
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.