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PulsePoint Unveils “Vision,” the Most Advanced Programmatic Platform for Publishers
PulsePoint Vision Addresses Key Publisher Pain Points, Taking Header Bidding to the Next Level
December 08, 2016 08:48 AM Eastern Standard Time
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PulsePoint, a leading global programmatic advertising platform, today announced the launch of Vision, a cutting-edge monetization solution which advances programmatic revenue for publishers.
PulsePoint continues to innovate in the programmatic space, rapidly expanding its product portfolio with Vision. Vision gives publishers unprecedented insight and control at unprecedented speed. Publishers can now monetize multiple creative formats simultaneously, manage revenue strategy down to the site, section and page level to optimize performance and access cutting edge analytics insights across the entire bid landscape, taking header bidding to the next level.
Currently, publishers need to work across multiple sources in order to get a true sense of their business performance. PulsePoint Vision solves this through a groundbreaking unified dashboard that shows publishers synthesized data from multiple sources – all at once – to create consistent measurement across all partners. This enables publishers to clearly see what is most effective and to make changes in real-time based on these learnings.
“Vision gives publishers the singular lens they need to make programmatic work harder for them. We’ve unified the best tools and practices from programmatic to bring publishers a results-oriented, customized platform that simplifies the process and surpasses traditional capabilities available in the marketplace,” said Darline Jean, chief operating officer at PulsePoint. “PulsePoint works hand-in-hand with premium publishers to advance the industry and address longstanding pain points.”
PulsePoint continues to set the innovation bar high for the advertising industry, as an end-to-end programmatic advertising technology company. The company saw significant growth in revenue from 2013-2015 and continues to be profitable. This trend continued in 2016 with double digit profit growth and revenue well exceeding $100 million. Much of PulsePoint’s growth can be attributed to key initiatives, such as header bidding, video, strategic partnerships with premium publishers and brands, and the recent launch of a health-specific offering.
About PulsePoint™
PulsePoint, a global programmatic advertising platform, fuses the science of programmatic targeting, distribution and optimization with the art of brand engagement. The PulsePoint platform is powered by terabytes of impression-level data, allowing brands to efficiently engage the right audiences at scale while helping publishers increase yield through actionable insights. Investors in the company include Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), Gotham Ventures, New Atlantic Ventures (NAV), Investor Growth Capital, Updata Partners and VantagePoint Capital Partners. The company is headquartered in New York City with offices in San Francisco, California, and London, U.K. Learn more about PulsePoint here.
Dana Casalino
dana@kitehillpr.com
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CRCT’s 3Q 2017 net property income rises 9.7% year-on-year
Driven by contribution from CapitaMall Xinnan and rental growth in multi-tenanted malls
Singapore, 23 October 2017 – CapitaLand Retail China Trust Management Limited (CRCTML), the manager of CapitaLand Retail China Trust (CRCT), announced today that it achieved net property income (NPI) of S$36.0 million for the period 1 July to 30 September 2017 (3Q 2017), an increase of 9.7% over the S$32.8 million in 3Q 2016. For the period 1 January to 30 September 2017 (YTD Sep 2017), NPI rose 10.7% to S$116.2 million from S$105.0 million a year ago. The increase in NPI was mainly driven by the contribution from CapitaMall Xinnan – which was acquired on 30 September 2016 – and rental growth from the other multi-tenanted malls, partially offset by the divestment of CapitaMall Anzhen with effect from 1 July 2017.
Distributable income for 3Q 2017 was S$21.4 million, an increase of 4.2% over the S$20.5 million a year ago. Distribution per unit was 2.37 Singapore cents, 0.4% higher than 3Q 2016. Based on an annualised DPU of 9.40 Singapore cents and CRCT’s closing price of S$1.685 on 23 October 2017, the annualised distribution yield for 3Q 2017 was 5.6%.
Mr Tan Tze Wooi, CEO of CRCTML, said: “Underpinned by the strength of our multi-tenanted malls, we registered NPI growth in 3Q 2017 even after the divestment of CapitaMall Anzhen at the start of the quarter. In tandem with the divestment, we recovered approximately 4,700 square metres of space on Level 4 of CapitaMall Wangjing from the mall’s anchor tenant. Plans to transform the space to house experiential retail offerings that will inject greater vibrancy to the mall are progressing well, and the new retail space is targeted to open in phases from 2Q 2018.”
“During the quarter under review, we achieved a positive rental reversion of 7.5% for our multi-tenanted malls on the back of sustained efforts to optimise our tenant mix. For example, we added international brand MAC to CapitaMall Xizhimen to upgrade the mall’s beauty offerings. Popular technology brand Xiaomi opened at CapitaMall Grand Canyon to positive reception and contributed to improved sales and shopper traffic. By end-2017, Xiaomi will also open a store at CapitaMall Xizhimen, as part of a reconfigured unit that replaced a fast food restaurant. Our continued reconfiguration efforts have also yielded a positive rental reversion of more than 10% at CapitaMall Xinnan for the quarter. At CapitaMall Qibao, rooftop space on levels 4 and 5 will be activated as part of an expanded children’s learning playland, and renovations are expected to be completed by 1Q 2018. As we proactively refresh our malls’ offerings to keep abreast of changing consumer needs, we continue to be on the lookout for acquisition opportunities that will further enhance unitholders’ value.”
Exterior of CapitaMall Wangjing
Summary of CRCT results1,2
Periods: 1 July to 30 September (3Q) and 1 January to 30 September (YTD)
3Q 2017
Change %
YTD 2017
Gross revenue3
Net property income3
Income available for distribution
Distribution per unit (DPU) (cents)
For the period
Annualised
RMB’000
Gross revenue
Net property income
Revenue and net property income
In RMB terms
For 3Q 2017, gross revenue increased by RMB26.2 million or 10.5% compared to 3Q 2016. This was mainly due to the contribution from CapitaMall Xinnan, which was acquired on 30 September 2016, and rental growth from the other multi-tenanted malls. NPI grew by RMB15.3 million or 9.5% over the corresponding period in 2016.
In SGD terms
Gross revenue for 3Q 2017 increased by S$5.4 million or 10.6% compared to 3Q 2016, while NPI grew by S$3.2 million or 9.7% year-on-year.
1. The financial results include contribution from CapitaMall Xinnan, which was acquired on 30 September 2016.
2. The financial results exclude CapitaMall Anzhen with effect from 1 July 2017 following the announcement on 27 July 2017 of the disposal of equity interest in CapitaRetail Beijing Anzhen Real Estate Co., Ltd, which holds CapitaMall Anzhen.
3. Average exchange rate for SGD/RMB.
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March By Moonlight
A Bomber Command Story of Ops and Evasion, Captivity and Friendship
Jack Love, Barry Love
Jack Love's personal account of joining up for the RAF, training for, and then flying with RAF Bomber Command in the Second World War. He describes in graphic detail the night he was shot down, the subsequent extraordinary evasion attempt, and provides a fascinating insight into life as a prisoner-of-war.
• An extraordinary first-hand evasion story from the Second World War
A collection of 30 previously unpublished photographs.
In May 1942 RAF Bomber Command observer Jack Love's world comes crashing down, literally. His aircraft sustains flak damage and a catastrophic engine failure forces a crash-landing in Northern France. The pilot manages a safe belly-landing in a ploughed field, and the uninjured crew scramble free of the wreckage, running to safety as flames engulf the Wellington bomber.
A five-week trek follows, mostly at night, as they march almost 300 miles across France, seeking the promise of sanctuary in Switzerland. They reach the River Doubs where wireless operator Stan Bradley tragically drowns during an attempt to swim the raging river. Pilot John Beecroft and front gunner Henry Hanwell reach the far bank, and subsequently become part of the now-famous ‘Pat O'Leary' escape line. Jack and tail gunner Alec Crighton, unable to swim, attempt to find a suitable crossing, but stumble into a German patrol. For Jack and Alec ‘The war is over'. Three years of captivity follow, culminating in the infamous ‘Long March'. While incarcerated Jack wonders on the fate of his fellow crew members. Had they succeeded in reaching safety? It was a question that would be answered decades later when the surviving crew members shared a joyful reunion in Cambridge, only a few miles from where it had all started.
March by Moonlight is Jack Love's personal account of the experiences he went through joining up for the RAF, training for, and then flying with RAF Bomber Command. He describes in graphic detail the night he was shot down, the subsequent extraordinary evasion attempt, and provides a fascinating insight into ‘kriegie' life, as he passes through numerous camps, enduring over-crowded and starvation rations as the war draws to a close. Jack Love and his fellow crew mates experienced it all; the perilous bombing operations, the strain of air combat, being shot down, ‘cloak and dagger' evasion, the frustration of capture, and the simple triumph of surviving against the odds. This is their incredible story.
An incredible tale, on a par with some of Paul Brickhill's finest accounts of the exploits of the Dam Busters and Douglas Bader, those iconic stories that thrilled and inspired me when I was old enough to read them. This is a tale that is crying out to be turned into a motion picture, a tale that encapsulates everything heroic and inspirational about the second world war.
Books Monthly
An exciting insight into the lives of young men thrust into battle in the skies over Europe...This is a hair-raising tale of wartime adventure.
Soldier Magazine
1st Bedfordshires - Part One
You Never Know Your Luck
Keith C. Ogilvie
A Ruddy Awful Waste
Steve Brew, Mike Bradbury
Gordon Mellor
Slybirds
Graham Cross
Bomber Command: Battle of Berlin Failed to Return
Steve Bond, Steve Darlow, Sean Feast, Andy Macdonald, Robert Owen, Nicole Russel, Howard Sandall
Stirling to Essen
Roger Leivers
Last of the Kriegies
Reg Barker, Charles Clarke, David Fraser, Albert Gunn, Henry Wagner, Steve Darlow
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This ‘Game of Thrones’ Theory Suggests Varys Took His Rings Off for an Important Reason
Associated Press AP May 16, 2019 12:30 pm May 16, 2019 Off 38
This post contains spoilers for the final season of Game of Thrones. Consider yourself warned.
The countdown to the final episode ever of Game of Thrones is on, and we’re not quite sure what everyone’s going to do with themselves once the juggernaut HBO show ends. In the meantime, I guess we’ll all just continues to analyze (and criticize) every frame of footage to try and figure out what is going to happen on Sunday night.
One prevailing guess among fans is that Daenerys Targaryen is going to die. In the previous episode, Dany basically breaks bad—possibly becoming the Mad Queen—and torches huge swaths of King’s Landing with her lone remaining dragon, Drogon. Based on the reactions of Jon Snow and Arya Stark, it would seem they’re not comfortable with her new leadership strategy. And some fans think will lead to Arya taking down the Mother of Dragons, just as she did the Night King.
If she is indeed the one to kill Dany, perhaps Arya will use her training by the Faceless Men to get close to her. But a new fan theory (first laid out on Buzzfeed) suggests the actual method: poison. We know that Varys sent letters—presumably telling others in the realm about Dany’s “madness” and Jon’s rightful claim to the Iron Throne—before he was executed. And, as Buzzfeed points out, he also very deliberately removes his rings while writing.
What could that mean? The theory suggests that there may be poison in one of them that is meant to kill the Mother of Dragons—and it’s based on the show’s history with deadly accessories. Back in season four when Olenna killed Joffrey, she did so with poison that was originally hidden in a jewel in Sansa’s necklace.
We already know that the Master of Whispers was trying to assassinate Dany with poison, so the thinking is that he deliberately removed the rings because he knew he was about to die and wanted to leave them for someone else like Arya, Jon, or Sansa to use.
We’ll find out on Sunday when the saga comes to an end.
Abby Gardner is a contributing writer at Glamour. You can follow her pop culture musings on Twitter @abbygardner or in her weekly newsletter, We Have Notes.
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Posted July 10
Updated July 11
Major upgrade of 75 miles of rail will serve Maine’s resurgent paper industry
Pan Am Railways is matching a $17.5 million federal grant in the $35.5 million project to upgrade its main line in southern and central Maine.
By Peter McGuireStaff Writer
A Pan Am Railways engine pulls railroad cars over a trestle as cars pass below on Front Street in Waterville. The railway and state Department of Transportation are embarking on a $35 million upgrade of the freight line to improve safety and enhance business opportunities, especially with Maine's resurgent paper industry. David Leaming/Morning Sentinel
A nearly $36 million railway upgrade is planned to improve performance of a critical line in Maine and serve the state’s resurgent pulp and paper industry.
The Federal Railway Administration will cover about half of the $35.5 million being spent to replace aging rails, renovate road crossings, improve safety and fix bridges on a 75-mile stretch of line between North Yarmouth and Waterville owned by Pan Am Railways. The company, based in Billerica, Massachusetts, will match federal funds with its own investment. The Maine Department of Transportation will contribute about $568,000 to the project, which is expected to get underway next year.
Maine’s paper industry ‘positioned to have a revitalization’
“We’ve been talking about this for a long time,” said Nate Moulton, director of freight and business services at the Maine Department of Transportation. “When this opportunity, these funds became available, it was a good fit for the project.”
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine chairs the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee that awarded the $17.5 million federal grant last month. She and independent Sen. Angus King had sent a letter in September 2018 supporting the transportation department’s application.
“Enhancing the rail connection between manufacturers and the forest products industry and their markets can create a competitive advantage for Maine, helping to create jobs in rural parts of our state,” Collins said in a news release when the funding was announced.
The improvements are equal parts safety and economic development. The pavement on at-grade railroad crossings is in poor shape and signals to warn drivers a train is coming are functional, but out of date.
Most of the funding is directed to improve the line to serve expected freight increases as paper mills ramp up production. Pan Am will install 37 miles of continuously welded line, upgrade mainline switches and track signals, and extend a rail siding in New Gloucester so larger trains can pass one another.
“This is a rail line that is the north-south trunk line, if you have traffic coming down the Eastern Seaboard, it is on this line,” Moulton said. “It is a lot of traffic going really long distances.”
If it doesn’t become more reliable and efficient, companies might choose to ship freight by tractor-trailer instead, increasing congestion and road damage in parts of rural western and central Maine, Pan Am spokeswoman Cyndi Scarano said.
“Absent the improved service reliability and safety enhancements resulting from this project, the concern has always been that customers in Maine will utilize trucks to get their goods to market and receive raw materials,” Scarano said in an email, noting that trucking may be more expensive and environmentally harmful than efficient rail.
“An inefficient rail network would adversely impact customers by depriving them of a competitive option to transport goods,” she said.
Maine’s pulp and paper industry historically supported commercial rail in the state, but as it declined, railroads have had to deal with a light customer density and long distances, the state said in its funding application. They needed a financial boost to retain rail capacity and grow to serve new customers as the state’s paper industry goes through an upswing.
Last year Verso Corp. announced it would upgrade one of its paper machines in Jay to make packaging material and rehire 120 workers. ND Paper bought the Rumford paper mill last year and announced plans to invest $111 million to modernize it. Late last year, ND Paper bought the shuttered Old Town mill and said it would reopen this year.
Right now, some of the jointed rail on the line is up to 60 years old and is susceptible to breaks and gaps, especially during the spring thaw, Moulton said. That forces trains to slow down and adds maintenance delays. With new rails, trains can maintain the maximum speed of 25 mph along the entire line and it will be less sensitive to seasonal conditions. Trains presently run between 17 mph and the top speed.
Pan Am expects its pulp and paper business to increase by 2.4 percent annually, according to the funding application.
ND Paper adds to its Maine holdings, buying Old Town mill for undisclosed sum
Alongside a reviving paper industry, Pan Am also is serving Poland Spring, which transfers bottled water from its plant in Kingfield through the railroad’s yard in Waterville and south to a Massachusetts warehouse. Pan Am expects its business with Poland Spring to grow 9 percent a year.
The water bottling company has been using Pan Am for about 3½ years, said Chris Haynes, Northeast Logistics Director for Poland Spring Co.
“Infrastructure improvements, particularly to safely increase track speeds and decrease time for shipments to reach their destination, will benefit not only Poland Spring but other companies as well,” Haynes said. “Through Pan Am Railways, we currently ship 100 loads per week and we’re approaching 20,000 total loads since 2016. We look forward to continuing this collaboration.”
ND Paper uses both trucking and freight rail in its Maine operations and its business is expected to grow.
“There are a number of capital projects that will increase production capacity in Rumford and we are restarting the Old Town mill this summer,” spokeswoman Amy Lee said.
“We will choose truck or rail based on what the cost is,” she said. “Certainly things like efficiency and reliability would impact that cost and factor into our decision I’m sure.”
The rail project also includes safety improvements such as reconstructing and modernizing 89 public and private crossings, and replacing deck timbers on eight bridges. Some public crossings have battered pavement and 70-year-old signals that will be replaced with LED lights, cameras and modern signal flashers to improve traffic flow.
Comments are disabled on some stories about sensitive topics.
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This article is reprinted from "Amiga Update".
Copyright 1996 by Brad Webb.
Freely distributable, if not modified.
This site is gone, so the article was scooped up from oblivion.
J I M D R E W S P E A K S
The History of Utilities Unlimited... By Jim Drew
In 1984, I returned from Honolulu, Hawaii and began working for a Commodore dealer in downtown Portland, Oregon. Within a few months I became technical support representative of the educational division of Commodore for the state of Oregon. I worked for this company for about 9 months before being approached by several individuals trying to recruit me as an employee to write disk duplication software. After some nagging, I decided to go ahead and I began working with a company by the name of 'Final Source Software'. I wrote many commercial disk copiers, and designed several hardware based disk copiers. I was also writing some software for a company by the name of MegaSoft (located in Battleground, Washington). After MegaSoft's hardware disk copier had failed to meet its expectations, I was asked to fix it. I did, and shortly thereafter Final Source Software was dissolved and turned into a retail software rental chain. I worked for a few months at Central Point Software, and wrote their Copy ][ 64/128 program. After this was completed I went to work full time for MegaSoft, which after many problems changed its name to "Utilities Unlimited".
In 1986, a couple (husband & wife) purchased 50% ownership in Utilities Unlimited. This couple previously bought and sold forklifts (they did not know how to turn on a computer, but wanted to be on the road to the future). After about 9 months of problems with the original owner, the couple purchased the remaining 50% of the company, which included me. At this time the C64 market was just about at its end, and our hottest selling product, SuperCard+ (a hardware based disk copier) was just about at saturation.
A deal was made that I would get a small (very small) percentage of the company if I would stay on and develop new products. A choice was made between a Nintendo cartridge copier or an Amiga disk copier. We went the Amiga route after a phone call to Nintendo was returned by their legal staff.
SuperCard Ami was born. I designed the hardware, the software, did the advertisement layouts, handled dealer accounts, and technical support. I was constantly busy with software updates due to new copy protection. I was always busy. During this time, I married my beautiful girlfriend Chauna (pronounced Shaw-nuh). During the course of the next two years, I designed the KickStart board (ROM switcher), Boot Drive Selector, DigiDither, SuperCard Ami II, SYBIL, and a few other things which did not make it to market. I also released more than 30 updates to SuperCard Ami I & II. I was still doing everything by myself.
We filed a lawsuit against Ashcom Design & Development for ripping off Super-Card Ami II. More than a year after the initial filing, and $10,000 later, we won the copyright infringement suit. In return, we got a box of "MAC II" units (their copy of Super-Card Ami II) and that was it... no damages because the company had nothing (it had been liquidated by its owners).
Some things were a bit startling to me at this point because of sales starting to decline. Ads were placed for products that did not exist yet (like SYBIL), based on assumptions. I did not voluntarily create these ads.. I was told to. When products would be late (a natural thing in the software world), lots of excuses would be given... we even had a fire one time that never really happened. I had never done business this way before, although I did not like what was going on, I was only 24 and did not own enough of the company to be counted and the idea of working at McDonalds was not too appealing.
I had setup a deal with ReadySoft to bundle SYBIL with their AMAX II+ upgrade for A500 machines (software only since there was no Zorro slot on the A500). After spending a great deal of time setting up this deal, a lot of bad things happened, and it cost Utilities Unlimited nearly everything. I had designed a custom version of SYBIL that could be detected (at the request of ReadySoft) so that you could just not run the AMAX II+ without SYBIL. I had the circuit boards made, boxes printed, etc... the deal fell through and Utilities Unlimited was in trouble.
The primary owners of the company decided to sell their home and move the company to Lake Havasu City, Arizona (to start fresh with some new capital). I had little choice but to go, so I did.
Before I left, I started getting phone calls from Joe Fenton, who was living in Texas at the time. He was very helpful, giving some suggestions to some quirks he had with SYBIL. After talking with him quite a bit, I explained what had happended with ReadySoft, and I was really out for revenge.. to write a full color, multitasking MAC emulation. Joe said he had a pretty decent knowledge of the MAC OS, and that he thought there would be no problems.
Once I got to Lake Havasu (April of 1992), I talked the owners into hiring Joe. Joe came in the middle of May, 1992. Much to his surprise, I was the only person at the company (that did anything). He was under the impression (like thousands of customers) that Utilities Unlimited was as large as GVP, having dozens of employees.
This is where things went really sour with Utilities Unlimited....
The owners wanted ads placed immediately for EMPLANT (which by the way was just a name I thought up one day, and then turned it into an acronym after the fact). I could not believe that they wanted to advertise such an elaborate product that had not even existed yet! I knew that they had faith in my abilities, but this was a bit much. So, a list of 'features' was made based on what Joe and I thought we could do. Joe worked on hacking the MAC OS, and I worked on the circuit board layout. We both worked on the custom logic equasions and the features the board would have (we had lots of ideas, some of which were implemented on the EMPLANT board, but have NEVER been used!)
Keep in mind that EMPLANT, the circuit board layout, the software, in short EVERYTHING was designed on an Amiga 500! I had a slingshot Zorro expansion on my A500 (which had a VXL*30 accelerator). We had really no Amiga equipment, just two accelerated A500s and a stock A2000 (this at a time when the A3000 had been out for awhile).
In the middle of August (already late for its shipping date), EMPLANT went to FCC testing in Chandler, Arizona. We failed miserably. Actually, our Seikosha printer failed, along with our A2000. The EMPLANT board had absolutely no problems, but if the system fails, the product can not be passed. We were at FCC on a Friday, and returned on a Monday (Joe's birthday) after doing some pretty elaborate things to our system in order to get EMPLANT passed.
In September, we were suppose to show EMPLANT at the World of Commodore show in Pasadena, California (at DMI's booth, supporting the Resolver video board). Well, Joe, my wife, and I all went to the show and caused quite a scene because we brought the prototype EMPLANT board with us. I have most of it on video tape (my wife taped me with the crowd). At this point we had NEVER even scene a MAC screen pop up! Joe and I were getting very worried. The company had spent all of its money on advertising (full page/full color ads were about $5,000 each) in the various Amiga magazines instead of getting us the equipment we needed to finish and test EMPLANT.
Sometime in early November, we saw our first MAC screen appear! (I don't recall the day exactly, but I have it on video tape! We had a party that day!) Hey, we did it! Only 3 months late, but we were successful. Upon hearing this news, the owners instantly cashed checks and ran credit cards.. even though the product was in no way ready to ship! It would be almost a full month before the first version was ready to go. Lots of angry people! Where is my product!? The product shipped, and wow was there a ton of problems (which we expected). Joe and I were working 20+ hours a day, sometimes in 30 hour shifts. Not only did I have to help debug, I had to make new advertisements, handle dealer sales, do magazine interviews (try doing that with a straight face when you know what REALLY is going on), etc. It was a nightmare. The only good thing about the entire situation is that I had beaten ReadySoft, which was my only intention in creating EMPLANT. The first release of software was reportedly in October (according to the history)... this was faked! It was not until mid November did we actually release the product for the first time.
Before the first release, the husband of the couple died of a heart attack. Joe and I were shocked by the death, as it was completely unexpected. We were a bit concerned that the remaining owner (a women with no computer experience what-so-ever) could handle things... but who were we kidding? We did everything already anyways! However, pressure was intensified greatly. She had only one thing in mind, and that was retiring.
At the World of Commodore show in Pasadena (1993), sound support and 32 bit clean operation was shown for the first time. John DiLulu (Commodore's cheif marketting manager) and Alex Amor (Creative Equipment, Inc.) had a meeting with me to discuss an AMIGA/EMPLANT bundle deal. An agreement was reached, but as usual nothing came of it. One thing that was requested by Commodore engineers was our chunky to planar routines. These routines were given to Commodore (through John DiLulu), but apparently never reached engineering. By the way, we did spend a great deal of time getting licensing agreements with Commodore for reverse engineering the multitasking code. Commodore stated that if we were not using the code in its entirety, then no licensing agreement was necessary, but they would like a copy of the code for reference. I still have the letter from Commodore's managing division (John DiLulu's office) pertaining to this.
Looking back, it is now easy to see why Commodore went down the tubes... the cheif marketting manager couldn't even pass along a disk.. how the hell could he make executive decisions?
Things were going pretty well for EMPLANT.. AMAX IV was no competition, and it was funny to see them with a full color, multitasking MAC emulation after spending several years stating that it could never be done! I do have to say that I have a great deal of respect for Simon Douglas. Joe and I checked each new version of AMAX IV to see if anything had been 'borrowed' from EMPLANT's MAC emulation, and we never found anything even remotely similar between our code. This made it a good, clean, competitive game.
We wanted to make a PowerPC based Pentium(tm) emulation. I even met with IBM and Apple to discuss a technology buyout because our ideas were so revolutionary. We decided to first make a PC emulation on the Amiga, and then port the code to the PowerMAC platform.
Business was starting to slow down, so the owner asked what was next? I told her that we could start working on the PC emulation.. great, time for new ads... remember those 'e486DX coming soon!' ads? How about the ads showing Windows running?.. the Windows screenshots were faked!
We hired Mark Wignall to write all of the PC sided drivers. A lot of the speed the emulation has is due to experimentations. We spent a lot of time creating things like the CD-ROM driver, comparing our work constantly with SoftPC, PCTask, and CrossPC. We spent countless hours on the ANSI routines so that text output would be the fastest possible. We would time every revision with a stopwatch, hoping to gain that 1/10th of the second extra speed. Mark also wrote the PC emulation's documentation, which would be the last paper-bound documentation ever produced at Utilities Unlimited. The owner did not want to pay for packaging or documentation. She believed that documentation on the disk was sufficient. She also believed that 'people just throw away the packaging anyways, so why pay the extra money to make it look nice?' Sheesh!
At this point I was being told what to say and do. Neither Joe nor Mark had a clue as to what was really going on behind the scenes. It became so bad that Mark didn't even know when we released the PC emulation for the first time! He was not to know, fearing he would try to convince everyone it was not ready (which it wasn't)... it did not run Windows, DOOM, or anything else it was suppose to. It worked in simple DOS mode, supported the x87 style FPU, and had the Pentium(tm) Processor instruction decoding. For the most part, it did work well for what support it had (missing ALL of the protected mode and MMU mode support). I went to the World of Amiga show in London, and showed it for the first time. People were impressed at the speed of things that I showed, but I could not show Windows because it simply would not work.
Mark left because of what was happening. Joe and I continued our work on the emulations, but we wanted to build some new hardware goodies! NO WAY! The owner did not want to have anything to do with FCC or hardware ever again. Ack! We had plans for a multiprocessor board, 060 board, video board, and other really neat things. We had even drawn out schematics and gotten developer information for everything we needed. I know that we could have made the fastest accelerator and video board ever. Our hands were tied (more like we were tied to a pay check).
About this time ShapeShifter was released. After Joe and I looked at it, we were pissed beyond belief. The majority of the code came from AMAX IV, with some of our code, and even Apple's code. I immediately starting documenting the code, and the changes that the code went through after several releases (especially after making it clear that much of the code was 'borrowed'). After going through the lawsuit in the UK, the owner did not want to attempt to go after 'some kid in Germany', because it would cost too much money, and we would get nothing back.
I sent two registered letters to the author, and each letter was returned undeliverable. I just wanted him to stop while he was ahead. Joe and I are probably the best 68K reverse engineerers in the world. We have gone through gigs of code over the last 4 years, figuring out why certain MAC applications do weird things with our MAC emulation. We can tell which Apple engineer wrote any part of the ROM or OS code, based on their programming style. We knew AMAX IV well too. It was easy to document what code came from where inside of ShapeShifter.
At this point I really can't do much about ShapeShifter, although there are a couple of legal councils in Germany willing to take 80% of the earnings of a successful lawsuit. Personally, I think that when judgement day rolls around, the author will wish that ShapeShifter was just a character in Archon...
After a few months, we started working on the PowerMAC version of the e586DX emulation module. But because the company's revenue was slowing down, we were told to make something in the mean time. So, MACPRO was created as a means to produce income. We continued to work on PowerCLONE, and once again, the company's revenue was not up to par, so we created Mac1200 and MacLite. These emulations took several months to create and debug. The company was in bad shape, although it had several considerable assets (a new 10,000 sqft building, cars, etc.)
On August 23rd, (one day before Joe's birthday) the owner decided to shut down Utilities Unlimited. We had absolutely no warning. I had been repeatedly told that the owner simply had too much money invested in the company to ever shut it down, so this was the last of my worries.
Utilities Unlimited International, Incorporated is officially bankrupt. Even though there were no creditors, a bankruptcy was filed to prevent any potential lawsuits in the future, and to null and void any commitments (like the lifetime warranty on products).
Joe and I are both unemployed at this point. My small percentage of the company was dissolved in outstanding loans to the owner. The one thing that I did manage to get was the copyrights to all products free and clear (I owned 50% of the copyright myself, plus a percentage of the company's 50%, so I had controlling interest in the copyrights anyways).
Since together, Joe and I did *everything* (except write paychecks), it makes sense for us to try to form a new company ourselves.. one that is honest with what is going on, since we will have no pressure from any outside source.
We have decided the name of the company will be "Persistence Software". We will provide the same technical support that we provided to the customers in the past (I think you will find every review of our technical support to be outstanding). We will also still provide support for EMPLANT customers, and I am going to make the information about EMPLANT hardware publically available.
Since November of 1995, Joe and I have been working on the PowerMAC version of the e586DX module. That emulation is about 80% complete at this point. IT IS NOT DONE! ...and I am happy to be able to say that! (Well, maybe not happy.... just glad I can be honest about it!)
During this time, we have also been working on a completely new Amiga based PC emulation. We have re-written the emulation from scratch (yes, again). And instead of releasing bullsh*t specs, we are going to odopt a new (read as REALISTIC) approach of hyping our software... we are going to release a crippled demo version. If you like it, great... order the full version. If not, you didn't get screwed and left with something you can't use. Here is some information about this new emulation:
Product name: 'PCx' Function: PC emulation Computer: Amiga
This is an all new 80x86 emulation. (Pentium and 686 instruction set, including Intel undocumented P5 instructions). The speed is roughly 3 times faster than v2.3 of EMPLANT's e586DX emulation in protected mode (like Windows, DOOM, etc.). It is about 50% faster in DOS mode. This speed increase is without the CPU transcription, which has finally been debugged. I use the words 'roughly' and 'about' because it has NOT been completely finished yet. Things could get slightly faster (hopefully) or slightly slower. I don't anticipate any significant speed changes, and again, a demo version will show you exactly what the speed will be like (without CPU Transcription or Turbo Mode). PCx IS NOT DONE YET! WE ARE STILL TESTING IT!
The demo version limits you to 8 megs of hard drive space, no ability to write to floppys, no Sound Blaster(tm) support, no CPU Trancscription, no CPU Turbo mode, and a few other limitations. Yes, we do have standard Sound Blaster(tm) support, which is mono only (v1.0/1.5 Sound Blaster). We can probably make it stereo, but no promises or bogus release dates for this support.
We also have video board drivers. These drivers can use the Amiga's system drawing routines, or direct access to the video board's memory.
Here are SOME of the features that we are planning for the full release version:
Nice user interface, without the mess of multiple windows. *DONE*
Self configuring. *DONE*
Intel Pentium Processor(tm) instruction set. *DONE*
Sound Blaster (mono) emulation. *DONE*
MDA/CGA/EGA/VGA support. *DONE*
VESA SVGA support. *THIS IS NOT DONE!*
CPU Transcription. *DONE*
CPUTurbo. *DONE*
Video board support. *DONE*
Selectable display modes (fromdisplay database) *DONE*
Creation of our own BIOS. *THIS IS NOT DONE!*
Windows 3.11, OS/2, and Windows 95 support. *THIS IS NOT DONE!*
ASPIcompliant SCSI manager. *DONE*
Ability to mount Amiga partitions on PCside. *DONE*
CD-ROM support. *DONE*
We have set the retail price at $59.95 US ( 49.95 UK/Europe), which includes a licensed copy of American Megatrend's 'AMIBIOS'. If you are an owner of EMPLANT's e586DX emulation module, you can send in your original e586DX disk and get this upgrade for 1/2 off ($29.99 US, 24.95 UK/Europe). At this point, it looks like our disk labels and packaging will take longer to get than the completion of the software (we were shooting for an October 1st release). As we get closer to actually releasing the product, the features list (above) will be updated.
We are pleased to announce that Blittersoft (a UK based company) has been granted the world-wide distribution rights to all Persistence Software products. Blittersoft was Utilities Unlimited's European distributor, and quite frankly, was the only reason Utilities Unlimited survived as long as it did. Paul Lesurf does an excellent job of promoting products, and I know that our products will be well handled by his company.
All orders (also Trade) should be directed to Blittersoft.
Blittersoft and Persistence Software will jointly provide technical support through WEB pages, email, CompuServe, GEnie, and telephone support. Software upgrades will be available through our WEB pages and on various support forums.
Again, I would like to stress that Persistence Software WILL support EMPLANT customers. There will still be updates and technical support. No more EMPLANT boards will be manufactured (unless somebody wants to buy the rights to EMPLANT). We do have parts here for repairing boards, however, we will not be able to repair or replace boards for free. Some reasonable fee will be charged for any repair work necessary.
I know that this announcement will come as a shock to many people. Hey, it was a shock to Joe and I too! Utilities Unlimited was one of the most successful and well known Amiga companies around.. and everything was done by only two people, not a building full of people. We have accomplished a lot in a very restrictive environment, and I know that we can accomplish much more now that we have complete control.
The reason for releasing the 'history' of Utilities Unlimited is to let people to know what really went on behind the scenes, and for everyone to know that although I was the figure head for the company, somebody else was pulling my strings. I will not do business like Utilities Unlimited did. I want honesty at all costs, even if it means losing business. Although there is only two of us, I believe that we have proven our abilities sufficiently for people to at least listen to what we have to say. Joe and I like to tackle the impossible, and fortunately, we don't have to make anymore wild claims. Any officially released information will be very real.
I would be interested in hearing from you! If you have an Amiga product idea that you would like to see a reality, drop me a note. We have a lot of nearly finished products (hardware and software based) that we are looking into releasing. Since the Amiga market has temporarily stalled (it will be back), we are not quite sure what products are necessary at this time. This is where you, the user, can help us!
I can be reached at my new email address: jimdrew@lnknet.com My AOL account will be gone shortly, so don't try there!
I appreciate your support in the past, and I look forward to providing you with high quality products in the future.
Jim Drew, Persistence Software
Amiga Update on the net: recent issues available in html format at:
http://www.sharbor.com
All back issues available (ASCII text only) at:
http://www.globaldialog.com/AdventureCentral/AU.html
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DeLee, Drez and Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
1785,00 lei (-11,76%)
>> ORTHOPEDICS
>> DeLee, Drez and Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Preț: 1575,00 lei
Autor: Mark D. Miller & Stephen R. Thompson
Editura: Elsevier
Pagini: 1851
Categoria: ORTHOPEDICS
Indispensable for both surgeons and sports medicine physicians, DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice, 5th Edition,remains your go-to reference for all surgical, medical, rehabilitation and injury prevention aspects related to athletic injuries and chronic conditions. Authored by Mark D. Miller, MD and Stephen R. Thompson, MD, this 2-volume core resource provides detailed, up-to-date coverage of medical disorders that routinely interfere with athletic performance and return to play, providing the clinically focused information you need when managing athletes at any level.
Provides a unique balance of every relevant surgical technique along with extensive guidance on nonsurgical issues-making it an ideal reference for surgeons, sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and others who provide care to athletes.
Offers expanded coverage of revision surgery, including revision ACL and revision rotator cuff surgery.
Features additional coverage of cartilage restoration procedures and meniscal transplantation.
Provides significant content on rehabilitation after injury, along with injury prevention protocols.
Includes access to a comprehensive video collection, with more than 100 videos new to this edition.
Retains key features such as coverage of both pediatric and aging athletes; a streamlined organization for quick reference; in-depth coverage of arthroscopic techniques; extensive references; levels of evidence at the end of each chapter; and "Author's Preferred Technique" sections.
Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.
Cărți noi - ORTHOPEDICS
Master Techniques in Orthopedic Surgery: Knee Arthroplasty
Metabolic Therapies in Orthopedics
Orthopedic Taping, Wrapping, Bracing, and Padding
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Tag Archives: oticon-opn-Chalfont-hearing
Ear wax removal Amersham
Looking for ear wax removal in the Amersham area? Try the Chalfont hearing centre. If you are in need of expert advice for ear wax issues or you know you have ear wax issues, the Chalfont hearing centre have various ways they can remove it. The latest technique is using a small hoover type of machine. This very gently removes ear wax using Micro-Suction. Suction so small you can hardly feel it. Leon Cox the lead audiologist at Chalfont hearing and Henley Hearing clinic will advise you on which ear wax removal service he recommends. For many reasons ear syringing may not be the most appropriate method.
Sometimes ear wax removal can be called ear syringing. Chalfont hearing can do the traditional ear syringing technique if you prefer.
Ear syringing at the Chalfont hearing centre
Wax appointments always available, please call reception.
New Apple Watch Feature to Measure Noise Levels
The Chalfont hearing centre offers the very latest in hearing aids and hearing wearable connectivity.
A new feature on the Apple watchOS 6 will help users keep track of the decibel level in their surrounding environment, according to an article on Mic.
The app, known as “Noise,” will periodically use the watch’s microphone to check sound levels, and will issue a warning if sound reaches or exceeds 90 decibels, according to Mic. Users will also be able to perform checks on demand as well.
The Mic article does note, however, that the Noise app will not measure sound levels when listening to music via headphones.
To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
Source: Mic
Image: © Jair Fonseca – Dreamstime.com
Categories: Ear wax removal Amersham
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The benefits of hearing aids
Benefits of hearing aids
The Chalfont hearing Centre is a premier independent hearing company based in Little Chalfont Bucks. Leon Cox, the lead audiologist is here to help you diagnose your hearing symptoms along with other hearing issues such as possible ear wax blocking the ear canal. Ear wax can be easily dealt with by Micro-suction that gently hoovers out the ear wax cleanly and quickly.
New hearing aids in Bucks at the Chalfont hearing centre
If you need hearing aids
Hearing aids won’t make your hearing perfect, but they make sounds louder and clearer, reducing the impact hearing loss has on your life.
Hearing aids can:
help you hear everyday sounds such as the doorbell and phone
improve your ability to hear speech
make you feel more confident when talking to people and make it easier for you to follow conversations in different environments
help you to enjoy listening to music and the TV, at a volume that’s comfortable for those around you
But hearing aids only help if you still have some hearing left, so don’t put off getting help if your hearing is getting worse.
To book your appointment at the Chalfont hearing centre please call reception and speak with our receptionist.
Categories: better hearing
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Hearing and Depression link
New report into depression and hearing has been published. We at the Chalfont hearing centre are well aware of this link and can help with making your hearing a little better.
Bucks hearing and Ear wax removal centre
Bucks hearing and Ear wax removal centre is at the Chalfont hearing centre the independent hearing and ear wax specialist covering Chalfont, Amersham and Henley. If you are having issues with hearing in general we can conduct a hearing test at one of our centres either in Chalfont or Henley. The comprehensive hearing test will take around an hour of your time, but the results will be know there and then putting you in control of your hearing. We can then discuss what hearing instrument (hearing aid) you may need if required. There could be other issues at play if you are not hearing as well as you think you should be. We can before the test look to see if you have any ear wax present. Ear wax isn’t usually an issue, we all need a little for good ear health. However in some cases excessive ear wax build up can become an issue and if you have excessive ear wax we will clear this before any test is conducted.
Ear wax removal Chesham Bucks
Ear wax removal is very easy and painless. We use the Microsuction ear wax removal method as this really is the gold standard of ear wax removal. We also can use the older method of ear wax removal called irrigation or some may know this as ear syringing. This method uses warm water to gently irrigate the ear to help release the ear wax out from the ear.
So if you are having some hearing issues and would like afamily run professional ear wax removal service then book an appointment. We can discuss at the appointment any of the issues at length. After all we are all ears!
Bringing world wide news on hearing to our local area.
Study Shows Older Adults with Hearing Loss at Higher Risk for Depression
Chalfont hearing centre
The results of a study investigating the connection between hearing loss and depression found that older adults with some form of hearing loss were 47% more likely to also have depression symptoms, according to an article in Reuters.
Chalfont Hearing centre, Bucks
Originally published in The Gerontologist, the research reviewlooked at 35 previous studies encompassing 147, 148 participants, who were at least 60 years old.
“We know that older adults with hearing loss often withdraw from social occasions, like family events because they have trouble understanding others in noisy situations, which can lead to emotional and social loneliness,” lead study author Blake Lawrence of the Ear Science Institute Australia, in Subiaco, and the University of Western Australia in Crawley, was quoted as saying in Reuters.
Additionally, the article goes on to add that the brain may work harder to interpret sound from a weaker auditory signal, draining resources needed to maintain working memory or other cognitive functions. A weaker signal may also cause the “reorganization” of neural pathways, potentially changing the way depression is regulated in the brain.
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In a new white paper produced by The Hearing Review and sponsored by Hamilton CapTel, “Depression, Hearing Loss, and Treatment with Hearing Aids,” audiologist and educator Victor Bray, PhD, reviews previous landmark studies as well as more recent research into the complex relationship between hearing loss and depression. The paper helps identify patient populations who might benefit most from hearing devices. Additionally, Dr Bray’s webinar “Depression, Hearing Loss, and Treatment with Hearing Aids,” discusses the risk factors for depression among people with hearing loss as well as why hearing care providers should screen for depression when risk factors are present.
Original Paper: Lawrence BJ, Jayakody DMP, Bennett RJ, Eikelboom RH, Gasson N, Friedland PL. Hearing loss and depression in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Gerontologist. 2019:1-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz009
Source: Reuters, The Hearing Review, The Gerontologist
Categories: Hearing and Depression
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Ear wax removal Bucks is available at the Chalfont hearing centre. If you are suffering from excessive wax build up in the ear or ears we can come to your aid. Using Micro-Suction or the traditional irrigation technique, (some call it ear syringing), it only take a few mins to painlessly remove excess ear wax. Please click here to see how Micro-Suction works from our sister site in Henley.
If you live in the Chalfont area then contact us for Ear wax removal near Little Chalfont Bucks.
Chalfont hearing centre also conduct lots of other ear related issues such as hearing tests, dispensing the very latest digital hearing aids along with hearing aid servicing and setting up of new hearing aids after you purchase them. If you need any of our services please book by calling reception.
Philips Hearing Aids Introduced by Demant
Published on April 10, 2019 by The hearing review .com
Demant, Copenhagen, Denmark, has announced the introduction of Philips branded hearing aids to the global hearing aid market, according to a press release from the company. A new player, the Philips brand is entering the hearing healthcare market with a complete range of premium hearing aids, accessories, and applications to best serve hearing aid users. Demant states Philips Hearing Solutions will quickly become a trusted brand with hearing care providers and users, as it has great potential around the world to present unique opportunities for hearing care professionals in an ever-evolving market.
In August, Demant announced a licensing agreement with Philips, which is headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, to bring Philips-branded solutions to the hearing healthcare market. Demant (formerly William Demant Holding) is the parent group of Oticon, Sonic, and Bernafon hearing aids, as well as Oticon Medical.
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“Based on a shared vision of improving the lives of people through innovative healthcare this new cooperation will not only change the way we see hearing healthcare, but also widen the definition of hearing healthcare, supporting healthier lifestyles and active aging,” said Spencer Ramsey, Senior Director of Brand Licensing, Philips, in the press statement. “Combining Demant’s world-leading hearing aid technology with Philips’ global brand presence in healthcare, the cooperation will enrich the hearing healthcare experience.”
The new premium Philips hearing aids—named Philips HearLink—are now available for hearing care professionals in selected countries. The look and feel of the Philips HearLink hearing aids is designed to cater to today’s baby boomer generation with design and usability developed for this expanding market. Philips HearLink users will benefit from connectivity between their hearing aids and the devices they use in their everyday life, such as smartphones and televisions. The hearing aids will reportedly be manufactured by Demant using the Velox-S and Velox platforms, and will be available in a complete range of styles, including RICs, BTEs, ITCs, CICs, and IITs.
“The Philips hearing aids will provide users with an innovative, future-proof hearing solution,” says Demant President & CEO Søren Nielsen. “We live in an age where user engagement and digital services are shaping the future of healthcare technology. More and more people are conscious of taking control of their own personal healthcare and are using electronic devices to do so. In this light, Philips Hearing Solutions offers new and exciting premium solutions alongside Philips’ healthcare ecosytem, which will attract interest and generate significant benefits to users, ultimately supporting our valued customer base of hearing care professionals.
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“With this partnership, we take connected hearing healthcare to the next level and offer new and exciting solutions within integrated healthcare services to the benefit of both professionals and people suffering from a hearing loss,” continued Nielsen. “Health, caring, and innovation are cornerstones in the vision of both Demant and Philips, which makes the partnership a great match for the future. Furthermore, it will strengthen and add value to both companies’ ambition to improve people’s lives.”
The Philips brand is something of a “back to the future moment” for more seasoned dispensing professionals. Philips was a well-known hearing aid brand in the 1990s, and the company embarked on a technical collaboration with Telex then exited the market just before the turn of the new century when Beltone purchased Philips’ hearing aid technology. The Hearing Review published numerous news and technical articles about Philips technology in the 90s.
Traditionally, hearing aid branding has not played a large role in hearing healthcare; MarkeTrak 9 suggested that less than half of hearing aid users (43%) could identify the brand of their device. However, many experts in the industry believe this is due to change, as more consumers are expected to enter the market and there is continued competition and aggressive marketing among dispensing chains, pharmacies, mass merchandisers, and online retailers. The Philips brand brings with it one of the world’s best known and trusted healthcare and consumer electronics brands.
For further information about Philips Hearing Solutions and a full presentation of the Philips HearLink product range, visit: hearingsolutions.philips.com
Categories: better hearing, ear wax removal
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Chalfont ear wax removal conducted at the Chalfont Hearing Centre. If you are experiencing excessive ear wax or are having issues with your ears being blocked we can help. We are a fully accredited and regulated ear wax removal centre for the whole of Bucks. Using Microsuction to remove excessive ear wax is painless and very quick. If you prefer the older technique of ear wax removal using water irrigation (ear syringing), we can do that too!
Click here to see how we use Microsuction.
Please call reception to make a booking of either ear wax removal or other services at the Chalfont Hearing Centre.
If you are in the Henley area then the Henley hearing clinic is the place to get your ear wax removed. Sitting between High Wycombe and Reading, Henley hearing serves perfectly for those who are in the South of Buckinghamshire county. Henley hearing also dispenses the very latest in digital hearing aids and conducts hearing tests. This really is a non stop hearing centre just like The Chalfont hearing centre.
Chalfont hearing clinic News:
BIHIMA Round Table Event Focused on Connection Between Hearing Loss and Dementia
Published on April 1, 2019 by The hearing review
A cross-sector summit was held last month, bringing together experts to discuss the connection between hearing loss as a risk factor in developing dementia, as well as highlighting the preventative role of hearing technology. The round table event was convened by the British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) on February 28, 2019 at the Royal College of General Practitioners in London, BIHIMA announced.
A series of podcasts of the event’s discussion has been created in order to spread greater understanding, available for download here.
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The event united audiologists, research scientists, and representatives from the media and charity sectors, to share knowledge and develop strategies to get the crucial message out into the public arena, so the proven link between the two conditions is taken seriously by individuals and policymakers.
There is growing evidence of the connection between the two conditions, including a Lancet study which showed that midlife hearing loss may account for up to 9.1% of preventable dementia cases worldwide and is a modifiable risk factor in developing the condition1. Dr Sergi Costafreda Gonzalez, co-author of the study, attended the Round Table.
There is less research, however, into the mitigating benefits of hearing aids. A University of Manchester study2 showed the rate of age-related cognitive decline is 75% less following the adoption of hearing devices. Co-author of this study, Dr Asri Maharani, shared details of these findings on the day. Further studies are now underway but this remains an undeveloped area, and so last month’s forum called publicly for further trials.
The panel also called on policymakers to make this area a funding priority. As new data emerges which proves the impact of hearing aids in preventing dementia, this will provide greater economic argument for making hearing technology more available to those at risk of cognitive decline.
“The better we understand cognitive decline and why hearing aid use helps, the better we can design intervention,” said Dr Helene Amieva, author of the 25-year study, “Death, Depression, Disability, and Dementia Associated with Self-reported Hearing Problems.”3
The panel also strongly recommended a cross-sector approach, whereby hearing loss is understood as part of a wider discussion which links with both neuroscience and social issues around isolation and wellbeing in the aging population.
“Dementia is a condition which affects 47 million people globally and is fast becoming a social care crisis. There is no time to waste in understanding the role of hearing technology which could stem the tide of the disease, and in educating people about looking after both their hearing and cognitive health,” said the BIHIMA Chairman, Paul Surridge.
BIHIMA PANEL ATTENDEES:
Paul Surridge, BIHIMA Chairman
Helene Amieva, PhD, author of: “Death, Depression, Disability, and Dementia Associated with Self-reported Hearing Problems: A 25-Year Study,” Inserm, University of Bordeaux
Dr Sergi Costafreda Gonzalez, co-author of the study: “Dementia prevention, intervention and care,” The Lancet, University College London
Tony Gunnell, audiologist (BIHIMA representative)
Peter Kunzmann, head of research and policy, Action on Hearing Loss
Brian Lamb, associate of The Ear Foundation and chair of the Hearing Loss and Deafness Alliance and the Action Group on Adult Cochlear Implantation
Dr Asri Maharani, co-author of the study: ‘Longitudinal Relationship Between Hearing Aid Use and Cognitive Function in Older Americans’, University of Manchester
Source: BIHIMA, The Lancet, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, The Journals of Gerontology
Livingston G, Sommerlad A, Orgeta V, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet. 2017;390(10113):P2673-2734.
Maharani A, Dawes P, Nazroo J, Tampubolon G, Pendleton N. Longitudinal relationship between hearing aid use and cognitive function in older Americans. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2018;66(6):1130-1136.
Amieva H, Ouvrard C, Meillon C, Rullier L, Dartigues J-F. Death, depression, disability, and dementia associated with self-reported hearing problems: A 25-year study. The Journals of Gerontology. 2018;73(10):1383-1389.
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Latest digital hearing aids 2019- Bucks
Looking for information on how what hearing aids would suit you or what you need? Book an appointment with the Chalfont hearing centre and have a full spectrum hearing test done. Once the test has completed Leon Cox will sit with you and discuss the results. Once they results are know he will then go through what the different types of hearing aids (if any needed) are good for your hearing loss. There are many hearing aids available form many different manufacturers. The Chalfont hearing centre are an independent hearing centre, covering the whole of Bucks. We are not affiliated to any manufacturer so can offer you what you need rather to what we sell. We can access all the major manufactures hearing aids for you to choose from.
New Hear-it Report Documents Extraordinary Costs of Hearing Loss in EU
In the EU, untreated hearing loss costs 185 billion Euro–each year. –hear-it.org
A new scientific report, “Hearing Loss – Numbers and Costs”, concludes that untreated, disabling hearing loss costs 185 billion Euros (US$211 billion) in the EU each year. This represents 8,200 Euros (US$9335) each year per person with an untreated disabling hearing loss.
The detailed findings and conclusions in the report will be presented at a lunch debate at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, on the March 6 in connection with the WHO World Hearing Day on the 3rd of March.
The report was carried out for the non-profit organization, hear-it AISBL, by Professor Emerita Bridget Shield with the assistance of Professor Mark Atherton at Brunel University in London. In 2006, Professor Bridget Shield compiled the first report for hear-it AISBL, “Evaluation of the Social and Economic Costs of hearing Impairment.”
How they arrived at the 185 billion Euro figure. According to the report, lower quality of life due to disabling hearing loss costs the EU 130 billion Euros (US$148 billion) each year. Lost productivity in society due to a higher unemployment among people with a disabling hearing loss costs 55 billion Euros ($63 billion) each year in the EU. In total, this is 185 billion Euros. The cost does not cover extra health care costs caused by hearing loss. A disabling hearing loss is defined by the Global Burden of Disease research group (GBD) as a hearing loss of 35 dB or greater.
In Europe as a whole—including non-EU countries—untreated, disabling hearing loss costs 216 billion Euros (US$246 billion) each year, says the researchers.
Chalfont hearing centre for all 2019 hearing aids
The report documents that the use of hearing aids and other hearing solutions improves health and increases quality of life. It also documents that people with an untreated, disabling hearing loss are at greater risk of social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and dementia, while people who treat their hearing loss do not experience a higher risk than people without hearing loss.
There are 34.4 million people with a disabling hearing loss (35 dB or greater) in the EU. More than 22.6 million are not treated for their disabling hearing loss as only around 1 in 3 in Europe with a disabling hearing loss use hearing aids or other hearing solutions. This is more than the combined population of Austria, Finland, Ireland, and Lithuania. With a steadily aging population who live longer and with an earlier onset of hearing loss due to increased noise exposure, this growth will increase even further in the years to come, warns Hear-it.
A meta study. The report, “Hearing Loss–Numbers and Costs”, is a meta study which has analyzed and compared hundreds of scientific studies and papers in the last two decades about the prevalence and the consequences of hearing loss and the use and benefits of hearing aids, according to the organization.
Kim Ruberg
“The scientific report clearly demonstrates that untreated hearing loss is a major health issue and that untreated hearing loss has a huge economic and social impact on our society,” said Secretary General Kim Ruberg, hear-it AISBL, on the organization’s website. “It also documents that checking your hearing and treating hearing loss pays, both for the individual and for society.”
Check your hearing. World Hearing Day is held by the WHO on the 3rd of March each year to raise awareness of how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. The theme for World Hearing Day 2019 is “Check your hearing”.
“If you think you might have a hearing loss, my best advice is to get your hearing checked,” says Ruberg. “You can start by checking your hearing using the WHO “Check your hearing” app, or test your hearing online at www.hear-it.org. But if you suspect that you have hearing problems my best advice is that you get a real hearing test carried out by a hearing professional,” says Ruberg.
Source: Hear-it
Categories: Hearing Aids, Hearing loss, Uncategorized
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Amersham ear wax removal at the Chalfont hearing centre Bucks. If you are suffering from blocked ears, excessive ear wax and need this the be relieved then please call our Chalfont or Henley centres for an appointment. Leon Cox the lead audiologist can assist in ascertaining the ear wax issue and clear the ear blockage. Using Microsuction for the ear wax removal is the simplest and easiest way although if preferred we can use the traditional water irrigation technique.
If you need or want a hearing test this also can be conducted at the either branch, along with information on the very latest digital hearing aids by the major manufacturers.
The Chalfont hearing centre is a premium independent hearing centre serving the whole of Buckinghamshire.
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Hearing centres in Bucks including the Chalfont hearing centre that cover the Amersham to the North west and Rickmansworth to the East. If you are looking for a family owned and totally independent hearing centre then look no further than the Chalfont hearing centre.
Leon Cox is a highly regarded audiologist and is the lead at Chalfont. Also owns and run the Henley hearing Clinic at Henley. Reception and will gladly make you feel welcome and make sure that your are up to date with appointments and info. If you are in need of hearing aid adjustments or ear wax removal, all can be done from the Chalfont hearing centre.
BIHIMA Releases Q3 Results on UK Hearing Aid Sales
The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA) announced its release of the Q3 results of its members, providing a picture of current trends and developments within the UK and Irish hearing care markets.
According to BIHIMA’s announcement, the “most significant” development is the continued growth in the number of units distributed through the private market in the UK: the number of unit sales increased by 2,756 units (3.5%) from the previous year and by 2,638 (3.3%) from Q2 2018. YTD (year-to-date) unit sales were also up 3.8% from 2017.
Meanwhile, the BIHIMA reports that the NHS side of the market slowed down in the same period: unit sales were flat compared to Q3 2017 and decreased by 7445 (2.2%) from Q2 2018. YTD units were down 1.6% from 2017.
BIHIMA also tracks the trends in the types of technology being selected by patients in the private sector. In the private sector, the RITE/RIC (receiver-in-the-ear technology) continues to grow in popularity and now represents 69.4% of all sales, up 1.7% from Q3 2017.
“We are seeing solid growth in the private hearing care sector which is in line with expectations based on our aging population and also points to evolving public awareness of the hearing technology produced by our manufacturers which can have transformative results,” said the BIHIMA chairman, Paul Surridge.
In its role as the voice for the hearing technology industry, BIHIMA regularly monitors the market and releases the results of its members every quarter.
To keep up to date with the latest market information, download the results here: https://www.bihima.com/resources/statistics/.
Source: BIHIMA
Categories: hearing aid dispenser
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The Chalfont hearing aid centre covers the whole of Buck including Beaconsfield and Amersham. Suppliers of high end digital hearing aids including hearing accessories, hearing aid batteries and ear wax removal. Leon Cox the lead audiologist at The Chalfont hearing centre is a highly experienced expert on hearing and hearing tests. Please book an appointment if you need Micro-suction ear wax removal.
Original story by: The Hearing Review
Researchers Identify Gene Associated with Age-related Hearing Loss
An international group of researchers, led by Ronna Hertzano, MD, PhD, associate professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), and Michael Bowl, PhD, program leader track scientist, Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, UK, have identified the gene that acts as a key regulator for special cells needed in hearing.
Ronna Hertzano, MD, PhD
The discovery of this gene (Ikzf2) will help researchers better understand this unique type of cell that is needed for hearing and potentially develop treatments for common age-related hearing loss, UMSOM announced.
“Outer hair cells are the first inner ear cells lost as we age,” said Hertzano, whose research will be published in the journal Nature. “Age-related hearing loss happens to everyone. Even a 30-year-old has lost some of the outer hair cells that sense higher pitch sounds. Simple exposure to sound, especially loud ones, eventually causes damage to these cells.”
The inner ear has two kinds of sensory hair cells required for hearing. The inner hair cells convert sounds to neural signals that travel to the brain. This compares to outer hair cells, which function by amplifying and tuning sounds. Without outer hair cells, sound is severely muted and inner hair cells don’t signal the brain. Loss of outer hair cells is said to be the major cause of age-related loss of hearing.
Hertzano’s group, in collaboration with Ran Elkon, PhD, senior lecturer, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel, took a bioinformatics and functional genomics approach to discover a gene critical for the regulation of genes involved in outer hair cell development. Bowl’s group studied mice from the Harwell Aging Screen to identify mice with hearing loss. Bowl identified mice with an early-onset hearing loss caused by an outer hair cell deficit. When the two groups realized that they were studying the same gene, they began to collaborate to discover its biological function and role in outer hair cell development. The gene is Ikzf2 gene, which encodes helios. Helios is a transcription factor, a protein that controls the expression of other genes. The mutation in the mice changes one amino acid in a critical part of the protein, which impaired the transcriptional regulatory activity of helios in the mice.
Micro-suction wax removal Bucks
To test if helios could drive the differentiation of outer hair cells, the researchers introduced a virus engineered to overexpress helios into the inner ear hair cells of newborn mice. As a result, some of the mature inner hair cells became more like outer hair cells. In particular, the inner hair cells with an excess of helios started making the protein prestin and exhibited electromotility, a property limited to outer hair cells. Thus, helios can drive inner hair cells to adopt critical outer hair cell characteristics.
Funding for the research was provided by Action on Hearing Loss UK, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) at the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense (DOD).
As Professor Steve Brown, PhD, director, MRC Harwell Institute, said, “The development of therapies for age-related hearing loss represents one of the big challenges facing medicine and biomedical science. Understanding the genetic programs that are responsible for the development and maturation of sound-transducing hair cells within the inner ear will be critical to exploring avenues for the regeneration of these cells that are lost in abundance during age-related hearing loss. The teams from the University of Maryland and the MRC Harwell Research Institute have given us the first insights into that program. They have identified a master regulator, Ikzf2/helios, that controls the program for maturation of outer hair cells. Now, we have a target that we can potentially use to induce the production of outer hair cells within damaged inner ears, and we are one step closer to offering treatments for this disabling condition.”
Original Paper: Chessum L, Matern MS, Kelly MC, et al. Helios is a key transcriptional regulator of outer hair cell maturation. Nature. November 21, 2018.
Source: University of Maryland School of Medicine, Nature
Image: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Categories: Hearing Aids, News
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Hearing solutions, Bucks, Hearing aids and earwax available at the Chalfont hearing centre near Beaconsfield and Amersham. The Chalfont hearing centre is conveniently situated between Watford and High Wycombe but covers the whole of Bucks. They also cover South Bucks and North Buckinghamshire. If you are suffering with blocked ears or think you may have ear wax issues please make an appointment with our receptionist to see Mr Leon Cox the lead audiologist. If you are in need of a comprehensive hearing test, theChalfont hearing centre can help there too. Dispensing thousands of hearing ads through their time in Bucks, Leon Cox knows a thing or two about hearing aids. The very latest digital hearing aids are available.
Cochlear and GN Expand Smart Hearing Alliance Collaboration
Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), a maker of implantable hearing solutions, and GN (GN.CO), a manufacturer of intelligent audio solutions, signed a new agreement to “significantly expand” their Smart Hearing Alliance collaboration, GN announced on its website.
The Smart Hearing Alliance was established in 2015 to develop the most integrated, best-in-class hearing solutions—giving hearing aid and cochlear implant recipients access to the latest in connectivity and wireless technology, and helping bimodal recipients to achieve seamless connectivity between a cochlear implant in one ear, and a GN hearing aid in the other. The deepening of this relationship includes joint research and development, shared technology, and strengthened global Smart Hearing Alliance commercial collaboration between Cochlear and GN Hearing, the hearing aid division of the GN Group.
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Cochlear and GN Hearing are now strengthening focus on their integrated product offering and expanding their presence in the clinical hearing aid and implantable hearing solutions markets globally. According to the announcement, the vision for this new collaboration will include a focus on fast-moving connectivity and wireless technology to allow for closer integration between Cochlear and GN Hearing technologies. The two companies will leverage research and development investment to jointly develop firmware and software technologies.
In addition to technology sharing, the two companies will strengthen the commercial collaboration and work together to enable clinicians to deliver a more seamless solution and best-in-class hearing experience to their patients.
GN Hearing CFO Marcus Desimoni and Cochlear CEO and President Dig Howitt welcomed the signing of the expanded agreement.
Desimoni said: “This strengthened alliance is an important step forward for the millions of people around the world with disabling hearing loss—making the most advanced technology more accessible and simplifying the experience with more integrated solutions. GN Hearing is committed to advancing what is possible for people with hearing loss. This strategic partnership is a very smart and cost-effective way to expand the R&D capacity of both companies to reach our goals.”
Howitt said: “At Cochlear, we’re driven to develop hearing solutions that empower people to connect with others and live a full life. By expanding our collaboration with GN Hearing, we’re able to bring the latest in connectivity and wireless technology to our implant recipients more quickly. We’re also able to give bimodal recipients—those using a cochlear implant in one ear, and a hearing aid in the other—unparalleled performance and a seamless experience with both devices. As two leaders in our areas of hearing health, this collaboration demonstrates our commitment to design and bring to market the best hearing solutions available.”
Hearing aids Buckinghamshire
This collaboration aims to improve the hearing outcomes for more people with moderate to profound hearing loss. In developing more integrated bimodal hearing solutions, Cochlear and GN Hearing have focused on helping to achieve greater connectivity for people—not only between the two companies’ devices, but also with Apple and Android technology. Most recently, Cochlear and GN Hearing collaborated to bring to market the what is said to be the “first Made for iPhone” Smart Bimodal Solution, enabling recipients to synchronize streaming to both ears from a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The Nucleus® 7 Bimodal Solutionis delivered by using a Cochlear Nucleus 7 Sound Processor in one ear, a compatible ReSound hearing aid in the other ear, and a paired iPhone or iPod touch to control functionality for both hearing devices.
The Smart Hearing Alliance delivers bimodal solutions connecting Cochlear Nucleus cochlear implants, Cochlear Baha bone conduction implants, wireless accessories, and ReSound hearing aids.
Source: GN, Cochlear Ltd
Image: GN, Cochlear Ltd
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Chamberlains
Awards & Affiliates
By Chamberlains
Attention Creditors: New Laws For Replacing Liquidators
Liquidators have a duty to act independently and in the best interests of the creditors of a company. However, frequently, a dispute with a liquidator may arise in relation to an apparent lack of independence, a proposed asset realization strategy or an intended action in respect of debt recovery. In view of this, new amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) have made it easier for creditors to replace liquidators and have provided creditors with a range of other new powers.
Amended Laws for Replacing a Liquidator
Previously, creditors could only replace a liquidator appointed by the company at the first meeting of creditors or by application to the court.
However, in addition to granting other new powers, the amendments now enable creditors to request an appointed liquidator to call a meeting to consider their replacement at any time.
The Process for Replacing a Liquidator
To replace a liquidator, a resolution to that effect must be considered at a meeting of creditors and passed by a majority in both number and value of voting creditors.
Under the amendments, a liquidator must hold a meeting of creditors to consider their replacement in the following circumstances:
(a) The creditors pass a resolution directing the liquidator to call a meeting; or
(b) A creditor or creditors request the liquidator to call a meeting:
(i) Within 20 business days of the liquidator’s appointment to a Creditor’s Voluntary Liquidation; or
(ii) At any time if the creditor(s) represent at least 25 per cent of total creditors or 10 to 25% of total creditors and provide security for the cost of holding the meeting.
Apart from requesting the appointed liquidator to hold a meeting, creditors will also need a Consent to Act as well as a Declaration of Independence, Relevant Relationships and Indemnities (DIRRI) from an alternative liquidator.
Other New Powers for Creditors
In addition to providing the process for replacing a liquidator, the new laws afford creditors with extensive powers including the ability to:
(a) Request information, which the liquidator must provide within five business days so long as it is relevant to the liquidation, does not result in a breach of liquidator duties and is reasonable for the liquidator to provide; and
(b) Engage a liquidator specifically to review the appointed liquidator’s remuneration approved within the preceding 6 months and/or an expense incurred by the appointed liquidator in the preceding 12 months.
Although the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) now gives creditors substantial leeway to replace a liquidator, resorting to this step immediately may unduly increase costs. When responding to a dispute with a liquidator, it is best to utilize the new powers in a more structured way: by requesting particular information from the liquidator, considering the appointment of a reviewing liquidator and then discussing the liquidator’s replacement with other creditors.
Previous. Third Party Litigation Funding in Australia
Next. New Developments in the Application of Anti-Phoenix Provisions
If you are a creditor of a company in liquidation and have any queries about your rights under the new laws, please contact Mr Stipe Vuleta of our Insolvency and Restructuring Team on
(02) 6188 3600.
Contact Stipe Vuleta.
Stipe Vuleta.
Managing Director.
Litigation & Reconstruction
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Insolvency & Reconstruction Class Actions
He’s almost always the youngest person in the room but when Stipe speaks, even the oldest hands listen. Stipe has earned the gratitude and respect of many established company directors and individuals who he has helped through financial hardship, insolvency and business reconstruction.
He speaks fluent accountancy and insolvency practitioners enjoy his repartee on topics ranging from extending convening periods or remuneration approval to recovering voidable transactions and public examinations.
With a pedigree that boasts large British and Australian multinationals across the consumer goods, manufacturing and retail space, Stipe has worked on complex and high-profile cases that most lawyers will only ever read about. His professional mantra is that being a lawyer is easy, but being a good lawyer is hard.
We know Stipe is better than good. He’s won many awards and accolades for being both young and quick-witted, so if you need the best and brightest to rescue your distressed assets, Stipe’s your man (unless someone whisks him away for a coffee, and then you may find he’s distracted for a minute or two).
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Chevron's Leadership is an Oxymoron
The theme for this year's Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) conference in San Francisco last week was "redefining leadership". I have no qualm with that, for when I realized that Chevron was not only a major sponsor but a featured speaker on a panel about "community engagement," I agreed. Indeed, that is a new definition of leadership – appallingly bad leadership.
Inviting the oil company that was found guilty of deliberately dumping 18 billion gallons of toxic waste into the pristine Ecuadorian Amazon – poisoning over 30,000 people who live there – to lead a session on community engagement is like asking the Taliban to chair a conference on women's rights. Is this really the message that BSR wants to send to its members?
We are confronted by hypocrisy every day, and yet somehow there's a fundamental disconnect here that defies explanation. The jury is no longer out. Chevron has lost an 18-year legal battle, been found guilty and fined $18 billion in a venue of its own choice. Because they refuse to accept responsibility and pay for a clean-up, Chevron is now the "poster-child" for corporate irresponsibility. Adding insult to injury (and these are not metaphorical injuries), Chevron filed a RICO suit against the plaintiffs earlier this year accusing them of extortion. That case was eventually laughed out of court, but Chevron's strategy remains the same: delay, disrupt and deny. Is this a new definition of leadership? I'd call it the same tired tactics on which corporate criminals spend millions each year.
How does Chevron go from such infamy to sharing the stage with Aron Cramer, President and CEO of BSR (and on the 18th anniversary of the launch of the epic lawsuit against Chevron, no less)? During the panel, Chevron spokesperson Rhonda Zygocki, VP of Policy and Planning, actually said that there's no longer a CSR Department at Chevron because corporate responsibility is integrated into every aspect of the company's operations. Why would they need a department to evaluate how they treat communities and the environment, since everybody at Chevron so completely loves community and the environment? That would be silly. Mr. Cramer, who according to the BSR site is, "recognized globally as an authority on corporate responsibility by leaders in business and NGOs and by his peers in the field," did not question this position. It certainly seems like a colossal step backward to us. On the other hand, eliminating the CSR department at Chevron may be the first honest thing they have done in a long while.
Zygocki went on to tell the room that "values-driven leadership is visible… values have to be overt." This is from a woman who has sat, face to face with Cofán leader Emergildo Criollo, a man who lost two children to Chevron's toxic mess in Ecuador and blamed another company for pollution she knows her company created. Chevron's "values" have led them to try every dirty trick in the book to avoid responsibility, and now, after years of legal battles, when the decision has finally been made, they vow never to pay to clean up the mess they made, pledging instead to "fight it out until hell freezes over, and then fight it out on the ice." How dare they speak of values?
One value that Chevron does understand, however, is the value of an ad campaign. The recent "We Agree" PR blitz is actually an example of hollow leadership. Like the concept of corporate social responsibility, Chevron can vaguely "agree" that "oil companies should care" without ever actually doing anything to back that up. Greenwashing like this deserves its own panel at a BSR conference, but certainly not as an example of leadership. In fact, Mr. Cramer should dedicate an entire day at next year's conference to examining the brutal reality of Chevron's "community engagement." Amazon Watch, and many other organizations working with communities in Angola, Ecuador, Nigeria, Indonesia, the tar sands of Canada, Alaska, Texas, and even Richmond, California would be eager to contribute. Instead, by touting Chevron as a responsible business leader, BSR's commitment to its own mission must be questioned.
Hypothetically, what would it mean if Chevron accepted its responsibility for the worst oil-related disaster on Earth? If they paid for a full-scale clean-up and helped to heal the sick and dying communities in Ecuador? That type of leadership would not only be responsible but revolutionary. It would send shock waves through every major industry and cement Chevron in place as a true leader in corporate social responsibility. How to make this thought experiment become a reality is what BSR should be examining – the "Business of a Better World."
A true advocate for corporate social responsibility would join the growing wave of voices telling Chevron that enough is enough. That there will be no bold "new leadership" if corporations can't accept their role in egregious violations such as the case in Ecuador. Chevron is a criminal – an unrepentant recidivist – not a leader.
– Paul Paz y Miño
Posted: Friday, November 11, 2011 1 comment: Links to this post
18 Years of Fighting Chevron
Lago Agrio, Ecuador – The sprawl of scorched pavement and crumbling cement buildings in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This city, once a small oil boom town founded by Texaco in the late 1960s (and given, appropriately, the name "Sour Lake" after Texaco's hometown in Texas) is now a bewildering and feverish mess of oil workers, drug-traffickers, street children, shop owners, impoverished farmers, and indigenous people stripped of their ancestral territory and forced to survive, as the Cofán people say, in the kokama kuri sindipa ande (the white man's world of money).
Just several days ago, at the edge of the pavement on the outskirts of the city, where the Cofán people have recovered (yes, purchased) a narrow tract of their ancestral territory, I spent the afternoon with Marina Aguinda Lucitante, an elder of the tribe. She was born along the banks of the Agua Rico river. She was married at a young age to a Cofán Shaman, Guillermo Quenama, who died, she says, "because the oil company poisoned him with alcohol." She remembers when the forest was filled with animals. And she remembers when the river ran black with crude oil. She seems to remember everything – and all of her memories are divided: Life before the oil company and life after the oil company.
It has been nearly 50 years since Texaco began oil operations here in the northeastern Ecuadorian Amazon. Nearly 50 years since the death of Marina's husband, Guillermo Quenama. And over that time, the impacts of Texaco's (now Chevron's) reckless pump and dump oil operations have been well documented. The abandoned oil pits littered throughout the rainforest, the billions of gallons of toxic wastewater dumped into rivers and streams, the felled primary forest, the noxious gases rising into the sky from 24 hour-a-day flaring, the crude oil sprayed on the roads, the towering black plumes of smoke from spilt and burning crude, the resultant public health crisis racking indigenous and mestizo farmer communities, including cancer, spontaneous miscarriages, and birth defects.
But what has not been documented – what cannot possibly be understood by anyone who has not been here to endure the last 50 years of oil operations – is how the oil conquest has affected the spiritual life, the inner world, of those who live here.
Today, which marks the 18th anniversary of the monumental legal struggle against Chevron for massive environmental crimes in the Amazon rainforest, Marina has asked me to share with the world a song that she has been carrying within her for these last 50 years. Marina is one of the last Cofán women who remember how to sing in the way of her ancestors. This is her song.
– Mitch Anderson
Posted: Thursday, November 03, 2011 No comments: Links to this post
Chevron Fights Like Mad to Block Release of Documents
Court Begins to Question Oil Giant's Double Standard When It Comes to Disclosure of Case Files
If you want an example of how a large oil company can mock court orders and get away with it, look no further than Chevron's behavior in the Ecuador environmental case where the company faces an $18 billion liability and allegations that it engaged in criminal misconduct to undermine a trial.See here and here.
The bottom line: due to a series of discovery decisions by a U.S. federal judge, who is clearly biased against the Ecuadorians, Chevron has almost the entire case file of the Ecuadorian's legal team while the Ecuadorians and their lawyers have almost none of Chevron's documents. There is simply no level playing field in the case.
Reporters covering the matter have completely missed the story of Chevron's gamesmanship before U.S. Judges. This gamesmanship makes it clear that Chevron will do anything to evade what is the largest court judgment in history for environmental damage. (See here)
One example vividly illustrates Chevron's maneuvering. For more than a year, the Ecuadorians have been fighting to obtain thousands of documents related to Diego Borja, the Chevron operative who secretly videotaped himself and his colleague Wayne Hansen offering a bribe to be given to the presiding judge in Ecuador as a way to sabotage the proceedings. Borja's own lawyer has admitted publicly that his client faces criminal liability in the U.S. and Ecuador for his actions. Borja has admitted Chevron has paid him vast sums of money – including covering his U.S. income taxes – for not working while living in the U.S. out of reach of journalists and investigative authorities.
When it comes to seeking Chevron's documents, the Ecuadorians have been met with nothing but obstructionism from Chevron's army of lawyers at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, King & Spalding, Jones Day, Boies Schiller & Flexner, and Arguedes Cassman & Headley. (Yes, you read that correctly – Chevron has hired five of the most powerful corporate and criminal defense firms in America to defend its environmental dumping in Ecuador. The Gibson Dunn firm recently disclosed it has at least 75 lawyers working on the case, meaning it is probably is billing the oil giant well over $100 million annually to get it off the hook for human rights violations in Ecuador.)
Consider the radically different ways U.S. courts have treated Chevron's requests for discovery, as compared to those made by the Ecuadorians.
In federal court in New York, the battle was fast and furious for release of privileged documents belonging to the Ecuadorians when Chevron wanted them. Thanks to a "technicality" ginned up by federal judge Lewis A. Kaplan, who insulted the Ecuadorians from the bench by claiming their lawsuit was imaginary, Chevron collected practically every document and email written about the 18-year-old case from their longtime lawyer Steven Donziger.
Kaplan prevented Donziger from arguing why particular documents were protected by privilege. Instead, he ordered Donziger to truck over his entire stash of tens of thousands of emails and internal memos to Chevron's law offices on the grounds his privilege log was turned in “late”. In fact, his log was prepared by numerous lawyers working furiously for weeks to list each of his thousands of documents, and it was clearly prepared in a reasonable amount of time (about four weeks after Kaplan denied Donziger's motion to quash the subpoena).
Using Judge Kaplan as its ally, Chevron also obtained documents from case interns, other lawyers for the Ecuadorians, consultants, financial advisors, and financial supporters – over 1 million documents in all, according to legal briefs.
Chevron's discovery orgy was abruptly shut down in September by the federal appeals court in New York, which stayed the underlying legal proceeding before Kaplan where Chevron was seeking an unprecedented (and probably illegal) worldwide injunction barring enforcement of the Ecuadorian judgment. Without that case, Chevron lost the legal mechanism it was using to continue its U.S. discovery odyssey. Without the injunction, Chevron also now finds itself in a bigger jam now than when Kaplan was allowed to run wild on its behalf.
Interestingly, a few days before that appellate ruling staying Kaplan's proceeding, Chevron's double standard was revealed in a little-noticed decision by New York Magistrate Judge James Francis IV. Francis had this to say about Chevron's privilege logs (which lists Chevron's documents related to the litigation that the company is trying to prevent from being turned over to the Ecuadorians):
“(The review) reveals the categorization process engaged in by Chevron obscures rather than illuminates (emphasis added) the nature of the materials withheld….”
“Distressingly, Chevron has taken a view of its own discovery responsibilities sharply different from the obligations it seeks to impose on the (Ecuadorians) …. Chevron was highly critical of (the Ecuadorians’) privilege log descriptions that turn out to have been far more detailed (emphasis added) than Chevron's own.”
In the meantime, the wheels of justice have turned much more slowly in legal proceedings initiated by the Ecuadorians in California seeking Chevron's documents related to the Borja corruption scandal. See here.
Despite more than a year’s worth of motions filed by the Ecuadorians and granted by the court to compel Chevron and Borja to hand over documents, only a handful of largely irrelevant documents have actually been produced. With the legal action in New York dormant, Chevron is fighting even harder in California to stop anyone from discovering the depths to which the company sank with Borja in Ecuador. If Borja has potential criminal liability for trying to sabotage the proceedings in Ecuador, what does that say about Chevron's liability given that Borja was working for Chevron at the time and is now a “kept man” by the oil company in the U.S.? That's the question Chevron does not want answered.
Chevron has been trying ever since to cover up its involvement, even lying to the public about key facts in a press release – such as characterizing Borja as a "Good Samaritan", failing to disclose that his sidekick Wayne Hansen (who helped him shoot the videos) was a convicted drug felon, or hiding the fact the pair met with Chevron lawyers as the scheme was unfolding.
Arguing for a balanced playing field for the Ecuadorians, attorney Jim Tyrrell of Patton Boggs recently asked a California magistrate judge to force Chevron, Borja and a private investigative firm paid by Chevron to stop hiding behind their privilege logs.
“… Respectfully, what we get back from Chevron and their allies is garbage. We can't tell what those privilege logs mean,” argued Tyrrell before Magistrate Judge Nathanial Cousins, who is expected to rule soon.
“Chevron has every one of my lead lawyers' documents for 18 years," Tyrell said. "We're quibbling over one here or there. That's not a level playing field, and that's not what justice is about.
“If anybody deserves a press account as to their conduct with respect to fraud, it isn't my side. It's the folks, respectfully, at Chevron.”
We are waiting to see if Magistrate Judge Cousins stands up to Chevron and its army of lawyers. He should allow a full airing of the facts related to this scandal.
Posted: Tuesday, November 01, 2011 No comments: Links to this post
Chevron Fights Like Mad to Block Release of Docume...
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Baidu To Launch Phoenix Nest Professional On April 20
ChinaTechNews.com Editor April 10, 2009, 5:02:08 am HKT April 9, 2009
According to Sohu.com's IT channel, the Chinese search engine giant Baidu.com will formally launch the professional edition of its new Internet search engine advertising program, Phoenix Nest, on April 20, 2009.
Robin Li, chairman and CEO of Baidu, said Phoenix Nest is only an upgraded edition of its former Baidu Bidding Rank.
Prior to this announcement, Baidu changed the name of its Bidding Rank program to Baidu Promotion on March 30, 2009, and the launch of Phoenix Nest is the second step for the development of its Baidu Promotion. According to Baidu's schedule for 2009, the company will formally launch the professional edition of its Baidu Promotion to all clients at the beginning of April 2009; between April and June 2009, it will guide its clients to use the search program; and in June 2009, the company will assist its clients in transforming their files in the classic edition to the professional edition. Then the classic edition will be withdrawn from the market and the professional edition will become the mainstream product for search engine promotion services.
Baidu Bidding Rank is Baidu's advertising product that displays the advertising websites on its search results pages. Though it brought tons of money to Baidu, it has been continuously criticized and brought doubt on its search results ethics from the public. In 2008, Baidu Bidding Rank was exposed by China's CCTV for promoting fake medicine information, which led to the decrease of its share price by up to USD46.9, a drop of 26.22% and a historic low since May 2007. The Phoenix Nest program is a new search engine advertising program of Baidu, which aims to finally replace Baidu Bidding Rank and recover its reputation among Chinese netizens.
BaiduCCTVdigital marketinghealthcareInternet advertisingmedicinePhoenix NestRobin Liscandalsearch advertisingsearch engineSEMSEOWeb 2.0
Bad Ads: Baidu Adjusts Chinese Revenue Expectations
Baidu Posts Increased Search Engine Profit In China
Baidu.com Closing Search Engine Advertising Bid Ranking System In China
More Online Advertisers Using Baidu’s Search Services In China
April 18, 2009 at 2:20:02 pm HKT
We hope it will address many of the deficiencies of the current system. We will see on April 20th how it looks like.
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Call to extend first-year admission date in govt colleges
Home→News→Pakistan→Govt told to include Musharraf’s collaborators for treason trial
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Govt told to include Musharraf’s collaborators for treason trial
ChitralToday Posted on November 21, 2014 by Khan November 21, 2014
ISLAMABAD, Nov 21: The special court trying former military ruler Pervez Musharraf for treason has directed the federal government to resubmit its complaint in the treason case after including the names of former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, federal minister Zahid Hamid who was law minister at the time and former chief justice Abdul Hameed Dogar to the charge-sheet.
The order comes as the court disposed of a request filed by the retired general calling for the trial of abettors during the November 3 actions.
The move is likely to implicate a number of high profile civilians and armed personnel in the treason trial.
One of the judges, Justice Yawar Ali of Lahore High Court, attached a dissenting note while disposing of the petition.
The court has directed the federal government to resubmit its complaint after including the names of former prime minister Shaukat Aziz, former law minister Zahid Hamid, former chief justice Abdul Hameed Dogar and other office holders at the time.
The court’s decision can be challenged by the federal government if it chooses to.
The decision is based on the original complaint filed by the federal government which had said that the role of other facilitators could be examined.
Musharraf had also demanded that the civilian leadership and the military authorities that allegedly abetted in the imposition of the November 3, 2007 emergency should also be tried along with him.
According to the proclamation issued for the November 3 emergency, Musharraf imposed the emergency after consulting the then prime minister, the governors of all four provinces and the chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee, the chiefs of the armed forces, the vice-chief of army staff and the corps commanders of the Pakistan Army.
Posted in Pakistan permalink
Town, other areas without water as supply lines washed away July 13, 2019
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Health experts want better policing of anti-vaxxer content online by tech, social media giants
by Simon Druker and Hana Mae Nassar
Posted Jul 3, 2019 6:49 am PDT
Last Updated Jul 3, 2019 at 7:59 am PDT
(Source: iStock)
Health experts are calling on companies like Google, Facebook to do more to police online anti-vaxxer content
Health experts say tech giants need to do more to stop "misinformation" around vaccinations from spreading
Earlier this year, WHO listed 'vaccine hesitancy' as one of the top 10 threats to human health around the world
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Global health experts want major media companies to crack down on anti-vaxxers.
Professors from Harvard, UCLA, Yale, the London School of Hygiene, and Tropical Medicine were among those who wrote a piece on vaccination acceptance, and the importance immunizations can have on public health.
Those behind the publication note that while the “overwhelming majority” of parents and doctors support and use childhood vaccines every year, “the sustained, global campaign of vaccine misinformation, driven substantially through the social media, has shaken the confidence of increasingly large numbers of parents concerned about their children’s well-being.”
It’s for this reason that these experts are calling on tech giants like Google, Facebook and Twitter to monitor anti-vaxxer claims and messages online to prevent them from spreading what it terms misinformation.
The experts are calling on major search engines and social media giants to “Develop principles that distinguish ‘levels of evidence’ in the vaccine information they provide so that they can improve identification of disproven/inaccurate false claims about vaccine safety for their users that have led to the return of childhood diseases, just as they do for sexually explicit, violent and threatening messages.”
They’re also looking for these organizations to include information from “robust scientific sources,” adding unscientific information can put vulnerable people at “unnecessary and avoidable risk of serious complications, long term disability and potentially of death.”
Earlier this year the World Health Organization listed “vaccine hesitancy” as one of the top 10 threats to human health around the world.
The experts are also calling on governments, policymakers, advocates, educators, and philanthropists to do their part in supporting laws around childhood vaccinations, disseminating reliable and accurate information to the public, and to promote “community protection.”
A challenging task
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist based out of Toronto General Hospital, says while he supports the promotion of truth, science, and good public health policy, he believes what the health experts are asking tech giants to do isn’t simple.
“When it comes to policing the internet, it seems to be … trickier to do and easier said than done,” he explains. “By no means do I agree with anyone in the ‘anti-vaxx movement,’ but on the other hand, I think we have to balance people’s freedom of speech with public health and public safety.”
He says these are difficult questions to tackle, and admits the solution may not be as straightforward as some believe.
“What we’re seeing is not just the peddling of misinformation online, but we’re also seeing the amplification of this misinformation online and, in some cases, but not all, we’re seeing evidence of some nefarious practices online where people, for whatever motive, are intentionally planting ideas and thoughts and amplifying these ideas and thoughts in communities where they don’t even live, to stir the pot, as it were.”
Some people will point to things like violent content or pornography being “policed” online. So why can’t anti-vaxxer claims be viewed the same way?
“I don’t disagree — I think that there should be some element of, I’m not sure if policing is the right word, but some element of monitoring what ideas are pervasive and how these are affecting society in general, and really understanding better the interaction between peddling misinformation online and how it’s impacting policy and how it’s impacting human behaviour,” Bogoch says.
He’s concerned with the “bigger picture,” and says people do have the right to make decisions that impact their own bodies. However, he takes issue with these decisions if they’re made based on movements that stem from misinformation.
“Is policing the internet the only solution here? I doubt it, it probably isn’t. This is going to take a large effort with multiple stakeholders involved to really combat this movement, and certainly the internet is going to be one of the battle grounds, as it were,” Bogoch explains.
“But we really have to do a better job informing people on what vaccines are, how they work, how they’ve changed and transformed the planet by providing health and safety and enabling people to live into adulthood.”
Schools to contact parents of children with incomplete immunizations this fallNearly 95 per cent of B.C. children immunized against measles: province'Significant increase' in measles vaccinations in April, says B.C. health minister
anti-vaxx|childhood|immunization|internet|misinformation|online|social media|tech giants|vaccination
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Yo Gotti Birthday Bash: Rapper to bring star power, hometown love to show at FedExForum
Rapper Yo Gotti's annual Birthday Bash concert likely to bring big crowds and big names to FedExForum in Memphis.
Yo Gotti Birthday Bash: Rapper to bring star power, hometown love to show at FedExForum Rapper Yo Gotti's annual Birthday Bash concert likely to bring big crowds and big names to FedExForum in Memphis. Check out this story on commercialappeal.com: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/06/23/yo-gotti-birthday-bash-fedexforum-memphis-concerts/1527916001/
Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal Published 9:38 p.m. CT June 23, 2019
After a performance of "Hardaway" with Derez De'Shon, Yo Gotti brings out Penny Hardaway. Tashan Reed, Commercial Appeal
Although rapper Yo Gotti was actually born in mid-May, for Memphis hip-hop fans, the celebration always comes in June.
On Friday, the veteran rapper will mark another year with the seventh annual Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash concert at the FedExForum.
While Gotti has often performed on or around his birthday — including a somewhat infamous 2006 show at the now defunct Plush Club — this particular Birthday Bash event launched in 2013, at a moment that found Gotti transforming himself and his career.
Born Mario Mims, Gotti is the proverbial 20-year overnight sensation. His first releases came as a teen in the mid-'90s (under the name Lil Yo), his first regional hits followed the start of the 2000s.
Almost two decades later, the self-described "street hustler" has become an arena headliner, boasting a portfolio of big-time business deals with Sony/Epic, Roc Nation and Puma, among others. At the same time, the Birthday Bash shows have expanded each year in size and ambition, as the event moved from theaters to amphitheaters and ultimately to arenas.
June 28, 2018 - Yo Gotti performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. (Photo: Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal)
In 2013, Gotti staged the first officially billed "Birthday Bash" at Downtown’s Orpheum, and in the process brought hip-hop to the historic venue for the first time. It was a meaningful indication of Gotti’s rise, a moment he’d actually predicted on his 2012 track “Killa” — the opening line of which says, “Picture me performing at the Orpheum.”
The following year, he moved the show to the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. At the time, he noted — perhaps jokingly but ultimately prophetically — that he wanted to make the show an annual Memphis tradition, not unlike the Beale Street Music Festival, and that his goal for the show was “to one day have it in the FedExForum.”
Yo Gotti through the years
Yo Gotti staged his second annual birthday bash concert at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Courtesy of Epic Records / CommercialAppeal.com
Yo Gotti headlined his annual birthday bash at the Mud Island Amphitheatre. CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Memphis artist Yo Gotti performs during the Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash 3 at the Mud Island Amphitheater in 2015. Yalonda M. James / The Commercial Appeal
Memphis artist Yo Gotti rehearses onstage for the Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash 3 at the Mud Island Amphitheater in 2015. Yalonda M. James / The Commercial Appeal
Memphis artist Yo Gotti performs during the Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash 3 at the Mud Island Amphitheatre in 2015. Yalonda M. James / The Commercial Appeal
Yo Gotti CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Yo Gotti Photo courtesy EGBA Entertainment / CommercialAppeal.com
Yo Gotti (far left), and Blac Youngsta (far right) celebrate the latter's signing to the CMG label. CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Yo Gotti's new album "I Am" was released this week in conjunction with Epic and the rapper's CMG label. CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Memphis Rap Artist Yo Gotti, 3rd from left, gathers with other friends of Cecil Tuggle, 32, outside of the Cannon Center Thursday after a memorial service for Tuggle who was killed in a drive-by shooting last week. (Jan. 20, 2012) Jim Weber / The Commercial Appeal
Memphis rapper Yo Gotti visits with his fans before the start of the Yo Gotti Christmas Carnival Monday afternoon in the parking lot at his restaurant Prive in Hickory Hill. Gotti invited kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Memphis and families from the neighborhood for food, games, and - of course - music. (Dec. 22, 2014) Jim Weber / The Commercial Appeal
Yo Gotti album cover CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Yo Gotti performs on the Cellular South Stage for his performance at the Beale Street Music Festival Saturday May 1, 2010. Nikki Boertman / The Commercial Apppeal
Yo Gotti signs autographs in the Ridgecrest apartment complex. (May 18, 2006) Alan Spearman / The Commercial Appeal
Yo Gotti in the Ridgecrest apartment complex (May 18, 2006) Alan Spearman / The Commercial Appeal
Back 2 Da Basics Yo Gotti TVT Records / CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Memphis' own Yo Gotti (cq) was one of many performers at K97's Summer Jam at the Mid-South Coliseum. (Sept. 5, 2009) Justin Shaw / The Commercial Appeal
Memphis' own Yo Gotti was one of many performers at K97's Summer Jam at the Mid-South Coliseum on Friday. (Sept. 5, 2009) Justin Shaw / The Commercial Appeal
Jerry "The King" Lawler made a surprise appearance at K97's Summer Jam on Friday and handed over his crown making Yo Gotti the new "King of Memphis". (Sept. 5, 2009) Justin Shaw, The Commercial Appeal
Rap artist Yo Gotti performs at the FedExForum. (Dec. 28, 2004) Nikki Boertman / The Commercial Appeal
The Student Mentoring Group at Ridgeway High School poses with rapper Yo Gotti (center) during his recent visit to their school. CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Yo Gotti in a recording studio. Alan Spearman / The Commercial Appeal
"Cocaine Muzik," Yo Gotti CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Yo Gotti Courtesy of Epic Records / CommercialAppeal.com file photo
"The Art of the Hustle" -- Yo Gotti CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Musicians gather for a backstage portrait during filming of the documentary THE MEMPHIANS. From left to right: Cody Dickinson; Yo Gotti; Bobby 'Blue' Bland; Bland's son, drummer Rod Bland; and the movie's producer, Martin Shore. Sean Davis / CommercialAppeal.com file photo
Yo Gotti performs during the second evening of festivities at the Beale Street Music Festival on the Bud Light Stage. (April 30, 2016) Jim Weber / The Commercial Appeal
Yo Gotti Lionel Deluy / CommercialAppeal.com file photo
The shows — which featured Gotti, numerous of his local protégés, artists signed to his CMG record label and surprise guests — were enough of a success that in 2015 he made another jump, moving the event outdoors to the Mud Island Amphitheater for a couple years.
The growth of the show paralleled Gotti’s own increasing national fame as he evolved from an underground/Memphis favorite to national powerhouse. In a sense, the shows served as a kind of marker of his growing renown. Over the years Birthday Bash guests would include big names like Lil Wayne, YG, Nicki Minaj, Lil Boosie, Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan.
June 29, 2017 - Memphis rapper Yo Gotti performs during his annual Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash at FedExForum on Thursday night. Special guests included Money Man, YFN Lucci, Meek Mill, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, MoneyBagg Yo, O.T. Genasis and T Grizzly. (Photo: Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal)
Finally, in 2017, Gotti made his arena dream come true, bringing the Birthday Bash to FedExForum. Last year's show might have been the most impressive edition, however, a night that saw a wide array list of guest artists — from Meek Mill to T.I., Tank to Juvenile — performing, and even Memphis Tigers basketball Coach Penny Hardaway making a cameo. In addition to the many thousands in attendance, the concert was also broadcast live to an audience of millions more via the streaming music service Tidal.
Returning to FedExForum for year seven, the show finds Gotti ramping up for what promises to be a big 2019. It’s already been a busy year for Gotti so far — though most of his headlines have been the results of various lawsuits and legal scrapes.
Earlier this year, Gotti finally broke a relatively long recording silence, with the release of a new single, “Put a Date on It” featuring Lil Baby, which become a Top 20 rap chart hit in April. The track was a preview of Gotti’s forthcoming album, “Trapped,” which is due later in 2019.
Fans are already buzzing about what promises to be another epic night of hip-hop this Friday at FedExForum. Although Gotti generally keeps the show’s lineup close to his vest, you can expect the usual mix of local artists and members of his CMG record label family to appear. As far as surprises, it is anyone’s guess — but if past topline/unannounced guests (Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill) are any indication, there is likely to be some solid star power on stage.
Yo Gotti 2018 Birthday Bash
June 29, 2018 - Yo Gotti performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 -T.I. performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - People enjoy the music during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 29, 2018 - Meek Mill performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - BlocBoy JB performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - Plies, left, and Yo Gotti hug during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - Juvenile performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - Moneybagg Yo performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 -Tank performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - Lil Baby performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - Plies performs during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 -Penny Hardaway, right, makes an appearance during Yo Gotti's sixth annual birthday bash at the FedExForum. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - Lanai Banks, 12, poses for a picture with her mom, Saadia Wright, before heading inside of the FedExForum for the Yo Gotti Birthday Bash. Banks was also celebrating her birthday with her mom and friends at the show. Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
June 28, 2018 - Lanai Banks, 12, with her mom and friends outside of the FedExForum before the start of the Yo Gotti Birthday Bash. Banks was celebrating her birthday Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal
For Gotti, the show will offer another chance to bask in the admiring glow of his hometown. As Gotti noted on stage last year, the distance he’s traveled from North Memphis’ Ridgecrest Apartments, where he grew up, to the FedExForum is a distance of only a few miles, but it’s been the journey of a lifetime.
“We was small time hustlers like everybody else, but with a dream,” Gotti said. “Now we in here where the Grizzlies play… ain’t that something?”
Yo Gotti & Friends Birthday Bash
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: FedExForum, 191 Beale St.
Tickets: $34.50, available at all Ticketmaster outlets or ticketmaster.com
Read or Share this story: https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/06/23/yo-gotti-birthday-bash-fedexforum-memphis-concerts/1527916001/
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Home » News » Maddox on core values
Maddox on core values
Posted on Friday, June 21, 2019 - 15:59
Amid the hullabaloo of wall-to-wall digitalisation, Eurolink Connect Managing Director Claire Maddox proves that deep convictions about fundamental business values still count most.
Becoming an ISP in 2009 changed the face and fortunes of Eurolink Connect overnight. But to create growth from grand projects like this takes more than strategy and ambition, it takes supply-side customer care, which Maddox displays in spadefuls. “Having been in operations before I moved into the telecoms sector I’d been on the receiving end of poor comms advice and had a real understanding of what businesses are looking for,” she stated. “Being able to view things from the customer’s point of view has always been the way I’ve operated, and over time I’ve built up my technical knowledge to match my customer understanding.”
Eurolink Connect was established in 1999 as Eurolink Telecom, providing companies with cheaper telephone minutes. “The business model was fantastic and straightforward with no stock and a simple concept delivering good margins,” added Maddox. “As the industry evolved so did Eurolink and we became an early adopter of WLR and mobile, before setting up a recurring revenue model with the addition of telephone systems being the icing on the cake. This prepared us for the changing market as more and more businesses move to the concept of opex.”
These days Eurolink Connect provides telecoms, connectivity, networking, IT and mobile solutions. All of these product categories are critical and build on the firm’s pivotal evolution as an ISP ten years ago. “It was a game changing year,” said Maddox. “Being experts in connectivity naturally moved us into the networking space where we now support customers within their local area network as well as the WAN. We have been able to develop products including our ISP in a Box for MDUs.
“As an ISP we can get to the root causes of customer issues without having to wait for third party suppliers. We are positioned alongside brands such as Virgin, BT and Vodafone at industry development meetings. With this investment embedded in the business we are now able to develop specific solutions for our customers with safe Internet access and fully managed SD-WAN.”
Eurolink Connect has operated in the retirement sector for over 13 years and its evolving ISP in a Box solution delivers safe connectivity to residents. This particular market is full of promise. “We have a massive growth opportunity with this product, which allows us to fill the gaps where FTTx roll outs to remote sites fails,” commented Maddox. “We are now specialists in the care and retirement sectors, where we have designed offerings through our ISP status for residents as well as the main business.”
We earn respect whether we are male or female, and it is encouraging to see so many young women in the industry
Eurolink Connect’s growth is organic, and through referred business the company generates a steady five to seven per cent increase in revenue year-on-year. Staffing levels have increased by 25 per cent in the past two years, mainly because the company has brought outsourced services in-house to complement its offerings around IT and security. According to Maddox, Eurolink Connect was one of the first businesses in the country to achieve the ISO27001: 2013 Certificate. “We take security and cyber risk very seriously and the ISO accreditation has helped our team to understand and mitigate the risks, and to ensure that we pass annual cyber penetration tests with flying colours,” added Maddox. “Our culture is shaped around data security, enabling us to support our customers with the same best practices.”
With the transition to all IP, Maddox expects to see significant changes in the supply chain as WLR3 is withdrawn, and Eurolink Connect provides its customers with more products utilising data and mobile networks. “The move to mobile working is another major influencing factor, as well as cyber security,” added Maddox. “We have spent much of our R&D in these areas creating solutions.
“We believe the modern workplace will be mobile and that users will be reliant on the one device that they can connect with their business, anywhere in the world. We are therefore aligning our business so that our portfolio of products can provide choice and flexibility, particularly as we see vast differences between the generations and how they choose to consume technology. It is important we can support it all.”
For Eurolink Connect, IoT will be another key technology together with 5G and full fibre. “Many customers are embracing new technology unaware of the cyber and privacy risks,”added Maddox. “So our connectivity model is very much about security and developing our team through education. We provide an important service and if our staff understand the issues and enjoy what they are doing, they see opportunities to help customers and build business. I’ve been instrumental in seeing young people flourish which is an area I love.”
Recognition follows effort, commitment and results, and Maddox, who is a woman of strong will, has always stood in good stead. “It’s not easy operating in what has been viewed as a ‘man’s world’, but it is all about being professional and demonstrating that you deserve to be there,” she added. “I have always been strong willed and embraced opportunities. We earn respect whether we are male or female and it is encouraging to see so many young women entering the industry. There is a place for anyone who wants to be taken seriously.”
Just a minute with Claire Maddox
A lady called Pat Mealing who I worked with in my early 20s at the RAC. She was focused and fair, set high standards and understood emotional intelligence
What talent do you wish you had?
To create paintings or sculptures
Tell us something about yourself we don't know
I won a Blue Peter badge in the 1970s for a drawing that was exhibited in Tokyo
Three ideal dinner guests
Julie Walters, Tom Hanks and David Attenborough
Your main strength and what could you work on?
Stubbornness is both my strength and weakness. I can dig my heels in, but also have the determination to drive things forward
How would you like to be remembered?
For kindness in helping others, bringing laughter and smiles
One thing you couldn't do without in your job?
A good sense of humour
Best piece of advice you have been given?
A smile costs nothing and brings warmth to others
What possession could you not live without?
If you weren't in IT what would you be doing?
Involved in a small charity that makes a difference to people
Your greatest achievement
Getting my BA in Business Enterprise in 2004
What's the biggest risk you have taken and why?
Galloping across fields on horseback unaware of the risks
How do you relax when not working?
Walking my two puppy dogs and a glass of wine with friends
Top tip for resellers
Embrace the changes that are coming our way. We’re about to go through another great transition
Reseller/SI/VAR
MSP Adept4 seeks return to growth
NTT consolidates businesses into London HQ
Acquisitive Charterhouse goes nationwide
Teacher: A master in IT
Belfast MSP set for major expansion
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THE FEMALE FOCUS SERIES: IT'S TIME TO PUSH FOR PROGRESS
Jess, Clo, Nat striking a pose...
Wow. What a few weeks it's been. Some serious girl power vibes have been coursing through our conversations and work, and we've loved it. As part of our initiative, The Female Focus, in partnership with Jess and Nat of Mac & Moore, we have talked to so many talented and inspiring women who intersect many different sectors and roles, to get their views on what it means to be a woman in the business world. But more than that; we probed into the change we need to see this year to support women to create a truly balanced society. So here's a round-up of what they had to say....
We can be unwelcoming to other women
— Rosh Thanki, trailer Editor and lifestyle Instagrammer
First, we asked them what the biggest issue or barrier for women in business is. What really came through was that the working environment is masculine in nature and male-dominated in power, which makes the creation of change a challenge. Emma Sexton, Founder of MYWW and Broadcaster for Badass Women's Hour, said: "(We need to) change our working culture and one dimensional view of what makes a successful leader. Work is masculine in nature and until we value feminine values and leadership qualities as a viable alternative women are going to lose out.” Sarah Welsh and Fara Kabir, co-founders of Hanx, the first luxury vegan male condom designed for women, highlighted that it's the underrepresentation of women at the top, which means that good habits can't trickle down. They told us: "The number of female CEO's is ridiculously low in comparison to our male counterparts. There is still more to be done with regards to pushing women to reach their potential in leading roles." The pattern is particularly prominent for women belonging to an ethnic minority. Sheeza Anjum, social media and digital content specialist, has worked with some of the biggest creative and digital agencies in the world, "but unfortunately every single time I step through the door I can’t help but notice there is a serious lack of role models and mentors for women like me."
I’ve sadly seen so much lately about women pulling up the ladder behind them
— Antonia Taylor, PR specialist
And there is not enough support for women who are having children to provide flexibility for them to do so. Freelance PR consultant and founder of Little Gnashers, Victoria Dove, is one of them. She said, "Many employers are missing out on top talent because they can’t arrange their businesses to offer flexible working hours. We all have mobiles, laptops and the internet so it really shouldn’t be an issue anymore for office-based jobs." Work Well Being founder Louise Padmore thinks that, whilst the rules around shared parental leave go some way to evening out the balance of responsibility for childcare, for many men there’s a workplace culture that still makes this feel like an unacceptable thing for them to do.
But it's not just men building barriers to equality, it's womankind too. Rosh Thanki, trailer editor and creative lifestyle Instagrammer, highlighted: "We can be unwelcoming to other women in the same industry". There is also the well documented 'imposter syndrome' - a fear of failure - which has a big effect on many women and something we, as women, have to push to overcome ourselves in order to break the cycle. Heidi Budino, Freelance Global Sustainability & Social Purpose consultant at Shell, pointed out, "As a society we still associate authority with a man which leads to women often feeling like they need to downplay their authority, doing things like apologising". Founder and CEO of You Make It, Asma Shah, offered up some steps in the right direction, "We need to hear more from women who have experimented and failed and that this is okay, because you learn more from failure than from successes." We need to create positive role models out of failure.
We often put on a brave face when times get tough. We accept burdens and say that everything’s fine. But if we spoke up and out more often we might have to deal with less crap.
— Caitlin Evans, Poet and Senior Planner at MBA
It's not just habits we have to shift but fundamental systems that have historically inculcated the male focus.
So what's the solution?
Caitlin Evans, a Senior Planner at MBA, thinks that the status quo environment means that women just put up with it and won't speak out, "We often put on a brave face when times get tough. We accept burdens and say that everything’s fine. But if we spoke up and out more often we might have to deal with less crap. I want to open up really productive, ongoing conversations." There was a resounding response from the women we spoke to that they are all planning to delete the apologies. It's got to start somewhere and our narrative should be apology-less but we need to push harder for progress. Heidi Budino adds, "I’m going to be more aware in meetings when men are in the room, bring female colleagues into the conversation if I feel they’re hesitating to speak up or call a man out if they’re talking over me and not letting me finish."
“Bring female colleagues into the conversation”
— Heidi Budino, Freelance Global Sustainability & Social Purpose consultant at Shell
When it comes to building flexibility in the workplace for mothers, Jaxx Nelson, founder of Whisk Delivers, an online delivery service for new parents, has plans for her fellow female friends who are family planning. "I’ll be encouraging (them) to speak openly with their company management about work flexibility. It's so important for women to be able to maintain our fought-for careers and have the family life we want."
Antonia Taylor, a PR specialist, believes that mentoring will help. "I’ve sadly seen so much lately about women pulling up the ladder behind them. Having a mentor earlier on in my career would have been game-changing. So I’d like to invest in that, possibly working with other women in my field to create something meaningful."
There's a long road ahead but the conversations building and building, and women are opening up and shouting louder. But they, as well as men, need to push harder to see the change we want to see.
The Female Focus doesn't stop here. CLO PR and Mac & Moore will be teaming up for more activities with the lens angling on women in due course, as well as continuing to talk to mavericks who are trying to change up the status quo and pull the matriarchy up in their wake. Watch this space!
This illustration was expertly drawn by Louise Ormerod, a Senior Designer at ZAK agency
Tagged: women, womeninbusiness, girlpower, girlboss, businesswomen, internationalwomensday, pressforprogress, strongertogether
THE FEMALE FOCUS SERIES: WE PARTNER WITH YOU MAKE IT
As part of our joint series with the talented girls at Mac&Moore, The Female Focus, we want to share with you some exciting news. We will be partnering with You Make It, a charity which offers creative programmes for women to equip them with the tools to transform their lives through personal empowerment. The mission of You Make It falls within the Sustainable Developments Goals set out by the UN to end poverty, promote good health and well-being, provide life-long learning opportunities and fight gender inequality.
Since You Make It launched in 2011, 82% of women supported are in sustained paid employment, working on their own start-ups or have accessed formal education places. It was set up by Asma Shah out of anger at inequality in London. The first years of her life were turbulent, her mother fleeing a violent marriage and taking Ms Shah and her three sisters with her. Despite that, Ms Shah, who has held management positions at Channel 4, the Roundhouse and Creative Skillset, always believed she would go to university and get a good job. Yet, she says, many black and Asian working class women lack self-confidence and a sense of a “right to the city”. She says of You Make It that it’s not just about giving tools for employment but addressing the stuff that really holds women back, like lack of confidence and networks.
As part of the scheme, CLO PR aims to create positive impact by providing mentorships to two women to help them reach their potential. We’ll be supporting them with training in PR, marketing and social media skills, as well as ideas for how to promote their businesses to wider audiences. We can’t wait to get cracking and meet Honey Malaolu, a local fashion designer based in Hackney and Hera Williams, founder of Aspire Girls Squad, a community interest company offering support to young girls aged 10-16 years old.
Watch this space!
Tagged: charity, women, female, femaleleaders, businesswomen, business, mentorships, girlboss, entrepreneurs, support, thefemalefocus, chowdown
5 MINUTES WITH... RIKKE ROSENLUND, FOUNDER OF BORROWMYDOGGY
Ever wanted to have a dog but know you can't because you don't have enough space or you have a busy job that means it's kept home alone a lot. Meet Rikke, the young passionate Dane connecting people in the UK and Ireland to 4 legged friends through BorrowMyDoggy. She talks about her drive to create positive impact through the platform and build a friendly community that's keeping people and canines happy and healthy along the way. Read on, this woman has got packs of passion....
1. What drove you to create BorrowMyDoggy?
It all started five years ago when I borrowed Aston, my neighbour’s beautiful Labrador, for the day. As a young girl I had always wanted a dog, but my parents never acquiesced since my mother is allergic. Now as an adult, I’m not in a position to own a dog either. I absolutely adored my day with Aston, who instead of spending the day stuck indoors, enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the park, attended a garden party, and met some new friends. I soon realised that lots of dog owners could use a helping paw looking after their dog, and that there are thousands of people, like me, who would love to take care of a dog for free, simply because they love them.
When I began talking with potential members, what I found was incredible. Story after story of dog lovers and dog owners who felt that they'd benefit emotionally and physically by connecting with like-minded people in their area. There was the the man who had an operation and needed help walking his dog, the family whose dog would always welcome more games of fetch and countless people who felt lonely. The stories kept coming in and it was clear there was a need. When a little girl told me her story of how much she wanted a dog, I cried. It was like hearing me as a young girl desperate for the loving companionship of a fluffy creature.
What started with me manually matching people and dogs has now turned into an online platform with more than 600,000 members across the UK and Ireland and an ever-growing social media community.
2. What's the biggest lesson you've learnt from starting up BorrowMyDoggy?
For anyone considering starting a business, make sure there’s a demand and that the business idea is solving a problem. With over 60% of startups destined to fail in the first 3-4 years, make sure you do something you love. There will be many failures and when the going gets tough, the tough needs to get going.
Knowing that setting up a business takes a lot longer that you would expect, especially when it comes to funding. This would have been useful for my peace of mind!
No. Just knowing people’s first-hand stories of how much BorrowMyDoggy is creating positive impact on local communities has kept me going. From neighbours forming new friendships to dogs being ring bearers at borrowers’ weddings, it is not an option to give up. I want to create more and more of these amazing stories. It’s my mission to make as much of a positive impact we can via our lovely community.
I would say the journey has been full of small ones so far. With every small milestone you realise how much further you’ve got to go. For me, the milestones need to do one thing: leave ‘Pawprints of Happiness’ on the lives of dogs and people. This is our goal as a company. Through the platform people are being more active, overcoming loneliness and making friends, whilst dogs are gaining more exercise, love and attention.
My parents. They set me up with the values of trying to make a difference. They’ve always been very active and engaged in supporting the local community and making time to help people. I hope I can bring some of my values into what I’m doing, both inside and outside of work.
The knowledge that the more we do, the more we can help and see the positive impact we want to see.
Being Danish, I am going to be impartial and say that I love everything that Joe the Juice is doing. From the hiring of talent, to matching the brand to the interior design and delicious juices and sandwiches, they’re getting it right. And of course Lego. They may have gone through some tough times, but they’ve stayed ahead of the curve and their product lines have always fed my imagination ever since I was a young girl.
My answer is different today than it would have been 5 years ago. I think right now I’d be helping more people become entrepreneurs, including encouraging more women take the jump. Otherwise, I would definitely be doing something in the charity sector. Anything I do now or in the future needs to make me feel like it has a positive impact.
http://borrowmydoggy.com
Bertie, the chocolate labrador
Tagged: founder stories, founder, femalefounder, entrepreneur, female founder, femaleentrepreneur, dog, borrowmydoggy, girlboss, interview
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Photo: The Mac comes alive
Co-creator Andy Hertzfeld's book on the genesis of the Macintosh.
January 11, 2005 10:39 AM PST
The Mac comes alive
The cover of co-creator Andy Hertzfeld's book on the genesis of the Macintosh features a shot of the Mac team in 1984.
Credit: Photo copyright Norman Seeff
How the Mac was born, and other tales
Discuss: Photo: The Mac comes alive
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan settles class-action autism lawsuit
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has settled a class-action lawsuit and will pay about 100 families whose children either were denied coverage for autism treatment under Blue Cross policies or paid for their care out pocket.
The settlement, which is estimated to be worth about $1 million, is subject to approval from U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Murphy III in Detroit, said Gerard Mantese with Troy-based Mantese and Rossman P.C.
Mantese said the settlement is the first of its kind in the nation.
This settlement moves this issue dramatically all across the country because we know many insurers are doing the same thing as Blue Cross, Mantese said. They call the treatment experimental and refuse to pay. We hope this landmark settlement will stop this abusive practice.
Nearly 14,000 children in Michigan, or about 1 in 150, were diagnosed with autism in 2008, up from 7,259 in 2003, said the Michigan Public Schools Autism Prevalence Report.
Last month, Blue Cross began offering treatment coverage for children, mostly preschool age, diagnosed with autism, through group policies. The coverage is only available for children ages 2 to 5.
We are the first Michigan health care company to offer the early intervention coverage option, said Jeffrey Rumley, Blue Cross vice president and general counsel. The parties to the lawsuit have settled the issues in the lawsuit which relate primarily to past claims.
Rumley said the families will be compensated for their childrens treatment after co-payments and deductibles are satisfied.
The children named in the lawsuit were treated at an autism center operated by William Beaumont Hospitals in Royal Oak, Blue Cross said.
In denying claims, Blue Cross claimed that behavioral therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder was experimental treatment, Mantese said.
However, Blue Cross said in a statement to Crains Detroit Business that it still considers autism treatment, known as Applied Behavioral Analysis, to be investigational and experimental.
But Mantese said Blue Cross own documents showed that the company believes the autism therapy to be a valid treatment.
Mantese said one document obtained during discovery was a draft of a 2005 Blue Cross medical policy.
According to Mantese, the Blue Cross document stated: Applied behavioral analysis is currently the most thoroughly researched treatment modality for early intervention approaches to autism spectrum disorders and is the standard of care recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Academy of Sciences Committee and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment.
Blue Cross also acknowledged in documents that the earlier the disorder is diagnosed, the sooner the child can be helped through treatment interventions, Mantese said.
For those children not named in the class-action lawsuit, Mantese said families should contact him where they can be added to the settlement class.
This settlement doesnt cover future claims, but if Blue Cross persists in attempting to characterize this care as experimental and refuse to cover claims we will be right back in court, Mantese said.
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Theory as Method in Research: On Bourdieu, social theory and education
Mark Murphy, Cristina Costa
Textbook - 204 Pages
September 7, 2015 by Routledge
Editor(s) Bio
While education researchers have drawn on the work of a wide diversity of theorists over the years, much contemporary theory building in these areas has revolved around the work of Pierre Bourdieu. Theory as Method in Research develops the capacity of students, researchers and teachers to successfully put Bourdieu’s ideas to work in their own research and prepare them effectively for conducting Masters and Doctoral scholarships.
Structured around four core themes, this book provides a range of research case studies exploring educational identities, educational inequalities, school leadership and management, and research in teacher education. Issues as diverse as Chinese language learning and identity, school leadership in Australia and the school experience of Afro-Trinidadian boys, are covered, intertwined with a set of innovative approaches to theory application in education research.
This collection brings together, in one comprehensive volume, a set of education researchers who place Pierre Bourdieu’s key concepts such as habitus, capital and field at the centre of their research methodologies. Full of insight and innovation, the book is an essential read for practitioners, student teachers, researchers and academics who want to harness the potential of Bourdieu’s core concepts in their own work, thereby helping to bridge the gap between theory and method in education research.
Introduction: Bourdieu and education research (Mark Murphy and Cristina Costa)
Section 1: Researching Educational Identities
Negotiating Chineseness through Chinese heritage language learning: the role of habitus (Guanglun Michael Mu)
The production of identity capital through school (Jo Warin)
Doxa, digital scholarship and the academy (Cristina Costa and Mark Murphy)
Section 2: Researching Equity in Education
Operationalizing Bourdieu, interrogating intersectionality and the underachievement of primary level Afro-Trinidadian boys (Ravi Rampersad)
Inequalities, parental social capital and children’s education (Maria Papapolydorou)
Doing critical educational ethnography with Bourdieu (Katie Fitzpatrick and Stephen May)
Section 3: Researching Educational Leadership and Management
Mobilising Bourdieu to think anew about educational leadership research (Scott Eacott)
Narrative inquiry as a methodology for embedding Bourdieu’s tools (Bruce Kloot)
Section 4: Researching Teacher Education
Turning a Bourdieuian lens on the teaching of English in primary schools: linguistic field, linguistic habitus and linguistic capital (Naomi Flynn)
Stimulating conversations between theory and methodology in mathematics teacher education research: Inviting Bourdieu into self-study research (Kathleen Nolan)
Conclusion: Method as theory: (re)exploring the intellectual context of education research (Cristina Costa and Mark Murphy)
Mark Murphy is Reader in Education and Public Policy at the University of Glasgow, UK.
Cristina Costa is a Lecturer in Technology Enhanced Learning in the School of Education, University of Strathclyde, UK.
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'Franny wanted to make us proud'
A DEVASTATED Widnes mother whose son was killed in an industrial accident has spoken of his 'zest for life'.
A DEVASTATED Widnes mother whose son was killed in an industrial accident has spoken of his 'zest for life'.
Francis 'Franny' Cosgrove, 21, died as a result of an accident on a work site in the Isle of Man, where he was involved in building a new sewerage system on Tuesday, August 28.
He had moved from Widnes with his girlfriend Emma Joyce, 24, also of Widnes, last November.
The couple had gone to the Isle of Man for a break but decided to stay and soon got jobs and a flat in Douglas.
Franny was helping to lay new pipes for a Department of Transport project when a dumper truck allegedly fell into a trench where he was working.
Police and the Health and Safety Inspectorate are now investigating the incident and Farrans, the company carrying out the work, has launched an internal inquiry.
An inquest into the death is due to be opened.
Franny's mother, Sheila, of Avondale Drive, Widnes, said: 'Franny and Emma went to the Isle of Man for a break and ended up staying. They both soon got jobs and made new friends. They were both doing really well.
'Everything revolved around Emma. She and his family meant everything to him.
'He wanted to make us proud of him and we were.
'He had such a zest for life, he was always smiling, and he loved Everton football club.
'Everyone we've spoken to has said what a lovely lad he was.' Franny and Emma had just returned to the island after a holiday in Majorca with Sheila, father Frank and his three younger brothers, Robert, 19, Steven, 17, and 13-year-old Stuart.
Frank said: 'He was a role model to his brothers, they all looked up to him.'
Arrangements for Franny's funeral have yet to be made, with his body expected to be released at the end of this week and transported back to Widnes.
The Department of Transport has expressed its sympathy to the Cosgrove family and to Franny's friends.
Anybody who wishes to send cards or flowers to the Cosgrove family can forward them to Sheila and Frank Cosgrove at 180 Avondale Drive, Widnes.
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Magnesium in cerebrospinal fluid in acute cerebral ischemia: its relation to glutamate neurotoxicity
Vázquez-Espierrez C, Castillo J, Naveiro J, Martínez-Vila E.
Unidad de Neurología, Hospital San Rafael, La Corúña, España
Revisão:Revista de Neurología
Neurologia [ES]
In animal models it has been shown that there is an increase in tissue magnesium concentration during cerebral ischemia. We studied the changes in magnesium levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during the acute phase of cerebral ischemia.
We included 95 patients with first ischemic cerebral infarcts admitted to hospital within the first 24 hours and also 37 controls. CT scan was done on admission and between four and seven days later (when the volume of the infarct was determined). The neurological defect was evaluated on the Canadian scale on admission, after 48 hours, on the seventh day and after three months. The CSF magnesium concentration was determined using a colorimetric method and the glutamate by HPLC.
The CSF magnesium concentrations were significantly higher in the patients than in the controls (2.6 +/- 0.6 mmol/l vs 2.2 +/- 0.6 mmol/l p = 0.0001). The magnesium concentration was higher in the larger infarcts (Pearson's coefficient = 0.2901, p = 0.0043), and in those presenting greater neurological defects after 48 hours (Spearman's coefficient = -0.4649, p < 0.0001). The magnesium concentration was not related to the presence of early signs on the initial CT scan and the Canadian scale rating on admission. The concentration of magnesium was significantly correlated with that of glutamate (Pearson coefficient = 0.7735, p < 0.0001).
The levels of magnesium in the CSF were satisfactorily related to the volumes of the infarct and the intensity of the neurological defect. However, this association was late, occurring more than 48 hours after onset of the condition.
CITAÇÃO DO ARTIGO Rev Neurol. 1998 May;26(153):811-3
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Georgina, Support Officer for East and South West England, had been working in events when she decided it was time for a change of career. We spoke to her about her
On Sunday, The National Museum Cardiff invited some of our guests along to a Japanese themed tea party. Support Officer for Wales, Kate Housley, told us a little bit about
“For the first time on Sunday I went for afternoon tea at a lovely house in Richmond. I was very nervous and I almost turned away after arriving as I
On Saturday, Catherine, a graphic designer from London, will leap 15,000 feet out of a plane to raise money for Contact the Elderly. We spoke to the thrill-seeker about her
Last weekend, two of our London groups were invited to a tea party at one of London’s most iconic institutions, The British Museum. On arrival the guests were escorted down to
The Daily Telegraph ran a piece today on the need to improve rural broadband to ensure that older people living in remote rural areas can make the most of the
Social isolation amongst older people had always concerned Swedish businessman Robert Gyll, but he’d never been able to find anything which he thought provided a practical solution to the problem
Our Head of Fundraising, Debra Bollan, travelled up to Birmingham yesterday to meet with research consultancy, Ecorys. The company selected us as their Charity of the Year for 2017 and
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RBI Master Circular — Credit Facilities to Minority Communities
RBI Notification No. FIDD.GSSD.BC.No.04/09.10.01/2019-20 dated 1st July, 2019, addressed to All Scheduled Commercial Banks & Small Finance Banks (Excluding RRBs and Foreign banks with less than 20 branches), reads as follows —
1. Please refer to our Master Circular FIDD.GSSD.BC.No.01/09.10.01/2018-19 dated July 02, 2018, containing the instructions / guidelines / directives issued to banks till July 02, 2018.
2. This Master Circular consolidates instructions on the above matters up to June 30, 2019 and has been placed on the RBI website.
1. Credit Facilities to Minority Communities:
The Government of India has indicated that care should be taken to see that minority communities secure, in a fair and adequate measure the benefits flowing from various Government sponsored schemes. Accordingly, all commercial banks are advised to ensure smooth flow of bank credit to minority communities.
Government of India has also forwarded a list of 121 minority concentration districts having at least 25% minority population, excluding those States / UTs where minorities are in majority (J & K, Punjab, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep). Accordingly all scheduled commercial banks are requested to specially monitor the credit flow to minorities in these 121 districts, thereby, ensuring that the minority communities receive a fair and equitable portion of the credit within the overall target of the priority sector (list of Minority Concentration Districts at Annexure I).
In terms of Reserve Bank's extant guidelines on lending to priority sector, a target of 40 percent of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (OBE), whichever is higher, as on March 31 of the previous year, has been mandated for lending to the priority sector by domestic scheduled commercial banks and foreign banks with 20 and above branches, for Small Finance Banks it is 75% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC). Within this, a sub-target of 10 per cent of ANBC or Credit Equivalent amount of OBE, whichever is higher, as on March 31 of the previous year, has been mandated for lending to weaker sections which includes, among others, persons from minority communities.
2. Definition of Minority Communities
2.1 The following communities have been notified as minority communities by the Government of India, Ministry of Minority Affairs;
(a) Sikhs
(b) Muslims
(c) Christians
(d) Zoroastrians
(e) Buddhists
(f) Jains
2.2 In the case of a partnership firm, if the majority of the partners belong to one or the other of the specified minority communities, advances granted to such partnership firms may be treated as advances granted to minority communities. Further, if the majority beneficial ownership in a partnership firm belongs to the minority community, then such lending can be classified as advances to the specified communities. A company has a separate legal entity and hence advances granted to it cannot be classified as advances to the specified minority communities.
3. Creation of Special Cell and Designating an exclusive Officer
3.1 A Special Cell should be set up in each bank to ensure smooth flow of credit to minority communities and it should be headed by an officer holding the rank of Deputy General Manager/Assistant General Manager or any other similar rank who should function as a 'Nodal Officer'.
3.2 The Lead Bank in each of the minority concentration districts should have an officer who shall exclusively look after the problems regarding the credit flow to minority communities. It shall be his responsibility to publicise among the minority communities various programmes of bank credit and also to prepare suitable schemes for their benefit in collaboration with branch managers.
3.3 The designated officer should exclusively look after aspects relating to credit assistance to minority communities in the concerned districts. The designated officer may be attached to the Lead Bank set up at the district level. He would thus, be able to receive necessary guidance from Lead Bank Officer, who will be senior enough and have adequate experience for liaising effectively with the other credit institutions and Government agencies, and will also be working in close collaboration with the branch managers of other banks in the district. The designated officer will also arrange group meetings for their guidance for formulation of schemes suitable for the members of the minority communities. It will be necessary for the banks concerned to ensure that the role assigned to the designated officer/s is effectively fulfilled.
3.4 The Convenor banks of the District Consultative Committees (DCCs) and the State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs) should ensure that steps taken to facilitate the flow of credit to the minority communities and the progress made in this regard are reviewed regularly at their meetings.
3.5 The Convenor banks of DLRC/SLRM/SLBCs may invite Chairman/ Managing Directors of State Minority Commissions/Boards or the State Minorities Financial Corporations or their representatives to attend the meetings of District Level Review Committee (DLRC), State Level Review Meeting (SLRM) and State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC).
3.6 Names, designation and office addresses of (i) the officer-in-charge of the Special Cell at Head Office and (ii) officer appointed by Lead Banks in the identified districts to look after exclusively the problems of minority communities, should be furnished by banks to the National Commission for Minorities at the following address and updated periodically:
National Commission for Minorities
5th Floor,Lok Nayak Bhawan
New Delhi 110 003
A copy of the relevant communication may also be furnished to Financial Inclusion and Development Department, Reserve Bank of India, Central Office, Mumbai.
3.7 The Lead Banks in the identified districts having concentration of minority communities may involve the State Minority Commission / Finance Corporation in the extension work including creating awareness, identification of beneficiaries, preparation of viable projects, provision of backward and forward linkages such as supply of inputs/marketing, recovery etc.
3.8 The Lead Banks in the identified districts may collaborate with DDMs of NABARD/ NGOs/ Voluntary Organizations in reaching the poor through Self Help Groups (SHGs). Lead Banks of the Minority Concentration Districts will have to exercise the pro-active role expected of them to ensure that the minority communities, particularly those who are poor and illiterate have access to bank credit for taking up productive activities.
4. Advances under DRI Scheme
Banks may route loans under the DRI scheme through State Minority Finance/Development Corporation on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to loans routed through SC/ST Development Corporations, subject to the beneficiaries of the Corporations meeting the eligibility criteria and other terms and conditions prescribed under the scheme. Banks may ensure proper maintenance of the register to evolve timely sanction and disbursement of loan applications.
5.1 With a view to monitoring the performance of banks in providing credit to the specified minority communities, data on credit assistance provided to members of minority communities should be furnished to Reserve Bank of India and to the Government of India, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Minority Affairs, on half yearly basis as at the end of March and September every year. The statements (given in Annexure II) should reach RBI within one month from the end of each half year.”
5.2 The Convenor banks of the District Consultative Committees in the identified minority concentrated districts should furnish the data on priority sector advances granted by banks to specified minority communities compiled by them in the prescribed format (vide Annexure III) for the district under their lead responsibility to the concerned Regional Offices of RBl within one month from the close of the relative quarter.
5.3 The progress made in regard to the flow of credit to the minority communities should be reviewed regularly at the meetings of the District Consultative Committees (DCCs) and the State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs).
5.4 The Lead Banks in the identified minority concentrated districts should furnish the relevant extracts of the agenda notes and the minutes of the meetings of the DCCs and of the respective SLBCs to the Union Ministry of Finance and to the Ministry of Minority Affairs on a quarterly basis for their use.
6.1 With a view to ensuring that the bank staff and officers have proper perspective and appreciation of the various programmes for welfare of minorities, necessary orientation may be provided to officials and other staff. For this purpose, banks should include suitable lecture sessions as part of all relevant training programmes like induction courses, programmes on rural lending, financing of priority sectors, poverty alleviation programmes, etc.
6.2 The Lead Banks in the identified districts may sensitise and motivate the staff posted to identified districts through proper training to assist the minority communities under various credit schemes.
6.3 The Lead Banks may organize sensitization workshops for bank officials regarding micro credit/ lending to SHGs with the help of DDMs of NABARD.
6.4 The Lead Banks functioning in the identified districts should organize Entrepreneur Development Programmes so that the members of the minority communities in these areas are enabled to derive the benefit of various programmes being financed by the banks. Depending upon the major vocation and type of activity undertaken by large sections of the people in the districts, suitable programmes may be organized in co-operation with State Governments, Industries Department, District Industries Centre, SIDBI, State Technical Consultancy Organization, Khadi and Village Industries Commission and other voluntary organizations which are fully equipped to impart such training and orientation. The duration of the programme, the course content, the faculty support to be selected etc. should be decided by each Lead Bank taking into account the prevailing conditions, need and existing skills as well as aptitude of the people in the district.
7. Publicity
7.1 There should be good publicity about various anti-poverty programmes of the Government where there is large concentration of minority communities and particularly in the districts listed in the Annexure I which have a concentration of minority communities.
7.2 The Lead Banks in the identified districts may create awareness among minority communities regarding credit facilities available from banks through appropriate measures which may include publicity through (i) print media i.e. distribution of pamphlets in local languages, advertisements/articles in newspapers etc. (ii) TV channels - DD/ local channels, (iii) participation / setting up of stalls in the Melas / fairs organized during the religious /festive occasions by these communities.
8. National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
8.1 National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) was established in September 1994 to promote economic and developmental activities for the backward sections amongst the minorities. NMDFC works as an apex body and channelises its funds to the beneficiaries through the State Minority Finance Corporation of the respective State/Union Territory Governments.
8.2 The NMDFC is operating, inter-alia, the Margin Money Scheme. Bank finance under the scheme will be upto 60 percent of the project cost. The remaining amount of the project cost is shared by NMDFC, the State channelising agency and the beneficiary in the proportion of 25%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. Banks may implement the Margin Money scheme evolved by NMDFC. While extending bank finance, banks should bear in mind the guidelines/instructions issued by RBI from time to time on priority sector advances. It may be ensured that the assets created out of the loan amount are mortgaged / hypothecated to the banks. Where recoveries have been made by the banks, it would be in order if the amounts are appropriated first towards bank dues.
9. Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities
Government of India has revised the “Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities”. An important objective of the Programme is to ensure that an appropriate percentage of the priority sector lending is targeted for the minority communities and that the benefits of various government sponsored schemes reach the under-privileged, which includes the disadvantaged sections of the minority communities. The New Programme is to be implemented by the Central Ministries/Departments concerned through State Governments/Union Territories and envisages location of certain proportion of development projects in minority concentration districts. Accordingly, all scheduled commercial banks are required to ensure that within the overall target for priority sector lending and the sub-target of 10 percent for the weaker sections, sufficient care is taken to ensure that minority communities also receive an equitable portion of the credit. Lead Banks have been advised to keep this requirement in view while preparing district credit plans.
TO CHECK THE ANNEXURE I, II, III & IV - CLICK HERE
Tags: Minority Communities, RBI's Master Circulars
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Immediate Action Required: Injured Workers’ Rights Threatened in Illinois
by Peter D. Corti | May 21, 2015 | Workers' Compensation News
Late yesterday afternoon, an organization which is near and dear to my heart, the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, sent an email to all of its members, alerting us to contact our State Representatives and to tell them that we oppose further changes to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act as proposed by our current Governor, Bruce Rauner. The amendments to the Act may be considered today, May 21, 2015. The amendments proposed by Governor include among them the following four items:
Heightening the “causation standard.” This amendment is designed to reduce and eliminate benefits which are currently available to injured workers in the state of Illinois. It would create a tremendous amount of litigation in order to define “the major contributing cause” of the injured worker’s aggravating factor.
Allowing the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment to be the sole determining factor of permanent partial disability. This is specifically designed to lower benefits available for permanent disability by using what’s called a “consensus document,” which is drafted by insurance doctors for insurance interests.
Defining and restricting “traveling employee” and “arising out of and in the course of employment.” Currently, all traveling employees are covered from door to door; in other words, for any injury they incur from the time they start work until the time they arrive back to the place where they started. Changing the scope of the term “traveling employee” would expose workers to the dangers of travels. Protection from such dangers has always been a part of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. If this passes, some or even many of the injuries workers receive will no longer be covered by the law.
Finally, the Governor wants another 30% reduction in the medical fee schedule, even though Illinois just had a 30% reduction in 2011. This would cut off access to premium healthcare for most injured workers, and drive many doctors to the point where they would refuse to treat injured workers.
This in effect would be an attempt to drive the benefits scheme in Illinois to the bottom of the barrel; in other words, to force Illinois to become more like Indiana, in the hopes of bringing more business to the state of Illinois. In reality, this would create a disposable workforce in Illinois, which would be thrown onto the general tax rolls in public disability, like Social Security Disability, Medicaid, food stamps, and rent subsidies, all of which every citizen pays for in higher taxes.
I personally attempted to reach each of my Illinois State Representatives in order to express my opinion regarding these four points. However, neither Representative was available to take my call. Despite the fact that they took my phone numbers, I have not received a call back. Neither of these representatives has a posted email address, so contacting them is a bit difficult. Hopefully, my point will be understood, and Illinois’ workers’ compensation laws will not fall into the ashes of states like Indiana.
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“I witnessed my co-worker die on the job. Do I have a workmans’ comp case? Does his wife have a work comp case?” 04/02/2019
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Tuesday, Jul 16, 2019 | Last Update : 11:48 AM IST
World Neighbours 16 Jun 2019 Rohingya crisis can ...
World, Neighbours
Rohingya crisis can destabilise region if not solved: Bangladesh President
Published Jun 16, 2019, 12:50 pm IST
Updated Jun 16, 2019, 12:50 pm IST
Rohingya, who belong to the Rakhine state in Myanmar, have been facing extreme persecution by authorities and majority Buddhists.
According to Amnesty International, more than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017. (Photo: ANI)
Dhaka: Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Saturday said the Rohingya crisis can destabilise the entire region if left unresolved.
Addressing the 5th Summit of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) at Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Hamid stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the Rohingya crisis, Dhaka Tribune reported.
The President also sought support and cooperation from CICA partners so that the forcibly displaced inhabitants of the Rakhine state can return to their homeland with "safety, security and dignity".
"The world knows Bangladesh hosts 1.1 million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. You must be aware of the evidence of genocide and gross violation of human rights, which has been termed a 'textbook example of ethnic cleansing' and humanitarian catastrophe of unmanageable magnitude," he added.
"Asian security is vulnerable as irregular migration, drug trafficking, territorial claims, ethnic conflicts, separatism, economic problems and climate change are visible here. To address these crucial challenges, CICA needs to enhance its capacity through promoting the concept of indivisible security," the President was quoted as saying.
Rohingya, who belong to the Rakhine state in Myanmar, have been facing extreme persecution by authorities and majority Buddhists. It has further prompted their flight over the years, many on rickety boats that are mostly pushed back into the open sea by countries, especially Thailand and Myanmar.
The unrest prompted thousands of minorities to flee Myanmar by sea. The exodus peaked in 2015 when an estimated 25,000 people crossed the Andaman Sea for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, many drowning in unsafe and overloaded boats.
According to Amnesty International, more than 750,000 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, fled Myanmar and crossed into Bangladesh after Myanmar forces launched a crackdown on the minority Muslim community in August 2017.
According to a UN report, titled "Forced Migration of Rohingya: The Untold Experience," around 18,000 Rohingya women and girls were raped by Myanmar's army and police and over 115,000 Rohingya homes were burned down and 113,000 others vandalised.
Tags: rohingya crisis, myanmar, rakhine, bangladesh, abdul hamid
Location: Bangladesh, Dhaka, Dhaka
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Frozen Fruits And Veggies Are Just As Nutritious As The Fresh Stuff, Study Finds
Permission to fill up your freezer: granted.
By HEATHER FINN
Sometimes it can be so tempting to bypass the produce section of the grocery store and grab fruit and veggies in the frozen foods aisle instead. After all, whipping up a healthy stir fry or throwing together a tasty smoothie is just so much easier when you buy 'em that way. But opting for frozen fruit and veggies also feels kind of wrong, doesn't it? Like you're cheating — or maybe even cheating yourself out of all the health benefits that come with fresh produce.
Well don't begrudgingly head back to the produce section just yet: According to new research set to be published in the June 2017 issue of Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, frozen fruits and veggies are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts. In fact, some frozen produce might retain even more nutrients than the fresh stuff.
University of Georgia researchers spent two years analyzing the nutritional value (aka the vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate levels) of broccoli, cauliflower, corn, green beans, green peas, spinach, blueberries, and strawberries. Each type of produce was stored in one of three conditions before testing: fresh, refrigerated for five days, or frozen.
Their findings: In most cases, fresh, refrigerated, and frozen produce were nutritionally equivalent. But, in some cases, the researchers found that frozen fruits might have even greater nutrient levels than the fresh or temporarily refrigerated stuff — especially when it comes to vitamin A.
It's important to note that this study was sponsored in part by the Frozen Food Foundation, a group that obviously has a bias. But the findings are supported by previous research, and they do make sense when you think about it: The process of freezing produce is called "fresh frozen," meaning the fruits and veggies are frozen immediately following harvest (aka when they're at their peak ripeness), while "fresh" fruit and veggies have to be packed up and transported to your local grocery store before you get your hands on 'em, Mic reports.
That said, figuring out where you stand in the frozen vs. fresh produce debate isn't as important as just eating your fruits and veggies in the first place — no matter what form they come in.
But there's no reason to feel guilty for filling up your grocery cart with frozen produce on those days when you're just not feeling the necessary prep work that comes with the fresh stuff. Plus, you'll often find your favorite fruits and veggies in the frozen foods aisle year-round, even when they're out of season. And isn't that something worth celebrating?
[h/t Mic
From: Dr. Oz The Good Life
Fresh and Juicy Veggie Burgers
Fresh Fruit Compote
Frozen Fruit Yogurt
Frozen Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits
Vanilla Cabinets with Fresh Fruit
Our Newest Craving: Frozen Sangria Fruit Cups
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Is Bigger Always Better?
By Eric Burkett
There have been two small recalls for ground beef over the past few days, in addition to two significant recalls that were announced over the past several weeks. What's notable about these recalls, however, is the ability of the companies involved to respond to the problem.
Sterling Pacific Meat Co. of Commerce, Calif., is recalling about 3,500 pounds of ground beef because it may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7. Sold under the name "Cattlemen's Choice", a similar recall was mistakenly issued earlier for "Stock Yards Brand". Stock Yard Brand is, apparently, OK and the recall should have been for Cattlemen's Choice. Doesn't that soothe your anxieties about the safety of meat production?
A much smaller recall has been issued on the East Coast for 128 pounds of ground beef produced by Marcacci Meats in Vineland, N.J. The ground beef was produced just last week and sold to a distributor which, in turn, packaged it and sold it to retail customers in Vineland.
The length of time between the production of the ground beef and the actual recall is particularly interesting. Sterling Pacific Meat Company's recall is for ground beef produced back in May, while Marcacci's recall is for ground beef produced on Aug. 12. Sterling is a large producer and about half the recalled meat was sold to Fatburger, a national fast-food chain. Marcacci is a small company, producing about 120 to 200 pounds of meat a day, according to the company's owner, Nehnet Siltagar.
"We're not one of those big companies," said Siltagar, and he's able to keep a close eye on everything that happens at Marcacci, he said. Notably enough, one call to the company's phone number put me directly in touch with Siltagar; he was the one who answered the phone.
This recall is the first in the company's 40-year history, he said.
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16 New Ground Beef Recipes from Martha Stewart
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Deloitte. Digital Skip to main content
Home - United States
The Great Debate: Agencies or Consultancies?
Deloitte Digital + Heat
Can consultancies do great creative? Deloitte Digital + Heat will give our perspective on the panel “The Great Debate: Agencies vs. Consultancies” at Advertising Week in New York. Who do you think will win?
Everyone agrees that digital has disrupted the traditional agency model, yet many disagree on what the industry future will look like and how digital marketing services will be delivered to brands. One view, held by many agency holding companies, is that creativity is still the “secret marketing sauce,” regardless of whether it is an analog or digital world. Many consulting firms, however, see a future where agencies are replaced by strategic implementation that combines in-depth business tactics with technology innovation and creative execution. But can consultancies do great creative? There’s a pervasive stigma that they can’t – that consultants aren’t creative. We’re proving them wrong.
A new model
A brand is the culmination of hundreds of tiny decisions – decisions that typically span across dozens of business functions and several partners and providers. So why should brands limit their infinite potential to the finite capabilities of a single consultancy or digital, social, or advertising agency?
That’s where we come in. This year, full-service advertising agency Heat joined forces with Deloitte Digital. Together, we form a brand-new model – the creative digital consultancy. We combine leading digital and creative capabilities with deep industry knowledge, innovative human-centered design, business strategy, and technology know-how. Providing end-to-end services allows our clients to imagine bigger and realize even their most far-reaching ambitions at scale.
A new era for marketing
The digital era requires more than the big idea or the creative campaign. It’s about executing the big idea through every part of the organization and out into the market. It’s about driving campaigns across all customer touch points and into the hearts and minds of every employee. It’s about a business result and the data to prove it—delivering on high-level strategy needs, as well as traditional creative, all the way to campaign analytics.
In the digital era, consumers are constantly bombarded with uninspiring, ineffective advertising, making it harder than ever to capture and keep their attention. Advertising recall has been in steady decline (1) despite an increase in companies’ media spend. The challenge as marketers is to program content that finds the needs of consumers. The future of marketing belongs to companies that use data to describe the market better than their competitors, and who can react to that data more quickly. Being able to develop authentic connections to consumers through dynamic advertising, whether its digital, traditional or experiential, with the support of informed data and strategic insights can help a brand win the race for relevance.
Creative execution powered by business insight
Our creative digital consultancy model combines the use of data to answer business problems with creative execution powered by these insights. Together, Deloitte Digital and Heat create and implement more strategically driven creative solutions infused with technology capabilities, business acumen, and industry knowledge. This union enables the delivery of comprehensive end-to-end offerings to help clients fully reimagine their business and customer experience. We come up with a brand idea, then nurture that idea into a company’s culture, creatively manifesting it everywhere—transforming the company internally into a reflection of that brand, then moving focus to outside communications, engagements, and experiences.
Marketers and C-suite executives don’t care about the “agency vs. consultancy” conversation – they want solutions that work. Whether B2C or B2B, organizations need end-to-end services, and to work with partners who understand their entire business – not just the strategy, or the creative, or the technology. With Deloitte Digital + Heat, clients no longer have to work with multiple agencies and consulting firms – both creative and business strategy come from the same team. We believe this special blend of agency and consultancy strengths will change the way companies go to market forever.
Advertising Week 2016
Mark Singer, principal with Deloitte Digital, Deloitte Consulting LLP, and Mike Barrett, president of Heat, will participate in the panel “The Great Debate: Agencies vs. Consultancies,” 3:30 p.m., Monday, September 26, during Advertising Week in New York. Also on the panel are Suzanne Darmory, executive creative director at Zeta Interactive, and David Feldman, partner and global lead, Customer Marketing Platforms and Services at IBM. Josh Golden, publisher at Advertising Age, will moderate.
(1): Source: Brand Index, “Ad Awareness” (9/2016).
Originally posted on Advertising Week's AW360 blog.
As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte Consulting LLP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.
© 2019. See Terms of Use for more information. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.
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Aurore Bergé: Advice to Young Women Looking to get Involved in Politics
WDN and IRI held a multi-party training for young women in Ohrid, Macedonia. The training focused on leadership skills and local governance to prepare the young women to become more involved in local elections. Aurore Bergé, a newly elected Member of the French Assembly and spokesperson for “La... Read More
Ashley Bruggemann
Program Officer, Women's Democracy Network @aebruggemann
What Can Youth Accomplish in the Central African Republic?
Youth have historically been marginalized in the Central African Republic (CAR), a country that experienced multiple episodes of violent conflict since its independence in 1960. Armed groups that exploited the absence of state institutions to exacerbate ethnic and religious differences during the... Read More
Julie Guillaume
Program Assistant, Africa Division
Kenya Election Notebook: Rains, Boycotts, Credibility and Blessings
It is election eve in Kenya, and there is a tense calm as rain blankets several parts of the country. They say in Africa that rain is a blessing, and given the unprecedented political developments since Kenya's August 8 general elections, a blessing may be just the right medicine for a country so... Read More
John G. Tomaszewski
Africa Regional Director@tomozeus
Venezuela: Competing Fairly in Rigged Elections
There was a time in the Americas when the majority of countries were ruled by dictators of one sort or another. In the last 30 years, free, competitive elections have led to regular, transparent choices in leadership in all but a small handful of countries. However, Newtonian physics tells us... Read More
Division Director, Latin American and the Caribbean@StephenJohnson
Kenya Election Notebook: Brace for Impact
With two days to go until Kenya's repeat presidential election, the country is bracing for impact. All that has transpired since Kenya's Supreme Court annulled the re-election of... Read More
Regional Director, Africa @tomozeus
Ecuador’s Future in Seven Questions
Taking office on May 24, 2017, on the heels of a bruising campaign and close runoff election, President Lenin Moreno has proceeded to shake up Ecuadoran politics. Moreno ran on the Alianza PAIS (AP) ticket—the party created and led by outgoing President Rafael Correa. Many observers expected... Read More
Travis Green
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Regional Dialogue in Southern Africa
Southern Africa, for many years considered a beacon of democracy on the continent, has recently been showing signs of democratic decline. Corruption, state capture, compromised judicial and legislative institutions and attempts to stifle media and freedom of expression have become too common of a... Read More
Lara Petricevic
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Practical Approach to Youth Participation: Generation Democracy Global Summit 2017
The Generation Democracy Global Summit in Vienna, Austria was as a model example of how to meaningfully involve youth in political engagement. When I arrived in Vienna, I was skeptical that European politics could be a model of active democratic participation in Africa. However, interactive... Read More
Mantate Mlotshwa
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Using Film to Empower Youth Reconciliation in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Just over 20 years ago, leaders of the main ethnic groups of former Yugoslavia signed the Dayton Agreement, ending years of bloody conflict. Few Americans are familiar with the Dayton agreement and America’s involvement in facilitating the agreement. Even fewer are up to speed on what is currently... Read More
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Go Right, Young Man!
One lesson from yesterday’s early elections to the National Council in Austria is this: the mainline center-right and center-left parties in Europe are not necessarily consigned to ever-dwindling results if they can reorient themselves to better address the views and demands of the population and... Read More
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A dispatch from the booths
24 November 2007 > Articles, SMH blog 2006-8
It’s a cold, rainy morning in Sydney, so much so that when I saw the queue shivering at my local polling booth, I nearly turned away. Compulsory voting claims another victim. While I was waiting for an eternity to exercise my democratic right, I got a chance to check what messages the parties are trying to push on polling day.
After reading this briefing on the messages the campaigns are trying to ram down your throat, you’ll be safe to keep your eyes firmly closed or even put a paper bag over your head so none of the annoying volunteers can bother you as you walk into your booth
Climate Change Coalition: If a photo of a confused-looking Dr Karl wearing a Hawaiian shirt is enough to convince you to elect him to the Senate, you may find one or two hiding at the outer reaches of your booth. Except that Dr Karl isn’t even first on the ticket – it’s Patrice Newell, Phillip Adams’ wife, using his profile to try and get in to the Senate. As we all know, Dr Karl understands almost everything, but I fear he may not quite have understood just how slim his chances were before resigning his ABC job.
Democrats: A noble ambition, but a slogan to fire up the troops. And of course there are lots of ways of bringing back balance to the Senate – voting Labor for one. The original slogan tapped into most Australians’ feelings about politics, namely that those involved are “bastards” who need to be “kept honest”. This worthy yet limp approach perfectly encapsulates Lyn Allison’s slow, steady hand steering the party into the ground. And would you believe, they didn’t have anyone handing out how-to-vote cards at my booth for some time?
Eventually one lone Democrat showed up as I was leaving. He was wearing a fetching orange “Lyn to Win” t-shirt. I was surprised by this, since Lyn Allison is from Victoria. But then I realised the genius of the Democrats’ plan. The NSW candidate is Lyn Shumack. That spelling is almost as rare as a Dems supporter these days, so to find someone who ticks both boxes is a remarkable campaign coup. At first I was hailing the brilliant strategy which would deliver the Dems a purely Lyn-based recovery. But then I realised it’s probably because that they can only afford one set of t-shirts.
Family First: It’ll surprise no one when I tell you that in Darlinghurst, they didn’t bother campaigning. It seems the rights of gay families aren’t among those being put first. I’ll update this when I’ve actually seen some of their supporters elsewhere in Sydney.
Greens: They’re got lots of pictures of Bob Brown everywhere. Which seems strange, since he isn’t running in NSW, and unlike the Lower House where your vote does actually help elect the leader, those voting Green today aren’t giving Bob Brown anything more than friends. Still, no one’s heard of anyone else from the Greens, and their campaign staff are wearing spunky green t-shirts, and they want to do something or other about the environment, which is as much as anyone voting green ever knows about their party’s plans.
Labor: Kevin07 t-shirts are everywhere – a clever bit of branding, except that they’ve been around for a few months now and are sooo August. And “Kevin” isn’t exactly Prime Ministerial, compared to the serene gaze of John Howard that has appeared everywhere on election day since I was a toddler; or at least it seems that way. I was in Wentworth this morning, and was surprised to see that not only has George Newhouse’s team got the election date right, but they’ve managed to deliver the appropriate how-to-vote cards in the right places. The first signs of competence yet from the Newhouse campaign.
The election day poster is the same one we’ve seen all campaign of Rudd in an open-necked shirt, smiling beatifically against rolling hills on that day he briefly returned to the country he so successfully left behind. The slogan is “new leadership”. Which is something Julia Gillard will be endorsing if Rudd loses.
Liberals:Not a lot of posters of John Howard to be seen at my booth. Instead they’ve opted for huge signs, bigger than anyone else’s. They warn that when Labor gets in “they’ll just change it all”, on the basis that when Peter Garrett had his “short, jocular conversation”, he was actually formulating policy. And really, if you were a Labor candidate at the left-wing end of the spectrum, is there anyone you’d rather trust with the masterplan for three years of office than Steve Price? The problem with these signs is that a lot of voters will be delighted at the idea of everything changing, and be only too happy to vote Labor. And since they’re in traditional Labor red, they look like an official policy. This could backfire badly.
The poster features images of Garrett, Gillard and Swan with question marks on their faces. I was confused by this – where was Rudd? Then I realised everyone knows what he stands for – continuity with Howard. Peter Costello’s more of a question-mark than Rudd nowadays.
Nationals: Sorry, I live too far into the inner-city for them even to bother campaigning here, but I’ll update this page once I’ve had a chance.
Unions: The Coalition has been presenting the ALP as a coalition between Labor and the unions, calling it “Union-Labor” wherever possible. Of course that’s not actually true. The unions have far more power than, say, the Nationals. But you’ll see evidence of a campaigning coalition at the booths, with separate ACTU campaigners and signs from Labors, in cheerful orange. They’ve continued the “Your rights at work, worth fighting and voting for” theme, oblivious to the problem that it also covers bosses’ new rights at work, which they’ll certainly be voting for. They should probably just have come out and said “Screw WorkChoices”. Still, it’s good to see the union movement still actually has people in it – there have been grave doubts about that lately. Presumably all the people handing out just want a favoured passage to the Labor frontbench.
A column about the Ruddslide
What can we satirise when John is gone?
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Doncaster Rovers badge - Link to home
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Keegan: Keep them Quiet
Midfielder aims to mute South Yorkshire rivals.
Paul Keegan has said that he and his teammates hope to silence the Bramall Lane crowd when Rovers face Sheffield United in the Steel City on Saturday.
The Irish midfielder made his first league start for over six months in last week’s 1-1 home draw against Oldham Athletic.
“It’s nice to be back fit and playing,” he said.
“We had a draw at the weekend, so picked up a point, we would have liked the win and we created the better chances and were the better team so should have won but it gives us confidence going in to the next game which is a big game.
“It's such a good game, there’s obviously going to be a good atmosphere in a big stadium and with a massive crowd, that’s what you want. You want to test yourself; these are hotly tipped to go back up.
“We’ll see how we do at the weekend but they’re massive games and the big players usually step up but these are the games you want to play in.”
Rovers remain under the temporary care of Rob Jones who has made his mark on everything from “in the canteen to on the pitch” - according to Keegan - and will hope to make it four games without a win for Nigel Adkins’ highly fancied Blades.
“I think nearly every year in League 1 they (United) are the favourites to go up and I’m sure when the atmosphere in the ground doesn’t go well, the fans can get on top of them,” he said.
“They’ve had some good results and hopefully we can get the crowd silenced early on and we can get on top of them early on and see how we go from there.”
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Home > News > Products
By James Mills
Products: Dehumidifiers for garages and homes reviewed
Which is best at keeping the damp at bay?
WHETHER YOUR garage is filled with a cherished car, the overspill from family life or a lifetime’s collection of gardening and DIY equipment, the last thing you want is for things to get damp.
However, unless your garage resembles something in which the McLaren Formula One team would park its racing cars, the chances are that it’s cold, the walls and everything within are damp, the windows are running with condensation and the space is poorly ventilated. To help prevent such an environment proving a problem in the long term, it can pay to use a dehumidifier.
Prices range from under £100 to over £200 for typical household units. But the performance and features of dehumidifiers varies. We’ve put some of the best known brands to the test, and will continue to add to reviews over time.
Browse NEW or USED cars for sale on driving.co.uk
Meaco DD8L Zambezi review
Rating: ★★★★☆
Buy one at: Amazon.co.uk
Tech spec: 3 litre capacity, up to 8.3 litre extraction per 24 hours, 45dB operating noise, 7.8kg
The Meaco Zambezi is unique in this company for being built around a desiccant operating system. This uses a combination of chemicals in a wheel to soak up moisture, and heater and fan to remove that trapped moisture from the chemical, storing it in the removable water compartment. They are said to be less affected by changing temperature and humidity levels, which makes them well suited to garages.
A glance at its specification suggests the Zambezi won’t extract as much moisture from the environment. But in our garage-based tests, it proved capable of removing more than the other, compressor-based units, presumably because its desiccant system is better suited to cool conditions.
There are no wheels, but there is a carry handle, and it’s one of the lighter units tested. The control panel is the most sophisticated of all the dehumidifiers reviewed by Driving, and shows considerable thought for how someone might want to programme operation times, such as switching off overnight and back on first thing in the morning. There’s also a child-lock feature and anti-bacterial ioniser.
We found it relatively quiet and vibration-free, and the digital display gives an accurate measurement of current humidity levels in the room and the target the machine has been set to achieve. However, the 3-litre water tank will need emptying at least twice a day, if you can’t take advantage of the continuous drainage feature.
It shuts itself down when the water tank needs emptying and the water tank is the only one here to feature a lid to prevent spills. There are three fan speeds, adjusted according to the unit or set manually if you”d prefer to save energy.
With a two year warranty to help offset its high price, the Zambezi stands as our best buy for keeping a garage free from damp.
Vax DCS3V1HP Power Extract review
Buy one at: Amazon
Tech spec: 5.5 litre capacity, 20 litre extraction per 24 hours, 47dB operating noise, 15kg
If a garage could ever be considered a catwalk and you care about the aesthetic presentation of a dehumidifier, the Vax Power Extract dehumidifiers breezes this contest. It’s the most easy on the eye, with a sleek, modern finish and classy touch-sensitive control panel.
Once turned on, a digital display blinks to life. Uniquely of the three units tested, this shows users the current air humidity. The ‘+’ and ‘-‘ buttons on either side then allow the desired humidity to be set, and the Vax will then whirr away until the room reaches this level or the impressively large, 5.5-litre water tank needs emptying.
Vax claims it can expel 20 litres of water every 24 hours (a less powerful, more affordable 16 litre version is available), and it came close to this during its time on test. There’s also an automatic shut-off, if the water tank is full or the temperature falls too low.
There’s a night mode, which switches off the various LED lights and reduces the fan speed, so it’s marginally less noisy. Another handy feature includes a 24-hour timer, which means you can set it to turn off after a defined period of time.
And if you’re using it in the house, the clothes drying and fan settings may be handy, especially with the adjustable air outlet cover, which lets you direct the airflow to some extent.
Dimplex FTE16 review
Buy one at: Argos
Tech spec: 2.3 litre capacity; 16 litre extraction per 24 hours; 45dB operating noise; continuous drainage feature; 13.7kg
In this test, the Dimplex treads just the right line down the middle of the road. It’s affordably priced, doesn’t look as workmanlike as the ScrewFix offering (below) and comes with a relatively comprehensive specification.
Operation is simple. You plug it in and use a rotary dial to set the desired humidity level.
It is claimed to extract 16 litres per 24 hours, but you’ll be kept busy as it does so; the water tank holds just 2.3 litres, which is notably small, but goes some way to explaining the Dimplex’s petite stature. A good job, then, that it features automatic shut-off once the tank’s full.
In a garage, it will operate down to 5C, before shutting off. It’s not as sophisticated as the Vax. So while the maker says that it can be used to dry clothes, for example, you just crank the rotary dial to its minimum humidity level setting.
However, it’s the most wieldy of this trio, mainly because its castor wheels are so free-moving. And the fan is just slightly quieter than the Vax.
ScrewFix WDH-122H-12R review
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Buy one at: Screwfix
Tech spec: 4 litre capacity; 12 litre extraction per 24 hours; 38dB operating noise; continuous drainage feature; 10kg
The ScrewFix unit doesn’t look as though it’s been designed with a great deal of enthusiasm. It’s cheap and cheerful, but for many shoppers the price will go a long way to offsetting concerns about how it looks in the garage or corner of the conservatory.
The control panel is the most basic here. There’s a rotary dial that has a marked position for normal humidity (between 50-60%, according to the maker), and then no further increments until the continuous setting, so there’s an element of guess work involved.
However, it’s easy to move about, such as from the garage to the house, as there’s a carry handle across the top, in addition to castor wheels. And with a 4 litre water tank, it can be left to its own devices for a good while, depending on conditions.
It’s comparatively quiet, there’s an automatic shut-off and the ability to set it up with continuous drainage. So the ScrewFix unit ticks all the basics. However, if it were our money, we’d spend a little more on the Dimplex or Vax alternatives.
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Sodium Salicylate Tablets
» Sodium Salicylate Tablets contain not less than 95.0 percent and not more than 105.0 percent of the labeled amount of C7H5NaO3.
Packaging and storage Preserve in well-closed containers.
USP Sodium Salicylate RS .
A: Digest a quantity of powdered Tablets, equivalent to about 1 g of sodium salicylate, with 20 mL of water, and filter: the filtrate responds to the flame test for Sodium 191 and to the tests for Salicylate 191 .
B: To 10 mL of the filtrate obtained in Identification test A add a slight excess of 3 N hydrochloric acid, collect the precipitate on a filter, wash it with small portions of cold water until the last washing is free from chloride, and dry at about 105 for 1 hour: the salicylic acid so obtained melts between 158 and 161 (see Melting Range or Temperature 741 ).
Dissolution 711
Medium: water; 900 mL.
Apparatus 1: 100 rpm.
Time: 45 minutes.
Procedure Determine the amount of C7H5NaO3 dissolved from UV absorbances at the wavelength of maximum absorbance at about 230 nm, using filtered portions of the solution under test, diluted with water, if necessary, in comparison with a Standard solution having a known concentration of USP Sodium Salicylate RS in the same Medium.
Tolerances Not less than 75% (Q) of the labeled amount of C7H5NaO3 is dissolved in 45 minutes.
Assay Place not less than 20 Tablets in a 200-mL volumetric flask, add 100 mL of water, and allow to stand, with frequent agitation, until the tablets disintegrate completely. Dilute with water to volume, and mix. Filter through a dry filter into a dry flask, discarding the first 10 mL of the filtrate. Transfer an accurately measured volume of the subsequent filtrate, equivalent to about 500 mg of sodium salicylate, to a separator, and dilute with water, if necessary, to make about 25 mL. Add 75 mL of ether and 10 drops of bromophenol blue TS, and titrate with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid VS, mixing the water and ether layers by vigorous shaking until a permanent, pale green color is produced in the water layer. Draw off the water layer into a small flask, wash the ether layer once with 5 mL of water, and add this to the water layer. Add 20 mL of ether to the combined water solutions, and mix. Continue the titration with vigorous shaking until a permanent, pale green color is produced in the water layer. Each mL of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid is equivalent to 16.01 mg of C7H5NaO3.
Monograph Clydewyn M. Anthony, Ph.D.
1-301-816-8139 (MDCCA05) Monograph Development-Cough Cold and Analgesics
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the play "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell
Uploaded by CaseyP on Dec 01, 2016
Uncovering the Mysteries Surrounding the Death of Mr. Wright in Trifles by Susan Glaspell
In a murder case, it is believed that the only person who knows the truth is the victim.The play composed by Susan Glaspell in 1916 is based on the murder of John Wright where the prime suspect is his wife, Minnie Foster. Henry Peters, the Sheriff, George Henderson, a lawyer, and Lewis Hale, a neighbor access the farmhouse to probe the killing of its former occupant, John Wright. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hale start their individual investigation, collecting items to take to the perpetrator, Minnie. The points to be discussed include various themes, setting of the play, genre, and the role of women in uncovering the mysteries surrounding the death of Mr. Wright. Even though some men believe that women are inferior to them, Glaspell proves otherwise through her usage of title, setting, themes, genres, and the position of females in uncovering the mystery surrounding the death of Mr. Wright.
The title of the play is ironic. Therefore, sending a message to the reader that things are not as they seem. The action in the play follows the murder of John Wright by her wife. It is ironic that the men consider women's role as Trifles, yet the victim is one of their own. Besides, the respectable men of the town mandated with the task of investigating the crime are unable to solve the mysterious murder of John. Instead, a group of uneducated women manages to join the various evidence found at the crime scene to unravel the events that led to the murder of John. Suzy Holstein Clarkson, author and former TV personality, considers, Glaspell’s Trifles adeceptive play. The reason for this is that it appears simple almost inconsequential yet "the play represents a profound conflict between two models of perception and behavior" (Holstein 282). The title of the short story followed by several remarks made by some of the characters depict the chauvinistic views of men toward women. Mr. Hale remarks that “women are used to worrying over Trifles” (Glaspell, Trifles, Ch 35 1114).In a way, the audience expects the county attorney as well as the sheriff to be the play's protagonist. However, they are presented as the antagonist because of their degrading criticism towards the female abilities. It is ironic that the men consider women as Trifles, yet the audiences view the latter as...
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Category: Art and Music
Length: 13 pages (2,821 words)
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Feminist Symbolism in the Play Trifles by Susan Glaspell
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at Mrs. Wrights kitchen and her home. They are talking about her with deep compassion and empathy, discussing her jarred fruit fre...
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When Hamlet returns home, he is greeted with what he is convinced is his fathers ghost. After identifying himself, the ghost prom...
Susan Glaspell’s “Trifles”
men are following a "preset plan" in their search for evidence and are, therefore, convinced at the end of the play that they have...
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In two pages this play and short story by Susan Glaspell are contrasted and compared in terms of themes and characterization. The...
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Mechanical Engineering Schools In Wyoming
Wyoming has is only one accredited mechanical engineering school where mechanical engineering faculty who teach mechanical engineering classes can find employment. The graphs, statistics and analysis below outline the current state and the future direction of academia in mechanical engineering in the state of Wyoming, which encompasses mechanical engineering training at the following levels:
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering
Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering
PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering
Arrange By
Nearest Location To Campus Size Large Medium Small Campus Setting Rural Suburb Urban Faculty Population 0 - 15,000
Student Population 0 - 50,000
Average Faculty Salary $0 - $200,000
Degree Issued Bachelors Post Baccalaureate Certificates Masters Post Masters Certificates PH.D in Research PH.D in Professional Practice
Corner of Ninth and Ivinson, Laramie, Wyoming 82071
152 U.S. News National University Ranking
Mechanical Engineering Schools in Laramie, WY1 Schools
Professional Trends
Wyoming Vs. National Mechanical Engineering Employment
National 549,180
Of all of the mechanical engineering professionals in the country, nearly 0% are in the state of Wyoming.
Employment Growth for Mechanical engineering professionals In Wyoming
Yellow: Actual Values
In Wyoming, mechanical engineering is a growing field. There were 120 more mechanical engineering professionals working in Wyoming in 2010, than there were in 2006. This represents a 20% growth in the field. This growth is faster than the national trend for mechanical engineering professionals which shows a 4% decrease in the number of mechanical engineering professionals working around the nation.
Mechanical Engineering VS. All Professions salaries in Wyoming
$53,523 $57,175 $58,188 $57,880 $58,408
Light Blue: Mechanical Engineering
Dark Yellow: All Professions
In Wyoming, as the number of mechanical engineering professionals is growing, the salaries earned by mechanical engineering professionals are increasing. Mechanical engineering professionals earned a yearly mean salary of $53,523 in 2006. They earned a yearly mean salary of $58,408 in 2010.
Salary percentiles for Mechanical engineering professionals in Wyoming
10th percentile $33,418
This represents a growth in salaries of 8%. State trends for all professions mirror this growth. There is a 162% pay differential between the highest paid mechanical engineering professionals and those in the bottom 10% of the pay bracket. Thus, there is huge variation in pay, within the field of mechanical engineering in Wyoming.
Average Salaries for Mechanical engineering professionals and related professions in Wyoming
Civil Engineering $52,520
Drafting $47,213
Electrical Engineering $63,620
Mechanical Engineering $58,408
In Wyoming, mechanical engineering professionals earn, on average, more than professionals in related fields.
Educational Trends
Mechanical Engineering programs available for each degree type for all schools in Wyoming
associate 0
bachelor 1
The number of students graduating from the only accredited mechanical engineering school in Wyoming is increasing. In 2006 there were 34 mechanical engineering graduates from mechanical engineering courses in Wyoming and in 2010 there were 43 graduates.
Thus there was a 26% percent increase in the number of mechanical engineering school degree or certificate graduates in Wyoming. Most of these graduates, or 33%, earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering Faculty Salaries in Wyoming
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Select your position Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor Instructor Lecturer Enter your school of employment Enter the subject you teach Please enter all fields.
The number of mechanical engineering faculty, growth in the field of mechanical engineering academia and mechanical engineering faculty salaries in Wyoming, is all data we are currently in the process of collecting. Your anonymous submission of information regarding your career and salary will help us create a valuable career planning database for the benefit of mechanical engineering faculty at the bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, masters degree in mechanical engineering, and doctoral degree in mechanical engineering levels in Wyoming. Once you submit your information, you will get a chance to see the data we have collected thus far.
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Turning the Ship: Steering Our Learning Culture toward Performance Support
Molly Petroff
Education Specialist
Saint Vincent Health Center (SVHC) used both classroom and eLearning programs over the last 10 years, but both systems had problems with information overload, retention, and poor transfer of learning to the job. Moving toward a performance support culture has provided it with a method of giving associates the information they need, when they need it, where they need it. It’s also converting its education to a three-part performance support model, to include prerequisite information, classroom time dedicated to practice with a skill or concept, and follow-up performance support on the job. How does a company deal with such a big culture change?
Participants in this case-study session will examine the role of performance support in the workplace and how Saint Vincent Health Center is applying it. You’ll get a description of the steps taken to acquire executive and management buy-in for performance support as the new organizational learning philosophy; how stakeholders were involved in the process of building the performance support solution; a demonstration of one of its performance support solutions and how it works; and how implementation has alleviated long-standing problems.
The cultural aspects of performance support
Steps taken by SVHC to implement a performance support philosophy for education
Methods used by SVHC to involve administration and stakeholders to assure success
The lessons learned by the implementation team during the process
Intermediate professionals.
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Take This SHOW on the Road
By ELLE
Photographer Nick Knight's fabulous fashion website, SHOWstudio.com, has taken up retail residence in London and I was recently able to pick the brain of the site's fashion director, Alex Fury, about his favorite merchandise.
The space, located at 1-9 Bruton Place in Mayfair, has also been occupied by Maison Martin Margiela, as well as Francis Bacon and Lucien Freud's studios once upon a time.
"Expect the unexpected," said Fury of the store's stock, "You really never know what you will find in there."
Currently, they have on display a miniature Victorian greenhouse and oversize cherries by set designer Simon Costin, a taxidermied tiger from Nick Knight's latest shoot with Alexander McQueen, and a Union Jack with skull-and-crossbones hand-painted by John Galliano.
Fury raved about how on the store's opening day, Galliano himself came over from Paris to check out the stock!
"We have so many incredible pieces, it's difficult to choose just one. But I am a huge fan of Simon Foxton's work, and I particularly love his Protest Jacket (1987), as featured in the "8 for '88″ shoot for December/January 1988′s i-D. A timely choice, given his recent exhibition at the Photographer's Gallery and his own inimitable contributions to SHOWstudio.com!"
If you can't make it to Bruton Street, it's all good, because all the pieces are available on www.showstudio.com.
—Rebecca Suhrawardi Austin
Kendall Jenner Influenced a New Adidas Collection
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Burley: Can't argue against Scotland VAR decision
Craig Burley says that Scotland's women can't feel hard done by the laws of the game, after a 3-3 draw against Argentina sent them out of the World Cup.
The artist behind Jeter's custom cleats
The Dictator's Team
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Home France-Startups Paris-based v...
France-Startups
Paris-based visual recognition startup Deepomatic raises €5.5 million
Paris-based startup Deepomatic specialises in visual recognition technology for industrial projects. The startup has just raised €5.5 million in a Series A round led by Hi Ino, with participation from Alven and the business angel Bertrand Diard.
Launched in 2014, Deepomatic was originally started with the ambition of becoming the “Shazam for images” – allowing users to find objects in photographs or videos. But the concept never found an audience, pushing the company to reinvent itself, and at the end of 2016 the startup pivoted and decided to change its model by developing a product for companies.
Deepomatic has since created two flagship products, Deepomatic Studio and Deepomatic Run, which allow companies to design their own applications based on visual recognition, and then deploy them on an industrial scale in less than three months.
The potential uses are immense with the democratisation of this AI-based image processing technology. Visual recognition can detect cancer cells, analyse images on social networks, or identify terrorist behaviors. Deepomatic’s technology has enabled its customer Compass to automate the collection of thousands of meal trays per day at its restaurants, and Oscaro to automate the quality control of its product listings. So far, the company has around twenty customers, including Valeo, Airbus, and Galeries Lafayette.
With the fresh funding, Deepomatic plans to accelerate its international development, opening a new office in New York to expand into the North American market.
“This round of €5.5 million feeds our current obsession for each company to become autonomous in exploiting all that digital transformation has to offer through AI,” said Augustin Marty, co-founder and CEO of Deepomatic. “Each industrial solution created using Deepomatic materialises our vision of a pragmatic AI and represents a victory that nourishes the ambitions of the whole society.“
Deepomatic
visual recognition
Previous articleFrench startup Ambler raises €1.5 million to streamline medical transportation
Next articleBelgian platform Sortlist raises €2 million to help companies find the right marketing agency
Stuttgart-based industrial wearable startup aucobo raises seven-digit sum from Speedinvest
Startup Jobs of the Week: Primephonic, Medicus, FlexiDAO, ViriCiti, and Customer Alliance are h...
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10 Paris-based startups to look out for in 2019 and beyond
Paris-based HR tech company CleverConnect raises €5.5 million to reduce unemployment in Europe
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Public Release: 4-Dec-2017
Discovery of key molecules involved in severe malaria
A new target for malaria vaccine
IMAGE: P. falciparum induces the expression of RIFINs on the surface of infected erythrocytes. RIFINs target host inhibitory receptor LILRB1, thus facilitating escape from host immune system by inhibition of the... view more
Credit: Osaka University
Malaria*1 is one of three major infectious diseases*2 affecting approximately 300 million people every year, accounting for about 500,000 deaths, but effective vaccine development has not been successful. Among malaria parasites infecting humans, Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum)*3 causes especially severe disease. In addition, acquired immunity to malaria is inefficient, even after repeated exposures to P. falciparum, but the immune regulatory mechanisms used by P. falciparum remain largely unclear. Therefore, malaria parasites appear to have a mechanism to escape our immune system.
A research group led by Fumiji Saito, Kouyuki Hirayasu, Hisashi Arase at Osaka University found that proteins called RIFIN expressed on erythrocytes infected with P. falciparum help the parasite to suppress the host immune response, causing severe malaria (Fig. 1). These findings are expected to contribute to the development of effective vaccines and therapeutic drugs against malaria.
Malaria parasites infect mainly erythrocytes in the host and proliferate within infected erythrocytes. The team found that proteins called RIFIN*4 expressed on P falciparum-infected erythrocytes bind to a host inhibitory receptor LILRB1*5. Furthermore, RIFIN suppresses the immune response to malaria, resulting in severe complications of malaria.
This research disclosed for the first time in the world that P. falciparum has a new mechanism to suppress the host immune response by using an inhibitory receptor, contributing to the pathogenesis of severe malaria. The results of this research are expected to greatly contribute to the development of therapeutic drug and vaccine against malaria.
*1 Malaria
Infectious diseases caused by malaria parasites
*2 Three major infectious diseases
Malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS
*3 Plasmodium falciparum
Malaria parasites infecting humans, and causing the most severe complications of malaria
*4 RIFIN
RIFIN proteins are encoded by the rif (repetitive interspersed family) genes of P. falciparum. There are about 150 rif genes per parasite genome. However, their functions have been still unclear.
*5 LILRB1
One of the immune inhibitory receptors that suppress the activation of immune cells and prevent autoimmune responses by recognizing self-molecules like major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. Human cytomegalovirus is also known to have a viral MHC class I-like molecule (UL18) that suppresses the immune response via LILRB1 for immune escape.
Title: Immune evasion of Plasmodium falciparum by RIFIN via inhibitory receptors
Journal: Nature
DOI: 10.1038/nature24994
Authors: Fumiji Saito*, Kouyuki Hirayasu*, Takeshi Satoh, Christian W. Wang, John Lusingu, Takao Arimori, Kyoko Shida, Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac, Sawako Itagaki, Shiroh Iwanaga, Eizo Takashima, Takafumi Tsuboi, Masako Kohyama, Tadahiro Suenaga, Marco Colonna, Junichi Takagi, Thomas Lavstsen, Toshihiro Horii, Hisashi Arase
*These authors equally contributed to this work.
Saori Obayashi
gi-strategy@cgin.osaka-u.ac.jp
@osaka_univ_e
http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en
Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
INFECTIOUS/EMERGING DISEASES
Mechanism of Immune Escape by P. falciparum (IMAGE)
http://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/research/2017/20171130_1
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature24994
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Postal 2
Originally the deadline was a bit harsh, so Martin shot us. With his bare hands.
Review by Martin Taylor, Designer
One has to wonder what Running With Scissors have been doing since the original Postal's release in 1997. Making friends with Gary Coleman and selling homemade cookies to save up for an Unreal engine license we suppose. Postal was - in a word - dire, so have Running With Scissors become big or clever while the videogaming world has matured around them?
Shock tactics
What is a pinko, anyway?
The idea behind Postal 2, say Running With Scissors, is that it's only as violent as you are. Certainly, there may be submachine guns, shotguns, shovels and Molotov cocktails arbitrarily placed throughout (ugh) "Postal Dude's" hometown of Paradise, but you don't have to use them. You can, if you like, spend a week of the Dude's life fulfilling the menial tasks that form the trials and tribulations of our trench-coated protagonist.
But that's not how it works. You can either let the game provoke you into a homicidal rage, or you can die and reload. We'll take one of the first missions as an example: pick up your pay cheque. We saunter across town, taking in the sights, watching the inhabitants of Paradise going about their business, trekking through two traffic tunnels which signify load points of roughly 90 seconds each until we finally arrive at work - the Running With Scissors office. Once you've picked up your cheque (and been fired, as it turns out), the picketing parents outside decide to take their protest up a notch and storm the offices with assault rifles in the game's first supposed effort at irony.
Now, you can try to flee unscathed, but it's not going to happen unless you're playing on the absolute easiest setting. You either die and reload, or fight back. And so it goes on. Once you're (somewhat willingly) pushed over the edge, it can admittedly be fun to indulge in the opportunities for mindless violence that arrive at every turn of a corner, and in every random box of a building you enter. However, knocking the heads off civilians with a shovel, using cats as shotgun silencers, and setting fire to marching bands before extinguishing the flames with a stream of your own urine wears thin in about an hour's play, after which there is nothing to do but trawl through the game completing menial tasks by any means necessary.
I honestly have no words.
And you really do have to employ any means necessary, as the game starts to become so ridiculously hard that creatively despatching adversaries is usually sidestepped in favour of getting shot of the uncannily accurate and curiously armoured civilians and/or police officers as quickly as possible. Somehow able to take a couple of shotgun blasts to the head, marauding Paradise-ites are usually more likely to whip out the firearms than even you are, when they're not showing you the finger and calling you a "f**king pinko."
It really does feel as if the odds are stacked right up against you right from the outset, and it's usually easy enough to become accidentally embroiled in violence and find yourself being cuffed by the cops just for defending yourself when masked gunmen rob the bank, which prompts a relocation to jail and your subsequent escape. Either that, or you die and reload. Again.
When you aren't killing (and even when you are for the most part), Postal 2 is not fun. You queue up at a bank, you queue up at a convenience store, you witness flagrant racial stereotypes paraded as comedy, you walk past billboards showcasing unfunny jokes... it's boring. Extremely boring. Traipsing back and forth across the uninspiring levels to achieve pointless goals, and often having to sit through two or three load points in the process, only compounds the dullness.
Taking the bid to appeal to all types of meat eater a little too far.
Frankly, after about two hours with Postal 2, the whole thing begins to reek of a flimsy attempt to goad "Family Values"-oriented politicians, and not much more. The Unreal-powered visuals are just about of a whimsical quality, as are the supposedly "motion captured" animations, although the exterior environments are a little more detailed and lusher than the plain, boxy interiors throughout the game's sprawling map. The weaponry is poorly balanced (it's actually easier to bump someone off with a shovel than an assault rifle), but does allow for some creativity. Our preferred method of "self defence" was to lead a trail of oil to a larger pool, step well back with a lit match and wait for them to come running. Whoof, toasty, but again fun for five minutes until we start looking for something else to do.
If the comedic side of the game reached any level of sophistication beyond playing keep-ups with a severed head and urinating on passers-by until they puke, then Postal 2 could have been marginally more entertaining. GTA3 managed it - senseless violence, sardonic wit, genuine humour, and apparently menial tasks peppered with a sense of fun that urges you to continue. There is no reason something similar could not have been pulled off with Postal 2, aside from the fact that Running With Scissors clearly wouldn't know intelligent comedy if it used their rear ends for a silencer - the biographies page on the RWS website says more about these witless hacks than we ever could.
Throughout the game, there are references to the use of the videogame industry as a scapegoat for nannying politicians and American gun lobbyists refusing to take responsibility for the state of the few misguided crackpots that make the news every so often. However, instead of using their position wisely and crafting a scathing, sophisticated social satire of middle America, Running With Scissors have chosen to flaunt their freedom of expression in the worst possible sense - with provocation rather than consideration - and they haven't even managed to come up with a decent piece of entertainment.
We were hoping Running With Scissors would be capable of pulling off more than a decent looking Half-Life mod crafted by a 13 year-old boy with a concerning fetish for mindless slaughter, but that's what it feels like we've been playing. The basic toilet humour running through the piece can't hide the short-lived gameplay, and leads to an extremely unfulfilling and tiresome experience that any sane person would be hard-pressed to push on with.
We honestly can't think of a reason to recommend that you purchase Postal 2, so save your money. Download the demo, find out how to extend the timer, and you'll have all the fun you're likely to get from the retail version.
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More about Postal 2
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Martin Taylor
This is my public bio. There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My public bio is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my public bio is useless. Without my public bio, I am useless.
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Johnson insists ‘common sense’ breaking out over getting Brexit done
Conservative Party leadership candidate Boris Johnson during a Tory leadership hustings in Maidstone, Kent
Boris Johnson appears increasingly confident that MPs will not block a no-deal Brexit after Cabinet minister Amber Rudd said it had to remain in the “armoury” of the new prime minister.
The Tory leadership frontrunner said MPs had “time after time” failed to take the prospect of a no-deal Brexit off the table.
Mr Johnson has insisted he wants a deal with Brussels but is prepared to walk away on October 31 without one if necessary.
He highlighted comments from Ms Rudd, one of the leading figures in the 2016 Remain campaign and a supporter of Jeremy Hunt’s leadership bid.
Boris Johnson arriving with Maidstone and The Weald MP Helen Grant (Gareth Fuller/PA)
The Work and Pensions Secretary told TalkRadio: “Both candidates have said that no deal is part of the armoury and the negotiations going forward and I have accepted that … the situation is that we are leaving by the end of October, but it would be so much better to get a deal. ”
Mr Johnson said: “I saw Amber saying something rather commonsensical today about having no-deal as part of our armoury.
“That’s been government policy as far as I can remember for the last three years.”
(PA Graphics)
Former prime minister Sir John Major has threatened to drag Mr Johnson through the courts if he attempts to suspend Parliament in order to prevent MPs blocking a no-deal exit from the European Union.
But at a Tory leadership hustings in Maidstone Mr Johnson said “common sense” would prevail and MPs would support his efforts to separate the UK from the EU.
“When John Major talks about proroguing and all that legal wrangling and what have you … I think actually, that common sense is breaking out.”
He added that “time after time MPs say that they are going to try to take no deal off the table and, lo and behold, it remains on the table”.
“It’s a pretty adhesive sort of table.”
Thought of tactical voting so it doesn’t look so bad for Boris but in the end it #HastobeHunt pic.twitter.com/CfJ24E6A7o
— Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 11, 2019
Mr Johnson dismissed suggestions it was “fanciful” that the October 31 deadline could be met and insisted the country could be prepared to leave on that date.
“We will be ready on October 31 and we’ve got to get on and do it.”
In response to questions about his leadership style, Mr Johnson insisted he was a “glutton for detail”.
He played down speculation that he might call a snap election if he took office, insisting “no, of course not”, in part because the Tory party needed more cash.
“There will be, eventually, an election in 2022.
“But before then what we must do is get our great party ready again, we must fill our coffers flush with cash and we must put out – once again – with greater power and clarity and conviction, our belief in modern, one nation, conservatism.”
Mr Hunt warned that “the big risk” facing the party was “if we approach Brexit in a headstrong way, we end up not with Brexit but with an election”.
Jeremy Hunt waits his turn to speak at a Tory leadership hustings in Maidstone (Gareth Fuller/PA)
“There is a big risk with that of, not a Conservative prime minister, but a Marxist prime minister,” he said.
“This is a situation where choosing someone who can pick our way through Brexit, get the details right, negotiate that deal but make careful preparations for no deal in case that doesn’t work – this is truly the quickest way that we will deliver Brexit.”
Mr Hunt said it was a relief that EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier did not secure the nomination for Brussels’ top job as the European Commission president.
And he suggested that the EU had stopped offering concessions to Theresa May because it was apparent she could not get a deal through Parliament.
“They didn’t believe that Theresa May would be able to deliver Parliament for any agreement that was made so they thought it wasn’t worth making the concessions,” he said.
Mr Hunt said that by involving the DUP and all wings of the Tory party in his negotiating team “I will be demonstrating that any proposal that we made to the EU is one that we could actually deliver through Parliament.”
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The use of immunosuppression in autoimmune hepatitis: A current literature review
Angela Cropley, Martin Weltman
DOI : https://doi.org/10.3350/cmh.2016.0089
Cropley and Weltman: The use of immunosuppression in autoimmune hepatitis: A current literature review
Clin Mol Hepatol 2017; 23(1): 22-26.
Published online: March 14, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3350/cmh.2016.0089
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Corresponding author : Martin Weltman Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, Derby St, Kingswood New South Wales, Sydney 2747, Australia
Tel: +61-2-4734-2358, Fax: +61-2-47341313 Email: Martin.Weltman@health.nsw.gov.au
Received December 26, 2016 Accepted February 10, 2017
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an organ specific autoimmune condition which can manifest at any age of life. The heterogeneous nature of this condition means that great variation can be seen in severity, progression of disease and response to treatment within this patient group. Since the 1980s prednisolone and azathioprine have been used for induction and remission of the disease and remain the mainstay of treatment. Other immunosuppressive agents have been employed in difficult to treat cases. While there is less published data regarding these agents compared with the conventional treatments of steroid and azathioprine, there is mounting evidence to support the use of mycophenolate mofetil as a second-line agent. The calcineurin inhibitors, though less studied, additionally show promise. More data is needed on the use of biological agents in refractory disease. This review focuses on our centre’s approach to treatment of AIH in the context of a contemporary review of the literature.
Keywords: Autoimmune hepatitis; Immunosuppression; Prednisone; Azathioprine; Mycophenolate mofetil
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an uncommon though serious and potentially life-threatening disease which requires prompt recognition and treatment by experienced hepatologists. In cases unresponsive to conventional treatment, achieving disease remission can be difficult and institutions may vary in their experience and management of this challenging patient group. The object of this review is to impart our experience in the use of immunosuppression in AIH as well as provide a global perspective in the form of a current literature review.
Autoimmune hepatitis is an organ specific autoimmune disease that manifests as a chronic inflammatory disease of the liver, typically characterized by periportal inflammation, elevated autoantibodies and hypergammaglobulinemia. A variety of clinical presentations can be observed ranging from mild, almost subclinical disease to fulminant hepatitis [1]. While the pathogenesis is not fully understood, the current hypothesis is that an environmental agent is thought to trigger a dysregulated T-cell response against auto antigens in genetically susceptible individuals. A relative paucity of regulatory T-cells amongst an inflammatory milieu driven by effector T-cells sustains and potentiates the disease [2,3]. The worldwide prevalence varies and is 10-20:100,000 in Europe, as high as 43:100,000 in Alaskan populations and as low as 4-5:100,000 in Singapore and Brunei [4,5]. There is a female predominance of 3:1 [6].
Up to a third of patients present with established cirrhosis [6]. A further third present with acute icteric hepatitis, though the majority of patients have subacute disease [6]. Younger patients may present in a more acute fashion when compared with the elderly [6]. However the prevailing view is that asymptomatic and symptomatic patients should be treated in the same manner, as the disease progression is similar in both groups [7].
Clinical practice guidelines are available to aid the accurate diagnosis of AIH. The diagnosis is based on the presence of specific autoantibodies, immunoglobulin levels and histology as well as the absence of acute viral serology [8,14].
The classical histological hallmark of AIH is interface hepatitis characterised by inflammation and erosion at the junction of the hepatic parenchyma with the portal tracts. Centrilobular lesions and necrosis are present when the disease is severe and progressive. Acute cases may appear histologically indistinct to drug induced liver injury [9]. Fibrosis and cirrhosis may already be evident in subacute disease [8].
TREATMENT INDICATIONS
Absolute indications for treatment are a serum AST greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal or an AST greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal in conjunction with a serum globulin level greater than 2 times the upper limit of normal. Bridging or multi-lobular necrosis at presentation is an absolute indication for treatment given the risk of progression to cirrhosis [10]. Furthermore, incapavitating systemic symptoms such as fatigue and arthralgia are also considered absolute indications for treatment [10].
There is less clarity on the outcomes of those patients who present with mild or no symptoms, or mild histological, or laboratory features of disease. As there remains no clear certainty to predict those with a mild disease course, the prevailing view is that treatment is indicated in the vast majority of cases of AIH. Treatment is certainly justified in all patients with evidence of active disease, whether clinical, histological or serological, and especially in those with advanced liver disease [8,10].
The primary goal of treatment is the complete resolution of symptoms and biochemistry, and the prevention of hepatocellular damage. Furthermore, as AIH is a chronic disorder, the secondary goal is that of prevention of progression of fibrosis leading to cirrhosis [8].
Corticosteroids, in particular prednisolone (or prednisone), are the key initial therapy and need to be introduced early on in the affected individual. They are effective in 80% of patients with AIH including vulnerable patient subgroup populations such as cirrhotic patients and the elderly [11-13].
The addition of azathioprine is almost always necessary and often becomes the mainstay of long-term treatment with or without corticosteroids [8,10,14]. However, about 10–20% of patients do not respond adequately to conventional therapy or are intolerant of azathioprine [11]. Failure to respond is characterized by deteriorating liver biochemistry (mainly transaminases) and, in some patients’, rapid progression to cirrhosis. Consequently, alternative therapeutic regimens have been used and will be discussed further in this review.
STANDARD TREATMENT
The utility of prednisone in AIH was demonstrated in seminal trials published in the 1970s and 1980s. These studies demonstrated the profound long-term mortality reduction with prednisolone treatment and established its use for induction and remission for AIH [15,16]. However owing to significant side effects with the use of steroids, an alternate agent was sought, particularly for long-term disease control. Subsequent research focusing on azathioprine demonstrated its use as an effective steroid sparing agent for maintenance of disease remission [17,18] and it is the most widely used agent for this purpose today.
Prednisone remains the mainstay of induction therapy and is frequently commenced concurrently with azathioprine on diagnosis. Ideally, upon resolution of liver biochemistry and clinical parameters, azathioprine is continued alone in the remission period. However, this is not always achievable, and frequently prednisone is continued at a low dose to sustain remission. We try where possible to limit long-term prednisone use to 10 mg or less daily in this setting in order to minimise potential steroid adverse effects.
International guidelines recommend induction prednisone of 1 mg/kg/day, up to a maximum of 60 mg/day, when used as the sole agent [10]. This dose is lowered to a maximum of 30 mg/day when used concurrently with azathioprine [10,14]. An alternate approach of administering an induction dose of 60 mg/day of prednisone in conjunction with azathioprine has been demonstrated to achieve more rapid biochemical remission in non-cirrhotic patients [19]. In practice, this more aggressive approach would be suitable for those patients with more florid acute hepatitis.
Our approach is to commence prednisone concurrently with azathioprine for induction of remission in AIH. In patients with severe acute hepatitis including those patients with fulminant hepatitis intravenous hydrocortisone can be used at 100 mg IV QID. Generally though, we commence oral prednisone 40-50 mg/day in the adult patient. Azathioprine is commenced concurrently at 1 mg/kg/day and is titrated depending on disease response. A suboptimal improvement in clinical parameters and liver biochemistry may prompt further escalation to 2 mg/kg/day to a maximum dose of 200 mg/day. However, patients usually respond to modest doses of 100 mg daily or less.
Commencing azathioprine at diagnosis allows a therapeutic maximum to be reached by the time remission is achieved with steroids and provides time for dosage adjustments prior to the maintenance stage if patient response is indeed suboptimal.
We use 6-mercaptopurine in instances of intolerable gastrointestinal side effects due to azathioprine, as less side effects have been observed with this agent. 6-Mercaptopurine has been employed elsewhere with good effect in AIH [20].
In contrast to inflammatory bowel disease, measurements of thiopurine metabolites are not a useful guide to therapy in AIH [21-23]. Rather, clinical parameters and transaminase levels guide therapy. In our centre, serial monitoring of mean corpuscular volume, liver function and full blood count is performed to monitor for toxicity.
Oral budesonide is an alternative to prednisone and lessens systemic steroid side effects. It can be given at doses of 3 mg twice or thrice daily in combination with azathioprine [24]. Our experience with budesonide is limited largely secondary to it being a more expensive alternative to prednisone.
There is some evidence that its efficacy does compare favourably with prednisone and patients experience significantly less steroid side effects [24]. On the whole though, there is a paucity of literature in relation to the use of budesonide in AIH particularly its use in patients with refractory disease.
Alternative treatments to Corticosteroids and Azathioprine
In cases of treatment failure with azathioprine or in the case of drug intolerance, we use Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). It remains the most studied second line agent for the treatment of AIH [10]. It compares favourably with azathioprine as a first line remission agent and is generally well tolerated [25]. It can be given at doses of 1.5 to 2g daily initially depending on patient tolerance [10,26].
There is increasing data to suggest that its role is largely in patients who are intolerant to azathioprine, rather than in patients failing conventional treatment [27,28].
OTHER AGENTS
The Calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporine and tacrolimus have been used in our centre for the treatment of isolated cases of AIH refractory to conventional therapy with success. Cyclosporin is initiated at 2-5 mg/kg daily and Tacrolimus at 2-6 mg daily. Their common mechanism is ultimate T-cell suppression. As with the more commonly used agents, effectiveness of treatment is monitored by serial measurements of liver biochemistry and the patient’s clinical picture. Repeat liver biopsy is generally only required when response to therapy is totally absent or disease progression or a superimposed insult to the liver is suspected.
Cyclosporine has been employed elsewhere in disease refractory to steroids and azathioprine to achieve effective remission [29,30]. However a common pattern observed in the published data to date is the rapid recurrence of disease on dose reduction or cessation of this agent [8,31,32].
Despite no reports of renal compromise in these studies of cyclosporine in AIH, the potential of renal failure renders it a less attractive agent for long-term remission. Similar renal effects are a potential consequence of tacrolimus use. However, as with cyclosporine, it has been shown to be an effective remission agent in ours and other centres. Its use as a remission agent has been supported by clinical trials [33,34].
Other immunosuppressants have been less studied and published data are limited to small series and case reports. Our experience is limited with methotrexate and Rituximab. There is a small amount of data to suggest effective remission with the use of these agents elsewhere [35-37]. There are understandably concerns re using methotrexate to treat autoimmune liver disease as it is a known hepatotoxin. Interestingly, use of the biological agent infliximab has been associated with deranged liver function and positive autoantibodies, raising the question as to whether it may precipitate AIH in other clinical contexts [38]. The precise nature of this association has yet to be fully elucidated [39]. Despite this, as a therapeutic agent, it has been shown to be effective in biochemical remission [40]. The immunosuppressants Sirolimus and Everolimus have also been used to achieve partial or complete remission in patients who are refractory to conventional treatment [41,42]. A possible role for their use could be in those unable to tolerate calcineurin inhibitors.
The absolute numbers of patients failing conventional therapy is small, which ultimately limits worldwide expertise in the treatment of this patient group. Our approach in this discrete and challenging group of patients is to use MMF, and then to employ cyclosporine or tacrolimus if MMF is not effective. Regular clinical review and monitoring of renal function is imperative. In our experience patients who remain refractory or have severe fulminant hepatitis to treatment are best referred to a transplant centre. If the disease remains non-fulminant then a biologic agent can be employed and rituximab has been safely employed and is the most studied biologic agent to date in AIH. However, there is no real substantial data on the outcomes when using this agent.
Autoimmune hepatitis is an organ specific disease that demonstrates heterogeneity in clinical presentation and disease trajectory. Clinical course is dependent on individual responses to current therapy. While the conventional treatment with steroids and azathioprine is effective in the vast majority of cases, a small proportion of cases fail or do not tolerate standard therapy. To date, the alternative regimes for AIH in this small patient group understandably lack solid prospective data. However MMF is a promising agent and evidence for its efficacy is mounting. We feel it is the most suitable second line agent in refractory disease. Cyclosporin and tacrolimus are also reasonable alternatives. More data is needed into biological therapy before recommending these agents for difficult to treat disease except for salvage therapy.
Conflicts of Interest:The authors have no conflicts to disclose.
AIH
autoimmune hepatitis
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35. Burak KW, Swain MG, Santodomingo-Garzon T, Lee SS, Urbanski SJ, Aspinall AI, et al. Rituximab for the treatment of patients with autoimmune hepatitis who are refractory or intolerant to standard therapy. Can J Gastroenterol 2013;27:273-280.
36. Al-Busafi SA, Michel RP, Deschenes M. Rituximab for refractory autoimmune hepatitis: a case report. Arab J Gastroenterol 2013;14:135-138.
37. Sultan MI, Biank VF, Telega GW. Successful treatment of autoimmune hepatitis with methotrexate. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2011;52:492-494.
38. Borman MA, Urbanski S, Swain MG. Anti-TNF-induced autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2014;61:169-170.
39. Weiler-Normann C, Herkel J, Schramm C, Lohse AW. Reply to: “anti-TNF-induced autoimmune hepatitis”. J Hepatol 2014;61:170-171.
40. Weiler-Normann C, Schramm C, Quaas A, Wiegard C, Glaubke C, Pannicke N, et al. Infliximab as a rescue treatment in difficult-to-treat autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2013;58:529-534.
41. Ytting H, Larsen FS. Everolimus treatment for patients with autoimmune hepatitis and poor response to standard therapy and drug alternative in use. Scand J Gastroenterol 2015;50:1025-1031.
42. Chatrath H, Allen L, Boyer TD. Use of sirolimus in the treatment of refractory autoimmune hepatitis. Am J Med 2014;127:1128-1131.
A case of obstructive jaundice caused by tuberculous lymphadenitis: A literature review 2014 June;20(2)
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Tag Archive for: security force training
Nearly Eight Years After Petraeus’ “Tangible Progress” WashPo Op-Ed, Iraq Security Training Still a Failure
May 13, 2012 /17 Comments/in War /by Jim White
Petraeus likes pineapple, but only if it's fresh. (Kyle McDonald photo, Creative Commons license)
One of the topics I seem to find myself posting on the most frequently is the remarkable lack of accountability for the spectacular failure of David Petraeus’ efforts to train the Iraqi security apparatus. Petraeus has repeatedly touted how wonderfully his training work went and yet whenever the failures of this training actually make it into corporate journalism, Petraeus’ name is nowhere to be found.
Such is the case again today. An article titled “U.S. May Scrap Costly Efforts to Train Iraqi Police” appears on the front page of today’s New York Times and it shows, once again, that the tremendous amounts of money and effort that have gone into “training” in Iraq are a complete waste (and since training is shown to be a failure in this article, Petraeus’ name does not appear):
In the face of spiraling costs and Iraqi officials who say they never wanted it in the first place, the State Department has slashed — and may jettison entirely by the end of the year — a multibillion-dollar police training program that was to have been the centerpiece of a hugely expanded civilian mission here.
But wait, this is the State Department. How did the effort get in their hands? It turns out that they started it originally, turned it over to Petraeus and then recently took it back:
Since 2003, the American government has spent nearly $8 billion training the Iraqi police. The program was first under the State Department, but it was transferred to the Department of Defense in 2004 as the insurgency intensified. Yet the force that the American military left behind was trained to fight a counterinsurgency, not to act as a traditional law enforcement organization. Police officers here, for example, do not pull over speeding drivers or respond to calls about cats stuck in trees.
Petraeus burst onto the scene politically in September of 2004, when he penned an op-ed in the Washington Post in which he praised himself for his wonderful work in training Iraqi security forces:
Helping organize, train and equip nearly a quarter-million of Iraq’s security forces is a daunting task. Doing so in the middle of a tough insurgency increases the challenge enormously, making the mission akin to repairing an aircraft while in flight — and while being shot at. Now, however, 18 months after entering Iraq, I see tangible progress. Read more →
https://www.emptywheel.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Logo-Web.png 0 0 Jim White https://www.emptywheel.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Logo-Web.png Jim White2012-05-13 10:44:512012-05-13 10:44:51Nearly Eight Years After Petraeus' "Tangible Progress" WashPo Op-Ed, Iraq Security Training Still a Failure
Michael Keenan on On CNN’s WikiLeaks Exclusive: Remember the Other Document Dumps
Ed Walker 🍞🌹@MasaccioEWRT @JessePesta: A surreal @CoralMDavenport scoop: The EPA plans to kill its appeals process whereby citizens can argue that polluters shou…9 hours ago15 July 2019
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Latest in Entertainment
Your library's audiobook app now supports Apple CarPlay
'Mad Max: Fury Road' is an Ultra HD Blu-ray launch title
Following Fox, Warner Bros. says it will have 35 4K movies on Blu-ray by the end of 2016.
01.03.16 in AV
Ultra HD Blu-ray is finally coming in 2016, and while we'll hear more about its 4K movies this week at CES, Warner Bros. is kicking things off by announcing some of the first movies on the way. Right out of the gate, it's offering Mad Max: Fury Road, San Andreas, The Lego Movie and Pan. They're promised for the "initial launch" early this year, although there's no exact date mentioned. More movies will arrive later this year and Warner says it plans to release over 35 in 2016, although only Man of Steel and Pacific Rim have been named.
Standard features are of course 4K resolution and HDR support for more colors and better contrast, while select titles will also feature "immersive audio" Dolby Atmos sound. If you're skipping discs for streaming or downloading, Warner says it will expand the number of movies available that way as well. Fox announced its Ultra HD Blu-ray plans during IFA last year, stay tuned this week for more news on what 4K content is coming to match all the new TVs.
[Image credit: Pictorial Press Ltd / Alamy]
Source: Warner Bros. (PRNewswire)
In this article: 4K, Atmos, av, Blu-ray, CES2016, DolbyAtmos, entertainment, HDR, MadMax:FuryRoad, Pan, TheLegoMovie, UltraHD, UltraHDBlu-ray, WarnerBros
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Image credit: Engadget
Google search knows where you were even if you disabled Location History
If you've never heard of Google's "Web & App Activity," that's about to change.
Nathan Ingraham
08.13.18 in Internet
Earlier today, the Associated Press published a report detailing how Google can log users' locations even if they've opted out of the company's Location History feature. The report indicated that if you want to entirely opt out of Google location tracking, you'll need to access and opt out of a second feature as well, one called "Web & App History."
Before getting into the details, here's a statement Google provided the AP (the company had not responded to our requests for comment as of publication time): "There are a number of different ways that Google may use location to improve people's experience, including: Location History, Web and App Activity, and through device-level Location Services. We provide clear descriptions of these tools, and robust controls so people can turn them on or off, and delete their histories at any time."
The Verge received a similar statement, but one that says "we make sure Location History users know that when they disable the product, we continue to use location to improve the Google experience when they do things like perform a Google search or use Google for driving directions." That last phrase appears to be referring to Web & App history, though Google wasn't clear on that.
If indeed you want to turn off all location tracking, it'll take a bit of work. For starters, you'll definitely want to disable the Location History feature. Despite its broad-sounding name, it's a very specific feature that creates a timeline of where you've been based on your mobile phone location. While you might have assumed turning that off would disable Google location-tracking across all its services, that isn't the case.
After disabling Location History, turn off "Web & App History" -- but note that your experience using Google's services will be significantly different going forward. For starters, none of your search history will be saved, anywhere. Some might find that useful, but in the case of products like Google Maps, it also makes things a little less user-friendly. The app won't have visibility into past searches you've made in Maps; it'll instead only show recent searches you've made on your phone itself. It also means that Maps won't know where you are when you look for directions in a browser.
Overall, it seems that the primary location-gathering aspect related to "Web & App History" comes from Google searches. When that setting is turned on, Google can provide more "relevant" info. There's no doubt that having Google be aware of your location can be handy when you do a search, but if you truly want off the grid, make sure to disable this feature.
It's worth noting that even after you've turned these location features off, Google results still might use your search history to make an informed guess about where you are. For example, searching for "pizza near me" was still pulling up results in my neighborhood, and it also knows where I am when I type in "weather." So, to erase your entire Google footprint, you'll want to go into the "My Activity" page where you can see everything you've done that touches Google services. Searches that grabbed your location will have the small location pin icon next to them; delete those to cover up your tracks. Finally, you'll also want to make sure you disable location services on your smartphone for any apps (Google or otherwise) that you don't want to access your location.
You can see your Google history at myactivity.google.com; clicking on "activity controls" on the left-side menu will present options for disabling Web & App History as well as your Location History. I spent a lot of time digging through my history today and came away fairly unconcerned about the data Google had collected through my search history. It's far from a complete picture of where I've been, but I'm an iOS user. Something like the weather widget that's the default on all Pixel phones would be enough to give Google a pretty good map of your travels when Web & App Activity is turned on.
Coverage: Associated Press
In this article: gear, google, googlesearch, internet, location, locationhistory, mobile, search, security, webandappactivity
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Registrants win Young Engineer of the Year
The Engineering Council would like to congratulate the registrants receiving prestigious awards and a £3,000 prize as winners of the RAEng Engineers Trust Young Engineer of the Year competition, presented at the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) Awards dinner on 11 July.
Rosie Goldrick CEng MICE, who leads a team of interdisciplinary engineers in innovative projects across East Africa, has been named the overall winner and received the Sir George Macfarlane Medal for excellence in the early stage of her career.
Sophie Harker CEng MRAeS, a Senior Aerodynamicist for BAE Systems who achieved Chartered Engineer status at the age of 25, was also recognised as a Young Engineer of the Year winner.
This year’s award has seen five women engineers from different areas of the profession make up the entire winners list, for the first time in the award’s history.
For biographies and a full list of winners, see the RAEng website.
RAEng
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Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams Celebrate Their 1-Year Anniversary
by Corinne Heller | Sun., Sep. 16, 2018 1:28 PM
Happy anniversary, Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams!
The 27-year-old Modern Family actress and 34-year-old Bachelorette alum are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their relationship—specifically, their first kiss.
"1 year ago today, You asked to hold my purse when I was dancing," Hyland wrote on her Instagram page on Sunday, alongside a selfie of the two basking in the sun. "In that moment you took my heart. You then gave me my last first kiss. And in that moment you took my breath away. I love you to Pluto and back @wellsadams ❤️ *YES PLUTO IS A PLANET. IT WILL ALWAYS BE*"
"I kissed this beautiful woman for the 1st time a year ago today. Best year of my life. I love you to Pluto and back @sarahhyland," Adams wrote on his own Instagram.
He shared a photo of the two smiling and looking into each other's eyes at EW's recent pre-2018 Emmys party. Hyland and Adams attended several pre-Emmys bashes this weekend.
The two met online and went public with their relationship last October, shocking fans around Halloween when they revealed joint Stranger Things costumes.
Sarah Hyland and Wells Adams' Cutest Pics
Sarah Hyland Reveals If She Still Watches "The Bachelor"
Earlier this summer, Hyland and Adams moved in together, also uniting his dog Carl with her pooch Boo.
"I think it's brought us closer," the actress said in August, at Variety's Power of Young Hollywood event. "I don't think it's been long enough to discover pet peeves in each other."
"He's more anal and cleaner than I am," she added. "So, it's great for me."
She added, "There's a little bit of a power struggle with Boo and Carl since they're both big dogs. But Boo is more of a dominant alpha personality where Carl is an alpha-sized dog. But they're having fun finally playing, and it's really nice to see Boo finally play with a dog her own size."
TAGS/ Sarah Hyland , Couples , Top Stories , Apple News
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Top Funds' Activity in Q2 2018
Leo Kolivakis Follow
| Tuesday, 21 August 2018 10:28 (EST)
David Randall and Svea Herbst-Bayliss of Reuters report, U.S. hedge funds bet on retail, tech in Q2 as economy sizzled:
Prominent hedge fund managers appeared to make big second-quarter bets that the U.S. economy would continue to expand despite increasing concerns about a broadening trade dispute between the United States and China, regulatory filings showed Tuesday.
Third Point added new positions in payment companies PayPal Holdings Inc and Visa Inc, both of which are up more than 19 percent year to date. Greenlight Capital, run by billionaire investor David Einhorn, added new positions in low-to-middle income retailers including Dollar Tree Inc , Dollar General Corp, Gap Inc, and TJX Companies Inc, the parent company of discount retailers TJ Maxx and HomeGoods.
Activist fund Jana Partners added shares of broad-based exchange-traded funds that track the S&P 500 and the Russell 2000 indexes and took new positions in Wells Fargo & Co and food delivery company GrubHub Inc.
The flurry of new positions in cyclical companies came during a quarter in which U.S. gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 4.1 percent, nearly double the 2.2 percent rate of the first quarter of the year, according to Commerce Department estimates.
A rally in cyclical companies would help boost hedge fund industry returns at a time when many fund firms are under pressure from investors to lower their fees or improve their performance. Hedge funds, on average, are up 1.5 percent since the start of January, according to research firm Hedge Fund Research, well behind the 6.2 percent gain in the benchmark S&P 500 index over the same time.
"Everyone is comparing everything to the S&P 500 and that's a very difficult hurdle for the last few years," said Sol Waksman, president of research firm BarclayHedge.
Quarterly disclosures of hedge fund managers stock holdings, in what are known as 13F filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, are one of the few public ways of learning what the managers are selling and buying. But relying on the filings to develop an investment strategy comes with some risk because the disclosures come 45 days after the end of each quarter and may not reflect current positions. Still, the filings offer a glimpse into what hedge fund managers saw as opportunities to make money on the long side.
The filings do not disclose short positions, or bets that a stock will fall in price. As a result, the public filings do not always present a complete picture of a management firm's stock holdings.
TRIMMING THE FAANGS
Large hedge fund managers cut their positions in some of the so-called FAANG stocks - the moniker given to Facebook Inc , Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc, Netflix Inc , and Google-parent Alphabet Inc - that led the market higher last year.
Third Point sold all of its stake in Alphabet and divested 1 million shares of Facebook, reducing its position in the company by 25 percent. At the same time, it increased its stake in Microsoft Corp by nearly 310 percent, buying 1.7 million shares.
Omega Advisors, meanwhile, sold all of its position in Netflix and added new holdings in biotechnology companies including Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc and Deciphera Pharmaceuticals Inc.
A number of prominent fund managers sharply cut their stake in Apple only weeks before it became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be worth more than $1 trillion.
Einhorns Greenlight Capital slashed its stake by 77 percent, while Philippe Laffonts Coatue Management got rid of 95 percent. Advisory firm Diamond Hill Capital Management cut its stake by 27 percent. Other big holders, including Sanders Capital and Adage Capital Partners, trimmed only small amounts in the second quarter.
It's time to wrap up this week by looking at the quarterly filings of top hedge funds and other fund managers.
The data is lagged but we get a glimpse into their activity. I think there is a lot of great data to be manipulated here and I use this information as part of my toolkit when looking at stocks to buy, sell or when I want to increase/ decrease my positions.
But I always tell my readers to be aware of the current macro crosscurrents or risk getting clobbered in highly volatile markets.
Here are some of my recent market comments which you need to read:
Stock market entering a destructive phase?
Will stocks plunge in 2019?
No Turkish delight for emerging markets?
I also think it's important to read these comments:
Beware of flattening yield curve?
Time to get defensive?
Never mind what the gurus are buying and selling, some of them are excellent stock pickers, others aren't that great, but they all need to deal with the macro environment just like everyone else and if they don't get their macro calls right, they won't make money in these markets.
In fact, a lot of hedge funds are struggling this year because they're not getting the macro right. I suggest they subscribe to Francois Trahan's excellent portfolio research at Cornerstone Macro.
There are plenty of others I like but Francois ties everything to the market very well and his calls are forward looking and excellent.
Get the macro right. Get your sectors right on the long and short side. Then you can call yourself a real hedge fund that delivers alpha in good and bad times.
Alright, enough on macro, back to top funds' activity in Q2. Kate Rooney of CNBC reports, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reloads on Apple, Goldman Sachs and airlines:
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in Apple by 5 percent, according to a regulatory filing Tuesday that discloses positions through the end of the second quarter.
Berkshire also upped its holdings of Goldman Sachs by 21 percent, Delta by 18.8 percent and Southwest by 18.7 percent, the filing said, and it added another 6.7 percent to its Teva stake, which it had doubled in the first quarter of this year.
Buffett's conglomerate has been steadily building its Apple stake for two years to become its second-biggest shareholder. Apple recently won the race to become the first U.S. company to reach a market value of $1 trillion, and its shares have surged 23 percent this year.
"If you look at Apple, I think it earns almost twice as much as the second most profitable company in the United States," Buffett told CNBC in May.
Banks have been another focus. Berkshire added to Goldman in the second quarter as the stock has fallen nearly 10 percent this year. Goldman recently announced that Lloyd Blankfein, its CEO for the last 12 years, will step down from that role in September and retire at the end of the year, to be succeeded by David Solomon.
The company made its first bet on Goldman Sachs in 2008 after the collapse of Lehman Brothers. The move was seen as a vote of confidence in the investment bank as the financial crisis worsened.
Buffett told CNBC earlier this year that Berkshire had added 75 million shares of Apple and exited its stake in IBM in the first quarter. The company also increased its stake in St. Louis-based agricultural product giant Monsanto in the first quarter.
Berkshire cut its holdings in Phillips 66 by 24 percent, Wells Fargo by 1 percent, and Charter Communications by 8.7 percent, as of the end of June. It also cut shares in American Airlines by 2.8 percent, and United Continental by 3.7 percent.
I was curious to see if Buffett added to his Teva ( (TEVA)) stake, one of my core longs, and to see what other top funds were doing with this company.
You can go through Teva's top holders here but this is the image that I want to bring to your attention (click on image):
As you can see, top hedge funds like Poinstate, Millennium, Renaissance, Point72 (add Citadel, Two Sigma and others here) all increased their stake in Q2 and followed Warren Buffett and David Abrams here.
That proved to be a wise decision. On Thursday, Teva's shares soared more than 7% on news the FDA approved its generic EpiPen (click on image):
In case you're not aware, an EpiPen shortage has parents struggling during back-to-school season.
But there are plenty of other reasons why I like Teva and believe the stock is primed to go much higher over the next year or two barring a meltdown in the stock market which is always possible.
But it's not just Teva that impressed me this year. Check out shares of Mallinckrodt ( (MNK)) since the start of the year:
And who are the top holders of Mallinckrodt? You'll see BlackRock but right after, Scopia Capital Management, and then Paulson and Bill Miller:
And when I looked at the top holdings of Scopia Capital Management, I was even more impressed because these guys aren't closet indexers, they take risks in a fairly concentrated portfolio and some of their picks are excellent.
That's what I want to see in an active manager. I want to see intelligent risk-taking, not closet indexers, and a more concentrated portfolio. I want to pay them to take intelligent risks.
Consultants have corrupted the industry to the point where active managers are afraid to take risks lest they suffer too much "tracking error" in any given year. It's truly pathetic.
Anyway, back to top funds' activity. I wish there was an easier way for me to go through all of it with you but it's paintakingly long and tedious work to go through everyone's portfolio.
When I went over Q1 activity, I went through a lot of stuff, like why I wasn't so convinced with David Tepper's decision to increase his holdings of Micron Technology ( (MU)). It turns out I was right:
Still, Tepper significantly increased his stake in Micron again in Q2 and is the fifth largest institutional holder of the stock.
Maybe there is a bounce to be played here but I wouldn't buy and hold it, that's for sure.
Anyway, have fun reading articles on what top funds bought and sold last quarter here.
Also, take the time to read a great Institutional Investor article on Perceptive Advisors' Joseph Edelman, The 41% Man (h/t, Denis Parisien).
You'll recall I discussed Perceptive and Joe Edelman when I covered top funds Q4 activity. Not only is he the best biotech investor, he has the most impressive track record among active managers (with lots of vol which comes with the territory).
Edelman significantly increased his stake in Mirati Therapeutics ( (MRTX)) in Q2, which was a great move:
I know this biotech very well because at one point I owned 5,000 shares at $5, sold it at $5.50, it fell to $3 and change and then the rest is history. Every time I look at that chart, I kick myself for not holding on through the volatility (the Baker Brothers and Broadfin made a killing here).
I'll end it there. Have fun looking at the second quarter activity of top funds listed below. The links take you straight to their top holdings and then click on the fourth column head, % chg, to see where they decreased (click once on % chg column head) and increased their holdings (click twice on % chg column head).
Follow MRTX Mirati Therapeutics Inc. 105.55 -0.16 -0.15 257,088 Trade
Follow TEVA Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited American Depositary Shares 8.56 -0.69 -7.46 32,313,976 Trade
Follow MNK Mallinckrodt plc 8.42 -0.17 -1.98 2,194,985 Trade
Follow MU Micron Technology Inc. 44.40 -0.11 -0.25 26,623,252 Trade
Follow MYL Mylan N.V. 18.97 -0.25 -1.30 4,299,731 Trade
Follow Mirati Therapeutics Inc.
Follow Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited American Depositary Shares
Follow Mallinckrodt plc
Follow Micron Technology Inc.
Follow Mylan N.V.
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Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling LIVE at The G.O.A.T. with Rich Harkaway
by The G.O.A.T.
Sat, August 24, 2019, 8:00 PM – 11:30 PM EDT
The G.O.A.T.
1674 Richmond Road
A night of laughs with Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling and Special Guest Rich Harkaway Saturday August 24th Doors open at 7P Showtime 8P
Join us for an evening you will not forget!
Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling Live!
The former Howard Stern sidekick and comedy legend, blesses the stage at The G.O.A.T. for an epic night of comedy!
EXTREMELY LIMITED
GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING
ALL TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE
MUST BE 18+ TO ATTEND
United States Events New York Events Things to do in New York, NY New York Performances New York Film & Media Performances
Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling LIVE at The G.O.A.T. with Rich Harkaway at The G.O.A.T.
1674 Richmond Road, Staten Island, NY 10304
Browse Staten Island Events
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Back to Shortlists
Jochen Ulrich Foundation
Jochen Ulrich Foundation Logo 2 PREFERRED cc Ursula Kaufmann © i
The Ballet / Piece “Anna Karenina” will be played at its original epoch and will be choreographed on a contemporary base so that the public can appreciate a other way of dance style as the only one they know until now, the classical ballet. Based on the famous Novel of Leo Tolstoy. My Inspiration is the “Wife, Woman” situation that Tolstoy describe so well like no freedom in a relationship which was still the case in Spain a while ago and NOT to forget that Franco had forbidden all freedom rights for a woman/wife life. The other part of the inspiration is the open mind of Tolstoy himself (Tolstoy movement) which one could discover in the character of Kostya Levin. Those two parallel are the red line of the ballet. The Ballet will follow very much the book story. A soul character will escort Anna Karenina’s way through the ballet.
A Collaborative approach is to activate and open interest towards other theaters of the Canary Archipelago as the main Islands have fantastic Theaters with all facilities to broadcast such evening. Fuerteventura has a new Theater sins 3 years the Palacio de Formació y Congreso but hardly shows dance at all.
A few Ballet/Dance School have open meanwhile and this shows great interest towards the Dance World. But no professional schools are there to support the young students on a high level. They have to move to the Mainland and this encounter lots of costs for the family. This would be an opportunity to open the world of dance a little wider on the archipelago and give hopefully the birth to a Dance Company of the Canary Islands.
The aim is of course to integrate some of the dancers / students from Fuerteventura and other islands. Auditions will be held latest in Mai 2019 as during our workshops.
Darie Cardyn, (BE), Choreography & artistic Director and President of the Jochen Ulrich Foundation. Former dancer and soloist at the Tanz Forum Oper der Stadt Köln.
Set designer, Alexander Pitz, (DE), we worked several times together knows what a dancer need to be able to move safely. Born in Berlin, she currently lives in Linz. She completed an apprenticeship as a theater painter at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Alexandra Pitz also created the costumes for the film ALLEMAGNE NEUF ZÉRO by Jean-Luc Godard. And worked often with the choreographers Jochen Ulrich and Jörg Mannes. Since 2003, Alexandra Pitz also regularly designs stage sets.
Marie Thérèse Cramer, (DE), costume designer, we worked several times together knows what a dancer need to be able to move in their costumes. Marie-Therese Cramer was born in Cologne and completed her training as a fashion designer in Düsseldorf, which she graduated with a diploma. Since 1980 at the Vienna State Opera, Gran Teatro del Liceo Barcelona, the Residenztheater and in addition, was active in the US, for the costumes in "Hoffmann's Tales" (2005) and "Don Giovanni" (2007) in the productions of Chris Alexander.
Nina Radmacher (DE) Production assistant.
Dancers: Anna Sterbova, (CZ,) Irene Bauer (A), Andressa Miyazato (BRA), Ilja van den Bosch (NL), Ludivine Dutriez (FR), Yuliya Gerbyna (U), Ziga Jereb, (SLO), Martin Dvorak, (CZ), Sergio Bustundy (E), Pascal Sani (FR), Carlos Fuentes (E), Kilian Garcia (E), Daniel Morales (E), Alexander Novikov (Ukraine), Jonatan Salgado Romero (ES), and many more.
Darie Cardyn
Jose Concepcion
OperaFuerteventura
Marry Me In Bassiani Jury & Public
Théâtre de la Ville - Paris
Niedersächsische Staatstheater Hannover
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How Green Leases Help Achieve Green Buildings
A green lease can bring about huge energy efficiency and sustainability gains. Here are some tips on how to do green leases right.
By Chris Brown Green
OTHER PARTS OF THIS ARTICLEPt. 1: This PagePt. 2: How to Get Started with Green Leases Pt. 3: 'Green Lease Leaders' Program Recognizes Successful Green Leasing
In the United States, 50 percent of commercial space in the country is leased, according to the Department of Energy. Commercial building leases, however, present challenges both for tenant and landlord. These challenges can often lead to buildings not being as sustainable, efficient, or high-performing as they could be. Today’s social and business norms combined with rapid changes in technology are accelerating the disintermediation trend within the real estate industry. Given this reality, it makes sense to consider replacing the traditional lease with a legal document that fosters collaboration and aligns the economic priorities of both parties while also addressing important factors like occupant health and wellness, as well as future energy and climate risks.
People spend 90 percent of their time indoors. So it’s no surprise that focusing more on the many ways buildings impact occupants should be a high priority both for tenants and landlords. As well, more and more evidence indicates a productivity bump from spaces with occupant health and wellness in mind. A recent analysis by stok on the financial case for high-performance buildings found a 3 percent improvement in productivity, a 5 percent increase in employee retention, and a 30 percent reduction in absenteeism can be realized in a high-performance building. The real estate market is waking up to the value of high-performance buildings that factor in occupant satisfaction, as demonstrated by the growing number of popular building certifications that focus on human health and wellness, such as Fitwel, LEED v4’s materials credits, the Living Building Challenge, and the WELL Building Standard.
As this focus on health, wellness, and high-performance continues, we must ensure that the landlord-tenant relationship is supported with a lease that keeps pace. To remain competitive and resilient, leases need to be structured in a way that enables a building to be highly efficient, incorporate health and wellness, and have a lower carbon footprint. By doing so it also helps to achieve traditional green building certifications such as LEED that command better net operating income, higher occupancy, and greater long-term value.
Enter the green lease
There are several ways to define a green lease, also known as a high-performance lease. Fundamentally a green lease is a standard lease which contains energy or sustainability-focused clauses that align costs and benefits between the landlord and tenant. In many commercial lease structures, the party expending capital for an energy efficiency upgrade does not sufficiently benefit from the energy savings created by that upgrade — a dilemma often called the split-incentive problem. This occurs most frequently in leases where tenants pay for utilities but the landlord is wholly responsible for capital improvements, as is the case in many net leases. The split-incentive barrier is frequently cited by property owners as a key roadblock to investing in energy efficiency projects. By addressing the split incentive and other energy issues, green leases open up a pathway to greater energy and financial savings and higher performing properties.
A study by the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) shows that green leases have the potential to reduce energy consumption in U.S. office buildings alone by as much as 22 percent, yielding reductions in utility expenditures in commercial buildings up to $0.51 per square foot. This research shows that when executed, green leases have the potential to provide the leased U.S. office market $3.3 billion in annual cost savings.
Adopting green lease practices doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. By including a handful of new or modified clauses in a traditional lease, both owners and tenants can better realize the shared benefits of investing in energy efficiency measures.
Here is an example lease provision that addresses the split incentive, which is included in the Green Lease Leaders Reference Guide for Landlords:
“Landlord may include the costs of certain capital improvements [intended to] [that] improve energy efficiency in operating expenses of tenant space. The amount passed through by Landlord to Tenant in any one year shall not exceed the prorated capital cost of that improvement over the expected life cycle term of that improvement [and shall not exceed in any year the amount of operating expenses actually saved by that improvement]. Interest/the cost of capital can be included.”
Landlords can also adopt lease language that allows them to recoup all operational savings resulting from energy efficiency improvements that enhance occupant comfort and drive savings, up to the point where the landlord has been repaid for the original capital expenditures. Here is an example pass-through clause that was implemented by Brandywine Realty Trust:
“Capital expenditures and capital repairs and replacements shall be included as Operating Expenses provided such capital repairs or replacements were necessitated by a change in Law occurring after the date of this Lease or were intended to have cost saving benefits over the Term and amortized costs of same over the useful life of the improvement in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or with respect to cost savings, over the payback period of such improvement.”
Continue Reading: Green Leasing
How to Get Started with Green Leases
'Green Lease Leaders' Program Recognizes Successful Green Leasing
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fanatix | Football | Premier League | Arsenal FC | Arsenal analysis: How Ramsey became a world-class midfielder
Arsenal analysis: How Ramsey became a world-class midfielder
It may seem as if the Welshman turned into a superstar overnight.
Something decidedly odd appears to have happened this season as Arsenal’s young and inconsistent midfielder Aaron Ramsey turned into a world beater.
However, this isn’t really the whole story and there is a lot more to the Welshman’s rise to Gunners stardom than a bit more training over the summer.
Football fans have short memories, as is proven by the way opinions swing this way and that based solely on one result – for example Chelsea losing to FC Basel on the Tuesday signaled a crisis, but beating Southampton on the Sunday was the start of a new successful dawn.
Also, when a player is tarnished with a certain brush it takes time for that image to go away and Ramsey’s rapid rise to a high profile at the Emirates Stadium did little to help the 22-year-old.
After impressing at Cardiff City the youngster made the £4.8m switch to north London in 2008 and some occasional loose passing and lack of confidence saw the player immediately damned.
On February 27 2010 Ramsey suffered a shocking injury that would do little to help progress, when a terrible tackle from Stoke City’s Ryan Shawcross caused a compound break.
This set the Wales international back around a year and out of sight, out of mind was how most treated the absence of the player – all but Arsene Wenger.
It’s a testament to the Frenchman that Ramsey is now the star he is, because despite what many think the midfielder’s statistics have never been that bad.
The starlet’s key passes have not varied too much since coming to the Emirates, with the 2011/12 season in fact being the player’s highest total, of 1.6 a match (compared to 1.4 this term).
Ramsey’s passing accuracy in the league is also the lowest it has been for four years, although admittedly in the Champions League there is significant improvement.
The point isn’t that the midfielder is not actually doing that well this campaign, it’s that the Welshman was never as bad as things were portrayed.
Towards the end of the 2012/13 season Ramsey was in sparkling form as Wenger’s men reached fourth spot in the league against the odds.
Of course the youngster’s goal-scoring has been impeccable this season, with 13 strikes already in all competitions – over half of all his goals for the club to date.
Defensively Ramsey has been more involved as well, making an average of 4.5 tackles a game; a statistic which is more than double of any previous year.
For some it may seem like an overnight success, but the reality is the talent has always been there and Wenger was the only one who stuck with it.
Read more Arsenal fc news.
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Hilton Vacations In Hawaii
The first city-wide strike of more than 5,000 hotel workers at 26 hotels in Chicago continues into its 11th day against multinational hotel chains Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton. Thousands of hotel worker.
Learn more about the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach in beautiful Hawaii-Oahu. Learn more about this and other Hawaii hotel packages at AppleVacations.com.
Riding Holidays Scotland Houston is a family run Riding School, near Dechmont, West Lothian, Scotland. We are a licensed riding school & approved by both the ABRS &
REPORT FROM THE U.S.—Hotels. he said. 3. Hilton unveiled a similar app in 2016 Hilton announced and rolled out a similar wayfinding app for resort properties in 2016 called Fun Finder, which is now.
Learn more about the Hilton Waikoloa Village in beautiful Hawaii-The Big Island. Learn more about this and other Hawaii hotel packages at AppleVacations.com.
Previously, Wilson served as director of sales and marketing at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center and the Hilton Washington,
The walkout in Hawaii began Monday, with Marriott Workers at. Walkouts by some 5,000 workers began in September at major h.
Born and raised in Taormina, Chef Cipriano joined Hilton Waikoloa Village in May. a staff member came up with the name nui.
Oct 16, 2018 · Now $368 (Was $̶6̶4̶2̶) on TripAdvisor: The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations, Hawaii. See 354 traveler reviews, 547 candid photos, and great deals for The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations, ranked #26 of 86 hotels in Hawaii and rated 4 of 5 at TripAdvisor.
Timeshare Resales Hawaii is the oldest, largest and most successful timeshare resale brokerage company in the Hawaiian Islands with multiple offices on Maui and Kauai.
We were very happy with our experience with Great Hawaii Vacations. We had one issue (we were not happy with our Ocean View – It was more like a Tower and Pool view) I called and left a message for Cheryl and within an hour she had spoken to the hotel and had us moving to a better room the next day.
A wide array of resorts in various destinations makes planning your vacation easy with Hilton Grand Vacations.
While Lahaina, a former whaling village, isn’t typically an overnight destination, its proximity to the resorts along Kaanapali Beach. Situated along the same stretch of sand, the Hilton Hawaiian V.
president and CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. “We’re also excited that this project will be the first Hawaii location for our Hilton Club, which offers premium levels of design and amenities.” Construc.
Book Hilton hotels and resorts in the Hawaiian Islands. Get the best vacations, weddings, meetings and special offer rates on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island.
Duke Ah Moo is vice president and commercial director for Hilton Hotels in Hawai‘i. the director of education and consumer.
Plan European Vacation Apr 3, 2017. Romance, history, food – and chocolates – Belgium offers it all. It is a country that is simultaneously cosmopolitan and provincial. Shrouded
Highgate Hotels has announced that Paul McElroy has joined the company. of the Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, restoration of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon, renovation of The R.
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Cheap Fall Foliage Vacations Frim New York Weekend trips from NYC include romantic inns, full service resorts, spas, family. rooms and suites, to the affordable Maggie Valley RV Park with 20 spaces.
That’s where U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hotels in the USA rankings come in. used an unbiased methodology to evaluate nearly 1,700 luxury hotels across the country. From Hawaii’s most pa.
He noted that in addition to Chicago, business was down in New York, another prime convention area, and at resort properties in Hawaii and Las Vegas. Hilton hotels recorded 68 percent occupancy for th.
HONOLULU – Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has announced the. Following his schooling, Charbonneau spent more than 18 years at Interstate Hotels and Resorts, including a position as ex.
. also Hilton’s in-house expert for hotels around the world, charged with making Hilton properties more appealing and accessible to Chinese heading overseas, especially those in trendy locations lik.
NEW YORK, June 25 (Reuters) – Hilton Hotels Corp wants to add 300 hotels to. Marriott International Inc MAR.N operates about 85 hotels in the region, including Hawaii, and plans to add as many as 8.
Once a guest books a stay at one of the two pilot hotels (Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu or the Hilton Anatole in Dallas), she can opt in to the Fun Finder feature and fill o.
Tourists moving from alternate accommodations to hotels may be keeping hotel occupancy high. Jerry Gibson, area vice president of Hilton Hawaii and vice president and managing director for Turtle B.
The actor and his wifey Keely Shaye Smith have been spending most of their summer soaking in some sun on a family vacation in Kauai! The happily married couple decided to take a dip in the water, and.
Occupying 22 lushly landscaped oceanfront acres on the widest stretch of Oahu’s famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is surrounded by tropical gardens, waterfalls and pools.
Some 6,000 workers at 26 hotels in Chicago also went on strike last month, though most have returned to work after reaching n.
But they’re relatively rare in the U.S. — the only one we could find was a Honolulu stopover through Hawaiian Air. United.
At a cost of $360 million, the Hyatt was reportedly the most expensive hotel ever built at the time, and changed the way resorts would be built not only in Hawaii but around the. Rebranded as the H.
Hilton has been setting the bar in terms of luxury hotel accommodations for generations. Since the vacation ownership industry took off, Hilton has brought the same level of luxury to its timeshare units.
Hilton Grand Vacations is committed to the idea that life is incomplete without vacations. Our distinctive resort collection features luxurious accommodations in renowned destinations with the quality service that is synonymous with the Hilton name.
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ITG Taps Nick Johnston as Its European Head of Sales Trading
Mr. Johnston joins ITG in a London-based role from Barclays Capital, having worked in a similar senior level positions.
Jeff Patterson | Executive Moves ( Executives ) | Thursday, 10/09/2015 | 10:12 GMT+1 2015-09-10 09:12:42
Photo: Jeff Patterson
ITG (NYSE:ITG), an independent execution broker and research provider, has added Nick Johnston as its newest Managing Director and European Head of Sales Trading, according to an ITG statement.
In his new role as the Managing Director, Mr. Johnston will help lead ITG’s European business, with a focus on sales trading, portfolio & index trading, and exchange-traded-funds (ETF) – he will be based out of London, where he will be reporting to ITG Europe’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rob Boardman.
Mr. Johnston joins ITG from Barclays Capital, having worked as its Head of European Sales Trading. Additional stops also include similar senior level roles at JP Morgan and Lehman Brothers.
According to Mr. Boardman in a recent statement on the appointment, “Nick has built a reputation for building high-quality sales trading franchises during his career, so I am delighted that he has joined ITG. His sales ability and knowledge will maximise our potential and reinforce ITG as a leading global independent electronic brokerage.”
“I am excited to be joining such a high quality and experienced team. I am looking forward to further developing a robust liquidity offering across a range of platforms to suit to our clients’ needs in an evolving regulatory and supervisory European equity landscape,” added Mr. Johnston in an accompanying statement.
ITG recently made headlines last month after the company and its affiliate AlterNet Securities agreed to collectively pay $20.3 million to settle charges over the breach of dark pool trading confidentiality with the US’ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC stipulated that the broker operated a secret trading desk and misused the confidential trading information of dark pool subscribers. According to an SEC manifest at the time, the investigation found that ITG operated an undisclosed proprietary trading desk known as ‘Project Omega’ for a period of at least one year.
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The Best Greek Islands to Visit This Summer
What’s not to love about the Greek islands, scattered like seeds across electric-blue seas? From spectacular food and impossibly cosy cafes, to secluded beaches, the Greek islands may all be knockout, but which are not-to-be-missed? Here we sort out the great from the good in our defining list of the best Greek islands…
Even if you haven’t been to Santorini, you’ve probably seen the pictures. Gawping tourists from Greek island cruises line up to capture the distinctive whitewashed stone homes, the blue rooftops, and the pristine waters – a glittering shade of azure – as the sun sets behind the island’s volcanic crater. In fact, if you type Greece tourist attractions into Google, Santorini – one of the most popular Greek islands to visit – will always pop up. But don’t let the crowds put you off: this is an isle of extreme beauty. Hop in a boat and venture to the fiery crater of Nea Kameni, wallow in the hot springs at Palia Kameni, and explore the boutiques, the swath of art galleries and the archaeological sites of Thira and Akrotiri. Cap off each day with an ouzo and olives, perched in the warm breeze, with the gobsmackingly idyllic views rolling out in each and every direction. You won’t be disappointed.
The architecture in Santorini leaves you feeling like you’re in a luxurious holiday brochure
Sultry afternoons on the Greek islands are all about the good life: long, lazy lunches, padding along the shorelines, and flicking through a book. And they’ve never looked better than when lounging on St Paul’s Bay in the small and charmingly pretty village of Lindos. The location is touristy – passengers from Greek island cruises saturate its cobbled lanes some mornings – but this is no trap. Spend sleepy days lying spread-eagled on the golden sands, take a cooling dip in water as clear as gin, and park yourself at the beachside café that serves up just-caught sea bass and crispy chips. Once the day-trippers have left, seek out spot-on local dishes at one of the rooftop tavernas in the shadow of the acropolis for a guaranteed atmospheric meal.
Stuck for where to go in Greece? If it’s beaches that pulls on your heartstrings, then Skiathos will hit the mark: there are more than 50 here, making it one of the best Greek islands for yawning bays and pretty coves. For a hidden patch of sand away from the revelry of the island’s buzzing resorts, make a beeline for Lygaries on the north coast: think waters in shifting blues and soft waves licking super-soft sand. At the end of a dirt track, it’s not easy to reach, but for a beach that’s relatively quiet, where the pace of life is slow and the ambiance is chilled, Lygaries is hard to beat.
Zakynthos/Zante
Don’t be discouraged by the island’s heady reputation as the hedonistic HQ of the 18-30s crowd. Leave the southern touristy resorts behind, and you’ll be rewarded with a rugged interior dotted with sleepy villages, towering cliffs, spectacular coves, and turquoise water that’ll knock your socks off. Beach buffs would be mad to miss a boat trip to the exceptionally beautiful Navagio beach (shipwreck beach) – a favourite Greece tourist attraction, its electric blue waters, chalky cliffs and white sands have been captured countless times for Greece holiday brochures. For a different take on the island, dive with turtles in the Keri Caves, or watch as they nest on Gerakas Beach, protected by the island’s National Marine Park.
Shipwreck beach is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Greece, and you can see why
If you’re looking for that off-the-tourist-trail experience from your Greece holiday, this island – a nine-hour ferry ride from Athens – fits the bill. With hidden bays, where few loungers line the pebbles, to calm waters and pretty hillsides smothered in heather and pine, there’s something beautifully wild about Patmos. Explore the intriguing Greek Orthodox Monastery of St John the Theologian, pad about the whitewashed village of Chora with its clutch of handsome boutiques, and catch some rays during a lazy day on Petra Beach. Something that’s guaranteed to please and for a taste of bona fide Greek island hopping, sail to the tiny neighbouring isle of Marathi and sit cheeky-by-jowl with billionaires and yachties at Pantelis restaurant, where the scene is old-school cool and the seafood is perpetually excellent.
As long hot summer days descend on Hydra, so do the pleasure-seeking glitterati. If air-kissing and musing over Champagne and iced cocktails isn’t your bag, Hydra remains, at its core, one of the best Greek islands for a chilled-out escape. Think wonderfully clear deep waters, ripe for snorkelling and lazy days on bobbing boats; a buzzy waterfront with prime people-watching; and some swanky hotels and bars: it’s a fun little pit-stop whilst Greek island hopping and a guaranteed good time. The beaches are few and far between, and are pebbly, but when you’re mingling with the arty crowd over aperol and almonds, you won’t give a hoot. And the best bit? No cars or scooters are allowed, making Hydra one of those failsafe spots on a Greek island hopping route for true escapism.
There’s nothing shy and retiring about this swanky island. The stomping ground of millionaires and high-rollers who disembark whilst Greek island hopping, Mykonos gushes with glamour, from trendy beach bars, to super-stylish hotels that would make even an A-lister swoon. Especially brilliant is the island’s foodie scene: from superb plates of local seafood to international restaurants that’d rival anything in London. But the one place that’s unmissable – and notoriously hard to bag a table – is Kiki’s Tavern on Agios Sostis. There’s always a queue, and there’s no phone number for reservations, but arrive early and you’ll be treated to some fabulous grilled dishes. And when you’re done eating and mingling with the yachties, flop in a hammock and pull out your Greek islands map to decide on your next stop.
Mingle with the rich and famous on Mykonos
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Can Toyota's New Plug-In Prius Peel Off Impatient Tesla Customers Waiting For Model 3?
Jaclyn Trop Contributor
I decipher the world of sheet metal for the masses.
Credit: Toyota Motor USA
Cheaper and more fuel efficient than the old one, Toyota's new Prius plug-in hybrid is providing would-be buyers of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in and all-electric Tesla Model 3 with a credible alternative.
At $27,100 (plus about $4,500 in federal tax credits), the 2017 Prius Prime is $6,000 cheaper than the Volt and $3,000 less than the old Prius plug-in (after tax credits). Toyota says the Prius Prime’s total range is about 640 miles, compared with the Volt’s 420 miles, when fully charged and gassed up. But the Prime's powertrain advantages vis a vis Detroit end there: the Volt still gets 53 miles – more than twice as many as the Prius Prime’s 25 miles – on a charge.
Toyota's rollout plans for the Prime also suggest the Japanese automaker is ready to spar with the Volt and Tesla's hotly-anticipated sub-$35,000 Model 3. Like the 2017 Volt, the Prius' new plug-in will be available in all 50 states when it goes on sale later this year. “Nationwide selling may combat Tesla, which has momentum with over $15 billion of Model 3 orders,” said David Whiston, an analyst with Morningstar. “Toyota may want to snag some of those customers who are not willing to wait until their Model 3 order is filled in either late 2017 or even 2018.”
The Prius Prime felt surprisingly sturdy and agile when I drove it across the open roads and through the twisty canyons of Ojai, Calif. last month. Its performance gets a boost from its carbon fiber rear hatch, which shaves weight from the back, and its still-boxy but no longer bug-like silhouette. Longer, lower, and wider than the first-generation Prius plug-in, the four-seater sedan also has more headroom due to its lower seating position.
Perhaps best of all, the Prime's profile signals a departure from the Prius' notorious ugly duckling days. It's sleeker and more chiseled, owing in part to its longer front and rear overhangs. It's got more personality, with new, wide-set LED taillights welcoming the plug-in to the modern age.
The Prime, which comes in three trims, has a Tesla-like, 11.6-inch center screen (the base model's is seven inches) that lends the car a premium feel absent from previous Priuses. Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking as well as lane departure alert with steering assist, comes standard. However, tech enthusiasts will be disappointed to learn that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are not yet available.
Toyota now sells 13 hybrid models, with the Prius representing 70% of hybrids sold in the U.S. The rollout for the new plug-in seems strategic, Whiston said. “It’s time to see how much demand there is for electrified vehicles, plus I imagine Toyota thinks gas won’t be cheap forever so now is the time to educate consumers about plug-in hybrids.”
Jaclyn Trop
I am an award-winning journalist and automotive reporter, dividing my time among the car cultures of Los Angeles, Detroit and New York. I was awarded a Knight-Bagehot fe...
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Published June 20
Carrie Fisher won't replace Donald Trump on Walk of Fame despite Mark Hamill's urging
By Tyler McCarthy | Fox News
Fox News Flash top headlines for June 20
Fox News Flash top headlines for June 20 are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com
Despite efforts from her former co-star Mark Hamill, the late Carrie Fisher will not replace Donald Trump with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hamill, a known critic of the Trump administration, previously took to Twitter to share a 2018 article about a push to get the president’s star removed due to numerous acts of vandalism. Hamill suggested that the Princess Leia actress be honored for her contribution to Hollywood in his place.
LUCY LIU TO BE SECOND ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO RECEIVE WALK OF FAME STAR
The “Child's Play” star renewed those calls in a similar tweet Wednesday. However, it’s incredibly unlikely that Fisher will replace Trump’s star, or that his star will be removed at all as that’s simply not how the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce runs the Walk.
Speaking with The Los Angeles Times, a spokeswoman for the organization, Ana Martinez, explained that they view the stars as part of the historical fabric of the Walk of Fame and that stars are never removed. Although Trump’s 2007 star is often vandalized by critics of his politics, it’s meant to honor his contribution as a producer for his work on beauty pageants that he owned. The outlet notes that similar acts of vandalism have occurred on Bill Cosby and Michael Jackson’s stars recently, but there are no plans to remove them either.
As for Fisher getting a star of her own, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has made it clear that they’d happily accept her submission, but it’s a more complicated process than simple public demand.
'FLAVORTOWN POLICE' INTERRUPT GUY FIERI'S WALK OF FAME CEREMONY
“We would love for Carrie Fisher to have a star, but the application has to be submitted on the fifth anniversary of her death,” Martinez said.
Per the rules of the Walk of Fame, people don’t get a star until at least five years after their death. In addition, a family member would need to sign off on the memorial and shell out roughly $50,000 for its installation. As a result, the earliest that Fisher could ever have a star would be 2021 - and that star will not be replacing anyone else’s.
Hamill, meanwhile, earned his star in 2018.
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Army back to square 1 – out to break two-game skid
AP Sep 29, 2017 at 12:05p ET
WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) A year ago Army was reeling from the death of defensive back Brandon Jackson when it had to go on the road early in the season, and the Black Knights responded with a dominating performance.
Leaning on the memory of No. 28, who died in a one-car accident the morning after a game, Army slammed Texas-El Paso 66-14 for its third straight win in what became a turnaround 8-5 year for the academy.
Derailed by consecutive road losses to Ohio State and Tulane that have dropped its record to 2-2, Army hopes for a repeat performance of last year when struggling UTEP (0-4) visits on Saturday.
”We played them last year and were in a very emotional state,” Army coach Jeff Monken said. ”We benefited from that emotional high we were on – wanting to compete and wanting to honor Brandon.
”Hopefully, we can master our intensity from last year and hope that we will execute better than we have in the last couple of weeks and find a way to win.”
UTEP coach Sean Kugler is in a much worse place. His injury-riddled Miners have lost 56-7 at Oklahoma, 31-14 to Rice at home, and 63-16 at home against Arizona, and last week they were trounced 41-14 on the road by rival New Mexico State.
That snapped an eight-game losing streak in the series for the Aggies and left the Miners with this daunting stat: 47.7 points allowed per game.
”We’re not in a good place right now,” Kugler said.
Other things to know when Army hosts UTEP on Saturday:
NO LATE HEROICS
In Army’s second win of the season, the Black Knights rallied from behind with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat Buffalo 21-17 as the defense pitched a shutout in the second half.
Last week, the Green Wave put together a decisive 19-play, 75-yard drive in a 21-17 victory, converting three fourth downs and two third downs and scoring the winning touchdown in the final seconds.
”We’ve got to learn from those mistakes and push that game back, playing at home especially,” Army defensive back James Gibson said. ”Playing here (at Michie Stadium) is special.”
NO PASSING FANCY
Army was 0 for 5 passing against Tulane with two interceptions. That’s the second time this season the Black Knights have failed to complete a pass. Its triple option is potent enough, averaging 366.3 yards to rank third nationally.
TURNOVERS GALORE
UTEP quarterbacks threw five interceptions against New Mexico State, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Miners also converted only 2 of 15 third downs and had just 227 yards of total offense in offensive coordinator Brian Natkin’s first game since taking over for the fired Brent Pease.
”When you have five turnovers, you’re not going to beat anybody,” Kugler said. ”I’ve got to figure it out.”
QUARTERBACK BY COMMITTEE
QBs Ryan Metz, Mark Torrez and Kavika Johnson have played in all four games, while Zack Greenlee has also seen action, including a start.
Not exactly a recipe for success. UTEP ranks last nationally in total offense (210.3 yards per game) and next to last in third-down conversions (12 of 53, 22.6 percent).
Last week, Metz threw three interceptions and was replaced in the second half by Torrez, a freshman who was intercepted twice, the first coming on his second throw.
”At halftime we tried to create a spark for our team,” Kugler said. ”It didn’t work.”
UTEP’s quarterbacks finished a combined 10 for 34 for 92 yards – Torrez was 4 of 16 for 38 yards. Metz gets the start again this week.
FULLBACKS GALORE
Army FB Darnell Woolfolk, who scored three times last year against UTEP, did not play against Tulane and won’t play Saturday. The Black Knights didn’t miss a beat with Andy Davidson running for a career-high 130 yards and sophomore FB Connor Slomka adding his first career TD last week against the Green Wave. Davidson rushed for 106 yards and a TD last year against UTEP.
More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25
Follow Kekis on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Greek1947
FBS (I-A)
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Fortune Theatre
The Woman In Black tickets
77 seat reviews
Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive in Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation.
Starring Richard Hope as ‘Arthur Kipps’ and Mark Hawkins as ‘The Actor’
The Woman In Black is a gripping theatrical exploration of terror, 'a masterpiece' (The Guardian) that's been thrilling audiences of all ages with its unique blend of suspense, drama and bold stagecraft. Now celebrating 27 terrifying years in the West End, Robin Herford’s gripping production is a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror.
What is The Woman In Black about?
A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds.
Standing strong as the West End’s second longest-running show, and haunting seven million theatre-goers to date, feel the power of the Woman In Black for yourself and experience the 'most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter' (The Daily Telegraph).
John Connaughton
A truly modern ghost story, jumped out of my skin on more than one occasion!
LAK59
Seen this 4 times now and I think that it is brilliantly acted every time. You wouldn’t think it’s been going everyday for years. Still made me jump!
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it when it first started but it was so good, both actor (and the Lady in Black) were brilliant.
Seen it second time! Very good show
So amazing！one of the most impressive plays i had seen in West end.
L M Savin
I took my daughter to see this as a birthday present as she had wanted to go for a long time. We both found it to be very slow and not at all frightening although there were a few loud bangs and screams. The theatre itself felt as if it could do with a good clean. I am pleased I only paid half price for our seats...
Great show, actors were amazing and carried the whole performance perfectly. Such an atmospheric performance with great scares. Must see and would recommend to anyone.
Ella casson
Nicola C, Burnham
Enjoyed the show immensely, both performers were amazing! Loved the suspense
Amazing play fantastic actors and story will be going again
Bob Duddridge
A really enjoyable afternoon. The set on view as we sat down was spooky and as the story unfolded revealed secrets and areas invisible at the start. Brilliant use of the gauze curtain to reveal the back room and the graveyard at different times. A gripping story well lit and brilliantly acted. Entranced throughout.
Kibby
I came to see this show on the advise of two people who have seen the show, one of them has been twice. And the fact it's the 2nd longest running play, means millions love it. I, however, did not. I appreciate that the acting was amazing, that's not at doubt at all. I've never seen or heard such emotion and expression from such a small cast. For me though, I need more of a sensory experience to enjoy it. I'm sure the show will run for a lot longer than I ever could!
Surprised at how slow it was to get started and as someone who usually finds London West end productions so brilliantly done I was very uninspired. There were a few ‘startling moments , more could have been made of the Appearances of the Woman , ,a lot of it was laboured and the set boring , no variation. The scenes with invisible the dog were laughable for the wrong reasons . Needed occasional music maybe Sorry would not recommend except for school groups
Thoroughly enjoyed the haunting performance. The cast were superb and the staging beautifully simple and effective. Loved the theatre ,what a treasure. We will return.
This is the third time I have seen this play over the past 20 years and it did not disappoint! Took my son this time.... he loved it! Hopefully it will carry on so I can take my daughter in a few years once she is old enough!
Great actors, really lets your imagination run.
Loved the play! Usually the audience have to be quiet during a play but here they get the audience shrieking with fright. Very effective and absolutely amazingly immersive experience
I brought tickets to take my daughter to see Woman in Black, as they are studying the play as part of their GCSE’s. I was not expecting that much to be honest and was actually not looking forward to seeing the play. How wrong could I have been. It was brilliantly thought out, and had you listening intently throughout. I did not want it to end. The atmosphere / setting and the excellent acting all added to the overall feel and aesthetics, making you believe in the story even more. I would definitely say it’s not for the feint of heart, there are a few well timed scares, (not going to ruin it) Afterwards both my daughter and I were saying about sleeping with a light on when we got home. Well done.
SybilT
Not worth the expense.
paulette biddell
seen 3 times, and loved it every time
Gwynn
A lovely old theatre, quite small, but full of character. An amazing performance with only 2 actors who managed to create a very tense atmosphere with lights, sound effects and dialogue. Very clever.. Had a lovely time, only let down by the exorbitant price of drinks - £10..!!
We really enjoyed this performance - we didn't know anything about the story beforehand, but it was excellently acted and we were very impressed by the stage support. The fact that our seats were upgraded added to our great experience!
Would definitely recommend to any horror fan. With the little amount of actors and resources the production has available, it is very interestingly designed and created perfectly to make it as eerie, spooky and mysterious as possible... and definitely works!
I would just to say how Great The Woman in Black play is. Took my daughter to see this Yesterday Tues 223rd Oct as a treat while in London. I had seen it before and was aware of how captivating it is and how it draws you in using your imagination. But still it still made me jump and heart race, my daughter also has now experienced this and loved every minute. Thank you for such a fab show and would recommend this for theatre lovers who enjoy a little bit of something different. x
Loved every second of it amazing experience totally recommend to watch
While the show had minimal props and actors, it was brilliant! A fan of the ghost story, the play was wonderfully executed and thrilling. I couldn't believe how truly creepy it was. Very well done and a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening.
G Wilmshurst
Absolutely fantastic show! Both actors were amazing in their portrayals of the various characters and they made the whole performance very real for the audience. Excellent effects which gave the fear factor. Would absolutely watch again and recommend to anyone who hasn’t yet seen it to go.
Excellent acting throughout. Complicated but very skilfully done
The story line was amazing and so was all the actors. I will defiantly reccomend and would go again. Fantastic
A very clever play and absolutely captivating performances by the actors. Not as scary as I thought it would be but very enjoyable.
They have changed it. I don't think it was as good as before
Fantastic production. Very atmospheric and scary. Really made you jump and the acting was amazing
Love this show. Seen many times and still find a new twist to play. If you love a ghost story you should definitely see this one. You may find beginning a little odd but the play draws you in. Will be back to see again. Love a ghost story.
Loved the performance so much. Actors were extremely talented & we were thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.
Jane and Derek
Superb little theatre with a lovely intimate friendly feel. Actors were excellent. Scenery and effects impressive in creating a scary atmosphere.
This was my first visit to a stage play and it did not disappoint. Thoroughly engaging and an excellent story well told.
Great show well acted and it was very atmospheric and scared the life out of me...but I would do it again
Fantastic really enjoyed this play, a few jumps acting fantastic. Really well done
Slow to start but great performances from the actors! Impressed with the staging.
Great performances by the actors, full of frightful moments
Ellie fellows
I was freezing cold, it was beyond windy where I was sitting as the air con was on full after brining it to a staff members attention who did not turn it off I left half way through loosing my money and show, I am extremely upset about this. After notifying to usher I was leaving due to this she said you’d have to contact whom you bought the tickets from, I am disgusted by all of this service and wasted night
Gill Russell
I have seen this show four times now although only until the end twice as I have had to leave due to person I have been with being to scared to continue! The actors in this performance were the best I have seen, fabulous.
I loved it, the actors do an amazing job and with little set up they manage to get the public into the story. Worth seeing.
K and N Brighton
The show was very gothic and spooky great acting.
Laura Dias
A lovely show full of surprises and horror moments. Great recommendation for future audience.
Cluck
An excellent play with a slow build up to a chilling crescendo in the second half. The actors were excellent. The stage set was really clever. A great afternoon’s entertainment.
Couple - Aged 28
The cast were good and did well considering it was just a 3-person cast. Mainly just 2 men of whom were brilliant at their parts. Seemed a little low budget but was still good.
The performance was flawless, pure art.
More customer reviews
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Today - 28 Mar 2020
No refunds or exchanges available after purchase.
2 hours (including a 15 minute interval)
If you have chosen collect at box office please print the confirmation and bring on the day, a minimum of 30 minutes before the performance start time.
If you have chosen to receive tickets by post, tickets are send closer to the performance time and can arrive up to 72 hours before the performance date.
The Woman in Black is suitable for children aged 8 and over. Children aged under 5 will not be admitted to the Fortune Theatre.
Tuesday-Saturday: 8pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 3pm
Fortune Theatre, Russell Street, Covent Garden,London, WC2B 5HH
By Tube: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn, Charing Cross
By Bus: 24, 29 or 17
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Feb 05, 2019 - By Written by Charlotte Dohrn
7 Adventurous Things to Do in Point Reyes This Winter
It's mostly separated from the mainland by the rift of one of the world's most notorious fault lines: the San Andreas. But the adventure-seekers who head to Point Reyes National Seashore don't seem at all deterred by the risk of potential danger at this 70,000-acre outdoor paradise teeming with wild beaches, rocky headlands, and forested hillsides.
Instead, they're all about digging into the myriad adventure-centric things to do in Point Reyes: hiking along sandstone cliffs and lush hillsides on the park's 150 miles of trails, exploring beaches and waterfalls, paddling the area's scenic waterways, and keeping an eye out for the dramatic wildlife in these parts, from tule elk to migrating whales. The cherry on top of all this outdoor goodness? It's all there for easy taking, as Point Reyes is just over an hour's drive north of San Francisco.
While it is definitely worth checking the weather before you hit the road (particularly this year, with El Niño in full force), it's never a bad time to visit this stunning landscape. Ready to plan an excursion? Here, seven recommended things to do in Point Reyes that are sure to delight any outdoor lover (and a great excuse for a getaway anytime).
Hikers on the Tomales Point Trail. Miguel Viera
Families, casual day-hikers, endurance trail runners, and everyone in between will find a trail they love in Point Reyes and its 150 miles of hiking trails. Explore varied landscapes on a short walk or an all-day excursion, following trails through mossy forests, over grassy ridgelines, and never too far from expansive views of the mercurial Pacific.
One noteworthy excursion is the climb to Mt. Wittenberg, the tallest point on the Point Reyes peninsula. The trail to the peak is moderate, climbing gently through moss-covered trees to the 1,300-foot summit. Catch views of the ocean and the Olema Valley through the trees as you ascend. From the Bear Valley Visitor’s Center, connect several trails for a loop of about five miles containing the peak.
For more distance with less vertical, the Tomales Point Trail promises just over nine miles of relentlessly beautiful Point Reyes coastline. The trail meanders to the northernmost tip of the Point Reyes Peninsula, with views every step of the way. The narrow strip of Tomales Bay lies to the east; to the west, steep cliffs drop straight down to the Pacific. Along the the trail, picnic perches overlook sea stacks covered in cormorants and waves crashing on inaccessible beaches at the base of the cliffs.
A hike to Alamere Falls is another Point Reyes classic. Alamere Creek tumbles over sandstone cliffs directly on the beach just a few yards from the ocean, one of only two such waterfalls in the state (hint: the other is in Big Sur), making it one of the Bay Area’s finest falls. From the Palomarin Trailhead, follow the Coast Trail about 5 miles to Wildcat Camp and then hike another mile along the beach until you reach the base of the falls (note: the original Alamere Falls trail is closed indefinitely due to storm damage).
Sunsets like this are yours for the taking during overnight trips to Point Reyes. chuck b.
Looking for a longer adventure than a day hike? Savor the a true back-to-nature vibe of camping in Point Reyes: No car camping is permitted within the boundaries of the national seashore, so well-maintained backcountry campsites are your only (and excellent) option. The gentle, well-marked trails and mild climate make Point Reyes a great backpacking option for beginners, and the most savvy backpackers will enjoy a peaceful weekend trip.
Coast Camp—the most easily accessible of four hike-in campsites—is a 1.8-mile meander to a small campground with basic facilities. A network of trails links these campgrounds and makes for an amazing multi-night trip. Sky and Glen Camps perch above the ocean on the Inverness Ridge, rewarding campers with coastal views. Like Coast Camp, Wildcat Camp offers beach access.
Picture yourself paddling across the calm waters of Tomales Bay towards a remote beach, accessible only by boat. Strapped to your kayak is a cooler stocked with your favorite beverages and ingredients for a deluxe dinner (no need for dehydrated food when boating), and you have nothing else planned except a campfire on the beach and a night paddle through the bioluminescent waters of Tomales Bay. The best part: This is something you can easily do! Several local outfitters rent kayaks for paddling to the boat-in campsites within Point Reyes.
Tule elk are just some of the wildlife in Point Reyes National Seashore. Frank Schulenburg
Indulge your inner naturalist by planning trips to Point Reyes around unique wildlife viewing opportunities. With the peninsula jutting 10 miles out into the Pacific from the mainland, it's one of the best places in California to catch the gray whale migration. Southbound migration peaks in mid-January and northbound migration peaks in mid-March.
Visit Tomales Point from August to October (breeding season) to experience male tule elk bugling loudly to attract females. In addition to whales, many other marine mammals including elephant seals can be seen from the park. While sea urchins might not be as dramatic as a bugling tule elk and chitons might not take as exciting a photo as a breaching gray whale, the rocky beaches of Point Reyes showcase the dynamic life found in the intertidal zone. Perusing the rich life of the tide pools at Point Reyes is great way to spend a few hours.
McClures Beach is stunning and often empty. Charlotte Dohrn
If a beach day is what you are looking for, look no further than Point Reyes. With coastline along the Pacific, Tomales Bay, and Drakes Bay, the park has no shortage of amazing beaches to stroll along or station yourself for a day. Rugged McClure Beach, accessed by a short trail, is often empty and one of the area’s most striking. Point Reyes Beach, or Great Beach, offers an undeveloped, 10-mile stretch of pristine coastline, something that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in California. Sculptured Beach, along the Coast Trail, is another hidden gem.
Point Reyes National Seashore is full of wonders, both natural and manmade. Orin Zebest
Perched on the windiest spot along California’s coast and the foggiest in North America, the Point Reyes lighthouse, which was built in 1870, protected the shoreline for more than 100 years. Now a museum, the lighthouse is open to visitors and accessible via a 0.4-mile trail and 308 steps from the parking lot. The observation deck is well worth a visit and is one of the best places from which to spot whales.
Alas, the lighthouse didn't protect all ships from disaster: According to the National Park Service, the craggy coastline of Point Reyes has claimed more than 50 ships. A living testament to that melancholy history is a grounded (rather than wrecked) ship on Tomales Bay, in the town of Inverness, known as the S.S. Point Reyes. How the ship got there is a mystery, but it's well worth a stop during a trip to Point Reyes, especially for shutterbugs.
Don't miss the cheese from Cowgirl Creamery.
Ok, so this one leans more toward culinary adventure than the outdoorsy kind. But whether you're headed into or out of Point Reyes, the quaint town of Point Reyes Station is a worthy stop. In fact, with facades that harken back to the railroad era lining Main Street, a small park for picnics, and amazing food and dining options, the town merits at least a half-day trip itself. Don’t miss the Bovine Bakery for morning baked goods, afternoon pizza, and other sweet treats. Just around the corner from the bakery, Cowgirl Creamery offers fresh cheese from the local cows: Their decadent triple cream is the stuff of dreams, rich enough to make a meal out of, along with some crackers and vino. The well-stocked grocery and hardware store can furnish your forgotten food and a few camping items, too.
The foodies in the bunch might also want to stop by Hog Island Oyster Company in Marshall to pick up a bag of live oysters: Shuck them yourself on a beach or grill them up at your campsite, an appropriate culinary adventure for any kind of outing in these parts.
Written by Charlotte Dohrn for RootsRated.
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Fearfulness changes impact of genomic information in overweight women
Jeannine Mjoseth
Everyone has bad days, whether it's the result of a traffic accident, a missed phone call or a rusty nail that requires a tetanus shot. But when those bad days, and the emotions they provoke, precede a visit to the doctor, the results can be unexpected.
New research suggests that fearful patients who received information about the role of genomics in being overweight viewed the information as threatening and were less likely to take steps to improve their health habits than those in a neutral or angry state. The study, by National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers, was published in an advanced online issue of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine on February 5, 2016.
"People sometimes think they're making healthcare decisions based on the cold hard facts, but we're discovering that emotions play a big role," said Susan Persky, Ph.D., the study's lead author and an associate investigator with the Social and Behavioral Research Branch at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of NIH.
</div> <p>Many genes likely influence whether people are overweight. What the genes are and how they work isn't yet known, but the role of heredity in weight is estimated to be between 40 and 80 percent, said Dr. Persky, who heads NHGRI's Immersive Virtual Environment Test Unit. Because of this profound impact, she wanted to determine how to communicate information about genomics and weight so that patients are motivated to perform healthy behaviors.</p> <p>In the study, she asked the 1,126 overweight participants to write for five minutes about situations that made them very angry or very fearful, or to describe a room in their house (neutral). Participants then watched videos of a virtual physician delivering information about the genomic or behavioral underpinnings of weight and answered questions about their intentions to alter their diets or increase exercise in the next six months.</p> <p>Those in a fearful state who received genomic information rated diet and exercise as less influential for body weight, and had lower intentions to change their diet and exercise behaviors, according to the study.</p> <p>In her previous work, Dr. Persky showed that providing genomic information about weight to overweight women <em>did not</em> tend to undercut the motivation to perform health behaviors. This led her to look for other factors that might change the way genomic information about weight is interpreted.</p> <p>"Researchers tend to think that communication related to genomics and common disease is fairly unrelated to emotion," she said. "This study shows that emotion, even when that emotion is coming from somewhere unrelated to the genomics discussion, can actually be pretty influential on how people think about genomic influences on body weight and obesity."</p> <p>How people react to hearing about genomic factors in a condition that is typically attributed to behavior will probably be very different depending on the person, the interaction and the way the information is communicated, she theorizes.</p> <p>"The kind of genomic information we have to give people today can't predict or explain body weight very well, so its impact is limited," Dr. Persky said. "One of these days, we will hopefully be able to provide much more complete and useful genomic information related to weight, and when that happens, we want to be able to share it in the most meaningful way."</p>
Obesity And Genetics
Emotions And Medical Decisions
Social And Behavioral Research Branch
Susan Persky
Reddit AMA: NIH researchers highlight virtual reality research on Reddit
Researchers study mothers' food choices at virtual reality buffet
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USPGA Championship Hole-by-Hole
USPGA Blog |
History and Records |
Leaderboard |
Quail Hollow Hole By Hole Guide: Hole 13
A guide to the thirteenth hole at Quail Hollow ahead of the 2017 USPGA Championship.
Hole 13 – Par 3 – 208
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
Quail Hollow hosts the 2017 USPGA Championship, here is a guide to the third hole.
The 13th hole will offer an easy par for the pros but yet very few will be able to make a birdie out of it.
Most will attempt a 200-yard mid-iron shot in the aim to avoid the two over-arching bunkers to the right and left of the green.
Rickie Fowler hits a shot from the sand on the 13th hole during the final round of the 2016 Wells Fargo Championship. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
The green which is split on two levels has a large collection to its middle whilst it also has a harsh slope which goes back-to-front.
Come the final day expect more players to lose out on this hole in desperation to chase down the lead.
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Fenix joins Golf in a Kingdom; both on the rise
BANGKOK – In a further alliance of homegrown Thai-golfing enterprises, Fenix Golf has joined Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience as official apparel provider.
Golf in a Kingdom (www.golfinakingdom.com) is the private marketing cooperative whose growing membership ranks already include Thailand’s best golfing venues and hotel accommodations, in addition to the Tourist Authority of Thailand and tour operator Golfasian (www.golfasian.com). Hilton properties in Thailand officially join the consortium in August.
Bangkok-based Fenix Golf (www.fenixgolf.com) might be the fastest-growing golf apparel company in Asia. Launched in 2008, it has built a stable of more than 20 touring pros who wear Fenix; the company was recently named the official apparel provider to the Asian Tour’s Brunei Open; and its corporate clients include names like Credit Suisse Singapore, Chevron, Deutschebank Asia PAC and Standard Chartered Singapore, Brunei.
All the top golf clubs in Thailand already stock Fenix shirts, hats and specialty items, including all seven Golf in a Kingdom member courses:
Thai Country Club in Bangkok
Chiang Mai Highlands Country Club
Muang Kaew Golf Club in Bangkok
Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin
Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin
Siam Country Club, both the Plantation and Old courses, in Pattaya
“There’s a great deal of synergy between what we at Fenix are doing, and what Golf in a Kingdom are doing. It made eminent sense to team up formally,” said Fenix CEO Michael Moir. “We’re a Thai company that serves the Thai market, of course, but this is the top golfing destination in Asia. We’re about reaching the golfers who visit Thailand on holiday – and so is Golf in a Kingdom.”
“So many golfers from Asia, Europe and North American visit Thailand and return year after year. We want to build our brand with these golfers and have them take the Fenix name back home with them. We can better expose our product and our brand to these golfers enhancing our relationship with the golf resorts we know they’re going to be visiting.”
As Thailand continues to shake off the deleterious tourism effects of April’s political upheaval – after strong June visitorship, The Tourism Council of Thailand is expected to adjust this month the number of tourists expected during 2010 by 5-10% – Golfasian CEO Mark Siegel said that Fenix Golf is the logical apparel partner for Golf in a Kingdom.
“Not just because they are based and do business here in the Kingdom,” Siegel said, “but because Mike and his team have developed attractive, quality products – retail lines and custom orders – that people want to wear. Look at all the pros wearing Fenix today. Our clients fly in from all over the globe. When they kept asking where they could get more Fenix products, I could see Mike was really onto something.”
“The difference between Fenix and other golf apparel companies doing business here is pretty stark. Fenix will custom-manufacturer anything, for anyone who orders 100 or more shirts. They sit with the customer and let them design the shirts themselves!”
There are indeed more than 10 pros wearing Fenix, including U.S.-based Australian Scott Hend and Thai-based Brit Simon Yates, both of whom split time between the European PGA and Asian tours. The latest is Chayuda
Singhsuwan, who is also sponsored by Golfasian. Just 19 years old, “Toom”, as she is known, turned pro in late 2009 and has already made her mark on the Thai and Chinese LPGA tours. On June 13, she carded a final round 69 to finish third at the Orient Wenzhou Championship, the third tournament of the China LPGA Tour schedule.
Ninety percent of Fenix products are manufactured in Thailand, and 80 percent of the company’s sales remain the staple items of golfers everywhere: shirts and hats. However, the company’s top-selling new items include custom-crafted, oversized belt buckles, the likes of which have become the signature of pros like American Anthony Kim and Japanese Shingo Katayama.
The other is what’s known as a Boston Bag, an attractive duffel that holds a change of clothes, shoes and various toiletries. It’s what you need in Thailand, where golf is always followed by a shower in luxurious locker-room facilities and relaxing meals & drinks in the country’s opulent clubhouses.
“That’s the model here and, along with players like Toom, it’s a worthy export to the rest of the golfing world,” said Moir, a native Scot. “Thais love their golf, and they have their own organic golfing culture, their own golfing heroes, their own après golf habits, and their own standards of fashion – one that we’ve met with sophisticated, performance sports apparel.”
“There really is no better place in the world to play golf than Thailand. I lived in Singapore for 5 years prior to Bangkok and whilst there are nice courses there, you do not get the VIP treatment like you do at so many of the fantastic courses in Thailand. Those who live here may not not understand how spoilt we are! Those who visit, on the other hand, will always remember their experience in the Kingdom.”
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Has MP3 had its day? Hopefully yes...
Andrew EverardWed 15th May 2013
Linn's Gilad Tiefenbrun: 'compressing files and losing quality should no longer be an issue'
Storage is getting cheaper, and broadband faster – we don't need compressed music any more
Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he? The news that Linn MD Gilad Tiefenbrun is suggesting MP3 music files are living on borrowed time and that the future is in ‘full fat’ uncompressed downloads and playback won’t have come as any surprise to the cynics out there.
After all, Linn Records – the ‘software’ arm of the Glasgow-based hi-fi company – is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ‘Studio Master’ audio downloads, both from its own label and those of the Universal Music Group (among others). And the hardware part of the business is now firmly focused on sales of equipment to play those downloads, such as the Akurate DSM reviewed this month.
What’s more, it was Tiefenbrun who, more than three years ago, announced that his company would no longer be making CD players and would be concentrating all its efforts on products such as the Akurate DSM. The headline on the press release accompanying that announcement back in 2009, ‘The Death of CD?’, was widely reported as a statement, not a question, leading to something of a media frenzy that the ‘Perfect Sound Forever’ format wasn’t even going to make it beyond its third decade.
MP3: a compromise no longer needed
So are Tiefenbrun’s comments about MP3 just self-serving promotion for Linn’s players and label? I don’t think so: MP3 was always a compromise – as was, to an extent, CD – in that a flawed format was required to make a sensible amount of music available to the public in a convenient form.
In the case of CD, it was a matter of packing an hour or more of music on to a 12cm disc, meaning that for all their click-free, silent-background appeal, CDs actually sounded worse than a good LP played on top-notch equipment. In the case of MP3, it was a matter of cramming an entire library (or at least enough music to get you through the day) on to a device with – in the early days – just 32MB of internal memory.
Or about five per cent of the space taken up by an hour of music in standard 16-bit 44.1kHz PCM ‘Red Book’ quality, meaning that a player could only hold about half an hour of music at 128kb/s, and even heavier compression (or lots of juggling of memory cards) was required to store even one complete album.
Faster internet...
In 1998, when those first MP3 players appeared, less than 15 per cent of the British population was online, and most of those were using very slow ‘dial-up’ modems with speeds in the hundreds of bytes per second. Fast forward 15 years, and we’re approaching 80 per cent penetration, with 76 per cent of UK households having broadband and Virgin saying that 60 per cent of all UK homes could be connected to its superfast service, offering speeds up to 120Mb/s.
...Cheaper storage
The cost of storage has also fallen, notwithstanding the best efforts of natural disasters in recent years to limit production capacity: until the floods in Thailand some 18 months ago, the price per gigabyte of hard-disk storage was down to around 7p (it now sits at around 12p, as manufacturers are still building up stocks after that huge loss of production), compared to approximately £40 in 1998 when MP3 players first appeared.
So who needs quality-sapping compression to download or store an entire music collection these days? No one: even the humblest iPod nano has 2GB of storage, enough for four complete CDs at CD quality, while the long-running iPod Classic will hold over 300 ‘full fat’ albums in its 160GB of storage for £199 – and that’s why Tiefenbrun suggests we should forget the convenience of MP3 and concentrate instead on quality.
As he puts it, when MP3 appeared, ‘Suddenly the prospect of having 10,000 songs in your pocket really appealed but this required music to be chopped up and compressed into even smaller spaces. This is when the music really started to suffer. But now MP3 players have hundreds of megabytes of space, so compressing files and losing quality should no longer be an issue.
‘The music industry has been in big trouble since the dawn of MP3s – there’s no doubt that better quality, studio-performance music is what consumers will move towards.’ However, he sounds a note of caution that ‘It does require the backing of someone like Amazon or Google in order for it to compete properly with iTunes.’
Having spent a long time listening to life-sapping MP3 files and hearing demonstrations of what is lost when the compression is applied, and now enjoying a library of lossless music in CD quality and beyond, I suggest that day can’t come soon enough.
What's more, as I write this, the rumours are beginning to circulate again that Apple Is Up To Something.
No, I don’t mean the iPhone 5S or 6 or Mini or iPad Maxi or whatever: this time the gossip surrounds the iTunes service and whether it will start streaming music, and if so, whether that may be in CD quality or even beyond.
Now anything gets my vote that takes music beyond the huge retrograde step it took when it was decided we didn’t need CD quality but would settle for data-reduced hints at recording quality.
CD quality is no longer enough
But why stop at going back to where we were 30-plus years ago, when the already slightly outdated 16-bit/44.1kHz format was adopted for the CD? Shouldn’t we instead be looking to move forward, not simply reclaim the past? That would be as daft as inventing supersonic air travel and then scrapping that progress and going back to spending half a day in a metal tube to get anywhere. Oh, hang on…
Recording formats way beyond CD are already available but they take some finding, many being mainly sourced through specialist labels or outlets. Some great recordings of the past, and some brand new ones, are available in resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, and very magnificent they sound, as I noted a couple of months back when playing the 55-year-old Decca recording of Britten’s Peter Grimes anew as a 24-bit/96kHz download.
Buying recordings beyond CD
There’s a growing catalogue of these Studio Master releases available through the likes of HDTracks in the States, Linn Records in the UK, Qobuz in France and Japan’s e-Onkyo, along with labels such as Chandos, Hyperion and DG, while just as exciting are those labels making SACD-quality DSD downloads available.
These last really are the very small-scale audiophile outlets to date, but at the Munich High End Show last weekend, there was a growing buzz about the increased availability of such content, and from some larger labels.
And there’s even more to come: reviewing the Naim DAC-V1 for the June issue of the magazine, I strayed into the world of computer music playback software beyond the ubiquitous and (to date) limiting iTunes, with the players from Audirvana and Amarra, both available as free trial downloads if you fancy playing with them for a week or two.
Having long ago succumbed to the convenience – and sheer quality – available from streamed music, it was an unusual experience to be connecting my computer to the Naim and playing music at qualities at least as high as, and in some cases beyond, what I can currently stream.
Audirvana will play 24-bit/192kHz files, while Amarra will go all the way up to 24-bit/384kHz, offering many times the resolution of CD. And the tracks I tried, actually at 352.8kHz – being a direct multiple of CD’s 44.1kHz – were simply sensational, giving the best sound I have ever heard from my home system. I think I may have mentioned that in the Naim review!
You can buy the files I used (they’re basically a FLAC version of the mastertapes) from 2L’s online store, and I have to say that If this resolution ever becomes widely available, it could be jaw-dropping: downloaded audio can’t just match the CD – it has the potential to go way beyond the quality we currently enjoy.
Stepping down through the resolutions from this to 192kHz, 96kHz and finally CD, I suddenly heard what Naim’s Dave Barber was alluding to in the Design Notes comments on the June issue DAC-V1 review, when he mentioned the sound of the piano ‘getting more clanky’ as resolution dropped. You may not notice it when all you have to listen to is CD but it becomes very noticeable when you’ve heard better.
Yes, I know there will be those who say 44.1kHz CD is good enough and serves the requirements of human hearing more than accurately, but to them I say: just listen with an open mind. After all, they said MP3 was good enough – and look where that got us.
24-bit/352.8kHz
The files used for this essay, and for the Naim DAC-V1 test in the June issue, were from Norwegian label 2L’s Hommage à Grieg set. You can download free samples in a range of resolutions up to 24-bit/352.8kHz from 2L's website.
Written by Andrew Everard
Pavarotti review - an engaging portrait of the great tenor
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Blog Channel Listing
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Mozilla needs to improve support for add-ons
by Martin Brinkmann on January 05, 2015 in Internet - Last Update: January 05, 2015 - 42 comments
I'm currently rewriting and updating articles here on this site that were published years ago. Currently working on the email category which had its fair share of Thunderbird extension reviews.
At least half of the extensions reviewed back then are no longer working properly in recent versions of Thunderbird.
Some were last updated in 2010 or even earlier than that and are simply no longer compatible with the email client even if you force compatibility.
While alternatives have been created for some, there are not alternatives available for most of those extensions.
The situation is less dire when you look at Firefox which can largely be explained by it having a larger userbase and it being more prominent in general.
It is unclear why developers decide to stop working on extensions and it needs to be said that this is not a phenomenon exclusive to add-ons for Thunderbird or Firefox.
Windows software for instance gets put on hold by developers as well.
One main difference however is that the software runs fine on newer versions of the operating system while extensions may not.
From what I was able to gather, reasons for stopping development include moving over to Chrome, losing interest in developing for Firefox or Thunderbird, and being fed up with requirements to update extensions to take changes in add-on APIs into account.
If you browse the extension repository you will stumble upon extensions that are not compatible with recent versions of Firefox or Thunderbird.
That's a usability issue right there. Existing users of either product on the other hand may notice that add-ons stop to work partially or completely after updates. We have seen this several times in the past already, for instance when Mozilla switched to the Australis interface or when old APIs were replaced by new ones.
The next big wave will hit when the new multi-process architecture is enabled in the Firefox browser.
Add-ons have always been one of the strengths of Firefox and Thunderbird. Back when the programs launched, they were the only ones offering this feature (Opera had only widgets back then which worked different) and users selected Mozilla products because of it.
Some users may still use Firefox because of one or multiple add-ons that they like and use that are only available for the browser in this form. NoScript is for instance one reason why I still use Firefox and not another browser.
Mozilla faces two issues currently
Add-on repositories that need to be updated. It does not make sense to display add-ons in store that are not compatible with recent versions of the browser. I'm not suggesting to remove them completely, but maybe to hide them behind a flag so that they can be accessed if users want to take a look at them.
Add-on compatibility in general. It is a usability issue if add-ons stop working because of changes made to Firefox or Thunderbird. It does not really matter for users why those changes were made and if they were necessary or not. What users see is that one of their extensions stopped working as a result of it.
While 1) is relatively easy to accomplish, 2) is not. One option that may be available in some cases is to leave old code in for backwards compatibility.
Now You: Have you encountered add-ons in the past that stopped working?
Why Mozilla needs to address certain extension and add-on related issues in Firefox and Thunderbird.
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Seban said on January 5, 2015 at 11:23 am
I remember Dictionary Switcher (FF & TB) not working for a while after Mozilla changed something on the implementation of dictionaries. Then there was HTTPS Finder (FF) which still exists but not on the Mozilla websites. I don’t know why the developer decided to remove it.
Luckily apart from that all the add-ons I use worked fine most of the time and still do.
https://code.google.com/p/https-finder/
David said on January 5, 2015 at 11:44 am
The thing is, Mozilla should have nailed this by now. There’s only so many times you can ask your developers to re-do things because you failed to properly future-proof your API. People are tired of updating their extensions due to Mozilla’s laziness.
Some of the API changes are purely name changes. Compatibility with these could be automatic. It isn’t and this reveals Mozilla’s position on the topic: they don’t care about extensions.
Mozilla should also only add closed-code features as bundled extensions, rather than polluting the main code. That might help them focus on the right things.
ElGoopo said on January 6, 2015 at 4:16 am
Future proof it? How? If an addon uses an internal API, and that API eventually changes, it’s up to the addon to fix itself, not Firefox. If it’s a public-facing API, sure, but then people should really be using the APIs that don’t break as much, and request for Mozilla to make public and stable versions of the APIs that aren’t meant to be public-facing. The addons that use the more modern addon format simply don’t break on their own often, let alone every 4-6 weeks. Ones that MUST use more advanced APIs because they do really complicated things will of course break more often. But that’s the same no matter where you go. You either commit to what you wrote, and properly maintain it, or you eventually run into problems. Mozilla can only do so much. They can’t be faulted if people abandon their addons because they chose the wrong APIs to work with, or it’s just too difficult to maintain them and no one else wants to. Besides, if Mozilla kept endless versions of their APIs bundled with Firefox, you’d only complain about how slow and bloated and convoluted it is. They can’t win either way.
David said on January 12, 2015 at 11:39 pm
Have you thought about applying to Mozilla for a job? I think you’d fit right in with your attitude.
Pants said on January 5, 2015 at 12:48 pm
I have 80 or so extensions – nothing has broken over the last 3 years or so except a couple needed a small code change (extension list dumper was one from memory) or I found a fork
BUT .. and i am dreading this …. I’m on the beta cycle (and run a portable Firefox which I backup prior to manually updating) .. when I updated to 35 a few weeks ago .. almost every extension broke. I rolled back to 34, updated again .. same thing. I’m guessing ONE of my extensions is causing the grief but will wait until 35 stable rolls out.
Daniel said on January 5, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Yup, i just don’t know how the devs (and end users) are going to make it through the “next big wave” you talk about Martin.
Take Diigo for example.
The Firefox extension works just great (compliments to the cie. for maintenance) but it is a different extension when you get it for Google Chrome!
The way i see it, we’re heading for either separate desktop apps (like Evernote for Windows) or everything integrated in the cloud like Google. Personally, i like to have things on the desktop (Bing desktop search has been an excellent invention on behalf of Microsoft!) but then again, i also like to have things in the cloud like Dropbox. It’s a dilemma… and like David said, if Mozilla keeps up with it’s lazy attitude at up-keeping its add-ons, my hunch is, they’re going to loose devs + end users even more, perhaps to the point of no-return. But Lord knows how i hate monolithic structures that monopolize you! Part of our present world situation too huh?!
Tom Hawack said on January 5, 2015 at 1:16 pm
This article points out what many, many, many users either shout, whisper or simply silently think, exasperated.
Here I’ll write it, as well!
Concerning Thunderbird, very few add-ons and no add-on compatibility issue since the very few I have have (very) luckily been updated.
Concerning Firefox, the leaders of the band seem for most of them to have developers making the effort, considerable some times, to update their add-ons accordingly to Mozilla’s latest phantasms — forget that word — brilliant projects for a post-modern browser, toaster soon included if it goes on this way.
I have encountered several add-ons, worthy, valuable, sometimes most valuable IMO which have been simply abandonned by their developers, fed up (some developers did not hesitate to use that expression) by Mozilla’s hysteria to come up with extravagances which may appear more in touch with the quests of a few high-profile techies than with that of everyday users, unless the policy is to take into consideration the only new everyday users, throwing to their faces what these techies consider as the sum-mum of a browser’s technology…
“The next big wave will hit when the new multi-process architecture is enabled in the Firefox browser.“. Indeed, Are we e10s yet? (http://arewee10syet.com/) shows the effort of developers to respond once again to Mozilla’s mutations and promises its lot of add-ons to be abandoned.
Are all Mozilla’s seeks worth it? Not sure.
The Callig and Conversation feature (Hello? Anybody Home?), worth it?
The New Render features currently responsible for “hanging tabs” on some systems, worth it?
The New Search UI, unfinished, worth it?
The Network predictor (OFF by default at this time), worth it?
Mozilla indeed is wrecking 10 years of its identity, it started with Australis and its continuing its blind quest to the summits which may very well appear as a one-way ticket for the cemetery. I’m afraid it is the company’s very policy which is on the wrong track.
clas said on January 5, 2015 at 2:49 pm
i agree. mozilla is catering to the very few. but i watch and laugh at the constant new updates. happily contented with an older version where everything just works. safe and secure behind security measures set up over time…never a virus or attack or freeze up in 11,000 hours of daily use.
tuna said on January 5, 2015 at 5:47 pm
I third this sentiment! Change for the sake of change serves only the changer. Add-on developers should NOT be required to tweak their product every 4 or 6 weeks b/c Moz feels the need to participate(create) a features race. Seems more of a “shark jumping” competition, IMO, as the bloat and potential future exploits keep getting packed in under the hood.
Cue up my broken record: for those who prefer the gecko model and do not crave all that is new & shiny, there is, thankfully, Pale Moon & Waterfox.
Viva bifurcaciónes!
@tuna. Pale Moon *is* Gecko. In fact it’s just a rebranded Firefox with some slight tweaks. What a bloated piece of “shark jumping” junk, amirite? It’s also perfectly fine for Pale Moon to break addon compatibility like they did in the last version, but when Firefox does it? They’re horrible.
Firefox even has an addon subsystem that doesn’t require updates every 4-6 weeks. But do people care about reality? No. Their old addons broke, and they just want a placebo to make them feel better because they don’t contribute anything to the effort except a lot of hot air.
I guess it’s easy to get on your pulpit and focus on a few of the bad things that happen, while ignoring the good. Hell, I’m sure the response to this will be “what good have they done?”, because the people who make these kinds of arguments don’t CARE about the good stuff, they just want to bitch about the bad stuff and wag their fingers. Being constructive or even fair is not the name of the game. Addons break, but it’s not because they were old and relied on internal APIs prone to change, but because “Mozilla is bad and should feel bad because I say so”. After all, why bother trying to fix the addons? That takes effort! Far easier to just blame everything on Mozilla.
Pierre said on January 5, 2015 at 2:25 pm
That’s right for Thunderbird
Many extensions developers have no longer wanted to maintain them, sometimes for many years. Impossible to force them…
ex : contacts sidebar, feature which should be built-in in TB
https://addons.mozilla.org/fr/thunderbird/addon/contacts-sidebar/?src=hp-dl-featured
in spite of it it’s still a part of “featured extensions” : “inadmissible”, as German say !
Thunderbird is not so used as Firefox and the effort is not worth it, and is a heavy and complicated program
Ahmad said on January 5, 2015 at 3:20 pm
Title needs to be “Mozilla needs to improve support for add-ons” rather than “Mozilla needs to do improve support for add-ons” IMO.
Martin Brinkmann said on January 5, 2015 at 3:38 pm
You are right, not sure how this got in there. Corrected. Thanks!
Very important correction…
unyk said on January 5, 2015 at 5:02 pm
With it’s market share now under 12% worldwide, it wont long before it enters single digit & we can finally say goodbye to this menace. So long Firefox, it was nice knowing you.
In what is Firefox a menace?
I’ve always used Firefox ever since its 2.x version and most of the time as my default browser. I like it, I like what I perceive of the Mozilla philosophy. I’m a bit disapointed (to put it mildly) with the curve the company initiated starting with Australis.
The Web is what it is, a jungle, and more Firefox will decline in terms of market share more it will be attacked as a menace, a piece of craps, a nonsense etc. etc..
One can criticize and remain objective, or at least try to avoid mass hysteria.
Claude LaFreniere said on January 5, 2015 at 5:05 pm
There’s also the case of the dispapereance from Mozilla web site of add-ons such as “Redirect Cleaner v. 3.0.0” with no explanation…
jojo said on January 5, 2015 at 11:58 pm
Yes, I noticed its disappearance and tried to track down a copy on github or elsewhere, with no success. The blog article I had read which recommended it was posted only a few months ago, so the disappearance must happened recently, I guess.
Blue said on January 6, 2015 at 8:04 pm
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yuga3qize00nol3/AAAlgGGryT87Rq3v54aU7AbQa?dl=0
Redirect Cleaner v3.0 xpi file
Jim Ranson said on January 5, 2015 at 5:46 pm
One good example is ForecastFox a nice weather app that pulls its data from Accuweather. With the recent spate of updates to Firefox the ability to access and change information on the extension’s settings page is dead. There is a work around to get the extension working in current version of Firefox. It is a PIA if one has to setup a new install and have to copy files from one computer to another in order to get the extension to work. You still are unable to change any of the extension’s settings.
Another example is ReadItLater aka Pocket. They currently have an extension which still appears to work but will no longer be updating and instead want people to use their new Add-On Service for Firefox. The problem is with the Add-On Service is that Pocket has absolutely no information on their website regarding this Add-On Service if you have problems with it I spent countless hours trying to figure out why the Service would not work on Firefox. It was because NoScript was not whitelisting a CloudFront.net site that the Add-On Service requires access to. I can not remember the last time I had this type of problem with NoScript and an extension since I can usually tell via NoScript if a particular site is blocked. With Mozilla’s Add-On Service NoScript shows nothing being blocked.
Denton the bear said on January 5, 2015 at 7:31 pm
My opinion is that if you like an addon at the very least you should praise its developer via a review, let them know you appreciate their work. Do this the minute you find an add-on important to you, no point whining about it disappearing if the developer does not know how important it is to you.
If you really really like an add-on and the developer accepts donations make one and encourage others who use the extension to do the same.
Many developers initially produce add-ons for the gratification of adding functionality for their own needs. While the above actions may not guarantee continued development of an add-on rewarding people in some way for their time may encourage them to do so.
For those add-ons with a bug do not rush off and post a bad review straight away, try and engage with its developer first to see if they are working on a fix, they may not even know about it. Recently I contacted the developer of Subject Manager about a bug, providing details of OS, version numbers etc. The result was a two way conversation ending with a new release being sent out within a short period of time. Yes I have practiced a little of what I have preached by making a donation as a way of expressing my thanks for the update.
Now I am off to make my annual donation to Mozilla to thank and reward them for their continued development of their software.
I had made a donation to Contacts sidebar. However he abandoned his extension
Aminifu said on January 5, 2015 at 9:58 pm
This may be a problem without a solution for all software developers, not just Mozilla.
Updates (for the main app and add-ons) are necessary. They fall into 2 general groups. Those that fix bugs in current features and/or add new features (that will need bug fixes sooner or later). Then there are those that fix security issues and/or add security enhancements (with their own share of bugs or weaknesses that are eventually exploited).
With the demand for ‘free’ apps and the backlash against ‘backdoor’ efforts to generate revenue, developers are put between a rock and a hard place. It is not realistic to expect small developer groups (or individuals) to maintain their work indefinitely at their own expense. Maybe some form of revenue sharing between the main app and independent add-on developers will help. However, even those that receive some remuneration will eventually tire of the project and move on (it’s just human nature). It also doesn’t help that many users will rather switch apps than remain loyal to what they once ‘liked’ (although some developers make it very hard to remain loyal).
You can either stick your head in the sand and never update or just deal with the hassles of trying to stay current and secure. I chose to be current and secure (and donate to those whose work I use). It is taking longer to find current add-ons or replacement add-ons for the main apps I use, but so far I’ve been successful (or very lucky).
jojo said on January 6, 2015 at 12:17 am
Updates make you more “secure”? You’re biting on that sales pitch?
With each update, consistently across the past 18mos, mozilla has “dumbed down” the UI, has removed preferences which were previously available, has added spyware (healthReporting)… TLS-wrapped websocket comms containing content that you, I, extension developers, have no way to inspect, that makes you more “secure”?!? Howabout SPDY, where your browser doesn’t just statelessly request assets from a server? Howabout the “browser.send_pings” and “netowrk.beacon.enabled” preferences? What the $%&#! have the clueless mozilla employees been smoking?!? (or, why the %&!#$ have they “sold us out”?)
To the contrary (of making you more “secure”) consider the preconfigured “network.experiments.enabled=true” pref, and the 20+ other recently-added inbuilt and preconfigured VULNERABILITY VECTORS (“here, just UNcheck this tickbox and no one can activate your webcam via webrtc, we promise”). Yeah, more secure; baloney! Firebox was (past tense) a fine web browser back in the day. Nowadays, it’s a friggin “suite”, chock full of unwanted “features”.
You sight “browser.send_pings” in your post and make it sound like something new when it has actually been around since FF v3. Also in my about:config (Linux install, FF & TB) it is disabled and this appears to be its default state. What about in your installation?
“netowrk.beacon.enabled” (sic) appears to have become “beacon.enabled” and yes it is enabled (again Linux install, FF & TB). Yes it would be nice that when you set your privacy tracking to “Tell sites that I do not want to be tracked” that “beacon.enabled” gets set to false.
“network.experiments.enabled” appears on my system as “network.allow-experiments” and is enabled by default. Out of interest do you know what this actually does?
As others have asked would you please list the vulnerability vectors so that readers of this thread can read up on them and make an assessment for themselves.
It should be taken in to consideration that over time technologies evolve, some within Mozilla’s control others not. I am sure that some users who complain about changes in Firefox and Thunderbird would complain just as hard if Mozilla never changed and stagnated, making no effort to keep up with technological changes or its competitors.
Wow. People here seem to think Mozilla has infinite resources or something. I guess when an addon you use breaks, you feel Mozilla should have been perfect long ago, but all I see here is more signs that an addon used an internal API, which finally changed, but no one cared to update the addon – they just whined about it. When Apple’s internal APIs change and break software using them, is it Apple’s fault? Ditto Microsoft or Google? Of course not. Only Mozilla has the privilege of having ridiculous expectations foisted on them, by people who use free software and only donate empty negativity back to the cause. Thank goodness at least SOME people still donate.
It wasn’t well said. All the programs I used on Windows 2000 still work today on Windows 8.1. At launch some of them didn’t, but Microsoft fixed it and now everything works great. How do you think you have a point?
Mozilla is short on volunteers because of their attitude to people who tried.
pschroeter said on January 6, 2015 at 5:19 am
I literally dread version upgrades for Firefox. All they do anymore is break extensions I have used for years or make bewildering interface changes I have to fight. If I wanted to use Chrome as my browser, I would use it.
orschiro said on January 6, 2015 at 10:18 am
I think that for Thunderbird it has partly to do with the announcement of Mozilla to only **maintain** the Thunderbird codebase but not add any major new feature to it. In other words, this basically means that the future of Thunderbird will not keep up with the future of email service development.
Neal said on January 6, 2015 at 3:08 pm
I don’t have as many addons as many who visit this site(16 max at any given time), but I do see a lot of breakage. The two I am sweating over right now is autopager (broken in Firefox 36, e10), and click to play per element (broken in e10, developers asking for help to make it compatible) and VKontakte.ru Downloader(broken in e10).
Compared to Chrome where there seem to be absolutely no breakage at all through all the years I have used it.
If you read the documentation about Mozilla addons api, it allows almost unrestricted access to Firefox core, so when Mozilla tweaks something, it will break extensions. They are so ingrained, that you can’t turn them off without restarting the browser.
Looking at the bug reports, sometimes the breakage is a result of very little code change, it is frustrating for users when that happens. That was part of the reason why Firefox introduced the more limited jetpack api restartless addons ( which have less breakage than traditional addons).
Chrome extension api seems to be better designed, thought access levels. Chrome engineers can rapidly improve the core code, while experiencing very little extension breakage.
Firefox 36?! That’s to come, it a nightly build at this time. I think we can be happy when developers get their add-ons updated for the final release, before that is demanding a lot!
Taking this opportunity to share a word concerning us, the users. I’m stunned when I read on AMO users complaining (even badly rating!) because an add-on is not (yet) compatible with nightly builds. That’s asking the developer to anticipate 12 weeks beyond the release. Carpe Diem, pity!
Firefox 37 is nighlty, 36 for beta is coming in about a week b/c Firefox 35 is released to the stable channel next week.
All those addons I listed, it does not look very good. Autopager has been around since 2007, and the maintainer seem to have disappeared. Click to play per element maintainer mentions that he doesn’t know how to make it compatible to e10 and the AMO people offering no help whatever.
The point I was trying to make is, all these addons, formally working perfectly will be broken by what Mozilla is doing. Some of the addons, maintainer will simply abandon b/c e10 overhaul is a lot of work. Others become abandoned, b/c Mozilla continually “tweaks” things.
It is a serious problem, like the author said, he has experienced more than 50 percent attrition rate and it takes only that one discontinued addon that a person absolutely depends on to sour the whole experience. This will worsen, b/c the Mozilla addon api is too unrestricted and b/c of the developer flight to chrome.
On a personal note, I begun to migrant to Chrome a bit. I still prefer Firefox, but every extension in Chrome I had since 2010 still works even if they haven’t had a update in years. Firefox on the other hand is playing the addon roulette, you are at the mercy of Mozilla engineers and add on developer’s passion. If you don’t get a luckly roll from both, it is 100 inevitable that the addon you rely on will stop working at some point.
Google has the advantages of being slightly later to the game than Mozilla as well as having a lot more money and other resources to throw at a project. Plus Google chose to go with WebKit to underpin their browser, which again has been developed by a group of companies with far more money and resources.
At the end of the day no product is perfect, you pays your money and you takes your choice. If you want Mozilla to be proactive join their forums and make polite and productive suggestions, not begin flame wars (if that expression is still a thing?). If you want Mozilla to be able to adapt faster then donate to their coffers, and do it on a regular basis even if that is only once a year.
For my usage Firefox & Thunderbird are my programmes of choice, long may they both continue to evolve.
wOxxOm said on January 29, 2015 at 9:26 pm
FF36-compatible Autopager:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/autopager/reviews/670576/
Direct link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/woh7uodtrka6q7a/autopager%40mozilla.org.FF36-compat.xpi?dl=1
wOxxOm said on February 11, 2015 at 12:32 pm
AutoPager Fixed for Firefox 36 is now here: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/autopager-fixed/
greg said on January 7, 2015 at 12:17 pm
People-just stay with ESR versions if you care for addons working longer..
Could jojo or someone else share with us names of “20+ other recently-added inbuilt and preconfigured VULNERABILITY VECTORS” so we could fix them in about :config or in other way if possible ?
@pants could you share how to make “a small code change extension list dumper ” work .
I assume it is not only install.rdf change.I have it installed but don’t see any button for it anywhere.Same with others installed but not working -for instance any anchor addon.
Samuel said on January 7, 2015 at 5:41 pm
What greg said, will someone please list the “vulnerability vectors” in Firefox!
I still have Firefox installed, but I mostly use the Pale Moon off-shoot (because it’s 64-bit and allows all the add-ons I regularly use to continue working after updates).
orschiro said on January 7, 2015 at 7:28 pm
> I still have Firefox installed, but I mostly use the Pale Moon off-shoot (because it’s 64-bit and allows all the add-ons I regularly use to continue working after updates).
Can I use the regular Firefox add-ons with Pale Moon or does it require specially adapted add-ons?
Most add-ons work.
PhoneyVIrus said on January 9, 2015 at 4:20 am
I’ve removed about four add-ons updating to version 34, has of now am done with extensions and will only be using the ones that I have been custom to for years. Adblock Plus, Xmarks, WOT and Menu Wizard. Even a simple one like Martin review, Open Tab Silently wouldn’t work after updating to v34, I’m only opening a link really, add-on functioning but not working. R.I.P Firefox Add-ons, I’m not updating Firefox only to remove and forget them completely. This is one of the reasons why I turn off automatic updates in Mozilla Firefox.
Thanks for the Article Martin
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Beatles Gear: Five Surprising Tales from 'The Ultimate Edition'
Andy Babiuk details revelations uncovered while writing the new edition of 'Beatles Gear.'
Michael Molenda
You might think, after spending years researching Beatles Gear, owning his own vintage guitar shop (Andy Babiuk’s Fab Gear in New York), and performing in the retro-classic bands Chesterfield Kings and Empty Hearts, that nothing would surprise Andy Babiuk when he turned his attention to writing Beatles Gear: The Ultimate Edition.
And yet, fate had other plans.
Here, Babiuk details a few revelations uncovered during the preparation of the new edition.
The Family Connection
“After Beatles Gear came out in 2001, I’d get calls every week, with someone saying, ‘I have John’s this, or Paul’s that.’ Some calls were crazy, but I was always polite and would ask them to send me a photo. You never know. So a guy e-mails me pictures of a Gretsch 6120, telling me it’s the guitar John used on ‘Paperback Writer.’ I pull up my photo database, and go, ‘Whoa. This is the guitar!’ It turns out the guy was John’s cousin, and he also had John’s little Fender amp, which we thought was a tweed Deluxe, but was actually a tweed Vibrolux. John let him pick out a couple of things from his music room in 1967. Wacky stuff.”
The Case of the Missing J-160E
“The infamous story is about the guy who had John’s Gibson J-160E that went missing in 1963. Last summer, this guy contacts me and says, ‘My friend thinks he has John Lennon’s J-160E.’ I saw the photos and said, ‘Holy crap—this could be the guitar!’ The guy lives in San Diego and bought it secondhand. Who knows how that guitar went from London to San Diego, but it’s the real thing. I’ve got to tell you, I played it for a couple of hours—bone chilling. You play the beginning of ‘This Boy’ on it, and it’s the sound. It was haunting.”
Ringo’s Gift
“Ringo even came up with something new. I was talking to him, and he said, ‘You know, John gave me a guitar after I quit the band for a while during the White Album sessions. I wrote some songs while I was away, and John goes, ‘Here, Ritchie, I want you to have this guitar. It’s the perfect size for you. Go home and write even more songs.’
“It turns out it’s the Fireglo Rickenbacker Model 1996 John used for the Christmas shows in December 1964, as a replacement for his black Rickenbacker 325 after the headstock on that guitar broke.”
Paul Is No Expert
“When I was writing Beatles Gear, my friend, Rolling Stone’s David Fricke, told me that a December ’68 issue of the magazine had a story on the White Album sessions, and he came across a photo of Paul playing a left-handed Fender Jazz Bass. Now, I had a great connection to McCartney through his guitar tech/liaison John Hammel. When something like this would come up, I’d call John, and he’d say, ‘Hang on,’ and I’d usually hear him talking to Paul in the background.
“So I asked about the Jazz Bass, John went off to talk to Paul, and he came back and said, ‘No, no, no. Paul says it’s Wings only. He never used a Jazz Bass with the Beatles.’ So I go with what Paul said, you know? I didn’t put that in the book.
“Of course, after the book comes out, Fricke sends me these photo copies of Linda McCartney’s shots for the Rolling Stone piece, and, sure enough, Paul is using a Jazz Bass on the White Album.
“There was something else cool in those shots, too—Ringo playing a double kick-drum set. I asked him about that, and he said, ‘I thought I’d try what Ginger Baker and Keith Moon were doing [with double bass-drum kits], but we got to a drum break where I was supposed to do something fancy, and I just froze. I didn’t know what to do, so I never did it again.’”
The Mystery of the Black Strat Headstock
“A photograph of a private rehearsal in 1965 showed John playing a black Stratocaster with a matching black headstock. I’m like, ‘What the freak is that? How many black Strats with black headstocks do you remember seeing in 1965?’ Fender will tell you they never made them in 1964 or ’65.
“I talked to [author and Beatles Gear editor] Tony Bacon, and we think that Ivor Arbiter—who had the Fender franchise in the U.K.—might have done it, as he was known for repainting Fender guitars in England. This is how you got all those weird Shell Pink and Fiesta Red guitars that are quite a bit different from the American colors.
“Now, Arbiter knew that Lennon liked black guitars, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he thought, ‘I’ll paint this guitar and give it to John, and if he plays it, maybe I’ll get more Fender sales.’ We don’t know. Nobody knows. And nobody knows where the guitar is, either—which is crazier.”
andy babiukbeatles gearbeatles
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Unrealistic images of reefs saturated with vibrant hues of neon pinks and blues may be familiar features in glossy travel magazines, but seeing these colors in the wild is likely not a good sign Photo by Marius Graf/Alamy Stock Photo
We Have Unrealistic Beauty Standards for Coral, Too
Virtual reality experiments show people value pretty reefs over healthy ones.
by Gemma Conroy
Vibrant images of coral reefs are popular features in glossy travel magazines. This spiraling kaleidoscope of neon corals leads many to believe that “pretty” must also mean “healthy.”
But according to Julie Vercelloni, a marine scientist at the University of Queensland in Australia, something more sinister is often at play when corals turn a fluorescent shade.
“It [can be] a sign of death. Bright coloring is common in the early stages of a bleaching event,” she says. “It’s beautiful, but not sustainable.”
Like the extreme beauty standards propagated by the fashion industry, new research suggests that our overexposure to only the most visually striking coral reefs is shaping unrealistic expectations about what a coral reef should look like. The use of artificial lighting, pumped up colors, and heavy editing in documentaries and photography pushes these boundaries even further. This may affect which reefs people want to protect.
David Suggett, a marine biologist at the University of Technology Sydney, says the finding opens the discussion about how people may feel about coral reefs as they respond to climate change and environmental stress.
“Reefs will likely look very different as hardier coral species begin to recover, which are sometimes not as colorful or structurally diverse,” says Suggett. “We need to communicate what is truly healthy versus what looks good.”
The research echoes another recent demonstration of beauty bias. In 2016, scientists showed that even conservation scientists favor attractive, charismatic vertebrates over invertebrates that are critical to ecosystem health.
Still, aesthetic considerations matter, even if they’re less quantifiable than health indicators such as biodiversity and water quality, Vercelloni says. “If people think that the Great Barrier Reef is no longer beautiful, then they may think that there is no point trying to conserve it.”
Indeed, “exceptional natural beauty” and “aesthetic importance” are both listed as selection criteria for UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Great Barrier Reef.
Few studies, however, have attempted to pin down what exactly people find beautiful about the Great Barrier Reef. But taking a survey group to the reef was impractical, so Vercelloni and her team came up with the next best thing—virtual reality.
The researchers immersed groups of marine scientists, experienced divers, and regular citizens in 360-degree scenes showing both healthy and degraded areas of the Great Barrier Reef. Each participant was asked to assess how pleasing they found the images based on eight different attributes, such as water visibility, color diversity, reef damage, and the presence of different fish.
Unhealthy and beautiful
Healthy and less beautiful
Healthy and beautiful
Study participants virtually explored a range of coral reefs, assessing them for their beauty. But what they found most appealing didn’t always reflect the health of the reef. Photos courtesy of Julie Vercelloni
Some of the ranking criteria represented a win-win situation. Reefs showing a diverse array of corals and fish, for example, are a sign of both beauty and health. All of the survey participants rated this attribute as aesthetically pleasing, though one group, the marine scientists, may have been biased toward this feature as they knew it represented a healthy reef.
The survey also showed that all three groups found colorful reefs the most appealing, even though a variety of hues don’t always point to good health. In stressed coral reefs, other colorful animals such as soft corals and sponges begin thriving. But a burst of fluorescent color may indicate that a reef is on the brink of bleaching.
The citizen group turned out to be the harshest critics of what they perceived as ugly reefs, likely because they are used to only seeing heavily photoshopped “perfect” reefs, Vercelloni says.
Citizen participants were also overzealous in identifying coral bleaching, seeing it in more than a quarter of the images, even though the images showed no bleaching. The images were taken prior to the massive coral bleaching event in 2016, which wiped out more than two-thirds of the Great Barrier Reef. But there was wide coverage of bleaching in the media at the time of the survey, and these alarming reports may have led the citizen group to expect images of damaged coral. As a result, they saw flaws where there were none.
Understanding the features of a coral reef that people value can help focus conservation efforts to help maintain the reef-reliant economy, but only within reason. Vercelloni says promoting sustainable, functional beauty in coral reefs needs to be a higher priority when monitoring their ecology.
“It’s all about educating people to see the beauty in healthy reefs that can be sustained over time,” she says.
Gemma Conroy is a science journalist based in Sydney, Australia. Her work has appeared in Nature Index, Popular Science, ScienceAlert, Australian Geographic, Cosmos, and other outlets.
Cite this Article: Gemma Conroy “We Have Unrealistic Beauty Standards for Coral, Too,” Hakai Magazine, May 30, 2018, accessed July 16th, 2019, https://www.hakaimagazine.com/news/we-have-unrealistic-beauty-standards-for-coral-too/.
Australia’s Extremophile Coral Could Be Key to Saving the World’s Reefs
These resilient corals can handle conditions that would decimate other species.
Coral, Explained
A little bit algae, a little bit rock, and a lot animal. If you’ve ever wondered about the life of a coral, this photo essay will help.
Sep 1, 2016 | 2,000 words, 13 photos
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Timothy Taylor’s
a 27 year history
About Harrogate Brasserie
The Harrogate Brasserie was established in 1990 by Richard Finney who, alongside a highly experienced team, run the restaurant/hotel business from its Cheltenham Parade address for 27 years.
In 2017, Timothy Taylor’s Brewery took over the Harrogate Brasserie with the vision to develop the business further but still keeping it’s quirky and independent style.
An odd pairing some might think but in reality it was the perfect match, both Timothy Taylor’s and the Harrogate Brasserie are long established family run businesses, with individuality, ethos and values in common. For some time Timothy Taylor’s had been eyeing up the ideal location to showcase their ales, and more, to locals and tourists. Naturally a venue such as the ‘Brasserie’ with its unique personality fitted the bill perfectly and Taylor’s jumped at the opportunity.
Harrogate Brasserie is a unique and independent Restaurant, Bar and Hotel located in the centre of the world famous spa town of Harrogate, in North Yorkshire and the latest addition to the Timothy Taylor’s family.
Our unique restaurant offers delicious, seasonal menus bursting with creativity and flavour. Not only known for our superb dining experience, we have an extensive drinks range including Timothy Taylor’s Championship cask ales, fine wines and artisan gins.
All can now be enjoyed on our new outdoor terrace, a regular suntrap and the place to be. With relaxed and friendly hotel rooms, some of which have been newly refurbished and live music two nights a week, we’re a place for everyone and every occasion.
Our bar and terrace is open from 12 noon daily. Food is served Monday to Saturday from 12 noon until 3.00pm and 5.00pm until 9.30pm and Sunday 12 noon until 9.30pm.
Once you’ve experience the buzz of the restaurant, bar and terrace or the smooth sounds of the live music nights, you’ll want to come back again and again.
Share The Brasserie with friends:
Bar Opening Times
12.00-11.00pm everyday
Restaurant Opening Times
Mon-Sat: 12.00-3.00pm and 5.00-9.30pm
Sunday: 12.00-9.30pm
The Harrogate Brasserie, 26-30 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB | T: 01423 50 50 41 | 2017 ©
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International Journal of Polymer Science
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Nanoparticles Containing Hyaluronan Acid and Astragalus Polysaccharides for Treating Osteoarthritis
Gongbiao Lu,1 Lin Du,2 Jishou Lu,1 and Liuzhong Jin1
1Department of Spine Surgery, Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272011, China
2School of Nursing, Jining Medical University, Jining 272013, China
Correspondence should be addressed to Liuzhong Jin; moc.361@31108555431
Received 18 March 2019; Revised 21 May 2019; Accepted 28 June 2019; Published 14 July 2019
Guest Editor: Di Li
Copyright © 2019 Gongbiao Lu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The pathogeny of osteoarthritis (OA) is very complicated and still is one of the difficulties in a treating procedure. Here, we constructed nanoparticles using hyaluronan acid (HA) and astragalus polysaccharides (APS) for OA therapy. We assessed OA biomarkers and IL-1β-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expressions. Nanoparticles of 100 nm showed high drug loading of 28.6% () and extended drug release of 59% over 1 month. Our results demonstrated that nano treatment significantly improved IL-1β-induced cell viability of chondrocytes. Induction of MMP-9, MMP-13, and TNF-α was alleviated by nanoparticles. Furthermore, nano elevated the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and attenuated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein. Our data indicated the protective role of HA and APS-capsuled nanoparticles in OA treatment.
Polysaccharides not only are the main constituent of natural products and energy suppliers but also have exclusive and important biological activities. For example, it can improve the immunity and has obvious antioxidation and anticoagulation effects [1]. These bioactivities of polysaccharides are important for organisms, which have become the focus of many research disciplines. As reported, many traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides used alone or combined with other traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides can not only improve the local microcirculation but also reduce the microcirculation intraosseous pressure, scavenge oxygen free radicals, and inhibit synovitis and cartilage apoptosis and abnormal regulation of cytokines [2–5]. The pathological changes of the immune organs can improve the synovial lesion of the joint and effectively inhibit the inflammation. Therefore, the research on astragalus polysaccharides (APS) of traditional Chinese medicine may become one of the important directions of prevention and cure of OA.
Accumulated evidence has revealed the potential mechanism of prevention and treatment of OA by polysaccharide of traditional Chinese medicine [6]. To tackle the dilemma of rapid clearance of biologically active molecules from the lesion, nanoparticles were considered in this study. HA is also a type of biopolymer widely used in treating OA. However, injected HA is not a long-lasting treatment and remains uncertain because of the degradation [7]. Polypeptide micelles combined with antitumor drug and polyion complex have been documented [8, 9]. In addition, recently, HA has been used in drug delivery nanoparticles for targeting cell-surface glycoprotein 44- (CD44-) overexpressed solid tumors [10]. Considering that HA helps the elasticity of synovial fluid and binds to CD44 which is highly expressed in chondrocytes, we used HA as a drug carrier and fabricated HA-coated nanoparticle to target OA sites.
Thus, in the present study, we developed a novel drug delivery system composed of hyaluronan acid and astragalus polysaccharides. We subsequently evaluated the therapeutic effects of formulated HA and APS-capsuled nanoparticles on isolated human articular chondrocytes.
2.1. Synthesis of Nanoparticles
The nanoparticles formulated are comprised of two polymers: HA and APS. The preparation of nanoparticles was performed as described previously [11]. We followed and modified the methods of Maudens et al. [12]. 1,2-Dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DLPE) and 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-glycerol (DLPG) were from Avanti Polar Lipids Inc. (Alabaster, AL, USA). HA obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA) was diluted to 2 mg/mL in distilled water. APS and lipids (DLPE : DLPG mole ratio of 7 : 3) were dissolved in ethanol and mixed with HA. Nanoparticle solution was evaporated to dry overnight at room temperature in a Buchi Rotary Evaporator Vacuum System. Nanoparticle size was calculated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) using a BI-200SM size analyzer. The nanosuspensions were lyophilized and stored at 4°C for further use. The concentration of nano formulation includes 8% ethanol (96%), 92.8% HA (mL/mL), and 0.2% APS (g/mL).
2.2. In Vitro Drug Release
Saline solution (0.9% () NaCl) and nano were saturated with the dexamethasone base (0.05, 0.50, and 2.50 mg mL−1, respectively) at 20°C. Ten milliliters of each of the previous solutions was dialyzed (MWCO: 1000, Spectra/Por® membrane) against 400 mL of 0.9% () NaCl for 28 h at 37°C and 80 RPM. The polymer matrix was hydrolyzed by heating (121°C) to release the remaining content of dexamethasone, and DMSO was added (1 : 1, water : DMSO). The quantity of the drug released at each time point was quantified by reversed-phase UHPLC using a C18 Hypersil Gold column (50/2.1, 1.9 μm bead particle size, Thermo Scientific, Waltham, USA). The mobile phase consists of 0.1% () formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% () trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in acetonitrile (B), and the following gradient elution sequence was applied at a flow rate of 400 μL min−1: 30–95% A (0–3 min), 95–10% A (3–4 min), 10–30% A (4–4.5 min), and 30% A (4.5–5 min).
2.3. Isolation of Articular Chondrocytes
OA model rabbits (New Zealand female rabbits, 8-month-old, ) were created using the classic Hulth method as previously reported [2]. Synovial tissues were isolated from the knee joints of New Zealand white rabbits (female, average weight: ) after being sacrificed with overdose of pentobarbital sodium (Sigma-Aldrich) under sterile conditions. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institution’s Animal Care and Use Committee of Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital. Cartilage was cut into small pieces and digested by 0.2% collagenase II (Gibco, Carlsbad, CA, USA) at 37°C for 12 h. After washing twice with PBS, the isolated synoviocytes were cultured in monolayers in culture medium composed of DMEM/F12 (Gibco) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; Gibco, USA) and 1% antibiotics at 37°C with 5% CO2.
2.4. Release of Nanoparticles
Lyophilized nanoparticle powder (2 mg) was resuspended with 5 mL phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) and shaken at 100 r/min at 37°C. 500 μL of buffer was collected and measured at a predetermined time point. The amounts of releases were calculated as follows: accumulated released ration = APS amount in buffer/total APS amount × 100%. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading efficiency (LE) were determined as previously reported [13]: drug loading = wt drug entrapped/wt microparticles × 100%.
2.5. Cytotoxicity Assays
Cell proliferation was assayed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8; Dojindo, Japan). 100 L cell () suspension was prepared in a 96-well plate (37°C and 5% CO2) for 24 hours. Various concentrations of nanoparticles (0.5, 5, 10, and 100 mg/L APS) or IL-1β (10 ng/mL) were added to each well at different concentrations and incubated for 24 hours. There were 6 groups in the present study: control (DMEM medium), IL-1β, IL-1β+0.5 mg/L APS, IL-1β+5 mg/L APS, IL-1β+10 mg/L APS, and IL-1β+100 mg/L APS. After incubation for 24 h, add 10 L CCK-8 solution to each well. Incubate the plates in the incubator for 1-4 hours. The absorbance at 450 nm was determined by a microplate analyzer (model 680; Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA). Chondrocytes cultured without NMPs served as the control group.
2.6. Measurement of IL-1β, iNOS, OPN, and TNF-α
Blood samples collected from rabbit were centrifuged at 1000 g for 15 min and 10 000 g for 10 min at 4°C. OPN, iNOS, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA (Hercules, CA, USA) according to the specifications of the manufacturer. Data were analyzed by Bio-Plex Manager software 6.1 to obtain concentrations.
2.7. Western Blot Analysis
Proteins were extracted from the articular chondrocytes. After the concentrations of the proteins were evaluated, equal amounts of protein were electrophoresed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel and transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes. The membranes were blocked with 2% nonfat dry milk in Tris-buffered saline-0.05% Tween (pH 7.4) and incubated with anti-OPN and anti-iNOS antibodies (1 : 2000, Abcam) at 4°C overnight. The membrane was washed three times and incubated with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody (Abcam) at 37°C for 2 h. The protein bands were visualized by an enhanced chemiluminescence system, and GAPDH (Abcam) was used as an internal control to normalize.
2.8. Statistical Analysis
All the continuous data were presented as the . All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17.0. Unpaired Student’s -test was used for the comparisons between two different groups. was considered significant.
3.1. Basic Characteristics of APS-Loaded Nanoparticles
The nanoparticles have an average diameter of . The encapsulation efficiency was , and the loading efficiency was . The APS was released from nanoparticles in PBS (Figure 1). With the degradation of HA, the structure of nanoparticles was broken up and APS was released. In addition, nanoparticles of 100 nm showed high drug loading of 28.6% () and extended drug release of 59% over 1 month.
Figure 1: Release of nanoparticles in PBS (pH 7.4). Data are expressed as the (). At least three independent experiments were conducted.
3.2. Cytotoxicity of Nanoparticles
We next examined the effect of nanoparticles on cell viability using the CCK-8 assay. As shown in Figure 2(a), treatment with nanoparticles caused slight decrease in cell viability. Also, we observed that when compared with the control group, IL-1β treatment remarkably decreased the cell viability of articular chondrocytes (Figure 2(b), ). However, APS-capsuled nanoparticles sharply improved cell viability inducted by IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner. There is no significant difference between 10 and 100 mg/L APS; thus, 0.5-10 mg/L of APS was used in the following experiments.
Figure 2: Nanoparticles attenuate the inhibitory effect on the cell viability induced by IL-1β. Cell viability of articular chondrocytes was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. At least three independent experiments were conducted. (a) OA chondrocytes were treated with various concentrations of APS-loaded nanoparticles (0, 0.5, 5, 10, and 100 mg/L) for 24 h. (b) OA chondrocytes were treated with various concentrations of APS-loaded nanoparticles (0.5, 5, 10, and 100 mg/L) with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) for 24 h. compared with the control group, # compared with the IL-1β group.
3.3. The Production of MMP-9, MMP-13, and TNF-α
ELISA results showed that nano containing 0.5, 5, and 10 mg/L APS significantly decreased the concentrations of MMP-9, MMP-13, and TNF-α, which was significantly elevated by IL-1β (Figure 3, ). These results indicated that APS-loaded nano could reduce the levels of inflammation cytokines and matrix-degrading proteins, therefore protecting articular chondrocytes.
Figure 3: The levels of MMP-9, MMP-13, and TNF-α were determined using ELISA. The values are expressed as the . compared with the control group; # compared with the IL-1β group.
3.4. The Expression of OPN and iNOS
Then, we verified the effects of APS on OPN and iNOS in OA chondrocytes cultured with IL-1β. The data of the Western blot assay demonstrated that IL-1β significantly decreased the protein expression of OPN and increased the expression of iNOS, as compared with the control (Figure 4). However, APS-encapsuled nano markedly elevated IL-1β-induced OPN proteins and attenuated IL-1β-induced iNOS protein expression.
Figure 4: The protein levels of OPN and iNOS in articular chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes were pretreated with various concentrations of APS-loaded nanoparticles. compared with the control group; # compared with the IL-1β group. OPN: osteopontin.
All over the world, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, disturbing approximately 10% of men and 18% of women aged over 60, which was regarded as immortal cancer [14]. In general, there are various aspects in the pathogenesis process, including cytokines, apoptosis, and protease [15]. Current therapies are not effective or have unwanted side effects. Self-targetability has emerged as a new targeting strategy that has been used in breast tumor, orthotopic hepatoma, and other diseases [16, 17]. Recently, a body of evidence showed that polysaccharide drugs for OA are a promising approach in early and midterm treatment [18]. APS has been used in the treatment of OA in the past years. In this study, APS was chosen as a therapeutic agent because of the specific biological effect of polysaccharides. Hydrogels composed of natural polymers such as hyaluronic acid have been used in the delivery of biologies. Importantly, HA is capable of enhancing delivery efficiency for chondrocytes due to the fact that CD44 is the primary receptor for HA internalization, thus facilitating the access to chondrocytes in the joint. Due to the small size and large specific surface area, nanoparticles are considered to be a promising medicine [5, 19, 20]. In the present study, we first combined these two agents and encapsulated both APS and HA in the nano structure.
In our study, the APS-loaded nano were prepared successfully (the morphology of microspheres was not shown). The data of CCK-8 assays showed that various concentrations of nanoparticles presented low cytotoxicity and improved the IL-1β-induced damage in chondrocytes. Based on the cytotoxicity data, we believed that the nano was safe and excellent.
It has been known that the MMP family is a vital biomarker related to articular cartilage degeneration [21]. MMPs are a big family including MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-5, MMP-9, and MMP-13 [22]. Among these, MMP-9 and MMP-13 are well-studied in the role of OA. Elevation of MMP-9 and MMP-13 is responsible for cleaving extracellular matrix and the construction of chondrocytes [23–25]. Here, we found that our modified nano declined the elevation of MMP-9 and MMP-13 induced by IL-1β. Moreover, the nano had significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory factor TNF-α, indicating the anti-inflammation role of APS and HA combined nano.
OPN is known as a cytokine related to OA metabolism; it is noncollagen bone matrix glycoprotein that mediates varied kinds of biological behaviors and often presents in the cartilage and synovial fluid of patients with OA [26]. OPN is an inhibitor to inflammatory substances such as IL-1 and NO, thus inhibiting the inflammatory process in cartilage [27]. iNOS is an isoform of the NO synthase family of enzymes, which correlates with the development of toxicity [28]. Stimulation of IL-1β could increase the expression of iNOS in chondrocytes therefore promoting NO production [29]. We investigated the effect of nanosphere on the production of OPN and iNOS. Western blot analyses indicated that the nanosphere effectively attenuated the levels of OPN and iNOS, leading to suppression of the inflammatory process. These results suggested that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of nanosphere is due to the inhibition of key cytokines.
In summary, we provide a new microsphere of modified medicine that overcomes the quick degradation of drugs. We conclude that APS- and HA-loaded nano can effectively promote the survival of chondrocytes and protect chondrocytes by regulating the cytokines and proteinase.
All the data is available with the handwritten notebook documented in our lab.
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
Gongbiao Lu and Lin Du contributed equally to this work.
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From Farooq Takla’s arrest to BV Doshi’s Pritzker Prize win: India this week in photos
Mar 11, 2018 14:31 IST
Farooq Takla, Dawood Ibrahim's aide brought for medical examination at St. George's Hospital before being produced in court in Mumbai on March 8, 2018. (Kunal Patil / HT Photo)
Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi, 90, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, poses at his residence in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2018. He became the first Indian to win the Pritzker Prize, considered architecture’s ‘Nobel’ equivalent. (Sam Panthaky / AFP)
Police officers inspect the site of an accident after a truck carrying wedding party guests plunged into a dry riverbed, in Ranghola village, Bhavnagar district, Gujarat on March 6, 2018. (Amit Dave / REUTERS)
People clean the bust of Bharatiya Jana Sangh Bharat Keshri's founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee after it was vandalized by unknown people at Keoratola Mohasoshan in Kolkata on March 7, 2018. (PTI)
A member of Tibetan Youth Congress protests against China to commemorate the 1959 uprising in Tibet at the Chinese Embassy, New Delhi on March 9, 2018. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP leaders Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Vijay Goel, Ananth Kumar and other cabinet ministers pose for a photograph after their victory in the Assembly elections in the North-East, on the first day of the second phase of the budget session in New Delhi on March 05, 2018. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)
Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidambaram was produced by the CBI at Patiala house Court in connection with its probe in the INX media case in New Delhi on March 6, 2018. (Raj K Raj / HT Photo)
Acid attack survivors pose during a fashion show as part of a campaign to spread the message ‘Stop Acid Sale’, in Thane on March 7, 2018, ahead of International Women's Day. (Punit Paranjpe / AFP)
A girl performs in a street play highlighting domestic violence before the start of a march on International Women's Day in New Delhi on March 8, 2018. (Manish Swarup / AP)
A labourer works on a salt pan in the outskirts of Nagaur district, Rajasthan on March 7, 2018. (Himanshu Sharma / AFP)
Cricketer Suresh Raina dives into his crease to complete a run during the second Twenty20 international cricket match between Bangladesh and India for the Nidahas Trophy tri-nation Twenty20 tournament at The R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on March 8, 2018. (Ishara S. Kodikara / AFP)
An Indian army member of the ‘Tornadoes’ motorcycle team rides through tube lights during a combined display at an officer training academy in Chennai on March 9, 2018. (Arun Sankar / AFP)
A boy performs stunts with a sword in Shivjayanti procession at Nana Peth, in Pune on March 4, 2018. (HT Photo)
Shop owners protest after MCD officers sealed their shops following orders from the Monitoring Committee in Amar Colony Market, New Delhi on March 8, 2018. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)
Villagers shout slogans as they carry the body of a civilian Suhail Ahmad during his funeral at Pinjura village, Srinagar on March 5, 2018. Over a dozen protests erupted across Kashmir on Monday, as tens of thousands of protesters poured into the streets after soldiers killed four civilians and two suspected militants. (Mukhtar Khan / AP)
(L to R) P. Chidambaram, Former union minister of finance, Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi, Former chief justice of India, Najeeb Jung, Former Lt. Governor of Delhi, Farooq Abdullah, Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and Salman Khurshid, Former cabinet minister of external affairs, and author of the book “Triple Talaq” published by Oxford University Press at Leela Hotel in New Delhi on March 8, 2018. (Raj K Raj / HT Photo)
People step on a poster of US President Donald Trump during a protest against the bombing of civilians in Syria, outside the US consulate in Kolkata on March 5, 2018. (Rupak De Chowdhuri / REUTERS)
From the arrest of Farooq Takla, alleged key conspirator behind the 1993 Mumbai blasts, and close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim to Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi’s Pritzker Architecture Prize win -- a round up of the week across India in pictures.
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Quebec adopts bill that bans religious symbols for state workers
Secularism bill bars teachers, police officers and others from wearing religious symbols at work
Jun. 17, 2019 8:05 a.m.
Quebec government House Leader Simon Jolin-Barrette responds to the Opposition during question period Friday, June 14, 2019 at the legislature in Quebec City. Premier Francois Legault, right, looks on. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot)
Quebec’s contentious secularism bill banning religious symbols for teachers, police officers and other public servants in positions of authority was voted into law late Sunday.
Premier Francois Legault’s government used its majority to push through Bill 21 by a vote of 73 to 35 after applying the mechanism of closure to end debate on the bill prematurely. The Parti Quebecois also voted in favour, while the Liberals and Quebec solidaire were opposed.
The bill prohibits public servants in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols on the job. Its opponents say the law targets religious minorities while the government argues it affirms the Quebecois people’s secular identity.
The Coalition Avenir Quebec government introduced last-minute amendments toughening the law, making provisions for a minister to verify that it is being obeyed and to demand corrective measures if necessary.
Liberal member Marc Tanguay said the changes would result in a “secularism police.”
Just before the final vote, the bill’s sponsor, Simon Jolin-Barrette, minister of immigration, diversity and inclusiveness, asked all legislators to “convey the principles of state secularism with calm and respect.”
The legislation includes wording that preemptively invokes Section 33 of the Canadian Constitution. As a consequence, no citizen will be able to challenge the bill on grounds it violates fundamental freedoms granted by law.
A Section 33 declaration, however, needs to be renewed every five years. Legault told reporters earlier in the day his government was closing a door that no one would choose to reopen.
“My prediction,” he said, “is that neither the Liberals, nor the Parti Quebecois — I don’t think they’ll be in power in five years — would want to change this law.”
Liberal Helene David quickly contradicted him. The Opposition critic for secularism told reporters a Liberal government would not renew Section 33. “We will see in five years what we will do,” she said. “There are strong chances we will want to repeal (the law).”
Bill 21 fulfills a major campaign promise by Legault’s party. The premier has often said the legislation is a “compromise” because his party decided against including daycare workers or private school teachers in the bill. The legislation also grants certain public sector workers such as teachers an acquired right to continue wearing religious symbols if they were hired before the law took effect.
Bill 21 also forbids anyone giving or receiving a state service with their face covered — largely seen as a measure targeting full-face Islamic veils.
The Liberals offered an amendment that would have let university students studying to become state employees affected by the law, such as teachers or lawyers, to have an acquired right to continue wearing religious symbols.
Jolin-Barette, said no. The so-called grandfather clause “would only to apply to those already working.”
READ MORE: Justice minister troubled by calls for conscientious objection to religious symbols ban
The premier said Friday the bill has allowed many Quebecers to regain a sense of pride. But Pierre Arcand, interim Liberal leader, said Sunday Legault’s legacy will be “this botched bill, that can’t be applied, that violates the rights of minorities. Mr. Premier, we will remember you for this.”
Also contentious is the provision in Bill 9 permitting the government to cancel roughly 18,000 immigration applications — some from people who have waited in limbo for years as their files languished under the old system. Those applicants will have to start the process over again.
Christina Lake home suffers heavy fire damage
Feds announce $50M strategy to fight dementia
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Mandy Rowden at Mighty Mo Brewing Aug. 3
Mandy Rowden at Mighty Mo Brewing Aug. 3 Mandy Rowden at Mighty Mo Brewing Aug. 3 Check out this story on greatfallstribune.com: http://gftrib.com/2v85EYX
Pete Swanson, For the Tribune Published 11:46 a.m. MT July 26, 2017
Pete Swanson
Austin, Texas, singer-songwriter Mandy Rowden makes a stop at Mighty Mo Brewing Co. on Thur., Aug. 3, on her annual Montana summer tour. She appears from 5 to 8 p.m.
Rowden usually fronts a four piece band, but during summer months she enjoys performing solo playing acoustic guitar. She described her style as “Americana folk-rock” during a recent phone interview.
“It’s been compared to Tom Petty and Lucinda Williams kinda style,” Rowden explained. “It’s just good, old fashioned singer-songwriter stuff sprinkled in with lots of fun covers. I used to play in ‘80s cover bands so I have a lot of fun, silly stuff to kind of temper off all of the moody songwriter stuff.”
Rowden added that her solo gigs lean towards casual and funny.
“I take the music part really seriously,” she said, “but I also like to joke around with the audience and be very personable.”
Rowden was raised and home schooled in a fundamentalist Baptist household in East Texas. She began learning classical violin and piano at age six. Her musical tack began to shift when she picked up a guitar in high school, and by the time she reached 21, Rowden was exploring rock music. While studying English and film at Texas State University, she was introduced to Americana music and began her journey as a songwriter.
Rowden has released two albums, “These Bad Habits” in 2015 and her latest effort “1,000” Miles” in 2016.
“The latest album actually kind of rocks a little bit harder than the first one,” she noted. “We get into a little kinda psychedelic cover of that Vogues tune ‘Five O’Clock World.’ I feel like this is just maybe a little bit more outside of the box but still hopefully super relatable.”
Rowden recently signed a deal with Howlin’ Dog Records, which she described as a “songwriter” record label based Colorado. She also placed in the Top 10 of the 2016-17 Austin Chronicle Music Awards “Best Austin Musicians” category for female vocals.
“An American Cheryl Crow? Mandy Rowden has the talent, chops, and charisma to go there,” remarks the Austin Chronicle.
Rowden’s passion for music is exemplified by her creation of Girl Guitar, a musical workshop and “rock school for women” that teaches women of all ages the skills necessary to become confident performers. The six-week workshops are conducted in Austin and Nashville. Thirty classes per week are held in Austin, fewer in Nashville, according to Rowden. She estimates that during Girl Guitar’s 10-year history, over 1,200 musician-students have participated in the workshops.
Rowden said she enjoys getting away from Austin and touring Montana during the summer months, something she’s done the past several years.
“It’s a selfish thing just because I like to be here,” she chuckled. “I do it every year. I call it tour-cation.”
Rowden’s Montana itinerary spans 13 appearances in communities that include Bozeman, Missoula, Livingston, Red Lodge, Butte and Great Falls.
Liquor Down at the Lido July 28, Back Alley Pub July 29
Great Falls rock band Liquor Down appears at the Lido Bar, 625 1st Ave. N.W., on Fri., July 28, at 7 p.m. Cover material includes AC/DC, Bob Seger, Del Shannon, Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Ozzy Osbourne, Little Richard, and Iron Maiden. On Sat., July 29, Liquor Down showcases original rock at the Back Alley Pub, 112 Central Ave., at 10 p.m. Band members include Layloni on lead vocals, George Thompson on bass and vocals, Zeke Neil on guitar and backing vocals, and Emily Reardon on drums.
Pete Swanson is a local musician and freelance writer. Reach him at 727-0438.
Read or Share this story: http://gftrib.com/2v85EYX
Under the Big Sky Festival this weekend
'Exploring with Enya:' Augusta beyond the rodeo
'Exploring with Enya:' A day in Shelby
Eat, Play, Stay your way through Helena
Kellergeist Pub hosts contemporary art show
Fair lineup gets comedic with Larry the Cable Guy
Feb. 4, 2019, 12:44 p.m.
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Here are just a few articles from our many years of building homes in
the greater Fox Valley area.
Team Effort at Havlicek Builders
“Asked how he’d like to hear his peers describe his company, George Havlicek says, “I hope they would use the words ‘integrity’ and ‘quality,’ Indeed, they do. While some builders rode the home-building boom of the 80’s and 90’s, then trotted into the sunset, Geneva-based Havlicek Builders built a reputation as a sought-after designer and builder of custom houses.”
Read the article here
Industry Insider: Havlicek Builders
"We are true design-builders. Our goal is to build a home for each buyer that is a good value and that is truly 'their' home," Havlicek said. "We work to build at a higher -- more detailed -- level than most, incorporating many different styles."
Havlicek believes people should invest their money in the design end of their home in order to prevent disappointment later. Other things can be added, but the overall design of the home is expensive to adjust.”
Havlicek Wins Cavalcade Gold for Custom Home Model
The Regina by Havlicek Builders takes the gold for Best Overall Custom Homes in the 1996 Cavalcade of Homes. Havlicek’s model combines the best all categories to take 13 Gold Awards in 17 categories… The Regina won gold awards for Best Family/Great Room, Best Kitchen Design, Best Fireplace Design, Best Interior Lighting, Best Window Treatment Design, Best Master Bedroom, Best Master Bath, Best Floor Plan, Best Exterior Design, Best Deck/Patio Design, and Best Landscape Design.”
Havlicek Builders: ‘Less House, More Home’ is the Slogan of Today’s Homebuyer
“‘They may like their homes; the may like where they live, but they want to downsize, too,’ he says. ‘And definitely don’t want to sacrifice quality when they do.’
Havlicek Builders offers 2,400 square foot homes with new materials, open floor plans, and all of the latest modern technologies, complete with furnaces, appliances, and other features ‘with their own IP addresses,” which allows a homeowner to use a smartphone to control and monitor various features.”
Cooper Woods: A Quiet Retreat in the Heart of Geneva
“Geneva’s newest subdivision is sure to feel like an escape from the ordinary. Nestled into a wooded historical estate, the 21 lots of Cooper Woods are surrounded by an idyllic neighborhood and the Geneva Golf Club. It’s less than a mile from charming downtown Geneva, putting it within an easy walk of the train station, fine dining and some of the region’s top shopping boutiques.
The 15 remaining parcels of Cooper Woods vary in size and price, but they provide an ideal starting point for a fully custom-built house that has all of the latest amenities and luxuries.”
Excellence is in the Details at Cooper Woods
“The reputation of Havlicek Builders is what lured Mindy and Dan DeVito to Cooper Woods, but their stylish new home is what’ll keep them there for years to come… ‘Some people say building a house is a pain, but working with Havlicek was a great experience for us from beginning to end,’ Mindy says. ‘I would turn around and do it all again tomorrow.’”
Geneva Community Profile: Residential Living
“Geneva is a place where old meets new - a trait that is evident in its residential living option. Impressive century-old Victorian manors line the streets of historic downtown Geneva, offering a glimpse into the community’s rich past. A wide assortment of home styles can be found along the banks of the Fox River and thorughout the downtown area…New neighborhoods like Cooper Woods from Havlicek Builders and Riverbank Crossing by Taylor Morrison, both in the heart of charming Geneva, are excellent options.”
“Home of The Spring Family,” November 30, 2017
“Brookstone Wins Top Honor,” June 27, 1992
“The Okolita Family,” December 3, 2015
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Peter Chronis
EarthLink
DCI Jason Tunn
Metropolitan Police Service London
Ronald Raether
Troutman Sanders
Is a Cell Phone Ban Too Extreme?
Experts Discuss How to Help Volunteers Ensure Privacy Marianne Kolbasuk McGee (HealthInfoSec) • January 15, 2013
As the result of a recent data breach, one Florida healthcare organization has now banned the use of cell phones by volunteer workers. Was this a proactive measure or an over-reaction?
See Also: Live Webinar | Embracing Digital Risk Protection: Take Your Threat Intelligence to the Next Level
Security experts say the case spotlights some of the delicate patient privacy considerations healthcare providers need to balance when dealing with security and volunteers.
The 2012 breach at Jackson Health System involved a former hospital volunteer who used his cell phone to take photos of 1,000-plus patient records. The volunteer allegedly sold the information, which included Social Security numbers, to another individual who used the information to file fake tax returns.
As a result of the breach, Jackson Health System recently implemented new rules for its volunteer workforce, including banning the use of personal cell phones in patient areas. "The new policy affecting volunteers is a result of the breach," says a Jackson Health System spokesman.
But is it a policy that could spread to other organizations concerned about their own volunteers causing breaches? Health data security experts say that an outright ban of cell phone use by volunteers could prove to be an unpopular policy that's difficult to enforce, considering many cash-strapped hospitals depend on the good will of volunteers to supplement staff.
As alternate options, experts say, healthcare organizations should consider other ways of bolstering security and privacy safeguards involving volunteers, including improved training, better screening and reassessing other policies, such as those related to recordings and photography.
Dependent on Volunteers
For starters, volunteers are a crucial part of manpower for many healthcare organizations. So, implementing and enforcing strong patient data privacy safeguards among volunteer staff is critical, yet somewhat of a delicate issue.
"I would say this is a knee-jerk reaction to an isolated incident," says security expert Tom Walsh, president of Tom Wash Consulting, about the Jackson Health cell phone ban. "If volunteers were banned from bringing their personally-owned cell phones to work, we'd have a drop in the number of volunteers. Hospitals are sensitive to the needs of their volunteers and would not do anything that would upset them."
Kate Borten, president of IT security consultancy, The Marblehead Group, agrees that volunteers are vital to some healthcare organizations, so policies need to be crafted to safeguard patient information without being a total turnoff to the individuals' goodwill.
"Volunteers are common in most, if not all, hospitals," she says. "In some hospitals they are vital and fill gaps in staffing. They typically have at least some access to patient information."
With that said, many hospitals have a lower tolerance for volunteers' violations of privacy and security policies than for employees' infractions, Borten adds. "Setting a higher bar, such as banning personal cell phones within the facilities, is reasonable since it's highly unlikely they need their personal phones for hospital work," she says. Instead, volunteers can use their cell phones outside patient facilities, during breaks, for example. "While this is not yet common practice, the breach involving a volunteer's cell phone should prompt all hospitals to consider a similar policy," she says.
Patient Privacy Safeguards
In addition to considering a ban on cell phone use near patient areas, healthcare organizations also need to provide their volunteers with training about patient privacy and security rules. In fact, bolstered volunteer training about patient privacy policies is something that Jackson Health is also doing in the wake of the breach.
And considering that the Jackson Health breach involved the use of cell phones to capture patient record images, some experts suggest that now might also be a good time for healthcare organizations to dust off their policies regarding photography and recording.
"When these policies where originally written, I'm sure they were not thinking about a smart phone that can record video, audio and take pictures and post them on the Internet in less than a minute," Walsh says. "This is risky business for caregivers and hospitals. My advice: Review the nursing policy on recording device use in the hospital."
As an alternative to outright cell phone bans, healthcare organizations need to be more mindful overall to the patient information to which volunteers are exposed, suggests privacy attorney Ron Raether, a partner at Faruki Ireland & Cox P.L.L. Healthcare organizations should limit volunteer's access to patient information.
Raether also says that it's not unusual for organizations in other industries, especially financial services, to have a "clean desk" policy where equipment is locked at the end of a work day, and in some extreme cases the use of cell phones and USB flash drives is prohibited. "But that sort of culture is often contrary to healthcare and volunteers," he says. Nonetheless, "in most cases, volunteers shouldn't have access to patient records," he says.
When volunteers do have access to patient information, including computer systems, healthcare organizations need to be watchful of managing volunteers' user IDs and passwords, as well as systems use.
"One problem I see involving hospital volunteers is that they sometimes share a generic user ID and password," Borten says. "Not only is that inconsistent with HIPAA's security rule, but it means the organization has no way of tracking who accessed which patients' records."
Finally, in staffing their organizations, hospitals and other care facilities need to carefully vet their prospective volunteers.
"Employees [undergo] background checks, but not all volunteers have background checks," Walsh says. "Keep in mind that the bulk of volunteers are senior citizens, followed by adults that retired early who want to stay busy, and teenagers looking for community service time. Part of the screening process could be, 'Why do you want to volunteer?'"
For more on background screening, see the new interview Top 10 Screening Trends for 2013.
Preventing Insider Medical ID Theft
Continuous Monitoring: Reaching Maturity
Marianne Kolbasuk McGee
Executive Editor, HealthcareInfoSecurity
McGee is executive editor of Information Security Media Group's HealthcareInfoSecurity.com media site. She has about 30 years of IT journalism experience, with a focus on healthcare information technology issues for more than 15 years. Before joining ISMG in 2012, she was a reporter at InformationWeek magazine and news site, and played a lead role in the launch of InformationWeek's healthcare IT media site.
https://www.healthcareinfosecurity.com/a-cell-phone-ban-too-extreme-a-5421
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HC at Casper Libero
6 Beaches Nearby São Paulo To Go Before The End Of The Summer
By Larissa Bomfim • Casper Libero Contributor • Lifestyle March 10, 2018 at 5:00am
The summer ends very soon (March 20th, to be sure) and if you wanna enjoy it until the last day of warm sun, why not going to the beach? Even if you think it’s a good idea, but don’t have a clue about where to go or think you don’t have much time to take a long trip, we made a list of beaches nearby São Paulo that you still can visit. Hope you get a good tan before autumn comes!
Praia da Sununga. Image Source: Rafael Vianna Croffi/Creative Commons
Ubatuba is 230 km away from São Paulo and the trip takes about 3 hours, but believe me: it’s worth it. The city has 70 different beaches for you to go and the most popular is Praia do Lázaro, but there are many other options, such as Praia Grande, Vermelha, Puruba and Domingas Dias. The city also has islands and waterfalls, if you want to spend a few more days and explore the nature landscape around.
Praia da Fome. Image Source: Camille Carboni
Ilhabela is the right path for those in love with the sea. The city is about 200 km from São Paulo and it’s covered by the Atlantic forest - and because of that maybe it’s a good thing to take a insect repellent with you. Praia Grande, Armação, Pedra do Sino, Feiticeira and Julião are some of the good options if you don’t want to go far from downtown and yet have a great experience.
Image Source: Rafael Vianna Croffi/Creative Commons
About 150 km from São Paulo, Peruíbe is a good choice for those who don’t want to go too far and don’t wanna go to Praia Grande either. There, each tribe has its own beach: who likes to surf and go camping goes to Guaraú, but families and groups of friends that wants to relax goes to Prainha.
Maresias. Image Source: Jordan Klein/Creative Commons
The city is 200 km from São Paulo and it’s known because of Maresias, the most famous beach from São Sebastião. But it’s not the only one. Juréia, Cambury, Juquehy and Barra do Una are also good choices, and don’t forget to watch the sunset in Boiçucanga after spending the day, you won’t regret the view! If you want to know more about the city, you can also take a tour in the historical center.
Pedrinhas. Image Source: Camille Carboni
Ilha Comprida is about 220 km from São Paulo and the view is just like and island: sand dunes, natural pools and beautiful beaches, from Boqueirão do Norte to Boqueirão do Sul. There, you can also take the ecological safari to observe the natural landscape and visit the caiçara village of Pedrinhas.
Image Source: Creative Commons
The furthest from all this beaches, Cananéia is almost 300 km from São Paulo. The city is considered an environmental sanctuary full of species of fauna and flora, with beaches as Pereirinha and Marujá. There’s also a historical center and many islands nearby, such as Ilha do Cardoso, Ilha do Bom Abrigo and Ilha Comprida, where you can reach by boat and see a few dolphins swimming on the way!
Larissa Bomfim (Casper Libero)
Larissa is a Journalism student at Casper Libero University and a writer-to-be. She's a lot more Scorpio than she thinks and truly believes in the power of words. Completely immersed in pop culture (and a little bit of indie, we must confess), her "watchlist" on Netflix is only smaller than her pile of books waiting to be read.
Hotels.com is Offering an Out of This World Deal for Trips to the 'Moon' in Honor of Apollo 11's 50th Anniversary
I Searched Shein, Zaful & More to Find The Best Swimsuits So You Don't Have To — Here Are My Fave Findings
I Work Retail at a Bathing Suit Store & These Are The Trendiest Swimwear Brands RN
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HC at MMM
Chipping Away at Gel Manicures Perfection
By Katie Kausch • MMM Contributor May 12, 2015 at 10:52pm
It sounds too good to be true: a diamond hard, ever shiny and vibrant nail polish that lasts, on average, over two weeks.
Unfortunately, gel manicures might actually be too good to be true. The nail polish, which traditionally consists of a base coat, two to three coats of colors, and a top coat, cured beneath a UV light between every coat, is rapidly gaining popularity in American salons thanks to advances in technology making them longer lasting, and the availability of more colors. At-home kits are also seeing a surge in sales, both thanks to inexpensive UV lights and light-free gel kits.
Although they are rising in popularity and accessibility, it is still too early to tell if the health risks- both proved and potential- associated with regular gel manicures are worth the glamour.
There are some minor health risks already known to be caused by gel manicures. “If you have them redone too many times in a row, they weaken your nails,” said Courtney Rose Hasner, a high schooler teacher who indulges in occasional pre-vacation manicures, “But once I do it, I don't have it redone. I let my nails grow out and regain their strength.”
“Gel manicures have been shown to make nails brittle and up to 50% thinner, at least temporarily,” said Dr. Jessica Wu, who has published articles on the effects of gel polish on nail bed health. She attributes this to the removal process, which, if done properly, requires the entire finger tip be soaked in acetone until the polish sloughs off, usually between five and ten minutes. More often than that, impatient wearers peel off polish at the first sign of a chip, taking with it the very top layer of the nail.
Although these manicures can last for up to four weeks, it is important to remove them once every two weeks in order to take a look at the nail bed.
"In general, any manicure left in place for an extended period of time is not a good idea because you are not seeing what is going on underneath the nail polish," said Dr. Chris Adigun in an American Academy of Dermatology news release. Leaving polish on for too long might mask yellowing or cracking of the nail bed, which could signify an infection or vitamin deficiency.
The main concern over gel manicures are tied to the curing method. Most salon gel manicures, as well as some of the higher-end at home kits utilize a small UV lamp in order to cure the gel into the hard shellac its known for. The time under the lamp is short (for a Gelish at-home gel kit, the total time per hand under the lamp would not exceed two and a half minutes, and most salons limit time to under five minutes).
A joint study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital and Brown University and published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that in order for the UV exposure caused by the manicures to even come close to the dose given during a psoriasis light treatment (an amount considered medically safe), a person would have to get anywhere between 13,000 and 40,000 manicures, depending on the light. That would mean 500 years worth of gel manicures if you replaced it every two weeks.
What that means is indulging in an occasional manicure, or ever getting them religiously “"does not produce a clinically significant increased risk of developing skin cancer," according to the study.
If the threat of UV exposure is still a concern, wearing a pair of gloves with the tips cut off, or applying a thin coat of sunscreen fifteen minutes before going under the lamp can help negate any effects of the light. Alternatively, some salons are offering gel manicures cured by LED lights, which generate even less UV exposure.
For many, the benefits of a long lasting, perma-shiny manicure outweigh the risks.
“If I do my nails with the gels then I know it’ll stay on during volleyball practice and gym, but the regular nail polish just chips off,” said Elizabeth Kausch, a suburban middle schooler who does her nails at home using a mini-UV light she got as a gift. Without the at-home kit, she would not be able to afford gel manicures, which cost about $50 at her local salon. The at-home kit, which she has had for three years now, cost $100, with each new bottle of polish costing $10.
“I like the gel much better,” agreed her mother, Barbara, who is not a user of any type of nail polish. “The regular polish always chips, but I know when she does the gels she’ll look nice.”
Katie Kausch (MMM)
Class of '16 Communication Arts Major & Journalism Minor. Snapshots Editor for HCMMM, Online Editor for MMM's the Monitor, Communication Arts Rep to SGA. Former News 12 NJ & Fox 5 News Intern. I enjoy coffee, fresh cut flowers, The Office and reading the news. If I'm not asleep I'm probably talking about something. Follow me on Insta / Twitter: @cowshhhh
David Dobrik, Gabby Douglas, Rachel Ballinger & More Take The Nike Sport Court At VidCon 2019
College Women on Their Favorite Beauty Products That Happen to All Be Under $20
Tips to Fix Your Sleep Schedule
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Trump and Kim – What’s Really Going On? Let’s Handicap Next Steps With North Korea
COMMENTARY Defense
May 30th, 2019 3 min read
James Jay Carafano @JJCarafano
Vice President, Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute
James Jay Carafano is a leading expert in national security and foreign policy challenges.
Fixating on Trump tweets and Kim statements has become a mania. Anadolu Agency / Contributor / Getty Images
If Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un were oracles, there might be an argument for obsessing about their every word. They are not.
Don’t misunderstand. These are serious men. They mean what they say. We just have to figure out what they mean.
The longer Kim waits, the more he risks the U.S. upping the ante with more sanctions and resuming full-scale military exercises with South Korea.
If Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un were oracles, there might be an argument for obsessing about their every word. They are not. The public jawboning of the last few weeks offers no real clues on where the denuclearization talks stand -- or where they are headed.
Statecraft is the practice of rhetoric and action -- the combination of what leaders say and what they do. Fixating on one without the other is like haggling prices with a used car salesman, without looking over the car.
Words and deeds matter. When FDR declared the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor a “day of infamy,” the speech would have been long forgotten if the U.S. had not marched off and fought World War II. In contrast, nobody can remember a word of Obama’s “new beginning” 2009 Cairo speech -- because afterward “nothing began.”
That gets to the nub of the problem. Since Trump and Kim met in Hanoi, there has been scant public action to analyze other than a few North Korean short-range missile firings. On the other hand, there has been a ton of inconclusive trash talk.
Fixating on Trump tweets and Kim statements has become a mania. That’s nuts -- like thinking if you watch the first half of the movie over and over again you’ll figure out how it ends.
Decoding what’s going on with words absent deeds is particularly problematic when dealing with Kim and Trump -- each in their own way one of the most unconventional statesmen on the planet.
Understanding Pyongyang is like knowing what’s on the other side of a black hole. Who knows what a third-generation dictator in the world’s most vicious, paranoid, and isolated state really thinks, and how that squares with what he says?
For his part, Trump has made acting Trumpian the hallmark of his diplomacy. He is at times painfully plainspoken, intentionally provocative, or annoyingly coy -- sometimes all in the same tweet. It is also clear Trump at times plays “good and bad cop,” not just with his key advisors, but sometimes in his own comments.
The only way to confidently square the circle is to pair an assessment of the rhetoric with an analysis of their action. And, while it has been mostly quiet on the negotiating front, that doesn’t mean there aren’t activities to analyze.
Here is what we know.
The sanctions are working. How do we know that? Because in Hanoi, all Kim was interested in was sanctions relief.
“The cumulative effects of 11 U.N. resolutions and enhanced U.S. laws are having an impact on regime finances, and that was the primary catalyst for prompting North Korea back to the negotiating table,” notes my Heritage colleague and top Korea expert, Bruce Klingner.
Kim is feeling the pain, and the North Koreans are puzzled over how to trump Trump.
In Hanoi, they thought they could press a gap between Trump and his key advisors -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton -- and push the U.S. into a “small deal.” They were wrong.
They thought Trump needed a deal to smooth his reelection and distract from the drumbeat of impeachment. They were wrong.
The North Koreans have yet to show any sign they are serious about denuclearization or doing anything other than making small concessions for sanctions relief.
The U.S. position is unchanged. Sanctions aren’t coming off until Pyongyang denuclearizes. The door to negotiations isn’t closing.
That’s pretty much all we know for sure.
Here is the one big known unknown. Will Kim trust Trump and trade denuclearization for normalization? Only Kim knows that. Analyzing all the back-and-forth between Kim and Trump isn’t going to give us a better clue.
The only way we’ll know is if Kim commits to serious verifiable, concrete measures -- not the fluffy stuff North Korea has trotted out before, but the real deal.
If Kim is serious about denuclearizing, he may be hesitant to commit because of uncertainty as to whether Trump will still be around after 2020. Why should he accept Trump’s commitments if Trump won’t be there to honor them?
Further, Trump is unlikely to close the door to negotiations. The opportunity will likely still be there after the elections if Trump comes back. Why shouldn’t Kim just wait and see?
On the other hand, the longer Kim waits, the weaker the hand he has to play. If Trump is reelected, his hand will be stronger than ever. The sooner Kim cuts a deal the better deal he’ll get.
If Kim has no interest in denuclearization, just playing for time won’t be of much help. If Trump isn’t interested in small deals now, the likelihood he will be interested in one after 2020 is not good.
The war of words aside, when it comes to action, the ball is in Kim’s court.
This piece originally appeared on Fox News
REPORT9 min read
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Superb console RPG makes its way to the PC
June 24th, 2008 by Zkylon
Bioware has a reputation for creating rich, exciting and perhaps hybrid experiences in the RPG genre with all their latest titles being developed for consoles, and then ported to PCs. Most of the times, these ports were somewhat faulty, partly because the transition from console to PC always felt a little rough on the edges but also because there are many things that work on a console and a controller that just don’t translate as well to the keyboard-mouse combo. This time, Bioware uses a particular word for their Console-PC transition: conversion. What does this mean in theory? That the Mass Effect you played on your Xbox 360 is not quite the same game that you play on your PC. In practice, that’s not the entire truth.
Conceiving Commander Shepard
Mass Effect starts out with the usual character creation screen, leaving it up to you to pick main character Commander Shepard’s name, class, appearance and which may be one of my favorite features of the character creation, character background. Background works like this: you simply choose two types of backgrounds; one related to Shepard’s pre military service profile and the other to his/her psychological profile. Each choice will reflect on you as side quests later in the game. This brings with it a really nice sense of realism, as if Shepard had a previous life to begin with.
The classes are the usual sort you could expect at an RPG game: the soldier, capable of wearing heavy armors and properly handling the larger pieces of firepower; the sentinel, a hacking and electronics expert, excellent when it comes to take synthetics down; and the adept, a master at biotics, Mass Effect’s take on “magic”. Besides them, there are also three more classes that combine the skills of the former. All of them are pretty much balanced, although I feel that the electronics oriented classes arguably picked the shortest straw.
Mass Effect also sports a robust moral system that goes a little beyond the chaotic evil, lawful good, Dungeons and Dragons standards, although not that much. Instead of being good or evil you can aspire towards being Paragon or Renegade. Paragons strictly follow the law while having strong discipline over conduct and preferring peaceful resolutions over bloody gunfights. Renegades are rebels who bend the laws as they see fit and only obey the orders (and provided they asked nicely) of the highest bidder. Both handle situations differently but that doesn’t mean that if your Shepard firmly follows the rules he/she can’t make an exception once in a while, being a little Paragon and Renegade at the same time. It’s still very black and white but it makes the difference on how you solve situations rather than splitting characters into pope candidates and schizophrenic serial killers.
After you created your character Mass Effect’s conversation system is introduced. Dialogue in the game is… easing. You have up to six dialogue options each time you get to speak and they’re sorted out in a very thoughtful fashion. Plot advancing dialogue options are set to the right, while optional dialogue lines stand on the left. Dialogue options that involve charming are painted blue while intimidations are red. The whole dialogue scheme works perfectly to assure you that you know what you’re saying beforehand. This would be a little better off if you could actually see the complete phrases instead of a mere three words but otherwise it works incredibly instinctively.
Conversations don’t feel anything like the floating heads of yore, with the camera sometimes pointing at the subject of conversation and characters acting accordingly to the nature of the speech. For instance, lots of intimidation dialogue branches lead to Shepard pointing a gun at someone. It doesn’t hurt that voiceovers are top of the line, either.
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
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Some campaign advice for Ron Paul
by Tibor R. Machanvia Freedom Communications
Among libertarians, hardly anyone criticizes Republican president candidate Ron Paul...
Nonviolence Nonsense
by Victor Davis Hansonvia Tribune Media Services
Those who do not necessarily associate the name Gandhi with either humanitarian brotherhood or wisdom, and those who remember Mahatma’s idiotic thoughts about those facing the Holocaust ought to examine the latest Gandhi take on “the Jews” in the online edition of the Washington Post, this time from one Arun Gandhi...
Fairdinkum fellas v dodgy dealers
by Tunku Varadarajanvia Times Online
Yesterday I received an e-mail from a dear friend of mine, an Old Etonian in Edinburgh with free time on his hands. “Hello Monkey Boy,” it began, charmingly, “Tell me - does this recent spat between Australia and India mean that I am no longer allowed to address you as 'monkey'?”
When dinosaurs ruled the playroom
by Tunku Varadarajanvia Financial Times
My son came of age this Christmas - or, put another way, emerged from the Jurassic park that was once his mind - and this has made me rather sad...
Candidate needs to relax his views on Mideast policy
At Monday's Republican presidential debate, nearly all the candidates ganged up on Ron Paul for his stance on the United States' role in instigating 9/11 and other Middle Eastern terrorist activities...
NYU Under the Influence
with Richard A. Epsteinvia New York Sun
Let us resist, in respect of the arrest in New Hampshire of one of Senator Clinton's campaign aides, Sidney Blumenthal, for drunken driving, the urge to attack him the way Democrats attacked George W. Bush for his 1976 DUI, which was disclosed in the final days of the 2000 presidential campaign...
A Libertarian Is Searching For an Education 'Plan B'
with Diane Ravitch, Chester E. Finn Jr.via New York Sun
A prominent supporter of a market-based approach to improving public schools, Sol Stern, says he no longer believes charter schools or vouchers are a "panacea..."
Anna Schwartz blames Fed for sub-prime crisis
with Milton Friedmanvia Telegraph
As rebukes go in the close-knit world of central banking, few hurt as much as the scathing indictment of US Federal Reserve policy by Professor Anna Schwartz...
Norman Podhoretz on World War IV: Chapter 1 of 5
by Peter M. Robinsonvia Uncommon Knowledge
Prolific author and time-tested conservative Norman Podhoretz describes why the current global struggle is in fact World War IV...
In Iran Reversal, Bureaucrats Triumphed Over Cheney Team
with George P. Shultzvia Wall Street Journal
As President Bush arrives in Saudi Arabia today, America's Arab and Israeli allies have been buzzing about the recent sea change in Washington's perception of Iran...
Flat is where it's at
with Alvin Rabushkavia Toronto Star
Here's something to think about while you're cursing at the gas pumps, where the price gouging could hit more than $1.50 a litre, where almost 50% of what you pay is tax, where the GST is a tax on tax and you have no idea if 2% GST savings is being passed on...
Crucial Cold War secret
with George P. Shultzvia Washington Times
It was 25 years ago, on Jan. 17, 1983, that the blueprint for American victory in the Cold War was quietly formalized by President Ronald Reagan...
Dirt begins to fly at Obama
with Shelby Steelevia Times Online
When Hillary Clinton warned that Barack Obama had not been thoroughly “vetted”, as she has been, she was hinting darkly at trouble to come over her rival’s radical pastor and shady patron in Chicago, the Illinois senator’s home town...
Reining in the free market
with David R. Hendersonvia Dallas Morning News
For more than a quarter-century, the dominant idea guiding economic policy in the United States and much of the globe has been that the market is unfailingly wise...
Abu Dhabi: East Leans Wes
with Milton Friedmanvia City Journal
Each month, 25,000 people from around the globe arrive in the United Arab Emirates, seeking jobs, contracts, and political stability...
If there, why not here?
with Milton Friedmanvia Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
One of several things Democrat John O. Norquist became famous for during his four terms as mayor of Milwaukee was his enthusiastic implementation of a school-voucher system for his city...
CKS diaries add light to a man of mythology
with Hoover Institutionvia Taipei Times
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government's decision to remove the honor guard and military police from the mausoleums of former dictators Chiang Kai-shek and Chiang Ching-kuo resulted in a backlash from the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)...
Politics and Religion Do Mix
with Rachel M. McCleary, Robert J. Barrovia Washington Post
This faith-drenched political primary season is enough to cause even an enthusiastic religious scholar like me to throw up my hands and contemplate joining the ACLU...
Five Best
For the presidential-primary season, writer Thomas W. Evans nominates exemplary books about the role of commander in chief...
The Crucible Of Racial Politics
with Thomas Sowellvia Atlantic Monthly
Race and gender have always been subtexts of the Democratic presidential race, and for the first time, really, since this whole thing began, they've become fully fledged texts...
by Victor Davis Hansonvia Works and Days
Hillary’s cry was perfect...
Afghanistan Agonistes
by Alvin Rabushkavia Thoughtful Ideas
The United States has 17,000 troops in Afghanistan and is planning to send 3,000 more to forestall a possible Taliban spring offensive...
The Kremlin Fesses Up (a Bit)
with Paul R. Gregoryvia Newsweek
Joseph Stalin never had any problem finding willing executioners...
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Cake adorned with 105 birthday candles
Laidley local Ivy Clark celebrateds her 105th birthday with her niece Kristen, son Ross and nephew Ben. Contributed
by Ebony Graveur
Ebony Graveur
15th Apr 2019 3:55 PM | Updated: 16th Apr 2019 10:03 AM
ASK anyone and they'll tell you reaching 100 is a great achievement.
But, for Ivy Clark, her 100th birthday is long behind her.
Born in 1914, the former Laidley local celebrated her 105th birthday last month.
The festivities took place with Mrs Clark surrounded by friends and relatives at Carinity Karinya Place aged care home in Brisbane where she has lived for five years.
Born in Rosewood just months before the start of World War I, Ivy's childhood was characteristic of country life - she baled hay, milked cows and looked after her family's farm animals.
The centenarian said she had started learning how to milk cows when she was just three on her family's property in Lanefield.
Mrs Clark said she had lived a good life and that it was her memories of overseas travel and cruises that stuck with her over the years.
She travelled to America and New Zealand on cruise ships and cited the memories as some of her fondest.
"There's always sad times in a person's life, like death," she said.
"But mine was a pretty good life. I rode a horse to Rosewood school. I kept busy."
Fittingly, she reported no regrets and said even if she had the chance to go back and do things differently, she wouldn't.
"There was always plenty of work to do on the farm that kept me occupied," she said.
She revealed her secret to living a long and satisfied life:
"Be careful, do some work, keep occupied and be friendly. Or try to be," she said.
"Just try to live a good life and help everyone."
105th birthday birthday centenarian rosewood
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'I was the nurse who wiped your tears': Woman shares emotional story of why she left general nursing
Gabrielle Cooney McGuire
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 11:56 AM
A Meath nurse has written a hugely emotive post on why she left general nursing to become a flight medic, saying she had to train her bladder to go seven hours without visiting a toilet because she never had time on duty.
As nurses return to work today and consider the details of the recommendations agreed at the Labour Court yesterday, Gabrielle Cooney McGuire said: "Never has so much been done for so many by so few."
Gabrielle Cooney McGuire loved her job but left because "I was worn out, my head hurt and my heart broke."
The mum of two said on social media: "I was the nurse who cried the whole way home after giving a patient the best care I could - but not the care he deserved
"Whose family didn't need to ask how the day was, as my blotchy, tear-stained face told them all they needed to know.
I felt your anxiety as you waited to go to theatre, I felt your pain as you watched a loved one slip away, your anger that your mother had to spend a night on a trolley in a bright, loud ED because there were no beds.
"I was the nurse who wiped your tears as you were brought in to see your son's lifeless body, after the life-saving surgery because of a construction accident just wasn't enough.
"I kept your secret, keeping your 'unsuitable girlfriend' and narrow minded family apart, so you could see them both as you went through your treatments.
"On New Year's Day, I was the nurse who laid your son out after his motorbike accident while the police went to your home to break the devastating news of his death.
Harris hopes Labour Court recommendation signifies end of nurses' dispute
"I pumped your chest on the forecourt of a petrol station in the desperate hopes of giving you another chance of life, even though scars on your chest from previous cardiac surgeries and clear indication of lack of oxygen and blood supply made me wonder was I doing the right thing."
The strong-willed woman has blamed the lack of nurses and not the lack of beds for long waiting times
"I left a public sector permanent and pensionable job over ten years ago as I could no longer have any hand, act or part in the fiasco that was, and is the healthcare system.
"I brought a man back from theatre after surgery to the ward at 5pm one day and the next time I clapped eyes on him was at 10pm because I was just too busy.
"There were other people that needed looking after, 12 post-ops, five of them major. I just didn't have the time and what upset me was that man could've bled to death.
I thought, I can't do this. If that was a member of my family, I wouldn't be happy with that level of care.
"You come out from CPR, you've cried because you are human but then you have to pull yourself together and put a smile back on your face because someone out there is wondering why their mother hasn't yet been seen.
"The reason for cancelled surgery and appointments is not due to a lack of beds but a lack of nurses to man them.
"I can now go over seven hours without going to the toilet because I had to. I didn't have time on duty. Sometimes I might have been lucky to get a cup of tea at 10am and then nothing until 9.30pm that night.
"This strike was not solely about pay. It was about not having to leave a job you love because it's just not paying the bills.
"It was about being able to encourage nurses to stay in the profession they love instead of leaving because they are burned out from carrying an unbearable load of trying to care for more than you are physically able for."
Gabrielle now works as a flight medic around the world and spends up to 20 days a month in the air, giving patients one-to-one care.
Three in five nurses vote to accept Labour Court proposals
Majority of nurses see contract as ‘good deal’
INMO recommends that members vote for Labour Court proposals
INMO warns nurses' strike has only been suspended, not called off
Nurses strikeTOPIC: Nurses' Strike
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Section Newsletter Articles on Jurors
Trial lawyers make bad jurors and I can prove it By Charles Shifley Bench and Bar, October 2017 Trial lawyers don’t always make the best jurors, as one recent experience in an Illinois court shows.
Trial lawyers make bad jurors and I can prove it By Charles Shifley Civil Practice and Procedure, September 2017 Trial lawyers don’t always make the best jurors, as one recent experience in an Illinois court shows.
Juror not disqualified by mistaken belief as to the law By Michael R. Lied Federal Civil Practice, December 2015 In Marshall v. City of Chicago, the plaintiff sought to exclude a potential juror and also to expand the size of the jury during voir dire.
Through the eyes of a juror: A lawyer’s perspective from inside the jury room By Karen McNulty Enright Tort Law, April 2014 The author recalls her experience as a juror in a civil trial in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Jurors permitted to ask questions By Hon. E. Kenneth Wright, Jr. and Sabena Auyeung Bench and Bar, July 2012 While trial judges in Illinois and other states have, in the past, allowed jurors to ask questions, Rule 243 and the accompanying revisions to the Pattern Jury Instructions Civil now provide a structure for trial judges in Illinois to allow juror questions if the parties agree.
Taking exhibits to the jury room: Why decision makers need them By Patrick M. Kinnally Civil Practice and Procedure, August 2011 Since jurors are required to take jury instructions into the jury room, it would seem a concomitant exercise to have available the evidence upon which the application of the law to those facts interact.
Failure to comply with Rule 431(b)’s Direction to Inquire of Jurors of the Defendants’ Enumerated Rights may be reversible error By J. Randall Cox Traffic Laws and Courts, March 2010 Rule 431(b) requires a trial court to ask each potential juror individually, or in a group, whether each understands and accepts four principles.
Proposed change in juror fees By James R. Covington Bench and Bar, September 2009 House Bill 4002 (Mathias, R-Buffalo Grove) did not pass this spring but probably will be reintroduced in 2010. It has two main components. First, it replaces the current “jury-demand fee” with a “juror-fund fee.” This new “juror-fund fee” is assessed against the plaintiff and defendant in most civil actions to pay for an increase in juror pay. Second, it changes how jurors are called and excused.
No reasonable juror should be allowed to view this video By Dan O’Brien General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, December 2008 Justice Scalia uploaded the Supreme Court into the age of “You Tube” with the inclusion, for the first in the history of the Court, a video link in Scott v. Harris.
Creating a case theme that resonates with jurors By Vicki Kunkel Young Lawyers Division, August 2005 It was as close to an open-and-shut case as you could get. A small Florida county was being sued by a driver for negligence.
Our youngest jurors—the Internet Generation By LaDonna Carlton Young Lawyers Division, June 2003 As attorneys enter the courtroom today they are beginning to see more and more young people in the venire.
Is a juror an employee of the county? By Richard D. Hannigan Workers' Compensation Law, April 2003 The appellate court of Illinois Third District answered that question in the negative.
Backstriking jurors: Diligent advocacy or guile? By Patrick M. Kinnally Civil Practice and Procedure, October 2002 Recently I was involved in a trial and counsel, in conjunction with the court, were selecting a jury.
Select a Different Subject
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Vodafone considers legal route against Germany’s regulator over zero rating
Vodafone could launch a legal challenge against Germany’s national telecoms regulator Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA), which wants the operator to extend a zero-rated offer in the country to the whole of the EU in line with roaming regulations, reports Mobile World Live. “A Vodafone Germany representative told Broadband TV News that enabling roaming subscribers to use Vodafone Pass would be economically unviable because doing so would ‘cause unpredictable costs’ for roaming partners which would be passed on to Vodafone.” “We are currently considering legal action against this order,” the representative added. Germany’s watchdog said Vodafone Pass should be available to customers when they are travelling in the EU under the same conditions as when they are in Germany. “Vodafone Pass can still be booked, but adjustments are required for use in the EU. We make sure that Vodafone Pass can be used like at home when travelling,” BNetzA’s president Jochen Homann said in a statement. The regulator also wants the operator to increase a 5 GB limit it imposes on customer data usage while roaming. It said Vodafone was “generally permitted” to limit data use, but in this case it finds the amount insufficient. BNetzA said it hopes Vodafone will keep its streaming policy in line with the outcome of current court proceedings relating to Deutsche Telekom’s StreamOn service – in December 2017, Deutsche Telekom vowed to launch a legal battle against a similar demand from the regulator to expand StreamOn to customers roaming in the EU. Read more
The IIC's monthly round-up
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ILRI research on big issues
Radio still reaches most Kenyan farmers—but agricultural information still not useful enough
Posted on October 23, 2013 by Paul Karaimu
Most Kenyan farmers listen to the radio to learn how to farm better but are not receiving the information they need (photo credit: Flickr/Internews Network).
Radio is still the dominant media channel used by Kenya’s small-scale farmers wanting to learn new techniques to improve their farming methods. But farmers say they’re still not receiving most of the agricultural information they badly need.
Findings of a 2012 study of over 600 small-scale farm households spread across high- to low-yield agricultural regions of Kenya in Nakuru, Nyanza, Nyeri, Machakos, Makueni and Webuye show that farmers receive mostly basic ‘how to’ and technical information; despite its modest usefulness, this kind of information is not enough to enable these Kenyan farmers to improve their food production levels or practices.
Selected findings from this study were shared in a presentation, ‘Shortcomings in communications on agricultural knowledge transfer’, made by Christoph Spurk, a media researcher, at a seminar on 17 Oct 2013 at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), in Nairobi, Kenya.
‘Over 75 per cent of the households we reviewed practised mixed crop-and-livestock farming, with an average of 4–6 people in each household occupying 1–3 acres of land. Over half of those we interviewed were women’, said Spurk, who is also an agricultural economist and a professor at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Applied Media Studies.
‘One of our key findings’, says Spurk, ‘was that government extension services are still the “most trusted source” of agricultural information for most farmers, even though many of these services are “difficult to reach and less available than expected”.’
At the same time, the study found significant gaps between the agricultural information farmers would like to receive and what they actually get through different communication channels.
‘The farmers are receiving mostly technical agricultural information even though they prefer information on markets, improving incomes and fighting farm-related diseases’, said Spurk. ‘They also said most of the information they get is presented in simplified top-down “how-to” formats rather than in detailed formats that lay out the different options available to them.’
According to the study’s findings, radio is used by 95% of the households. Even though two-thirds of the households also have access to mobile phones, only 11% of mobile phone owners use these devices to access to agricultural applications such as ‘iCow’, which registered farmers use to receive information on, for example, optimal feeding regimes and gestation cycles for their particular cows.
Although most of the farmers interviewed reported that they regularly listen to vernacular radio stations, nearly all them said their favourite source of information is other farmers and family members. Just under half of the farmers (44%) said government extension services were their most trusted source of information. In terms of sources of detailed farming information, farmers reported preferring first to listen to other farmers, second to take part in field visits and only third to listen to radio programs.
Spurk believes findings from this study highlight a need for greater integration between radio and extension services to better reach small-scale farmers and a need to provide farmers with the kind of information that empowers them in their own decision-making.
Note: In October 2012, this blog reported on a study by Farm Radio International in Africa, which showed that participatory radio campaigns that use local languages, allow farmer participation and highlight tested and available technologies help in hastening the adoption of new technologies by small-scale farmers in Africa.
Download a PDF version of the study report:
http://www.zhaw.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/linguistik/_Institute_und_Zentren/IAM/PDFS/News/final_report_Kenya_agri_communication_IAM_MMU_01.pdf
This entry was posted in Agriculture, Capacity Strengthening, CapDev, Kenya, PA, Presentation and tagged Christoph Spurk, Kenya, Radio, Zurich University of Applied Sciences by Paul Karaimu. Bookmark the permalink.
3 thoughts on “Radio still reaches most Kenyan farmers—but agricultural information still not useful enough”
Bill on October 23, 2013 at 11:18 am said:
Thank you for such good work. I am ever excited about working with radio stations (both national and local) to reach masses to change lives for the better. I would like to know the format and program layout used during the period. Thanks.
Cédric Jeanneret on November 7, 2013 at 1:14 pm said:
A necessary study with some very interesting findings. Somewhat related is this blog post on the DRUSSA website about the role university radion stations could play in helping the ‘uptake of research’.
http://www.drussa.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1947%3Ablog-18&catid=211%3Atools-a-tips-open&Itemid=297&lang=en#
The findings of the 2012 study should help radio communicatiors better prepare their research pitch.
Maureen Coffey on September 17, 2014 at 5:11 pm said:
Not only radio but also mobile phone services are used (recently e.g. there was a USAID-sponsored conference on the subject). However, the voice is a fleeting medium. More important would be computer access for rural farmers, however, unlike mobile access, where large parts of Africa just left out the landline phase of telephonas it developed in the “first” world, the mobile networks cannot (yet) provide enough bandwidth for computer communication (certainly not at prices smallholder farmers could afford). And another problem seems to be irregular electricity in many parts of Africa which again makes computer use a haphazard gamble). I think more investment needs to be pumped into getting African farmers onto reliable networks and giving them access to less volatile information pools.
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How to Reduce Static in a Dryer With Foil
By Lisa Parris
As clothes tumble in the dryer, the pieces of fabric rub together transferring electrons from one surface to another. This results in the build-up of a low-level electrical charge known as static. Fabric softeners remove static from clothes by coating fabrics in a light layer of wax, effectively reducing the friction between different materials. Over time, this residue can accumulate on the surface of the fabric, leaving clothes looking dingy and worn. As an alternative, toss balls of aluminum foil into the dryer to remove static without chemicals. The metal attracts the electrons, pulling them from the fabrics, preventing the build-up of an electric charge.
Foil can keep your clothes from clinging.
Tear off a 2-foot sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Crumple the foil into a tight ball.
Wrap the ball in additional sheets of foil to create a sphere that is approximately 3 inches in diameter. Repeat the process to create three foil balls.
Toss the foil balls into the dryer with damp clothes and dry as usual. As they tumble, the foil will prevent the build-up of static electricity. In addition, the balls will fluff garments, reducing the need for ironing.
Cover the balls with new sheets of foil at least once a week. Over time, the additional sheets of foil will cause the balls to increase in size. When they reach 4 inches in diameter, replace them with new 3-inch foil balls.
Lisa Parris
Lisa Parris is a writer and former features editor of "The Caldwell County News." Her work has also appeared in the "Journal of Comparative Parasitology," "The Monterey County Herald" and "The Richmond Daily News." In 2012, Parris was honored with awards from the Missouri Press Association for best feature story, best feature series and best humor series.
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Join the association for the segmental concrete pavement industry. ICPI is your resource for emerging trends, technology and education. As the voice of the industry, we work to promote and keep you informed on the industry interests.
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PICP Lift Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado
Permeable Interlocking and Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements Lift Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado
Arriving at the base operations building at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, civil engineer Fred Brooks, P.E., LEED AP, is still struck by the beauty of an intricate compass design (Figure 1). It’s created with multi-colored concrete pavers, arranged in a huge circle. But he’s equally thrilled by the pavers in the parking lot. “Everyone loves these pavers,” says Mr. Brooks, U.S. Air Force Environmental Element Chief, 21st Civil Engineering Squadron. “We may have started these projects on this base as a way to handle stormwater, but they’ve done much more than that. They’ve shown how attractive and welcoming a base can look.”
Peterson AFB first started considering pavers to help meet the stormwater runoff requirements established in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act. Section 438 mandates all federal facilities manage runoff from 95 percent of all storms. Meeting this requirement often requires permeable pavements. In Colorado, storms can come up suddenly with short-term deluges, causing flooding. Mr. Brooks says airfields quickly became submerged and buildings flood as well. Even without Section 438’s mandate, Mr. Brooks knew something had to change. After attending a seminar in Spokane, WA, and hearing about permeable pavers, he experienced a light-bulb moment. “This was the answer we needed,” he says. “I just had to get everyone else to see the light, too.”
Mr. Brooks began by dividing the base into drainage catchments, focusing on the most problematic sections first. For example, one particular street with a catchment area of 35 acres included several older buildings that drained into the street. Flooding was a frequent concern, but a detention pond was deemed unfeasible and a complete sewer replacement would have been costly. Mr. Brooks knew getting buy-in from others on base was crucial for such a significant project. Thus, he had the road to McDonald’s replaced with pavers. “Almost everyone on our base uses that road,” he says with a laugh. “I’m not sure if that’s good or not, but it’s the way it is. By paving that road first, I was able to expose people to the value of pavers, aesthetically and functionally.”
He also addressed costs by calling a special meeting and composing a presentation about short-term versus long-term costs to assure base decision-makers that pavers were worth the investment. For instance, he noted that maintenance crews repainted road stripes nearly every year. By utilizing pavers as the striping instead, repainting costs would be eliminated (Figure 3). Vehicle load concerns were addressed for the permeable pavement by using 3 1/8 inch (80 mm) thick pavers, 2 inch (50 mm) bedding of No. 8 stone, 4 inches (100 mm) of No. 57 stone and 11 inches (275 mm) of No. 2 stone for the reservoir. In his presentation, Mr. Brooks emphasized how easily utilities could be accessed, as well as the advantages of more efficient road repair. He also discussed the aesthetic appeal of pavers. “Ultimately, we want people who are working here to be happy, and everyone feels better when they’re at a place that looks nice,” says Mr. Brooks.
Multiple Projects
After managing and shaping perceptions about cost and vehicle loads, Mr. Brooks embarked on a multi-stage project that involved several roads and parking lots, as well as a compass design for the entrance to the base operations building. The pavers feature a minimal chamfer and smooth surface. While meeting ADA requirements, these features made them more suitable for pedestrian areas and comfortable for wheelchair users.
Mr. Brooks designed two separate permeable pavement sections based on flow and infiltration conditions. The first included a perforated underdrain at the subgrade level below the open-graded aggregate reservoir layer. During periods of heavy runoff from storms producing flash flooding, the aggregate reservoir layer buffered the discharge rate from the drainage pipe.
The other section which didn’t require an underdrain allows Mr. Brooks to assess the system’s ability to handle direct infiltration into the sandy subgrade. The first installation involved more than 18,000 sf (1,670 m2) of pavers in a herringbone pattern, followed by another installation of the same area. In the second project, a roadway section of the street had a low point that often flooded after storms. Although extension of storm sewer lines would have resolved flooding, that was deemed too expensive. PICP eliminated the need for storm sewers and the pavement was projected to outlast asphalt by a considerable amount of time.
The next phase for the base operations building included 20,000 sf (1,860 m2) of permeable pavers for the parking bays and for the compass design. The effort was so notable that the contractor, ICPI member Rocky Mountain Hardscapes, won a Hardscape North America Award in 2011 for installing the project. From there, two more parking lots were placed in 2012 and 2013 with more than 56,000 sf (5,200 m2) of pavers (Figure 4). The permeable pavements dramatically reduced, and in many cases eliminated, the need for detention ponds for managing stormwater and snowmelt. In fact, when Mr. Brooks provides tours of the facility, he often dumps a bottle of water on the pavers to demonstrate their infiltration efficiency.
Since achieving LEED credits is also important for U.S. Air Force bases, the designers were able to qualify for stormwater credits by demonstrating reduced peak flows, erosion mitigation, and increased on-site infiltration. “It’s human nature to resist change, and to look at the cheapest option,” says Mr. Brooks. “But what these projects have shown is that you can implement change in a way that’s cost-effective and appealing on a number of levels.”
Following Peterson’s Lead
Peterson Air Force Base’s use of concrete pavers serves as an example to other military bases and federal facilities, especially in meeting the requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act. Like Peterson AFB, many will be searching for ways to handle runoff while implementing long-term solutions that are durable, cost-effective, and sustainable. This appears to be happening. Mr. Brooks notes that since Peterson AFB installed the permeable pavement, the Air Force Academy installed pavers for a 58,000 sf (5,400 m2) parking lot attached to its medical clinic, and Fort Carson utilized pavers for a test pad for tanks.
Looking to the future, it’s likely that paver projects will continue at Peterson AFB, since Mr. Brooks has mandated it. He revised the base’s “facilities of excellence” plan that outlines requirements to contractors so that permeable pavers must be used on any parking lots and low volume roads in the future. “I wanted to make sure that these efforts wouldn’t be lost when I move on,” he says. “The pavers have made such a difference on this base, and I want that to continue.”
Figure 1 caption
Peterson AFB visitors are greeted by a large compass made with interlocking concrete pavers.
Thule Street, the first paver roadway installed on the base, leads to McDonalds making it the most heavily trafficked.
By using pavers to delineate parking stalls, the annual maintenance cost of repainting lines is eliminated.
Mechanical installation expedited the 30,000 sf (2,787 m2) phase two expansion of a parking lot for the Rapid Attack Identification Detection Reporting System.
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Jelena Doing Library Things
COMMUNITIES. PUBLIC SERVICE. REFERENCE. Research.
Hello, I'm Jelena Stanković and I'm an early-career librarian! Most recently, I worked as an operator with Scholars Portal's Ask a Librarian service where I provide virtual reference & research services to members of the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL).
I also spent two years at the Freedom of Information Office at the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change as an FOI Analyst.
Prior to the FOI office, I worked a term as a Chemistry Librarian at University of Toronto. There, I managed the library, offered reference services & instruction, & negotiated contracts to help students in their studies & research.
I’m interested in supporting communities &empowering them in their information needs. I’m interested in instruction, special collections, & interdisciplinary education.
I strive to be a librarian in every workplace & to help people become confident & conscientious researchers in their professional & personal lives!
LinkedIn Resume
Click here for my LinkedIn Profile
Teaching Fundamentals Certificate (Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, University of Toronto), completed April 2016.
Research Data Management & Sharing (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & The University of Edinburgh, Coursera), completed November 2016. Click here to view certificate
Copyright for Educators & Librarians (Duke University, Emory University, & The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Coursera), completed January 2019. Click here to view certificate
Copyright for Multimedia (Duke University, Emory University, & The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Coursera), ongoing.
Current research interests: equitable knowledge/participation; open culture; academic librarianship; government information
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Bobby Glushko & Jelena Stankovic. (2016). Let Slip the Dogs. New Criticals.
An article exploring the internet, free speech, and online harassment, especially as it pertains to gender-motivated doxing and "one-to-many" speech.
A. Clarkson, J.L.M. King, J. Stankovic. (2016). The Variorum Hamilton and Other Annotated Rap Editions: A Bibliographical Perspective on RapGenius, iJournal, 1(1), 1-8.
This paper looks at the bibliographic capacity of RapGenius and the general potential of collaborative bibliography to foster broader participation and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Jelena Stankovic. (8 Dec. 2015). Uploading Memories: Community Engagement Guide for Digitization. Poster presented at Faculty of Information Practicum Exhibition, University of Toronto.
Click Here to View the Poster
Project completed for OurDigitalWorld. Guide is used by communities to help digitize local history through digitization events. Updates and Improvements include: real-world examples; assessment guide; sections on Creative Commons and crowdsourcing; design updated.
Jelena Stankovic and Marisa Maharaj. (30 Nov. 2018). FOI Inside Out: Librarians Working in Freedom of Information. Presentation at Government Information Day Conference. Toronto, Ontario.
Jelena Stankovic, Stephanie Sanger, Alison Wetheral. (31 Jan. 2018). Meandering with Purpose: Navigating Precarious Early-Career Librarianship. Presentation at the OLA Super Conference. Toronto, Ontario.
Jelena Stankovic. (31 Mar. 2017). The Manager? Me? Lessons from an Over-Zealous New Librarian. Lightning talk presented at the SLA Management and Leadership Conference, Toronto, Ontario.
Jelena Stankovic. (9 Mar. 2016). LARPing in the (Academic) Library: Engagement, Exploration, & Gaming in Higher Education. Poster presented at Defying Conventions iSchool Student Conference, Toronto, Ontario.
How to Free (Government) Information: Getting What You Want from Your FOI Request. (19 March 2019). To be presented as part of the Partnership Education Institute webinar series. Co-presenters: Marisa Maharaj and Daniel Gouthro.
Click here for webinar details and learning goals
Click here for presentation slides & resources
Who Do I Call for That? Experiences from Early-Career Library Management. (4 May 2017). Presented as part of the Education Institute Bright Young Minds Series.
Click here for webinar details
Feel free to contact me if you'd like to chat. You can use the form below or reach out on Twitter!
Visit My Personal Blog
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JLSB is always interested in working with other community organizations in various capacities. It is our belief that when our Members are immersed in the community, we become more educated in helping to identify projects that will benefit the community the most.
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Israel confirms BDS activity added to list of reasons to blacklist visitors
The state confirmed that Boycott Divestment and Sanctions Campaign activity has been added to its computer network list of reasons to systematically flag people from certain organizations and so that they cannot enter Israel, Kan reported on Thursday.
Previously, the state had already admitted that it had a blacklist of such people and organizations, but it had said it was using less systematic means for identifying such people and that such persons were not added into its computer network blacklist.Further, the state had specifically denied that it had an entire BDS category on its computer network blacklist.
However, the Kan report said that human rights groups had used a freedom of information act request to get the state to confirm that it now does maintain such a category and such a list.
Pompeo hopes U.S., North Korea can be 'more creative' in nuclear talks
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Dáil
Seanad
This data was produced from a variety of sources.
Josepha Madigan TD
Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown
Entered the Dáil on 27 February 2016 — General election
Email me whenever Josepha Madigan speaks (no more than once per day)
Committees and topics of interest
No data to display yet.
Asks most questions about
Subjects (based on headings added by the Dáil record): Legislative Programme, Garda Stations, Courts Service, Commencement of Legislation, Planning Issues
(based on written questions asked by Josepha Madigan and answered by departments)
Most recent appearances in parliament
Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Cyber Security Protocols (11 Jul 2019)
“My Department views ICT security as being of central importance in ensuring the security and integrity of systems, files and data. Working with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), an operational arm of the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment, my Department ensures that we are aware of the latest threats and necessary actions are taken to offset risks to the...”
Written Answers — Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: National Parks and Wildlife Service (11 Jul 2019)
“Ticks are widespread throughout the countryside and in areas of rough vegetation and forestry. They are not confined only to National Parks or Nature Reserves. The issue of warning notices is a matter for the HSE/Local authorities to consider. Any such signs would need to be countrywide as opposed to specifically located in particular National Parks or Nature Reserves. The...”
“I would first like to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. Significant environmental damage is caused by wildfire and, more specifically, illegal burning. This issue has become more acute in recent years, as evidenced by the recent spate of fires in various parts of the country, including earlier this year at Torc Mountain in Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry. Wild...”
More of Josepha Madigan's recent appearances
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Has spoken in 70 committee discussions and Dáil debates in the last year — average among TDs.
Has received answers to 0 written questions in the last year — Ministers do not ask written questions.
People have made 1 comment on this TD's speeches — average among TDs.
This TD's speeches, in the printed record, are readable by an average 18–19 year old, going by the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level score.
16 people are tracking whenever this TD speaks — email me whenever Josepha Madigan speaks.
Has used three-word alliterative phrases (e.g. "public-private partnership") 194 times in debates — below average among TDs.
(Yes, this is a silly statistic. We include it to draw your attention to why you should read more than just these numbers when forming opinions.)
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Shane Ross
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How Open Testing Standards Can Improve Security
When creating security metrics, it's critical that test methodologies cover multiple scenarios to ensure that devices perform as expected in all environments.
Networks are a complex collection of components defined by many different standards. These standards help solve network problems ranging from security to performance and usability.
An open standard is a publicly available standard that can be consumed in a variety of ways for deploying a secure solution for a network. Readers of open security standards use them to understand how a technology might be useful to solve security on the network. Implementers of open standards can create solutions to address documented security issues. Network operators read standards to understand how the different implementations work together to make a complete security solution.
These network solutions often come from different sources, which leads to the creation of a variety of testing procedures and methodologies to ensure that network components support all the security and performance requirements of the network users. Since the majority of standards are also open, it would make sense that the methods for testing are also open. But often this isn't the case, and I think it should be.
The Case for Open Security Testing Standards
The argument I often hear against open testing standards is because network component engineers can see the test and create a solution based on the known criteria. This, to use a grade school analogy, seems like cheating since the test questions are known in advance, making it possible for a network operator to engineer their products to pass the test. If the tests have full coverage for the security features that a network operator wants, then it doesn't matter if they know what is being tested. The outcome of the testing will be a network component that shows compliance to the full coverage of test cases. By creating an open testing environment, network component engineers can build a solution that will meet the network operators' requirements.
When creating security metrics, it's critical that test methodologies cover multiple scenarios to ensure that devices perform as expected in all environments. For security test methodologies, it may be necessary to randomize input parameters to cover all use cases in order to detect devices that have tuned device performance to meet test case needs rather than the needs of real use cases. For example, when measuring if a firewall detects CVEs, it's important to run a traffic mix with vulnerabilities to ensure the device detects and blocks attacks under a variety of conditions.
Another advantage of open testing standards is that they give users and network operators the ability to see what security testing is performed and how testing is performed. Knowing what security test cases are being performed allows the operator to confirm that the test meets specific requirements. If not, they can add additional tests.
Creating a Feedback Loop
If there is an organization responsible for maintaining the standard, operators can feed that information back to cover missing areas so that in the future the network operator won't have to run additional testing. Knowing how network components are tested also lets network operators and users better understand the meaning of results because results alone often don't give enough context about the testing conditions of the network component. For example, it's important to understand if a device passes security tests when there is no load but doesn't detect attacks when it's under load.
It's also important to compare security results from different networking providers as a means of increasing transparency into testing methodologies, which also leads to better decision-making processes. In other words, open testing standards provide an "apples to apples" comparison opportunity. In security performance testing, for example, the results of a bandwidth test on a firewall can change greatly based on the security features that are enabled. If no open standard exists to specify that information, a user might be looking at results for two different implementations and not understand that the results differ depending on what features are enabled.
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Memorial held for renowned horse trainer Addison Waddell
Memorial held for renowned horse trainer
By: Ashley Wheeler
For weeks, people across the area were searching for Addison Waddell, until authorities discovered his body.
While a woman sits behind bars accused of killing him, friends and family gather to remember who they lost.
In the middle of Jim Shoulders Living Legends Rodeo Arena, friends and family sharing and remembering the life of horse trainer Addison Waddell.
“In the barrel horse industry, the name Add Waddell is an icon," said Tammie Hiatt, one of Waddell's friends.
An icon who left this world too soon, but who instilled his life lessons in those closest to him.
The key to his horses' success was patience and Waddell's friends said he would teach any one who was ready to learn.
He was described as a kind soul and somewhat quiet.
"He did a lot of thinking before he spoke," said Mark Hiatt.
"He treated everybody the same," said Red Wooten. "It didn’t matter."
While his accolades stretched across the country, he was a humble man.
"He would have been extremely humbled for what we did tonight. He would have said, 'Y’all don’t need to do this.' But yeah, we did," said Tammie Hiatt.
Even though they've said goodbye, many are still waiting for answers and closure.
"When he talked you listened because whatever he said was important," said friend Lori Primrose Shoulders. "He just was a very special person and a top trainer and I just pray for justice."
His friends said what helps ease the pain of his absence is knowing that Waddell knew Jesus and now has a new arena in heaven to train.
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INDIA/ETHIOPIA: Allanasons set to start meat plant construction
By Matthew Newsome | 7 July 2014
Allanasons pointed to Ethiopia's livestock population as factor in investment
Indian agrifood group Allanasons has confirmed it will start constructing a meat processing plant in Ethiopia in the second half of the year.
The company wants to make east Africa a meat production centre and is planning an initial US$20m investment.
Aman Khan, the head of Allanasons' operations in Ethiopia, said: "The demand for meat protein is increasing and we as a company strive to serve our increasing client base with the best-quality meat products. Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa. This has the potential to help us become a reliable supplier to the world market."
Land for the plant was allotted in November, near Ziway town, within Ethopia's Oromia regional state and 172km from the capital, Addis Ababa.
Reports had claimed commercial production will start in September but Khan refused to be drawn on the date output would commence.
"There are various controllable and uncontrollable factors involved in this process so giving some specific date is not possible. However, we are working hard to make it faster," Khan said. "We have set some targets for ourselves but being a new investment destination for us, our priority target initially would be to stabilise the operations in all aspects."
P.S: If you liked this article, you might enjoy the just-food newsletter.
Dean Best,
HUNGARY: Government to drive food sector development
UK: United Biscuits pushes relaunched BN brand
Sectors: Emerging markets, Meat, poultry & eggs
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Home // Tags // Faith-based Organizations // Why Family Planning Is Consistent with Christian Values
Why Family Planning Is Consistent with Christian Values
Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy
Ray Martin, MPH
Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) | Executive Director
A woman in South Sudan attends a meeting on family planning held by the Christian Health Association of South Sudan (CHASS). Photo courtesy of CHASS.
A few years ago the Board of Directors of Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) made the decision to advocate for access to family planning services in low- and middle-income nations to protect the health of women and children. We knew family planning was a sensitive issue, risking that this initiative could put our organization at odds with others in the Christian community whose partnership we value. But for those of us who have worked in public health and seen first-hand the tragic consequences of unintended and poorly timed pregnancies, the decision was clear. Even if one prefers to use the terminology of "child spacing," or "healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies," family planning enables couples to safely space the births of their children and limit their family size to the number they can feed, clothe and educate. How could it not be Christian? Evidence-based public health is consistent with Christian values.
We looked at the results of closely spaced births and unintended pregnancies. According to the World Health Organization, a child in a low- and middle-income nation has a higher chance of dying if he or she has siblings very close in age. Women are at risk as well. Unintended pregnancies often end in abortion, with 21.6 million women worldwide undergoing unsafe abortions in 2008. [i]With family planning, pregnancies can be timed when it is healthy for the woman and her children, and the incidence of abortion can be reduced as unintended pregnancies are prevented.
To express why it was clear to us that family planning is consistent with Christian values, CCIH released an infographic earlier this summer. It explains our definition of family planning, which is: Enabling couples to determine the number and timing of pregnancies, including the voluntary use of methods for preventing pregnancy – not including abortion – that are harmonious with their values and beliefs.
Infographic from Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH).
The infographic includes scripture from the Book of Proverbs and 1st Timothy supporting our beliefs that Christians value healthy families and education. We are confident these values are widely shared among Christians. A survey of our members showed widespread support for family planning. We hope this simple illustration of facts, scripture and values will help guide discussions on Christianity and family planning. Recent high profile news coverage in the United States has given the impression that Christians are against family planning, even though in reality, in most cases, it was opposition to a couple methods of contraception that were at issue. Unfortunately, there has not been as much coverage of the heartrending impact of a lack of access to family planning in low- and middle-income countries, and the millions of women who are not ready for a pregnancy, but lack access to family planning methods to safely space the births of their children[ii].
I encourage you to share the full infographic and help answer the question “Is family planning consistent with Christian values?” My experience, knowledge and theology lead me to emphatically assert that it is.
[i] http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/unsafe_abortion/en/
[ii] http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs351/en/
Faith-based Family Planning
K4Health Newsletter
Read recent issues | Subscribe
Knowledge Management for Public Health 318
Contraceptive Methods 49
Maternal & Child Health 44
HIV/AIDS 41
Evaluating Health KM Programs 14
Ten Elements of Family Planning Success 8
Evidence-Based Family Planning Programming 2
Effective Health Communication Strategies 2
Easy Access to Services 1
High-Impact Practices in Family Planning 1
Staff Contributors
Anne Kott
CCP | Communications Director
CCP | Communications Specialist
Simone Parrish
CCP | Global Repository Director
Elizabeth Futrell
(Formerly) CCP | Content Development Lead
Kathy Erb
Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) | Communications Manager
mSTAR Project
A Project of FHI 360
Maternal & Child Survival Program
Kate Consavage
USAID | Nutrition Communications and Knowledge Management Advisor, Global Health Bureau
Jennifer Tumusiime
EGPAF Uganda | Knowledge Management Advisor
Stephanie Desmon
CCP | Director, Public Relations and Marketing
Irene Mirembe
Intrahealth International | Knowledge Management Manager, USAID Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in Eastern Uganda (USAID RHITES-E)
Wycliffe Omanya
Plan International | Learning and Knowledge Management Advisor
Stephen Mhando
USAID Boresha Afya Program | Project Management and Communications Coordinator
Adebisi Adenipekun
Lighthouse Global Health Initiative | Founder
This website is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Knowledge for Health (K4Health) Project is supported by USAID's Office of Population and Reproductive Health, Bureau for Global Health, under Cooperative Agreement #GPO-A-00-08-00006-00. K4Health is implemented by the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) in partnership with FHI 360 and Management Sciences for Health. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are the sole responsibility of the individual contributors; are not official U.S. Government information; and do not necessarily represent the views or positions of USAID, the United States Government, or The Johns Hopkins University.
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January 31, 2017: Lunar New Year Celebration at City Hall
KAC shared information about its services and programs with community members and leaders in City Hall. The City Hall Lunar New Year celebration was hosted by Council members David Ryu and Gil Cedillo.
Media Coverage: Korea Times, Koreatown Daily
January 21, 2017: Edison High School MUN Conference
Nine of KAC's MUN students attended the conference at Edison High School. 21 schools and 495 students participated in the event. Two of KAC's students received Outstanding Achievement awards for their performance!
January 18, 2017: ADA Seminar
KAC shared information about its 4.29 Alternative Dispute Resolution Center at a seminar held by Unification of Disabled Latin Americans (UDLA) at the Olympic Community Police Station. The program can give mediation service to Korean-American business owners who are suffering from lawsuits regarding the abuse of Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
Media Coverage: Korea Daily, Korea Times
January 14, 2017: KAC Open House
KAC held an Open House with the new Executive Director Joon Y. Bang and the new Board Members!
Future plans and upcoming schedules were introduced in the event. Approximately 60 people including David Keith Campaign Manager for Jimmy Gomez, Ben Park Field Deputy for Senator Kevin de Leon and Robert Park Central Area Representative for Mayor Eric Garcetti came to the Open House.
Media Coverage: Korea Times
January 4, 2017: New Year Organizational Goals
The Korean American organizations gathered together and made New Year resolutions.
KAC hopes to establish coalition of volunteers among 1.5 and 2nd generation Koreans. It is also looking forward to developing education programs for future leaders.
January 3, 2017: Introduction of KAC
KAC was introduced in the media for its achievements in bringing up the Korean American community and the people since 1983. Programs such as voters registration, leadership education and others have long history.
January 2, 2017: Joon's Story
The Executive Director of KAC, Joon Y. Bang was interviewed of his adventurous personal life and deep affections for the Korean American community. Find out more through the link!
December 14, 2016: Asian Jewish Initiative Meeting
KAC hosted a successful meeting of the Asian Jewish Initiative, which was led by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). KAC met with representatives from ADL, OCA-Greater Los Angeles (OCA-GLA), Filipino American Services Group, Inc. (FASGI), Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD), Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP), South Asian Bar Association SABA), Wells Fargo, Loyola Marymount University, Congressman Ted Lieu’s office, Councilmember David Ryu’s office, the Israeli Consulate, and the Japanese Consulate to discuss future collaborative projects.
December 12, 2016: Joon's Op-Ed
Joon Y. Bang, the Executive Director of KAC talked about future goals and roles of KAC and its activities. He mentioned it is important to unite different people in the Korean American community.
December 10, 2016: Reactions toward President Park's Impeachment
The Korean American community, including KAC discussed thoughts on the issue of President Park’s impeachment.
The Executive Director of KAC, Joon Y. Bang told the importance of the public sentiment and hoped the situation gets better off.
Media Coverage: Korea Daily(Front Page)
December 3-4, 2016: LAIMUN (Mira Costa) Conference
Sixteen of KAC-LA's MUN students attended their second conference of the year at Mira Costa High School. From among 16 schools, KAC received the Best Club award, thanks to our students' outstanding performance. Out of the 462 students at the conference, two members of our novice division and one of our advanced division received commendation awards. In addition, one student from our advanced division received the Best Delegate award.
November 30, 2016: Press Conference
The KAC Board introduced Joon Young Bang as the new Executive Director for KAC, and welcomed new members of the staff and board. Executive Director, Joon Young Bang, answered questions from members of the press and described his vision for KAC.
Media Coverage: Korea Daily, Korea Herald, Korea Times, Radio Korea, Koreatown Daily
November 4, 2016: KAC & KAFLA Ballot Initiative Town Hall
On Friday, November 4, 2016, KAC and KAFLA held a joint Ballot Initiative Town Hall at the KAFLA Building. This was an opportunity for voters in the Korean American community to familiarize themselves with the numerous (17 State initiatives alone) initiatives on the ballot this year. KAC's Senior Development Specialist, Christina Kang, carefully explained each CA State, LA County, and LA City ballot initiative to the dozens of voters that came out.
Media Coverage: Korea Times, Korea Daily, LA18
October 16, 2016: #IAmAsianAmerican
In order to motivate Asian Americans to register to vote, #IAmAsianAmerican put on simultaneous events in four cities, with the flagship event at the Wiltern in Koreatown on October 16, 2016. KAC registered voters before the concert and at the After Party/Night Market in front of the RadioKorea building.
October 15, 2016: Candidate Forum
KAC, KAFLA, and the North Valley Voters Alliance co-sponsored a candidate forum in conjunction with the League of Women Voters for District 5's Supervisorial Seat. The candidates, Kathryn Barger and Darrell Park, discusses a wide range of topics relevant to the residents of the North Valley.
October 13, 2016: 22nd Annual Legislative Luncheon
October 8, 2016: Cerritos High School MUN Conference
On Saturday, October 8th, KAC-LA's MUN students participated in their first MUN Conference of the year at Cerritos High School. After weeks of preparation, our students were ready to compete. Over 1,300 students from California participated in this conference, and half of KAC-LA's 24 students received awards of excellence for their performance.
September 27, 2016: National Voter Registration Day
For National Voter Registration Day, KAC, along with 10 community partners, mobilized to register voters throughout Los Angeles County. KAC's efforts on National Voter Registration Day resulted in the registration of 491 voters in Los Angeles County.
September 22-25, 2016: 43rd Los Angeles Korean Festival
The 43rd Los Angeles Korean Festival showcased Korean food, culture, and talent for the residents of Los Angeles. At this event, KAC registered 300 people to vote. KAC staff and volunteers also answered questions about registration and informed members of the community about the availability of translated mail-in ballots.
September 16-17, 2016: 14th Annual KAC National Convention
KAC-Washington hosted this year's National Convention in Bellevue, Washington. The 2016 convention theme, "United Today for a Stronger Tomorrow" exemplifies the direction of KAC and our commitment for community empowerment and scholarship. 7 KAC chapters and 300 people attended the convention with distinguished election officials and professionals from all disciplines. The 2017 KAC National Convention will take place in Portland, Oregon.
September 13, 2016: Korean Consulate Dinner
The Korean Consul General, Lee Key Cheol, invited the KAC Board of Directors, Advisory Board, staff, and supporters to a dinner at the Korean Consul General's Residence. KAC and the Korean Consul General discussed key issues for the Korean American community and reaffirmed our partnership.
August 9, 2016: Historic Victory for Koreatown Community
The Koreatown Community won a tremendous victory as the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to include a 12,500 square feet Koreatown Arts & Recreation Center (KARC) "Community Center" within the Vermont Corridor Project. KAC-LA and ten other non-profit organizations were present to advocate on behalf of Koreatown for this community center, which is expected to become Koreatown's landmark. We did it!
August 5, 2016: 12th Anniversary of the LA Senior Citizens Society
KAC celebrated and registered voters at the 12th Anniversary of the LA Senior Citizens Society, which was held at Trinity Central Lutheran Church.
August 2, 2016: National Night Out Event
KAC attended the Olympic Area's 8th Annual National Night Out Event, where KAC interns and staff participated in the peace march and registered voters at the LAPD Olympic Community Police Station.
July 14, 2016: Comfort Women History Voted Into California Textbooks
The California Board of Education voted Thursday for the inclusion of 'comfort women,' women from Asia forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese army during World War 2, into 10th grade curriculums starting September 2017.
July 5, 2016: Parks Parcel Tax Added on November Ballot
After a three-hour hearing with more than 120 people addressing the board, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to add on the November ballot a measure that would add a one-and-a-half cent per square foot parcel tax on properties countywide to help fund LA County parks.
June 20-24, 2016: KAC National College Leadership Conference (NCLC)
College students from 6 different states including Alaska, California, Oregon, Illinois, Texas, and Georgia attended KAC's 36th Annual National College Leadership Conference (NCLC) to cultivate leadership, identity formation, and professional development.
June 18, 2016: Korean American Grassroots Conference
KAC collaborated with KACE, KAFLA, and KAFC for the second annual Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC) in Los Angeles, where they motivated the community to organize, advocate, and participate in the Democratic process.
June 9, 2016: 3 KAC Members Recognized as
"47 Next Generation of Korean American Leaders"
KAC-LA Board of Directors Janny Kim, Advisory Board Member Alexander Kim, and Deputy Director Steve Kang were selected by The Korea Times as "47 Next Generation of Korean American Leaders."
May 21, 2016: APAHM Pacific Bridge Concert
KAC attended the Los Angeles Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) "Pacific Bridge" community concert celebration and live performances. KAC registered new voters for the upcoming Presidential Election.
May 19, 2016: Steve Kang Inducted As one of
'40 under 40' Emerging Civic Leaders in Los Angeles
KAC Acting Executive Director Steve Kang was recognized by Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas as '40 under 40' honoree at the launch of the Emerging Civic Leaders Committee of the Empowerment Congress.
April 9, 2016: U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters
KAC is redesignated as 1 of 52 Census Information Centers (CIC) in the United States and the sole Korean American CIC whose mission is to provide efficient access to Census Bureau data and disseminate Census data.
March 19, 2016: KAC's 33rd Anniversary Gala
KAC held its 33rd Anniversary Gala at the Garden Suite Hotel, with keynote speakers Anthony Yom and Los Angeles City Councilmember David E. Ryu.
March 4-6, 2016: Berkeley MUN Conference
8 KAC MUN students attended the Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) Conference, where they engaged in passion debate and discussion with delegates from around the world.
February 27, 2016: Comfort Women Petition Drive
Volunteers at KAC input petitions asking to incorporate the history of Comfort Women into the textbook curriculum in California.
January 30, 2016: KAC & USC KASA National Convention
KAC held its National Convention in partnership with the USC Korean American Student Association (KASA). Over 300 people attended the convention at the University of Southern California (USC).
January 9, 2016: Free Healthcare Insurance Enrollment Event
KAC, in partnership with Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, Councilmember David E. Ryu, and Covered California, held a free healthcare insurance enrollment event sponsored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom. 50 low-income households registered under Covered California.
December 7, 2015: The Prospects for Unification on the Korean Peninsula
The T.H.I.N.K. Program at KAC sponsored an event held by members of the Korean Presidential Committee for Unification Preparation at the University of California, San Diego.
November 12, 2015: KAC's 21st Annual Legislative Luncheon
KAC held its 21st Annual Legislative Luncheon and were honored to have 16 elected officials to discuss issues pertinent to our community. Over 100 community members attended the luncheon to raise awareness for key community issues.
October 10, 2015: Cerritos High School Fall 2015 Conference
17 KAC Model UN Students participated at the Cerritos High School Fall 2015 Conference. 8 students received Excellence Awards for their presentation!
October 5, 2015: KAC Announces New Deputy Director
KAC Board is pleased to announce our new Deputy Director.
August 7, 2015: Fall Internship Opening
KAC is looking for college students who have passion for civic matters and community outreach. Visit KAC fall internship page to learn more about the program
August 5, 2015: Model United Nations Press Conference
Current attendees share their experiences with the KAC MUN Program and their goals for the future. August 21 is the application deadline for the 2015-2016 KAC MUN Program.
August 5, 2015: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors present the Korean American Coalition with a special commendation for civic pride.
August 3, 2015: Promote Pro-Vote
The 2015 KAC summer interns have kick-started a campaign to increase voter registration and turnout in Los Angeles. Learn more about how you can join the effort by visiting the new Promote Pro-vote website.
"Learning to be a Leader" by Jessica Kwen
(KoreAm Journal)
An attendee of the 35th Annual Korean American Coalition College Leadership Conference reflects on her experience.
July 13, 2015: Twitter Launch
KAC makes its foray into Twitter! For the latest news and updates about KAC and important Korean American issues, follow us @KACLA1983.
Photos used under Creative Commons from pom.angers, torbakhopper, Hunky Punk, Go-tea 郭天, We have moved! Please visit /highwaysengland
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My Idol Photostory: JungKook of BTS
Published September 22, 2017 · Updated July 27, 2018
Gorgeous, dreamy, great body, great singer, great dancer. These qualities are probably ones that all K-Pop idols might have. But that doesn’t necessarily lessen the values of these qualities because they are all attributes of an idol that differentiates them from an average person.
JungKook of BTS is arguably one of the hottest K-Pop idol today and being so young, we can only expect much more great things to come from him in the future.
Born on September 1st, 1997, the youngest member of BTS hails from Busan, South Korea. He stands 178cm tall and is widely known for his remarkable vocals. His family consists of his mother, father, and an older brother.
Big Hit Entertainment
Before debuting as a member of BTS, JungKook actually auditioned for Super Star K Season 3. His dream to become a singer began during his high school years after listening to G-Dragon‘s music. Despite getting eliminated from the audition, eight different entertainment agencies approached him on his way back home.
Instiz / 998
He was a handball player before joining BTS and also was good at taekwondo. He didn’t like most of the subjects in school but did seem to have a fondness for art, music, and physical education.
JungKook places importance on his education and academics just as much as he does on his idol career. He was intent on graduating high school and he achieved his academic goal on February 7th, 2017.
졸업 했습니다 ! pic.twitter.com/eXKT6mmKFl
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) February 7, 2017
Top Star News
The boys of BTS and JungKook visit a Chinese restaurant to celebrate his graduation. Meanwhile, we can see him taking everyone’s orders. He is just simply adorable.
Despite being labeled as the ‘golden maknae’ of the group, he is also notorious for clowning on his older brothers of BTS. He may look unbelievably handsome and serious sometimes, but his notoriety extends to goofy behaviors and awkward cuteness at times too.
Apart from his strikingly handsome good looks, he is widely known for his warm and silky vocals. He is also good friends with BamBam(GOT7), YuGyeom(GOT7), DK (Seventeen), JaeHyun (NCT). His ideal type of girl is someone who is at least 168 cm tall, pretty legs, intelligent, and competitive. He has said himself that IU and Emma Watson are two people that are closest to his ideal girl he’d like to date. JungKook’s ideal date scenario is taking a walk on the beach on a cool night.
BTS shocked the world when they beat out world pop artist Justin Bieber for Top Social Artist Award at the 2017 Billboard Awards.
꿈이 이루어졌습니다!!#BBMAs pic.twitter.com/GzoXiuzsMz
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) May 22, 2017
Instiz
JungKook takes the stand in the middle with his BTS brothers at the Billboard Awards opening.
‘DNA’ MV
Hopefully, it is only the beginning of the young heartthrob’s journey as an idol. BTS’s recent album ‘Love Yourself: Her’ has dominated charts as soon as it was released. But the bigger the success, the harder it is for any artist or band to do it again if not do it better than before.
When asked if he has any plans for the future besides BTS and music, he said he would like to open a duck meat restaurant or open a tattoo parlor and become a tattoo artist.
Must Read : My Idol Photostory: Sana of TWICE
Heartbreaking Image Of Maroo’s Lee JinWoo and TOP Media’s Lee JinHyuk
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UPDATE : Global Project ‘TOO’ Reveals 20, Mnet’s Survival Program ‘WORLD KLASS’ Trainees
The Reason Why SF9 RoWoon Stands Out Even Among His Fellow K-Pop Idols
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Simon O’Neill on his Distant Beloved
The Kiwi Heldentenor, one of the leading Wagnerians of his generation, talks about his new album of German lieder, his idol Fritz Wunderlich, his new opera role, and “commuting” from New Zealand.
by Jo Litson on March 8, 2019
Your new album Distant Beloved,featuring Lieder by Beethoven, Schumann, Strauss and Wagner, is your debut release for Decca?
Yes, it’s a great honour; being with Decca is extraordinary. I had a recording with EMI, back in 2010, of Wagner arias with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, which was great as well. You think EMI and you think Franco Corelli, Maria Callas, and with Decca you think Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti, it’s quite extraordinary.
This article is only available online for Limelight subscribers. LOG IN now or SUBSCRIBE to gain access and you could win a double pass to the Huntington Estate Music Festival.
Ermonela Jaho: Tudor Rose
As Ermonela Jaho prepares to take on Donizetti’s Three Queens, beginning with Anna Bolena, Justine Nguyen talks to the soprano about the role’s challenges and delves into the origins of the trilogy.
Opera Queensland to present Tristan und Isolde in 2020
Acclaimed New Zealand tenor Simon O’Neill will take on the title role in the company's semi-staged production, which coincides with Opera Australia's recently announced Ring Cycle in Brisbane.
Review: Distant Beloved (Simon O’Neill, Terence Dennis)
O’Neill’s Decca recital debut delivers a whole lotta love.
Limelight In-Depth: Shifting the Opera Gaze
The arts play a crucial role in questioning and shaping cultural norms and attitudes. In this time of tectonic social change, we need to reconsider what opera can be in the 21st century says Sally Blackwood.
Victorian Opera to give students backstage access again
Its innovative livestreaming program, which introduces primary school students to opera, returns this month.
Australian soprano wins Guildhall Gold Medal
Samantha Clarke, a student of Yvonne Kenny's, has received the school's most esteemed award for soloists.
Soprano Natalie Aroyan wins $30,000 scholarship
The scholarship provides the Opera Australia Principal Artist the invaluable opportunity to travel overseas and further develop her international profile.
Heather Harper has died
The British soprano was a distinguished exponent of works by Benjamin Britten.
Composer Ellen Reid wins Pulitzer Prize for debut opera
Reid's "disconcertingly sweet" opera p r i s m explores the lingering effects of sexual trauma.
Review: Wagner: Götterdämmerung (Jaap van Zweden)
Hong Kong sees a suitably splendid end of the operatic world.
Classical Music, Opera, Opera, Vocal & Choral, Vocal & Choral
The Greatest Voices of all Time
Over 100 of today’s finest Australian and international singers have cast their votes to determine the most influential voices across the ages. Now, 30 singers tell us what makes our top 30 truly great.
Joshua Hecht has died
The bass was a student of Rosa Ponselle and a vocal coach for Opera Australia.
Opera at Jimbour returns this July
Queensland's cherished celebration of culture and local produce will be seen in a new, all-day format.
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County earns five state placers, two state title runners-up at D1 state swim meet
Howell and Brighton combined for five state placers in the Division 1 state swim meet on Saturday.
County earns five state placers, two state title runners-up at D1 state swim meet Howell and Brighton combined for five state placers in the Division 1 state swim meet on Saturday. Check out this story on livingstondaily.com: http://ldpaa.com/2GbRU1T
Anthony Odoardi, Livingston Daily Published 7:12 p.m. ET March 10, 2018 | Updated 9:23 p.m. ET March 10, 2018
Henry Bauer of Howell has signed to swim for Northern Michigan University.(Photo: Timothy Arrick)
What a week it was for Livingston County, with a district championship from Howell boys basketball, two regionals title game appearances from Hartland and Fowlerville girls hoops, Hartland hockeys first state title and potentially Brighton hockey’s fifth.
That success continued Friday and Saturday over at Eastern Michigan University, where the county boys swimming and diving teams partook in the Division 1 state meet and had a total of four individual state placers, including two state title runners-up, and one All-State relay.
“It was just outstanding,” said Brighton coach Jason Black, whose team took 14th at the meet, which was just ahead of Howell (18th), and the third-best finish among the KLAA schools behind only Northville (fifth) and Livonia Stevenson (12th). “It was amazing.”
In terms of state placers, it was Howell that led the way, putting Henry Bauer, Hunter Gubeno and its 200-yard freestyle relay team inside the top eight. Brighton had two in Cade Hammond and John Louria.
Both Howell’s Bauer and Brighton’s Hammond were state title runners-up.
Bauer did it in the 100 butterfly, where despite entering seeded seventh his time of 50.09 seconds in the finals gave him the silver medal. He trailed only Brother Rice’s Alex Margherio (48.43) in the standings.
“For me, it really meant a lot because through the years we’ve had a lot of ups and down together,” Howell coach Zach Kasprzak said. “This year, everything skyrocketed up for him and he really put a lot of focus on swimming. I’m proud to be able to coach him.”
“I was really excited and surprised by it,” Bauer said. “To be honest, I was shocked. It was pretty awesome. It’s got me really looking forward to (college swimming) next year, and thankful for the past four years of training I’ve done.”
Whereas Bauer’s second-place finish was a bit of a surprise, Hammond entered the dive as the second seed looking to upset fellow junior from Ann Arbor Skyline, Henry Schirmer, for the D1 championship.
Schimer (503.85) would take the title, but Hammond (448.45) earned a second All-State finish.
“He dove great all weekend long,” Black said. “All season he was great. He showed up at every meet and was consistent at every single dual meet. Obviously, he put together a great conference meet and did what an upperclassman is supposed to do.”
Elsewhere, Howell’s Gubeno, a sophomore, was fifth in the 500-yard freestyle, his time of 4 minutes, 34.79 seconds coming in one-hundredth of a second behind the fourth-place finisher. Howell’s 200 free relay team of Gubeno, Bauer, Braden Gregory and Tyler Caudy clocked a 1:26.95 to take eighth.
For Brighton, Louria was sixth with a 51.80-second time in the backstroke.
“It’s great because we have all of them coming back next year,” said Black of his team. “John and Drew (Panzl) and Cade are all going to be seniors next year and lead the team, and it’s going to be exciting.”
Athlete of the Year Jackie Jarvis 'could've played anything'
Hartland's Potter repeats as county's top male athlete
Brighton's Mia Hansen girls soccer Player of the Year
Who made the 2019 All-County girls soccer team?
Best of the rest among male Athlete of the Year candidates
Meet the All-Livingston County boys golf team
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