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Why the decision on Arsenal starlet is a grave mistake!
by Billy Pearson share
Football FanCast columnist Billy Pearson feels that the
decision to fast-track Jack Wilshere through the international ranks is a huge
mistake.
When Theo
Walcott was called up for England's 2006 World Cup squad, it is fair to say
that the response to the decision was varied. It seemed a crazy decision by
Eriksson, given that the youngster had yet to play a first team game for Arsene
Wenger's side, and he was to be rightly criticised as Sven failed to give him a
chance, even in the pre-tournament friendlies. Of course none of this was the
then 17r olds fault, after all he didn't pick the squad, but I cannot help that
the decision to take him to Germany had a detrimental effect on the player who,
in truth, has taken over two years to finally find his feet.
I'm certain that
I am not the only Arsenal fan who had great reservations about Theo Walcott and
his abilities in the last couple of seasons. Wenger himself was quite scathing
of the player at the start of the calendar year and felt it was time for the
Theo to finally step up to the plate and fulfill his undoubted potential.
Whether Arsene was playing mind games with the player remains to be seen, but
there is no question that Walcott is starting to evolve and showing why we
splashed out so much money on him in January 2006.
I look back at
the last two years and I wonder how much the hype and suddenly being thrust
into the spotlight affected his progress. Here was an exceptional kid who was
just learning his trade and suddenly he was dubbed as England's new superstar
with the world at his feet. I know Walcott gives out an extreme calm persona
and never looks flustered by anything, but I just wonder whether the expectation
level put an unnecessary weight on his shoulders and subsequently damaged his
confidence and the speed of his development.
The reason for
my concerns is down to reports that England are looking to fast track teenage
sensation Jack Wilshere through the international ranks, starting with the
U21s. You would think that Arsene Wenger, notoriously protective of his young
guns would be dead against the proposed move; however he has seemingly endorsed
the move, despite admitting that it will take at least two years for the player
to prove that he is mentally up to the task and whether his game matures to the
required level.
I just cannot
see the logic in such a move and with my England head on here, I fail to see
the benefit of it. How will Wilshere on the back of a few performances for the
U21s be ready for the World Cup in 2010? It seems a crazy decision and to be
honest I would not want to see a player called up for the South African squad (should we qualify of course) who is
likely to have only played a handful of first team games for Arsenal. It doesn't
make any sense and as it was with Walcott, an unnecessary expectation to throw
on a 16yr old who is just learning his trade.
Is the decision to fast track Jack Wilshere a correct one?
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Global TV Streaming Hits All Time High But Is The Quality Improving?
Anna Tobin Contributor
Anna Tobin is a media, technology and lifestyle journalist
The number of people around the world who are streaming TV, which means that the content they are watching is being delivered over the internet, has jumped 72.4% year-on-year, finds international real-time streaming media rating measurement service Conviva in its quarter one 2019 report. And not only is viewership up, but the time spent streaming is also rising, with viewing hours growing 49% faster this quarter year-on-year.
What turns most people off streamed TV content, however, is poor picture and/or sound quality. And although there were some improvements in this area – instances of buffering when the video pauses during playback so it can reload, are down 34% year-on-year – up to 47% of ads are failing. As ads provide a huge chunk of revenue for streaming services, this is a very worrying statistic for the industry.
Connected TVs, however, proved to be the best device for streaming TV on. Conviva's analysis covers 100 billion annual streams of more than 200 global streaming brands in 180 countries on five continents and it found that connected TVs delivered the biggest improvement in the quality of experience, with 60.1% less buffering, 20.6% better picture quality and 42.7% less video start failures.
The Internet Is Not Designed For Broadcast Quality
The chief problem that streaming media service providers face is that ultimately the internet is not designed to deliver broadcast quality sound and vision.
"The internet video delivery ecosystem has significantly more potential points of failure than traditional broadcast TV. As people and providers make the shift to streaming, streaming entertainment will become the predominant form of TV consumption by 2022. This increased traffic only amplifies the complexity,” explains Bill Demas, CEO of Conviva.
"Overcoming quality problems on that scale requires optimized delivery and infrastructure across multiple devices, platforms, CDNs, ISPs, servers and locations. The industry’s focus on quality is high, and we’ve measured significant improvements over the past year, but it’s still early in the journey."
The streaming industry will continue tweaking, 5G, where it's available, will help to further boost quality, and the quality of experience will likely continue to improve year-on-year, but reaching the perfection that broadcast consistently achieves is some way off.
Anna Tobin
I am an experienced journalist and reporter. I have been covering media and tech stories for the British and international trade, business and consumer media for over tw...
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Three Cheap Dividend Stocks Whose Shares Prices Could Still Surge In April (Like This FTSE 100 Hero)
Royston Wild Contributor
Car insurer Hastings is set to release fresh financials in the days ahead.
We’re almost halfway through April but there’s still plenty of time for the following few stocks to surge before the month expires. Come take a look.
Hastings Group
Car insurance giant colossus Hastings Group is all set to release quarter one trading numbers on Friday, April 26. It’s a share I’ve liked for a long time as, despite the problem of intense competition, the company’s ability to snag market share from its customers is driving profits ever higher.
This was apparent in the full-year results unpackaged in February, a release in which Hastings declared that the number of live policies rose by 70,000 in 2018 to 2.71m and that consequently gross written premiums rose 3% year-on-year to £958.3m. I’m expecting another sunny release in the coming days.
The strength of last year’s performance prompted the FTSE 250 firm to raise its payout ratio goal to between 65% and 75%, up from 50% to 60% previously, and this means that City analysts are expecting the full-year dividend to rise to 14.6p per share from 13.5p last year. This means that the yield sits at an enormous 6.8%.
If you’re feeling greedy, though, and are seeking even larger yields than those of Hastings, then you might want to head over to Taylor Wimpey. As part of the housebuilder’s vow to return shedloads of cash to its shareholders it’s pledged an 18.3p per share total reward in 2019, and this creates a gigantic 10.1% yield.
In fact, I reckon it’s a good idea to buy the business ahead of its next trading statement on Thursday, April 25, a release I reckon could provide its share price with an extra dose of jet fuel. Because of a slew of positive market updates across the sector, Taylor Wimpey has swelled 33% in value since the turn of the year, and I’m expecting another brilliant set of numbers from the builder to boost investor appetite still further.
The FTSE 100 company announced in February that a combination of margin improvements and higher completions drove pre-tax profit 19% higher in 2018 to £810.7m. News that its forward order book had risen to 8,304 as of December from 7,136 a year earlier illustrated the ongoing resilience of the market, too.
The final dividend share I’m looking at today is Greene King. The pub operator’s resilience in spite of the mounting pressure on Britons’ spending power is something to behold, and I’m expecting to hear that the booze has kept on flowing when its pre-close trading statement is released on Tuesday, April 30.
The FTSE 250 business certainly impressed last time out, advising in the first few days of the year that like for-like sales were up 3.2% in the 36 weeks to January 6 and that takings on Christmas Day has stormed to a record peak of £7.7m.
Like Taylor Wimpey’s, the share price of Greene King has also gone gangbusters in 2019 and so far it’s up around a quarter more expensive than it was on New Year’s Eve. I fully expect it to gain more ground in end-of-month trading.
Royston Wild owns shares in Taylor Wimpey.
Royston Wild
I am a seasoned freelance financial journalist reporting for a variety of publications across the globe. I was formerly a stocks and commodities reporter - and editor of...
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Phelps looking to dominate 200 fly at trials
June 27, 2012: Michael Phelps swims in a men's 200-meter butterfly semifinal at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb. (AP2012)
OMAHA, Neb. – Michael Phelps finally gets a night off from battling Ryan Lochte.
The 14-time Olympic gold medalist has the spotlight to himself in the 200-meter butterfly final on Thursday night at the U.S. Olympic trials. It's an event Phelps has dominated over the years, including the last three Olympics and three world championships. He owns the world record in it, too.
And without Lochte, it figures to be a race for second place behind Phelps.
Phelps qualified third-fastest in the semifinals on Wednesday night, trailing leader Bobby Bollier and second-place Davis Tarwater. Also trying to get his hand on the wall second will be Scott Clary. Only the top two earn a berth in the London Games.
Phelps will be watching the rest of the field.
"Every race I track where everybody is," he said. "Anything can happen at any given day."
He finally earned his first victory -- and beat Lochte for the first time -- at the trials in the 200 freestyle. It was another thrilling race between the world's two best swimmers. They churned through the water stroke for stroke, the crowd of nearly 13,000 in full voice, until both stuck out their arms at the wall.
Phelps touched first, by five-hundredths of a second.
He won in 1 minute, 45.70 seconds to Lochte's 1:45.75.
Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, might be glad to see his superstar swim a race without Lochte, if only to squash the way they've been toying with each other.
"They are so focused on racing each other, they do stuff like tonight, not take it out so fast," Bowman said. "Michael got ahead, and he was like, `Well, I'm ahead of Ryan, I'm okay.' And then Ryan is just waiting to make his move, and he makes his move and they do the cat-and-mouse stuff, and in the process of that they forgot to swim fast."
Lochte won their first showdown of the eight-day meet in the 400 individual medley on opening night, his third straight major victory over the winningest Olympian ever. He followed up by edging Phelps in the 200 free semifinals before Phelps got his revenge in the final.
"We kind of see what each other does and play it out by feel the first couple of laps," Phelps said, "and then when it comes down to it we just put every ounce of energy into the last 50 that we can and need to."
Lochte said he went out too slow in the beginning of the 200 free, a mistake he intends to correct when he gets to London. Phelps' winning time was nearly 3 seconds slower than his gold-medal effort in Beijing, though that was aided by high-tech bodysuits, which have since been banned by the world governing body.
"We didn't really try to pick it up until, like, the last 75, so I'll save that for the Olympics," said Lochte, whose time was 1:45.75. "I was just really relaxed for the first 125, and then the last 75, I was like, `All right, now we've got to put it in gear.' So I kind of waited a little late, but I'll take it."
Lochte will be around Thursday morning competing in the prelims of the 100 free. He's in the same heat as 36-year-old Jason Lezak. Also competing in the sprint event are Nathan Adrian, Cullen Jones and Matt Grevers, who made the team in the 100 backstroke.
Missy Franklin has been expending plenty of energy making her first Olympic team. She won the 100 backstroke, chasing down two-time defending Olympic champion Natalie Coughlin on the final lap to win with an American record of 58.85 seconds.
The 17-year-old nicknamed "Missy the Missile" will swim the 200 free final on Thursday night. Franklin comes in with the third-fastest qualifying time behind Allison Schmitt and Dana Vollmer. The event isn't Franklin's strongest, but she can insert herself into the relay pool for London by finishing among the top six.
"I'm still at this point not even going to consider London," she said. "I'm going to focus here still in the meet. We're not even halfway through it yet, so staying here where I am right now and focusing on the other swims that I have."
Coughlin was looking ahead, too. The 29-year-old swimmer who owns 11 Olympic medals in her long career has one more chance to make her third Olympic team. She would like a shot at winning at least one medal in London, which would tie her with Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres as the most decorated U.S. female Olympians.
Coughlin swims the 100 free prelims on Friday
"I'm looking forward to that," she said. "For the rest of this season, I'm a freestyler."
The trials haven't gone the way Coughlin expected, but not for lack of preparation.
"I've done everything I could possibly do this year," she said. "My training has been frankly amazing and the races haven't been quite there. I'm a little bummed, but not nearly as much as everyone is expecting me to be."
Thursday night's third final is the women's 200 IM. Caitlin Leverenz and Elizabeth Beisel, already on the team in the 400 IM, are the two fastest qualifiers, followed by Ariana Kukors, the 2009 world champion and world record holder.
Grevers won the 100 back on Wednesday night with the second-fastest time ever, 52.08. Breeja Larson scored a big upset in the 100 breaststroke, outracing world champion Rebecca Soni to make her first Olympics in her first trials.
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Po - From Mantova to Venice by bike and ship - 8 days
FB17+SR-PO
from 1090 € Per person
The itinerary winds its way along the Mincio and the Po, penetrating into rural areas of the Italian countryside that are still uncontaminated and ends in the warm embrace of the Venetian Lagoon. This territory has been reclaimed from the marshes for many centuries now and is framed by green pine-woods, which offer protection for numerous species of animals. The work of man overlaps nature in a constant game of roles: reclaimed land alternates with natural canals, fishermen’s huts are camouflaged in the reeds, and bridges formed of boats reduce the distances between strips of sand.
Day 1: Arrival in Mantova or Venice
The cabins are available from 4.30 p.m. The meeting with the tour leader and the crew is scheduled at dinner-time, at 7 p.m.
Day 2: Around Mantova, ~25 km/16 miles
Ruled by the House of Gonzaga for four centuries, the city state of Mantua attracted a dizzying roll call of names across the arts - from Rubens and Mantegna to Monteverdi and Mozart - and to this day the town is renowned for its international book festival. A ride through the center soon takes us past Palazzo Tè, on the outskirts, the Gonzagas' summer residence. Onwards to the hamlet of Grazie and its historic church: a site of pilgrimage, it is adorned with an intriguing host of wooden figures, personifying the many torments that pilgrims of yore could identify with. A cruise on a local barge takes us home through a waterscape rich in birdlife, lilies and other aquatic flora. This afternoon we meet our Mantuan guide for a walking tour of the historic center, and enjoy the rest of the day in town, at our own leisure.
Day 3: Mantova - Zelo, ~50 km/31 miles
After breakfast, we set sail from the "lakes" of Mantua and cruise through the lush wetlands that lead to Governolo Lock, where Mantua's River Mincio flows into the Po. Here, we saddle up and follow the broad sweeps of the levee towards Ostiglia, renowned for its medieval fortress and fierce fighting in 1945, as the Allies drove Hitler's forces back. Next: Bergantino, home of the distinctive Museum of Fairground Rides and its collection of street organs, all expertly restored (and thunderous!). This village is also in the heartland of Grana Padano - the arch-rival of Parmesan - and a visit to the local cheese factory, sampling some well-seasoned Grana, is de rigueur. We catch up with our barge in Zelo, a sleepy village on the Canal Bianco, the waterway which runs parallel to the Po.
Day 4: Zelo - Adria, ~50 km/31 miles
This morning we cross the Po and ride southwards through a patchwork of farmland, orchards and hamlets, as far as Ferrara. Under its ruling family, the Este, this city state attracted architects, artists and scholars for centuries, pioneering town planning principles that have been emulated worldwide ever since. To this day, Ferrara University ranks among the best, and the town is dubbed the ''Cycling Capital of Italy". A private bus and trailer then take us back to our floating hotel in Adria, an ancient Roman port once washed by the sea which bears its name. Adria is also renowned for its Etruscan and Greek heritage. An after-dinner passeggiata into town for a well-earned grappa or gelato is in order.
Day 5: Adria - Chioggia or Pellestrina, ~40 km/25 miles
After a short cruise, we cycle into the delta of the life-giving Po. This unique wetland is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to a sizeable colony of flamingos. Weather permitting, as we continue towards Chioggia, we can also enjoy a break at a fine-sand beach nearby for a dip in the Adriatic - not forgetting a hot savoury piadina! Also known as "Little Venice", the colorful fishing hub of Chioggia is a great place to "go local", and what better way than by making your own bigoli for dinner? This quintessentially Venetian type of pasta is at its best when made fresh, and a delicacy served with a creamy baccalà sauce.
Day 6: Chioggia or Pellestrina - Venice, ~30 km/19 miles
Venice beckons, but first another world altogether: Pellestrina, the first of two islands we traverse today - a humble and tranquil fishing backwater, picturesque as ever with its cottages, boats and nets. A short island-hop by ferry lands us on the Lido. Fashionable in high society ever since the Belle Époque, the Lido di Venezia is now home to the International Venice Film Festival and its galaxy of stars. After rejoining our barge, an unrushed cruise takes us to our final destination. After dinner we can savor Venice at night, now free of the crowds and at her most romantic: Benvenuti a Venezia!
Day 7: Venice, ~30 km/18 miles
After breakfast - and perhaps following a wander off the beaten track with your tour leader - we all meet up with our Venetian guide for a tour through the historic center. Christened La Serenissima ("The Most Serene"), the Venetian Republic held sway over much of the Mediterranean (and beyond) for centuries - both as a military power and a beacon of culture, her explorers reaching as far as China and Newfoundland. After your guided tour, you have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Day 8: Venice
After breakfast and the customary goodbyes, free time for individual visits of Venice, or return home, if you haven’t booked any extra night.
Your boat - MS Vita Pugna
Discover Italy's rivers and canals on a real boat from Holland. The name of the boat is "Vita Pugna”, or "Life is a battle”: it is 36 meters long and 5,4 meters large, it has 11 cabins with beds, showers and toilets and about 23/25 places. There is a restaurant and a huge deck to park bicycles.
Your boat - MS Ave Maria
The boat is about 41 m long and 7,5 meters wide and it is made for a maximum of 40 guest in 17 cabins. All cabins have got facilities and air conditioning. The boat has got a restaurant, a lounge with a 52" screen TV, two sundecks, an internet point with two computers and free internet and parking lots for 40 bicycles. After the great success of the first seasons of Vita Pugna and a large number of requests, last year we have decided to double the fleet. This time we have personally chosen how to build the boat thanks to our knowledge and experience of the bike & boat business we have acquired in these years. The new luxury boat Ave Maria will therefore sail in 2012 for the second season along the same itinerary. This Italian boat has been totally rebuilt in order to meet the most challenging clients’ requests. Only the hull of the original 1970s sand digger sailing along the Po has remained and the boat is now brand new. It has been completely designed by a renowned Italian architectural firm. Its shapes, colors and materials have been chosen carefully in order to create a warm, sober and yet sophisticated atmosphere.
7 nights in outside cabin with WC/shower
7x breakfast
6x packed lunch
7x dinner
sheets and towels
service of cabin cleaning 1x/week
transfer Ferrara-Zelo and Ferrara-Adria incl. bicycle
harbor dues
English speaking tour guide on bike
information booklet and maps
city tour in Venice and Mantova
visit to a cheese dairy & tasting
visit to carousel museum and folk theater
double cabin, Vita Pugna
double cabin, Ave Maria
single cabin, Vita Pugna
single cabin, Ave Maria
self-guided & guided tour - 8 days / 7 nights
arrival every Saturday
VITA PUGNA departure Mantova
06.04, 20.04, 4.05, 18.05, 1.06, 15.06, 29.06, 13.07, 27.07, 10.08, 24.08, 7.09, 21.09, 5.10, 19.10.2019
VITA PUGNA departure Venice
13.04, 27.04, 11.05, 25.05, 8.06, 22.06, 6.07, 20.07, 3.08, 17.08, 31.08, 14.09, 28.09, 12.10, 26.10.2019
AVE MARIA departure Mantova
30.03, 13.04, 27.04, 11.05, 25.05, 8.06, 22.06, 6.07, 20.07, 3.08, 17.08, 31.08, 14.09, 28.09, 12.10, 26.10.2019
AVE MARIA departure Venice
season II (+200,00 €/person on VITA PUGNA or 350,00 €/person AVE MARIA)
season III (+300,00 €/person on VITA PUGNA or 550,00 €/person AVE MARIA)
route (1): ~195 km/122 miles
The tour of about 195 km is entirely on level ground and the daily cycling stages vary from 30 km to 55 km. Much of the pedalling is along rivers and canals on tarmac cycle paths or roads with a low volume of car traffic. It is envisaged that the boat will sail some of the way during breakfast or evening meal to make getting out of the towns easier or to shorten the stages. If you wish to ride independently, the guide will be pleased to provide route advice.
by car: motorway to Mantova or Venice
by train: station Mantova or Venice
by plane: airport Venice, Treviso, Verona or Milano
from 1064 €
South Burgundy de Luxe
In the land of monks and wine growers! Burgundy is famous for its warm ...
Paris - Mont Saint Michel
France-Bike proposes to make an outstanding bike tour from Paris, the city ...
Cycling holidays in the most famous wine region of the world!
France-Bike, ...
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To Make an Appointment (540) 373-1331
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Search Health Library
Hives (urticaria) are an allergic reaction of the skin that may last a few minutes or can persist for a few days. They appear as raised, red, itchy bumps (wheals) of different shapes and sizes, with defined red margins and pale centers.
Hives may appear and then disappear at random and seem to move from place to place on the skin. Hives may range in size from less than 0.25 in. (0.6 cm) to 3 in. (7.6 cm) across or larger. Patches of hives may combine to form raised, reddened skin over large areas of the body.
Hives may appear as a reaction to a medication, food, or infection. A single area of swelling often occurs after an insect bite at the site of the bite. Other possible causes include contact with plants, things you breathe in (inhalants), stress, makeup, and exposure to heat, cold, or sunlight. Often a cause cannot be found.
Hives are often minor, but they can also be the first sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that requires emergency care.
Current as of: January 21, 2019
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Michigan basketball: Duncan Robinson's defense put to test in Sweet 16
Duncan Robinson might have improved more than anybody on Michigan's basketball team, heading into the Sweet 16.
Michigan basketball: Duncan Robinson's defense put to test in Sweet 16 Duncan Robinson might have improved more than anybody on Michigan's basketball team, heading into the Sweet 16. Check out this story on Freep.com: http://on.freep.com/2DKOnoJ
Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press Columnist Published 12:00 a.m. ET March 22, 2018 | Updated 8:57 a.m. ET March 22, 2018
Michigan basketball practices in Los Angeles. Nick Baumgardner/Detroit Free Press
Michigan guard Duncan Robinson (22) and Houston forward Devin Davis (15) battle for possession during second half of second round of the NCAA tournament at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan., Saturday, March 17, 2018.(Photo: Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
LOS ANGELES – Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman stood on the far side of the Michigan locker room.
“I want to ask you about Duncan Robinson’s defense,” I said.
Abdur-Rahkman started laughing and bent over at the waist. He looked down at the floor.
“We used to mess with him,” Abdur-Rahkman said. “We used to call him Uncan. Because there was no 'D' in D-uncan.”
He started laughing.
“But it’s made him buy into it a little more,” Abdur-Rahkman said. “Maybe focus on it a little more. He takes pride in it now.”
The days of "Uncan" are long gone.
More: Explaining John Beilein's rise at Michigan, Tom Izzo's slide at Michigan State
Robinson has improved tremendously on defense, maybe more than any other player on this team. And his defense will be critical on Thursday night when the Wolverines play Texas A&M in the Sweet 16 because the Aggies have a pair of talented post players in 6-foot-10 center Tyler Davis and 6-10 forward Robert Williams.
Robinson will be matched up against Williams, a gifted, athletic forward, who could be a lottery pick in the NBA draft.
“He’s a really talented player,” Robinson said. “They really try to play through him.”
More from Seidel:
Michigan needs to play better vs. Texas A&M, and it starts with Mo Wagner
Robinson’s journey to Ann Arbor began in the most unusual way.
He started off his college career at Division III Williams College, a team that finished runner-up in the national championship. He was named a fourth-team All American as a freshman.
But Robinson decided to transfer to Michigan after Williams coach Mike Maker took a job at Marist College.
Ironically enough, if Maker had stayed at Williams, Robinson would have finished out his career at the Division III level.
“I have two friends from Williams coming to the game (Thursday),” he said. “Some of those guys that I played with and put on my jersey with are my closest friends.”
Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) drives the ball to the basket as Michigan Wolverines guard/forward Duncan Robinson (22) defends during the first half at Bryce Jordan Center on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. (Photo: Matthew OHaren, USA TODAY Sports)
If it feels as if Robinson has been around forever in Ann Arbor, it’s because he has.
Robinson has played in 111 career games at U-M, which ranks tied for 46th all time.
And he keeps climbing up the Michigan record books.
Robinson has made 232 3-point shots, which ranks sixth in school history. He's two made shots behind Derrick Walton Jr. and Daniel Horton.
“It’s incredible, I’m just incredibly appreciative, that I’ve had both experiences,” Robinson said. “My time at Williams and certainly my time here.”
More: Michigan signee David DeJulius feels 'the buzz' as Wolverines head to Sweet 16
Robinson started the first 18 games of the year, but has come off the bench since Isaiah Livers became the starter.
Robinson won the Big Ten’s sixth man of the year award.
In the NCAA tournament, Robinson has played starters’ minutes, averaging 27.5 minutes per game while Livers is averaging 12.5.
Michigan basketball's Moritz Wagner meets with the media on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, in Los Angeles. Nick Baumgardner/Detroit Free Press
And that’s also a reflection of how much Robinson has improved defensively.
“You have to start with a want to,” Michigan assistant coach Luke Yaklich. “Early on when we started, Duncan knew he had deficiencies. He knew he had to improve, off the ball and guarding the first two or three dribbles. To his credit, he had moments this year, when he didn’t play well defensively. He would come back and watch film and he’d come back to me with ideas. In daily drills, he was really cognizant of all the finer points that have allowed him to become a better rebounder, or have allowed him to become a better post defender or on the ball defender.”
Robinson has also become a mentor to Livers.
“He has taught me all the little things, like back cuts and smart routes in Coach Beilein’s offense," Livers said. "He has been a mentor to me. When I first got here, he told me where the cafeteria is. He has given me rides, stuff like that. I just can’t thank him enough.”
More: Michigan basketball's miracle win steeped in swag, ended in swish
Robinson was on the bench after fouling out against Houston, when Jordan Poole hit a miraculous 3-pointer.
That kept the Wolverines alive.
But Robinson feels as if people are overlooking the Wolverines.
Which is just fine with him.
“One of the things I kind of like most is people are still kind of over-looking us,” Robinson said. “We have really embraced that. That, alone, is fun to be a part of, embracing that under-dog vibe.”
Kind of like a Division III transfer who will take a huge role on Thursday night.
That’s Duncan Robinson.
Uncan Robinson has found his missing D.
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @seideljeff. To read his recent columns, go to freep.com/sports/jeff-seidel/.
Tigers trade deadline primer: Who's for sale, who's interested, what's the price?
Michigan, Juwan Howard finally will get familiar on the court
First impression of Pistons draft pick Doumbouya: 'He's strong'
U-M LB Anthony Solomon will look for his fit
U-M football: 4-star WR Roman Wilson commits
Here's what Yzerman is prioritizing as he works to fill out Wings roster
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JDR Vol.12 No.2 pp. 241-250
Extraction of Collapsed Buildings in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake Using Multi-Temporal PALSAR-2 Data
Wen Liu† and Fumio Yamazaki
Department of Urban Environment Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University
1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
†Corresponding author
Online released:
ALOS-2 PALSAR-2, synthetic aperture radar, coherence, intensity, damage extraction
An earthquake (Mw6.2) struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan on April 14, 2016. A larger event (Mw7.0) struck the same area 28 hours later, on April 16. The series of earthquakes caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructures. Remote sensing is an effective tool to grasp damage situation over wide areas after a disaster strikes. In this study, two sets of ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 images taken before and after the earthquake were used to extract the areas with collapsed buildings. Three representative change indices, the co-event coherence, the ratio between the co- and pre-event coherence, and the z-factor combining the difference and correlation coefficients, were adopted to extract the collapsed buildings in the central district of Mashiki Town, the most severely affected area. The results of a building-by-building damage survey in the target area were used to investigate the most suitable threshold value for each index. The extracted results were evaluated by comparing them with the reference data from field surveys. Finally, the most valid factor was applied to larger affected areas for Kumamoto City and its surroundings.
W. Liu and F. Yamazaki, “Extraction of Collapsed Buildings in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake Using Multi-Temporal PALSAR-2 Data,” J. Disaster Res., Vol.12, No.2, pp. 241-250, 2017.
[1] United States Geological Survey (USGS): https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us20005iis#executive [accessed March 10, 2017]
[2] Cabinet Office of Japan (2016) Summary of damage situation in the Kumamoto earthquake sequence, http://www.bousai.go.jp/ updates/h280414jishin/index.html [in Japanese, accessed March 10, 2017]
[3] QuiQuake: https://gbank.gsj.jp/QuiQuake/index.en.html [accessed March 10, 2017]
[4] Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): http://www.jma.go.jp /jma/en/2016_Kumamoto_ Earthquake/2016_Kumamoto_Earthquake .html [in Japanese, accessed March 10, 2017]
[5] L. Dong and J. Shan, “A comprehensive review of earthquake-induced building damage detection with remote sensing techniques,” ISPRS J. Photogramm. Remote Sens., Vol.84, pp. 85-99, 2013.
[6] P.T.B, Brett and R. Guida, “Earthquake damage detection in urban areas using curvilinear features,” IEEE Trans.Geosci. Remote Sens., Vol.51, pp. 4877-4884, 2013.
[7] S. Plank, “Rapid damage assessment by means of multi-temporal SAR: A comprehensive review and outlook to Sentinel-1,” Remote Sens., Vol.6, pp. 4870-4906, 2014.
[8] ALOS Research and Application Project of EORC, JAXA: http://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/ALOS/lulc/jlulc_jpn.htm [accessed March 10, 2017]
[9] M. Matsuoka and M. Estrada, “Development of earthquake-induced building damage estimation model based on ALOS/PALSAR objeserving the 2007 Peru earthquake,” J. of Disaster Research, Vol.8, No.2, pp. 346-355, 2013.
[10] S. Park, Y. Yamaguchi and D. Kim, “Polarimetric SAR remote sensing of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake using ALOS/PALSAR,” Remote Sensing of Environment, Vol.132, pp. 212-220, 2013.
[11] M. Watanabe, T. Motohka, Y. Miyagi, C. Yonezawa and M. Shimada, “Analysis of urban areas affected by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake and tsunami with L-Band SAR full-polarimetric mode,” IEEE Geosci. and Remote Sens. Letters, Vol.9, No.3, pp. 472-476, 2012.
[12] R. Bahri, W. Liu and F. Yamzaki, “Damage assessment of urban areas due to the 2015 Nepal earthquake uding PALSAR-2 imagery,” in Proc. 36th Asia Conf. on Remote Sesing (ACRS), 2015.
[13] M. Watanabe, R.B. Thapa, T. Ohsumi, H. Fujiwara, C. Yonezawa, N. Tomii and S. Suzuki, “Detection of damaged urban areas using interferometric SAR coherence change with PALSAR-2,” Earth, Planets and Space, Vol.68, No.131, 2016.
[14] S. Hashimoto, T. Tadono, M. Onosato, M. Hori and K. Shiomi, “A new method to derive precise land-use and land-cover maps using multi-temporal optical data,” J. of The Remote Sensing Society of Japan, Vol.34, No.2, pp. 102-112, 2014 (in Japanese).
[15] Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI): http://fgd.gsi.go.jp/download/menu.php [accessed March 10, 2017]
[16] National Institute for Land and Infrastructure Management (NILIM), “Quick report of the field survey on the building damage by the 2016 Kumamoto earthqukae,” technical Note No.929, http://www.nilim.go.jp/lab/bcg/siryou/tnn/tnn0929.htm [in Japanese, accessed March 10, 2017]
[17] W. Liu an F. Yamazaki, “Urban monitoring and change detection of central Tokyo using high-resolution X-band SAR images,” in Proc. IEEE Int. Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, pp. 24-29, 2011.
[18] Y. Ito, M. Hosokawa, H. Lee and J.G. Liu, “Extraction of damaged regions using SAR data and neural networks,” Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens., XXXIII, pp.156-163, 2000.
[19] W. Liu, F. Yamazaki, H. Gokon and S. Koshimura, “Extraction of Tsunami-Flooded Areas and Damaged Buildings in the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake from TerraSAR-X Intensity Images,” Earthquake Spectra, EERI, Vol.29, No.S1, S183-S200, 2013.
[20] A. Ferretti, A. Monti-Guarnieri, C. Prati, F. Rocca, Part C InSAR processing: a mathematical approach, In InSAR Principles: Guidelines for SAR Interferometry Procs. and Interpretation, K. Fletcher, Ed., ESA Publications: Noordwijk, Netherlands, pp. 3-13, 2007.
[21] Y. Ito and M. Hosokawa, “Damage Estimation Model Using Temporal Coherence Ratio,” in Proc. IEEE IGARSS, pp. 2859-2861, 2002.
[22] H. Miura, S. Midorikawa, and M. Matsuoka, “Accuracy improvement of building damage detection using high-resolution SAR images observed from different directions,” J. of Japan Association for Earthquake Engineering, Vol.15, No.7, pp. 7_390-7_403, 2015. (in Japanese)
[23] F. Yamazaki and W. Liu, “Remote sensing technologies for post-eartqhauke damage assessment: A case study on the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake,” In Proc. 6th Asia Conf. on Earthquake Engineering (6ACEE), 2016.
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Department of Transport: Technical Infrastructure Support for the National Vehicle and Driver File
Technical Infrastructure Support
for the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF)
The DoT worked with Fujitsu to completely refurbish and take on the management of the IT infrastructure in motor taxation offices across the country. Fujitsu was tasked with delivering, maintaining and supporting the infrastructure for over forty locations and around 700 desktops around Ireland, using Microsoft NT 2000 servers and Microsoft Office 2000 on the desktops.
It also set up a central system in Shannon and a contingency system in Ennis using clustered SUN Enterprise 6500 servers and EMC disk storage. Fujitsu managed the necessary skills transfer and training for DoT staff and supports the hardware and software for the system. The project represented the first sizeable use of managed services by an Irish government department.
The initial contract was to last until the end of 2005. So in the Autumn of 2005 the DoT went to tender to renew the Managed Service Contract for the Technical Infrastructure Support for the National Vehicle and Driver file (NVDF).
Download the 'Department of Transport' case study PDF (178 KB) [194 KB]
Image © Luminis - Fotolia.com
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Javad GNSS Scored Highest
Javad GNSS (teamed with TOA, Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems and GNSS Technologies) received the highest technical and system score in the selection process by the Geographical Survey Institute (GSI), an affiliate of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The tender, however, was awarded to another company due to its substantially lower prices. (read more)
Loka GNSS Receiver
UniStrong, China, has released the Loka high-accuracy handheld GNSS receiver for high-end mobile GIS solutions and surveying systems. It includes GPS and GPS/GLONASS, with the option of several accuracy levels, thus meeting the requirements of a variety of users. Its integrated Windows Mobile operating system supports all manner of application software for different functions. The device includes GPRS/GSM, 5M auto focus camera, high-capacity Li-ion battery, support of Micro SD card, and includes a call function. The Loka series includes a high-performance GPS module, working with SBAS and CORS systems, able to provide real-time sub-metre positioning accuracy. An external antenna maintains a reliable... (read more)
Integrated GNSS System
Stonex Integrated GNSS System (SIGS) is the new, integrated system able to combine GNSS receivers and proprietary software and is entirely produced by STONEX Europe. The system includes the new GPS/GNSS S9 III receiver and CUBE, the new survey software. STONEX Europe (Italy) has expanded its GPS/GNSS receiver product range with some functional innovations that improve the use for survey professionals. S9 III completes STONEX's offer with a flexible product for surveying applications thanks to its advanced characteristics. S9 III combines a compact and light mechanic with an embedded 220 channel GNSS board accurate and quick in satellite fixing, a UHF... (read more)
ProFlex 500 GNSS Receiver
Magellan Professional has launched the ProFlex 500 dual-frequency GNSS Receiver. The ProFlex 500 delivers RTK features in a rugged, highly integrated receiver design. The device is designed for multiple applications: surveying using a backpack, marine positioning, machine control, and base stations. Adaptable to a wide variety of applications requiring precise positioning, the ProFlex 500 is the ideal solution for people looking for a single GNSS receiver for multiple applications. The heart of the ProFlex 500 is, a 75-channel GNSS board that tracks dual-frequency GPS and GLONASS signals as well as SBAS ranging signals, all of which are optimally processed... (read more)
GNSS for Sea Trials
Measuring Ship Controllability
The effective seakeeping performance of any watercraft is vital for safe navigation. Due to the long maritime tradition in Greece, the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) has been a key player in developing tools and practices for conducting sea trials in open water. Since the introduction of the Mini-Ranger many years ago through to the recent introduction of the modern GNSS sensors, a number of new-built and commissioned surface ships of various sizes have been tested either in the interests of the shipbuilder or the owner. Currently, new navigation tools and techniques are being set in place to fulfil... (read more)
GNSS: Evolution or Revolution
Four Questions on the Status of GNSS
The market for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) has never looked so buoyant. Are we in the midst of a revolution or simply witnessing evolution pre-planned and destined to run its course? Two fictional respondents, the revolutionist and the evolutionist, here answer four pertinent questions.<P> GNSS applications are becoming mainstream and available in a growing number of devices. And improvements in the signals via new satellite systems and new technology such as secure user plane (SUPL) for wireless devices will improve reliability and functionality. Everyone would agree that there is a lot going on in GNSS. This is manifested in... (read more)
GNSS Choke Ring Antenna
With the Leica AR25, Leica Geosystems introduces the next generation of high performance choke ring antenna, covering all present and currently planned GNSS constellations and signals, including L-Band (SBAS, CDGPS and OmniStar). With emerging new satellite systems planned by the European Union (Galileo) and China (Compass/Beidou-2) GNSS networks and reference stations need to be ready to track these new upcoming signals. Choke ring antennas are recognised as having the best accuracy and tracking performance compared to all other antenna types. They are widely used in infrastructure networks and reference stations today. The new Leica AR25 uses a new 3D... (read more)
Integrated GNSS/MEMS INS
OLinkStar has announced an integrated GNSS/MEMS Inertial Navigation System (INS) system, PNS100BGI. The system integrates GPS/ Compass /GLONASS, MEMS IMU, magnetometer, and barometer to deliver a reliable 3D navigation solution. PNS100 tightly couples GNSS positioning and inertial navigation technologies to provide an accurate, continuous, smooth and reliable position, velocity and attitude solution in three dimensions. A 32 channels GPS/Compass/GLONASS receiver, powered by the OlinkStar's OTrack32 chip technology, and a 6-DOF MEMS inertial measurement unit (IMU) including gyros and accelerometers, integrated within a single enclosure, comprises the system's accuracy and availability, even during periods of degraded, multipath, or no satellite signal... (read more)
GNSS Multi-applications Sensor
CHC Navigation’s N71 GNSS Sensor has been designed to bring a cost-effective positioning solution for RTK network operators, precision farming and machine guidance system integrators and marine survey professionals. It is a powerful 220-channel multi-application GNSS sensor delivering positioning features and wireless data links in a rugged aluminum enclosure. The device features low power consumption and offers a wide variety of output messages and data formats for seamless interoperability. The N71 is proposed in various configurations and bundled packages to fit end users’ need with a choice of GNSS geodetic or choke-ring antennas. (read more)
NovAtel GPStation-6 GNSS
NovAtel has announced its GPStation-6 GNSS Ionospheric Scintillation and TEC Monitor (GIS) receiver. This specialty GNSS receiver is integral to ionospheric monitoring and space weather applications. The announcement was made at ION 2011 in Portland, USA. The GPStation-6 receiver integrates NovAtel's OEM628 measurement engine with a low phase-noise oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO). It provides signal tracking, ionospheric scintillation, and TEC measurements for all current and upcoming GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Compass satellite signals. Designed as a replacement to the GSV4004B GIS receiver, the GPStation-6 provides backwards compatibility from both a hardware and software perspective; easing the transition... (read more)
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MSP based deficiency payment scheme: Madhya Pradesh example shows plan will cost Centre plenty
By: FE Bureau |
New Delhi | Updated: February 12, 2018 5:50:02 AM
The Centre is yet to work out the modalities of its MSP-based deficiency payments scheme, but if Madhya Pradesh’s just-concluded Bhaavantar Bhugtaan Yojana (BBY) is anything to go by, the scheme will be a costly one.
While MP has traditionally had lower prices than other states for most crops, after the implementation of the scheme in September 2017, the price difference has risen. (PTI)
The Centre is yet to work out the modalities of its MSP-based deficiency payments scheme, but if Madhya Pradesh’s just-concluded Bhaavantar Bhugtaan Yojana (BBY) is anything to go by, the scheme will be a costly one. Market arrivals of crops trying to avail the scheme have shot up by four times in the case of urad — as compared to the previous year where there was no such scheme — and 50% each in the case of maize and soyabean. Compared to 2016-17 when 3.6 lakh tonne of maize came to the market for sale, it was 5.5 lakh tonne in 2017-18, numbers for urad rose from 1.5 lakh tonnes to 6.3 lakh tonne and from 12.6 lakh tonne to 18.8 lakh tonne for soyabean. The Madhya Pradesh government has spent close to around `2,000 crore for the scheme this year. Since only a small number of farmers are still registered for it, the numbers will increase next year.
Around a third of urad production was registered for the scheme in Madhya Pradesh, less than a fifth in the case of soybean, a tenth for maize, and a twentieth for groundnut. While MP has traditionally had lower prices than other states for most crops, after the implementation of the scheme in September 2017, the price difference has risen.
Urad prices in MP were 93% of those in Rajasthan in FY17 but this fell to 77% in FY18, and from 65% to 57% when a comparison is made with Uttar Pradesh. Prices of maize were 91% of those prevailing in Karnataka in 2016-17 and this fell to 88% in 2017-18. Prices of maize were 6% higher in comparison with those in Maharashtra in 2016-17 but were 4% lower in 2017-18.
To ensure traders in Madhya Pradesh are not able to manipulate markets too much, the state has taken prices prevalent in two other states as well to calculate a reference price.
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Thai Airways International aims 100 weekly flights from India by 2021, says official
New Delhi | Published: September 24, 2018 6:27:45 PM
Thai Airways International aims to operate 100 weekly flights from India by 2021, a senior airline official said. Thai Airways and low-cost carrier Thai Smile, part of Thai Airways International, has substantial number of flights to India.
In April-June period, Thai Airways carried over 1.79 lakh passengers to India and 1.92 lakh passengers from the country.
Thai Airways International aims to operate 100 weekly flights from India by 2021, a senior airline official said. Thai Airways and low-cost carrier Thai Smile, part of Thai Airways International, has substantial number of flights to India. A senior official said that Thai Airways has expanded its service to 10 cities in India. “We are targeting to operate 100 flights from India to Thailand and beyond by year 2021 which depends on approval from the Indian Government for Traffic Rights,” General Manager (India) for Thai Airways International ThamanoonKuprasert told PTI.
Currently, it has 86 flights departure a week, including seasonal flights from Varanasi and Gaya. “Thai Airways is servicing from Delhi/ Mumbai/ Bengaluru/ Chennai/ Kolkata/ Hyderabad and Thai Smile is servicing from Lucknow/ Jaipur/ Mumbai/ Varanasi/ Gaya. We are looking forward to add more service points from India in near future,” he said in an e-mail interview. India is one of the fastest growing domestic aviation markets in the world.
Noting that India is the ninth largest civil aviation market in the world, ThamanoonKuprasert said investments worth USD 6 billion are expected in the country’s airport sector in five years. “Indian government is investing heavily in developing airport infrastructure along with aviation navigation system which is key for airlines to expand or start new services from more domestic points in India,” he added.
In April-June period, Thai Airways carried over 1.79 lakh passengers to India and 1.92 lakh passengers from the country, as per provisional data available with aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). During the same period, Thai Smile flew 25,168 people to India and 24,492 people from India, the data showed.
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IN FOCUS: Middle East Careers: Mubadala looks to expats as well as Emiratis to fulfil its aerospace ambitions
SOURCE: Flight International
BY: Murdo Morrison
For the past decade or so, the growth of the Gulf's big three airlines - Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways - has been relentless, with each responsible for huge backlogs of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and powering the expansion of mega airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. However, alongside this thriving aviation sector, Abu Dhabi especially is keen to become a world leader in aerospace, particularly in composite aircraft manufacturing and in maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Those who doubt this ambition would do well to remember the cynics who remained unconvinced until recently that three Arabian start-up airlines could become global powerhouses in aviation. Mubadala - the sovereign wealth fund driving Abu Dhabi's ambitions - has in a short space of time made significant strides towards achieving its goal. The next few years should see it push itself further up the supply chain as it consolidates its engineering clout through training, recruitment and partnerships with some of the industry's biggest names.
It is streamlining its local MRO unit Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies with its Swiss acquisition SR Technics to create one of Europe and the Middle East's most powerful maintenance houses. Meanwhile, it has begun building composite parts for Airbus at its new Strata aerostructures plant in Al Ain: its ambition is to become a risk-sharing engineering partner on the two airframers' next-generation narrowbodies by mid-decade. And next to Strata in that oasis town it is partnering with Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin to provide support services to a range of UAE military aircraft through its AMMROC subsidiary. Other Mubadala businesses offer ab initio flight training and aircraft parts leasing and management.
© Mubadala
Al Shemmari: international partnerships
And while the long-term objective of Mubadala is to create high-value careers in aerospace engineering and management for young Emirati citizens, its head of aerospace strategy, Homaid Al Shemmari, believes talented professionals from around the world will still be needed for many years to come. "We plan to create 30,000 jobs in Abu Dhabi by 2030, with 50% filled by UAE nationals. But we will still need expats to help us deliver."
One of the biggest challenges facing Mubadala is the tight timescales it has set itself. At the moment, Strata - which opened in 2010 - is simply carrying out assemblies and is staffed mainly by technicians. However, Al Shemmari wants to step up the value chain to offer engineering services and be in a position to become a risk-sharing partner on the next-generation Airbus and Boeing narrowbody programmes by 2015. However, he admits "finding the right individuals and talent" - from either the local education sector or international markets - is "a struggle".
However, it believes its strategy of working with international partners will pay dividends. Collaborating with the likes of Airbus, Boeing, General Electric, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky will not only help Mubadala companies absorb ideas and best practice but it gives young Emirati students an opportunity to spend time working for these companies on internships before returning to the UAE with that wider industry experience, says Al Shemmari.
Mubadala is also trying to entice Emirati youngsters into the industry in other ways. It has opened a Strata booth in one of the biggest malls in Dubai. "We show people how composites are made," says Al Shemmari. It has also held roadshows at UAE universities. "We explained the career opportunities available in aerospace and we are also working on a scholarship programme. We want to reach young people - this iPad generation - at different stages of their development to tell them that aerospace is a career that they can choose."
Outside the UAE, Mubadala is also expanding its footprint. It has consolidated its twin MRO operations, with ADAT refocusing on engines and composites and reducing its emphasis on airframes. "We were catering to too many customers," explains Al Shemmari. At the same time, it is bolstering its activities at SR Technics and looking to expand the MRO business - a branding strategy is still in the works - into North America and Asia, likely with a partner. "We will announce something by the end of the year," he says.
Meanwhile, more aerospace employment opportunities could open up in Abu Dhabi. Discussions continue about building a business jet in Abu Dhabi in partnership, almost certainly, with Italian business aircraft manufacturer Piaggio, of which Mubadala and India's Tata both own a third. The Genoa company has been working for years on designs for a jet-powered stablemate to its P-180 twin-pusher turboprop. Al Shemmari says: "2012 will be the year that we make a final decision on how we move forward."
IN FOCUS: Qatar Airways looks for pilots as deliveries ramp up
IN FOCUS: Gulf business aviation operators admit it is getting harder to find pilots
IN FOCUS: Middle East Careers: Working as a simulator instructor
IN FOCUS: Air Arabia pushes the attractions of working for a low-cost carrier
IN FOCUS: High-visibility Etihad staffs up for landmark 205-aircraft Farnborough order
IN FOCUS: The helicopter pilots that help keep the Gulf's oil and gas flowing
IN FOCUS: Middle East Careers: You've moved your family; now find the right school
IN FOCUS: Why Flydubai is anything but Emirates lite
IN FOCUS: Why the Gulf is willing to make a trade off with its expat professionals
IN FOCUS: Why Dubai is back in business
IN FOCUS: Middle East Careers: Brighton College opens its doors in Abu Dhabi
IN FOCUS: Middle East Careers: AOPA moves into UAE to bridge gulf between enthusiasm and flying
IN FOCUS: Emirates recruits for continuing growth with fleet set to grow by two aircraft a month in 2012
IN FOCUS: MIDDLE EAST CAREERS 2012
The launch by Airbus of its ultimate single-aisle – for the moment, at least – has put Toulouse on the front foot in the battle for the middle of the market. The vibe from the Paris air show was that the A321XLR was a good start – but by no means snuffs out Boeing's ambitions for its own mid-market programme, the New Mid-market Airplane (NMA).
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Genes to Genomes: The GSA Blog
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After acceptance
The Genetics of Canine Skull Shape Variation
Jeffrey J. Schoenebeck and Elaine A. Ostrander
Genetics February 1, 2013 vol. 193 no. 2 317-325; https://doi.org/10.1534/genetics.112.145284
Jeffrey J. Schoenebeck
Cancer Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Elaine A. Ostrander
For correspondence: eostrand@mail.nih.gov
A dog’s craniofacial diversity is the result of continual human intervention in natural selection, a process that began tens of thousands of years ago. To date, we know little of the genetic underpinnings and developmental mechanisms that make dog skulls so morphologically plastic. In this Perspectives, we discuss the origins of dog skull shapes in terms of history and biology and highlight recent advances in understanding the genetics of canine skull shapes. Of particular interest are those molecular genetic changes that are associated with the development of distinct breeds.
craniofacial
genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
SOMETIME during the Paleolithic, a remarkable transformation occurred. Small numbers of gray wolves adopted a new pack master—humans. Through the process of domestication, the modern dog emerged. Today most dogs share little resemblance to their lupine ancestors. As a result of artificial selection, dogs radiated to fill niches in our lives, becoming our herders, guardians, hunters, rescuers, and companions (Wilcox and Walkowicz 1995). The range of sizes among dogs extends beyond that of wolves, giving dogs the distinction of being the most morphologically diverse terrestrial mammalian species known (Stockard 1941). Equally dramatic to humans’ effect on scale, is the effect on the dog’s facial features, particularly the skull (Figure 1).
A montage of canine craniofacial shape demonstrates the incredible morphologic diversity of Canis familiaris. Dorsal, lateral, and ventral perspectives of various breeds of dogs. Lateral views are articulated so that the skull base (red line, wolf) is approximately parallel between breeds. Prominent differences across breeds include palate shape (p, indicated by white dots), neurocranium shape (nc, enclosed by blue dots), cranial base length (cb, red line). Also note the angle of the palate relative to the cranial base.
Given its prominence as a hallmark for domestication and its indication of breed identity, we devote the remainder of this review to a discussion of our current understanding of canine skull diversity and its mechanistic underpinnings as they relate to domestication, genetics, and disease. Although every attempt is made to keep our discussion skull-centric, many of the topics broached are pertinent to other traits that distinguish different dog breeds, as are the genomic techniques currently employed to map and validate causal genetic variation underlying skull morphology. In such situations we have, of necessity, made our discussion broader to keep it inclusive.
Variation in Skull Shape and Dog Domestication
Molecular clock estimates from mitochondrial DNA suggest domestication started as early as 135,000 years ago (Vilà et al. 1997). More conservative estimates are based on archaeological records, which indicate that dog domestication began somewhere between 15,000 and 36,000 years ago (see summary by Larson et al. 2012). Current archaeological estimates depend on carbon dating of bones, whose morphologies appear distinct from that of contemporary wolves. In many cases, these distinctions are pronounced in both the skull and its dentition. This suggests that, among incipient dogs, the skull was at the leading edge of several anatomical changes that would transform wolves. For example, prehistoric dog skulls excavated in Russia were from massive animals that had shortened snouts and widened palates (Sablin and Khlopachev 2002). Elsewhere, ancient dogs were smaller than wolves (Napierala and Uerpmann 2010).
Like other large domesticates, modern dogs exhibit an increased brain-to-body-size ratio (termed encephalization). Yet the overall size of dogs’ brains relative to that of wolves has decreased by nearly 30% (Coppinger and Schneider 1995; Zeder 2012). This decrease is particularly acute in the limbic system, which is integral to fight or flight responses (Coppinger and Schneider 1995; Zeder 2012). Domestication may have, therefore, reduced areas of the wolf brain that enabled tolerance to human contact. It is likely that skull shape changed in response to changes in brain morphology. As proof of principle, during the 40 years it took to domesticate silver foxes, in a well-documented experiment performed in Novosibirsk, Russia, changes in cranial dimensions, among other morphologic features, were also noted as a correlate to tameness (Trut 1999; Zeder 2012).
Some have likened dogs to wolf pedomorphs, proposing that dogs are juvenilized wolves that are developmentally restrained in behavior and physical maturation (Gould 1977; Wayne 1986; Coppinger and Coppinger 2001; Drake and Klingenberg 2010; Drake 2011). Even in adulthood, a vast number of modern breeds display some sort of growth arrest, likened to wolf neoteny. With a few exceptions, modern dog breeds are smaller and have snouts and crania that are proportionally intermediate to wolf neonates and adults.
However, the idea that pedomorphism is a major driver of canine craniofacial variation is not without controversy. Certain skull characteristics, such as the angle between the palate and the neurocranium, appear static during wolf development, whereas in dogs the angle differs substantially from that of wolves’ throughout development, leading to the conclusion that dog skull shape is neomorphic (Drake 2011). This debate can be settled only by developing a genetic understanding of the variation underlying canine skull diversity. Identification of causative genetic mechanisms will also enable inference of the evolution of dog skull shape and provide insight regarding the demographics of wolves or ancestral dogs from which this variation emerged.
Emergence of Dog Breeds
By the 19th century, a new fad had swept across Europe that the British not only embraced, but also actively promoted. Dog fanciers began breeding and trading dogs that were “specialized” for both physical and behavioral traits. With the advent of the Kennel Club in 1873, lineages became standardized by appellation, bloodline, appearance, and behavior. Thus, to be recognized as a “bulldog,” it was insufficient for a dog to be squat in stature and display a shortened snout. Rather, a purebred bulldog had to conform to the club’s breed-specific standards, and, most importantly, the dog’s parents had to be club-registered bulldogs, ensuring bloodline purity.
Dog fanciers quickly recognized that structured breeding could be harnessed to transmit desirable traits. But how such selection could work on a grand scale was not immediately appreciated and attempts to parse the genetic mechanisms that dictate how canine traits such as skull shape are passed from parents to offspring were not formally studied until decades later. Most prominent were the studies conducted by Charles Stockard, whose detailed dog pedigrees include designed crosses and backcrosses of morphologically disparate breeds (Stockard 1941). On the basis of live observation and analysis of skeletal preparations of parents and progeny, Stockard concluded that breed-defining skull shape features, such as the bulldog’s shortened rostrum, did not follow patterns of Mendelian inheritance. Nearly 70 years would pass until genome-wide association studies (GWAS) would confirm Stockard’s predictions (Boyko et al. 2010; Schoenebeck et al. 2012).
Three factors were key to the acceptance of the dog as a system for studying genetics. First, geneticists recognized that different dog breeds were characterized by an enormous variety of genetically fixed morphologic traits whose genetic underpinnings were likely to enlighten our understanding of mammalian developmental biology. Second, it also became clear that the population structure of domestic breeds would allow geneticists to overcome many of the difficulties faced when doing either linkage or association studies in human populations. With >400 documented breeds worldwide, complex traits including morphologic traits such as body size, bone length and width, and skull shape, as well as disease susceptibility or even behavior could be disentangled by studying dog breeds, and the results would likely be applicable to other mammalian systems, including human (Karlsson and Lindblad-Toh 2008; Shearin and Ostrander 2010; Ostrander 2012). Finally, it became clear that the genomic methods under development for navigating the mouse and human genomes were readily transferable to studying the dog genome. The rapid development of both genetic (Mellersh et al. 2000) and physical (Guyon et al. 2003) maps of the dog, followed by a 7.5× sequence and draft assembly (Lindblad-Toh et al. 2005), put the dog on par with traditional model organisms for performing genetic studies.
Modern Domestic Dog Breed Variation
Today, >400 breeds of dogs exist worldwide. Together, the morphological variation among these breeds is so diverse and readily discernible that, for many, skull shape is breed-defining (Figure 1). Some canine skull conformations are named after their resemblance to human craniosynostoses, such as brachycephaly and dolichocephaly (Figure 2). Brachycephalic breeds, such as the bulldog, pug, and Boston terrier, are easily recognized by their short “pushed-in” faces, underbite, and widely placed, shallow orbits. Brachycephaly, which means “short head,” is a term borrowed from human medicine. In dogs, a number of craniofacial anomalies can contribute to brachycephaly, including a reduction in the length of bones that form the rostrum, chondrodysplasia of the cranial base, and changes in the palate position relative to the cranial base (Figure 2; Huber 1974; Nussbaumer 1978).
Canine skull length is a complex trait. (A) Surface scans of a wolf skull morphed to illustrate the differences between brachycephalic, ancestral, and dolichocephalic skull states of canids are shown. Brachycephalic dog breeds have a shortened rostrum (ros), wide zygomatic arches (za), and a rounded neurocranium (nc). In a dolichocephalic dog, the width of the rostrum and zygomatic arches is reduced, and the rostrum tilts ventrally relative to the neurocranium. (B) GWAS of skull length demonstrates that multiple QTL are highly associated with face length. Each dot represents a single marker (a SNP). The y-axis represents the strength of the association [−log10(P-value)]. The x-axis lists marker location by chromosome. Statistically significant associations that exceed correction for multiple testing are indicated in blue. Figure is adapted with permission (Schoenebeck et al. 2012).
At the other end of the continuum is the dolichocephalic appearance of breeds such as the Saluki, Borzoi, and collie. These dogs tend to have narrow, sometimes elongated, snouts and orbitals that are less forward set. A dolichocephalic morphology is exactly what one would predict based on the relationship between morphology and ecology/hunting behavior of wild canids. Many dolichocephalic breeds such as Afghans and Salukis were originally bred for coursing small prey (Figure 2). Thus it make sense that these sighthounds would have a craniofacial configuration predicted to enhance horizon scanning (Miller and Murphy 1995; McGreevy et al. 2004), as is necessary for spotting prey.
Angulation between the skull base and hard palate also differs substantially between dog breeds. Klinorhynchy, the hallmark downward-pointing snout of bull terriers, is morphologically opposite to the rostrum angle observed in breeds such as the boxer and bullmastiff. These examples of brachycephalic breeds display extreme airorhynchy, meaning that their rostra angle dorsally. Thus, the rostrum angle of the bull terrier and the boxer represent opposing extremes of an interbreed continuum (Figure 3A; Nussbaumer 1982).
Craniofacial diversity exists between and within breed dogs. White strips highlight the palate (left) and brainstem (right) in each skull example. (A) The continuum of airorhynchic and klinorhynchic dog breeds, arranged in order of severity. Examples include a Pekingese (1), French bulldog (2), Chow Chow (3), Bernese Mountain Dog (4), German Shepherd (5), and Borzoi (6). (B) Bull terrier skulls demonstrate the continual morphological evolution in breed dogs. Skulls are arranged chronologically from the oldest (top) to the most modern (bottom). Figure is adapted with permission (Nussbaumer 1982).
The neurocranium also bears discussion. Many small dogs from toy and teacup breeds feature brain cases reminiscent of human hydrocephalus. An extreme example is the Chihuahua, whose American Kennel Club breed standard describes the desirable skull as having an “apple dome” and also as permitting open fontanelles—holes within the cranium due to incomplete closure of the skull’s sutures (American Kennel Club 2006). The neuroanatomy of brachycephalic dogs is also quite unusual as the brain is rotated with respect to its mediolateral axis (Roberts et al. 2010). Rotation of the brain in these breeds raises a question about cause and effect: Does the rotation of the brain influence cranial vault shape or vice versa?
Using geometric morphometric analysis, Drake and Klingenberg (2010) found evidence of modularity between the rostrum and the neurocranium of dogs, such that changes in rostrum shape are not strictly correlated with shape changes in the neurocranium. This observation raises the possibility that mixing and matching genetic variants that independently regulate development of either structure enrich canine skull diversity. In mammals and avians, the rostrum and neurocranium are primarily derived from neural crest and paraxial mesoderm, respectively (Noden and Trainor 2005). It is tempting to speculate that canine skull modularity was achieved through selection of genetic variants whose effects alter the development of one or both bone-forming tissues types (Nussbaumer 1976; Noden and Trainor 2005).
Candidate Genes for Skull Variation
Although the morphological variation of canine skulls has been described extensively, the identification of underlying causal genetic variants has only recently become possible. To date, most efforts to identify the genetic underpinnings of canine skull shape have focused on brachycephaly. Early efforts at finding such causal variants have focused on candidates identified in humans.
Human brachycephaly is associated with morbidity and is diagnostic of many syndromes, including Apert’s, Crouzon’s, and Pfeiffer’s syndromes (Miraoui and Marie 2010; Johnson and Wilkie 2011; Ursitti et al. 2011; Levi et al. 2012). In humans, brachycephaly occurs as a result of growth zone defects within the developing skull. Both premature fusion of the coronal suture (bilateral coronal synostosis) and defective endochondral ossification at the synchondroses of the skull base are contributors of brachycephaly (Cendekiawan et al. 2010).
Mutations that affect fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling through compromised receptor activity feature prominently in brachycephalic-type craniosynostosis, as do mutations in genes encoding muscle segment homeobox2 (MSX2) and twist homolog 1 (TWIST1) transcription factors. Other genetic defects leading to craniosynostosis implicate ephrin-B1 (EFNB1), the ras-related protein RAB23, fibrillulin1 (FNB1), P450 (cytochrome), oxidorectortase (POR), transforming growth factor, beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1), and transforming growth factor, beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2). Extrapolating from this short list of candidates, it is clear that FGF and TGF-β signaling are integral for maintaining patency and growth at the sutures and synchondroses (supporting information, Table S1; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man 2012).
Frontonasal dysplasias can adversely affect face shape in a manner consistent with canine brachycephaly. For example, mutation of Treacher Collins-Franschetti syndrome 1 (TCOF1), whose product normally facilitates ribosome production, results in hypoplasia of frontal and zygoma bones (Dixon et al. 2004; Valdez et al. 2004).
In dogs of all breeds, coronal synostosis is normally absent. However, the cranial base of brachycephalic breeds, as well as some dolichocephalic breeds, is disproportionate to overall body size (Stockard 1941; Lüps 1974). This suggests that regulation of growth at the synchondroses plays a role in the genesis of brachycephalic and dolichocephalic skull conformations.
Taking inspiration from human studies, Haworth et al. (2001) examined the coding sequence from TCOF1 and MSX2 in select dog breeds of varying head shapes. The authors reported a variant at the locus TCOF1 that appeared to be correlated with head shape; however, interpretation of this finding was quickly disputed when additional breeds were examined (Hunemeier et al. 2009). Variation at FGFR3 was examined for its role in canine chondrodysplasia; however, no variants were found when sequences were compared to the Boxer (a brachycephalic breed) reference genome (Smith et al. 2008).
Genome-Wide Association Studies for Finding Loci of Interest
The reference assembly of the dog genome and development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips enabled geneticists to undertake mapping studies of all types in the dog. Because linkage disequilibrium (LD) is extensive in dogs (Sutter et al. 2004; Lindblad-Toh et al. 2005), with alternating stretches of near homozygosity separated by regions of high heterozygosity, comparably fewer SNPs should be needed to identify associative loci in dogs than in humans, where high levels of heterozygosity are the norm. We and others, using just 100 unrelated cases and controls, showed that only 30,000 informative SNPs are needed to fully interrogate a single trait in the 2.4-Gb dog genome to achieve a 99% probability of successfully detecting an association (Sutter et al. 2004; Lindblad-Toh et al. 2005). In practice, the strong LD within dog breeds is a double-edged sword: GWAS are quite successful at finding genetic associations; however, the resulting critical intervals are often extensive LD blocks that can extend hundreds of kilobases or more. This makes it difficult to go from marker to variant of interest.
For a typical binary GWAS (e.g., a case-control study), the allele frequency differences for one group with a trait are compared to another group without it. In its most basic form, allele frequencies are tested for statistically significant differences using a chi-square test on a marker-by-marker basis. For complex traits such as skull shape, the statistical power of GWAS decreases relative to binary studies. To compensate, we and others have utilized study designs that include multiple breeds with the same trait, which likely share a common ancestral mutation (Goldstein et al. 2006; Parker et al. 2007; Karlsson and Lindblad-Toh 2008). Aside from boosting statistical power, crossbreed comparisons benefit fine mapping, as interbreed-associated haplotypes are inevitably smaller than intrabreed-associated haplotypes.
GWAS test population-based allele frequencies for association to traits of interest. Used in conjunction with selective sweep mapping, it has been possible to detect breeder-selected genetic variation. Based on this approach, Bannasch et al. (2010) used a binary design in which SNP chip genotypes of dogs from nine brachycephalic breeds were compared to nine other breeds. This comparison resulted in detection of a large association on canine chromosome (CFA) 1, as well as a number of other associations that were not described further. Fine mapping on CFA1 defined a 296-kb critical interval that included throbospondin2 (THSB2), next to sparc-related modular calcium binding 2 (SMOC2). While both remain potential candidates genes, no causal variants have been reported to date.
We also used GWAS to map canine traits, favoring treatment of skull shape as a quantitative trait (Boyko et al. 2010; Schoenebeck et al. 2012). Both of our studies relied on the CanMap dataset that entails ∼62,000 SNP profiles from 915 dogs, representing ∼80 breeds. However, the composition of genetic profiles and craniometric data used between the two studies differed. Skull traits profiled by Boyko et al. (2010) were based on linear measurements, while Schoenebeck et al. (2012) used geometric morphometry to quantify nonallometric skull shape. This latter approach demonstrated that principal component 1 (PC1) explained ∼76% of skull variance among skulls that were measured and described the continuum of morphological changes extending between brachycephalic and dolichocephalic dog breeds. Given the difficulties in collecting dog skull data, both studies made an assumption that is arguably unique to dog population studies; given their morphological standardization, “breed average” metrics were used as quantitative traits.
We found an association on CFA1 (Schoenebeck et al. 2012), matching that previously reported (Bannasch et al. 2010; Boyko et al. 2010). Just as important, numerous other associations with snout length and cranium shape were described, including QTL on CFA -5, -24, -30, and -32 and the X chromosome, as well as other QTL that were unique to each study’s design (Figure 2B). These findings begin to explain the complex genetic nature of brachycephaly that was originally predicted by Stockard (1941), as well as shed light on other craniofacial traits.
We fine-mapped the CFA32 QTL, resulting in identification of a phenyalanine → leucine mutation at a highly conserved position within the mature domain of bone morphogenetic protein 3 (BMP3) (Schoenebeck et al. 2012). The biological function of BMP3 is not well understood; however, a number of studies suggest that it can inhibit TGF-β signaling and that it restricts osteogenesis (Bahamonde and Lyons 2001). Postnatal expression in rats indicates that Bmp3 is highly expressed at synchondroses, suggesting a role in chondrogenesis (Kettunen et al. 2006).
In dogs, the BMP3 mutation was nearly fixed in small and medium brachycephalic breeds and was found among a number of smaller breed dogs whose rostrum length tends toward being brachycephalic. Reiterating the genetic complexity of brachycephaly, the mutation was absent from medium-to-large brachycephalic breeds including the boxer (medium), bullmastiff (giant), and Dogue de Bordeaux (giant). As one would expect, the BMP3 mutation was absent from dolichocephalic breeds, with one exception. Curiously, Scottish terriers were also fixed for the mutation, despite their dolichocephalic skull conformation. Whether the effects of the BMP3 mutation manifest permissively in the context of other genetic variation, another variant acts epistatically in Scottish terriers, or Scottish terriers actually do share some aspect of craniofacial shape that is similar to small brachycephalic breeds remains a topic for future investigation. A potentially telling clue is the observation that other asymmetrically chondrodysplastic (short-legged) breeds like Scottish terriers are also carriers of the BMP3 mutation, although the allele frequency of the mutation among these breeds was found to be unfixed (Schoenebeck et al. 2012). This raises the possibility that the effects of the BMP3 mutation extend beyond the skull. Unraveling such anomalies will clearly require the identities and characterization of the causal variation underlying the remaining skull shape QTL, including that on CFA1 described by all three GWAS, as well as consideration of postcranial skeletal traits (Bannasch et al. 2010; Boyko et al. 2010; Schoenebeck et al. 2012).
Finding Additional Skull-Associated Genetic Variants
The associated genetic variation identified in the aforementioned GWAS is “old” since carrier breeds implicitly shared a common founder sometime in their history. Adding to breed relatedness are the remnants of genetic bottlenecks and the use of popular sires among breeders, resulting in genetic substructure and allele frequencies that often deviate from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Such confounders make GWAS in dogs prone to generating false-positive associations. Permutation, population stratification, multiple test correction, and the use of mixed models (Kang et al. 2008; Zhang et al. 2010; Lipka et al. 2012; Zhou and Stephens 2012), which take into account genetic potential, fixed effects, and kinship, are essential tools for reducing incidence of false positives that are encountered on a genome-wide scale.
Fine mapping is also fraught with challenges. While comparing multiple breeds helps reduce the extent of LD at a locus of interest, typically the resulting critical interval is still too large and prohibitively expensive to exhaustively Sanger sequence. However, as the cost of targeted sequence capture and next-generation sequencing continue to decrease, fine-mapping regions of extensive LD should become less problematic, enabling unprecedented haplotype resolution and prioritization of genetic variation for further investigation.
While the extensive LD, relatedness, and cryptic genetic structure are potential confounders in nearly all dog GWAS studies, mapping skull traits is uniquely complicated phenotypically, largely because of interbreed differences in scale. Disentangling morphologically allometric variation (size-related) from nonallometric variation is a formidable challenge. Many skulls available for morphometric analysis lack postcranial skeletons, necessitating animal size estimation from the skull itself. Popular proxies of overall size such as the skull’s centroid or cranial base length do not linearly correlate with size across all breeds. There is particular deviation among extreme brachycephalic, dolichocephalic, and some chondrodysplastic breeds (Lüps 1974; Nussbaumer 1976). In practical terms, cross-contamination by allometric variation can be minimized by regressing shape by size during skull quantification and, later, by including a size covariate in the linear regression used for the GWAS.
It is also important to note that morphometric approaches to quantifying shape variation have a strong bearing on what skull traits can be QTL-mapped. Geometric morphometrics offer a three-dimensional perspective of shape variation and are suitable for quantifying robust canine skull shapes such as brachycephaly and dolichocephaly. Other phenotypes such as rostrum angle are poorly captured by such methods because landmark data are typically rotated to determine best fit prior to shape analysis, which effectively removes palate–cranial base angle variation. Principal components analysis (PCA), which is commonly used to categorize shape across fitted datasets, also has shortcomings. As previously noted, PCA tends to bury subtle dog phenotypes by spreading variation across components and can lump similar types of variation together within the same component (Chase et al. 2002; Fondon and Garner 2007). Thus, the shape diversity of dog skulls is probably best described using morphometric approaches that are contextually appropriate.
To date, our skull trait GWAS has relied on use of breed averages as quantitative traits. This approach was done out of necessity, as access to skull data from live, healthy subjects is expensive, scarce, and stressful on the dogs being measured. The breed average skull traits used in our studies were obtained predominantly from museum specimens within the United States and Europe. An unavoidable consequence of this approach is that direct phenotype–genotype relationships are broken. In addition, for traits like brachycephaly, we are unable to determine what percentage of the trait is accounted for by the loci that we discovered. Moreover, for the QTL that we do find, we have no way to determine the rank order of their contribution to the trait. As museums continue to add DNA preservation as a facet of their repositories and as sequencing technologies continue to improve, it is possible that dog morphology association studies using direct phenotype–genotype relationships will be possible. Even with direct phenotype–genotype data, modeling genetic effects could also benefit from outbred populations such as mixed-breed or village dogs (Boyko et al. 2010) to isolate the effects of individual QTL.
The most daunting hurdle of any genetic mapping study is proving genetic causality. For obvious reasons, testing putatively causal variants identified in dogs requires biological surrogate(s), making the effort that much more challenging. Currently, the diversity of commercially available canine cell lines for in vitro studies is almost negligible, lacking chondroblasts and osteoblasts that are ideal for characterizing variants that affect skull shape.
Animal models such as mice and zebrafish can provide means of testing variant functionality though transgenesis, exogenous overexpression, and knockdown. As one might expect, each model has its strengths and disadvantages. In addition to targeted transgenics, the similarity in mammalian genomic architecture makes interrogation of canine intergenic variation possible using mice. Also, owing to their more recent common ancestry, mice are arguably better suited for modeling the mechanistic impact that genetic variants exert on craniofacial morphology. By comparison, zebrafish offer rapid and accessible development and are amenable to gene overexpression, morpholino-mediated knockdown, and certain types of transgenic approaches. Despite interspecific differences in the mammalian and teleost head structures, the genetic pathways that regulate vertebrate craniofacial development are highly conserved across both species (Schilling 1997; Szabo-Rogers et al. 2010). When faced with needing to rapidly evaluate BMP3 function, we turned to zebrafish. Our experiments revealed that Bmp3 plays an ancient role in craniofacial development, and overexpression indicated that functional differences were encoded in the variants that we identified in dogs (Schoenebeck et al. 2012).
Beyond understanding the mechanisms of dog craniofacial diversity, identification of causal genetics is necessary for understanding just what makes dog breeds so morphologically diverse in the first place. Future studies will need to address the origins of the genetic variation that underlies traits like brachycephaly to determine whether variants sprung forth following domestication or were consolidated from wild canids (Wayne and Vonholdt 2012). Also, despite genetic isolation from one another, skull shape continues to rapidly change within many breeds (Figure 3B). Previous studies suggested that hypermutable tandem repeats or SINE element activity could be drivers of dogs’ continuously evolving morphology; however, uncertainty as to what extent such mechanisms actually contribute to morphological diversity remains (Fondon and Garner 2004; Wang and Kirkness 2005; Cordaux and Batzer 2006; Fondon and Garner 2007; Laidlaw et al. 2007). The ideas of Fondon and Garner (2004) are particularly interesting. They examined 37 tandem repeats located within coding regions of developmentally relevant transcription factors in 142 dogs from 92 breeds. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which is considered to be a master regulator of osteoblast differentiation, was shown to have a modest correlation between its total allele length and alanine/glutamine ratio vs. physical traits such as dorsoventral rostrum bend and midface length (Fondon and Garner 2004). They note that inactivation of RUNX2 causes human cleidocranial cysplasia. Moreover, the authors suggest that slippage events that result in contraction and expansion of tandem repeats represent a novel mechanism of rapid evolution. Regardless of how continual morphological changes occur at the molecular level, mapping nascent causal variation will require new approaches. Whole-genome sequencing may provide the answer, although the analysis of such data is still enormously challenging and arguably less well suited to detect structural variants such as copy number variants and tandem repeats. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of skull morphology, it becomes increasingly apparent that complex and rare genetics are at play in dogs and defining their contributions will be far from routine.
The dog model is young in human years, yet the remarkable insights gleaned from the eight years since its genome’s public debut make it an old soul. Using household pets in biological research is unorthodox, yet it is this animal’s symbiosis with humans that makes it uniquely suited to address the genetic basis of domestication, evolution, morphology, and disease. The pertinence of answers awaiting canine geneticists, we believe, reaches beyond the dog, as we have demonstrated by our discussion of canine craniofacial biology and genetics.
We thank our many colleagues who have collaborated with us as well as worked independently to advance the field canine skeletal genetics. We thank Maud Rimbault and Jonine Figueroa for helpful comments on this manuscript. We thank the many institutions that shared their canine skull collections with us. Finally, we thank the many pet owners, veterinarians, and breeders who have supplied us with DNA and information about their dogs for this and other studies. E.A.O. and J.J.S. gratefully acknowledge support from the Intramural Program of the National Human Genome Research Institute. J.J.S. was also supported by a National Institute of General Medical Sciences Pharmacology Research Associate fellowship.
Communicating editor: A. S. Wilkins
Copyright © 2013 by the Genetics Society of America
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Inspiring Stories From Ordinary People Who Took a Pay Cut on Purpose
Sometimes making less means more.
By Erica Corbin February 22, 2018 401k 101
2018 Medicare Changes You Need to Know About
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In a February 2018 piece from Forbes, a reader wrote in with a dilemma. She needed to find a new job by year’s end, and after going on a couple of interviews, was lucky enough to be offered two. Unfortunately, they were both low-ball offers. She didn’t know if she should negotiate the starting salary, accept one of the offers as-is or simply walk away. The author responded, “I only know of one good reason to take a pay cut, and the reason is this: you have no better options.”
Although some might find this response to be true, there are a whole host of reasons to take a pay cut that have nothing to do with desperation. GOBankingRates spoke with individuals who took pay cuts for completely positive reasons and, better yet, don’t regret it. Keep reading to learn why, sometimes, taking a pay cut can make you richer.
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Accessing a Valuable Network
Creator of The Frugal Feminista, Kara Stevens took a pay cut in 2018 with respect to her speaking fees. “One of the major reasons was because I wanted access to the network of the client and figured that I would be compensated in a different way in the long term,” she said. And if that doesn’t sound like a good reason to take a pay cut, you might not be aware of the leveraging power of a good network.
After discounting her fee and impeccably executing the presentation, Stevens was immediately asked back to speak at more than her normal rate. “Sometimes a pay cut is a temporary step back if you leverage the experience to your advantage and get ‘compensated’ in other ways,” she said.
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Caring for a Loved One
Sometimes a family member gets sick or injured and staying home to care for them is your only option, which can prove to be both emotionally and financially challenging. However, when leaving your job to care for a loved one is a choice you readily make, it can be rewarding for both parties.
Life Zemplified creator Amy Blacklock took a drastic pay cut in 2018 — leaving her job to become a full-time babysitter for her newborn granddaughter. “While my daughter and son-in-law are grateful for the daycare savings, I’m grateful for the time to build a bond with my granddaughter,” she said. “My bank account no longer grows as quickly, but I wouldn’t trade my current role for a paycheck. Seeing her smile, hearing her laugh and watching her grow, explore and learn new things is priceless. And much more fulfilling than earning a stellar employee performance review.”
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Following a Dream
In August, The Classy Simple Life’s Michelle Summerfield wrote about her struggle after losing her job — a career she’d built over 16 years. At the time, she was at the top of her game, making $80,000 Canadian dollars a year. But instead of running out and looking for another high-paying corporate gig, she decided to follow her life-long dream of becoming a writer. This led her to a significantly lower $12,000 salary, but an immensely happier life.
“Losing a high-paying job and taking a pay cut is a huge blow. It changes your life. But instead of letting this get me down and keep me down, I focused on the fact that I was now moving toward a career I loved and that having a part-time job at lower pay allowed me to pay my bills and follow that dream,” Summerfield wrote.
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Ditching the Commute
A long commute takes a toll on a person. Not only is it mentally and emotionally taxing, but it can lead to an array of health problems, including gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues. It can also rob you of personal time that could be better spent visiting with loved ones, exercising or simply decompressing.
Jamila Souffrant realized that her comfortable, six-figure job wasn’t worth it if it meant not having time with her family. “I had amazing benefits, great development opportunities, good co-workers, supportive bosses and a somewhat flexible schedule … [but] … a typical commute could take me up to two hours driving, one way.” That’s just one of the reasons why she decided to leave it all behind this year to work on her website, Journey to Launch, full time. It was the best decision for herself and her family, she said.
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A Growing Family
Daily Successful Living’s Amy White took a pay cut in 2018 when she decided to stay home with her daughter. She now relies on the income she makes from her site and freelance opportunities. “I had planned to work part time after having a baby in 2016 but the hours began creeping up and by mid-2017 I was working almost full time,” she said. “In 2018, I decided that something had to change. As much as I loved my job, I couldn’t continue to work from home and raise a child while working full time. Over the last six months, I’ve concentrated on decreasing my hours and have found that I’m significantly happier not having to juggle everything.”
Though the pay cut wasn’t an easy transition, it has been worth it for White. “I miss the extra money but have found that the extra free time has allowed me to cut costs at home which have helped to balance out the decrease in income,” she said.
Related: Why I Ditched My Corporate Job to Become a (Working) Stay-at-Home Mom
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Focusing on a Side Business
Attorney Tammy O’Hara said she took a pay cut recently to devote more time and energy to her side business, Million Miles Travel Agency. “I have been working as a travel agent as a side hustle for almost three years,” she said. “In the last two years, I have done extremely well but struggled to devote the time to my clients, especially due to my focus as a luxury agent specializing in groups, destination weddings, honeymoons and wellness travel. So I resigned from my well-paying job as an attorney with the Department of Education and took a part-time position — also as an attorney but for half the pay — so I can have more time to devote to my business.”
Sometimes a side business is really a full-blown business in disguise. It might demand time and resources you don’t have. If you’re unable to quit your 9-to-5 or scale back your hours, you can instead try matching your side hustle to how much time you’ve got.
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Showing Employees You Care
When you run your own business, you often don’t have the luxury of taking a hefty salary because you have to put most of your money into keeping your business afloat. In fact, you might not realize that there are some big name CEOS who technically make less than you.
Slumber Yard owner Jeff Rizzo is one such CEO. In 2018, he and his partner decided that they needed to invest in their business, placing special emphasis on their staff. “I’m sure this sounds idiotic, but we both took a $15,000 pay cut, and we think of it as an investment,” he said. “We want to show our employees that we’re committed to them and will give raises and bonuses the harder they work.”
Don’t worry about Rizzo though. “Our salaries will go back up again in 2019, but 2018 was all about making sacrifices to get our business to the next level,” he said. “The pay cut was absolutely worth it.”
Discover: 7 Surprising Costs That Come With Starting a Business
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Benefits Outweighed the Lower Salary
Michelle Ngome found herself at a career crossroads when she was teaching business classes at a local college. Her commute was long, her schedule was erratic and she knew it was time for a change. That’s when she received two job offers.
After weighing them, she ultimately took a marketing manager position at Sutliff & Stout, Injury & Accident Law Firm. It was a decrease in pay, but the job she chose checked all of her other boxes. “I work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I have a 10-20 minute commute. It is a solid hybrid between small business and corporate,” she said. And rarer still, her boss allowed her one mental health day per month.
The other job offer was nice, but Ngome recognized that salary is only one piece of the compensation puzzle. “Although the money [is] a fraction less, I can’t put a price on the other benefits,” she said.
ultramarinfoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Getting to Travel
Captains Mandy and Joe Rosello used to be a six-figure family, working in the aviation and healthcare industries. They loved globe-trotting whenever they got the chance. But after a while, they realized that they were unhappy whenever they weren’t on vacation. That’s when they decided to ditch their corporate jobs and make adventure their full-time gig.
The couple now owns an all-inclusive, customized charter company called Sailing Kuma Too. They cruise the west coast of Florida on a 47-foot catamaran.
“We could have worked another five years [and] then taken off to travel the world for a few years, but we would have been miserable,” Mandy said. “Instead, we were ready to make a career change to do something we loved every day … thinking back to our daily commutes and office politics, the worst days now are better than the best days in the office.”
The couple will only gross $50,000 this year, but said the pay cut is worth it to get to be out on the high seas.
Koldunova_Anna / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Nate Battle of Battle Coaching worked in the pharmaceutical marketing and consumer support industry for nearly a decade. That is, until he left his six-figure senior leadership career in May 2018.
Although one of the biggest reasons for his career shift was to pursue his dream of being a life coach, there is another reason Battle left his cushy job behind: his health. “The unfulfilling, suffocating, stagnant growth position, combined with a highly toxic company culture, trigger[ed] and exacerbated my chronic illness to the point where it became life-threatening,” he said.
If you think it’s worth toughing it out at a toxic job, you might want to reconsider. A 2017 study from the University of Manchester found that being unemployed is actually better for your health than having a poor quality job. Study participants who went from unemployed to a toxic job were at an elevated risk for health problems and displayed higher stress-level biomarkers. Prolonged stress can cause physical health problems such as insomnia, tension headaches, excessive sweating and digestive issues. Further, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, it can exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
When Taking a Pay Cut Feels Right
The decision to take a pay cut is never easy. However, there’s a good rule of thumb if you find yourself in the position to do so. Author of “Build Your Dream Network,” Kelly Hoey, who took a big pay cut herself many years ago, said, “If you’re debating whether to take a pay cut, take a step back to look at the bigger picture of where the new job will lead you. Will you be happier or more fulfilled? Will the role lead to more challenging and better-paying opportunities in the future? Sometimes taking a pay cut is worth it in the short term if it means you’re moving closer to your long-term dreams.”
Click through to read more about why one man is working to quit a great job.
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Clear skies. Low around 85F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..
Clear skies. Low around 85F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
Alleged package-thief arrested
Today's News-Herald
Officers were called to an Ash Drive residence when a Lake Havasu City woman reported a package stolen from her doorstep.
On June 26, the victim received a notification that her package had been delivered. When she arrived at her home, however, the package was nowhere to be found. Video surveillance footage from the victim’s home allegedly showed a man, later identified by police as 37-year-old Havasu resident David J. Aguirre, taking the package from her doorstep.
According to police, the victim posted her surveillance footage to social media.
Afterward, the report said, three anonymous witnesses told police that Aguirre was the responsible party. Detectives compared the footage to in-house booking photos of Aguirre, the report said, who was allegedly identified by tattoos visible on his body.
Officers found Aguirre at his Mulberry Avenue address, the report said. He initially denied the theft, according to police, until confronted with knowledge that video footage of the crime existed. Aguirre allegedly admitted to the theft, and told officers he attempted to take the package back to its owner.
According to the police report, the victim’s package contained ground cacao beans, valued at about $29. Aguirre allegedly told police he threw the package away prior to their arrival.
Aguirre was arrested on misdemeanor charges of theft and transported to Lake Havasu City Jail for booking.
David J. Aguirre
Djanga Unchained Jul 6, 2019 2:05am
How do these scumbags afford to live in this city? Hwy???
dougleonard6 Jul 7, 2019 8:16am
[whistling][whistling][whistling][whistling]
Lake Havasu Unified School District board OKs school district’s 2019-2020 spending plan
The governing board of the Lake Havasu Unified School District unanimously approve…
Yes, rattlesnakes swim in Lake Havasu, and here's the video to prove it
Swimmers know to look before they leap into the water to ensure it’s deep enough a…
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Hong Kong chef becomes first Chinese to receive three Michelin stars
Chinese cook's new status revealed in latest Michelin guide
December 03, 2008 - 13:14 GMT hellomagazine.com Hong Kong chef becomes first Chinese to receive three Michelin stars
Asian culinary star Chan Yan-tak says he was "excited, shocked and happy" to learn of his restaurant's new rating
His steamed lobster and scallop dumpling signature dishes have helped Chef Chan Yan-tak of Hong Kong’s celebrated Lung Ling Heen restaurant become the first Chinese chef to be awarded three Michelin stars.
The new status of Chef Tak, as he is known, was revealed with the publication on December 2 of the latest Michelin guide to Hong Kong and Macau.
His kitchen at the former colony's popular Cantonese eatery at the Four Seasons Hotel is also famed for its dim sum - steamed and fried snack-sized dishes often eaten at lunchtime. Chef Tak's personal favourite, however, is his simple steamed fish with soy sauce.
Now 50-something, the Asian culinary star was lured out of retirement by the hotel chain three years ago to start up the restaurant. He was "excited, shocked and happy for my team" to learn of its new rating.
Michelin guide director Jean-Luc Naret says: "We're very impressed by his cuisine... in order to give him three stars he's been visited 12 times which means that he has very, very high consistent level and quality level.” Only 72 restaurants worldwide have three Michelin stars.
More about michelin
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Female chefs earn record ten Michelin stars
Victoria Beckham launches new fashion boutique in Hong Kong
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Three Burning Red Runaway Brides by Kevin James Breaux
Three Burning Red Runaway Brides By:Kevin James Breaux
(The Water Kingdom, #3)
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Sabrina London is back! The fate of the Elemental Kingdoms rests in the hands of its newest ruler: Sabrina London. When last seen, the fairy princess had made a deal with the King of Filth to save the lives of her friends. Now she is fighting to live the life she wants while trying to save the lives of millions. A monster, more dangerous than any other she has overcome threatens both the human and non-human world. How will she restore the balance? Despite the risks, Sabrina enlists the aid of one of her people’s biggest rivals. She has spun a complex web of lies and deception, now trying to gain her freedom, unaware that everyone she allies with has their own plans. THREE BURNING RED RUNAWAY BRIDES is the action-packed third and final book in The Water Kingdom Series, following TWO POLLUTED BLACK-HEART ROMANCES and ONE SMOKING HOT FAIRY TAIL.
Chapter 1 – Perfect Body Double
There was a time when Sabrina London lived for this—the loud, thumping music, the bright, pulsating lights, the scent of perfume mixed with sweat—but that was then, not now. Crazy, just how much could change in six months—seemingly everything.
This was her first time back in civilization. Fitting that it was the hottest spot in Los Angeles on one of, if not the biggest, nights to party: Club Afterlife on New Year’s Eve.
Every year, the club hosted one of their famous masquerade balls. This year’s theme was Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.”
Sabrina blended in, just another partygoer draped in a loose, crimson robe, with a stark white, full facemask on. The disguise allowed her to witness the events of the night anonymously.
She may have been there in secret, but she was not there alone.
Her partner had circumnavigated the long lines and gained entrance to the club with ease, then singled out her target and made her move. After months and months of development, the plan was finally in motion.
Sabrina watched from across the crowded club. Her double had done a good job, maybe even too good a job. Jackson had been easily seduced.
Her double had commandeered a VIP booth and then slyly fucked a man Sabrina had feelings for. Sabrina had not realized until then, when her nails cut into her sweaty palms, that she had made two tight fists—one for each of them.
Skipper sauntered back, although clearly uncertain on her heels and clumsy in her billowing, Victorian-style dress. Sabrina had nicknamed her body double Skipper for many reasons. One was to remind her of her place—Skipper was always Barbie’s lesser and Sabrina hoped the name reminded the girl of just that.
Just as Sabrina felt her blood heat, Jackson called out her name; the ruse had worked.
Sabrina waved to Skipper from where she hid around a tall marble pillar. When the girl got there, Sabrina could hear her panting—she was almost out of breath.
“I didn’t tell you to fuck him. Here. In front of everyone,” Sabrina snapped. “What the hell were you thinking?”
“You told me to seduce him,” Skipper said over the loud dance music. “I did, and it worked.” She smiled as she fixed her lace Venetian masquerade mask. “You heard him, right? He just shouted out your name.”
Sabrina settled herself quickly. She could see Jackson approaching through the dense crowd. “Fine. Time to take this to the next step. He needs to see you. All of you.”
Skipper nodded.
“He’s coming,” Sabrina’s guard interrupted.
“Already did,” Skipper said under her breath.
“Remember the plan. Get him to take you home,” Sabrina repeated for what felt like the thousandth time. “Do whatever it takes to convince him you are Sabrina London. He needs to…one hundred percent…believe the lie.”
“And if he doesn’t believe me?”
“You know that answer. Don’t make me say it again.”
“Good. Go. Run out the door. He’ll follow you.”
“Will you be okay here?”
Sabrina made a sour face as she glanced about, like it all—the music, the lights, the crowds—disgusted her. “Me? I’m leaving.”
“Okay. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck, Skipper.”
With that, Sabrina’s double stepped into the crowd, caught Jackson’s attention and then dashed for the door. Sabrina stared longingly at her former lover as he passed her by, but he didn’t even glance her way. Even if he had, all he would have seen was another person dressed as Red Death.
“We should get you to the roof,” Sabrina’s guard urged. “Dunyasha will be waiting for us.”
Sabrina gazed at the ceiling, as if she could see the vampire through it. “She’s pacing. For someone with so much time at her disposal, she’s incredibly impatient.”
“My queen?” her guard prompted again.
“Yes, Voss, let’s go home. I’ve had enough of this place.”
Kevin James Breaux has written nine books and devoted the past twelve years of his life to crafting short stories and novels. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association, Paranormal Romance Guild, and other groups.
Breaux is always enthusiastic about the challenge writing presents. He lives by the motto "Write Makes Might!"© and sees each new page as an opportunity to improve and advance.
Breaux was formerly represented by Marisa A. Corvisiero, the founder of the Corvisiero Literary Agency.
GIVEAWAY! a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Funding boost for Highland & Moray Fishing Communities
Photo provided by Ullapool Harbour Trust
Over £220,000 has been awarded to projects in the latest round of funding through the Highland & Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) to boost the marine economy and create employment opportunities in fishing communities. Ullapool Harbour Trust will receive £53,737 towards a new shellfish storage facility and landing derrick to support the local fishing industry and a further £100,000 to upgrade a nearby launching jetty and laydown area. Avoch Harbour Trust was awarded £41,913 towards harbour improvements including installation of pontoons to increase berthing space at the harbour. Also successful were Loch Snizort Shellfish Ltd in their bid for £9,883 towards a new seafood café on the Isle of Skye while North 58 Sea Adventures received £16,208 to expand their marine tourism business to Lossiemouth.
Kevin Peach, Harbour Master, Ullapool Harbour Trust said: “Supporting the local inshore fleet is a large part of the Trusts remit, having a dedicated landing derrick and a live shellfish storage building is something we have aspired to for many years and thankfully with help of FLAG funding we can now realise these aspirations. Our launching jetty has been in existence for over 100 years and is in urgent need of upgrading, lengthening and widening to make it fit for purpose for today’s marine leisure sector and inshore fishing fleet. The extensive project will require significant investment and without FLAG funding the project would not be taken forward. I would like to thank the FLAG for the help and support throughout the application process and look forward to evaluating the impact of the funding once the works are complete.”
Angus McLeod, Fisherman and owner of Loch Snizort Shellfish Ltd said: “I have been a fisherman for over 30 years and it has always been an ambition of mine to set up my own café to provide high quality fresh seafood direct to customers. The café will allow me to sell my own catch and support other local fishermen and food suppliers, and will also create several employment opportunities locally once we are up and running. I’d like to thank the FLAG for supporting me with this project.”
The funding has been awarded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund to encourage community-led local development and enable localised decision making though Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).
The Highland & Moray FLAG membership is representative of local community and industry interests who will consider applications and decide how funding should be allocated locally.
Funding can be used to support a wide range of projects that will support community rejuvenation, enterprise, innovation, job creation and skills enhancement across the fishing, aquaculture and maritime industries.
The fund is open to sole traders, businesses (targeted at small and medium sized enterprises), community groups, harbour authorities and third sector organisations located within Highland and Moray coastal communities.
To support the work of the FLAG a Development Officer is in place to help those wishing to apply to the fund. Sarah Lamb, Highland & Moray FLAG Development Officer: “The FLAG have supported some fantastic projects so far and this has enabled an investment of over £1.3 million into Highland and Moray fishing communities. There is still funding available so I would encourage anyone who has a project they think will meet the funding criteria to get in touch to discuss the funding opportunities available through the FLAG”
The FLAG is now inviting Expressions of Interest to be submitted by 2nd April 2018 for projects to be considered at the next FLAG meeting in May. Further funding rounds will be announced in due course.
For further guidance and to obtain a copy of the Expression of Interest form please contact the EMFF Development Officer Sarah Lamb on 01955 609560 or email sarah.lamb@highland.gov.uk. Further information and a copy of the form can also be found at www.highlandmorayflag.co.uk
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Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society
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Volume 2015, Article ID 194792, 12 pages
An Improved Animal Migration Optimization Algorithm for Clustering Analysis
Mingzhi Ma,1 Qifang Luo,1,2 Yongquan Zhou,1,2 Xin Chen,1 and Liangliang Li1
1College of Information Science and Engineering, Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning 530006, China
2Guangxi High School Key Laboratory of Complex System and Intelligent Computing, Nanning 530006, China
Received 14 June 2014; Revised 17 December 2014; Accepted 17 December 2014
Academic Editor: Josef Diblík
Copyright © 2015 Mingzhi Ma 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.
Animal migration optimization (AMO) is one of the most recently introduced algorithms based on the behavior of animal swarm migration. This paper presents an improved AMO algorithm (IAMO), which significantly improves the original AMO in solving complex optimization problems. Clustering is a popular data analysis and data mining technique and it is used in many fields. The well-known method in solving clustering problems is -means clustering algorithm; however, it highly depends on the initial solution and is easy to fall into local optimum. To improve the defects of the -means method, this paper used IAMO for the clustering problem and experiment on synthetic and real life data sets. The simulation results show that the algorithm has a better performance than that of the -means, PSO, CPSO, ABC, CABC, and AMO algorithm for solving the clustering problem.
Data clustering is the process of grouping data into a number of clusters. The goal of data clustering is to make the data in the same cluster share a high degree of similarity while being very dissimilar to data from other clusters. It is a main task of exploratory data mining and a common technique for statistical data analysis used in many fields, including machine learning, pattern recognition, image analysis, information retrieval, and bioinformatics. Cluster analysis was originated in anthropology by Driver and Kroeber in 1932 and introduced to psychology by Zubin in 1938 and Tryon in 1939 and famously used by Cattell beginning in 1943 [1] for trait theory classification in personality psychology. Many clustering methods have been proposed; they are divided into two main categories: hierarchical and partitional. The -means clustering method [2] is one of the most commonly used partitional methods. However, the results of -means solving the clustering problem highly depend on the initial solution and it is easy to fall into local optimal solutions. Zhang et al. have proposed an improved -means clustering algorithm called -harmonic means [3]. But the accuracy of the results obtained by the method is not high enough.
In recent years, many studies have been inspired by animal behavior phenomena for developing optimization techniques, such as firefly algorithm (FA) [4], cuckoo search (CS) [5], bat algorithm (BA) [6], artificial bee colony (ABC) [7], and particle swarm optimization (PSO) [8]. Because of its advantages of global, parallel efficiency, robustness, and universality, these bioinspired algorithms have been widely used in constrained optimization and engineering optimization [9, 10], scientific computing, automatic control, and clustering problem [11–21]. Niknam et al. have proposed an efficient hybrid evolutionary algorithm based on combining ACO and SA for clustering problem [15, 16] in 2008. In 1991, Colorni et al. have presented ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm based on the behavior of ants seeking a path between their colony and a source of food [22]. Then Shelokar et al. and Kao and Cheng have solved the clustering problem using the ACO algorithm [17, 18] in 2004 and 2006. Eberhart and Kennedy have proposed particle swarm optimizer (PSO) algorithm which simulates the movement of organisms in a bird flock or fish school [8] in 1995 and the algorithm also has been adopted to solve this problem by Omran et al. and van der Merwe and Engelbrecht [19, 23] in 2005 and 2003. Kao et al. have presented a hybrid approach according to combination of the -means algorithm, Nelder-Mead simplex search, and PSO for clustering analysis [14] in 2008. Niknam et al. have presented a hybrid evolutionary algorithm based on PSO and SA (simulated annealing algorithm, 1989 [24]) to solve the clustering problem [13] in 2009. Zou et al. have proposed a cooperative artificial bee colony algorithm to solve the clustering problem and experiment on synthetic and real life data sets to evaluate the performance [11] in 2010. Niknam and Amiri have proposed an efficient hybrid approach based on PSO, ACO, and -means called PSO-ACO-K approach for clustering analysis [12] in 2010. The artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is described by Karaboga [25] in 2005 and it has been adopted to solve clustering problem by Karaboga and Ozturk [20] in 2011. Voges and Pope have used an evolutionary-based rough clustering algorithm for the clustering problem [21] in 2012. Chen et al. have used monkey search algorithm for clustering analysis [26] in 2014.
Animal migration algorithm (AMO) is a new bioinspired intelligent optimization algorithm by simulating animal migration behavior proposed by Li et al. [27] in 2013. AMO simulates the widespread migration phenomenon in the animal kingdom, through the change of position, replacement of individual, and finding the optimal solution gradually. AMO has obtained good experimental results on many optimization problems. This paper presents an algorithm to improve the performance of AMO. We proposed a new migration method to modify the performance of AMO, the migration process based on shrinking animals living area operator; this method guarantees AMO rapid convergence to global optimum. By means of selecting the better solution space around the current solution, it improves search ability and accelerates convergence velocity, and it has more chance to find the global optima.
The structure of the paper is as follows. In Section 2, the traditional method -means for clustering is presented. In Section 3, the original AMO algorithm is introduced. Section 4 describes our proposed novel approach of migration process. Section 5 elaborates the improved AMO and some biological foundations of animal behaviors are explained. Section 6 illustrates experiments and discusses the results. Section 7 studies the extent of different size of shrinkage coefficient impact of the proposed algorithm. At the end of the paper, we conclude it with future directions and developments with the improved AMO.
2. The -Means Clustering Algorithm
The target of data clustering is grouping data into a number of clusters; -means is one of the simplest unsupervised learning algorithms that solve the clustering problem. It is proposed by MacQueen in 1967 [28]. The procedure follows a simple and easy way to classify a given data set through a certain number of clusters (assume clusters) fixed a priori; each data vector is a -dimensional vector, satisfying the following conditions [29, 30]:(1);(2);(3).The -means clustering algorithm is as follows.(1)Set the number of clusters and the data set .(2)Randomly choose points as the cluster centroids from .(3)Assign each object to the group that has the closest centroid. The principle of division is as follows: if , and . The data will be divided into classified collection .(4)When all objects have been assigned, recalculate the positions of the centroids : where is the number of the points in the classified collection .(5)Repeat Steps and until the centroids no longer move.
The main idea is to define centroids, one for each cluster. These centroids should be placed in a cunning way because of different location causing different result. So the better choice is to place them as much as possible far away from each other. In this study, we will use Euclidian metric as a distance metric. The expression is given as follows: Finally, this algorithm aims at minimizing an objective function, in this case a squared error function. The objective function is as follows:
3. Animal Migration Optimization (AMO)
Animal migration algorithm can be divided into animal migration process and animal updating process. In the migration process, the algorithm simulates how the groups of animals move from current position to a new position. During the population updating process, the algorithm simulates how animals are updated by the probabilistic method.
3.1. Animal Migration Process
During the animal migration process, an animal should obey three rules: avoid collisions with your neighbors; move in the same direction as your neighbors; and remain close to your neighbors. In order to define concept of the local neighborhood of an individual, we use a topological ring, as has been illustrated in Figure 1. For the sake of simplicity, we set the length of the neighborhood to be five for each dimension of the individual. Note that, in our algorithm, the neighborhood topology is static and is defined on the set of indices of vectors. If the index of animal is , then its neighborhood consists of animal having indices , if the index of animal is 1, the neighborhood consists of animal having indices , and so forth. Once the neighborhood topology has been constructed, we select one neighbor randomly and update the position of the individual according to this neighbor, as can be seen in the following formula: where is the current position of the neighborhood, is produced by using a random number generator controlled by a Gaussian distribution, is the current position of th individual, and is the new position of th individual.
Figure 1: The concept of the neighborhood of an animal.
3.2. Population Updating Process
During the population updating process, the algorithm simulates how some animals leave the group and some join in the new population. Individuals will be replaced by some new animals with a probability . The probability is used according to the quality of the fitness. We sort fitness in descending order, so the probability of the individual with best fitness is and the individual with worst fitness, by contrast, is 1, and the process can be shown in Algorithm 1.
Algorithm 1: Population updating process.
In Algorithm 1, are randomly chosen integers, . After producing the new solution , it will be evaluated and compared with the , and we choose the individual with a better objective fitness:
4. The New Migration Process Method
In AMO, algorithm uses migration process and population updating process to find a satisfactory solution. The proposed algorithm used a new migration process by establishing a living area by the leader animal (the individuals with best fitness value) and animals migrate from current locations into this new living area to simulate animal migration process.
At first, there are animals that live in living area, as shown in Figure 2(a), moving, eating, drinking, reproducing, and so on; some individuals move randomly and their position be updated, and then we calculate the best position of animals by fitness function and record it. But the amount of food or water gradually diminished as the time wore on, as shown in Figure 2(b), and some animals migrate from the current areas which have no food and water to a new area with abundant food and water, as shown in Figure 2(c). In Figure 2, the green parts represent the living areas with abundant food and water; animals can live in these areas. And the yellow parts represent the areas that lack food or water; animals can no longer live in these areas, and they must migrate to a new living area (the green parts in Figure 2(c)). We shrink the living area after a period of time (as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(c)), and then animals migrate to the new living area ceaselessly. As a rule of thumb, the globally optimal solution always nearby is the current best solution; in IAMO, the animals living area is smaller and smaller (by formula (6)) after each iteration, and the individuals get closer and closer to the globally optimal solution, so we can accelerate the convergence velocity and precision of the algorithm to some extent.
Figure 2: Animals migration process.
The boundary of the living area is established by where is the leader animal (the current best solution), and are the lower and upper bound of the living area, is living area radius, is shrinkage coefficient, , and , , and are all row vector. In general, the original value of depends on the size of the search space. As iterations go on, a big value of improves the exploration ability of the algorithm and a small value of improves the exploitation ability of the algorithm.
5. The IAMO Algorithm for Solving Clustering Problem
5.1. Initializing the Population
During the initialization process, the algorithm begins with initializing a set of animal positions ; each animal position is a -dimensional vector, where is the number of clustering center and is the dimension of the test set . The cluster centers , (), each center is -dimensional vector, and the lower bound of the centers is the minimum of each column in test set , namely, , and the upper bound of the centers is . So we can initialize the position of an individual , , and then the lower and upper bounds of the solution space are and .
Animals are randomly and uniformly distributed between the prespecified lower initial parameter bound and the upper initial parameter bound . So the th component of the th vector is as follows: where is a uniform distribution random number between 0 and 1.
5.2. Animals Migration
During the migration process, because of animals hunting, foraging, or drinking in the living area, some parts of the living area are lacking food or water or climate condition change, and some animals migrate from the current living area to the new living area which has abundant food and water or climate condition suitable for living. We assume that there is only one living area, and animals out of the new living area would be migrating into the new living area, as depicted in Section 4. We calculate the distance between cluster centers and text data set, then we classify test data set into categories according to the distance, and, finally, we can obtain the fitness according the fitness function:
According to the fitness function, we obtain the best individual , and the new living area can be established by and .
5.3. Individuals in Population Updating
During the population updating process, algorithm simulates some animals that are preyed by their enemies or some animals leave the group and some join in the group from other groups or some new animals are born. In IAMO, we assume that the number of available animals is fixed, and every animal will be replaced by , as shown in Section 3.2.
Specific implementation steps of the improved animals migration optimization algorithm (IAMO) can be shown as in Algorithm 2.
Algorithm 2: An improved animal’s migration optimization algorithm (IAMO).
6. Numerical Simulation Experiments
All of the algorithm was programmed in MATLAB R2008a, numerical experiment was set up on AMD Athlon(tm)II *4 640 processor and 2 GB memory.
The experimental results comparing the IAMO clustering algorithm with six typical stochastic algorithms including the PSO [31], CPSO [32], ABC [20], CABC [11], AMO [27], and -means algorithms are provided for two artificial data sets and eight real life data sets (Iris, teaching assistant evaluation (TAE), wine, seeds, StatLog (heart), Hagerman’s survival, balance scale, and Wisconsin breast cancer) which are selected from the UCI machine learning repository [33].
Artificial Data Set One , , and . This is a three-featured problem with five classes, where every feature of the classes was distributed according to Class 1-Uniform (85, 100), Class 2-Uniform (70, 85), Class 3-Uniform (55, 70), Class 4-Uniform (40, 55), and Class 5-Uniform (25, 40) [12, 14]. The data set is illustrated in Figure 3.
Figure 3: The distribution image of Art1.
Artificial Data Set Two , , and . This is a two-featured problem with four unique classes. A total of 600 patterns were drawn from four independent bivariate normal distributions, where classes were distributed according to where , , , , and .
and are mean vector and covariance matrix, respectively [12, 14]. The data set is illustrated in Figure 4.
Iris Data , , and . This data set with 150 random samples of flowers from the Iris species setosa, versicolor, and virginica collected by Anderson [34]. From each species, there are 50 observations for sepal length, sepal width, petal length, and petal width in cm. This data set was used by Fisher [35] in his initiation of the linear-discriminant-function technique [11, 12, 33].
Teaching Assistant Evaluation , , and . The data consist of evaluations of teaching performance over three regular semesters and two summer semesters of 151 teaching assistant (TA) assignments at the Statistics Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The scores were divided into 3 roughly equal-sized categories (“low,” “medium,” and “high”) to form the class variable [33].
Wine Data , , and . This is the wine data set, which is also taken from MCI laboratory. These data are the results of a chemical analysis of wines grown in the same region in Italy but derived from three different cultivars. The analysis determined the quantities of 13 constituents found in each of the three types of wines. There are 178 instances with 13 numeric attributes in wine data set. All attributes are continuous. There is no missing attribute value [11, 12, 33].
Seeds Data , , and . This data set consists of 210 patterns belonging to three different varieties of wheat: Kama, Rosa, and Canadian. From each species, there are 70 observations for area , perimeter , compactness (), length of kernel, width of kernel, asymmetry coefficient, and length of kernel groove [33].
StatLog (Heart) Data , , and . This data set is a heart disease database similar to a database already present in the repository (heart disease databases) but in a slightly different form [33].
Hagerman’s Survival , , and . The data set contains cases from a study that was conducted between 1958 and 1970 at the University of Chicago’s Billings Hospital on the survival of patients who had undergone surgery for breast cancer. It records two survival status patients with the age of patient at time of operation, patient’s year of operation, and number of positive axillary nodes detected [33].
Balance Scale Data , , and . This data set was generated to model psychological experimental results. Each example is classified as having the balance scale tip to the right, to the left, or balanced. The attributes are the left weight, the left distance, the right weight, and the right distance. The correct way to find the class is the greater of (left-distance * left-weight) and (right-distance * right-weight). If they are equal, it is balanced [33].
Wisconsin Breast Cancer , , and . It consists of 683 objects characterized by nine features: clump thickness, cell size uniformity, cell shape uniformity, marginal adhesion, single epithelial cell size, bare nuclei, bland chromatin, normal nucleoli, and mitoses. There are two categories in the data: malignant (444 objects) and benign (239 objects) [11, 12, 33].
Here we set the parameters of AMO and IAMO as follows. The population size of the AMO and IAMO is 100. In IAMO, the original living area radius and shrinkage coefficient . For the PSO, inertia weight , acceleration coefficients , , and population size . The population size of the CPSO is 20. The population size of the ABC and CABC are 50 and 10, respectively. In order to compare with other algorithms, the maximum generations of all algorithms are 100.
For every data set, each algorithm is applied 20 times individually with random initial solution. For the Art1 and Art2 data set, once the randomly generated parameters are determined, the same parameters are used to test the performance of three algorithms. We ranked each algorithm according to the mean result. The results are kept four digits after the decimal point. The mean value, the best value, the worst value, the standard deviation, and the rank value are recorded in Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Table 1: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on Art1 data.
Table 3: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on Iris data.
Table 4: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on TAE data.
Table 5: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on wine data.
Table 6: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on seeds data.
Table 7: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on StatLog (heart) data.
Table 8: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on Hagerman’s survival data.
Table 9: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on balance scale data.
Table 10: Results obtained by the algorithms for 20 different runs on cancer data.
Tables 1–10 show that IAMO is very precise than other algorithms in solving the ten data sets. As seen from the results, the IAMO algorithm provides the best value and small standard deviation in comparison with other methods. For the Art1 and Art2 data set in Tables 1 and 2 which were randomly generated, IAMO obtained the best mean and smallest standard deviation compared to other algorithms. The mean value of IAMO obtained is 1718.2540 in solving Art1, while ABC and CABC obtained 1718.5496 and 1718.4434, and IAMO gives 4 orders of magnitude better than ABC and CABC. Same to solving Art2, IAMO obtained 513.9035, while CPSO, ABC, and CABC obtained 513.9046, 513.9037, and 513.9037, respectively, but the standard deviation of IAMO is at least 2 orders of magnitude better than them. For Iris data set, the mean value, the optimum value, and the worst value of IAMO are all 96.6555 and the standard deviation is which revealed the robustness of IAMO. CABC also sought the best solution 96.6555, but the standard deviation is bigger than IAMO when the best solutions of AMO, PSO, CPSO, ABC, and -means are 97.0751, 96.6567, 96.6580, 96.6566, and 99.4582, respectively. Table 4 shows the results of algorithms on the TAE data set. The mean value of IAMO is 1491.0900 which is smaller than that of AMO, PSO, CPSO, ABC, CABC, and -means within 20 runs. For wine data set, IAMO reached the mean value 16292.1855 while CABC reached the mean value 16292.1982. The best value and worst value of IAMO are 16292.1849 and 16292.1862, which are also better than 16292.1858 and 16292.2094 obtained by CABC, and the standard deviation value of IAMO is also the smallest one. Table 6 provides the results of algorithms on the seeds data set; the IAMO algorithm and CABC algorithm are superior to those obtained by the others. Although IAMO and CABC reached the same mean value 311.7980, the standard deviation of IAMO is 1 order of magnitude better than CABC. On StatLog (heart) data set results given in Table 7, IAMO gets the best value is 10622.9824 and the same as CABC, while the mean values of the two algorithms are 10622.9824 and 10622.9904, so the IAMO is better than CABC algorithm. For Hagerman’s survival data set, the optimum value 2566.9888 can be obtained by IAMO, ABC, and CABC, but the standard deviations of ABC and CABC are and which is worse than that of obtained by IAMO. The standard deviation of PSO is a little bigger than that of CPSO. For balance scale data set in Table 9, as seen from the results, the mean, best, and worst ones are all 1423.8204, which reflect the stable characteristics of IAMO. The three best algorithms in this test data are IAMO, CABC, and ABC, and the best results of them are 1423.8204, 1423.8206, and 1423.8308. For Wisconsin breast cancer data set in Table 10, the mean value, the best value, and the worst value are all 2964.3870 which are obviously superior to -means, PSO, CPSO, ABC, and AMO.
As seen from Table 1 to Table 10, we can conclude that although the convergence rate is not quick enough at the beginning of the iteration compared to ABC and CABC, the final results are the best compared to other algorithms in all test data sets. The most results of ABC and CABC are better than PSO and CPSO, and the -means algorithm is the worst for most of test data sets.
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 show the convergence curves of different data sets for various algorithms. Figures 15 and 16 show the original data distribution of Iris data set and the clustering result by IAMO algorithm.
Figure 5: The convergence curve of the Art1 data.
Figure 7: The convergence curve of the Iris data.
Figure 8: The convergence curve of the TAE data.
Figure 9: The convergence curve of the wine data.
Figure 10: The convergence curve of the seeds data.
Figure 11: The convergence curve of the heart data.
Figure 12: The convergence curve of the survival data.
Figure 13: The convergence curve of the balance scale data.
Figure 14: The convergence curve of the cancer data.
Figure 15: The Iris data distribution.
Figure 16: The Iris data clustering result.
7. Living Area Radius Evaluation
The performance and results of the proposed algorithms are greatly affected by the size of living area. At the beginning of the iteration, a big value of improves the exploration ability of the algorithm and; at the end of iteration, a small value of improves the exploitation ability of the algorithm. We adopted a fixed shrinking coefficient to change the living area radius after each iteration, as shown in formula (6). To study the extent of impacts on the proposed algorithm, we selected Art1 data set and Iris data set, using different to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Figure 17 shows the results of an experiment on Art1; we can conclude that if we choose between 0.6 and 0.9, it has a better convergence precision than that of or . If we choose , IAMO algorithm plunges into local optima, and if we choose , the IAMO algorithm has a very low convergence rate. And likewise in Figure 18, for Iris test data set, IAMO algorithm quickly converged at global optimum before 30 iterations if we choose , while IAMO could not escape from poor local optima and to global optimum if we choose , , or . So the best for solving Iris data set must exist between 0.7 and 0.99.
Figure 17: The convergence curve of the Art1 with different .
Figure 18: The convergence curve of the Iris with different .
The results suggest that a proper can greatly improve the algorithm convergence velocity and convergence precision, and an improper may lead the IAMO fall into local optimum.
In this paper, to improve the deficiencies of the AMO algorithm, we improved the algorithm by using a new migration method based on shrinking animals living area. By 10 typical standard test data sets simulation, the results show that IAMO algorithm generally has strong global searching ability and local optimization ability and can effectively avoid the deficiencies that conventional algorithms easily fall into local optimum. IAMO has improved the convergence precision of AMO and rank 1st in all test data sets; therefore, it is very practical and effective to solve clustering problems. At last, how to define a proper and unified radius of living area needs to be considered in subsequent work.
This work is supported by National Science Foundation of China under Grant nos. 61165015 and 61463007, Key Project of Guangxi Science Foundation under Grant no. 2012GXNSFDA053028, and Key Project of Guangxi High School Science Foundation under Grant no. 20121ZD008.
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[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 157 (Thursday, August 14, 1997)]
[FR Doc No: 97-21575]
[Docket No. 97N-0314]
Prescription Drug Products; Levothyroxine Sodium
AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing that
orally administered drug products containing levothyroxine sodium are
new drugs. There is new information showing significant stability and
potency problems with orally administered levothyroxine sodium
products. Also, these products fail to maintain potency through the
expiration date, and tablets of the same dosage strength from the same
manufacturer vary from lot to lot in the amount of active ingredient
present. This lack of stability and consistent potency has the
potential to cause serious health consequences to the public.
Manufacturers who wish to continue to market orally administered
levothyroxine sodium products must submit new drug applications
(NDA's); manufacturers who contend that a particular drug product is
not subject to the new drug requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (the act) should submit a citizen petition. FDA has
determined that orally administered levothyroxine sodium products are
medically necessary, and accordingly the agency is allowing current
manufacturers 3 years to obtain approved NDA's.
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 14, 1997.
DATES: A citizen petition claiming that a particular drug product is
not subject to the new drug requirements of the act should be submitted
no later than October 14, 1997.
After August 14, 2000, any orally administered drug product
containing levothyroxine sodium, marketed on or before the date of this
notice, that is introduced or delivered for introduction into
interstate commerce without an approved application, unless found by
FDA to be not subject to the new drug requirements of the act under a
citizen petition submitted for that product, will be subject to
regulatory action.
ADDRESSES: All communications in response to this notice should be
identified with Docket No. 97N-0314 and directed to the appropriate
office named below:
Applications under section 505 of the act (21 U.S.C. 355):
Documents and Records Section (HFA-224), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville,
MD 20857.
Citizen petitions (see Sec. 10.30 (21 CFR 10.30)) contending that a
particular drug product is not subject to the new drug requirements of
the act: Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug
Administration, 12420 Parklawn Dr., rm. 1-23, Rockville, MD 20857.
Requests for an opinion on the applicability of this notice to a
specific product: Division of Prescription Drug Compliance and
Surveillance (HFD-330), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food
and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine F. Rogers, Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research (HFD-7), Food and Drug Administration, 5600
Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-594-2041.
Levothyroxine sodium is the sodium salt of the levo isomer of the
thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones affect
protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism; growth; and development.
They stimulate the oxygen consumption of most cells of the body,
resulting in increased energy expenditure and heat production, and
possess a cardiostimulatory effect that may be the result of a direct
action on the heart.
Levothyroxine sodium was first introduced into the market before
1962 without an approved NDA, apparently in the belief that it was not
a new drug. Orally administered levothyroxine sodium is used as
replacement therapy in conditions characterized by diminished or absent
thyroid function such as cretinism, myxedema, nontoxic goiter, or
hypothyroidism. The diminished or absent thyroid function may result
from functional deficiency, primary atrophy, partial or complete
absence of the thyroid gland, or the effects of surgery, radiation, or
antithyroid agents. Levothyroxine sodium may also be used for
replacement or supplemental therapy in patients with secondary
(pituitary) or tertiary (hypothalamic) hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a common condition. In the United States, 1 in
every 4,000 to 5,000 babies is born hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism has a
prevalence of 0.5 percent to 1.3 percent in adults. In people over 60,
the prevalence of primary hypothyroidism
increases to 2.7 percent in men and 7.1 percent in women. Because
congenital hypothyroidism may result in irreversible mental
retardation, which can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment,
newborn screening for this disorder is mandatory in North America,
Europe, and Japan.
In addition to the treatment of hypothyroidism, levothyroxine
sodium may be used to suppress the secretion of thyrotropin in the
management of simple nonendemic goiter, chronic lymphocytic
thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. Levothyroxine sodium is also used with
antithyroid agents in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis to prevent
goitrogenesis and hypothyroidism.
II. Levothyroxine Sodium Products Must Be Consistent in Potency and
Bioavailability
Thyroid replacement therapy usually is a chronic, lifetime
endeavor. The dosage must be established for each patient individually.
Generally, the initial dose is small. The amount is increased gradually
until clinical evaluation and laboratory tests indicate that an optimal
response has been achieved. The dose required to maintain this response
is then continued. The age and general physical condition of the
patient and the severity and duration of hypothyroid symptoms determine
the initial dosage and the rate at which the dosage may be increased to
the eventual maintenance level. It is particularly important to
increase the dose very gradually in patients with myxedema or
cardiovascular disease to prevent precipitation of angina, myocardial
infarction, or stroke.
If a drug product of lesser potency or bioavailability is
substituted in the regimen of a patient who has been controlled on one
product, a suboptimal response and hypothyroidism could result.
Conversely, substitution of a drug product of greater potency or
bioavailability could result in toxic manifestations of hyperthyroidism
such as cardiac pain, palpitations, or cardiac arrhythmias. In patients
with coronary heart disease, even a small increase in the dose of
levothyroxine sodium may be hazardous.
Hyperthyroidism is a known risk factor for osteoporosis. Several
studies suggest that subclinical hyperthyroidism in premenopausal women
receiving levothyroxine sodium for replacement or suppressive therapy
is associated with bone loss. To minimize the risk of osteoporosis, it
is advisable that the dose be titrated to the lowest effective dose
(Refs. 1 and 2).
Because of the risks associated with overtreatment or
undertreatment with levothyroxine sodium, it is critical that patients
have available to them products that are consistent in potency and
bioavailability. Recent information concerning stability problems
(discussed in section V of this document) shows that this goal is not
currently being met.
III. Adverse Drug Experiences
Between 1987 and 1994, FDA received 58 adverse drug experience
reports associated with the potency of orally administered
levothyroxine sodium products. Forty-seven of the reports suggested
that the products were subpotent, while nine suggested superpotency.
Two of the reports concerned inconsistency in thyroid hormone blood
levels. Four hospitalizations were included in the reports; two were
attributed to product subpotency and two were attributed to product
superpotency. More than half of the 58 reports were supported by
thyroid function blood tests. Specific hypothyroid symptoms included:
Severe depression, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold
intolerance, edema, and difficulty concentrating. Specific hyperthyroid
symptoms included: Atrial fibrillation, heart palpitations, and
difficulty sleeping.
Some of the problems reported were the result of switching brands.
However, other adverse events occurred when patients received a refill
of a product on which they had previously been stable, indicating a
lack of consistency in stability, potency, and bioavailability between
different lots of tablets from the same manufacturer.
Because levothyroxine sodium products are prescription drugs
marketed without approved NDA's, manufacturers are expressly required,
under 21 CFR 310.305, to report adverse drug experiences that are
unexpected and serious; they are not required, as are products with
approved applications (see 21 CFR 314.80) periodically to report all
adverse drug experiences, including expected or less serious events.
Some adverse drug experiences related to inconsistencies in potency of
orally administered levothyroxine sodium products may not be regarded
as serious or unexpected and, as a result, may go unreported. Reports
received by FDA, therefore, may not reflect the total number of adverse
events associated with inconsistencies in product potency.
IV. Formulation Change
Because orally administered levothyroxine sodium products are
marketed without approved applications, manufacturers have not sought
FDA approval each time they reformulate their products. In 1982, for
example, one manufacturer reformulated its levothyroxine sodium product
by removing two inactive ingredients and changing the physical form of
coloring agents (Ref. 6). The reformulated product increased
significantly in potency. One study found that the reformulated product
contained 100 percent of stated content compared to 78 percent before
the reformulation (Ref. 7). Another study estimated that the
levothyroxine content of the old formulation was approximately 70
percent of the stated value (Ref. 8).
This increase in product potency resulted in serious clinical
problems. On January 17, 1984, a physician reported to FDA: ``I have
noticed a recent significant problem with the use of [this
levothyroxine sodium product]. People who have been on it for years are
suddenly becoming toxic on the same dose. Also, people starting on the
medication become toxic on 0.1 mg [milligram] which is unheard of.'' On
May 25, 1984, another physician reported that 15 to 20 percent of his
patients using the product had become hyperthyroid although they had
been completely controlled up until that time. Another doctor reported
in May 1984 that three patients, previously well-controlled on the
product, had developed thyroid toxicity. One of these patients
experienced atrial fibrillation.
There is evidence that manufacturers continue to make formulation
changes to orally administered levothyroxine sodium products. As
discussed in section V of this document, one manufacturer is
reformulating in order to make its product stable at room temperature.
In a 1990 study (Ref. 5), one manufacturer's levothyroxine sodium
tablets selected from different batches showed variations in
chromatographs suggesting that different excipients had been used.
V. Stability Problems
FDA, in conjunction with the United States Pharmacopeial
Convention, took the initiative in organizing a workshop in 1982 to set
the standard for the use of a stability-indicating high-performance
liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay for the quality control of thyroid
hormone drug products (Ref. 3). The former assay method was based on
iodine content and was not stability- indicating. Using the HPLC
method, there have been numerous reports indicating problems with the
stability of orally administered levothyroxine sodium products in the
past several years. Almost every manufacturer of
orally administered levothyroxine sodium products, including the market
leader, has reported recalls that were the result of potency or
stability problems.
Since 1991, there have been no less than 10 firm-initiated recalls
of levothyroxine sodium tablets involving 150 lots and more than 100
million tablets. In all but one case, the recalls were initiated
because tablets were found to be subpotent or potency could not be
assured through the expiration date. The remaining recall was initiated
for a product that was found to be superpotent. During this period, FDA
also issued two warning letters to manufacturers citing stability
problems with orally administered levothyroxine sodium products.
At one firm, potency problems with levothyroxine sodium tablets
resulted in destruction of products and repeated recalls. From 1990 to
1992, the firm destroyed 46 lots of levothyroxine sodium tablets that
failed to meet potency or content uniformity specifications during
finished product testing. In August 1989, this firm recalled 21 lots
due to subpotency. In 1991, the firm recalled 26 lots in February and
15 lots in June because of subpotency.
An FDA inspection report concerning another manufacturer of
levothyroxine sodium showed that 14 percent of all lots manufactured
from 1991 through 1993 were rejected and destroyed for failure to meet
the assay specifications of 103 to 110 percent established by the firm.
In March 1993, FDA sent a warning letter to a firm stating that its
levothyroxine tablets were adulterated because the expiration date was
not supported by adequate stability studies. Five lots of the firm's
levothyroxine sodium tablets, labeled for storage within controlled
room temperature range, had recently failed stability testing when
stored at the higher end of the range. The warning letter also objected
to the labeled storage conditions specifying a nonstandard storage
range of 15 to 22 deg.C. FDA objected to this labeling because it did
not conform to any storage conditions defined in United States
Pharmacopeia (USP) XXII. In response, the firm changed the labeling
instruction to store the product at 8 to 15 deg.C. The firm informed
FDA that it would reformulate its levothyroxine sodium tablets to be
stable at room temperature.
The five failing lots named in FDA's warning letter were recalled
in April 1994. Previously, in December 1993, a lot of levothyroxine
sodium tablets was recalled by the same firm because potency was not
assured through the expiration date. In November 1994, the renamed
successor firm recalled one lot of levothyroxine sodium tablets due to
superpotency.
Another firm recalled six lots of levothyroxine sodium tablets in
1993 because they fell below potency, or would have fallen below
potency, before the expiration date. The USP specifies a potency range
for levothyroxine sodium from 90 percent to 110 percent. Analysis of
the recalled tablets showed potencies ranging from 74.7 percent to 90.4
percent. Six months later, this firm recalled another lot of
levothyroxine sodium tablets when it fell below labeled potency during
routine stability testing. Content analysis found the potency of the
failed lot to be 85.5 percent to 86.2 percent. Subsequently, an FDA
inspection at the firm led to the issuance of a warning letter
regarding the firm's levothyroxine sodium products. One of the
deviations from good manufacturing practice regulations cited in that
letter was failure to determine by appropriate stability testing the
expiration date of some strengths of levothyroxine sodium. Another
deviation concerned failure to establish adequate procedures for
monitoring and control of temperature and humidity during the
manufacturing process.
In April 1994, one manufacturer recalled seven lots of
levothyroxine sodium products because potency could not be assured
through the expiration date. In February 1995, the same manufacturer
initiated a major recall of levothyroxine sodium affecting 60 lots and
50,436,000 tablets. The recall was initiated when the product was found
to be below potency at 18-month stability testing.
In December 1995, a manufacturer recalled 22 lots of levothyroxine
sodium products because potency could not be assured through the
expiration date.
In addition to raising concerns about the consistent potency of
orally administered levothyroxine sodium products, this pattern of
stability problems suggests that the customary 2-year shelf life may
not be appropriate for these products because they are prone to
experience accelerated degradation in response to a variety of factors.
Levothyroxine sodium is unstable in the presence of light, temperature,
air, and humidity (Ref. 4). One study found that some excipients used
with levothyroxine sodium act as catalysts to hasten its degradation
(Ref. 5). In addition, the kinetics of levothyroxine sodium degradation
is complex. Stability studies show that levothyroxine sodium exhibits a
biphasic first order degradation profile, with an initial fast
degradation rate followed by a slower rate (Ref. 4). The initial fast
rate varies depending on temperature. To compensate for the initial
accelerated degradation, some manufacturers use an overage of active
ingredient in their formulation, which can lead to occasional instances
of superpotency.
The following references have been placed on display in the Dockets
Management Branch (address above) and may be seen by interested persons
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
(1) Paul, T. L. et al., ``Long-term L-Thyroxine Therapy Is
Associated with Decreased Hip Bone Density in Pre-menopausal Women,''
Journal of the American Medical Association, 259:3137-3141, 1988.
(2) Kung, A. W. C., and K. K. Pun, ``Bone Mineral Density in
Premenopausal Women Receiving Long-term Physiological Doses of
Levothyroxine,'' Journal of the American Medical Association, 265:2688-
(3) Garnick, R. I. et al., ``Stability Indicating High-Pressure
Liquid Chromatographic Method for Quality Control of Sodium
Liothyronine and Sodium Levothyroxine in Tablet Formulations,'' in
``Hormone Drugs,'' edited by J. L. Gueriguian, E. D. Bransome, and A.
S. Outschoorn, United States Pharmacopeial Convention, pp. 504-516,
Rockville, 1982.
(4) Won, C. M., ``Kinetics of Degradation of Levothyroxine in
Aqueous Solution and in Solid State,'' Pharmaceutical Research, 9:131-
137, 1992.
(5) Das Gupta, V. et al., ``Effect of Excipients on the Stability
of Levothyroxine Sodium Tablets,'' Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and
Therapeutics, 15:331-336, 1990.
(6) Hennessey, J. V., K. D. Burman, and L. Wartofsky, ``The
Equivalency of Two L-Thyroxine Preparations,'' Annals of Internal
Medicine, 102:770-773, 1985.
(7) Stoffer, S. S., and W. E. Szpunar, ``Potency of Levothyroxine
Products,'' Journal of the American Medical Association, 251:635-636,
(8) Fish, L. H. et al., ``Replacement Dose, Metabolism, and
Bioavailability of Levothyroxine in the Treatment of Hypothyroidism;
Role of Triiodothyronine in Pituitary Feedback in Humans,'' The New
England Journal of Medicine, 316:764-770, 1987.
VII. Legal Status
Levothyroxine sodium is used as replacement therapy when endogenous
thyroid hormone production is deficient. The maintenance dosage must be
determined on a patient-by-patient basis. Levothyroxine sodium products
are marketed in multiple dosage strengths, that may vary by only 12
micrograms, thus permitting careful titration of dose. Because of
levothyroxine sodium's narrow therapeutic index, it is particularly
important that the amount of available active drug be consistent for a
given tablet strength.
Variations in the amount of available active drug can affect both
safety and effectiveness. Patients who receive superpotent tablets may
experience angina, tachycardia, or arrhythmias. There is also evidence
that overtreatment can cause osteoporosis. Subpotent tablets will not
be effective in controlling hypothyroid symptoms or sequelae.
The drug substance levothyroxine sodium is unstable in the presence
of light, temperature, air, and humidity. Unless the manufacturing
process can be carefully and consistently controlled, orally
administered levothyroxine sodium products may not be fully potent
through the labeled expiration date, or be of consistent potency from
lot to lot.
There is evidence from recalls, adverse drug experience reports,
and inspection reports that even when a physician consistently
prescribes the same brand of orally administered levothyroxine sodium,
patients may receive products of variable potency at a given dose. Such
variations in product potency present actual safety and effectiveness
concerns.
In conclusion, the active ingredient levothyroxine sodium is
effective in treating hypothyroidism and is safe when carefully and
consistently manufactured and stored, and prescribed in the correct
amount to replace the deficiency of thyroid hormone in a particular
patient. However, no currently marketed orally administered
levothyroxine sodium product has been shown to demonstrate consistent
potency and stability and, thus, no currently marketed orally
administered levothyroxine sodium product is generally recognized as
safe and effective. Accordingly, any orally administered drug product
containing levothyroxine sodium is a new drug under section 201(p) of
the act (21 U.S.C. 321(p)) and is subject to the requirements of
section 505 of the act.
levothyroxine sodium products must submit applications as required by
section 505 of the act and part 314 (21 CFR part 314). FDA is prepared
to accept NDA's for these products, including section 505(b)(2)
applications. An applicant making a submission under section 505(b)(2)
of the act may rely upon investigations described in section
505(b)(1)(A) that were not conducted by or for the applicant and for
which the applicant has not obtained a right of reference or use from
the person by or for whom the investigations were conducted. For
example, such an application may include literature supporting the
safety and/or the effectiveness of levothyroxine sodium. A
bioavailability study must be completed and submitted as part of an
NDA, including a 505(b)(2) application, in order to evaluate the safety
and efficacy of these products.
If the manufacturer of an orally administered drug product
containing levothyroxine sodium contends that the drug product is not
subject to the new drug requirements of the act, this claim should be
submitted in the form of a citizen petition under Sec. 10.30 and should
be filed to Docket No. 97N-0314 no later than October 14, 1997. Sixty
days is the time allowed for such submissions in similar proceedings.
(See Sec. 314.200(c) and (e).) Under Sec. 10.30(e)(2), the agency will
provide a response to each petitioner within 180 days of receipt of the
petition. A citizen petition that contends that a particular drug
product is not subject to the new drug requirements of the act should
contain the quality and quantity of data and information set forth in
Sec. 314.200(e). Note especially that a contention that a drug product
is generally recognized as safe and effective within the meaning of
section 201(p) of the act is to be supported by the same quantity and
quality of scientific evidence that is required to obtain approval of
an application for the product. (See Sec. 314.200(e)(1).)
Levothyroxine sodium products are medically necessary because they
are used to treat hypothyroidism and no alternative drug is relied upon
by the medical community as an adequate substitute. Accordingly, FDA
will permit orally administered levothyroxine sodium products to be
marketed without approved NDA's until August 14, 2000, in order to give
manufacturers time to conduct the required studies and to prepare and
submit applications, and to allow time for review of and action on
these applications. This provision for continuation of marketing, which
applies only to levothyroxine sodium products marketed on or before the
publication of this notice, is consistent with the order in Hoffmann-La
Roche, Inc. v. Weinberger, 425 F. Supp. 890 (D.D.C. 1975), reprinted in
the Federal Register of September 22, 1975 (40 FR 43531) and March 2,
1976 (41 FR 9001).
After August 14, 2000 any orally administered drug product
interstate commerce without an approved application will be subject to
regulatory action, unless there has been a finding by FDA, under a
citizen petition submitted for that product as described above, that
the product is not subject to the new drug requirements of the act.
This notice is issued under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (secs. 502, 505 (21 U.S.C. 352, 355)) and under authority delegated
to the Deputy Commissioner for Policy (21 CFR 5.20).
Dated: August 7, 1997.
William K. Hubbard,
Associate Commissioner for Policy Coordination.
[FR Doc. 97-21575 Filed 8-13-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F
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Student Academic Grievance Procedure
The purpose of this process is to resolve grade disputes between students and instructors in a manner that is timely and upholds academic integrity.*
This process is to be used only for disputes regarding final grades. A student who perceives an individual grade received during a course to be unfair must resolve the matter informally with his or her instructor. Only when an individual grade has impacted a student’s final grade, or when a student perceives a final grade to be otherwise unfair, may the student invoke the formal grievance process noted below.
Informal Process
Step 1: The student shall contact the instructor within 15 school days** after the posting of a perceived unfair final grade to try to resolve the matter informally.
Step 2: If the grade dispute is not resolved at Step 1, the student has five school days to contact the appropriate department head or program director to try to reach a resolution that is mutually agreeable to the student and instructor. A written description of the grievance may be requested by the department head or program director.
Formal Process
Step 3: If the issue is not resolved at Step 2, the student has five school days to initiate the Formal Grade Grievance Process by completing a Grade Appeal Form and delivering it to the associate dean of the academic department responsible for the course. Grade Appeal Forms are available in all associate deans' offices. For Arts and Sciences courses, contact Associate Dean Christopher Johnston, 310 Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, formerly Main Building, (616) 234-2214, christopherjohnsto@grcc.edu; for Workforce Development courses, contact Associate Dean Jimmie Baber, 161 ATC, (616) 234-3724, jimmiebaber@grcc.edu; for CLS courses, contact Associate Dean Raynard Ross, 347 Student Center, (616) 234-4839, rross@grcc.edu. The associate dean has 15 school days from receipt of the Grade Appeal Form to discuss the situation with the student and instructor, and, if necessary, department head/program director, and make a written decision to:
deny the request for a change of grade, or
move forward with the Formal Grade Grievance Process by convening the Academic Governing Council (AGC) Grade Appeal Hearing Committee.
The associate dean may deny a request for a change of grade and decline to refer the grievance to the AGC Grade Appeal Hearing Committee in the following instances:
When the instructor has followed the guidelines set forth in his or her syllabus.
When the instructor has followed college policies and procedures that would impact the student’s grade.
When the student provides no evidence that he or she was treated in a partial or otherwise unfair manner.
When the student provides no evidence that a grade was miscalculated.
Other cases may exist in which an associate dean may deny a grade change request.
Written notification of the associate dean’s decision and rationale will be sent to the student (via first-class mail), instructor, and appropriate department head/program director.
The associate dean’s decision at this stage is final and binding. However, cases in which a student’s final grade results in expulsion from a program will be forwarded from the associate dean to the AGC Grade Appeal Hearing Committee, if the student so requests and if the student has followed all the steps of the Informal Process.*
Step 4: If the associate dean’s decision is to convene the AGC Grade Appeal Hearing Committee, its Chair shall do so within 10 school days. The Grade Appeal Hearing Committee shall be a standing committee of the Academic Governing Council. The Committee shall be comprised of five members and shall include three faculty members, one academic administrator and one student. The Chair of the Hearing Committee shall be an appointed faculty member. The student shall be a member of the Student Congress.
In a case where any member of the AGC Grade Appeal Hearing Committee (faculty member, student, or administrator) is involved in the grade dispute at hand or is otherwise unavailable, an appropriate substitute member will be appointed by the AGC Executive Board to the Committee for that case. The Educational Support Professional working with the academic administrator serving on the Hearing Committee shall serve as Recording Secretary (a non-voting position) for the Committee. Hearings also will be audio-recorded. Students may have a support person/advisor with them at the hearing, but that person has no role at the hearing other than to advise the student. The support person/advisor will not be permitted to ask or answer questions, or to make arguments. Both the student and the instructor shall be invited to attend the Hearing Committee.
If either the student or the instructor fails to appear before the Hearing Committee, a decision will be made based upon the information that is presented at the Hearing and evidence already submitted during the grievance process. The Hearing Committee will present its written decision to the student (via first-class mail), instructor, and appropriate associate dean within five school days of the hearing.
If the Hearing Committee finds in favor of the student, it shall ask the instructor and, if necessary, the appropriate associate dean to submit a Change of Grade Form to the Registrar’s Office within 5 school days of the written notification. The decision of the AGC Grade Appeal Hearing Committee is final and binding.
*For Students in Health Programs: When the appeal involves a grade awarded or an expulsion from the clinical component of a health course (Nursing, Dental, Radiologic Technology, and Occupational Therapy Assistant), the student will first follow that program’s specific grade grievance process. The student handbook for each program contains the grade grievance process and can be found on Blackboard.
**School days are Mondays through Fridays, while classes are in session.
Commencement (Graduation) Ceremony
President's List and Dean's List
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studentaffairs@grcc.edu
106, Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, formerly Main Building
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New Waltham
Fire destroys bin and leaves New Waltham shop 'stinking' of plastic
The Premier Store on Station Road, New Waltham suffered smoke damage after a wheelie bin caught fire at the rear of the store
Connor LynchReporter
A New Waltham shop owner feared that "someone could have been killed" after a wheelie bin was destroyed in a fire that left his shop full of smoke and "stinking of burnt plastic".
Arul Kulasekuram, who runs the Premier Store on Station Road, says that he was forced to call Humberside Fire and Rescue on Sunday morning after opening up his shop and being met with a flood of smoke rushing out of the premises.
He said that at first he was concerned that a fire had been started inside the shop, but after further inspection discovered that it had been started in a bin storage room at the entrance to the flats at the rear of his shop.
The Premier store in New Waltham suffered smoke damage after a wheelie bin was destroyed in a fire at the rear of the store. (Image: Jon Corken/GrimsbyLive)
One wheelie bin had been completely destroyed in the fire, while another was damaged. The smoke from the blaze then seeped into his shop, damaging some of the walls and leaving a strong smell of burnt plastic.
He said: "I cannot believe what has happened here, someone could easily have been killed or my shop burnt to the ground.
(Image: Jon Corken/GrimsbyLive)
"I arrived at the shop just before 7am on Sunday morning, and when I opened the doors I was immediately hit by billows of smoke rushing at me.
"I was worried at first that there had been a fire inside my shop, but it had actually taken place in a small storage room at the entrance to the flats at the rear of my shop.
"One of the wheelie bins that was inside has been completely destroyed by the fire, and another one has been damaged. It is very lucky that the fire didn't spread into my shop or the flats."
Some of the smoke damage inside the Premier Store on Station Road, New Waltham (Image: Jon Corken/GrimsbyLive)
Humberside Police have said that the fire had been investigated by their officers and those from the fire service, who deemed that the fire had been started accidentally.
A spokesperson said: "We were called by the fire service to a blaze which started behind shops on Greenlands Avenue, New Waltham on Sunday January 13.
"The fire was put out by fire crews. A wheelie bin was damaged. No-one was hurt.
The Premier store in New Waltham (Image: Jon Corken/GrimsbyLive)
"Following investigations by the fire service and officers it was found that the fire was started accidentally
"If anyone has any information regarding the incident they are being asked to call Humberside Police on non-emergency number 101 quoting log number 100 for 13/01/19."
This weekend's top stories
Jailed fish and chip boss
Wellington Street fire
Banksy in Grimsby?
Brutal killer freed
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Esq Labor Reps INT'L Real Estate
Nickelodeon Opening Flagship Retail Store in London
8:31 AM PDT 5/29/2015 by Georg Szalai
Courtesy of Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon London retail store rendering
The destination store — featuring SpongeBob, Dora, Turtles and other merchandise — is located in Leicester Square, the top foot traffic location in all of Europe.
Viacom's Nickelodeon is opening a flagship store in London this weekend, adding a destination venue in the British capital to its growing number of retail stores in international markets.
The first Nickelodeon Store opened in Panama more than a year ago to serve fans of SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other Nick properties.
The company has since also opened a branded store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a second Panama location and two stores in Honduras.
The Viacom International Media Networks unit sees the push into the branded stores business as a key revenue opportunity. Instead of operating the stores itself, like Disney does with its Disney Stores, the company works with a partner.
The London venue is the sixth Nickelodeon store, but the first in Europe.
"It's our first flagship store. This is our first store that is a destination store, including great consumer interaction on video screens, fixtures like Dora's tree and a pineapple that is from Bikini Bottom," said Ron Johnson, executive vp of consumer products at Viacom International Media Networks. "We definitely see flagship stores as a growth vehicle and working for us in the right markets across the world."
While the company is not ready to announce another flagship store, he tells THR that "we are definitely looking at places like Dubai, Shanghai, Paris and Milan."
Asked about the British capital store's location in Leicester Square, equivalent to New York's Times Square or the like, Johnson says: "We chose this spot because it is the number one footfall location in all of Europe. This square has more people passing through than anywhere in Europe." The location has about 35,000 people walking by every day, he adds.
The store's entrance floor offers a range of London- and U.K.-themed merchandise, such as a SpongeBob plush toy with a bearskin hat, a T-shirt featuring the SpongeBob crew's version of the Beatles' famous Abbey Road album cover and a T-shirt that says SpongeBob Leicester Square Pants.
How key is such localized product? "It's incredibly important," says Johnson. "We call it name-drop merchandising. It is stuff using the Union Jack, using the London name. It's about 15 percent of the selection in the store when it comes to items, but we think it will trend higher on the revenue side, maybe 20-25 percent. It is something that works well for us in markets where we have done this before."
For locals, it provides a chance to buy product with a globally beloved character or brand but at the same time getting something uniquely British, he explains. "And over half of those people [who walk by this location every day] are from other countries. When they come here, they are always looking for souvenirs," he adds. "So, the opportunity to pick up something that has a character that you love, like SpongeBob, and having a unique flair targeted to the country you are visiting works."
The upstairs area of the London store includes much more product, a pineapple iPad bar and an area with coloring sheets for kids, among other things.
Johnson says the Nickelodeon retail store business has so far done well. Adult business has been stronger than expected with loungewear and character items, such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, doing well.
The London store will look to regularly bring in new properties and ensure a large selection of adult apparel, says Johnson. "We also have some retro properties, such as Ren & Stimpy," he explains.
While supermarket giant Tesco and other retailers also feature Nick merchandise in Britain, he says his team expects the branded store to be additive to the company's retail business. "In this store, 80 percent of the merchandise is exclusive in this market," he says.
An orange-carpet event Friday evening will help celebrate the new store, with British talent expected to be on hand, and help raise additional awareness beyond foot traffic and on-air plugs.
With three more Nickelodeon stores expected to open this year, Johnson says there is more to come in Europe and beyond. "This will be our first store in Europe," he says. "And we think once partners see what's happening here, there will be more activity in Europe."
Twitter: @georgszalai
Georg Szalai
THRnews@thr.com georgszalai
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Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of Americas leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Occupational Summary
Responsible for assisting the Dean, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, Assistant to the Dean, Administrative Coordinator, and faculty members in overseeing and implementing all faculty Appointments, Reappointments, Promotions, secondary processes, Sanford School searches, faculty leaves, faculty retirement agreements, Executive Committee processes, faculty financial reimbursements, and teaching support. This position requires strong communication and writing skills, strong analytical and research skills, and a high degree of confidentiality. The position will be supervised by the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research.
A detailed description of functional areas and tasks follows:
Oversee all regular rank faculty Appointments, Reappointments, Promotions and Tenure (APT) reviews to make sure they are in compliance with the procedures and deadlines established by the University administration while always maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality. This includes monitoring faculty appointments and instigating renewal processes in a timely manner; resolving complex non-routine faculty appointment issues with the Provosts Office; interpreting Sanford School By-laws and Arts & Sciences (A&S) policies and procedures; ascertaining needed documents and work with committee chairs and faculty being reviewed to obtain and enforce those requirements; composing complex correspondence for Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research; and researching and compiling reports and analyses for review committee chairs and Deans.
Research, prepare and manage faculty primary and secondary appointment letters.
Organize and coordinate all faculty searches in preparing and publishing search ads; maintain a database of candidates; receive and answer correspondence; and comply with EEO requirements. Plan and coordinate the visits of search candidates and target of opportunity candidates including planning talks to faculty (Sanford School and other Duke units), and meeting with faculty and students. Plan and coordinate all travel arrangements; reimburse candidates for expenses; gather feedback and compile necessary documents to send to the Provosts Office and to Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). Assist with Sanford Schools Distinguished Professorship Committee in managing all documents of a confidential nature for appointing Distinguished Professors; interpreting and complying with the rules set up in the Schools By-laws; setting up meetings with committee members; and compiling final documents to send to the Provosts Office. Complete Trustee List Submissions for the Sanford Schools faculty changes in a timely manner. Communicate and collect annual faculty scholarly activity reports and CVs, and partner with the Associate Dean for Finance & Administration and Dean to ensure a timely completion for salary setting meetings and school submission deadline dates.
Coordinate the compilation and submission of faculty leaves to the Provosts office.
Assist with Dean, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research and Associate Dean for Finance and Administration on faculty retirement agreements.
Assist the Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research on Executive Committee (ExCom) processes. Organize Executive Committee Faculty Vote, collect and finalize data and report back to Dean & Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research on the new ExCom Membership for the academic year, including alternates, as needed.
Prepare and send out announcements regarding faculty meetings throughout the academic year cycle and confirm space reservations to faculty for the academic year. Confirm with faculty & 2/3 quorum requirement when needed; collect confidential electronic votes, when required. Coordinate with the staff assistant prior to each faculty meeting to ensure lunch surveys are sent to the designated faculty group, based on the business at hand and according to our bylaws. Obtain feedback from staff assistant on the on the sign-up list, to ensure a 2/3 quorum when possible. Provide back-up to staff assistant on faculty meeting days, when she is absent to ensure catering setup and cleanup is taken care of in a timely manner. Coordinate Sanford School faculty retreat each year to included rental agreements and catering arrangements. Update faculty list by rank as used by staff and faculty attendance at meetings/votes, etc. Set up and maintain Sympa Faculty distribution list used by staff and administration.
Maintain complex calendar and task list for the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research. Arrange for and schedule appointments and meetings for the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research and committees, including parking arrangements; supervise the preparation of materials for meetings.Manage documents and files of a confidential nature in areas of faculty development, appointments, reviews, grants, confidentiality statements, manuscripts, articles, and yearly faculty discretionary accounts.
Co-manage and coordinate the work of a part-time Staff Assistant position, which includes reviewing completed work for adherence to instructions or correctness as it relates to search work. Provide input into various personnel actions including, but not limited to, hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, transfers and vacation schedules.
Provide assistance to faculty that include but arent limited to, working on special reports, conducting electronic voting polls, arranging and attending meetings, receiving and answering correspondence, conducting research, preparing financial documents, and assisting with faculty class preparation.
Pay Sanford School/Duke annual dues for APSIA & NASPAA for the year thru Accounts Payable Check Requests on-line, once new fiscal year budget begins. Assist the Assistant to the Dean with various administrative office tasks related to the Schools Dean, many of which are of a confidential nature. Serve as primary backup for Assistant to the Dean in their absence.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following qualities/attributes:
Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills needed to work across a broad audience.
Strong analytical and research skills, including experience working with data.
Strong organizational skills.
Academic administrative or management experience preferred.
High standard of confidentiality and discretion.
Ability to work autonomously.
Ability to take initiative and work with team members in a flexible, dynamic, rapidly evolving environment.
Work requires a general educational background normally equivalent to a full high school education plus two years post-secondary education in a business-related field.
Work requires 4 years related business or administrative experience to OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR become familiar with general personnel practices, accounting and budgeting principles and coordination of major office activities. EXPERIENCE.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideasan exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Web: http://www.hr.duke.edu/
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Barclays Capital To Slash Hundreds Of Jobs
By DisQ, August 11, 2010 in House prices and the economy
DisQ
rumours have been around for these & similar cuts for some time..... more a lot more to follow
lets start with 400 cuts for today
Jobless recoverah continues
Jim Armitage
Barclays today started a process of axing about 400 staff in its investment banking unit.
Notices went out to Barclays Capital back office staff in London, the US and Asia, starting a formal consultation process.
Rumours of a much bigger jobs cut, of perhaps as much as 7%, have been doing the rounds in recent days, so today's news was likely to have been something of a relief to some.
Barclays Capital employs 25,000 staff around the world.
A spokesman said: “We have begun a consultation process to review some part of our infrastructure functions which will result in some job losses.
“We continue to hire selectively across those parts of our business that are growing.”
Those growth areas are particularly in equities and investment banking in Asia and Europe.
Bob Diamond, who runs Barclays Capital, said in an interview last week that market overhangs during the second quarter were “behind us now, and in the second half of July we definitely saw a pick-up in flows”.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-business/article-23865760-barclays-capital-slashes-hundreds-of-jobs.do
Location:Stateless
About Me:Botany. The music of Carl Nielsen. Playing the cello, badly.
All hail the 100% efficiency that occurs when only computers 'trade' ..... between themselves.
Eddie_George
Not enough, we want MORE! And the rest of them.
... a way of justifying higher bonuses for those 'in control'....
Bob Diamond is the record holder (still I believe)
Rewards for Barclays' Diamond hit more than £80m
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/banking_and_finance/article1570730.ece
OnlyMe
Article on Zero Hedge, similar to what I said earlier - this market is meaningless, it has nothign to do with investment - aprt from some funds fleeing the actions of the central banks in manipulatng the prices of the stck market and other asset prices. What happens when nobody wants to play or can play and there are only the computers left trading amongst themselves. Maybe we are about to find out. Just wait till the pension funds have to start paying out more. Long term going nowhere. All of these jobs could be done in Asia at a fraction ofthe price anyway, especially when you are only talking mechanical trading.
Another example of how the stimuls has backfired and merely reignited the forces that were so ruinous to the whole scam inthe first place.
porca misèria
Porcine Aviation Enterprises
Location:the sty
About Me:pig
Back-office staff? That's not the same as the big-bonus casino traders, is it?
I have a friend who works at barcap. Earns more than I do - over £100k. But factor in the cost of working in London, and my provincial five-figure income is effectively better than his.
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Home » Project Over 46142 entries
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Wildlife marches on, despite historic Wisconsin spring snowstorm | Ripples from the Dunes
Our recent blizzard seemed catastrophic, but wildlife doesn't seem to dwell on such things.
Wildlife marches on, despite historic Wisconsin spring snowstorm | Ripples from the Dunes Our recent blizzard seemed catastrophic, but wildlife doesn't seem to dwell on such things. Check out this story on htrnews.com: https://htrne.ws/2HRmj9N
Jim Knickelbine, For USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Published 10:45 a.m. CT May 5, 2018
Spring blizzard pummels Manitowoc
Brightly colored faux flowers sit in a pot as people shovel their walkways on Manitou Street after a winter storm swept through much of Wisconsin Sunday, Apr. 15, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
A little girl builds a snow man on Lakeshore Blvd. with a foggy Lake Michigan behind her during a winter storm Sunday, Apr. 15, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
A woman snow-blows a sidewalk Sunday, Apr. 15, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Todd Gaudette clears his driveway with a snowblower during a winter storm Sunday, Apr. 15, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
A boy helps shovel on 10th Street Sunday, Apr. 15, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Waves crash against a breakwall along the Lake Michigan shoreline during a winter storm Saturday, Apr. 14, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
A large tree lies on the side of Lakeshore Blvd. after being knocked down by high winds from a winter storm Saturday, Apr. 14, 2018, in Manitowoc, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
A bird hops around fresh snow in Lower Cato Falls Park during a winter snow storm Saturday, Apr. 14, 2018, in Reedsville, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
A robin rests on a branch in Lower Cato Falls Park during a winter snow storm Saturday, Apr. 14, 2018, in Reedsville, Wis. Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Josh Clark/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Ruby-throated hummingbird at Woodland Dunes in Two Rivers.(Photo: Nancy Nabak)
I probably speak for many in saying I don't remember such a drastic change in weather in spring in such a short time before. I do remember the opposite in November long ago when we went from 70 one day to a blizzard the next, but at that time of year, the impact on wildlife is not as great.
I don't know if birds are hopeful as they make their way north in spring, or are just driven by instinct. Some move earlier than others, and for those, the weather three weeks ago was really hard. A lot of people found robins that perished, others found woodcock, which I assume like robins were unable to to reach the soil and its larder of worms and bugs.
At home, we had a small yellow-rumped warbler looking under our eaves for spiders during the storm. Like many, I put out dried mealworms and raisins for birds, which most seem to ignore. I was surprised that cardinals seemed to relish the insects, while robins just looked at them briefly.
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Later in the storm, I found a yellow-rump sheltered in the garage, and a couple of days later, my brother next door had one eating suet at his feeder. But a few days later, despite the warm-up, he also found one dead in his yard. Fortunately, there were other yellow-rumps foraging in the trees, woodcocks in the fields, and robins on our lawns.
Just as with people, life is hard, and those who survive are the strongest and most adaptable.
The silver lining associated with this cloud has been all the more dramatic, and the rapid warm-up and south winds now bring different birds each day. While we were so recently buried in snow, now we are already putting up oranges and nectar feeders for the orioles and hummingbirds — they are already showing up.
White-throated and white-crowned sparrows are everywhere, along with towhees and thrushes and kinglets and the tropical-wintering warblers and grosbeaks.
Along the lakeshore and other waterways, amazing species of shorebirds are present now, and the first pelicans are returning. Many of our mammals already have borne young; others will soon.
In many ways, the ebb and flow of the natural world is like our own. Even though we dominate the nature, our lives are not easy. Nature, however, is relentless, and the forces that drive the seasons are powerful, and the responses of living things are amazing.
Our recent blizzard seemed catastrophic, but wildlife doesn't seem to dwell on such things. Rather, it seems to pick up the pieces as quickly as possible and continue on with life. Watching this gives one the optimistic sense that even huge problems can be overcome.
Especially in spring.
Jim Knickelbine is executive director for the Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve.
Read or Share this story: https://htrne.ws/2HRmj9N
What's a Wisconsin summer without a Two Rivers sundae?
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Seattle's Famous 'Gum Wall' Gets Cleaned Off
It may be a landmark, but one person says it also draws rats.
Manuel Valdes, The Associated Press CP
SEATTLE — A piece of Seattle history is coming down — or rather, 1 million little pieces.
Crews are cleaning up the city's famed "gum wall'' near Pike Place Market, where tourists and locals have been sticking their used chewing gum for the past 20 years.
The wall is plastered with wads of gum in a kaleidoscope of colours, some stretched and pinched into messages, hearts and other designs. People also have used the gooey gobs to paste up pictures, business cards and other mementos.
On Tuesday, powerful steam cleaners were melting it all off.
Emily Crawford, a Pike Place Market spokeswoman, said that following a busy summer season, market leaders decided now was as good a time as any to wipe the wall clean. But they expect people will start leaving gum on the space again soon.
"It's an icon. It's history,'' said onlooker Zoe Freeman, who works near Pike Place. "The market is famous for the gum wall. But it also draws rats.''
Pike Place Market hired a contractor, Cascadian Building Maintenance, to take on the cleaning. They chose steam over pressure-washing to conserve the historic market's brick walls.
On Tuesday, a fruity, sweet smell wafted through the alley as workers in protective suits blasted the dried gum with moist air.
"I just hope that the citizens of Seattle don't hate me for removing the gum wall,'' said Kelly Foster, the contractor's general manager.
People first began smooshing their gum to the wall while waiting for shows at the nearby Market Theater. Since then, the "gum wall'' has expanded beyond one wall and onto other walls of an alley, pipes and even the theatre's box office window.
Crawford said the cleaning crew will collect and weigh the gum each day it is removed. The cleaning is expected to take three days.
By Crawford's rough calculation, there are about 2,200 pounds of gum on the walls.
"We'll find out at the end of the week how right my guesstimate really is,'' she said.
Market officials hope to contain where people put their gum in the future but say they aren't holding their breath.
The pho is pho real.
Flickr: 40726522@N02
The density of Vietnamese restaurants in Seattle is unreal. One of the most renowned is Than Brothers, a local chain serving up the best bowls of pho. There are at least 45 restaurants in Seattle with pho in their name, and even more Vietnamese restaurants that serve it. (And FYI, it's pronounced "fuh," not "foh.")
Cream cheese + hot dog = The Seattle Dog.
Seattle Magazine
It even has its own Wikipedia page. I mean, just ... come on now.
The coffee is knock-out good. But it's NOT from Starbucks.
Original photo: Starbucks
Don't even think about suggesting that Starbucks is the coffee of Seattle. (Or Seattle's Best, for that matter.) There's a little espresso drive-thru just about everywhere you turn. Or, if you're looking for a place to sit, check out Caffe Vita, Victrola, Caffe Ladro, or Vivace.
Pike Place Market. Because, duh.
Flickr: visualsensory
This is a food lover's paradise (and a flower lover's paradise too). Sure, you can pick up a bounty of fresh produce and check off items on your grocery list, but you should also try the baked salmon sandwich at Three Girls, a bag of cinnamon sugar donuts from Daily Dozen Donuts, or crumpets and tea at The Crumpet Shop. Feeling overwhelmed by the copious options? Head to the Athenian and take a moment to gather your thoughts with the coldest beer in Seattle while watching The Seattle Great Wheel as the ferries come in.
Speaking of Pike Place Market, how about those geoducks?
Flickr: mirvettium
No, they're not pronounced "geo-ducks," but rather more like "gooey ducks." Sure, that doesn't make them sound any more appetizing, but fans of the mollusk think they're pretty glorious despite being incredibly unattractive.
Speaking of geoducks, there's fresh seafood everywhere.
Flickr: hadaway
Salmon, smoked salmon, dungeness crab, oysters, halibut ... just try to escape it. You'll never have to buy frozen fish again. (And yes, even the locals like to watch the fish being thrown at Pike Place Market.)
All that fresh fish means exceptional sushi.
Shiro's
Shiro’s is an institution that you need to check out. Chef Daisuke Nakazawa, who was trained by Jiro Ono of the popular documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," worked at Shiro’s prior to opening his spot in New York, Sushi Nakazawa.
The chowder rivals New England's.
Flickr: cowhntrx
A Seattleite will tell you that Ivar's clam chowder destroys anything made in New England, any day. Take that.
There's legal marijuana. And it's in the food, too.
Brent Hofacker via Getty Images
Now that marijuana is legal in Washington State, pot has made its way into food, drink and baked goods. Places like Uncle Ike's not only sell weed, but delicious baked goods, too. Need we say more?
Dick's is the perfect late-night pick-me-up.
Flickr: darwinbell
Dick's Drive-In has been a Seattle institution since 1954, serving up old school burgers and shakes. Order from the window (it's not a drive-thru type of place) off the menu, which doesn't feature a single item over $2.90. Open late, it's the perfect meal after a boozy night.
The locals have fully embraced the farm-to-table movement.
Damn The Weather
The city is loaded with farm-to-table restaurants, and one of the newest restaurants achieving this style at a high level is Damn the Weather at Pioneer Square. A beautiful, romantic and cozy space, Damn the Weather isn't solely about delicious, reasonably priced food (the Caesar salad sandwich is a revelation) -- it's also got perfectly crafted, incredibly inventive cocktails.
The microbreweries are on fleek.
Elysian Brewing
Seattle and the Pacific Northwest in general have an abundance of microbreweries, one the best of which being Elysian (which, sadly, has just been sold to Anheuser-Busch). There's also Black Raven Brewing Company, Georgetown, and Hilliard's, to name a few.
Even the cupcakes are socially conscious.
Cupcake Royale
Crazily, Cupcake Royale is the nation's first cupcake bakery to open outside of New York City. Their flour comes from local wheat farmers, their dairy is local and growth hormone free, and their eggs are cage-free organic. They also give away 40,000 cupcakes every year to raise funds for local non-profits, so these are cupcakes you don't need to feel guilty about.
It's easy to find hard-to-find ingredients.
Flickr: camknows
Uwajimaya is one of the largest Asian grocery stores in the Pacific Northwest, where you can basically find every Asian ingredient you can't find anywhere else. Want to make your own dashi for your ramen? This is the place to go. (They also make a mean cup of tea and coffee.)
The Mexican food is affordable and phenomenal.
Flickr: sea-turtle
For cheap eats (the best kind), check out Rancho Bravo. Located in an old KFC building in Seattle's "hip" Capitol Hill neighborhood, this place fills you up for $5. The locals also recommend El Camion in Ballard for their $1.50 tacos, and the burrito is big enough to last you all day. If you smile while you order, you might just get a Mexican Coke on the house.
Two words: Seattle teriyaki.
Flickr: rheaney
The immigrant culture in Seattle has created its own version of teriyaki that really hasn’t been replicated anywhere else.
Blackberries. They're everywhere.
Monkey Business Images via Getty Images
Blackberries are so abundant in the Pacific Northwest that they're actually considered an invasive species. This means a plethora of blackberries pies, jams, ice creams, cocktails, and more. Make sure to pay the region a visit at the end of summer to find them at their peak.
Ezell's Famous Chicken has the market cornered on frying.
Flickr: scarequotes
Esquire named this stuff "the most life-changing fried chicken in America." Bonus points for having gizzards and livers on the menu, which ups the street cred. Get yourself to an Ezell's, stat.
You'll make best friends with Molly Moon.
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream shops are basically filled with magic and happiness, and they make flavors like "Scout" Mint and Bruleed Grapefruit Sorbet, and Meyer Lemon. Seen here: Thai iced tea ice cream. Sigh.
It's home to some of the best vegetarian sandwiches ever.
The Honey Hole
The Honey Hole is a sandwich shop that'll change the way you think about those little slabs of bread and cold-cuts you pack for work. According to our sources, their vegetarian sandwiches alone are worth the trip (don't worry, carnivores, they've got plenty of meaty options, too).
Rachel’s Ginger Beer is everything.
Rachel's Ginger Beer
Fresh, fragrant, and not too sweet, Rachel's Ginger Beer comes in flavors like Strawberry Rhubarb, Asian pear, Cranberry-Apricot, Blueberry, and Carrot Beet.
Apples, man. Apples.
Helen Cathcart via Getty Images
Seattlelites love their cider (make sure you hit up Capitol Cider). Why do they love it so much? Oh, I don't know. Maybe because Washington State produces about 70 percent of the apples grown in the United States. HOW ABOUT THEM APPLES. *mic drop*
MORE: gum wall news pike place gum wall seattle seattle gum wall seattle gum wall cleaned seattle gum wall scrubbed seattle pike place gum wall seattle wall of gum video
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What Donald Trump's Words Feel Like To Muslims Like Me
I'll tell you how it feels to hear Trump -- a front-running candidate to lead the world's most powerful country -- say he wants a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." How it feels to hear supporters say "send them all back."
Deena Douara Writer, Communications Consultant
AIKEN, SC - DECEMBER 12, 2015: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to the crowd at town hall meeting Saturday, December 12, 2015 in Aiken, South Carolina. The South Carolina Republican primary is scheduled for February 20, 2016. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
You know how I feel about Donald Trump.
I'm a Muslim and an American, and you know how I feel about Trump.
I sat in the newsroom as he made his comments about banning Muslims from coming into the U.S. Someone referenced Hitler, it was slotted for a news page (in Toronto, a brief), and we all went about our work.
Meanwhile, I stared at the screen. Is it naïve to continue to feel disbelief when every outrageous statement is only incrementally more horrid than the one before?
I'm weary of trying to convince people of things. That Islamophobia is prevalent and experienced by people I love. Or that what's happening today has little to do with religion.
Instead, I'll tell you how it feels to hear Trump -- a front-running candidate to lead the world's most powerful country -- say he wants a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States." How it feels to hear supporters say "send them all back."
You know how I feel, but I hope you'll still hear me say it.
It feels like anger. Anger at the lies Trump knowingly spews that leave Muslims as casualties in very real ways, at home and abroad. Anger at the blatantly false information that will shape how Americans --- and Canadians, too -- view their coworkers and their neighbours.
"I watched thousands and thousands of people cheering," he says, of reactions to 9/11 in New Jersey -- a claim supported by nothing and no one. Suggestions -- a Muslim registry, ID cards -- that push the boundaries of what can be thought and vocalized. And anger at the muted response. Calls here and there to remove his name from a building, snickers, headlines, to be sure. But visceral outrage? For words that so closely parallel Hitler for a population with still-living links? I have to turn to Facebook for that.
It feels like sadness. Like a friend, who was a refugee, hearing "ship them all back" from a Trump supporter. Would they send her family back, whatever the horror "back" represents? "I don't want them here," they say. "They need to go." Sadness because I suspect I have school friends who would now nod their heads, agreeing their families really would be safer this way.
"Trump is no lone loon -- he has support and admiration, and has other candidates seething that he's captured the hate vote."
With sadness I recall the humour and generosity of Syrians I met years ago -- the young hostel owners who shared their food, the man who talked about films as I bought cloth from him. Sad to hear them now compared to "rabid dogs" by another candidate, Ben Carson, and know they would have showered him with the same kindness.
It feels like fear. Not fear I'll be patching crescents onto my coats anytime soon, but I do fear for the soul of the country I grew up in. What are we capable of when Trump calls waterboarding "peanuts"? Fear that people selling "anti-jihad" rifles who distribute Qur'ans for target practice will move into the mainstream, acknowledged and accepted in this "anti-political-correctness" ethos.
It feels like worry. Like hearing friends select baby names based on their sounding not-too-Muslim-y. Worry for how refugees -- from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq -- will be received and what future awaits them when many in the world's wealthiest nation see them as ticking time bombs.
It feels like bafflement. How the very people who accept thousands of casualties from guns will take all measures to brace against a single death by "Muslim." Gun rights principles above all, but no principles that stand by people like me.
It feels like frustration. Hearing experts agree that inflammatory rhetoric leads to greater isolation and radicalization in dark and vulnerable corners at home, and emboldens groups like ISIS abroad, meaning that Trump and his compatriots help create the world they purport to combat. Frustration because high-profile comments gives people permission to express their nastiest inclinations. Frustration with the lack of transparency around mass killings when they are perpetrated by Muslims -- who always wind up dead, and who always inspire alternate stories, "conspiracy theories," difficult to ignore.
There is no need to reassure me Trump will not win the presidency, or that a registry system would never pass. It does not matter. Trump is no lone loon -- he has support and admiration, and has other candidates seething that he's captured the hate vote.
The statements that evoke these feelings are harmful, now. They have repercussions, now. And they change the America that I grew up in, now.
This article originally appeared inMetro
Photo gallery Donald Trump Protest See Gallery
Donald Trump Protest
MORE: 2016 election 9/11 anti-muslim Anti-Muslim Bias blogs Donald Trump Gun Rights hitler islam islamophobia Political Correctness Politics refugees Republicans syria Syrian Refugees syrians trump
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40 Books To Read Before Turning 40
By Leigh Newman
The manual for making your first four decades the most joyful, wise and stress-free of your life.
Book Recommendations OWN Simplify Your Life OWN Live Happier Own Classic Books
"Mom & Me & Mom" By Maya Angelou
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mom-Me-Maya-Angelou/dp/1400066115/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375398570&s=books&sr=1-1&tag=thehuffingtop-20" target="_blank"><strong>The memoir can teach anybody to forgive, let go of a tough past and get along with a hell-on-wheels parent (and we mean anybody.)</strong></a> Maya Angelou's moving, honest portrait of her up and down relationship with Vivian Baxter -- the bold, smart, hard-drinking, pistol-toting woman who left Angelou with her grandmother for most of her childhood but reunited with her during her daughter's adolescence -- is full of wisdom, laughs and blockbuster sentences like, "there are times when no one is right and sometimes among family and children, no one can admit that there is no right, and that maybe at the same time there is no wrong," and, "She liberated me from a society that would have had me think of myself as the lower of the low. She liberated me to life." -- Leigh Newman
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Carine Fabius, Contributor
People, Edit Thyselves
Self-indulgence has reached epidemic proportions in the world of feature films and documentaries. I propose that filmmakers be required to get permission from a special committee for any film over 90 minutes, and that I get a seat on that committee.
Before you start screaming about censorship and artistic freedom, let's just admit that 90 minutes is that sweet spot, which engenders snappy films that leave you wanting more. There is a case to be made for epic films like The Godfather (2 hours, 58 minutes), but they are surely the exception. The problem is that most filmmakers now consider their movies to be epics. Get over yourselves, will you?
I just saw American Hustle, which by today's standards, came in at a "lean" 2 hours and 9 minutes; but I swear it needed shaving by 40 minutes. Those annoying inconsistencies--like why the Amy Adams character is always wearing plunging necklines at business meetings, especially the ones where her presence makes no sense, and no one asks the obvious Why are you here?--would conveniently disappear if the film were shorter.
In one scene, the Jennifer Lawrence character says something like, ...That's the reason I betrayed you, because I knew it would lead to you arriving at this fantastic solution to our problems. That's why I did it. And then two minutes later, she says the exact same line all over again. If not proof of director David O. Russell's self-indulgence it is unmasked indifference for the viewer, whose creaky knees must endure more egregious time in that movie-theater seat. Yet another reason to stay home and wait until the thing comes out on DVD.
When I saw the billboard for The Wolf of Wall Street, I thought for sure I would see it until I noticed something in the New York Times' mostly positive review about "...scenes that drag on too long..." Desire to see the film seeped out like an insidious hiss from a hot air balloon, leaving me wilted and bummed out that I would probably skip it after all. Plus, do I really need to see 2 hours and 59 minutes of some Wall Street asshole's exploits in excess? Nah.
And while I'm making the case for letting editors do their jobs, why don't we all start editing ourselves. Am I wrong or has TMI (Too Much Information) become endemic?
Earth to Carine: Are you really asking that question in the Facebook era?
Right. In fact, I'll tell you a story. I asked a friend of mine the other day if he'd read my blog on the very same subject we were discussing, and he replied: I read all your blogs. And by the way, could you do me a favor and make them shorter?
I wanted to channel philosopher Blaise Pascal and say, I would write shorter blogs if I had more time. Instead I said, "I do try, but I'll work on it some more!" I invite you--filmmakers and all the overly verbose people of Earth--to join me.
American Hustle The Wolf Of Wall Street Blaise Pascal Editing Filmmaking
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Istio: A Complete Guide
By: IBM Cloud Education
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Learn more about Istio—open technology that provides a way for developers to seamlessly connect, manage, and secure networks of different microservices.
What is Istio?
The network service mesh
Istio and Kubernetes
Benefits of Istio
Istio Examples
Istio vs. Envoy
Istio tutorial
Istio and IBM
Istio is a configurable, open source service-mesh layer that connects, monitors, and secures the containers in a Kubernetes cluster. At this writing, Istio works natively with Kubernetes only, but its open source nature makes it possible for anyone to write extensions enabling Istio to run on any cluster software. Today, we'll focus on using Istio with Kubernetes, its most popular use case.
Kubernetes is a container orchestration tool, and one core unit of Kubernetes is a node. A node consists of one or more containers, along with file systems or other components. A microservices architecture might have a dozen different nodes, each representing different microservices. Kubernetes manages availability and resource consumption of nodes, adding pods as demand increases with the pod autoscaler. Istio injects additional containers into the pod to add security, management, and monitoring.
Because it is open source, Istio can run on any public cloud provider that supports it and any private cloud with willing administrators.
The following video explains the basics of this open-platform, independent service mesh and looks at how it runs on Kubernetes:
When organizations move to microservices, they need to support dozens or hundreds of specific applications. Managing those endpoints separately means supporting a large number of virtual machines or VMs, including demand. Cluster software like Kubernetes can create pods and scale them up, but Kubernetes does not provide routing, traffic rules, or strong monitoring or debugging tools.
Enter the service mesh.
As the number of services increases, the number of potential ways to communicate increases exponentially. Two services have only two communication paths. Three services have six, while 10 services have 90. A service mesh provides a single way to configure those communications paths by creating a policy for the communication.
A service mesh instruments the services and directs communications traffic according to a predefined configuration. That means that instead of configuring a running container (or writing code to do so), an administrator can provide configuration to the service mesh and have it complete that work. This previously always had to happen with web servers and service-to-service communication.
The most common way to do this in a cluster is to use the sidecar pattern. A sidecar is a new container, inside the pod, that routes and observes communications traffic between services and containers.
As mentioned earlier, Istio layers on top of Kubernetes, adding containers that are essentially invisible to the programmer and administrator. Called "sidecar" containers, these act as a "person in the middle," directing traffic and monitoring the interactions between components. The two work in combination in three ways: configuration, monitoring, and management.
The primary method to set configuration with Kubernetes is the kubectl command, commonly "kubectl -f <filename>", where the file is a YAML file. Istio users can either run new and different types of YAML files with kubectl or use the new, optional, ioctl command.
With Istio, you can easily monitor the health of your applications running with Kubernetes. Istio's instrumentation can manage and visualize the health of applications, providing more insight than just the general monitoring of cluster and nodes that Kubernetes provides.
Because the interface for Istio is essentially the same as Kubernetes, managing it takes almost no additional work. In fact, Istio allows the user to create policies that impact and manage the entire Kubernetes cluster, reducing time to manage each cluster while eliminating the need for custom management code.
The major benefits of a service mesh include capabilities for improved debugging, monitoring, routing, security, and leverage. That is, with Istio, it will take less effort to manage a wider group of services.
Improved debugging
Say, for example, that a service has multiple dependencies. The pay_claim service at an insurance company calls the deductible_amt service, which calls the is_member_covered service, and so on. A complex dependency chain might have 10 or 12 service calls. When one of those 12 is failing, there will be a cascading set of failures that result in some sort of 500 error, 400 error, or possibly no response at all.
To debug that set of calls, you can use something like a stack trace. On the frontend, client-side developers can see what elements are pulled back from web servers, in what order, and examine them. Frontend programmers can get a waterfall diagram to aid in debugging:
What the example does not show is what happens inside the data center—how callback=parselLotamaAudiences calls four other web services and which ones respond more slowly. Later, we will see how Istio provides tools to trace function calls in a diagram much like this one.
DevOps teams and IT Administration may want to observe the traffic to see latency, time-in-service, errors as a percentage of traffic, and so on. Often, they want to see a dashboard. A dashboard provides a visualization of the sum, or average, or those metrics over time—perhaps with the ability to "drill down" to a specific node, service, or pod. Kubernetes does not provide this functionality natively.
By default, Kubernetes allows every pod to send traffic to every other pod. Istio allows administrators to create a policy to restrict which services can work with each other. So, for example, services can only call other services that are true dependencies. Another policy to keep services up is a rate limit, which will stop excess traffic from clogging a service and prevent denial of service attacks.
Routing and load balancing
By default, Kubernetes provides round-robin load balancing. If there are six pods that provide a microservice, Kubernetes will provide a load balancer, or "service," that sends requests to each pod in increasing order, then it will start over. However, sometimes a company will deploy different versions of the same service in production.
The simplest example of this may be a blue/green deploy. In that case, the software might build an entirely new version of the application in production without sending production users to it. After promoting the new version, the company can keep the old servers around to make switchback quick in the event of failure.
With Istio, this is as simple as using tagging in a configuration file. Administrators can also use labels to indicate what type of service to connect to and build rules based on headers. So, for example, beta users can route to a ‘canary’ pod with the latest and greatest build, while regular users go to the stable production build.
Circuit breaking
If a service is overloaded or down, additional requests will fail while continuing to overload the system. Because Istio is tracking errors and delays, it can force a pause—allowing a service to recover—after a specific number of requests set by policy. You can enforce this policy across the entire cluster by creating a small text file and directing Istio to use it as a new policy.
Istio provides identity, policy, and encryption by default, along with authentication, authorization, and audit (AAA). Any pods under management that communicate with others will use encrypted traffic, preventing any observation. The identity service, combined with encryption, ensures that no unauthorized user can fake—or "spoof"—a service call. AAA provides security and operations professionals the tools they need to monitor, with less overhead.
Traditional applications still need the identify, policy, and security features that Istio offers. That has programmers and administrators working at the wrong level of abstraction, reimplementing the same security rules over and over for every service. Istio allows them to work at the right level—setting policy for the cluster through a single control panel. At the same time, with Istio's access controls, dashboards, and debugging tools described below, you can easily add a plugin at the command line, rather than go to a web page.
Visualize services
Istio 1.1 includes a new add-on called Kiali that which provides a web-based visualization. You can use it to track service requests, drill into details, or even export the service request history as a JSON to query and format in your own way. The workload graph below offers a real-time generated dependency graph based on the services that actually depend on each other. It is generated from actual observations of traffic.
Trace service calls
The Jaeger service, a component of Istio, provides tracing for any given service. In this example, we’ve traced the product page. Ever dot in the first image represents a service call. By clicking on a dot, we can “drill down” into the waterfall diagram to follow the exact services requests and responses.
We can also look more closely at the product page. We can see the errors are in product page itself—that details returned successfully.
Istio comes with many dashboards (out of the box) to monitor system health and performance. These can measure CPU and memory utilization, traffic demand, the number of 400 and 500 errors, time to serve requests, and more. Best of all, they are available by simply installing and running Istio and adding Grafana, one of the included open source dashboard tools for Istio. Istio also provides two other dashboards: Kiali and Jaeger.
Istio uses a version of Envoy, though heavily extended, to perform the monitoring, management, and logging. Every pod needs to be tracked, and Istio needs to aggregate and provide information about all of the pods. One possible alternative to using Istio would be to deploy Envoy into the Kubernetes cluster directly and write management code. Although, when you think about it, this is essentially rewriting what Istio is, with all the associated costs and bugs of a custom development project.
The Istio website includes lots of helpful documentation and instructions for getting started with Istio. For example, you can find step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring an Istio mesh on IBM Cloud.
Managed Istio is available as part of IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service. The service provides seamless installation of Istio, automatic updates and lifecycle management of control plane components, and integration with platform logging and monitoring tools. Add the managed Istio integration to your new or existing clusters and take back control of your microservices today. If you're interested in exploring Knative, see "Knative: A Complete Guide."
Learn more about Managed Istio on IBM Cloud Kubernetes Service
For an overview of how managed Kubernetes can help you in your cloud journey, see our video, "Advantages of Managed Kubernetes":
To learn more about best practices to enable and expedite container deployment in production environments, see the report "Best Practices for Running Containers and Kubernetes in Production."
If you are ready to start using IBM Cloud today, sign up here.
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Final Fantasy 15: Square Enix confirms 30 September worldwide release data and launches new demo
By Ben Skipper
March 31, 2016 11:04 BST
The logo for Final Fantasy 15. Square Enix
Square Enix has confirmed reports that highly-anticipated RPG Final Fantasy 15 will be released worldwide for PS4 and Xbox One on 30 September. The announcement was made at the Final Fantasy 15 Uncovered live event held in Los Angeles in the early hours of 31 March.
The release date leaked shortly before the event courtesy of GameSpot, who accidentally broke Square's non-disclosure agreement by publishing a video early (via NeoGAF), and confirms a report from Gematsu in mid-March claiming that the game would launch on that date.
A new demo has also been released to coincide with the announcement, and offers a taste of what to expect from the game while offering a slice of gameplay that won't be available in the final product. The demo "whisks players away to a fragmented dreamscape, introducing an original story with a few unique twists. Join young Noctis [the lead character] and his magical guide as you explore the fantastical world of his dreams."
The Platinum Demo is available now on the PlayStation and Xbox stores. Those who complete it will get access to Carbuncle when the game launches. Carbuncle is the white cat thing that's also a recurring magical summon in the Final Fantasy series. A trailer was released to show off the demo, which you can watch below.
At the Uncovered event, Square also revealed a new trailer for the full game, featuring an orchestral cover of Ben E. King's Stand By Me by Florence and the Machine, a new anime series to be released on YouTube and a new animated feature film starring Sean Bean, Aaron Paul and Lena Headey.
For all the latest video game news follow us on Twitter @IBTGamesUK.
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Security Threats: 5 Common Network Blind Spots
A new security paradigm is emerging, one that charges security and network pros not only with keeping threats out, but also with gaining and maintaining visibility over what's already inside their networks.
Rise of Virtualized Infrastructure
Enterprises struggle to monitor virtualized infrastructure in comparison to physical infrastructure and its proliferation and ability to scale rapidly intensifies this problem. Combine that with the ongoing drive to adopt SDN frameworks and the disruption that has caused in the data center and it's easy to see where blind spots are created.
Enterprise networks are changing at a rapid pace – becoming more complex as next-generation advancements transform traditional architectures. Simultaneously, enterprises of all kinds and across all industries are coming to the sobering conclusion that with these changes, the traditional approach to cybersecurity is no longer effective.
Perimeter defenses, while still necessary, are no longer sufficient in the face of this once inconceivable, but now irrefutable, reality: Breaches will occur. Where cyber attacks of the past were intentionally grandiose and overt, today's attackers more often prefer to move low and slow, creating command and control channels through which to steal valuable information over long periods of time while remaining undetected.
With these changes a new security paradigm is emerging, one that charges security and network professionals not only with keeping threats out, but also with gaining and maintaining visibility over what's already inside their networks; however, the increasing complexity of networks creates blind spots that make seeing these threats more difficult than ever. What's more, these blind spots are caused by a number of factors and often create bottlenecks that can degrade network performance. In this slideshow, Gigamon has highlighted the most common causes of network blind spots.
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Emerging Tech Mobility Wireless & IoT
The future of the desktop PC
Tamer Marzouk
@tamer_marzouk
Published: August 5th, 2015
Is the PC dead? Invented in 1960s, the PC is facing a fierce wave of disruption and whether it will survive or not is a huge debate of these days.
Recent advances in technology and the introduction of new trends such as mobile technologies and cloud computing have put the future of PCs on stake. Smart phones are equipped with the processing power to run applications originally built for PCs. However, new technology trends including big data and its associated analytics tools might be rescue boat for some time as they rely heavily on high processing power offered by PCs.
Why this topic now?
A recent Gartner report discussed the decline in the sales of PCs and expects it to continue through at least 2016. It’s also worth mentioning is that the decline isn’t homogeneous across regions and different vendors show different numbers. The strengthening US dollar, end of Windows XP support, and Windows 10 launch played role on the decline.
Gartner isn’t the only analyst to report this decline. In 2014, IDC reported a similar decline not only in the sales of the PCs but also in its usage, desktops in particular. End users were faster than enterprises to switch to modern mobile computing devices. This trend was also reported back to 2013 where IDC predicted the decline in PCs sales which would last till 2017.
But is decline in sales a good enough measure to decide on this topic? The decline in sales essentially indicates that that the market is not only dominated by PCs, but that there are other strong and competitors, such as tablets and smart phones.
There are still supporters of the PC who largely believe it will survive and that desktop PCs are still needed for several reasons: despite the competitive technology trends, PCs still offer particular unbeatable features including display, processing power, scalability, storage, availability and accessibility. But it is likely the PCs will not stand the competition as the new mobile devices offer some advantages over the traditional PCs in terms of usability, security, portability and sold at much less prices.
IBM readies itself for the future
Is Microsoft Mobile critical to its enterprise endeavours?
How should vendors respond to these rapid changes?
While traditional desktop computer are still needed to serve particular purposes, the mobility remains as a strong future trend. PC survival will likely be in the continuity of laptops and notebook.
Lenovo for example is looking into new technologies and targeting emerging markets. Lenovo CEO said that the “the future PC is not the past PC.” Smart phones and tablets are driving the revenue streams and growth is highly correlated to its success in current and new market.
Avram Piltch wrote on how to save the PC industry by the laptop product line. In order to encourage consumers move to laptops, manufacturers should pay attention to factors such as price, design, screen resolution, battery life, enhancing users’ data entry experience.
The future of PC
Moore’s law is in favour of the assumption that smart phones are to replace PCs where the processing power of today’s PCs could be substituted by smartphones supported by the cloud.
Also, as we witness new inventions at high rates, it is expected that newer models, such as Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) is a practical replacement for the desktop PC serving particular purposes such as banking sector where security and data protection is highly desired.
Regardless of which side you support, the future of PCs might be something we have known such as tablets, or something evolving such as smart phones, or some new innovation such as Intel’s NUC.
The reality here is that we live in a world of continuous disruption and whether the PC is dead or not yet is a matter of time. The industry is changing rapidly and all stakeholders should be ready to cope with this change. Personal and minicomputers disrupted the mainframe and pushed it out of the market. Today smart phones and other hand-held devices are disrupting the personal computer world.
Your contribution and opinions are highly welcomed within the context of this discussion.
You can find more about this topic at the recap of the recent #CDNchats on Twitter about the death of the PC.
Emerging Tech, Mobility, Wireless & IoT cloud, desktop computers, handheld devices, Mobile, PC
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Online identity management is a mess, and it's time for Canadians to fix it
About Tamer Marzouk
A management consultant, with 18 years of experience in diverse capacities, Tamer Marzouk began his career as an IT professional. Marzouk is an author, speaker, and lecturer. Marzouk holds MBA and M.COMP degrees with research focused on change management and human behavior in ERP implementations.
Follow Follow @tamer_marzouk on Twitter Join Tamer Marzouk on LinkedIn
Sponsored By: D-Link
Cloud-managed networking for companies of every size
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Simmba Beats Badhaai Ho at Box Office, Ranveer Singh Starrer Becomes Sixth Highest Grosser of 2018
Simmba beats Ayushmann Khurrana's Badhaai Ho in just 6 days
Published: January 3, 2019 7:17 PM IST
By India.com Entertainment Desk Email
Simmba and Badhaai Ho
Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan‘s Simmba has already crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in just five days at the Box Office. With this, the film has also crossed the lifetime business of Ayushmann Khurrana’s Badhaai Ho. Simmba is now the sixth-highest grosser of the year 2018.
Rohit Shetty‘s film Simmba is running successfully at the Box Office and has garnered a total of Rs. 139.03 crore in India. It has crossed Ayushmann Khurrana‘s Badhaai Ho (Rs 136.88 crore) collection. It is being said that in a few more days, Simmba will surpass Thugs of Hindostan, Race 3 and Baaghi 2 and grab the third spot in the list.
Here’s the list of top 10 grossers of 2018:
Sanju – Rs 341.22 crore
Padmaavat – Rs 302.50 crore
Race 3 – Rs 175 crore
Baaghi 2 – Rs 165 crore
Thugs of Hindostan – Rs 152 crore
Simmba – Rs 139.04 crore*
Badhaai Ho – Rs 136.88 crore
Stree – Rs 129.90 crore
Raazi – Rs 123.17 crore
Gold – Rs 110 crore
Simmba has become director Rohit Shetty’s eighth film to go past Rs 100 crore. He is now the only director in the Hindi film industry to have given eight back-to-back Rs 100 crore films at the Box Office. The cop drama is also Ranveer’s fourth and Sara’s first film to have crossed Rs 100 crore at the Box Office. Apart from the actor’s starry appeal, the content of Simmba is attracting the audience to theatres. The film also has special appearances by Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, that has added to the entire buzz. The good word-of-mouth combined with an effective promotion is working in favour of Simmba.
Earlier, talking about the content of Simmba, Ranveer told Mid-Day, “Simmba is a potboiler — a thali of romance, action, comedy, and drama. But some of the intense scenes in Simmba will give you goosebumps. I am hopeful that this (Simmba) will change how masala films are seen as a genre in this country”.
Published Date: January 3, 2019 7:17 PM IST
Ayushmann Khuraranabadhaai hoRanveer SinghRohit ShettySara Ali KhanSimmba
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HALES, Stephen.
Vegetable Staticks: Or, An Account of some Statical Experiments on the Sap in Vegetables: Being an Essay towards a Natural History of Vegetation. Also, a Specimen of an Attempt to Analyse the Air, By a great Variety of Chymio-Statical Experiments.
19 engraved plates. 4 p.l., ii-vii, [2], 376 pp. 8vo, cont. calf (expertly rejointed), double gilt fillet round sides, spine gilt, red morocco lettering pieces on spine. London: W.& J. Innys, 1727.
[with]:
— . Statical Essays: containing Haemastaticks; or, an Account of some Hydraulick and Hydrostatical Experiments made on the Blood and Blood-Vessels of Animals...To which is added, an Appendix, containing Observations and Experiments relating to several Subjects in the first Volume...With an Index to both Volumes. xxii, [26], 361, [23] pp. 8vo, cont. calf (upper joint with a tiny split at head), double gilt fillet round sides, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. London: W. Innvs, R. Manby, & T. Woodward, 1733.
First editions and a very fine, fresh, and crisp set in matching bindings; these are great classics of experimental science. This set belonged to the great biologist Abraham Trembley (1710-84), who is best known for his pioneer studies of hydra; he has been called “the father of experimental zoology.” He has signed the title-page at the foot of Vol. I (along with the maiden name of his wife, Strassen).
In the first volume, Hales “studied the movement of sap in plants and discovered what is now known as root pressure. He measured the amount of water lost by plants through evaporation and related this to the amount of water present in a given area of soil in which the plants were growing. He estimated rain and dewfall in this connexion, measured the rate of growth of shoots and leaves, and investigated the influence of light on plants. He experimented on gases and found that they were obtainable from plants by dry distillation. He was the first to realize that carbon dioxide was supplied to plants by the air and formed a vital part of the plant’s food supply. These experiments led the way to those of Ingenhousz and de Saussure, while his ideas on combustion and respiration facilitated the discoveries of Black, Lavoisier and Priestley...
“The second volume contains the studies in blood pressure which make Hales one of the founders of modern experimental physiology. The application of the principle of the pressure-gauge or manometer enabled him to measure blood pressure during the contraction of the heart. He computed the circulation rate and estimated the velocity of the blood in the veins, arteries and capillary vessels and by showing that the capillary vessels are liable to constriction and dilation he made an important contribution both to the study of physiology and the practice of the physician of today...Hales’s work marked the greatest advance in the physiology of the circulation between Harvey and the introduction of the mercury manometer and other instruments for the measurement of blood pressure by J. L. M. Poiseuille in 1828.”–Printing & the Mind of Man 189.
Uniformly bound sets of first editions are of great rarity.
❧ I & II: Horblit 45a & b. I: Dibner, Heralds of Science, 26. II: Garrison-Morton 765–“the single greatest contribution to our knowledge of the vascular system after Harvey, and led to the development of the blood-pressure measuring instruments now in universal use.”.
See all items in Biology, Cardiology, Chemistry, Medicine, Printing & The Mind Of Man Items, Science
See all items by Stephen HALES
TORII, Kiyonaga, artist.
Saishiki mitsu no asa [Colors...
MoreSaishiki mitsu no asa [Colors of the Triple Dawn]. Preface by Yomo Magao
(SÉGUIER, PIERRE).
Catalogue des Manuscrits de la...
MoreCatalogue des Manuscrits de la Bibliothèque de defunt Monseigneur le Chancellier...
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Operation India One
By : Shiv Kumar
Publisher : Om Books International
Dedicated police officer, ACP Gautam Dhaliwal, takes it upon himself to root out the MAF, a major Naxal organisation based in the remote village of Bhagatpur, Bihar, as part of the Central Government-backed, Operation India One. However, as his investigations progress, he unmasks the official façade of the modelof development that he had set out to defend. He is shocked to learn about the ugly nexus of unscrupulous politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen feeding off the oppression of the underprivileged. Torn between his commitment to the Indian State and the sympathy he begins to feel for the distressed people of Bhagatpur, an agonised ACP Dhaliwal is forced to rethink his earlierviews on the meaning of an individual’s responsibility towards fellow countrymen.
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British Prime Minister Theresa May is driven from the Houses of Parliament after the Brexit votes on Wednesday. | AFP-JIJI
World / Politics
Theresa May offers to quit and MPs vote on eight other Brexit options, but still no end to stalemate
Online: Mar 28, 2019
Last Modified: Mar 28, 2019
LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May failed to sway hard-line opponents of her European Union divorce deal on Wednesday with an offer to quit, and Parliament’s bid to agree on an alternative fell short, leaving the Brexit process as deadlocked as ever.
May told her Conservative lawmakers she would step down if her Brexit deal was finally passed by Parliament at the third attempt, in a last-ditch bid to win over many of her party’s euroskeptic rebels.
But some were unmoved, and the Northern Irish party crucial to getting the agreement through said it would reject the deal again.
Britain was supposed to leave the bloc on Friday, but Brussels agreed last week to put back the divorce date until April 12 to give London a chance to resolve the three-year crisis, which has split the country down the middle.
However, it still remains uncertain how, when or even whether the United Kingdom, the world’s fifth-biggest economy, will leave the EU. The possibilities that it will leave with no deal to soften the shock to its economy, or delay the departure date to hold a general election, have increased as other options fade.
While May’s deal continued to stumble, an attempt by Parliament to take control of the process by holding a series of indicative votes on other options produced no immediate way through the impasse. None of the proposals, many of which involved closer alignment with the EU than May envisages, won the support of a majority of lawmakers.
“In a spectacular display of indecision, the House of Commons has voted against remaining in the EU and every version of leaving the EU,” tweeted James Cleverly, the Conservative Party’s deputy chairman.
Some proposals fared better than May’s deal did two weeks ago. Parliament is to hold more indicative votes on Monday after refining the options most likely to secure a majority.
Many Conservative euroskeptics had made clear they would only consider supporting May’s deal if she gave a firm commitment to resign, hoping a new leader would be more sympathetic to their views when negotiating the terms of Britain’s future relationship with the EU.
“I have heard very clearly the mood of the parliamentary party,” May told a meeting of Tory lawmakers. “I know there is a desire for a new approach — and new leadership — in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations — and I won’t stand in the way of that.”But within hours of May’s offer, the Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her minority government, said it would vote against the deal if May brought it back a third time. “We’re in a situation where we cannot sign up to the Withdrawal Agreement,” DUP leader Arlene Foster said.
The government gave itself the option of bringing May’s deal back to Parliament on Friday, although Speaker John Bercow repeated his warning that he would not allow a third vote unless the motion had changed substantially since its last defeat.
May, who voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, had already promised to step down before the next election, due in 2022.
Her deal, defeated in Parliament by 149 votes on March 12 and by 230 votes on Jan. 15, means Britain would leave the EU single market and customs union as well as EU political bodies.
But it requires some EU rules to apply unless ways can be found in the future to ensure that no border posts need to be rebuilt between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.
Many Conservative rebels and the DUP object to this “Irish backstop,” saying it risks binding Britain to the EU for years.
To succeed, May needs at least 75 lawmakers to come over to her side.
After the ERG met, a spokesman said: “There is no way enough votes are coming out of that room to put the (Withdrawal Agreement) through.”
While May was addressing her lawmakers, MPs in the main chamber debated eight other Brexit options, ranging from leaving abruptly with no deal to revoking the divorce altogether.
Though there was no majority support for any, the option calling for a referendum on any departure deal, and another suggesting a U.K.-wide customs union with the EU, won more votes than May’s deal two weeks ago.
If May’s deal were to pass, her office said there would be a contest to replace her after May 22, when Britain would leave the EU.
Most voters think the Brexit negotiations have been handled badly, and recent polls suggest there may now be a slight majority for staying in the EU. Many Conservative MPs say May herself has caused the chaos by not negotiating harder with the EU.
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Kansas City Man Frank Serano Threw A Party For A Pothole In Protest
After repeated requests to the city to fill the offending bump in the road, Frank Serano took an usual step to appeal the municipality.
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Andrea Macdonald
Frank Serano lit a candle, stuck it in a slice of cake, placed it in a Kansas City, Missouri, pothole and had a party. The frustrated citizen has complained to the city over a hundred times about the potholes in his neighborhood, Waldo. The newest fracture had been neglected for three months.
“Fellow Waldo neighbors, please help me celebrate the 3rd (month) birthday of this pothole I reported back in March yet is still not repaired,” Sereno wrote in a Facebook post.
Serano, an avid motorcyclist, said he’s driven past gaping pits in the asphalt that could cause damage to any motor vehicle or cause bodily harm from a fall if he hit them.
“I thought, ‘What I can I do to have a little fun,'” Sereno told Tribune Media via Fox 17. “Everyone is always complaining about the potholes, but complaining doesn’t seem to be getting anything done. So I said, I want to keep it top of mind. I know my fellow Waldo neighbors are just as disgusted as I am so I said, let’s just celebrate it’s birthday. It’s third birthday.”
His stunt got the neighbors talking and gained enough attention that local news stations reported the story. Two days after his tongue-in-cheek protest the 2-feet-wide, 3-inch-deep pothole was filled. Serano plans to throw another party in celebration of the newly patched parcel of land.
"I just wanted to share it and say, 'Hey guys, help me celebrate this pothole's three-month birthday.' Just to make light of it," Frank Sereno told USA TODAY. https://t.co/hajeXCEWBd
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) July 2, 2019
Since January, almost 200 people have filed claims asking the city to pay for vehicular damage, more than double the rate from the previous year, according to KCUR News. The city defends itself by saying that, in order to get your auto body bills compensated, the city must have known about the pothole before the driver hit it.
City spokesperson Maggie Green told KCUR News in a written statement that it depends on “whether the City had sufficient opportunity to repair the area prior to the incident. The City tries to repair potholes as quickly as possible.”
We’ve totaled up pothole numbers for May and our crews continue to impress us! Despite record rainfall, our crews patched 16,238 potholes during the month of May using 569 tons of asphalt. #KCMOPublicWorks ???? pic.twitter.com/GSPGfZjlBW
— Kansas City, MO (@KCMO) June 6, 2019
Kansas City has been fighting a losing battle with the wounded streets. Pothole complaints are at the highest since 2015. The city has recorded nearly four times as many calls as last year and only half of those have been resolved.
Our Public Works crews continue to rock at what they do! They have taken care of this many potholes from December to January…
????️
Total potholes filled: 11,444
Total tons of asphalt used: 300
???????????? pic.twitter.com/wScM7nlLnj
— Kansas City, MO (@KCMO) March 1, 2019
Nationally, vehicle repair bills related to potholes cost drivers $15 billion between 2011 and 2016, according to an American Automobile Association survey.
Hundreds of cases of reported potholes in 2019 remain open, according to the Kansas City public works database.
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'Dance Moms' Star Abby Lee Miller Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
3:01 PM PDT, April 18, 2018 - Inside Edition Staff
Playing Why ‘Dance Moms’ Star Abby Lee Miller Needed Emergency Surgery
Abby Lee Miller is now recovering after she ended up paralyzed and close to death.
The reality TV star was unable to speak as she was approached by paparazzi outside Cedars-Sinai Marina Del Rey Hospital in California. She also struggled to get out of her car.
"In a span of 24 hours, her condition rapidly deteriorated," Dr. Hooman M. Melamed, her orthopedic surgeon, told People magazine. "She was paralyzed from the neck down. Her blood pressure was starting to bottom out."
Miller reportedly fell ill while staying at a halfway house after her release from prison for bankruptcy fraud. It was originally believed that she had suffered a spinal infection.
But Melamed now believes that Miller has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer.
"If we didn't do something, she was going to die," Melamed said.
Miller had surgery Tuesday. Melamed said Miller has started to regain feeling after the paralysis, but added that she will need additional surgery.
"Nobody wants to end up thinking they're going to be paralyzed for the rest of their life," Melamed said. "That's a reality that's facing all of these patients going into it. All you can do is pray and, as a surgeon, you maximize everything you can for the spinal cord to recover itself. I am hopeful."
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Humans+SpawnShareSubscribe
Todd McFarlane Announces 'Spawn' Film Reboot in Production
By Eric Francisco
Filed Under Entertainment, Comic-Con, Horror Movies, Movie News & Superheroes
It’s official, Spawn fans. On a Facebook live stream on Friday afternoon during San Diego Comic-Con, Todd McFarlane announced that “the ink is dry” on a deal with Blumhouse Productions, the indie company behind The Purge, Insidious, Split, Sleight, Get Out, and tons more, to produce McFarlane’s R-rated Spawn reboot.
At Comic-Con, McFarlane flipped on his Facebook Live video with Kevin Smith (who is currently working on Sam and Twitch, a crime drama set in the Spawn universe, for BBC America) to announce Blumhouse as the official backers of Spawn. “We just signed [studio head Jason Blum] yesterday. The ink is just dry,” McFarlane said. “We’ve gone theoretical. No more theoretical. We’re now making movies. We’re going. Jason! Blumhouse! Spawn! Badass! R! It’s coming. Get ready for it. We’re going into production.”
McFarlane then closes his live video, saying, “No more talking, it’s time to do.”
An R-rated reboot of Spawn has been an ongoing project for McFarlane for some time. The Image Comics co-founder and creator of Spawn has openly talked about, and shown progress of, his script for an R-rated reboot of Spawn. McFarlane has said numerous times that his film will be more like an R-rated horror movie than a traditional superhero movie. To retain creative control, McFarlane has been aiming to work with a budget in the neighborhood of $10 million, a fraction of what all studio superhero movies work with today.
The new Spawn movie from Blumhouse will be the second movie to feature McFarlane’s popular Image Comics anti-hero. The first Spawn film was released in 1997 from director Mark A.Z. Dippé and starred Michael Jai White (Arrow) as the titular character. With a budget of $40 million, the movie was a modest box office success but was received poorly by critics.
See McFarlane’s announcement below.
There is no release date yet for Spawn.
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Dublin mirrors California? And no, it’s not the weather
The New York Times is reporting that a housing crisis has gripped California. Sound familiar?
Wed, Jul 19, 2017, 06:00 Updated: Wed, Jul 19, 2017, 15:22
Madeleine Lyons
Orange County, California: the average cost of a home in California is now $500,000, twice the national average
It’s rare that Dublin can compare itself with sunsoaked California living, but it seems there are parallels to be drawn sometimes.
A New York Times article this week stated that a “full-fledged housing crisis has gripped California, marked by a severe lack of affordable homes and apartments for middle-class families”.
Sound familiar? Maybe this will help: the average cost of a home in California is now $500,000, twice the national average. Latest CSO figures show that the average price of a home in Dublin is moving towards the €400,000 mark and is already well above €500,000 in the wider south Dublin area. Meanwhile, the national average remains about €250,000.
With homelessness on the rise, it is becoming commonplace in Los Angeles for people to take up residence in recreational vehicles (RVs).
There has now been something of a backlash against Nimbyism – Not In My Back Yard – whereby policy makers are being called on to deal with communities that are resistant to new housing construction proposals. The article also cited the emergence of “Yes In My Back Yard” organisations which are calling for an end to strict zoning and planning regulations.
With unemployment down, and the Californian economy performing well, property values are rising so fast that middle and lower income earners are being priced out, and forced to drive several hours daily to and from work.
A bill was passed by the US senate last month that would restrict communities’ ability to use zoning, environmental and procedural laws to stop projects they deemed out of character with their neighbourhood. It’s a move not dissimilar to the new fast-track planning laws for large-scale new homes schemes introduced in Ireland, though that has been slow in the delivery.
As Brexit becomes a reality, and with an anticipated influx of mid-level and senior executives relocating from the UK, it’s clear that a similar strategic approach to housing would be far preferable to the usual ad hoc-ery we’re used to.
Let’s look again at density and reconsider high rise, or offer incentives to companies relocating from the UK to move to areas outside Dublin. That way all boats might rise, rather than sinking the already overburdened one.
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Refurbished and reconsidered: new Irish hotel rooms to try
10 Off the grid but still plugged in: The extraordinary life of Margaret Gallagher
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As Case Goes to High Court, Kachin Women Maintain Husbands’ Innocence
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Two Kachin women insist that their husbands are innocent, over three years after they say the men were wrongfully detained and tortured by the military.
By Seamus Martov 22 July 2015
MYITKYINA, Kachin State — Being forced to flee their burned out homes after fighting flared in Kachin State in June 2011 put incredible strain on the families of Lashi Lu and her fellow villager Hkawn Nan, who along with many of their neighbors took shelter in a Myitkyina camp for internally displaces persons (IDPs). But things got far worse for both women a year later, when soldiers from Infantry Battalion 37 arrested their husbands while they were working as cattle hands.
Following the June 2012 arrest of Lashi Lu’s husband Lahpai Gam and Hkawn Nan’s husband Brang Yung, both men were held and interrogated for two weeks by Burma’s Military Affairs Security (Sayapa in Burmese), a division infamous in Kachin State for its harsh treatment of detainees. According to their lawyer Mar Hkar, after days of brutal torture both men falsely confessed to being Kachin Independence Army (KIA) operatives involved in laying land mines and other explosives used in the KIA’s guerrilla campaign against the Burma Army.
During the interrogations, Mar Hkar says their captors forced his clients to sodomize each other, a claim supported by the detainees’ wives, who have been allowed some brief prison visits to see their husbands. Military Affairs Security personnel are also alleged to have ordered the men to re-enact a Kachin traditional Manau dance while shackled. Brang Yung, who like most of his fellow ethnic Kachin is a Christian, was also allegedly forced to stand naked in a Christ-like crucifixion pose for hours on end while his interrogators made insulting comments about his faith.
Both women maintain that their husbands have had nothing to do with the KIA or any plot to detonate explosives. “Our husbands are innocent, they are not KIA,” says Hkawn Nan, as Lashi Lu nods in agreement during a recent interview with The Irrawaddy at their IDP camp on the grounds of Myitkyina’s Shwe Zet Kachin Baptist Church.
Lashi Lu, a soft-spoken mother of four, says that during one of her five-minute prisons visits, her husband explained why both men had made their initial confessions. “He said: ‘If we didn’t confess, we’d be dead now,’” says Lashi Lu. “He confessed because they nearly killed him.”
The women tell The Irrawaddy they want to be reunited with their husbands as soon as possible. Although they are receiving basic food assistance at the displacement camp, losing their families’ breadwinners has made it extremely difficult for them to make ends meet and support their young children.
“We have no money to pay for school fees,” laments Hkawn Nan, herself a mother of three and the younger of the pair. While her friend Lashi Lu speaks softly, Hkawn Nan’s voice shakes with emotion as she recounts the difficulties she has endured since her husband was taken from her.
Compounding their difficulties, neither woman has been able to get steady work since arriving at the IDP camp, located on the outskirts of the Kachin State capital. Theirs is a common predicament, affecting many of the families in IDP camps across the state. The camps are currently receiving less than 20 percent of the funding that aid groups and UN agencies estimate is needed to deal with the ongoing humanitarian crisis triggered by the Kachin conflict, which has displaced more than 100,000 civilians in Kachin State and parts of northwestern Shan State.
The convictions of both Lahpai Gam and Brang Yung rest largely on confessions they made while being held incommunicado in Military Affairs Security custody without access to legal counsel. Mar Hkar’s attempts to have their confessions thrown out during a series of hearings for his clients due to their allegedly being derived from torture have so far been unsuccessful.
The judges presiding over the trials have also repeatedly blocked the defense’s attempts to introduce witness testimony that both men were working as day laborers or were at the IDP camp at the specific times that they were alleged by prosecutors to be receiving explosives training and engaging in other illegal activities.
After a series of hearings that were later criticized by a UN panel for being heavily biased against the defendants, both men were convicted on a number of charges relating to explosives and being a member of an illegal organization, the KIA, which is the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). Lahphai Gam, 56, received a sentence of 20 years in prison, while the younger Brang Yung, 25, was given 21 years.
Mar Hkar, who has appealed his clients’ multiple convictions to the Supreme Court in Naypyidaw, says Lahpai Gam and Brang Yung should be freed immediately and compensated for the abuses they were forced to endure. The lawyer says his clients’ convictions are a complete injustice.
“Legally, there was no evidence to convict them, but they were convicted anyway,” he says. The basis of the appeal largely rests on the defense’s contention that the false confessions were improperly obtained by Military Affairs Security, an entity that Mar Hkar maintains is not legally authorized to obtain confessions in the first place. The Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal is expected soon, though it remains unclear exactly when this will happen.
Mar Hkar’s remains hopeful that the Supreme Court will bring justice for his clients while being all too aware of the serious shortcomings that continue to plague the Burmese justice system. If Burma’s highest court does order Brang Yung and Lahpai Gam released, it would be an unprecedented decision from a body that has, since civilian rule officially resumed in Burma four years ago, shown great deference to the military. The latter institution continues to hold significant influence throughout the country and particularly in Kachin State, where clashes with the KIA continue to occur on a regular basis.
The Myitkyina-based Mar Hkar has, since the Kachin conflict erupted in 2011, found himself repeatedly taking on the military in a number of high-profile human rights cases. That has included the disappearance of a Kachin woman named Sumlut Roi Ja, last seen alive in 2011 in the custody of Burma Army soldiers near the Chinese border, and the arrest and alleged torture of Brang Shawng, a refugee who like Lahpai Gam and Brang Yung was convicted of being a KIA operative on the basis of a confession made while in Military Affairs Security custody, which he too later retracted.
Although Mar Hkar was defeated in all of his legal attempts to have Brang Shawng freed, these efforts were not in vain. Following widespread public outcry in Kachin State in response to the army’s treatment of the man, who has deep scars all over his body to support his claims that he was tortured by army interrogators, President Thein Sein in 2013 issued a presidential pardon ordering his immediate release just weeks after his conviction.
There has yet to be any formal acknowledgment that Brang Shawng was in fact innocent of the numerous charges he was convicted of, but many in Kachin State see his pardon and release as proof that even senior government officials did not believe the army’s claim that the mine worker—known to his friends and fellow IDP camp residents as a simple but hard working family man—was a high-ranking KIA soldier who masterminded a series of attacks against army targets.
Thein Sein has so far failed to act on the formal request issued last October by a coalition of Kachin civil society groups to grant Brang Yung and Lahpai Gam a pardon of their own. The pair have instead had much better success internationally: In separate decisions that were released last year, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled that the men’s continued detention was illegal under international law and called for their immediate release. Their cases were brought to the UN group by lawyers working with the London-based Burma Campaign UK, an advocacy group that has taken a strong interest in the plight of civilians caught up in the Kachin conflict.
According to the UN working group, Burmese government officials did not rebut the submission made by the Burma Campaign UK’s legal team that in addition to being forced to engage in sexual acts, Lahpai Gam was “beaten from head to toe with an iron rod and had a bamboo stick rolled up and down his knees.” The UN group concluded that “such pervasive use of torture to extract evidence nullifies the possibility to fulfill the guarantee of the right to a fair trial.”
The Burmese government also did not provide the working group with any evidence to back up prosecutors’ claims that Lahpai Gam was indeed a sergeant with the KIA, leading the UN working group to declare: “The Army in this case is prosecutor and judge, and has arrest, investigative and trial authority, leaving little room for an impartial trial and outcome.”
Similarly, Burmese officials did not challenge the London lawyers’ submission that Brang Yung was also tortured in a manner that included having his “genitals burnt with candle fire.” That too was noted by the UN working group, which in its decision on the Brang Yung case, released a few months after it weighed in on the plight of Lahphai Gam, concluded that “The [Burmese] Government has not rebutted the allegation that Mr. Brang Yung was arrested in order to extract a confession under torture in detention.”
Mar Hkar, who believes that the UN working group’s decisions strongly bolster his clients claims of innocence, says he was very pleased that the Burma Campaign UK got involved with the case. In doing so, he says, the group has drawn attention to the ongoing human rights situation in Kachin State, which in many ways has been overshadowed by developments in the rest of the country.
“The UN decision has highlighted the injustices we are experiencing here,” adds the young lawyer, who maintains that his clients are far from being the only civilians in the state to be abused while in military custody. Although Mar Hkar sees the strongly worded UN decisions as significant victories on the road to his clients’ eventual freedom, the wives of Brang Yung and Laphai Gam appear less optimistic that they will see their loved ones outside of prison any time soon.
“They charged my husband knowing he was innocent,” says Hkawn Nan. “They charged him knowing it would ruin my family. The government is unjust.”
Topics: A_Factiva, More
Seamus Martov ...
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Archive Harrison Ford Star Wars Interview from 1977
In 1977 a little known actor by the name of Harrison Ford got his big break when Star Wars was unleashed on the world. Here a remarkably fresh faced Ford is interviewed by Bobbie Wygant, the legendary NBC 5 reporter who is still going strong today. Wygant questions Ford about the film and his role within it - neither particularly hiding the fact that they don't really get it - that much - at all. He does, however, wax lyrical (or as lyrical as he gets) about the opening shot. And who wouldn't?
Ford is famous not only for his acting but his dislike of the publicity machine which surrounds movies and in particular the interview treadmill. What makes this particularly special is that the interview was conducted just after the premier when Harrison Ford could still walk the streets without being recongnized by one and all.
What comes across here (apart from his general disinterest in science fiction as a genre) is how laid back Ford is with the whole issue of fame. He is certainly thankful for Star Wars in terms of opening doors for him as an actor - in his own inimitable and unforced way. A very cool blast from the past.
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Labels: Archive , Bobbie Wygant , Cool , Dogs in Space , Han Solo , Harrison Ford , Interview , Robots , Science Fiction , Star Wars
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On Hold: Veterans facing long waits when calling for help
Feds aim to answer 80% of calls within two minutes, but only 40% last year actually were
Jul. 2, 2019 1:20 p.m.
New figures show many veterans have had a hard time getting anyone to pick up when they call Veterans Affairs Canada for information or assistance — with nearly one in five hanging up before their call is answered.
The figures uncovered by The Canadian Press through the access-to-information law show a continued trend of current and former service members being put on hold longer than promised when calling the department’s toll-free number.
While it aims to answer 80 per cent of calls within two minutes, only 40 per cent of the more than 440,000 calls received last year were answered within that target.
A further 84,000 calls were designated as abandoned, meaning the caller hung up.
Veterans usually call the number to apply for or get information about benefits and services, or to get updates on their applications.
READ MORE: B.C. city councillor’s motion to bill military for community events ‘shameful’
The department says it recently hired more employees to ensure call centres are fully staffed and now routinely meets the two-minute target, though it could not provide up-to-date figures because of a technical issue.
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In the event that Kirby School District 140 needs to close schools due to inclement weather or other safety-related concerns, families will receive notification from SchoolMessenger, our electronic messaging system, and an alert will be posted on our District website. KSD 140 also communicates school closure information through social media including Facebook and Twitter.
If you need to update or review your contact information in your SchoolMessenger account, please log in to the SchoolMessenger Contact Manager website. Directions for indicating your contact preferences, including whether you wish to receive notifications at additional phone numbers and through text or email, can be found on this site. Additionally, all accounts have a mailbox feature, which allows you to review messages you may have missed.
Weather-Related School Closing Guidelines:
We place a strong emphasis on keeping our schools open. After consulting the National Weather Service forecast and D140 Transportation and Operations personnel, the decision to close schools is normally made in collaboration with other area superintendents. Some of the primary factors considered are the safety and well-being of students and staff, severity of the weather, timing of weather events, ability of buses and cars to travel safely and the operable condition of our buildings.
KSD 140 recognizes that it is first and foremost a parental decision as to whether or not a child should attend school on inclement weather days. D140 allows an excused absence if parents elect to keep their students home because they have concerns about them traveling safely to or from school. As always, please notify your school office if your student will be absent. Students who are absent due to inclement weather will be given the opportunity to complete their academic work in the same manner as any excused absence from school.
As always, the safety and security of our students and staff remains a top priority of KSD140.
Where can I find information about school closings?
School Closing Information:
Families will receive notification from SchoolMessenger, our electronic messaging system
Kirby School District 140 Website – ksd140.org
KSD 140 Facebook Page - @ksd140
KSD 140 Twitter Page - @KirbySD140
Emergency Closing Center (ECC) - EmergencyClosing.com
Chicago TV Stations: CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, FOX, and CLTV News
Radio Stations WGN AM 720 or WBBM AM 780
For Weather information:
National Weather Service Website - weather.gov
Before and After School Activities and Programs:
If school is closed for the day, before and after school activities and programs, including Ivy League, will also be cancelled.
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OUR ESCAPE ROOMS ARE NOW OPEN!
Full Moon Escape rooms are a perfect venue to have fun with a group. While each escape room will only accommodate 10 people, both the Ghost of Merlin and the Beast Workshop Escape Rooms plus the private room can easily allow groups from 20 to 60 in a three-hour window. A two-hour window can accommodate up to 40 people if all participate in the escape games.
Party packages can include one or both escape rooms, and a private room.
Top TERRORific Haunted Attractions in the U.S
Queen of Haunts Picks Scary Entertainment Venues that Cast a Perfect Mix of Scare and Fun
Queen of Haunts, is a legacy in the haunt business, earning the title from her immense experience and achievement in the industry. Queen of Haunts started in the business of scare as a small child who slept in a coffin at the family's Edge of Hell attraction. Now, 44 years later the attraction is still operating alongside her other nationally acclaimed haunts.
Read more here....
The Beast claws its way annually to hold the title of one of the scariest haunted houses in the U.S. since its launch in 1991 with the nation’s first “open format design”.
Click here and check dates and ticket options.
Visitors get a 4D experience using their senses and wits to find their way through its open format design, experience dramatic scenes to escape the lurking threats of voodoo, a live alligator, werewolves and other angry monsters. The warehouse floors of thrills include a dynamic scare cast, special effects, holograms, and more.
At the Beast, you are not just looking at the scene, you are part of the action! Your journey could take 40 minutes if your senses don’t deceive you or it could take around an hour if you get lost in the foggy Werewolf Forest, stuck in the maze, or pulled toward the light in the three-story light tower. The exit is a four-story slide, it's straight down or you may prefer to just jump out a second-story window (due to weather conditions, the window jump isn’t always available).
You’ll experience a range of scenes – where thunder and lightning will make your hair stand on end, the cobblestone streets of Jack the Ripper's London will haunt you, and then there are the animals – a raging wolf and the blood thirsty alligator in the swamp, and you won’t catch a break with the deranged pirate or the man-hunting lion will be on your trail.
The Beast gets better every year, with new unexpected twists. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If children under 10 have frequent nightmares -- they're not ready. And if you're unwilling to be videotaped or have serious phobias, heart conditions, or pregnant then do not attempt entering the Beast.
Note: While our mission is to scare and our joy is to frighten guests for fun and laughter, we maintain a safe environment including contracting with the Fire Marshall, extra police, security, and a range of video technology throughout the venues.
©2018 Full Moon Productions, The Beast Haunted House, and Festival of the Full Moon All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy/Terms of Use
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A boy, 16, has admitted killing a father-of-three with a single punch outside McDonald's in Maidstone
He cannot be named for legal reasons
A 16-year-old boy has admitted killing a father-of-three with a single punch outside McDonald's restaurant.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Wayne Chester, 50, when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (March 28).
Mr Chester, who was described by family as 'a true gentleman', died after he was punched outside the fast food restaurant in Maidstone on September 29 last year.
A Maidstone burglar targeted Medway and Orpington homes while parents were on the school run
Police and paramedics were called to the branch in Week Street at 10.30pm following reports of a disturbance.
Wayne Chester, from Maidstone, who died following an altercation in the town centre
Mr Chester, who lived in the town, was taken to a London hospital with a head injury. He was put into an induced coma but died the following day.
The 16-year-old, also from Maidstone, was one of four youths arrested at the time.
He was originally charged with murder which he denied and a trial was due to start on April 9.
But he returned to court to admit manslaughter.
Prosecutor Simon Taylor told Judge Jeremy Carey that the plea to the less serious offence was acceptable.
A Maidstone pensioner who stabbed a care home worker has been jailed for attempted murder
At the start of the plea hearing the teen was reprimanded by the judge when, having been asked to identify himself in the dock, he simply nodded.
Having pleaded guilty, Judge Carey told the boy that custody was inevitable.
Adjourning for a probation service report, the judge said: "This is a case which will only go one way in terms of what the sentence will be. The only question is how long.
"You have pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Wayne Chester and you will be sentenced for that when this court has the fullest information in relation to you, in relation to the danger you pose to the public - if you do, the risk of reoffending, any mitigating factors that may be advanced on your behalf and matters directly relevant to the length of a custodial sentence that will inevitably be imposed upon you for your criminal wrongdoing."
Road rage murderer Kenneth Noye has been moved to an open prison
The teen was remanded in custody until he is sentenced. Wearing black jeans and a green hoody, he paused to zip it up before walking from the dock to the court cells below.
A true gentleman
The brief hearing was attended by many of Mr Chester's family and friends, and Judge Carey remarked that he had read victim personal statements from his children.
He said: "The court doesn't underestimate the gravity of this matter or the impact on those who were close to the deceased and very much grieve his death."
The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court (Image: Geograph)
Mr Taylor told the court at a previous hearing that the teen hit Mr Chester once to the head and the blow caused him to fall to the ground.
The teen will be sentenced on April 30.
In a statement released at the time of his death, his siblings Naomi, Tracey, Jason and Stephen said: "Wayne was a huge character with an even bigger heart.
"We haven't only lost a brother we’ve lost our best friend and have a void in our hearts which can never be filled.
A Maidstone dad has been spared jail despite fleeing a crash and landing his fourth driving conviction
"Wayne was a true gentleman - kind, caring, funny, generous to a fault, and loved by everyone one who was lucky enough to have had him in their lives.
"Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from someone what a great guy he was.
"Wayne knew so many people in Maidstone and had a huge network of friends.
"Everyone we speak with either who knew him personally or knew of someone that knew him.
"That was Wayne - a very sociable and likeable person and always made an impact on everyone he came across.
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"He never had a bad word to say about anyone and saw the good in everyone and every situation.
"Connor, Janie and Millie-Rose, Wayne's children were his pride and joy and anyone that knew Wayne would know he called them his "Mini Me's".
"They have lost such an amazing Dad and he will never get to share the joy of walking his girls down the aisle or being a Grandad. Wayne was such a big part of their lives that can never be replaced.
"There will be a spare chair at our table this Christmas which will can never be filled - He was our very own Mr Brightside and we all love and miss him deeply. Never again will we hear the words..... "How much do you Love me? We love you this much!"
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Sports (current)
Bengal Warriors vs U.P. Yoddha, PKL 2018-19 Match Live Streaming and Telecast Details: When and Where To Watch Pro Kabaddi League Season 6 Match Online on Hotstar and TV?
Kabaddi Shikhar Jiwrajka Dec 27, 2018 06:36 PM IST
File Image | U.P. Yoddha | Pro Kabaddi League Team (Photo Credits: Twitter @UPYoddha)
In the last league stage match of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 6, will see Zone B table-toppers Bengaluru Bulls lock horns with fourth-placed U.P. Yoddha. The game will determine which will the second team from Zone B to qualify for the playoffs. If you are searching for the online streaming and live telecast details of the PKL match, then you can find them here.
In their head-to-head record, both the teams have played against each other 5 times. U.P. Yoddha has failed to win in any of those matches, with Bengal Warriors winning on 2 occasions, while the remaining 3 games have ended in a draw.
When to watch Bengal Warriors vs U.P. Yoddha, PKL 2018-19 match on TV? Know Date, Timings, and Venue of the 132nd match of Pro Kabaddi League, Season 6 here:
The last match of before the playoffs will be a crucial one as it will identify which team will be making it to the knockout stage eventually. The match between Bengal Warriors vs U.P. Yoddha will be the last contest at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium in Kolkata. It will take place on December 27, and the start time is at 9.00 pm (IST).
Where to watch the Live Telecast of Bengal Warriors vs U.P. Yoddha, PKL 2018-19 match, on TV?
The official broadcasting rights of the ongoing PKL Season 6 in India is Star Sports Network. The viewers can watch the live telecast on Star Sports 1 Hindi and Star Sports 2 channels.
How to watch the online streaming of Bengal Warriors vs U.P. Yoddha, PKL 2018-19 match, in India?
The viewers can watch the game through online streaming too. For that, viewers will have to tune into Star Sports’ live streaming service, i.e. Hotstar. The fans can also read the latest updates about the PKL match by clicking here.
Tags: Bengal Warriors Bengal Warriors vs U.P. Yoddha PKL PKL 2018 PKL 2018-19 PKL 2018-19 Live Streaming PKL Live Streaming PKL Season 6 Pro Kabaddi League Pro Kabaddi League 2018-19 Pro Kabaddi League 2018-19 Live Streaming Pro Kabaddi League Season 6 U.P. Yoddha VIVO PKL 2018-19 VIVO PKL 6 VIVO Pro Kabaddi League 2018-19
VIVO Pro Kabaddi League 2019: Fazel Atrachali to Jang Kun Lee, 5 International Players to Watch Out For in PKL 7
PKL 2019 Time Table: Teams, Date and Match Timings, Venues, Online Stream & TV Telecast Details of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League
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Young guns go top for Christmas
Our youngsters will sit proudly at the top of the FCYA (Midland Division) on Christmas Day, following a comfortable 2-0 victory at Boston United earlier today.
Liam Carver opened the scoring with a well-placed strike early in the first half, before Ross Lamb added a second with a calm finish on the hour mark, with Liam Marsden claiming the assist.
Our young guns have now moved three points clear of nearest rivals Ilkeston, who we face on home soil in the Third Round of the FCYA League Cup on Monday 13 January 2014.
Team: Waldram, Simpson, Marsden, Hempshall, Green, Carver (Hutchinson), M.Jones, J.Thomas (Koczalski), Lamb, Fletcher (Flint), Hemagou.
Meanwhile, our youngsters could be crowned as H-K-L North Midlands League champions tonight, if the match between title-rivals Mickleover Sports and Blidworth Welfare ends in a draw.
Our full youth team fixture list can be found by clicking here.
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Glass Heart
$25.00 Low Stock add to cart more by this artist
Mel Parsons
[ Cape Road Records / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 30 November 2018
Should this item be out of stock at the time of your order, we would expect to be able to supply it to you within 4 - 7 business days.
Mel Parsons' fourth album Glass Heart is a bold and beautifully crafted body of work, which sees her revealing a darker and fuller sound, while still retaining her trademark poignant storytelling.
The album was recorded in Los Angeles with legendary American producer Mitchell Froom (Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie, Crowded House, Missy Higgins, Randy Newman, Richard Thompson, Suzanne Vega) and an incredible cast of US-based musicians, including guitarist Adam Levy (Norah Jones), bass player Kaveh Rastegar (John Legend, Sia), drummer Ted Poor (Andrew Bird) and Froom on keyboards.
. "I had been wanting to work with Mitchell for a few years, so when our schedules finally aligned things happened pretty quickly," says Parsons. "Mitchell and I had first been in touch back about working together back in 2015, but I've admired his work for a long time - he has produced some of my favourite albums."
"You hear about how amazing these people are - and obviously by reputation you know that they're operating at a really high level - but it wasn't until we started working on the songs and got into the studio that I experienced Mitchell's quiet genius firsthand."
I Got The Lonely
Just Cause You Don't Want Me
Dream Find
Come Over Lover
Bottom Of the Street
What Would You Change
Watch I Got The Lonely
Shadows In The Night
Saint John Divine
Drylands
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The quest for french fries crisp enough to withstand delivery
Anna King Jul 8, 2019
Freshly cooked fries made by potato-processing giant Lamb Weston. The company has been working on ways to keep fries crisp during delivery.
Anna King/Northwest News Network
Home-delivered fast food is a booming global business, but when it comes to french fries, there’s a hitch. They often get soggy on the ride.
Now, top fry makers are racing to perfect a crispy fry that can survive a 15-minute ride with a food delivery service.
Crystal Begallia, an Uber Eats driver, said she sometimes stresses over delivering cold and limp fries to customers.
“I get kind of worried,” Begallia said. “Especially if I pick up food from one of the bigger restaurants and they are spending quite a bit of money. Hopefully it’s still hot when I get to you.”
One reason fries can lose their crunch is because they’re often delivered in closed containers.
“You’re sealing them in like a sauna,” said Deb Dihel, head of innovation for the large potato processing firm Lamb Weston. “And they just get soggy really quickly. It’s like the worst case scenario for a french fry.”
Lamb Weston is based in Eagle, Idaho — that state famous for its potatoes — but has major processing plants and an innovation center in Washington’s Tri-Cities area.
Dihel first saw what happened to delivery fries five years ago in China. Restaurants there were putting hot fries into large clamshell containers and then into closed boxes for delivery.
“I was like no, no, no! Don’t do that!” she said. “At least leave it open, like, at least let the steam vent and not make the product soggy.”
Dihel said that once out of the oil, most fries can only stay crisp for 12 minutes. So, when she came back to the U.S., she set about trying to fix the problem. The first part of the solution was changing how fries are made.
Dihel and her team of food scientists developed a special starchy batter to help fries stay crisp. Its exact ingredients are a trade secret, but it features potato starch and rice flour. She opened a bag of frozen fries, put them in a wire basket and lowered them into hot bubbly oil in Lamb Weston’s Richland test kitchen. When the fries came out, they had a lot of crunch.
They were still crunchy 30 minutes later, even at room temperature.
Fast food’s evolution
The other part of keeping fries crunchy on a ride is packaging.
Deb Dihel is the head of innovation for Lamb Weston. She holds a new french fry container designed to help fries arrive warm and retain their crunch when delivered. (Anna King/Northwest News Service)
Lamb Weston developed a special container perforated with holes that’s supposed to let steam escape without letting the fries go cold. It’s a design that big restaurant customers and other packaging brands can use.
Innovating to meet the needs of busy consumers has always been part of fast food’s evolution, says Adam Chandler, author of “Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom.” He’s not surprised that big potato is working to slay the soggy.
“Fast food really doesn’t seem to be the kind of food you’d like to eat when it’s older than five minutes,” Chandler said, adding that home delivery is “how people are eating now, so the market is going to respond to that problem.”
Reimagining potatoes
Because delivery is such a fast-growing segment of the total market, fry makers and restaurants are trying to figure this out, according to Blair Richardson, chief executive of Potatoes USA, a marketing and research organization.
Blair Richardson is the CEO of Potatoes USA, based in Denver. (Anna King/Northwest News Network)
“We are reimagining how we can bring potatoes to consumers today, and we never stop doing that,” Richardson said. “If an industry stops doing that, then they’re going to become irrelevant very quickly.”
In that spirit, and to keep from becoming irrelevant, Dihel and her team are already thinking about ways to deliver fries using self-driving cars with robots and air fryers.
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Rudolf Erich Raspe (1780 words)
Sarah Kareem (University of Chicago )
Ed. by Gerhard P. Knapp, University of Utah
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.05: English Writing and Culture from the Glorious Revolution to the French Revolution, 1689-1789.
Vol. editors: Paul Baines (University of Liverpool), Daniel Cook (University of Dundee), Pat Rogers (University of South Florida), Nicholas Seager (University of Keele)
Life: 03-1737 to 11-1794
Activity: 1763 to 1794
Germany (Birth; Primary Activity)
United Kingdom, England (Primary Activity)
Children's/Young Adult writer (Primary)
Novelist (Primary)
Story-writer (Primary)
Antiquarian/ Collector (Other)
Geologist (Other)
Humourist (Other)
Travel writer (Other)
List of Published Works
Raspe's Contemporaries
Articles on Raspe's Works
Baron Munchausen's Narrative of his Marvellous Travels and Campaigns in Russia
The nineteenth-century antiquarian Robert Chambers observed of the life of Rudolf Erich Raspe: “there can hardly be a more curious piece of neglected biography”. The case remains today that for all the drama of his life, Raspe - translator; mining entrepreneur; geologist; curator; embezzler; essayist; possible industrial spy, and author of Baron Munchausen's adventures - is an oft-forgotten figure. As an innovator in remarkably diverse fields, including art history, geology, souvenir manufacturing, and fiction, Raspe had a unique passion for bringing art and science to the people, and a knack for harnessing the zeitgeist in his ephemeral productions.
Rudolf Raspe was born in Hanover in 1737 to Christian Theophilus Raspe, a…
Please log in to consult the article in its entirety. If you are a member (student of staff) of a subscribing institution (see List), you should be able to access the LE on campus directly (without the need to log in), and off-campus either via the institutional log in we offer, or via your institution's remote access facilities, or by creating a personal user account with your institutional email address. If you are not a member of a subscribing institution, you will need to purchase a personal subscription. For more information on how to subscribe as an individual user, please see under Individual Subcriptions.
Kareem, Sarah. "Rudolf Erich Raspe". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 06 October 2004
[https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5847, accessed 17 July 2019.]
5847 Rudolf Erich Raspe 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.
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Manuscript/Mixed Material Interview with William Henry Weathersby
Interview with William Henry Weathersby
O'Brien, John R. (Interviewer)
Weathersby, William Henry (Interviewee)
- Six Day War, 1967
- United States -- District of Columbia -- Washington
- Egypt -- Cairo
- India -- New Delhi
- Sudan -- Khartoum
- Near East
- South and Central Asia
Call Number/Physical Location
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mfdip.2004wea01
O'Brien, John R.
Weathersby, William Henry
O'Brien, John R, and William Henry Weathersby. Interview with William Henry Weathersby . August 1, 1989. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/mfdipbib001236/.
O'Brien, J. R. & Weathersby, W. H. (1989) Interview with William Henry Weathersby . August 1. [Manuscript/Mixed Material] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/mfdipbib001236/.
O'Brien, John R, and William Henry Weathersby. Interview with William Henry Weathersby . August 1, 1989. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/mfdipbib001236/>.
Interview with Eugene Rosenfeld
Contributor: O'Brien, John R. - Rosenfeld, Eugene
Interview with Marion Post Wolcott
Contributor: Fenzi, Jewell - Wolcott, Marion Post
Interview with Howell S. Teeple
Contributor: Sherman, Earl W. - Teeple, Howell S.
Interview with Lucius D. Battle
Contributor: Mak, Dayton S. - Mulhollan, Paige E. - Battle, Lucius D.
Interview with Robert Mark Ward
Contributor: North, William Haven - Ward, Robert Mark
"Nowadays most Paterson folks work out of town."
Contributor: Pascrell, Bill - Taylor, David Alan
Vision for the future of the historic district
Most important thing to know about Paterson
The character of Paterson
Manufacturing in Paterson
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Varsity scores and schedule
Varsity scores and schedule Boys basketball Check out this story on lohud.com: http://lohud.us/1ewj2WK
TJN Published 9:42 p.m. ET Feb. 4, 2014
Tuesday’s results
Irvington 41, Dobbs Ferry 28
Iona Prep 57, Mount St. Michael 44
Pleasantville 45, Rye 44
Solomon Schechter 39, Biondi 37
Fox Lane 70, Ossining 56
Kennedy 68, Pelham 50
Briarcliff 52, Westlake 44
Woodlands 68, Sleepy Hollow 64
Hamilton 72, Keio 52
Mahopac 55, Somers 48
Panas 67, Peekskill 53
Mount Vernon 88, Scarsdale 55
Croton-Harmon 54, Clark Academy 50
Rye Neck 52, Port Chester 40
Clarkstown South 74, North Rockland 51
Saunders 60, Lincoln 42
Stepinac 74, All Hallows 64
Eastchester 75, Ardsley 38
Yorktown 58, Nanuet 55
Horace Greeley 53, Harrison 46
White Plains 65, Mamaroneck 32
North Salem 54, Pawling 52
Edgemont 54, Hen Hud 51
Putnam Valley 54, Lakeland 45
Spring Valley 90, Ramapo 77
Albertus Magnus 64, North Rockland 53
Dobbs Ferry 69, Irvington 62
Nanuet 58, Tappan Zee 55
East Ramapo 54, Yonkers 39
Ursuline 59, White Plains 39
Keio 53, Hamilton 47
Somers 53, Mahopac 47
Haldane 50, Putnam Valley 48
Harrison 56, Horace Greeley 50
Mamaroneck 48, Mount Vernon 42
Sleepy Hollow 45, Ursuline B 41
Kennedy 61, Monsignor Scanlon 59, OT
Fox Lane 46, Blind Brook 45
Pleasantville 45, Valhalla 44
Cardinal Spellman 66, Maria Regina 40
Brewster 7, Fox Lane 2
Suffern 5, Pelham 1
Suffern 5, Clarkstown 2
Yonkers 69, Sleepy Hollow 12
Irvington 39, Eastchester 34
Monroe-Woodbury 50, North Rockland 29
Wednesday’s events
Rye Country Day at Hamden Hall, 4:15 p.m.
White Plains at Mamaroneck, 4:15 p.m.
Pearl River at Nyack, 4:15 p.m.
Gorton at Saunders, 4:15 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. at Yonkers Montessori, 4:15 p.m.
New Rochelle at Mount Vernon, 4:15 p.m.
Yonkers at Lincoln, 4:15 p.m.
Riverside at Roosevelt, 4:15 p.m.
Palisade Prep at Biondi, 4:30 p.m.
Clark at Haldane, 4:30 p.m.
Solomon Schechter at Children’s Village, 4:30 p.m.
Harvey at Christian Heritage, 4:45 p.m.
Spring Valley at Clarkstown North, 5:30 p.m.
North Rockland at Ramapo, 5:45 p.m.
Suffern at Clarkstown South, 6 p.m.
Albertus Magnus at Dobbs Ferry, 6 p.m.
Eastchester at Woodlands, 6 p.m.
Irvington at Bronxville, 6 p.m.
Tuckahoe at Hastings, 6 p.m.
Sacred Heart at St. John’s, 6 p.m.
Tappan Zee at Nanuet, 6 p.m.
Masters at King, 6 p.m.
Rye Neck at Hamilton, 6:15 p.m.
Ardsley at Dobbs Ferry, 4:15 p.m.
Edgemont at Eastchester, 4:15 p.m.
Saunders at Gorton, 4:15 p.m.
Tuckahoe at Palisade Prep, 4:15 p.m.
Ursuline B at Irvington, 4:15 p.m.
Hastings at Pelham, 4:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon at New Rochelle, 4:30 p.m.
Solomon Schechter at Keio, 4:30 p.m.
Clarkstown South at Suffern, 5:30 p.m.
East Ramapo at North Rockland, 5:30 p.m.
Nyack at Pearl River, 5:30 p.m.
Pawling at Putnam Valley, 5:45 p.m.
Mamaroneck at White Plains, 6 p.m.
Hen Hud at Yorktown, 6:15 p.m.
Rye vs. Mahopac at Brewster Ice Rink, 6 p.m
Lakeland/Panas vs. Clarkstown at Palisades Ice Arena, 6:05 p.m.
Yorktown vs. Hen Hud at Brewster Ice Rink, 7:45 p.m.
Panas vs. Yorktown
For Section 1 wrestling results, visit http://www.nwcaonline.com/nwcaonline /results/Scorebook/MeetResults.aspx
For Section 1 swimming results, visit http://www.section1swim.com/
For Section 1 track and field results, visit ny.milesplit.com
Suffern's Jack Scanlon commits to Oregon
Rangers ink Kaapo Kakko to entry-level contract
Whelan Awards: Katelyn Tuohy repeats; schools honored
5 players the NY Rangers could trade
Field hockey: Maresca, Smith to Junior Olympics
No hablo espanol? No worries for Spain's girls lax captain
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Youth film to examine Bermondsey life 40 years after Thames TV documentary
The Downside Fisher Youth Club has launched a project to create a new film and photography exhibition inspired by the 40th anniversary of 'We Was All One', the 1972 Thames Television documentary about Bermondsey life.
The film project – which is a partnership with local tenants' and residents' associations and tenant management organisations and Storymakers TV – was awarded a £20,000 grant by Southwark Council's Joint Security Initiative earlier this year.
Using film and photography and building on the 1972 documentary We Was All One young people will explore the history of Bermondsey and reflect through their own and others' experiences on Bermondsey as it is now.
The original Thames Television film was directed by Ken Ashton and produced by Jeremy Isaacs. Public screenings have been held this year at Downside Fisher Youth Club and the Stansfeld Oxford & Bermondsey Club.
By working on this intergenerational project, young people will develop their interview, photography and film-making skills to create a new film – to be premiered in March 2013 – and photography exhibition under the title We Are All One.
The project is looking for local young people and families to be interviewed talking about Bermondsey and how it has changed.
Downside Fisher is also looking for young people aged 13-24 who would like to develop their film-making or photography skills by taking part in the project.
To register your interest and for more information please email project support worker Schenell Stephens on [email protected] or 07960 070117.
Life in South London - We was all One... 1970s
We Was All One
The Marigold, SE1
Hopping down in Kent
ELEPHANT & CASTLE, A FILM
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Off-duty Old Kent Road firefighter helps to save man after heart attack
Two off duty firefighters - including one based in Old Kent Road - helped save the life of a football fan who collapsed after a Charlton game at The Valley on Saturday.
John Lawrence and Steve Nolan
Watch manager Clinton Walsh from Millwall fire station and firefighter Steve Nolan from Old Kent Road sprung into action and performed CPR on 70-year-old John Lawrence, who suffered a heart attack after the game against Leicester.
"Myself and Steve were stewards at the match on Saturday," said
"After the game, we were standing by the players' tunnel, when we received a message to go to the male toilets, as a person had collapsed – that's all the initial information we were given.
"On arrival, we saw an elderly man lying face up and unresponsive. That's when our training came into force and I began to check his pulse, listen for breaths and listen to his chest for signs of life. Steve was continuously trying to get a response, it was obvious that the person had no pulse or visible signs of life. He then took a gasp for breath; so we then started to administer CPR."
The pair requested a defibrillator from the club's medical room and carried on with CPR until the doctor and paramedics arrived on the scene John started to respond and developed a stronger pulse and began breathing unaided. The club doctor congratulated both Clinton and Steve on doing a fantastic job.
Clinton added: "During this time, I kept reassuring John that he was in safe hands. Just before he was being taken away by the paramedics, he started gaining consciousness and became aware of his surroundings. As I had control of his head I continued to talk to him to ensure he stayed alert. Both Steve and I have since visited John in hospital, as he requested to see us to thank us for saving his life. His family were also extremely grateful to us."
After the match a representative of Charlton Athletic called the pair to let them know that John was doing well and mentioned that the club's chairman wanted to pass on his thanks.
Clinton said: "John is extremely lucky to have been found when he was, as everyone had left the ground after the match and the outcome could have taken a different turn. He is now recovering well after his ordeal."
All London firefighters are trained to use defibrillators which form part of the first aid gear carried by all of the capital's fire engines.
Firefighters tackle blaze at Blackfriars Circus construction site 3 Nov 2017
Fire Brigade celebrates 150 years with parade through Southwark 5 Jul 2016
Fire brigade celebrates 150 years with Union Street display 21 Feb 2016
Brand new Old Kent Road fire station faces cuts 19 Jan 2016
Firemen help to deliver baby outside Asda in Old Kent Road 21 Oct 2015
Firefighters tackle blaze in flats above Blackfriars Settlement 12 Oct 2015
Firefighters tackle Queen Elizabeth Street fire 24 Sep 2015
Official opening for Old Kent Road Fire Station 25 Jul 2015
Old Kent Road fire station reopens as Dockhead shuts 9 Apr 2015
Fire engine response times up since Southwark Fire Station shut 15 Nov 2014
More fire victims in Southwark?
Fire at MyBaSE1 flats in Southwark Bridge Road
Dockhead fire station
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Applicants with a strong academic and/or professional background should apply early for merit-based scholarship consideration! Learn more about the admission process and merit-based scholarships. Accepted students can also apply for a variety of assistantship positions, some of which are specific to the MAcc program.
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As a professor of information systems, Dr. Tallon yearns for his students to engage in the burgeoning world of technology
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Loyola University Maryland takes a values-centered approach to business education that emphasizes reflection, discernment, and ethical commitment. Explore new ways of thinking and emerge as a confident, competent leader prepared for leadership roles in your current organization—and wherever your career takes you. Our personalized approach to student success means that faculty and staff work directly with students in order to meet their professional interests and goals. Loyola MBA graduates emerge from the program as knowledgeable, skilled, ethical, and adaptable professionals.
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Blog > Types of Fillers: A Comprehensive Guide
Types of Fillers: A Comprehensive Guide
by LS Aesthetic Clinic, Wednesday, September 6, 2017 5:11 PM
Fillers, commonly known as “instant liquid facelifts”, can restore volume to sagging faces and sunken hands, smooth out nasolabial folds and other deep facial wrinkles, as well as plump up thinning lips.
They can be injected in less than an hour, with little to no downtime.
There are many types of dermal fillers on the market however, and this can create a lot of confusion for the patient. How do I choose? How do I know what’s best for me?
It’s important to note that different types of fillers have their own specific purposes, and your skin condition has to be assessed by a doctor to ensure the filler is appropriate for you. But by and large, here are some general guidelines:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
These are fillers made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally-occurring substance in our bodies that maintain skin hydration and firmness. Such fillers are great for:
Smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles
Minimising the appearance of acne scars
Giving skin a hydrated, refreshed appearance
While HA creams that we commonly see in pharmacies claim to deeply hydrate skin, the HA particle sizes in such creams are often too big to penetrate deep into our skin and re-hydrate our skin from within. This is where HA fillers come in handy, as they can be injected into the subcutaneous layers of our skin, sending the hydration effects to where it’s most needed.
Another advantage of HA fillers is that they can be easily reversed with hyaluronidase, also a naturally-occurring substance in the body. Should you wish to remove your HA filler for any reason, hyaluronidase can be injected at the treatment area for instant removal.
Brands: Revanesse, Vobella, Volift, Belotero
Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers
The main ingredient in such fillers is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a compound that stimulates the growth of new collagen. These are generally used for:
Treating moderate to severe facial wrinkles
Restoring volume loss
Augmenting facial contours to achieve, for instance, enhanced facial volume and more defined cheekbones.
While the effects of volume restoration are generally immediate, the full benefits of such fillers are seen over a few months, after the body’s natural collagen building process.
Brands: Sculptra
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers
Such fillers mainly consist of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa), a biocompatible substance used for more than 20 years in medicine. Like PLLA fillers, CaHa fillers also stimulates the body to produce its own collagen. These are generally used for:
Augmenting the face to achieve better facial contours
Achieving a V-shaped face
Reducing moderate to severe facial wrinkles
Rejuvenating sunken hands
Like PLLA fillers, the effects of volume restoration is also immediate, but the full effects of the body’s new collagen growth will take a few months.
Brands: Radiesse
Even within the main categories of HA fillers or PLLA fillers, the different brands differ, for instance, in terms of filler particle sizes – which can affect the area or depth of the ideal treatment area. Hence, it’s best to let a doctor examine your skin condition, and understand what exactly you’d like treated so that he/she can recommend the filler best suited for your needs.
Some fillers also include lidocaine, an anaesthetic that helps in reducing any discomfort with injection.
Don’t mix up fillers with botulinum toxin injections! The latter is mainly used for treating mild to moderate facial wrinkles, such as crow’s feet, frown lines, or glabella lines. Many patients commonly opt to do anti-wrinkle injections in conjunction with fillers to lift and rejuvenate their faces.
At LS Aesthetic, we carry a wide range of fillers to treat both aging and facial contouring concerns. For more information, call us at +65 6738 4700, email us at enquire@lsaestheticclinic.com, or visit us at Wisma Atria Office Tower, #10-04, along Orchard Road.
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Leicester Property Insight | Leicester News – Property, Business, Finance, Tenant & Landlord Updates
Home News A Landlord’s Guide to Right to Rent
A Landlord’s Guide to Right to Rent
People who are allowed to be in the UK have a right to rent. People who are not allowed to be here do not have a right to rent. Who should make right to rent checks? Right to rent checks should be made by landlords, agents or householders who are letting private rented accommodation, or taking in a lodger. Anyone who lives in a property as a tenant or occupier, and sub-lets all or part of the property, or takes in a lodger, should also make the checks. This applies to people living in both private and social housing.
Right to rent checks should be made by landlords, agents or householders who are letting private rented accommodation, or taking in a lodger. Anyone who lives in a property as a tenant or occupier, and sub-lets all or part of the property, or takes in a lodger, should also make the checks.
Isn’t it the Home Office’s responsibility to check Right to Rent?
The Immigration Act 2014 was introduced to the English Private Rented Sector and with it, the concept of ‘Right to Rent’. Right to Rent requires landlords to check the legal immigration status of potential tenants and any other prospective occupier before they are allowed to stay in the property. Failure to check the immigration status of their prospective occupiers could result in fines and other additional penalties relating to Right to Rent, including imprisonment.
What type of lettings are affected?
Right to Rent, first introduced in February 2016 and later amended in December 2016, applies to all residential tenancies with limited exceptions for social housing, halls of residence, etc. Nearly all private sector landlords with assured shorthold tenancies (AST), lodger agreements and holiday lets or other types of letting agreement whether written or verbal will be affected.
Other types of letting affected:
Lettings where it is not the tenant’s main home
Tenancies of more than 7 years where there is no break clause for the landlord
Letting to students where the education institution has placed the tenant in the property
People whose accommodation is provided by their employer
Premium tenancies
Who can I let my property to?
You can let your property to anybody who has the Right to Rent in England. This includes:
British citizens; European Economic Area nationals (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.); and Swiss nationals.
People who have a ‘right of abode’ in the UK; who have been granted indefinite leave to remain; or have no time limit on their stay in the UK.
What do I need to do to carry out a Right to Rent check?
Landlords and their agents must not authorise a person to occupy their property as their home unless they can establish a legal right to reside in the UK. This is usually done by checking the identification of everyone over the age of eighteen who is expected to or likely to occupy the property.
Landlords or agents can verify their prospective occupiers Right to Rent from a range of documents, including:
British passports proving the holder is a British citizen or a citizen of the UK or British Colonies having a ‘right to abode’ in the UK.
Registration certificates or documents certifying or indicating permanent residence issued by the Home Office, to a national of the European Economic Area country or Switzerland.
A ‘permanent’ residence, ‘indefinite leave to remain’, ‘indefinite leave to enter’ or ‘no time limit’ card issued by the Home Office (current or expired), to a non-EEA national who is a family member of an EEA or Swiss national.
There is an extensive list of documents landlords and agents can use to verify an occupier’s Right to Rent available on the Government website. We always advise copies of documents are retained on file for the duration of and for some time after the tenancy in case the Right to Rent is ever questioned by authorities.
How do I check my tenants’ have a right to rent?
When it comes to checking your tenants’ Right to Rent, there are a few steps you can take.
Establish the adults who will live in or might live in the property as their main home.
Check passports or other documents (see above or visit the Government website) in the presence of the person who claims ownership of the document.
Make and keep copies of any documents with dates of when the check was carried out.
Keep copies of the documents for 12 months after the end of the tenancy in case you ever have to present them to the authorities.
Leicester letting agent, Harry Albert Lettings & Estates advises landlords;
Your paperwork is king. If the authorities ever want to question someone’s right to rent, it may be the landlord they turn to and if they don’t have the relevant paperwork, it might spell trouble for the landlord.
Does credit checking help?
Credit checks certainly help as part of the referencing process but are useless for verifying an occupier’s Right to Rent. Completing background and referencing checks on your prospective tenants is helpful because it allows you to reduce the risks you take when letting your property.
You can perform a credit check through Experian for as little as £18 but many referencing agencies will provide a credit check as standard.
By doing a credit check, you’ll be more informed as to whether or not the tenant is likely to actually pay the rent and this will help you to protect your property investment and reduce losses.
Credit checks should tell you whether your tenant has a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against them or other adverse credit history or warnings, whether the tenant has had any involvement in fraud, a risk score and identity check.
A credit check will not give you an in-depth report of the tenant’s financial history, this was enshrined in protection by the Data Protection Act and has now been replaced with the GDPR.
Government Right to Rent Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rent-documents
Experian Landlord Credit Check: https://www.experian.co.uk/background-checking/private-landlords
Affordable Property Management: https://www.leicesterlettingagent.co.uk
Comprehensive Property Services: https://www.harryalbertgroup.co.uk
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Andrew Hill is the lead author of Leicester Property Insight, chairman of Leicester Property Club and managing director of Harry Albert Lettings & Estates.
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Definition of Contemplative
1. Noun. A person devoted to the contemplative life.
Generic synonyms: Individual, Mortal, Person, Somebody, Someone, Soul
2. Adjective. Deeply or seriously thoughtful. "Byron lives on not only in his poetry, but also in his creation of the 'Byronic hero' - the persona of a brooding melancholy young man"
Exact synonyms: Brooding, Broody, Meditative, Musing, Pensive, Pondering, Reflective, Ruminative
Similar to: Thoughtful
Derivative terms: Contemplate, Contemplate, Contemplativeness, Meditate, Meditate, Meditativeness, Pensiveness, Reflect, Reflectivity, Ruminate
1. a. Pertaining to contemplation; addicted to, or employed in, contemplation; meditative.
2. n. A religious or either sex devoted to prayer and meditation, rather than to active works of charity.
1. Adjective. Pertaining to one who contemplates or is introspective and thoughtful. ¹
2. Adjective. Pertaining especially to a contemplative Roman Catholic religious or one of the contemplative Roman Catholic religious orders. ¹
3. Noun. Someone who has dedicated themselves to religious contemplation. ¹
1. [n -S]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Contemplative
contemperature
contempered
contempering
contempers
contemplance
contemplatable
contemplated
contemplaters
contemplates
contemplatist
contemplatists
contemplatively
contemplativeness
contemplatives
contemplator
contemplators
contemporalities
contemporality
contemporaneously
contemporaneousness
contemporarily
Literary usage of Contemplative
1. Aquinas Ethicus: Or, The Moral Teaching of St. Thomas. A Translation of the by Thomas, Joseph Rickaby (1896)
"ARTICLE I.—Is the active life better than the contemplative ? ... We must say then the contemplative life is, absolutely speaking, better than the active. ..."
2. The Classical Heritage of the Middle Ages by Henry Osborn Taylor (1901)
"Otherwise the growth of the contemplative life requires a definite cause. With the later schools of Greek philosophy such a cause lay in the yearning for ..."
4. English Literature from Widsith to the Death of Chaucer: A Source Book by Allen Rogers Benham (1916)
"... the devil blinds hypocrites to excuse themselves (on the plea of a) feigned contemplative life, and to say that since the contemplative life is the best ..."
5. The Path which Led a Protestant Lawyer to the Catholic Church by Peter Hardeman Burnett (1860)
"contemplative religion. In reference to contemplative religion, an eminent divine of the Church of England has said: " In England, I could almost say, ..."
6. General History of the Christian Religion and Church by August Neander, Alexander James William Morrison (1851)
"This was the before-mentioned Gregory of Nazianzus, whose whole life took a character of instability from oscillating between the contemplative bent and ..."
7. Daniel Deronda by George Eliot (1876)
"... in the face of torture and death—what would the dingy shops and unbeautiful faces signify to the thrill of contemplative emotion ? ..."
Definitions of Contemplative
Contemplative Pictures
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Who doesn't love a podcast? The perfect companion for your morning commute, many of us have taken to regularly listening to strangers talk about work, love, crime, and everything in-between. Here are a few of our favourites..
1. THE HIGH LOW
Ex-Sunday Times Style alum Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes give us our weekly dose of pop-culture, serious news stories and solid (if a little unfounded) advice. The witty duo discuss everything from politicians to Drake's new single; no topic is off limits.
2. THE TIM FERRIS SHOW
Following the success of his book "The 4-Hour Work Week," it was only logical for Tim Ferriss to tick a podcast off his list. And it paid off. With over 150 million downloads, The Tim Ferris Show has proven to be one of the most popular business podcasts out there. With episodes varying from a snappy 5 minute discussion to a two hour sit down with celebrity guest appearances from Arnold Schwarzenegger, every episode is entirely different.
3. FORTUNATELY
Jane Garvey and Fi Glover enchant their listeners every week with their brutal honesty and witty charm. Talking about everything from the gender pay gap to menopause, their ability to cover a broad range of concepts in such a lighthearted way captivates their listeners. With the podcast being referred to as a "conversation between cleverest and funniest friends," the duo leave no topic uncovered.
4. CTRL ALT DELETE
Emma Gannon has been heralded as the "spokesperson for the internet generation" - and rightfully so. Coming recommended by ELLE, The Times and Marie Claire, Ctrl Alt Delete sees Emma talk about all things internet with names such as Zoella, Lena Dunham and Dawn O'Porter.
5. KATE'S TAKE
If you're looking for an informative yet inspiring entrepreneurial podcast, then look no further. This twice-weekly show hosted by Kate Erickson is full of tips and tricks for anyone in the business sector.
Introducing: The Brand Accelerator
Rosie Davies 18 July 2018
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Drag Kings, DJ's, Drinks...Oh my!
Written by Melissa
G.L.A.D. Night; tonight in Tulare
Featuring one LA's finest DJ Dohi, hot ladies in drag, Tarot Card readings by "Mystic Cat"and fabulous drink specials all night!!
The Hoedown
1742 East Tulare Avenue
Attention Porterville College Students
Welcome to the new school year!!
I hope some of you will be joining forces with PC Pride's second year in the making. The club's first meeting will be held on campus tomorrow August 23, 2012 from 4:15pm - 5:15pm.
Club rush will be conducted August 27th and 28th from 10:00am - 2:00pm. In addition to looking for new members, they are also looking for volunteers to help man the table during club rush.
Facebook page for PC Pride: http://www.facebook.com/PCPride or contact portervillecollegepride@gmail.com
We've been looking forward to Visalia's very own Family Fest all year long and the time has finally arrived!!
Last year was a blast, the year before that was a blast, I'm willing to bet this year will be a blast as well!
I hear Brooke has some fun and exciting things up her sleeve this year.
Join us this coming September for a day of family fun at Mooney Groove park in Visalia.
The facebook event can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/events/339942972766801/
or you can follow Gay Visalia here: www.gayvisalia.com
Gender Variant
Model: Stav Strashko
Gender Variant;
1-A person who deviates from the expected characteristics of their sexual gender.
2-Pertains to people who transcend the conventional definitions of man and woman
http://www.advocate.com/politics/media/2012/08/22/gender-variant-model-featured-toyota-ad
Krazy J's - Come on OUT Days!
Saturday, August 18th
The Party Starts at 8pm, Don't Miss It!
Want a great night out in a great club and don't want to drive to Fresno to do it? No problem! Join us at Krazy J's (formerly Halfy's Pub) in Tulare as they graciously host a fundraiser for Gay Visalia. With a small cover charge of only $3.00 you will be supporting your local LGBT community, not to mention having fun! Krazy J's has 3 pool tables, 2 beer pong tables, and a ping pong/flip cup table. Game anyone? There is also a huge dance floor and we'll have a DJ throwing down some of your favorite tunes. Did I mention there is plenty of parking that is constantly monitored with security cameras and can be seen in the club? Yep, safe, secure AND welcoming. Maybe one of Tulare's best kept secrets.
For you non-drinkers or designated drivers, they have the best sweet tea around! For those of you ready to party, we will have yummy jello shot specials, with some of those proceeds coming our way as well. As our way of saying thank you for coming out and supporting us, we just might be giving away some FREE stuff to YOU. This is definitely going to be a night for the books. Come OUT with us, have a drink, and have some fun. Lets get down underground!!
A big thanks to Krazy J's for supporting Gay Visalia and its community!
You can help us by spreading the word. Please invite all of your family and friends to this event, thanks!
Facebook event - Directions/Map
Krazy J's 126 E. Kern ave., Tulare, California 93274
Fresno's Chick fil A Protest - wrap up
Saturday, 04 August 2012 23:52
It was warm, but not as hot as it had been all week. When I arrived a crowd was just starting to build but by the end of the protest there had been well over 200 hundred people participating. In a community like Fresno that says alot! We are an agricultural based community and tend to keep to ourselves. Things like gay marriage and equality are hot buttons even in here. The support for this event was amazing. It was electrical and energized. The best part is people on both sides were polite. Nothing got out of hand. - Audra Taylor
Media coverage:
KSEE NBC 24, KMPH Fox 26, KFSN ABC 30, KGPE CBS 47, Fresno Bee, The Business Journal, CNN iReport, KMJ 580 AM.
428 photos available to view
As seen on facebook:
See many more comments and reactions (both pro and con) on the facebook event page.
Follow us on twitter @GayFresno and Get on our monthly event newletter.We welcome your comments, below. Both for and against this event.
Gay Porterville proudly serves the community and is ran by the community. This means YOU!
Know of a local event? Have a story to tell? Have an opinion? Then let's hear it!!
Please submit your ideas to Melissa@gayporterville.com or let's get together for coffee and go over some things. Call or text 559-791-8699.
Queer Bowling - Bakersfield
For just $13 you get two hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental, AND the comradare of our fellow family members. This event is for all ages and welcome's all walks of life.
This Saturday join Whitney Equality Weddell and locals for a night of bowling.
Queer Bowling for August
AMF Bowling Centers
3610 Wible Road
The Facebook event can be found HERE
TC...WHAT!!?!
This Sunday Porterville's very own women's full tackle football team will be playing in Fresno.
This will be an exciting game. As of last weekend, TC Villainz has won it's 6th game in a row. This weekend they will be facing off against the 2011 WFFL Champions War Angels in a flag football match.
Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 10:00am
425 East Alluvial Avenue
TC Villainz is always looking to recruit new committed, energetic, soldiers for their team. For more information: Monet Beltran at 559-306-7483.
You can also support your local Villainz and get some cool merchandise HERE
Gay Visalia Bar Night!!
Per Gay Visalia:
Rainbow Produktionz
Rainbow Produktionz is proud to announce a new home for it's weekly 21+ LGBT night known as GLAD Night.
The new home for this weekly shin dig is located at The Hoedown in Tulare every Wednesday evening.
Please come out and show your support for our local out DJ; DJ Papi.
The Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield
The Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield is now open. Here is a list of their upcoming socail groups, gatherings, and other fun functions:
The Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield invites you to visit our new Center during Rainbow Week: Birth of a Movement, June 25-30, celebrating the Stonewall Uprising that marked the beginning of the modern gay rights movement in the United States. Daily events geared for our diverse community will occur every night during Rainbow Week. All gay men, lesbians, transgender, questioning and allies are welcome.
All events take place at the Gay & Lesbian Center, 238 18th Street #6, Bakersfield. Call 661-843-7995 or go to www.glcenterbak.org for more information.
Monday June 25 Game Night and Potluck 6-9pm
Monday, join us for a fun night of food, games, and friendship. Bring a dish and help us kick off our celebration of the historic Stonewall Uprising that changed the lives of gay and lesbian people forever!
Tuesday June 26 Grey Matters 6:30-8:00 pm
Introducing our NEW Grey Matters networking and support group for gay men, lesbians, and allies 40+. People of all ages are welcome! Meet others in your age group for an informal get-together. Socialize, mingle and talk about the events that have shaped your lives.
Wednesday June 27 Celebration Social and Mixer 6:00-8:00 pm
On June 27, 1969, thousands of gay men and women spontaneously erupted in protests against police who raided the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village. The Stonewall was a gay bar, and on this day, the customers were fed up with police harassment and discrimination. The Stonewall Uprising escalated into several days of riots, and eventually led to public demonstrations where, for the first time, same-sex couples held hands in public marches. Many communities today hold Gay Pride Parades in honor of this event.
Join the new Gay and Lesbian Center of Bakersfield as we celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Spend time in a comfortable safe space in the heart of Bakersfield with friends new and old, while enjoying light snacks and beverages.
Thursday June 28 20+Q 7:00 pm
Our 20+Q group is a popular gathering for young adults. Join your hosts and facilitators for an enjoyable and entertaining evening.
Friday June 29 Movie Night! 6:30-10:00 pm
As the first installment of our regular Movie Night, we will show Milk in our Great Room. Watch the story of Harvey Milk and his struggles as an American gay activist who fought for gay rights and became California's first openly gay elected official. Popcorn and beverages will be served as we celebrate our legacy.
Saturday June 30 Gay Alianza Latina/Latin Social Night at the Center 6:30-9:30 pm
Gay Alianza Latina is our regular group for LGBT individuals, their families, and allies who prefer to speak Spanish or don't speak English well. On this night, we celebrate the LGBT Hispanic community. Come and enjoy a fun evening of music with a live DJ, food, drinks and more.
Únete a la celebración de la comunidad LGBT Latina en Bakersfield.Sábado, 30 de Junio, de 6:30pm en adelante. En el Gay & Lesbian Center de Bakersfield. Entrada Gratis!!! Ven y disfruta de música,botanas, y bebidas con sabor Latino. Te esperamos! Para masinformación llame al 661-477-3374 o email alinfo@glcenterbak.org. El grupo Gay Alianza Latina es grupo de apoyo para personas de la comunidad LGBT, sus familiares y amigos que prefieren hablar Español o no saben hablar Ingles.
Gay & Lesbian Center of Bakersfield
"The Center"
238 18th St. #6
(at the corner of 18th & V St.,
downtown in the Mill Creek neighborhood)
For current info, hours, programs and events, visit www.glcenterbak.org
or GLCB on Facebook
Skate Party!!
It was so much fun last time Gay Visalia's doing it again!!
Congratulations Visalia!
The City of Visalia will be issuing a Proclamation declaring June LGBT Pride Month in Visalia.
This Monday June 18, 2012 7:00 PM at the Visalia City Hall!
The official signed proclamation reads as follows:
LGBT Pride Month
WHEREAS, June is LGBT Pride Month across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Visalia has a diverse LBGT community, which includes individuals from
all walks of life including doctors, lawyers, police officers, nurses, construction workers,
professionals of all types, teachers, and religious leaders; and
WHEREAS, the LGBT community in Visalia has organized workshops, festivals,
sporting events, dinners, and other activities to celebrate Pride throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, LGBT youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their
straight peers, and more than 1/3 of LGBT youths have attempted suicide and nine out
of ten LGBT youths report harassment at school, and three-fifths report feeling unsafe at
school; and
WHEREAS, High School students in Visalia have organized Gay-Straight Alliances to
fight bullying, provide support, and encourage education to combat homophobia; and
WHEREAS, being “out” is the most important action members of the LGBT community
can engage in to provide role models, and support to young people who may be struggling
with their sexual orientation.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Visalia does hereby proclaim June
2012 as LGBT Pride Month in the City of Visalia and commend the LGBT Community
for helping to raise awareness in our community.
Dated: June 18, 2012
Amy Shuklian, Mayor
Steven A. Nelsen, Vice Mayor Greg Collins, Councilmember
E. Warren Gubler, Councilmember Bob Link, Councilmember
Pflag TODAY!!
PFLAG Tulare and Kings Counties is a volunteer group of parents, family and friends of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT). We welcome members of the GLBT community to our meetings and membership. We meet on the third Sunday of each month.
Location: Family HealthCare Network
305 East Center Street (Corner of Bridge Street)
(Use the courtyard entrance on Bridge. Pedestrian gate is in the alley.)
Date: Sunday, June 17, 2012 3 - 5 pm
"Farm Family - In Search of Gay Life in Rural America"
Filmmaker T.Joe Murray provided The Gay and Lesbian Advisory Employee Council to the Secretary of Agriculture with an edited version of his film "Farm Family - In Search of of Gay Life in Rural America." Join us to watch this 38 minute exclusive version.
Slade Childers has worked for The United States Department , Farm Service Agency in Visalia for 27 years. For the past eight years Slade has been serving as the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender coordinator of the Special Emphasis Outreach Committee. (SEOC) He is an openly gay federal employee.
Slade and his life partner, Ralph Josephs, celebrated their 36 anniversary this year. Congratulations to Slade and Ralph.
Refreshments will be served
Bakersfield Event
Pecs and the City
The word by Sheila
Porterville event!!
Considering “Gay Marriage”
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Become a MERN Stack JavaScript Developer
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Build web apps using React and Node.
Work with data using MongoDB and Express.
Test, secure, and deploy your apps.
Learning npm the Node Package Manager with Emmanuel Henri
Learn how to install and use npm, the node package manager that allows JavaScript developers to share and reuse code.
Node.js Essential Training with Alex Banks
Learn the essentials of Node.js. Discover what you need to know to start creating your own JavaScript applications with Node.js.
Building a Website with Node.js and Express.js with Daniel Khan
Build JavaScript websites that do more. Learn how to build dynamic websites with Node.js and Express.js, a popular web server framework for Node.js.
Learning MongoDB with Kirsten Hunter
Get started with MongoDB. Learn about the differences between relational and document databases, as well as how to work with the Mongo shell, build an application in Node.js, and more.
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Learn back-end programming with JavaScript frameworks. Find out how to build a RESTful web API using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB.
Learning Full-Stack JavaScript Development: MongoDB, Node, and React with Samer Buna
Learn by doing! Learn full-stack JavaScript development by building a web application with MongoDB, Node.js, and React.js, in this hands-on JavaScript programming course.
Node.js: Securing RESTful APIs with Emmanuel Henri
Learn how to secure a RESTful API to keep your application data—and your users—safe.
Node.js: Security with Emmanuel Henri
Learn best practices that can help Node.js developers secure their apps at all levels, from packages to the server level.
React: Securing Applications with Emmanuel Henri
Learn how reinforce the security of your React applications, protecting your code, data, users, servers, and more.
Node.js: Testing and Code Quality with Jon Peck
Learn how to gauge quality, implement testing, and ensure sufficient code coverage in your Node.js apps.
Node.js: Deploying Applications with Kirsten Hunter
Learn how to deploy Node.js applications. Review different deployment scenarios, and get practical tips and insights into the pros and cons of each option.
React.js Essential Training with Eve Porcello
React is a great choice for dynamic, data-driven user experiences. Learn how to create browser-based apps and websites with the component-based React.js library.
You'll learn MERN stack skills with these experts.
Emmanuel Henri
Emmanuel Henri is a full-stack developer with 20 years of experience in programming, technology, and design.
Emmanuel has been responsible for all aspects of client-driven web and mobile projects, including timelines and scope. These projects have used JIRA/Atlassian tools, agile methodologies, and languages and frameworks such as React, Angular, Node, Meteor, GraphQL, JavaScript, Swift, HTML, CSS (Sass), MongoDB, and MySQL. He also works in the 3D gaming world, using tools such as Unreal, ZBrush, Maya, and several others. He has a passion for creating applications and games that leverage the latest technologies in the aforementioned tools, frameworks, and languages.
For more information, go to algofields.com.
View Emmanuel’s Profile
Alex Banks develops large-scale web applications and teaches web development at Yahoo, eBay, and Stanford.
Alex Banks started writing code at the age of eight years old on his first computer, a Tandy TRS-80. In 1995, Alex developed his first website and has been hooked ever since. He went on to study English and computer science at Georgetown University before working as a government consultant and classroom instructor in the Washington, DC, area.
Alex has spent his entire career developing web applications and teaching web development technologies. He has developed several large-scale elearning and CMS applications, including the CMS for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon that hosted 10 high-traffic websites. In 2010, Alex moved to Seattle and worked with MSN to develop Big on the Web.
Alex now lives in Tahoe City, California, and he provides classroom and online-based training regularly for Yahoo, eBay, PayPal, and Stanford University, and other companies across the country. When Alex isn't in a classroom, he spends his time developing applications, learning new technologies, and writing custom training curriculums.
When Alex isn't wired into code or in front of a classroom, you can find him somewhere in the Sierra Nevada backcountry on a chairlift, on the trail, or at the summit.
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Daniel Khan
Daniel Khan is a technology lead who has worked as a developer and application architect for over 15 years.
Daniel Khan has over 15 years experience as a full stack developer, architect, and technical lead in the field of web engineering, proving his strong problem solving skills in hundreds of projects. He is passionate about constant learning, using new technologies, and sharing his findings with others. As technology lead, Daniel focuses on technology research, internal and external consulting, and driving support for Node.js at Dynatrace.
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Kirsten Hunter
Kirsten Hunter is a lead API evangelist at Akamai Technologies.
A seasoned software engineer, Kirsten has extensive experience in development, planning, customer support, and interaction. She enjoys helping developers get the most out of open APIs, including finding innovative ways to combine those APIs to create new and exciting products.
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Samer Buna
Samer Buna is a polyglot coder with master's degrees in management and information security.
He has years of practical experience in designing, implementing, and testing software, including web and mobile applications development, API design, functional programming, optimization, system administration, databases, and scalability. Samer worked in several industries including real estate, government, education, and publications. Samer has also authored several technical books and online courses about Node.js, React.js, GraphQL, and Ruby on Rails. He is passionate about everything JavaScript, and he loves exploring new libraries. You can follow his latest work over at jsComplete.com and EdgeCoders.com, and on Twitter @samerbuna.
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Jon Peck
Jon Peck is a software architect, engineer, consultant, and trainer.
Specializing in large media properties, his clients have included publications such as Entertainment Weekly and Successful Farming. He's passionate about open-source software, including code and project contributions within the Node.js and Drupal communities. His presentations at open-source conferences across North America have included topics such as site and code quality auditing, performance optimization, and architectural best practices. Jon can be found on the internet as fluxsauce.
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Eve Porcello
An expert in mobile apps, CMS, and ecommerce, Eve Porcello delivers training to students all over the world.
Eve Porcello is a developer and trainer based in Northern California. She works with Moon Highway to design and deliver hands-on engineering training classes to students all over the world. With a background in UX/UI design, prototyping, and coding, Eve has launched applications ranging from mobile apps to CMS platforms to ecommerce sites. You can follow her on Twitter @eveporcello or visit her website at www.moonhighway.com.
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Learning Paths are big commitments. Keep your goal in focus by taking one at a time. Starting Become a MERN Stack JavaScript Developer will pause your previous path and save your progress.
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High School Sports Schools Roundup: Wellesley girls track and field wins All-State championship for second straight year
Jun 2, 2019 at 11:01 AM Jun 2, 2019 at 11:01 AM
The Raiders did it again. Thanks in large part to one standout senior.
The Wellesley girls track and field team won its second consecutive All-State meet on Saturday, narrowly edging out rival Natick at Westfield State University.
The Raiders, who huddled to listen to the final score, were elated to hear they finished with a total of 38 points – three better than runner-up Natick (35). Sharon rounded out the top three with 27 points.
Senior standout Anna Jordahl-Henry, who will run next school year at Columbia University, won the 200-meter dash in a time of 24.31 for the Raiders. Milford sophomore Kerry O’Connor placed third (25.27) in the event.
Jordahl-Henry also won the high jump (5 feet, 8 inches) while Framingham sophomore Sophie Albright came in second with a leap of the same height.
Wellesley junior Abby Comella placed second (57.35) in the 400-meter dash.
Natick senior standout Grace Connolly, who will run next school year at Stanford University, finished first in the 2 mile (10:34.12).
On the boys side, Dover-Sherborn junior Oliver Fried came in second (4:17.83) in the mile while Franklin junior Tyler Brogan finished fourth with a time off 4:19.24. Wellesley senior Colby Zarle came in sixth (4:21.22) in the race.
Algonquin senior John Bai won the pole vault with a height just over 13 feet and six inches.
Framingham senior Ben Burgess placed third (9:27.85) in the 2 mile while Wellesley’s 4x800-meter relay team, which consists of juniors Jason Norris and Jackson O’Toole, and seniors Bennett MacDougall and Zarle, finished first with a time of 7:52.63.
State Champs 4x800 so proud. Great way to end your high school career. @wellesleysports @BayStateRunpic.twitter.com/yhcnUHaUVq
— Tweeting Runner (@TweetingRunner)June 2, 2019
Lowell won the boys event with a total of 50 points.
HUDSON 13, NASHOBA 1 (6 INN.): The Hawks had seven hits and scored seven runs in the bottom of the first as senior pitcher Sophia Togneri did her usual damage from the circle, pitching six innings of six-hit ball to help Hudson beat Nashoba in a six-inning, mercy-rule game.
The victory locked up a Midland-Wachusett League B title for the Hawks.
Togneri added two hits and two RBI while Sarah Korowski added two hits and RBI for Hudson.
HUDSON 3, SHREWSBURY 2: Senior captain Tim Person scored the game-winning run on an RBI single from his younger brother, Sam, as the elder Person also picked up the win on the mound for Hudson in a comeback win over Shrewsbury to wrap up the regular season.
Matt Lombardi delivered a two-run single with two outs in the fifth inning to tie the game at two apiece for the Hawks.
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David Pickerington, OH
Conceptual Art is a style in which the expression of ideas or concepts is paramount, and the use of traditional artistic skills is often omitted all together. At times these works are integrated with sculptural or painterly materials, but the central thrust of the movement is that the ideas are the artwork, and are not dependent on the physical outcome or a presence in museums or galleries. This emphasis of idea over object is essential in Conceptual Art. It was developed in the late 1960s with the theoretically driven work of Minimalist Sol LeWitt, and came into bloom in the 1970s in the work of Germans Joseph Beuys and Hans Haacke, and Americans John Baldessari and Joseph Kosuth. Data, science, information, words and language became the new media for these artists. In 1970 the Museum of Modern Art presented a show titled “Information” co-curated by Joseph Kosuth. His work focused on the meanings of concepts that were familiar parts of everyday life, such as the chair and painting. He presented signs of these subjects, such as the dictionary definition, and a two- and three-dimensional representation of them. The work of Conceptual artists continues to span into the 21st century, and can include Performance art, Minimalism, Semiotics, Process and Earth-Art.
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Insured African-Americans More Likely To Use Emergency Room Than Other Insured Groups
Published Thursday 8 October 2009 Published Thu 8 Oct 2009
Health insurance, and the access it provides to a primary care physician, should reduce the use of a major driver of health care costs: the emergency room.
Yet in a policy brief released today by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, researchers found that in California, privately insured African Americans enrolled in HMOs are far more likely to use the ER and to delay getting needed prescription drugs than HMO-insured members of other racial and ethnic groups. The research was funded by the California Office of the Patient Advocate.
It's not that African Americans fail to see their doctors, researchers say. In fact, of all HMO enrollees, African Americans were the most likely to report seeing a doctor in the past year, according to the authors of the brief, "African-Americans in Commercial HMOs Are More Likely to Delay Prescription Drugs and Use the Emergency Room."
Patient income and illness did not predict ER or prescription drug use either. Researchers found greater ER use and delays in getting prescription drugs even among African American HMO enrollees who were generally healthy and had higher incomes.
While the reasons behind the ER use and drug delays among African Americans are the subject of future research, lead author Dylan Roby, a research scientist with the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, said the data suggests that the way health maintenance organizations or their contracted physicians provide care - and the way patients respond to that care - may create obstacles to timely primary care, as well as foster excessive use of the emergency room and delays in getting needed medications.
African Americans Depend on HMOs
More than two-thirds of insured African Americans in California are enrolled in HMOs (67.3 percent, or 1.35 million), compared with 64.7 percent (4.5 million) of insured Latinos and 51.6 percent (8 million) of whites.
Using data from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), researchers found that African American patients enrolled in commercial HMO plans were more likely to delay getting needed prescription drugs. Those enrolled in commercial Kaiser Permanente plans were more likely to use the ER, they said.
"It's troubling, because it suggests that even if you are insured and well-off, you still may not be getting the care you need," Roby said. "It also suggests that HMOs that are designed to provide preventive care and to make sure people have their medications are not able to do so."
Kaiser Permanente is the most popular HMO among African Americans, with one-fourth of all insured African Americans enrolled in the Oakland-based insurance carrier. Despite HMO emphasis on preventive care, however, more than a quarter (25.4 percent) of all privately insured African Americans enrolled in a Kaiser Permanente plan used the emergency room in the past year - in contrast to 14 percent of Asian American enrollees and 17.5 percent of Latinos.
The reasons could range from the relative affordability of emergency-room services to the ease of accessing those services, Roby said.
"If it takes days or weeks to get an appointment with your doctor and just hours to be seen in the ER, people might make the easier choice, especially if it is convenient and affordable," he said. "On the other hand, if someone knows their local ER is overcrowded and expensive, they may be more likely to wait and see their own doctor."
Delaying Needed Medicine
Privately insured African American HMO enrollees also were notably more likely to delay getting needed prescription drugs. Prescription drug delays were about 10 percent higher for privately insured African Americans enrolled in non-Kaiser commercial HMO plans than for whites in comparable commercial plans.
Costs, geography and the pharmacy benefits offered by a given HMO may all inhibit the timely purchase of prescription drugs.
"We need to think about how the cost of prescriptions and delays in getting needed medications are compromising health status and quality of life," Roby said.
The research helps health advocates in California identify key health and health care issues for African American HMO members, said Sandra Perez, director of the California Office of the Patient Advocate. "This is the first step in understanding how HMOs can close the gaps in the quality of care and access they provide to their members."
Roby recommended an education campaign for both patient and provider that would address appropriate use of the ER and primary care services, as well as the importance of medication adherence and getting prescribed medications and refills.
"African American HMO members need to be empowered to find a doctor they are comfortable with, while health plans need to make a greater effort to connect patients with that doctor," Roby said.
The policy brief was supported by a grant from the California Office of the Patient Advocate as part of a targeted educational outreach program.
Gwendolyn Driscoll
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Driscoll, Gwendolyn. "Insured African-Americans More Likely To Use Emergency Room Than Other Insured Groups." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 8 Oct. 2009. Web.
Driscoll, G. (2009, October 8). "Insured African-Americans More Likely To Use Emergency Room Than Other Insured Groups." Medical News Today. Retrieved from
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Neurology > Parkinson's Disease
Coffee May Tame Parkinson Symptoms
— Parkinson-associated sleepiness did not improve with caffeine intake but motor symptom severity decreased significantly, a randomized trial showed.
by Charles Bankhead, Staff Writer, MedPage Today August 2, 2012
Parkinson-associated sleepiness did not improve with caffeine intake but motor symptom severity decreased significantly, a randomized trial showed.
Caffeine had only a marginal effect on the primary endpoint of daytime sleepiness. However, scores on a global Parkinson rating scale increased by more than three points and the motor symptom component of the scale by almost four points (P<0.05) among patients randomized to caffeine versus placebo.
A biologically plausible explanation exists for a beneficial effect of caffeine on Parkinson's disease, according to an article published online in Neurology.
"Caffeine's principal mechanism of action is antagonism of the adenosine-2A receptor, which is involved in striatopallidal neuronal activity in the direct pathway," Ronald B. Postuma, MD, of McGill University in Montreal, and co-authors wrote in conclusion.
This randomized controlled trial assessed the use of caffeine as a treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson's disease.
Note that although efficacy for improving wakefulness did not reach statistical significance, a secondary outcome analysis provided evidence in support of an antiparkinsonian motor effect of caffeine.
"Adenosine receptors are colocalized as heterodimers with dopaminergic D2 receptors, inhibiting effects of dopaminergic transmission. Numerous animal studies have found motor improvement in toxin-induced models of Parkinson disease, in dopamine-deficient mice, and in drug-induced parkinsonism, with caffeine."
Caffeine might also increase the bioavailability of levodopa and prolong its clinical effect, they added.
Lifelong caffeine use has been associated with reduced odds for Parkinson's disease in prospective studies, but it was unknown if coffee could have a favorable effect on excessive daytime somnolence, a common and potentially disabling manifestation of the disease process.
In the general population, people commonly use caffeine to improve alertness, providing a rationale for evaluating caffeine's effects on excessive sleepiness in patients with Parkinson's disease, the authors wrote in their introduction. Moreover, preliminary studies have suggested caffeine might have a beneficial effect on Parkinson-associated motor symptoms.
To evaluate caffeine's therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease, Postuma and colleagues performed a randomized trial involving 61 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease associated with excessive daytime somnolence, as defined by an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥10. The patients were randomized to caffeine daily or placebo and followed for 6 weeks.
Patients assigned to the caffeine arm received 100 mg BID for 3 weeks, followed by 200 mg BID for 3 weeks.
The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Secondary outcomes included changes in motor severity, global impression, fatigue, sleep quality, depression, general health status, and tolerability and side effects of caffeine.
The study population had a mean age of in the mid-60s, male predominance of about 75%, disease duration of about 8 years, and Epworth score of about 15. The groups did not differ with respect to levodopa dose, daily caffeine intake, or baseline values for assessment instruments used during the study.
At the end of 6 weeks, patients randomized to caffeine had an average reduction in Epworth score of 1.71 points versus the placebo group, a difference that did not achieve statistical significance. Separate analyses of the two caffeine doses also showed no difference between groups.
Two patients in each group were withdrawn because of protocol violations. A per-protocol analysis did yield a statistically significant 1.97-point decrease in the Epworth score in the caffeine group versus placebo (95% CI -3.87 to -0.05).
Clinical Global Impression improved significantly in the caffeine arm. Other somnolence measures did not differ between groups, nor did the fatigue scores.
With regard to change in motor symptoms, the mean Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating decreased significantly by 4.69 patients in the caffeine group versus the placebo arm (95% CI -7.7 to -1.6). The objective motor component of the Parkinson's rating scale also improved significantly in the caffeine group (-3.15, 95% CI -5.50 to -0.83).
Patients randomized to caffeine had modest improvement in global health quality scores, but results did not differ on any of the other outcome measures.
The author of an accompanying editorial credited Postuma and colleagues with providing the first evidence of antiparkinsonian effects of caffeine in a randomized clinical trial.
"This class II evidence that motor function in Parkinson's disease can be improved by caffeine is bolstered by mechanistic and clinical advances identifying adenosine A2A receptor antagonism as the molecular basis of caffeine's psychomotor stimulant properties, and as a promising antiparkinsonian strategy," wrote Michael A. Schwarzschild, MD, PhD, of Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital.
The findings do not support a clinical recommendation of caffeine as therapy for Parkinson's disease, but "they can reasonably be taken into consideration when discussing dietary caffeine use," he added.
The McGill researchers noted a number of limitations to their study including the fact that "motor and quality-of-life benefits were secondary outcomes of the study and therefore should be viewed as exploratory."
Moreover, the study "was not designed or powered to examine caffeine's effects upon fluctuations or dyskinesia, as only a subset of our patients had these features at baseline."
The authors said they sought to enhance both generalizability and recruitment by not requiring "that all patients have no baseline caffeine intake -- it is possible that some changed habitual caffeine intake during the 6-week study without notifying investigators."
Finally, since it was a "short study" the authors noted that there may not have been adequate time to properly evaluate the clinical effect of caffeine on symptoms.
Postuma and co-authors had no disclosures.
Schwarzschild disclosed relationships with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the RJG Foiundation, and the American Parkinson's Disease Foundation.
Source Reference: Postuma RB, et al "Caffeine for treatment of Parkinson disease. A randomized controlled trial" Neurology 2012; 79: 651-658.
Source Reference: Schwartzschild MA "Caffeine in Parkinson disease. Better for cruise control than snooze patrol?" Neuology 2012; 79: 616-618.
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Brooksby Melton College joinery student crafts takings box for Waltham on the Wolds Village Hall users
Karen Riley from the Skills Funding Agency with Brooksby Melton College joinery apprentice Sam Coxon PHOTO: Supplied
Published: 16:00 Friday 14 July 2017
A solid pine contribution box has been handcrafted for Waltham on the Wolds Village Hall by Brooksby Melton College (BMC) student Sam Coxon.
The box, requested by Karen Riley from the Skills Funding Agency, was created by Sam in the joinery workshop at BMC’s Brooksby Campus, with some assistance from lecturing staff.
Sam, who has Asperger’s syndrome, was selected for this project due to the excellent work he produced during his Level 1 joinery qualification at BMC.
The twenty-year-old said: “It was great to be chosen to make the box as I’d already completed all of my coursework for the year. Making it was a new challenge but I approached it in the same way that I would approach my day-to-day joinery work.
“I’d been given a specification by Waltham on the Wolds villagers, so the design work had already been done. I was then able to create the box by working to these measurements.
“In September I will be starting my Level 2 joinery qualification at BMC, with the hope of eventually working in bespoke joinery or completing further qualifications.”
Ian Sargent, joinery lecturer at BMC, said: “Sam has proved that he can personally overcome his fears and anxieties, and has pushed himself further than he thought that he could. He has adapted really well, even to the point that his support staff can take a backseat a lot of the time.
“Sam has educated many staff and students with his needs, fears and ability to help us understand how he is thinking. If anyone had seen him at the start of the course they would not recognise the student that he has become now.”
Last week, Sam along with fellow students, attended BMC’s Further Education Awards, which congratulated teenagers and young adults who’ve excelled whilst working and studying at the college.
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Puccini’s La Bohème Returns to Cinemas
Franco Zeffirelli’s classic production of La Bohème, starring Kristine Opolais and Vittorio Grigolo, returns to cinemas for a special encore screening July 26.
Verdi’s Aida Returns to Cinemas
Don’t miss a special encore screening of Verdi’s Aida, featuring heralded performances by Anna Netrebko and Anita Rachvelishvili, in cinemas July 17.
The Met: Live in HD 2019–20 Season
In the 2019–20 season, the Live in HD series features ten operas, including five new productions, and many of the world’s greatest singers.
Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette Returns to Cinemas
Don’t miss a special encore screening of Gounod’s sumptuous Shakespeare adaption, featuring Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo as the star-crossed lovers, in cinemas July 19.
Dialogues des Carmélites: Act I Excerpt (Karita Mattila)
Karita Mattila sings an excerpt from Madame de Croissy’s Act I death scene in the final dress rehearsal. Production: John Dexter. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 2018–19 season.
Dialogues des Carmélites: “Salve Regina”
An excerpt from the opera’s closing scene in the final dress rehearsal. Production: John Dexter. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 2018–19 season.
Dialogues des Carmélites: “Oh! Ne me quittez pas”
Isabel Leonard and David Portillo sing Blanche and the Chevalier de la Force’s Act II duet in the final dress rehearsal. Production: John Dexter. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 2018–19 season.
Dialogues des Carmélites: “Ave Maria”
Mother Marie (Karen Cargill) and Madame Lidoine (Adrianne Pieczonka) lead the Carmelite sisters in the “Ave Maria” in Act II of the final dress rehearsal. Production: John Dexter. Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 2018–19 season.
2019 Live in HD Summer Encores
Four popular productions from the Met’s Live in HD series of cinema transmissions return to theaters this summer, beginning June 19.
Christine Goerke: Thank You to Met Supporters
Soprano Christine Goerke, on behalf on the entire company, extends heartfelt thanks to all of the Met’s generous supporters in honor of Member Appreciation Month. 2018–19 season.
Siegfried: Forging Song
Stefan Vinke sings an excerpt from Siegfried’s Act I Forging Song in the final dress rehearsal. Production: Robert Lepage. Conductor: Philippe Jordan. 2018–19 season.
Siegfried: Excerpt from Act III
Christine Goerke and Stefan Vinke sing an excerpt from Brünnhilde and Siegfried’s Act III scene in the final dress rehearsal. Production: Robert Lepage. Conductor: Philippe Jordan. 2018–19 season.
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Jefferson's Cause of Death
Thomas Jefferson's exact cause of death has never been conclusively determined. He wrote in January 1826,
[As to] the state of my health ... it is now 3. weeks since a re-ascerbation of my painful complaint [a severe attack of diarrhea and difficulty urinating] has confined me to the house and indeed to my couch. required to be constantly recumbent I write slowly and with difficulty. yesterday for the 1st time I was able to leave the house and to resume a posture which enables me to begin to answer the letters which have been accumulating.1
Jefferson lived to the ripe old age of 83, but his health had been declining since 1818, when he visited Warm Springs, Virginia, to find relief for his rheumatism in the mineral baths. By some means, he contracted a nasty infection on his buttocks.2 This boil on his "seat" was probably more than furunculosis. Dr. Gordon Jones thinks it likely Jefferson developed a true septicemia, which would explain Jefferson's subsequent "prostration."3 Heavy doses of sulphur and mercury in ointment form helped clear the infection but were debilitating in themselves. Dr. Jones believes the mercury poisoning helped to exacerbate Jefferson's chronic bowel problems in his last years. Other ailments included swollen legs, painful joints, fatigue, a fractured left wrist, a boil on his jaw, increasing deafness, and unspecified illnesses (of two or three weeks' duration) in 1823 and 1824.4 At the same time, Jefferson's mind remained as agile as always, and he took daily rides on horseback. Visitors were impressed by his physical stamina.
A serious medical problem manifested itself in 1825. In late July, Jefferson complained to James Monroe that he was experiencing "a difficulty of making water."5 Robley Dunglison was called in and discovered Jefferson had "prostatic hypertrophy of enough degree to obstruct the flow of urine and cause great pain from urinary retention."6 To treat his patient, Dunglison prescribed "bougies," flexible cylinders, made of elastic gum, variable in size, which were introduced through the urethra past the obstruction. Jefferson found relief for his immediate problem. In the days before sterile techniques were available, however, bacteria were invariably introduced. Thus Dr. Jones feels that a pyelitis was bound to occur, damaging the kidneys themselves.7 From this point, Jefferson gradually grew worse, with only occasional periods of good health.
Though Jefferson's diarrhea abated for a spell early in 1826, it returned in full force later in the spring. By June 26, Jefferson was bed-ridden. From July 2 on, Jefferson was largely stuporous, only occasionally rousing to recognize his physician, Robley Dunglison, and his family.
What finally killed him? It was undoubtedly a combination of ailments: exhaustion from intense diarrhea, toxemia from a kidney infection, uremia from kidney damage, and finally orthostatic old-age pneumonia. He might have lived longer under modern medical care, but likely not much longer if his fundamental problem was a late diagnosed prostatic cancer.8
-Russell L. Martin, 5/18/90
Further Sources
Bear, James A., Jr. "The Last Few Days in the Life of Thomas Jefferson." The Magazine of Albemarle County History 32 (1974): 63-79.
Bear, James A., Jr. "Medical Chronology: Thomas Jefferson." Unpublished manuscript (1964).
Burstein, Andrew. Jefferson's Secrets: Death and Desire at Monticello. New York: Basic Books, 2005.
1. Jefferson to William Gordon, January 1, 1826, Thomas Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress. Transcription available at Founders Online.
2. Family Letters, 426.
3. Gordon W. Jones, M.D., and James A. Bear, Jr., "The Medical Side of Thomas Jefferson" (unpublished manuscript, 1979), 119.
4. Medical Side, 131.
5. Jefferson to Monroe, July 21, 1825, Coolidge Collection of Thomas Jefferson Manuscripts, Massachusetts Historical Society. Transcription available at Founders Online.
6. Medical Side, 131a.
Jefferson's Last WordsMedicine
Frequently Asked Questions, Personal Life
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Advisers can look at an unlimited number of criteria in any search to place cases, including residential, buy-to-let, second charge, equity release, self-build, overseas, bridging and commercial loans.
Search results can be saved to a client’s file electronically, demonstrating clear, personalised evidence of their research.
Primis said it will also be adding a new back office operating system to its proposition later this year.
Streamline applications
Primis proposition director Vikki Jefferies (pictured) said technology was clearly proving to have a hugely positive impact on the mortgage market.
“Tools like these continue to become increasingly valuable in this way, providing that extra ounce of support for advisers looking to simplify and streamline the application process,” she said.
“The hard work that our brokers put in to secure the best possible outcomes for their customers is exactly what drives their businesses forward – and with the addition of Knowledge Bank, we are confident that they will be able to amplify this to help a growing number of consumers with their lending needs.”
Knowledge Bank CEO Nicola Firth said she was looking forward to working with the network and its 2,500 brokers, adding that it would give them more time to provide face-to-face advice.
Packagers have had to adapt to the evolving market – Together
Mortgage Brain buys Criteria Hub
Mortgage Brain has already started planning the integration of Criteria Hub into its point-of-sale, CRM and compliance system, The Key.
It said it would consult about how best to complete the integration, but it is likely to involve results from Criteria Hub searches feeding into the Mortgage Brain sourcing system.
“We look at it complimenting what we are already doing,” Mortgage Brain CEO Mark Lofthouse (pictured) told Mortgage Solutions.
“Brokers are telling us that they want to understand lenders that will lend on something and then start looking for products from there, so the results from Criteria Hub will feed into the other systems.
“We don’t have a timescale yet on when this will go live but we will consult with our partners on what they would like it to look like and then start on developing.
“It is a high priority for us,” he added.
Criteria Hub will remain available to any adviser in the market as a standalone system or it can be bought as part of a package.
The criteria-based sourcing system has already agreed deals with Countrywide and Openwork for their advisers to access the platform.
‘Excellent strategic fit’
Lofthouse added that over the last four years Criteria Hub had impressed many people within the mortgage industry, including the Mortgage Brain team, and noted that it was “an excellent strategic fit with our business”.
“The acquisition of Criteria Hub demonstrates the next phase in our strategy to strengthen and extend our range of technology solutions and services for the benefit of all our customers,” he continued.
Criteria Hub co-founder Jason Hegarty said: “We’ve always had a very clear vision of how the Criteria Hub platform will grow and evolve around our users and with Mortgage Brain we’ve found a partner that shares our core values and vision.
“Together we are set for a very exciting few years ahead.”
Mortgage Brain is the parent company of AE3Media which publishes Mortgage Solutions.
Legal & General Mortgage Club launches criteria search tool
The tool was trialled with four diverse mortgage brokers including MSN, First Mortgage Direct, Springtide and Alexander Hall.
The system, which will be continually updated through work with lenders by admin staff in-house, will enable brokers to gauge whether a lender would consider their customer’s case at any given time but still have access to phone and live chat support.
The system has 492 different search criteria drawn from 394,000 individual enquiries and covers the new build and residential sectors at the moment, with expansion to later life lending and other sectors soon.
The software is free to use up to the end of March and brokers can register and sign a terms of agreement, however from April it will cost £20 a month per licence depending on frequency of club use.
(Example screenshot below)
Kevin Roberts, director, L&G Mortgage Club said this is the beginning of strategic change in its offerings to partner members adding that the club has to continue to deliver ever more value.
SmartrCriteria can be used as a training tool for new brokers to help them narrow down lending criteria and find the right solution for a client, said L&G.
Kevin Roberts, director, Legal & General Mortgage Club, said: “Looking for the best mortgage options can be a time-consuming process for brokers and their customers, and with ever changing lender criteria, it can be difficult to stay on top of it all. SmartrCriteria has been built with this in mind, designed to make placing cases both quicker and easier, resulting in better outcomes for both brokers and the end customer.”
Greg Cunnington, director of lender relationships and new homes at Alexander Hall who has trialled SmartrCriteria adds: “This is a really great move from Legal & General Mortgage Club. The technology behind SmartrCriteria does the heavy lifting for advisers, allowing them to spend less of their time speaking to various lenders and more time concentrating on what really matters – maintaining strong client relationships and giving good advice.”
Understanding start of the mortgage process can help decide the outcome – Firth
One thing they tend to have in common is that they deal with the end of the mortgage process – what mortgages have been taken out and for how much.
Knowledge Bank’s quarterly data is concerned with what brokers are looking for at the beginning of the process, not what they ended up with, so this reflects what clients really need.
Publishing this information may well change the future shape of the market as it shows the needs of clients at the outset and therefore the products that lenders really need to provide.
Borrowers lives are complex and so are their financial needs and the more we understand the better we can, as an industry, serve their needs.
For the second quarter running the most popular residential search was for lenders who would accept a self-employed borrower with just one year’s accounts.
Although many people still consider the self-employed to sit outside of mainstream lending the number of self-employed is increasing steadily, jumping from 3.3m to 4.8m since 2001.
So, maybe the fact this has been the top search during the first half of the year will be inducement enough for lenders to consider adopting this criteria if they are not one of the twenty who already do so.
Additionally within the residential sector brokers have clients for whom their age at the end of the loan term is a major consideration.
The second most popular search in this category is once again the maximum age of the borrower at the end of the mortgage term, suggesting borrowers are aware they will need their borrowing schedule to extend beyond retirement age.
As the age of first-time buyers continues to extend into their thirties, it makes sense they will increasingly need to borrow until an older age and this will become the norm rather than the exception.
Within the buy-to-let sector, harsher affordability criteria and more stringent stress tests could be the reason the number one search performed is once again minimum income requirements.
It also highlights the role a landlord’s income now plays when taking out a buy-to-let mortgage, where a few years ago this would have entirely been based on rental income.
The second most searched criteria was for first-time landlords, demonstrating that, despite the government’s best efforts to make buy-to-let less attractive, there are still a notable number of people wanting to enter the market for the first time.
Further reflecting the effect that changing regulation is having, first-time landlords was this quarter overtaken by brokers looking for lenders who will lend to limited companies.
With the continued shift in the market, this could well reach top spot next quarter.
Within the Equity Release sector there has been a more significant change in the searches performed.
During the first quarter borrowers were more concerned about fiscal restrictions in the form of maximum lending, debt and interest-only availability.
This has changed during the second quarter of the year and brokers are now looking to place cases focused on property restrictions and leasehold conditions.
With the government looking to either abolish or heavily restrict new leaseholds, it is interesting that this is already being reflected in what brokers are searching for.
Second charge
Criteria sourcing for second charges has also seen a shift in emphasis.
January to March was very much focused on immediacy as brokers were sourcing lenders who do not impose the six-month rule.
However, in the second quarter to June this changed and it was loan amounts and affordability that took centre stage.
The search for maximum loan to value (LTV) and arrears raises the question of how many of these searches for second charges were being done as an alternative to a remortgage?
This could be as the remortgage LTV limits would be too restrictive or the client would not qualify because they had incurred arrears since taking out their first mortgage.
These statistics show us what’s happening at the start of the mortgage process giving an indication of what we may see in completion figures further down the line.
At the earliest stage of the advice process, clients are revealing their financial circumstances in the hope the broker can find a lender to offer them a product.
But not every potential borrower finds the lender they need.
Let’s face it, which would you find more interesting; last week’s horse racing results or next week’s?
Countrywide adds Criteria Hub access for brokers
The system is part of the new wave of software support for brokers which sources products based on criteria rather than price.
Countrywide managing director Peter Curran said the deal would help ensure customers were placed with the right lender based on their circumstances.
“Having deep knowledge of lender criteria is essential to a successful consultant,” he said.
“Digital tools are becoming more and more important for consultants, so working with Criteria Hub will help both build and improve knowledge and make sure we work more effectively with customers to improve their experience with Countrywide.”
Criteria Hub director Jason Hegarty said he was pleased to have struck the deal to work with the national property services firm.
“Having been an estate agency-based advisor myself at Countrywide some 15 or so years ago I know all too well the demands these advisers are under and the importance of being able to quickly identify a solution for their clients,” he said.
“Criteria Hub will reduce the time spent researching criteria meaning that Countrywide advisers will be able to place cases quicker and improve the customer journey considerably in many cases.”
First year self-employed coverage tops list of mortgage criteria searches
The subject topped the list in the residential sector and was closely followed by the maximum age at end of term; maximum loan-to-value (LTV); interest-only; and first-time buyers.
According to the first edition of Knowledge Bank’s Criteria Activity Tracker, on average brokers using the service searched 4.5 different criteria categories for each client.
Buy-to-let and second charge criteria searches are also included in the monthly results.
Minimum income standards were the most searched in the buy-to-let market, followed by first time landlord; houses in multiple occupation (HMO); the six-month rule or day one remortgage; and lending to limited companies.
For the second charge sector, arrears for a mortgage or secured loan or missed or late payments was the top criteria search.
Unsatisfied County Court Judgements (CCJs); adding broker fees to the loan; maximum LTV; and accountant’s projections completed the top five in the second charge area.
Changes not publicised
More than 203,000 criteria searches have been made using Knowledge Bank since its launch in September.
It said the data revealed that even for residential mortgages, brokers were struggling with those more hard-to-place cases.
“One of the key issues facing brokers is that most criteria changes are not publicised unless there is a particularly positive change and so brokers can be totally unaware of changes until they submit a case,” it added.
Knowledge Bank CEO Nicola Firth (pictured) said: “One of the things that surprises most brokers is the sheer scale of changes being made every week.”
She added that brokers were often too busy to spend time checking through countless spreadsheets or lender websites for updates.”
Criteria Hub available to Openwork advisers
Criteria Hub allows advisers to search and compare provider criteria through its online database.
Openwork mortgage, protection and general insurance proposition director Paul Shearman (pictured) said: “We have been piloting with Criteria Hub for the last few months and the platform has been well received.
“It is intuitive and the data set is comprehensive, making it easier than ever before to obtain the answers needed to place a mortgage. It is a great tool for our advisers.”
Criteria Hub director Jason Hegarty noted that mortgage brokers’ work was becoming increasingly complex and that researching specific criteria from multiple lenders could be time consuming.
He added: “We provide the kind of accurate fine criteria detail that advisers need to save them time, as well as providing evidence of the research undertaken to back up final recommendations.”
‘Learn from every meeting’ – Building a business part three
Having started Knowledge Bank with a bright idea as a broker knowledge sharing site in 2015, in just over a year we had seen it burgeon and develop beyond anything we thought possible at the outset.
When coming up with an initial idea, little do many people realise just where it will take them and what else will be required.
We had already redeveloped Knowledge Bank in 2016, but by 2017 we had so many other things to add onto it we carried out another complete rewrite.
Central to the rewrite was still our philosophy of Knowledge Bank being quick and simple to use.
Formal launch
Even before launch we already had several hundred brokers either in trial or as paying customers, but after the rewrite to version three it was time to launch Knowledge Bank to the whole market.
By now we had expanded our IT team, expanded the support team and brought in an experienced PR firm to help with the launch.
We picked a prominent expo which attracted a large audience. This was an acid test of what people thought.
Fortunately, the biggest criticism we received was ‘Why didn’t you do this earlier?’
We had four lenders and one network contact us on the launch day asking how they could become a part of it.
Legalities and funding
We have been also amazed by the number of people expressing an interest in investing, so we registered for the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) to make this future investment easier if and when we need it.
We also found a good corporate lawyer to draw up all the agreements we have needed with lenders and networks.
The most important thing has been to learn from every meeting.
When you’re doing something new, it sparks people’s imaginations and we have received so many fantastic suggestions as a result we have created a system to capture them all and put a schedule for each to be implemented.
We have added at least one development per month but our future plans will take this to a whole new level.
And our growth of use shows no sign of slowing. We went from 48 lenders to more than 100 in just three months, with 26,000 broker searches in that time – more than 215 per day.
Looking forward, we are now on a recruitment drive.
Our most recent recruit was a former mortgage broker as we believe it is important they understand the market and the trials and tribulations faced by brokers.
Most important for any business is to keep in touch with what your customers want, in our case that is brokers and lenders.
This is not only for now but focusing on the future and what people’s needs will be in six months or a year.
The challenge is to absorb the ideas but still stay focused.
You can read part one and part two of Nicola Firth’s journey building Knowledge Bank online.
‘It was amazing how unashamed some people were’ – Knowledge Bank’s birth of a business, part two
The objective behind Knowledge Bank right from the very beginning has been to make it as simple as possible. The first version of Knowledge Bank was just an A to Z list of information, but it quickly became clear that we needed more.
So in 2016 we redeveloped it, launching our second version of it making it much more intuitive, easier to use and helping to save brokers even more time.
As demand escalated it became more practical to give lenders their own log-in and let them input their own data.
This put lenders in charge of their own data including the criteria that showed and when; it meant brokers could have confidence that the criteria they were looking at is the most up-to-date available; and it freed up our time for further development.
More control
We also gave the lenders more control by enabling them to input the details into Knowledge Bank for criteria that has not yet launched and letting them schedule the date it will go live. It also became much more searchable.
Version two brought the most matched criteria to the top. Where more than one lender will accept the criteria, they are listed in alphabetical order so there is no bias. Fundamental to all this was user experience so that the system was intuitive and easy to use.
Site security and its data is of paramount importance so lenders know their details can never be compromised. Multiple levels of security and back up were enhanced in version two so that all data met the highest security standards expected by banks and building societies.
Expanding a business this quickly was a learning curve.
Brokers and lenders were becoming part of Knowledge Bank through word of mouth, but we still hadn’t even had an official launch.
Because of its growing popularity we had to pay attention not only to the development but also good business governance.
We set up a copyright so that the website content could not be copied. This proved a good move as we discovered, even in this fledgling stage. For example a number of other tech firms showed interest in what we were doing and how – some through fair means, some through foul.
Fortunately, our IT specialists had built in anti-scraping technology which flags up when someone is trying to copy the site and prevents it from happening.
It also flags up who the person is, but it was amazing just how unashamed some people were in trying to do this. (Interesting! – Ed)
It was at this point that we really understood the value of having invested heavily in the technology. The idea has always been that the site looks clean and simple and is easy to use. This does not mean that the technology involved is simple however.
We worked really hard to make sure that the user experience is central to everything; the clever technology is behind the scenes, but it is amazing to see the layers of technology underneath this.
Read the first of Nicola Firth’s blogs here.
The birth of a business – Knowledge Bank
I already had a successful business as a mortgage broker running Firth Financial Services. In fact, it was this that drove the birth of Knowledge Bank.
The experience of 13 years as a broker, with the frustration of finding the best rate for a client but then discovering the lender wouldn’t accept the criteria – and neither would the next lender on the list or even the one after that at times.
As every broker knows, placing more complex, or even less usual, cases can take hours – on the phone to the network or mortgage club help desk, and then to the lender or its BDM.
Initially Knowledge Bank was to be part of a larger Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. A knowledge sharing platform for brokers.
Originally called Compass, its aim was to point brokers in the right direction for their criteria requirements.
Having compared notes and shared frustrations with other brokers across the two networks I’d been part of, the idea was to have a system where brokers ‘bank their knowledge’.
We would all input information when we discovered a specific lender accepted a certain set of criteria, CCJs or a one-year self-employed case, for example. Everyone who input would have access to what others had shared.
The technical build
We started building this and telling people about it, but then lender BDMs saw it and wanted to be a part of it too.
This snowballed as almost every lender who heard about it wanted their criteria included and so Knowledge Bank was born – but we had no idea just how popular it was to become.
We originally thought it would be a small project. I advertised for an IT developer in May 2015, with an advert that read, “I’ve got a little project for a developer of a few hours per week.”
The head of my IT team often reminds me of this, as it turned into an all-encompassing project for up to nine IT staff at a time.
By August 2015 we could see this was going somewhere.
The increasing number of lenders led to more broker interest, and vice versa so Compass Systems was registered at Companies House.
The objective behind Knowledge Bank is to make it as simple as possible.
We know every mortgage broker is pushed for time, so we wanted it to be completely intuitive so searches could be done in seconds and no training was required to use it.
The design brief was “Fisher Price”. As with the toy brand, no instructions are necessary and the same ideology was important to us.
We knew it would save brokers hours but also wanted it to be simple for the lenders.
We have always been driven by the maxim ‘good for brokers, good for lenders and good for the client’ in every decision made.
So what did we learn in these early stages?
We learned that from a legal perspective, we couldn’t protect our idea and felt sure it would only be a matter of time before someone else saw what we were doing and entered the same space.
Key advice I was given was ‘be fast, be first’ so that’s exactly what we did, but to do that you have to recognise your strengths and weaknesses plus what others do best rather than trying to do everything yourself, so this was the bedrock Knowledge Bank was formed on.
Every day is a school day when you haven’t done it before.
You have to wear every hat in the business, be it product development, finance, marketing and IT, so I was quick to surround myself with experts in the various fields, from IT to accountancy, marketing to legal to help take the business forward.
Watch out for the next part from Firth detailing the birth of a criteria-driven sourcing system next week.
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Self-driving robots collect water samples to create snapshots of ocean microbes
Brett Hobson from MBARI and Gabe Foreman from the University of Hawaii prepare a long-range AUV for field trials. Image: Chris Preston © 2018 MBARI
For the first time, scientists from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) will deploy a small fleet of long-range autonomous underwater vehicles (LRAUVs) that have the ability to collect and archive seawater samples automatically. These new robots will allow researchers to track and study ocean microbes in unprecedented detail.
Anna Romano from the University of Hawaii and Roman Marin III of MBARI work on the third-generation Environmental Sample Processor. Image: Chris Preston © 2018 MBARI
Ocean microbes produce at least fifty percent of the oxygen in our atmosphere while removing large amounts of carbon dioxide. They also form the foundation of marine food webs, including those that support global ocean fisheries. Edward DeLong and David Karl, oceanography professors in the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) have been studying these microbes for decades. For this project, they and their teams are collaborating with engineers from MBARI to test new ways of adaptively sampling oceanographic features such as open-ocean eddies, swirling masses of water that move slowly across the Pacific Ocean, which can have large effects on ocean microbes.
In late February 2018, MBARI engineers completed the construction and testing of three new LRAUVs in collaboration with UH Mānoa scientists, and delivered them last week for their first deployment in Hawaiian waters. As the LRAUVs move through the ocean, they collect information about water temperature, chemistry, and chlorophyll (an indicator of microscopic algae) and send this data to scientists on shore or on a nearby ship. Additionally, a unique aspect of these AUVs is an integrated Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), a miniature robotic laboratory that collects and preserves seawater samples at sea, allowing researchers to capture a snapshot of the organisms’ genetic material and proteins.
MBARI engineers Brett Hobson and Brian Kieft dunk-test a long-range AUV in Honolulu Harbor. Image: Chris Preston © 2018 MBARI
MBARI has been developing ESPs for about 15 years. The first instruments were about the size of a 55-gallon drum. These latest ESPs, the third generation, are eight to ten inches in diameter—one-tenth the original size—and were designed specifically to fit inside an LRAUV.
Jim Birch, MBARI’s lead engineer on the ESP project commented, “When we first talked about putting an ESP in an AUV, I thought to myself ‘this is never going to happen.’ But now I really think this is going to transform oceanography by giving us a persistent presence in the ocean—a presence that doesn’t require a boat, can operate in any weather condition, and can stay within the same water mass as it drifts around the open ocean.”
With its surveying ability, the LRAUV allows scientists to discover, track, and sample open-ocean eddies, which can be over 100 kilometers (62 miles) across and last for months. When these eddies spin counterclockwise they bring water from the depths up toward the surface. This water often carries nutrients that microscopic algae (phytoplankton) need to survive.
“The new LRAUVs can transit for over 600 miles, and use their own ‘eyes and ears’ to detect important oceanographic events like phytoplankton blooms,” DeLong explained. “These new underwater drones will greatly extend our reach to study remote areas, and also will allow us to sample and study oceanographic events and features we can see by remote satellite imaging, even when ships are not available.”
A long-range AUV cruises beneath the surface during field trials in Hawaii. Image courtesy of Elisha Wood-Charlson, University of Hawaii
An expeditionary cruise aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s (SOI) research vessel Falkor leaves on March 10 for open-ocean sea trials of MBARI’s newly-designed LRAUVs. During this cruise, the researchers will locate an eddy using satellite data and then deploy the LRAUVs to survey the feature and collect water samples. When the robots return to the surface and are recovered, UH Mānoa researchers will extract DNA from the filters. This information will provide unique insight into the eddy’s duration, stability, and influence on the ocean systems; and will improve current ocean models, which are critical for developing expectations on the health of future oceans.
“Although this fleet of AUVs will never replace our need for a capable research vessel, it will provide much needed access to the sea and the collection of novel data sets that would not otherwise be possible,” said Karl.
This research is supported by the Simons Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the State of Hawai‘i.
Joint news release by the University of Hawai‘i and MBARI
Follow the research
Read daily log entries from the ESP eddy research cruise on the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor:
March 12 – Introduction
March 14 – Chasing eddies
March 16 – Characterizing eddies
March 19 – Autonomous vehicles: The future of eddy exploration
March 20 – Tracking eddies
March 22 – Sampling eddies
March 25 – Underway CTDs – The struggle is “reel”
May 29, 2019 /by Kim Fulton-Bennett
Spring 2019 CANON experiment explores Earth’s largest migration
May 29, 2019 – During MBARI's Spring 2019 CANON experiment, researchers will study the vertical migration of ocean animals using sound, video, DNA, and conventional sampling equipment such as nets.
November 26, 2018 /by Kim Fulton-Bennett
Tracking carbon from the ocean surface into the depths
Nov 26, 2018 – Scientists know that the ocean is taking up a lot of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Marine chemist Andrea Fassbender is bringing this process into focus by studying how carbon moves between the atmosphere, upper ocean, and deep sea.
October 22, 2018 /by Kim Fulton-Bennett
Testing an undersea robot that can detect and map oil spills
Oct 19, 2018 – MBARI engineers recently tested a new long-range autonomous underwater vehicle that is designed to detect and track oil spills.
For additional information or images relating to this article, please contact: Kim Fulton-Bennett
831-775-1835, kfb@mbari.org
Brent Roman
Brett Hobson
Brian Kieft
Christina Preston
Research Specialist
Christopher A. Scholin
James Birch
Director of SURF Center
Senior Research Specialist
Kevan Yamahara
Roman Marin III
Senior Research Technician
Tom O'Reilly
Yanwu Zhang
Senior Research Engineer
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Scenes From the New Social Thriller The Host Body
by Caitlin Kunkel
“It’s a complex issue because one has to think, well there’s a host body and that host body has to have a certain amount of rights because at the end of the day it is that body that carries this entire other body to term.” — Republican Florida State Rep. Jose Oliva talking about his support of abortion legislation dictating a “cooling off” period.
The Host Body sat in the meeting, its face impassive, as the HR manager went through the options, his voice trembling. Finally, its parasite-stuffed stomach straining menacingly at the seams of its dress, the Host Body spoke. “So you’re only offering the standard twelve unpaid weeks under the Family and Medical Leave Act? That’s not what I was expressly told in my interview last year. I’ll find the hiring email confirming three months of paid parental leave and then we can discuss better options.” Shaking, the HR manager squeaked out an “OK" as the Host Body smiled in a way that was professional, yet evil.
As the Host Body turned in the sheath of printed papers to the esteemed professor its gleaming eyes locked onto his, rendering him powerless to look away. “As we discussed with the Academic Affairs Department at the start of the term, I’m completing all my work in advance because my due date falls during finals week. I trust that I won’t be marked down because of that.” The professor felt his blood run cold as he nodded and accepted the papers, his hands working completely against his will.
“No,” the Host Body snarled in an ear-splittingly high register. “This is a closet full of cleaning chemicals. I won’t be pumping here when I get back from parental leave. You’re required to provide me with a clean, private space with a lock in order to meet federal regulations.” The facilities manager covered his ears and shook his head frantically as the Host Body attempted to force the clear, legal guidelines straight into his brain.
The Host Body handed over a note scrawled with frightening incantations. “Here’s a note from my doctor. I’m two months pregnant, I can’t lift heavy boxes because of increased risk of a miscarriage.” The shift supervisor backed away trembling, hands in front of him, trying to refuse the terrifying workplace regulation spell the Host Body was calmly casting upon him.
The Host Body stared at the woman, eyes completely blank, “I’m ready for my annual review,” it said, in such a reasonable voice it was hard to keep from screaming. Its manager could see that the Host Body was carrying a parasite, but the Host Body was acting like everything was totally normal and not even addressing it! “Is, there, um, anything you need to… tell me?” she asked, finally, praying that the Host Body would break the charade once and for all. “Only that I met my goals by 130% this year, and I would like to discuss increasing my compensation going forward.” Was it possible the Host Body… wasn’t going to reveal it was a host?? The thought of having to treat the Host Body like every other employee brought the manager to screaming tears.
The man ran as fast as he could, trying to escape the heavy breathing behind him on the subway platform. As he dropped into the only open seat, heart slowing, finally, his eyes moved up to comprehend a truly appalling sight: the Host Body, looming above him, seeming to… expect something from him. He felt his limbs rising, against his will, as the Host Body mind-melded with him and forced his mouth to croak, “Would you like my seat?”
“Yes,” the Host Body responded immediately, dropping down into the seat with a contented sigh of domination.
A Host Body disappeared into the building to receive the medical care that was best suited to its body, its life, and its rights as a person. Appallingly, when it came out after no waiting period at all, no one knew what the Host Body had done. It’s the most horrifying thing some people had ever seen.
As little as $1 a month ($12 a year!) goes a long way towards supporting our editorial staff and contributors while keeping us ad-free. Become a McSweeney’s Internet Tendency patron today.
19 Tips to Help Get You Through the Week at an Administrative Job With a Humanities Graduate Degree
Gabriel García Márquez’s Notes From Mardi Gras
Position Papers from the Apple Pie and Machine Guns Institute: Position Paper #2: In Defense of Todd Akin
by Stuart Winchester
The Hottest New Fragrance for Women: Internalized Misogené
by Anita Gill
I Refuse to Apologize for My Old, Harmless Jokes About Rape Cults, the Underdeveloped Psyche of Women, and Sexual Assault
by Eduardo Martinez Jr.
Election 2000, as seen from Chile, Part Four
by Marc Herman
Issue 56 delivers new work from Michelle Tea, Jose Antonio Vargas, T.C. Boyle, Genevieve Hudson, to name a few; fiction from emerging Nigerian writers; and a 10-page illustrated story by Rui Tenreiro.
This is the combo subscription for both Illustoria and McSweeney's Quarterly. For just Illustoria, click here. For just the Quarterly, click here. Subscribe now and begin with Issue 56 of...
In the wake of winning of the 2019 National Magazine Award for fiction, at the precipice of our 21st year, and in anticipation of wonderment to come, we are bundling together a full subscription's...
Out now, Issue 55 gathers work from Laura van den Berg, R. O Kwon, Alexander Chee, and T Kira Madden.
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Simple biofuel cells with nanotechnology
(Nanowerk News) A simple enzyme-based biofuel cell has been made by a team of Japanese scientists ("Fructose/dioxygen biofuel cell based on direct electron transfer-type bioelectrocatalysis").
The cell, made by Kenji Kano, Seiya Tsujimura and colleagues at Kyoto University, Japan, uses enzymes to catalyse oxidation of D-fructose and reduction of dioxygen to generate electricity.
The fuel is oxidised by one enzyme at the anode, and the electrons reduce dioxygen via another enzyme at the cathode.
Most previous biofuel cells have needed a mediator molecule, which is stable in two oxidation states, to speed up electron transfer from the enzyme to the electrode. By engineering carbon electrodes with carbon nanoparticles, the team bound a fructose oxidising enzyme, D-fructose dehydrogenase, onto the electrode surface, increasing the speed of electron transfer to the anode without needing a mediator. Another enzyme, laccase from Trametes sp., was used to reduce dioxygen at the anode, completing the circuit.
Eliminating the need for mediators may simplify the construction of biofuel cells, and as the device can operate under mild conditions, Kano hopes that 'one compartment biofuel cells may be developed as power sources of implantable devices within humans, such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, sensors and prosthetic units.'
Frederic Barriere of the University of Rennes, France, said the work is a significant development, and that he 'awaits impatiently future developments such as refining such electrodes towards a layer by layer approach to increase the maximum current density.'
Source: RSC Publishing (Victoria Chapman)
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Democrats, Media Slam President Romney Over Health Care Law Changes
Planned Parenthood President Ousted after Less Than a Year in Charge
The Trump Steamroller
Consumer Spending Beats Expectations in June, Allaying Economic Fears
2020 Democrats Slam DOJ Decision Not to Charge NYPD Officer in Eric Garner’s Death
Josh Hawley Takes Aim at Higher Ed
Trump and the ‘Racist Tweets’
South Carolina Republican Mark Sanford Mulls Primary Challenge to Trump
J. D. Vance: ‘American Dream Is Undoubtedly in Decline’
Some Advice for Democratic Presidential Candidates on Abortion Policy
Biden Slams ‘Risky’ Medicare for All Plan during AARP Event: ‘Medicare as You Know It Goes Away’
Trump Administration Abortion-Referral Restrictions Take Immediate Effect
This Day in Liberal Judicial Activism—July 16
About Charles C. W. Cooke
Follow Charles C. W. Cooke on Twitter
Worst abuse of executive power since Bush admin, Dems say.
Washington D. C. — In a move certain to please his conservative supporters and infuriate his critics, President Romney announced this afternoon that his administration would make yet another change to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In a terse release, posted without fanfare to the Department of Health and Human Services website, officials revealed that the law’s employer mandate would be suspended until 2016 for all businesses that employ between 50 and 99 people.
The move comes hot on the heels of news that the agency would not be enforcing the provisions in the law that require Americans to buy approved health insurance until after the next election. Now, as then, a simple explanation was forthcoming. “The president won,” a White House aide told National Review Online. “His disdain for the law was ratified by the people. Now he’s going to fundamentally transform it.”
“This is an utter disgrace,” griped Senator Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.). “This law was passed through Congress, signed by the previous president, and upheld by the Supreme Court.”
Schumer’s colleague, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, described the Romney administration’s behavior as “the nuclear option.” “This abuse of executive discretion is beyond the pale,” Reid fumed. “I’m a lawyer, I know.” (For more information on the American system of government please take a look at Ezra Klein’s comprehensive explanatory primer, “Our Constitution in Exile: Why Everything President Romney Does Is Illegal,” over at VoxProg. Alternatively, consult Greg Sargent’s excellent Washington Post column, “Article I: A Love Story,” published January 20, 2013.)
Others went further. “It’s. The. Law,” animated Democratic spokesman Debbie Wasserman Schultz told reporters at a hastily assembled press conference in Miami, barking out each monosyllable and pounding her fist on her desk. “The terrorist, anarchist, hostage-taking neo-Confederates in the Republican party tried for years to delay this in the legislature and now, simply because they have a Senate they dislike, they are trying to do so with the executive branch. It’s a disgrace to the memory of our Founding Persons and it will not stand.”
Wasserman Schultz’s claim of impropriety is a strong one, and it echoes Democratic complaints from last June, when President Romney delayed the changes in the income tax by two years to allow compliance deadlines to be met and to make sure that he was standing up for the middle class. George Washington University law professor and frequent critic of executive power, Jonathan Turley, broke through tears to tell National Review Online that the development was “merely the latest in an endless series of corruptions, and another devastating step on the road to monarchy.” “D’you know what?” Turley added, his voice cracking. “I’m thinking of moving to Cyprus.”
Despite the criticism, Republican strategists remained sanguine. “What you’re seeing here is the Democratic party reaping the whirlwind,” a GOP operative explained on condition of anonymity. “This is the train that the last guy set in motion — and he was cheered on by politicians and journalists alike. Can they really complain now our guy has the reins? I think not.”
Many of the president’s backers concurred. “I reject the premise of the complaint,” the Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin wrote in her weekly column. “This is just anti-Mormon bias. They don’t see Mitt like I do.”
An unfortunately timed remark, made by Romney as he left a meeting at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello this morning, is certain to throw fuel on the fire. “That’s the good thing as president,” he was heard to joke, “I can do whatever I want.” At the time of writing, MSNBC was in the 67th day of a special series, “Is Mitt Romney the Most Monarchical President in American History?”
— Charles C. W. Cooke is a staff writer at National Review.
Charles C. W. Cooke is the editor of National Review Online. @charlescwcooke
More in Politics & Policy
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지구과학 및 환경 게이트웨이
Geology: A new mechanism for diamond formation
2015년11월4일
A new mechanism that may explain the formation of natural diamonds has been presented in Nature Communications this week. According to a new model, a drop in pH during water-rock interactions deep within the Earth is capable of leading to diamond precipitation.
Previously, the cause of diamond formation has been attributed to poorly-understood redox reactions associated with fluids or magmas at depth, but the role of pH changes has not been explored. Dimitri Sverjensky and colleagues use a theoretical approach to model the conditions under which diamonds might form, using hydrous fluids and elevated temperatures and pressures. By modelling how the fluids evolve during migration and how they interact with silicate rocks, the authors suggest that fluid-mineral reactions cause a decrease in pH, resulting in the right conditions for diamonds to be precipitated. This occurs without the redox changes that were previously invoked to explain diamond formation, although the previous theory may still be valid in some settings.
The new model could be useful for investigating different natural settings in which diamonds form, and may be expanded to include more sophisticated parameters. Eventually this kind of research may help to unravel the complicated history of fluids in the deep Earth through geological time.
Engineering: Clean energy and clean water from one device Nature Communications
Conservation: Asian elephants form all-male groups in areas with increased human activity Scientific Reports
Assessing the impacts of Fairtrade on cocoa farm workers’ livelihoods Nature Sustainability
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Kanye West, Kim Kardashian West Visit Uganda, Give Gift of Yeezys
Published Oct 15, 2018 at 10:53 AM | Updated at 10:58 AM EDT on Oct 15, 2018
Kanye West's Visit With Trump: 'Fine Wine,' 'Alternate Universe' And Other Moments
//www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/politics/Key-Moments-from-Kanye-Wests-Oval-Office-Visit-497002221.html
When Kanye Met Trump: ‘You Are Tasting a Fine Wine’
Kanye West spoke for nearly 10 minutes straight while visiting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office Thursday. Here were some notable moments from the meeting. (Published Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018)
Ugandan officials say Kanye West and his wife, the reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, have arrived in Uganda on a private visit.
Information Minister Frank Tumwebaze told The Associated Press late Saturday that West's visit is "an endorsement of our tourism resources." Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said on Twitter that the American rapper was traveling with his wife.
The president of Ugana Yoweri Museveni wrote on Twitter that the rapper had gifted him with a pair of West's custom brand Yeezy sneakers.
I welcome American entertainment stars Kanye West and @KimKardashian to Uganda. I held fruitful discussions with the duo on how to promote Uganda's tourism and the arts. I thank Kanye for the gift of white sneakers. Enjoy your time in Uganda. It is the true Pearl of Africa. pic.twitter.com/BO0iD0sFCP
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) October 15, 2018
They are reportedly vacationing in a luxury safari lodge with a view of the River Nile in the northern part of the East African nation.
Their presence in Uganda is seen as a coup for official tourism promoters, who recently were criticized by the president for allegedly not doing enough to promote Uganda's natural attractions.
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Live Video Podcast Standings Schedule Stats TV Listings Channel Finder
Derrius Guice shares workout video
Biggest questions before training camp: Montae Nicholson
Injury reports worry DeMaurice Smith about 18-game season
Biggest questions before training camp: The front seven
B-Mitch would've advised Norman not to run with the bulls
Watch Josh Norman at 'Running of the Bulls'
The Dwayne Decision: Charley Casserly gives his insight
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Latest Redskins Videos
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NFL Mock Draft 18.0
State of the Redskins: Playoff chances trending in the wrong direction
By Rich Tandler December 07, 2016 8:08 AM
Here is where the Redskins stand in Week 14 of the NFL season.
Record: 6-5-1, 3rd in NFC East
vs. NFC East: 2-2
vs. NFC: 4-4
vs. AFC: 2-1-1
Home: 4-2
Rankings and changes from Week 13
Offense (yards/game): 418.6 (2nd, no change from Week 13)
Defense (yards/game): 369.6 (23rd, +2)
Points for: 303 (10th, -1)
Points against: 295 (20th, -2)
Passer rating offense: 99.8 (8th, -2)
Opp passer rating: 95.0 (22nd, -3)
Yards/rush attempt: 4.5 (5th, no change)
Opp. yards/rush attempt: 4.6 (29th, +2)
Weighted DVOA (Football Outsiders): 9.8% (10th, no change)
Playoff chances per FO: 41.5%, -14.1% from last week
Trending the right way: Not much, really. Their ranking in rushing defense improved a couple of notches but mostly because other teams got worse, not because the Redskins put the clamps down on the rushing game.
[RELATED: Redskins stat breakdown: What worked and what didn't against Arizona]
Trending the wrong way: For the first time in a few weeks the Redskins’ playoff chances are below 50 percent. Two straight losses will do that.
Top three storylines:
Letting them have it—Jay Gruden is usually supportive of his team after a loss but that was not the case following the Cardinals game. He could be heard speaking to the team in angry tones in the locker room following the loss. We will see if this rare tirade jump-starts the Redskins’ stretch run.
Dealing with injury issues—Not only do the Redskins have to be concerned about the condition of Jordan Reed, whose status is unclear as he rehabs from a shoulder injury he suffered on Thanksgiving Day in Dallas, their starting center is in the concussion protocol. If Spencer Long can’t go the Redskins may have to add a center to back up John Sullivan.
Help wanted—The Redskins need other teams to lose if they want to make the playoffs. They need a little help if they win out to finish 10-5-1; they need more help if they finish at 9-6-1. Scoreboard watching starts at 4:25 on Sunday when the Bucs, a half-game ahead of Washington, host the Saints and continues on Sunday night football with the Cowboys at the Giants.
Next three games
Sunday @ Eagles (5-7)—The Redskins handled them well in October; the final score did not indicate how Washington dominated the game. The Eagles look more like a rebuilding team than a playoff contender and the Redskins could elimate them for all practical purposes
December 19 vs. Panthers (4-8)—The season of the defending NFC champs officially came off the rails on Sunday night when Cam Newton started the game on the bench because he didn’t wear a tie and he ended it looking at the wrong end of a 40-7 beatdown by the Seahawks. Still, the Redskins have never beaten Newton so this is not one that will come easily.
Christmas Eve vs. Bears (3-9)—There is no such thing as an easy game in the NFL but if the Redskins can’t manage to win this one they don’t deserve to make the playoffs.
Tags: Latest Headlines, Real Redskins, Redskins Top Stories
Derrius Guice shares workout video amid reports swirling about his health
By Ethan Cadeaux July 16, 2019 6:00 PM
Many Redskins' fans became increasingly worried over the weekend about the health of running back Derrius Guice after a report came out that he suffered a hamstring injury during his rehab process from an ACL injury he suffered last August.
The report questioned Guice's availability for the start of Redskins' training camp, which begins on July 25.
In response to the report, Guice tweeted: "I don’t listen to the noise. I know what’s going on with me." He has since deleted his Twitter account.
But Guice is still an active user on Snapchat, and took to the platform on Monday to share footage of himself working out. The second-year running back shared video taken of him performing a number of drills, many of which required him to change direction quickly and test his hamstring, as well as his knee.
Guice even captioned one of the videos "Hamstring who," with several eyes emojis attached to the caption. Based on his caption, Guice does not appear to seem concerned that this latest report will affect his status for the upcoming season.
Prior to his ACL injury last August, Guice showed plenty of promise during training camp and the preseason.
At this point, Redskins fans just want Guice to be healthy and ready for Week 1 and showcase the talent that earned him an All-SEC honor at LSU.
MORE REDSKINS NEWS:
Holding Out?: Cowboys' Elliott may hold out for new deal
Training Camp Q's: Can Redskins count on Nicholson?
Finally: Eight months later, Alex Smith has leg fixator removed
Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott has said privately he will hold out from training camp, per report
By Ethan Cadeaux July 16, 2019 12:11 PM
Since entering the NFL in 2016, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has established himself as one of the elite rushers in the NFL.
Now, he wants to be paid like it.
Elliott, who has two years remaining on his rookie deal, has privately said he plans on holding out from training camp until he receives a new deal, per ProFootballTalk.
Slated to make just $3.5 million in 2019, Elliott is one of the most underpaid players in all of football. He's set to make $9.09 million in 2020, the final year of his rookie deal.
Dallas has put off extension talks with Elliott simply because he's still under contract for two more seasons, per the report.
Quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper are both free agents after the season, and the Cowboys would like to keep both at all costs, ProFootballTalk said. Additionally, Dallas just signed defensive end Demarcus Lawrence to a five-year, $105 million contract extension this offseason.
Should he not receive a contract extension, Elliott could face a situation similar to what Demarco Murray had with the Cowboys in 2014. Murray set a franchise record for most rushing yards in a season, yet Dallas still chose to let him walk in free agency.
Elliott's not the only star running back threatening to holdout this offseason. Los Angeles Chargers' Melvin Gordon has publicly stated he will skip training camp until he gets a new deal and is not afraid to miss regular-season games, similar to what Le'Veon Bell did last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Since entering the NFL in 2016, Elliott has led the NFL in rushing twice. His 4,048 total rushing yards over the past three seasons are the most in the NFL, and he has over 600 more rushing yards than Los Angeles Rams' Todd Gurley, the next most rushing yards over that span.
Whether he actually holds out or whether the Cowboys turn their attention to extending their star running back will be seen in the coming weeks.
Safety Questions: Can Redskins count on Nicholson?
Not Close: Scherff, Redskins 'far apart' from extension
Madden Ratings: How did the Redskins grade out?
Derrius Guice shares workout video amid reports swirling about his health Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott has said privately he will hold out from training camp, per report 10 Questions for training camp: Can the Redskins count on Montae Nicholson? Report: Brandon Scherff and Redskins 'far apart' on contract negotiations Five takeaways from the Redskins' Madden 20 ratings Eight months later, Alex Smith has external fixator removed from injured leg 10 Questions to training camp: How to sort out the defensive line rotation? Is it time to re-examine Redskins RB situation after latest Derrius Guice setback? Or is the team safe either way? Derrius Guice says he 'knows what's going on' with him after reported injury setback Chris Simms: The 'safe play' for Jay Gruden is to not start Dwayne Haskins Week 1 Derrius Guice reportedly suffers injury setback; questionable for start of training camp Why the 2016 Rams could show the 2019 Redskins how not to handle Dwayne Haskins Redskins roll out new menu items at FedEx Field for 2019 season Former Redskins DL Albert Haynesworth hospitalized, in desperate need of a kidney transplant Josh Norman shares Instagram video from 'Running of The Bulls' Learning the system will be key in determining when Dwayne Haskins should start for Redskins For the Redskins cornerback unit, it's time for potential to turn into production Doug Williams is getting a street named after him, which makes Magic Johnson very happy With uncertainty around Trent Williams, PFF ranks Redskins OL No. 14 entering 2019 Two NFC East teams make list of NFL's 'most combustible' and the Redskins aren't one of them
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While you were sleeping: Tech share rally boosts Nasdaq, S&P 500
Plus: Activist investor Daniel Loeb pushes for change at Nestlé and Costco buys container shipping rival.
By Margreet Dietz
After spending most of the session in positive territory, Wall Street slid in the final half-hour. However, technology stocks rallied as investors awaited US Federal Reserve chairwoman Janet Yellen's semiannual testimony to Congress and the start of the latest quarterly earnings season.
Ms Yellen will testify before the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday and before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday. Her comments will be scrutinised for fresh clues on the timing of the Fed's third rate hike this year as well as the unwinding of its balance sheet.
Also, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo are among companies slated to report their latest quarterly results this week.
At the close of trading in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average eased 5.82 points, or 0.03%, to 21,408.52 after rising as high as 21,444 mid-session. The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 0.4% to 6176.39. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index added 0.1% to 2427.43.
Tech shares in the S&P 500 climbed 0.8%, with Apple rising 0.6% and Microsoft up 0.8%. Tech is down more than 3% from a peak on June 8 but it is still the best-performing sector in the S&P 500 so far this year with a gain of 18%.
Retailer shares hit
Shares of Abercrombie & Fitch tumbled 21% after the company ended takeover talks.
"After a comprehensive review of all relevant factors, with the assistance of our financial advisor, the A&F board of directors determined that the best path to enhance value for stockholders is the rigorous execution of our business plan," Arthur Martinez, executive chairman, said in a statement.
Reports that Amazon.com was launching a new home-consultation service pressured shares of electronics retailer Best Buy , which offers similar services. Best Buy sank 6.3% while Amazon rose 1.8%.
Other brick-and-mortar retailers slumped. Macy’s shed 7.1%, Gap declined 6.3% and Kohl’s fell 4.2%.
In bond markets, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.371%. That was down from 2.393% on Friday, which was the highest yield in nearly two months.
In Europe, the Stoxx 600 Index ended the day with a 0.4% gain from the previous close. The UK's FTSE 100 Index rose 0.3%, France's CAC40 Index increased 0.4% and Germany's DAX Index climbed 0.5%.
Loeb meets Nestlé
Shares of Nestlé rose 1.3% in Zurich. Activist investor Daniel Loeb is keeping up pressure on the world's largest food company by sharing views with the company, of which his Third Point fund now owns a $US3.5 billion stake, as part of a regular dialogue, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
Improved productivity was first on Third Point's wish list, and the source, who declined to be identified, said it was the most important, according to Reuters.
Mr Loeb, dubbed a "constructivist" for his increasingly cooperative approach, first met new chief executive Mark Schneider on June 2, the source said, adding that no other meetings are currently planned before Nestlé's September 26 investor seminar, which Third Point plans to attend, Reuters reported.
In Hong Kong, shares of Cosco Shipping rose after the Chinese state-owned company agreed to buy rival Oriental Overseas for about $HK49.2 billion ($US6.3 billion), which would make it the world's third-biggest shipping line.
"This looks like a happy ending for both parties," Han Ning, China director for Drewry Shipping Consultants, told Bloomberg.
"Cosco can benefit from OOCL's strong presence on routes from the Far East to Australia and to the US. The company's operational efficiency has long been admired by outsiders as well."
Shares of Cosco Shipping climbed 5.4% in Hong Kong, while those of Oriental Overseas soared 20%.
World Week Ahead: Yellen’s semi-annual testimony
US Treasuries, slid last week, pushing yields higher, while German bunds also declined.
Nestlé will be a big bite for hungry hedge fund
UPDATED Earlier attempts to stir up sleepy European companies have failed.
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Home Scores Bracket Rankings Stats Video History WCWS
Middle Tennessee State Athletics | May 12, 2018
MTSU wins its first-ever C-USA tournament title
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –– The Middle Tennessee softball team won its first C-USA Tournament Championship on Saturday afternoon. The Raiders came from behind for the second time in as many days to defeat Florida Atlantic, 7-6.
The Blue Raiders advance to the NCAA Regional with the win for just the second time in program history.
Middle is the lowest seed to advance to a C-USA title game since 2009 and the lowest seed to ever claim a league championship. The Raiders entered the weekend as the No. 6 seed.
HISTORY! @MT_Softball wins its first @CUSASB title and punches its ticket to the NCAA tournament! (via @CBSSportsNet) pic.twitter.com/GzbBXvHUmY
— NCAA Softball (@NCAAsoftball) May 12, 2018
The Raiders' 39 wins are the most since 2001, when the squad won 41 games.
This is MT's second conference championship in program history; the 2000 squad won the Ohio Valley Conference Championship.
Both teams grabbed a run in the first inning. For the Raiders, Precious Birdsong walked, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and then stole home. She was waved safe on an obstruction call.
MORE: DI Softball Championship bracket to be announced Sunday, May 13
Florida Atlantic evened the score at one apiece in similar fashion. Emily Lochten walked, stole a base and scored on a single down the left field line.
The game remained knotted at ones until the Middle broke the game open in the top of the fifth. Kirstyn Cuccia led off with a single up the middle and Keely McGee followed with a walk. Summer Burgess loaded the bases by reaching on an error by the third baseman. Then for the second time in the tournament, the Raiders hit a grand slam. Kristin Uselton delivered the blast, her third of the season, over the left field fence. The clutch bomb put MT ahead, 6-1.
Morgan Harris kept the rally alive by following that up with a double down the left field line. Danielle Munoz put the Raiders up, 7-1 by scoring Harris on a single to right field.
T5 | @MT_Softball GRAND SLAM!
It was Senior Kristin Uselton’s first grand slam of her career! pic.twitter.com/rVhHSLPrr2
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) May 12, 2018
The Owls started their come back in the next half inning. With two outs, Alex Miller reached base on a single to right field. Then Lochten hit a two-run home run to cut the MT lead to 7-3.
FAU struck for more runs in the sixth. Three singles loaded the bases for the Owls and Miller followed with a double to right field made it a 7-5 game. Then Madisyn Palmer put a bloop single into the infield that made it a one-run ballgame. A fly out to right field got MT out of the inning, preserving the lead.
The Owls had a leadoff single to start the bottom of the seventh, putting the winning run at the plate. Gretchen Greer delivered in the circle for the second game in a row. The senior struck out two and forced Jolie Duffner to fly out to Cuccia in right field for the final out.
MORE: The Big Ten softball tournament used a helicopter (!) to dry off its field
The win was the fifth of the tournament for the Raiders as they went undefeated at the Tournament.
Cori Jennings got the win in the circle and Greer was credited with the save.
The championship also secured MT five spots on the All-Tournament team including a Tournament MVP award for Jennings.
New Orleans Bowl preview: 5 things to know about Appalachian State vs. Middle Tennessee State
Here are five things to know about the New Orleans Bowl, featuring Appalachian State (10-2) and Middle Tennessee State (8-5), scheduled for 9 p.m. in the Superdome (ESPN).
Battle 4 Atlantis schedule, bracket, scores
The 2018 Battle 4 Atlantis ended Friday. Here, you’ll find the teams, schedule, bracket and also scores for the tournament. The tournament was Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Friday, Nov. 23.
Women's basketball: Louisville's Asia Durr leads the opening week's Starting Five
DI Softball News
2019 USA Softball Cup: Times, TV schedule, American roster
Some of the best championship moments we'll remember from the 2018-19 NCAA season
UCLA softball's Rachel Garcia wins Honda Cup
UK's Cheek wins 2019 NFCA National Player of the Year
WCWS top plays
UCLA's Rachel Garcia makes heartfelt dedication to late grandfather
Watch Kinsley Washington's walk-off flare single to give UCLA the 2019 Women's College World Series title
Watch UCLA's walk-off single to clinch the 2019 Women's College World Series title
UCLA wins 2019 Women's College World Series on walk-off hit vs. Oklahoma
Women's College World Series Info & tickets
UCLA softball wins 12th national title on Washington's walk-off single
SHOP UCLA 2019 WCWS CHAMPIONSHIP GEAR
Follow NCAA Softball
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Main Blog > Do Astronauts Believe in Aliens?
Do Astronauts Believe in Aliens?
Miss Cellania • Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 5:59 AM
There have only been around 600 people who have traveled to space. Of the currently-active astronauts, most are scientists and the rest are highly educated. Do these folks, who have touched the vastness of outer space, believe in life on other planets? Their answers are open-minded, because while they know a lot compared to most of us, they are very aware of how little we actually know about space.
"We've basically proven that every star has planets," said Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who has spent 4,000 hours in space. "Then you start doing the math."
The math isn't easy. How many stars are in the universe? Well, that depends on the size of the universe. We're able to observe the cosmic microwave background (CMB), radiation formed around 400,000 years after the Big Bang. It tells us the observable universe goes back around 14 billion years. But there could be something beyond the CMB, or even other universes contained in a massive "multiverse."
Within the constraints of the observable universe, there could be 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (or septillion) stars, according to astronomer David Kornreich. (He conceded to Space.com that the number could be a gross underestimate.)
If every one of those stars has at least one planet, then, well, it seems inconceivable that life wouldn't exist elsewhere.
Astronauts also know that "life" doesn't equate to the aliens we see in movies. Read more from Hadfield and astronauts Mae Jemison and Jeff Hoffman on the subject of extraterrestrial life at Mashable.
Tags: Astronaut, Alien Life, Extraterrestrial Life
The Groundbreaking Life of the First Black Astronaut
It's Astronaut Vs. Sentient Melon In Black Holes
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Astronaut and Moon
Astronaut in space
Painting Astronaut - Black and White
"Do Astronauts Believe in Aliens?"
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Slingshot City Scenes: 10 New York City Artists To Watch Discover an impressive assortment of rising talents, including Mal Blum, Crumb, Bandits on the Run, 79.5, Duendita, Swimming Bell and more.
Public Radio's Emerging Artist Spotlight
Slingshot City Scenes: 10 New York City Artists To Watch
Kara Manning
Claud. Kyle Smith /Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Kyle Smith /Courtesy of the artist
Claud.
New York isn't the easiest home base for musicians. Rents for apartments and rehearsal space are ridiculously high (to put it mildly), the competition for a club booking is ruthless and day jobs are necessary. Still, some hardy, stubborn bands and artists are dead set on making it in New York: These determined souls squirrel themselves away in bedroom studios in Bushwick or East Harlem, diligently releasing singles and demos online when they're not hauling gear to tiny venues across the five boroughs, hoping a few folks catch their early set.
At WFUV, we're sent new music every minute of every day from bands all over the world, but we're always excited to hear artists from our hometown. After all, highlighting local acts is an integral part of what we do. Choosing a shortlist of just 10 New York bands and artists was a tough task — you should see our longlist of bands we all like — but we came to a consensus about these intriguing up-and-comers.
♬: SPOTIFY / APPLE / BANDCAMP / TWITTER
A year ago, this soulful sextet with a fondness for '70s-era slow grooves — and even airy flute solos — released its debut album, Predictions. The dreamy three-part harmonies and breezy vibes recall Friends of Distinction, Shuggie Otis and The 5th Dimension. However, sharp political undercurrents in songs like "Sisters Unarmed" set the music of 79.5 firmly in the present day.
Bandits On The Run
No New Yorker is fond of the MTA, but Bandits on the Run might be the exception to that rule: The band's ode to the subway, "Love on the Underground," was one of the standout entries to NPR Music's 2019 Tiny Desk Contest. The musician/actor friends have an inventive backstory; cellist Sydney Shepherd, guitarist Adrian Enscoe and Regina Strayhorn on melodica all sing with a knack for keening harmonies — and they've got a quirky sense of humor, conjuring their own fictional Rififi-style narrative and aliases. The band has made it from the L platform to street level: It's toured Europe and is a regular at New York venues like Mercury Lounge and City Winery.
Brooklyn's Claud Mintz, who used to record as Toast, released the breezy and delectably catchy single "Easy" — an uneasy reflection on a secretive relationship — early in 2019. That Spotify sensation was followed by "If I Were You," another gently self-lacerating groove. Their most recent single, "Wish You Were Gay" (not to be confused with the Billie Eilish song), is far more forthright about the isolation of unrequited love. That vulnerability, brushed with Claud's soft, husky voice and astute pop instincts, is potent.
Adrift in woozy sing-song sighs, Crumb's "Nina" — one of 11 dreamy songs from the Tufts University-bred, Brooklyn-based quartet's captivating 2019 debut album, Jinx — is a psychedelic urban lullaby that happens to be one of the year's most bewitching singles. Guitarist and singer Lila Ramani 's lovely, beckoning wisp of a voice, which threatens to topple off of its unsteady perch in "Fall Down," is buoyed by Brian Aronow's cascading synths, Jesse Brotter's jazzy basslines and Jonathan Gilad's slippery beat, and topped by dense reverb. It's all delectable. Crumb's members have expertly shaped their sound in three years via innumerable gigs, becoming Internet sensations in the process, but it's their superb live shows that have really endeared them to local fans.
Duendita
Queens-raised Candace Camacho, who takes on the mantle of Duendita for her music, has a crystalline alto that cuts through the air with angelic beauty. She looks to her own spiritual awakening and Afro-Latinx identity as a source of inspiration: Her 2018 debut album is called direct line to my creator. There's a prayerful reverence to tracks like "Magdalena" and "I'ma Get You," but skittering beats and jazzy tangents help push her sound along, too. Camacho has been candid about her own struggles with sadness in interviews, but her music is so uplifting that she perseveres to heal not only herself, but also anyone who discovers her transcendent songs.
Mal Blum
On their first full album in four years, Pity Boy, Mal Blum's jittery, off-kilter rock songs crackle with exasperation ("I Don't Want To") and examine ambiguous conversations ("Things Left to Say"). The New York musician is a witty and observant lyricist: Their song "Salt Flats," all slow-building murmurs and metaphor, brutally and artfully deconstructs a relationship in four and a half minutes.
Sofie Zamchick
♬: SPOTIFY / APPLE / WEBSITE / TWITTER
Zamchick wields mallets and plays vibes on her debut single and Tiny Desk Contest breakthrough "Electric Palms." But it's the New York City singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist's malleable croon, which flutters between sweet ("Mountain Top") and salty ("I Wanna Be the One"), that's most memorable. Zamchick, who's also an actress, voiced the character of a guinea pig in the children's TV series Wonder Pets, but she's more like a ferocious bluebird, especially in songs like "Get Gone."
Swimming Bell
Katie Schottland's debut album, Wild Sight, is a rush of gorgeous, labyrinthine harmonies and reveries. The ephemeral denouement of "1988," which virtually fades into mist, or the percussive claps that launch the heavenly choir of "Got Things," finds the Brooklyn songwriter and guitarist straddling multiple worlds; her elusiveness and experimentation beguiles. Schottland says that a broken foot, from which she recuperated with the company of her guitar and Neil Young songs, led her to Swimming Bell and Wild Sight. But along the way she's learned to fly far beyond simple folk-rock, too, blurring boundaries and genres.
The Britanys
You've got to love a quartet that calls itself "the worst band in Bushwick" in its Instagram bio. The Britanys' 2018 mixtape, 1-833-IDK-HTBA [I Don't Know How To Be Alone], was a triumph for the band, which has been around since 2013. Although frequently compared to The Strokes (the fate of any indie-rock guitar band in the five boroughs), there's more of a Sheffield swagger to The Britanys' sound: "When I'm With You" or "I Don't Know How to Be Alone" both recall The Last Shadow Puppets or Arctic Monkeys. But The Britanys' lyrics have weight, too, tackling loneliness and the wasteland of technology in America.
Verdigrls
The classically trained sisters Catherine and Anna Wolk make lush, eloquent pop that reverberates with a chilly sense of unease. "Small Moves," the title track of Verdigrls' new EP, shivers with sweeping synths and scratchy strings, while the beautiful and mournful "Daylight Savings" is an anthem of big-city doubt that dissolves into a dreamy sigh of cello and violin.
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Player Poll: Worst job I've ever had
Fri 4 Aug 2017, 12:00 PM
It's hard work playing in the NRL but for many of our stars it pales in significance to the times when they have had to do some 'real work'. These are the worst jobs they have ever had.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers)
I've never had a job. This has been my first job, so probably being touch judge on the weekend! That was probably the worst job I've ever had.
Dale Copley (Titans)
I was mowing lawns when I was in 20s. That was fun, especially in pre-season. It was before I started uni straight out of school, mowing lawns was the gig. A trainer of the 20s owned a garden maintenance business and he used to get us young fellas for a bit of cheap labour. It was good fun doing that all day and then go and try and train.
David Fusitu'a (Warriors)
I have never had a proper job! I came straight out of school and into first grade. I did stocktake for my dad at his electrical company, but that was just for pocket money. Dad was good, pretty laid back and all his co-workers were real friendly.
Kevin Naiqama (Wests Tigers)
I was a baggage handler at Sydney Airport but I really loved that job. We had to carry our passport on us the whole time.
Valentine Holmes (Sharks)
When I was in 20s we either had to work or study so I did labouring for a couple of weeks and then quit, it was torture. I got lucky in the end because I started training full-time when I was 19 soon after.
Tyrone Peachey (Panthers)
I worked in a chemist. I used to vacuum and deliver medicine for $6 an hour in Cronulla. And I had to ride a bike for deliveries so it was manual labour. It was pretty brutal.
Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Wests Tigers)
It would have to be when I was an office removalist. We had to work after office hours so we wouldn't stop until 4am most nights and there was so much heavy lifting. That was probably the toughest. It was just taxing but as a 16-year-old it was good money.
Matt Gillett (Broncos)
Red Rooster. I had to cook out the back and make the burgers.
Josh Mansour (Panthers)
It has to be labouring. You're just digging holes, trenches and it doesn't matter if it's raining, hailing or sunshine on your back, it's just the worst. I was a first-year apprentice back in my South Sydney days and there was no carpentry available so all that I could do was dig holes and work as a brickie labourer. It wasn't pleasant but I had to get the job done as a young kid to get as much money as I could.
Angus Crichton (Rabbitohs)
I went straight out of school and started training here so I haven't a proper job yet! Probably the closest thing I've had to a job as a kid was working for my dad on the farm. That can get pretty tough at times.
James Tedesco (Wests Tigers)
I did a bit of landscaping with my brother and stepped on a nail so that was it. I lasted one day and that was me done.
Trent Merrin (Panthers)
Probably working with my old man delivering concrete bags to hardware stores. I had to get up at 3am and deliver bags of cement to all the guys in the local area; it was a tough gig.
Nathan Peats (Titans)
Working with my dad. He's a builder and we used to punch on all the time. It wasn't healthy for our relationship. I got expelled from school so I had no choice but to work with Dad. We didn't see eye to eye all the time, I didn't like getting told what to do, but we're all good now. I had to do all the digging, all the lifting. It was a tough job but he was really good in that he used to always make me work hard for my money and taught me to save and that's helped me now in looking after my family.
George Burgess (Rabbitohs)
I suppose it was the best and the worst job that I had – I used to do a milk round from 2am to 7am. It was great because it got me very fit and gave me a good work ethic, but it also made me very tired so I was falling asleep in my last subject at school.
Player Poll: Game-day jams
Player Poll: Reality TV and the NRL stars
Player Poll: Our unsung heroes
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New Ulm Community Guide
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down
Other bills will wait
SIDEWAYS THUMB: The Minnesota Legislature is racing to the wire, as usual, to get its most important work done, passing a balanced state budget for the next couple of years. Even with DFLers in charge of both houses and the governor’s office, it is going to be a close finish. At least there’s little chance of a deadlock and a special session.
It also appears some other significant legislative proposals will languish for next year, if ever. Earlier in the season, legislative leaders said they would not take up the question of legalizing gay marriage until after the budget is done. That might not be until five minutes before the session ends, so there’s an issue that will be coming up next year.
Proposed gun control legislation is also done for this year. House leadership has decided there aren’t enough votes to get anything passed, so the great momentum built up after the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting has died away. If it doesn’t pass this year, we don’t know what it will take to revive it.
Good jobs news
THUMBS UP: The April jobs report had good news for the American economy. With 165,000 new jobs added statewide, the unemployment rate fell to 7.5 percent, the lowest rate in four years.
For a long time now, signs of economic recovery have been found in all kinds of reports – manufacturing orders, housing starts and so on – but the one that matters most to people is jobs. Good paying jobs are hard to come by, and many of the new jobs in the past month were in lower paying service jobs.
Still, the report is a sign that the recovery is continuing, even if it is recovering slowly.
Missed us!
THUMBS UP: After looking at photo galleries from Owatonna, following their 13-inch snowfall this week, we can heave a sigh of relief and say, “You missed us!” The southeast corner of the state got hammered pretty good, along with the northern territories, where you might expect more early May snowfall.
This has been an odd year, and a late spring. Here’s hoping winter stays away until next November or so.
The marvel of Apollo 11
Fifty years ago today, millions of people around the world watched as the Apollo 11 mission blasted off from Cape ...
Trump’s racist tweet
President Donald Trump has exhibited racists tendencies since he first announced his candidacy for president by ...
Ross Perot had big impact on nation
H. Ross Perot died last week. The 89-year-old self-made Texas billionaire is best known for his 1992 run as an ...
Vatican action is reassuring on sex abuse question
Epstein plea deal needs explanation
Mexico dealing with its immigrant influx
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK • July 7-13
New Ulm VFW Silver defeats Mankato VFW
Honor Roll: New Ulm High School
Wayne C. Hillesheim
Civil Air Patrol Cadets get stick time
Monday Business
MN State Sports
Lifestyle Feature
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Court News and Tickets
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Jon Stewart: Banned-for-life Hugh Grant was the worst ‘Daily Show’ guest ever
By Michael Walsh
Jon Stewart is no fan of Hugh Grant, who was reportedly upset that a film clip provided for his "Daily Show" appearance was below par. Stewart's retort: "Well, then make a better f------ movie." Oops. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Hugh Grant looks like a pleasant guy on the big screen. But Jon Stewart says he is anything but that behind the scenes.
So much so that Stewart says he will never let the British star appear on "The Daily Show" again.
Stewart, 50, said that Grant, 52, displayed diva-like qualities backstage when the romantic-comedy actor appeared on his program in 2009.
PHOTOS: WORST CELEBRITY FEUDS OF ALL TIME
"He's giving everyone s--- the whole time, and he's a big pain in the a--," Stewart said, who added Grant was his least-favorite guest.
"And we've had dictators on the show."
Grant stopped by to promote "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" but was apparently upset with the film clip provided by the movie’s publicist, reported TODAY.
"What is that clip? It's a terrible clip,” Grant allegedly said.
"Well, then make a better f------ movie,” Stewart replied.
Stewart told the story during an on-stage conversation with fellow political satirist Stephen Colbert at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair, N.J.
The Comedy Central funnymen discussed their lives and careers while sitting in large, comfortable brown chairs beside an end table, simulating a fireside chat.
Stewart aired his grievance with Grant to the approving laughter of a sold-out crowd. The event was organized to raise money for the Montclair Film Festival in Stewart’s home state of New Jersey.
Away from the film sets, Grant is probably most famous for being arrested by LA vice cops in 1995 after picking up Hollywood prostitute Divine Brown on Sunset Boulevard. He was fined and ordered to complete an Aids education program.
mwalsh@nydailynews.com
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New York Today |
New York Today
A roundup of local news and events, published every weekday morning.
Heat Wave Is Hitting New York City
Tuesday: A series of days with 90-degree temperatures may be on the horizon.
By Azi Paybarah
How to Get Married During a Blackout
Monday: With a little improvisation, a couple makes the best of a bad situation.
By Aaron Randle
The Subway Is Improving. This Man Deserves Some Thanks.
Friday: A leading face — and force — behind some of New York’s biggest subway improvements is leaving.
World Cup Parade: Champagne, Confetti and Equal Pay
Lower Manhattan turned into quite the party yesterday as thousands of fans lined up along Broadway to cheer the World Cup champions.
How to Watch the Women’s World Cup Parade
Wednesday: Homeland hurrahs begin today for the World Cup champion United States women’s soccer team as New York hosts a ticker-tape parade.
What We Know About the Jeffrey Epstein Sex Abuse Case
Evidence found in Mr. Epstein’s Upper East Side mansion puts him back on prosecutors’ radar.
By Andrea Salcedo
Commuting Delays and Cancellations: Is the ‘Summer of Hell’ Back?
Monday: Last week was tough for New Jersey Transit riders. Was it a preview of what's to come?
Katz vs. Caban: Chaos in the District Attorney Race in Queens
Friday: A full recount looms after Melinda Katz pulled ahead of Tiffany Cabán by 20 votes.
Where to Watch the Fireworks in N.Y.C.
Wednesday: The Macy's display will light up the sky above the East River. Here are some of the best places to see it.
Why 2,000 Speed Cameras Are Coming to N.Y.C. Streets
Tuesday: The city is creating the nation’s largest urban network of automated speed cameras.
Fewer Cars on 14th Street? Not Just Yet
Monday: A judge has halted New York's plan to turn the busy crosstown route into a transit corridor mainly for buses, trucks and emergency vehicles.
Tour 11 Landmarks in Gay New York
Friday: This Pride month, we're taking you to important locations in L.G.B.T.Q. history and telling you stories about gay New Yorkers.
53 Public Pools Open Today (Suits Required, but No Phones Allowed)
Thursday: Nearly two million people enjoyed the urban oases last summer. This year, the pools are open until Sept. 7.
By Corey Kilgannon
Where in N.Y.C. to Watch the Democratic Debates
Wednesday: Two nights of debates means two nights of watch parties across the city.
New York Primary Elections: Who’s Running for Queens D.A.
Tuesday: The election is the borough's first competitive district attorney's race in decades.
Celebrating WorldPride and Stonewall 50
Monday: Here is a guide to some of The Times’s Pride coverage.
Why Electric Scooters and Bikes Are Finally Coming to New York
Friday: The new law, which allows cities and towns to set local rules for the devices, would take effect over the next year.
5 Women Are Suing NY1, Claiming Age and Gender Discrimination
Thursday: "In the media world, you can’t fight sexism without also fighting ageism,” a lawyer for the anchorwomen said.
How Cuomo Plans to Crack Down on Subway Fare Evasion
Wednesday: The governor said he would put 500 uniformed officers on bus routes and in subway stations.
Marijuana, E-Scooters, Driver’s Licenses: Last-Minute Deals in Albany
Tuesday: Major developments on complicated issues in the last days of the legislative session.
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Josh Hart jumps Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in…
Josh Hart jumps Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Lakers’ starting lineup
Lakers guard Josh Hart, left, found himself in the starting lineup for the first time this season on Wednesday in Phoenix. He replaced the struggling Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
By Kyle Goon | kgoon@scng.com |
PUBLISHED: October 24, 2018 at 8:53 pm | UPDATED: October 24, 2018 at 8:54 pm
PHOENIX — It took just three games for Josh Hart to break into the starting lineup.
The Lakers made a switch at shooting guard on Wednesday night, starting the second-year Villanova product for the first time this season over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While Luke Walton didn’t directly announce the change prior to tip-off against the Suns, he alluded that a change might be in the works before giving Hart his shot.
In the first three games, Hart was tremendous off the bench, averaging 17 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game while shooting over 47 percent from 3-point range. Building off the momentum of earning Summer League MVP, Hart proved to be one of the most capable rotation players during the start to the season.
At the same time, Caldwell-Pope began the season in a funk: He averaged just 4.7 points per game and was 1 for 6 from 3-point range. Walton acknowledged the shooting struggles.
“The most important thing with him is he keeps playing on defense,” Walton said. “We got him guarding the other teams’ best player at times. He’s fighting over screens, he’s cutting from the weakside and all the other things we’re asking him to do. When you can shoot the ball as well as he can, he’ll figure that shot out soon enough.”
NBA FINES WALTON $15,000
Two days following his postgame rant against the officiating in an overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Walton was fined $15,000 by the NBA for his comments.
It was an expected consequence from the moment Walton opened his mouth to open his press conference, complaining that the Lakers had been repeatedly hampered on defense by freedom of movement rules, but not benefiting from the same kinds of calls on offense. Before the Lakers tipped off against Phoenix, Walton said he picked the battle for his players to keep them from having to speak up (and get fined).
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“I addressed them,” he said. “I said ‘look, as players, it’s your guys’ job to play the game and as the coach, I will fight fights that I feel like I need to for the guys.’”
Throughout the preseason and early season, the Lakers have struggled to adapt to a new emphasis on freedom of movement, which limits defenders’ ability to use their hands and arms to stop both ball-drivers and off-ball cutters running into empty space. Around the league, foul calls are up, but Walton pointed out Monday that the Lakers’ paint-driving style should be drawing more fouls than it has: The Lakers had only shot 73 free throw attempts to 97 by opponents in their first three games.
Still, Walton said, it’s not just about the officials.
“Well a lot of it is in our control on limiting the fouls,” he said. “That is us playing better defense, that is us not jumping at pump-fakes from jump shooters. That is us doing our work early and not reacting to what the offense does.”
Taco Tuesday: Everything but the trompo at Taqueria el Trompo
Kyle Goon
Kyle Goon covers the Lakers for the Southern California News Group. Before taking his talents to Los Angeles, he worked for The Salt Lake Tribune for eight years, covering everything from high school rodeo to the Utah Jazz. Gregg Popovich once baptized him by fire in a media scrum.
Follow Kyle Goon @kylegoon
More in Lakers
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office spaces to rent in White Hart Lane
High Road, N17
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Town Hall Approach Road, N15 4RY
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FANI Aftermath: 100% Water Supply Restored In Cyclone Hit ULBs
Bhubaneswar: Normal water supply in the entire cyclone affected Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been restored because of the untiring efforts of team from Public Health and Engineering Organisation (PHEO). The team including officers, manpower, technical experts and other resources, drawn from various places inside and outside the State have worked dedicatedly round the clock despite serious difficulties faced in telecommunication for coordination activities.
While 214 heavy duty DG sets have been deployed to provide alternative power supply to provide pipe water supply, 339 water tankers and 1029 PVC tanks area pressed into service to make reach water at the tail ends, head ends and other water stressed areas.
Water supply to Cuttack, Khurda and Jatni which were 50-90 per cent restored yesterday, have achieved 100 per cent coverage today. Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark and Nimapara have already achieved 100 per cent restoration.
Water supply is restored to pre-cyclone status in Bhubaneswar city benefiting about 10 lakh people within four days of the cyclonic devastation.
As against the normal water supply of 225 MLD (million litres per day) during pre-FANI period for Bhubaneswar, 230 MLD water is supplied covering all the wards of the city. 108 heavy duty DG sets, 145 water tankers and more than 600 PVC tanks are pressed into service to ensure availability of water at the tail ends and head ends areas also.
In Puri town the normal water supply of 28 MLD in the pre-cyclone period has been fully restored with deployment of 24 heavy-duty DG sets, 54 water tankers and 54 PVC tanks. All the wards have been fully covered with treated pipe water supply. This has been achieved within 76 hours after the devastating cyclone.
Similarly in Konark town, supply of 0.99 MLD, against the normal water supply of 0.99 MLD, has already been affected through restoration of water supply infrastructure along with deployment of two heavy duty DG sets, seven water tanker and 15 PVC tanks. With this, the entire Konark town is provided with normal water supply within 76 hours after landfall of FANI.
In Nimapara town, supply of 1.15 MLD water, against the normal water supply of 1.15 MLD, has already been restored after repair and rehabilitation of water supply infrastructures along with deployment of three heavy duty DG sets, seven water tankers and five PVC tanks. With this, water supply to the entire Nimapara town is fully restored.
Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Sanjay Singh in a presser today informed that while 1550 out of the 2364 pipe water scheme has been restored in the affected districts, mobile repair teams are making rounds of all affected villages to restore the dysfunctional tube-wells.
Sanjay Singh, Secretary, I&PR, Odisha
FANI Aftermath
100% Water Supply
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Photo: Bradley W. Parks/OPB
Fatal Shooting Renews Call To Disarm PSU Police
by Bradley W. Parks Follow OPB July 1, 2018 3:49 p.m. | Portland, Ore.
The fatal shooting of a man by Portland State University police officers has renewed calls to disarm campus police.
Two PSU officers shot and killed Jason Erik Washington, 45, after a witness said he tried to break up a fight early Friday on the university’s downtown campus. It was the first officer-involved shooting by university police since PSU’s board of trustees voted to allow armed officers on campus four years ago.
People rallied at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Sunday to demand the disarmament if not outright abolition of PSU police.
As sun bathed the public square, a large group gathered at the back of the crowd after the start of the rally, hoisting signs and wearing T-shirts with Washington’s photo on them.
Andre Washington speaks about his brother at a rally in Portland Sunday, July 1, 2018.
Bradley W. Parks/OPB
PSU student Donald Thompson III bows his head during a moment of silence for Jason Washington.
PSU student Olivia Pace speaks at a rally calling for the disarmament of Portland State campus police.
. The decision came despite vocal opposition from students and staff.
A 2015 study published by the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows about two-thirds of four-year colleges and universities with more than 2,500 students used armed or sworn police officers in the 2011-12 school year. About 90 percent of public institutions of the same category used armed officers.
The University of Oregon and Oregon Health and Science University use sworn officers on campus. Oregon State University contracts with Oregon State Police to provide campus law enforcement services.
“Every other time [PSU officials] are having a conversation about PSU, they’ll say that we’re unique, we’re innovative, we’re unlike any other school,” Thompson said. “But when it came to armament, it was about approaching a standard.”
Demonstrators march down Broadway in Portland to call for the disarmament of PSU police.
Former Deputy Sues Sheriff, Benton County In Federal Case
Man Killed By Armed PSU Officers Had Valid Concealed Carry Permit
2 PSU Officers Placed On Paid Leave Following Fatal Shooting
PSU Students Pressure University To Expel Student Accused Of Sexual Assault
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Sci Tech 1/27/2017 at 16:34:07 H4'ed 1/27/17
Thanks to Trump, the Doomsday Clock Advances Toward Midnight -
(Image by damninteresting.com) Details DMCA
'The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, is marking the 70th anniversary of its Doomsday Clock on by moving it 30 seconds closer to midnight. In 2016, the global security landscape darkened as the international community failed to come to grips with humanity’s most pressing threats: nuclear weapons and climate change.Making matters worse, the United States now has a president who has promised to impede progress on both of those fronts. Never before has the Bulletin decided to advance the clock largely because of the statements of a single person. But when that person is the new president of the United States, his words matter.This is the closest to midnight that the clock has been since 1953, when it was moved to two minutes to midnight after United States and the Soviet Union tested their first thermonuclear weapons within six months of one another.'
At www.nytimes.com
Related Topic(s): Climate; Doomsday Clock; Doomsday Devise; Scientists; Security; Thermonuclear; Trump Idiot-in-chief; Weapons, Add Tags
Series: "Chaos: the world & middle east"
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"Rob Kall has certainly acquired the firsthand experiences and knowledge gained through interviews to deliver some interesting insights about the "bottom-up" information revolution. Whereas the old 'top-down' systems created stove-pipes and excessive secrecy that blocked information sharing and led to the 'failure to connect the dots' before 9-11, the bottom-up approach should be the main fix. Kall's concept would seem to interface equally well with the founding fathers' idealism in setting forth their democratic theory of governance as with the realism that makes the multi-sourced, bottom-up Wikipedia work. As someone who shares my support of both government and corporate whistleblowing -- which is nothing more than encouraging greater horizontal sharing of information, I commend Rob Kall's important work on this topic."
Coleen Rowley, former FBI special agent and named one of TIME Magazine's "Persons of the Year" in 2002)
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‘Avengers Assemble’ will surprise, says Robert Downey Jr – video
Daniel Martin Apr 25, 2012 2:37 pm BST
Watch footage from the superhero blockbuster's premiere on NME.COM
Robert Downey Jr has promised that audiences will be surprised by Avengers Assemble.
Speaking at the movie’s European premiere, in a video which you can watch above, the Iron Man actor said that Joss Whedon‘s Marvel mash-up goes deeper than many fans will expect from a comic book movie.
He said: “I think [people] can expect to be surprised by how thorough it is and how thoughtful it is, and it actually has a lot of heart too.” Of the challenges of putting his character together with Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, he added: “We really just wanna make sure that all the characters kind of come together and have a chemistry, and it’s hard to know that until you start.”
But he reckoned: “It’s been a ball and I’m in my sixth year now being a Marvelite, so I hope the tradition continues.” The actor is already signed up to star in Iron Man 3
Mark Ruffalo, who makes his debut as Hulk, described the excitement when all the Avengers actors did finally assemble: “We all walked out onto the multimillion dollar set and there we were, and the mother of all comic book movies was finally coming to life.”
Chris Hemsworth, who makes his second screen outing as Thor, praised writer/director Whedon: “The most interesting bits for me were the interaction between the characters and the dialogue. Joss Whedon’s just an incredible writer, there’s a great amount of humour and wit to it.” Hemsworth also worked with Whedon on The Cabin In The Woods.
Avengers Assemble kicks off the summer blockbuster season this Friday (April 27).
Review: Avengers Assemble
The 10 Best Comic Book Movies
Credit: NME/Andy Ford
Lykke Li to release new remix EP ‘still sad still sexy’ this month, shares new song with Skrillex and Ty Dolla $ign
Credit: Dean Uzzel
Spanish trap star Fusa Nocta on her stellar Mad Cool festival set and the power of ‘The X Factor’
A$AP Rocky’s lawyers respond to claims of “inhumane conditions” in Swedish detention center
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Peter S. Thacher Award
About the Peter S. Thacher Award
The Peter S. Thacher Award is a memorial to Peter Shaw Thacher of Stonington, Connecticut. Mr. Thacher, a retired diplomat with the United Nations, and Distinguished Fellow with the World Resources Institute, lived the phrase "Think Global, Act Local." He was a Founder and Deputy Executive Director of the UNEP, the United Nations Environmental Programme. Locally, Peter Thacher was a pioneer in using modern computer mapping technologies to assist Stonington in the developing environmentally-sound planning policies. He was an active member of NEARC and an outspoken advocate for GIS.
Annual nominations are sought for the Peter S. Thacher Award. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in using Geographic Information System Technology to achieve success in natural resource management and conservation at the local level. The Award is presented each year during NEARC's Fall Conference.
2018 Recipient: Sam Wear
Click on a name below to learn more.
2018: Sam Wear
2017: Peter August
2016: David Weaver
2015: Caroline Alves
2014: Dr. John Harmon
2013: Fay Rubin
2012: Robert G. Marvinney, Ph.D.
2011: Eileen B. Allen
2010: Lyn Malone
2009: No award was given this year
2008: Christian Jacqz
2007: Gary Smith
2006: Sandy Prisloe
2004: John Barge
2003: Jim McLaughlin
2002: Lyman Orton
2001: Glenn Hazelton
2000: Howard Sternberg III
1999: Don and Dorothy McCluskey
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/ Portrait - NPG x154470; Theobald Walter Somerset Henry Butler...
Theobald Walter Somerset Henry Butler, 8th Earl of Carrick; Hon. (Horace) Somerset Edmond Butler
2 of 5 portraits of Hon. (Horace) Somerset Edmond Butler
whole-plate glass negative, 30 April 1919
Sittersback to top
Hon. (Horace) Somerset Edmond Butler (1903-1962), Commercial advisor for Department of Food, India; son of 7th Earl of Carrick. Sitter in 5 portraits.
Theobald Walter Somerset Henry Butler, 8th Earl of Carrick (1903-1957), Landowner. Sitter in 7 portraits.
Bassano Ltd (active 1901-1962), Photographers. Artist associated with 42740 portraits.
Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (photographer's studio, 25 Old Bond Street , London)
Bassano 1919
Sir John William Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown pilot the first successful non-stop transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Ireland, flying 1980 miles in their modified Vickers Vimy bomber plane in just over 16 hours. Their achievement won them a £10,000 prize from the Daily Mail newspaper.
John Maynard Keynes publishes The Economic Consequences of the Peace, an influential economic text that criticised the harsh economic treatment of Germany at the Treaty of Versailles and predicted the destabilising effects of the vindictive settlement.
The Paris Peace Conference negotiates the peace treaties between the victorious and defeated powers. The Conference culminated in a number of treaties including the Treaty of Versailles, which granted independence for the countries under Austrian and Russian rule and forced Germany to accept responsibility for the war and pay reparations. It also established the League of Nations.
Athletes and Olympians
Before Windrush: Images of Black and Asian Figures
Centenary of flight
Centenaries and Centenarians
Photographically Illustrated Periodicals
Keep The Home Fires Burning
Shakespeare: Stage and Screen
Classical Music and the First World War
Bassano Studio Portrait Collection
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/ Portrait - NPG D20581; John Nicholas Fazakerley
John Nicholas Fazakerley
11 of 262 portraits matching these criteria:
- set matching 'Grillion's Club'
by Frederick Christian Lewis Sr, after Joseph Slater
stipple engraving, 1826 or after
22 5/8 in. x 17 1/2 in. (576 mm x 444 mm) plate size; 10 7/8 in. x 8 7/8 in. (276 mm x 226 mm) paper size
Given by Grillion's Club, 1903
John Nicholas Fazakerley (1787-1852), Politician; MP for Lincoln, Great Grimsby, Tavistock and Peterborough. Sitter in 2 portraits.
Artistsback to top
Frederick Christian Lewis Sr (1779-1856), Engraver and landscape painter. Artist associated with 192 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
Joseph Slater (circa 1779-1837), Painter and draughtsman. Artist associated with 127 portraits.
Grillion's Club
Subject/Themeback to top
Riots break out in Lancashire against the use of the power loom, invented by Edmund Cartwright. The looms were gradually being introduced across the country, replacing large numbers of manual workers.
Thomas Telford's Menai Straits and Conway Suspension Bridges open, the largest of their kind at the time.
Carl Weber arrives to live in England after his opera Der Freischutz is the hit of the London season.
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Revealed: How much council tax could rise by in Newham
Rachael Burford
Council tax is set to surge in the borough. Pic: Newham Council
Residents in Newham face paying hundreds of pounds a year more in council tax which is set for a record rise.
On Tuesday, the council’s budget working party meeting heard that bills would likely increase by 5.8per cent from April.
This would see residents in Band D properties pay an extra £72.62 per year, increasing their bill to £1339.39.
Residents in the top band will see a rise of £161.
The council itself plans to put bills up by 2.9pc plus 2pc for Adult Social Care Precept with the rest of the increase imposed by Sadiq Khan.
Cllr Terry Paul, lead member for finance, said: “We are looking at the impact it will have on households. We are looking at what we can do to minimise the impact on families.
“Look at the services we are trying to supply for residents. I don’t want to increase council tax but we are here because of government austerity. I’m forced to consider all options.”
He added that Newham is reworking its council tax reduction scheme, which will mean lower bills for the borough’s poorest residents.
“As you can see in the proposals there is a move to change the Council Tax Reduction Scheme from a minimum contribution of 20 per cent to one of 10 per cent,” he said.
“That will see a reduction of up to approximately £120 for some households depending on what their households income is.”
But some fellow Labour councillors branded the decision “disgraceful” and accused cllr Paul or not spending enough time working out the budget.
Ann Easter said: “Do you just make decisions and then worry later about the impact they will have on poor people? It is disgraceful. People could be cast into abject poverty because of these decisions.”
Cllr Mas Patel complained the committee had not seen any impact assessment reports, which would show how the rise could affect residents.
“Residents aren’t going to understand the GLA precepts and all that, they are just going to see bills going up,” said Cllr Ken Clarke.
“We haven’t had a rise like this is many, many years.”
Cllr Paul said: “The Equality Impact Assessment is always done at the where the budget proposals are presented. We looked at minimising the impact on families. Families that take an increase will also get a cut depending on their situation.
“The key thing is have we got a balanced budget and are we providing a level of services for our residents. Going forward what we have to do is to secure our income and look at the ways we make our residents lives better.
“We don’t just flippantly put costs up and say ‘here you go’. I have looked at the agenda to see how our residents will benefit from these changes.”
The final decision on the rise will be made at a cabinet budget meeting in February.
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