text:
Scientists ‘grow’ a brain in a laboratory for the first time
Organ created from skin cells is equivalent in development to that of a human foetus at nine weeks
Steve Connor is the Science Editor of The Independent and i. He has won many awards for his journalism, including five-times winner of the prestigious British science writers’ award; the David Perlman Award of the American Geophysical Union; four times highly commended as specialist journalist of the year in the UK Press Awards; UK health journalist of the year and a special merit award of the European School of Oncology for his investigations into the tobacco industry. He has a degree in zoology from the University of Oxford and has a special interest in genetics and medical science, human evolution and origins, climate change and the environment.
Wednesday 28 August 2013
Scientists have grown miniature human brains from skin cells in a laboratory for the first time as part of a study into the development of the most complex of all our organs, and the ultimate source of human creativity and consciousness.
The mini-brains are less than 4mm across but researchers say that they are equivalent in development to the brain of a human foetus at about nine weeks’ gestation, and even have the complex three-dimensional structure of a real embryonic brain.
Previous attempts at growing brain tissue in a laboratory dish have focused on culturing the nerve cells in two dimensions on a flat plate of nutrients, but the latest study used a droplet of nutrient gel as a three-dimensional scaffold on which the growing brain cells organised themselves into the miniature organ.
The scientists have called the primitive brains “cerebral organoids” and have emphasised that the living structures are still far from being described as true human brains with a potential for self-awareness or consciousness – a threshold of development that would be ethically wrong to cross, they said.
“Three or four millimetres do not sound very much, but for someone who is used to working with a microscope it’s quite a lot. The individual brain areas that we find in our organoids are not so very far away from the size of the endogenous organs at this stage of development,” said Juergen Knoblich, of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna.
“It is absolutely not the goal of our work to generate higher-order brain structures. For us, growing them bigger is not the issue. At this size they can hold quite a lot of complexity… this is one of the cases where size doesn’t really matter,” Dr Knoblich said.
The mini-brains were created from human skin cells that were converted into stem cells by a well-established genetic engineering technique. This produced induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells which were then coaxed by chemical stimulants and nutrients to develop into mature brain cells that self-organised into the rudimentary structures of an embryonic brain, such as the cerebral cortex.
Dr Knoblich said that the organoids have already shed light on a condition called microcephaly, when the brain fails to grow to its correct size in the womb, and also could eventually help research into conditions such as autism and schizophrenia, which both involve unknown malfunctions in early brain development.
“There have been numerous attempts recently to model human brain tissue from human cells. [Scientists] have gone on to generate an eye, a pituitary gland and even a human liver, but so far the most complex of all human organs, which is the brain, has not been susceptible to these kinds of cultures,” Dr Knoblich said.
“[This technique] allows us to study the human-specific features of brain development. We can analyse the function of individual genes in a human setting. We have been able to model one disease, microcephaly, but ultimately we’d like to move to more common disorders such as schizophrenia or autism,” he said.
“So far drug testing has been done on animal models and isolated human cells. These organ-culture models offer the possibility of testing drugs directly without animal experiments to get more informed results,” he added.
The study, published in the journal Nature, showed that it was possible to convert skin cells into a specialised form of embryonic tissue called the neuroectoderm, which produces all the components of the brain and nervous system. Organoids from a patient with microcephaly fail- ed to grow as fast as other organoids, but this could be corrected by replacing a defected gene responsible for the disorder, the study showed.
Andrew Jackson, of the Medical Research Council’s Human Genetic Unit in Edinburgh, who collaborated with Dr Knoblich, said that the brain organoids provides a new way of studying the human brain, the most complex structure known with an estimated 100 billion nerve cells and many times the number of nerve connections.
“Being able to generate tissue with such complexity in cell culture is a significant advance for the study of human disease in the laboratory,” he said.
Oliver Brustle, a stem-cell expert at the University of Bonn, said: “These structures are not just peculiar lab artefacts… the organoids re-create early steps in the formation of the human brain’s cerebral cortex, and so lend themselves to studies of brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.”
- 2 Tom Cruise: Reporters banned from asking actor about Scientology
- 4 Dutch King Willem-Alexander declares the end of the welfare state
- 5 Giant Minion terrorises drivers in Ireland as 40ft inflatable blocks busy Dublin road
Edward Heath 'raped 12 year-old boy at Mayfair flat'
Sabrina Corgatelli: US hunting tourist posts picture of herself with dead giraffe after Cecil the lion outrage
'Gene drive': Scientists sound alarm over supercharged GM organisms which could spread in the wild and cause environmental disasters
Labour leadership race: Jeremy Corbyn could be the next Prime Minister, says Ken Clarke
Tom Cruise: Reporters banned from asking actor about Scientology
Is Britain really full up? Are migrants taking our jobs? Leading academic answers the most common anti-immigration claims
Calais Migrant Crisis: Deputy Mayor of Calais labels Cameron's use of 'swarm' as 'racist' and 'ignorant'
Chris Leslie: Jeremy Corbyn's anti-austerity agenda will harm the poor, says Labour shadow Chancellor
Landlords renting properties to illegal immigrants to face up to five years in prison
While we fixate on Calais, the Home Office is quietly deporting dozens of migrants on 'ghost flights'
Calais crisis: The seven claims made about the migrants - and the reality
£18000 - £27000 per annum: Recruitment Genius: This is an exciting opportunity...
£16000 - £22000 per annum: Recruitment Genius: Their research appears at the f...
£18000 - £23000 per annum + Uncapped OTE: SThree: SThree Trainee Recruitment C...
£18000 - £25000 per annum: Recruitment Genius: This exciting startup disruptin...

domain: biology


text:
With one more cycle gone by we reach closer to the D-day. But this cycle was a mix of emotions.
The students began this cycle by applying their knowledge of the Mathematical concepts learned so far as they appeared for the term-end assessment.
They were enthusiastic inquirers while researching and identifying two issues which they would like to take a step towards resolution. Post the research, they made an informed choice of focusing on one such local or global issue of personal significance and the anticipated action that they would be taking as a small step towards bringing about a change. This issue became their topic for the PYP Exhibition.
They also appreciated their culture and especially their mother tongue by sharing their thoughts, food and knowledge through the Mother tongue assembly.
Then came the day of playing for their section’s pride and bringing honour to the class by winning the trophies of being the champions of the Grade 6 in games like Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Langdi and Tug of War.
With all the zeal and ferocity they fought but as we know there is only one winner!
The next day started with aches and pains, with bruises, sprains and fractures but their strong will brought them back to the school. And, they were presented with another choice. This time about the medium of expression. Some confused, some sure and some bouncing all around with their choices of the medium, for their artistic fire had been given a fresh supply of oxygen.
To add to their excitement, they also celebrated the World Maths Day by playing the Math Games created by their peers.
With all the excitement of working on something they want to and the way they want to showcase their learning, they were introduced to their group members and their teacher-in-charge. They shared their ideas for action and understanding of the topic, with their group members. They tried to know the teacher-in-charge a little better as they were to work with her for the upcoming gigantic task.
Finally, the cycle did come to an end but it is yet not the end of their adventure called the ‘PYP Exhibition’.
Thanks and regards
Grade 6 Team

domain: sociology


text:
Dr. Stephen F. Jones B.Comm., N.D.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Clinic Founder and Medical Director
Dr. Stephen F. Jones received his undergraduate degree in business from the University of Toronto. He worked for several years in the stock brokerage and investment banking sectors before returning to graduate school to pursue a long standing ambition to practice medicine.
Having family members who practiced 'conventional' medicine, but also having experienced personal health issues for which medical doctors were unsuccessful at treating, Dr. Jones sought instead to practice naturopathic medicine. These interests lead him to attend the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, after having completed his undergraduate medical studies at the University of Toronto and at Ryerson University.
During his education at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (C.C.N.M.), Dr. Jones lectured extensively to the public about naturopathic medicines and also taught courses through the 'Continuing Education' department of C.C.N.M. in both general and sports nutrition. His graduate education saw Dr. Jones manage the college’s pharmacy, receive an award from Heel Canada by reviewing the clinical data on the company's vertigo medicine and attend residency rounds alongside the resident medical doctors at the Scarborough General Hospital.
Upon completion of his naturopathic medical studies, Dr. Jones relocated to Cornwall to found the Millennium Health Centre. While having treated patients in Cornwall since 2001, Dr. Jones has also operated satellite clinics in Brockville, Ontario and Perth, Ontario. Over this time, he has lectured extensively inclusive of Grand Rounds at the Cornwall General Hospital, the Akwesasne medical clinic, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Victorian Order of Nurses cancer support groups.
Believing in the need for the public to become more aware of the scope of practice of naturopathic doctors, as well as their role in the greater health care system, Dr. Jones has actively worked with various media sources. He was columnist for the Seaway News newspaper for six years before launching his own newspaper (The Health Journal) to 20,000 homes in the Cornwall and surrounding region in 2007. In addition, he has been a regular contributor to other newspapers, magazines and professional publications, and has appeared on radio and television to answer public queries about natural medical options. His clinic was featured on CTV news, interviewed by veteran reporter Norm Fetterly, in discussing the intravenous cancer and cardiology treatments he performs at the clinic.
A passionate community volunteer, Dr. Jones is a Kiwanis Club member (Kiwanian of the Year in 2004/2005) and has served on the Cornwall and District Service Club Council from 2004 until 2008 (and served as President of the council in 2007/ 2008). He holds numerous memberships inclusive of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors, Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors, Team Cornwall and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.
With increasing political changes surrounding the practice of naturopathic medicine in Ontario, Dr. Jones accepted a request in 2007 to join the provincial medical association for naturopathic doctors, the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. He has worked with the Policy Director of the association to clarify policy regarding the use of several therapies in the province and has chaired several committees to forward policy initiatives to the regulator and Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. In 2008, Dr. Jones accepted the nomination to become an Executive Director of the association and remains to be actively involved in the governmental affairs of naturopathic medicine in Ontario and the country.
While his focus continues to be the use of intravenous therapies in the treatment of (various) cancers, heart diseases and chemical sensitivities, his family practice continues to treat a tremendous amount of bowel health problems, allergies and childhood disorders (most notably Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD).
Being an avid outdoorsman and fitness fan, Dr. Jones not only maintains personal pursuits in these areas, but also sponsors local hockey and works both personally and professionally with many athletes of all calibers.
Dr. Kim Oxbro B.Sc, M.Sc, N.D.
Masters in Pharmacology,
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Kimberly Oxbro, MSc, ND completed her undergraduate in biology and psychology at Trent university and obtained a Masters of Science in Pharmacology at Queen's University. Through her studies in medical science she gained an appreciation for the importance of conventional medicine in the management of disease; however she believed that achieving optimal health requires more than drugs and surgery.
To learn about natural therapeutic substances, Dr. Oxbro studied one of Canada’s only two naturopathic medical schools (CCNM), where graduates become licensed Naturopathic Doctors. During her rigorous four years of training, she interned at two multi-disciplinary healthcare centers where she had the unique opportunity to co-manage patients with medical doctors & nurses in a team environment.
Returning to her roots, Dr. Oxbro has relocated back to eastern Ontario with her husband to practice naturopathic medicine in both Cornwall and Brockville.
Dr. Oxbro believes that diet, lifestyle and exercise are the foundations of health and that illness should first be addressed first with natural medical approaches before resorting to more toxic pharmaceutical drugs with side-effects. She has a keen interest in using diet, acupuncture, botanicals, and other natural supplements to prevent and treat a wide-variety of conditions including: pain, heart disease, digestive concerns and woman's health. With her combined research skills and knowledge of both conventional and natural medical sciences she strives to help her patients choose the most appropriate treatments from all systems of medicine to ensure her patients get the best care possible.
Registered Practical Nurse & Medical Lab Assistant
Upon the retirement of the clinic’s registered nurse Diane Gratton in June, 2008, the Millennium Health Centre and its patients were fortunate enough to have Sandra join the staff. Being both a certified Medical Laboratory Technician and a Registered Practical Nurse, Sandra brings a wealth of experience and skill to the clinic.
With past career experience in the ‘front lines’ of a community laboratory (MDS in Cornwall), Sandra is exceptionally skilled at drawing blood. The clinic’s patients are amazed that having blood-tests ‘don’t have to be scary or painful.' Having spent fourteen years in a hospital setting, Sandra is equally skilled at making patients feel at ease and at explaining procedures to them.
Her move from the hospital environment to a naturopathic medical clinic has been met with her usual grace. Sandra has summarized the move in stating that “naturopathic medicine will be an exciting and refreshing change from conventional medicine and I look forward to the knowledge I will gain working with the staff and patients in the clinic’s friendly, relaxed atmosphere.”
Dr.s Oxbro and Jones are delighted to be working with Sandra and echo their patient’s sentiments as to easy process that she makes blood-work and intravenous therapies.
In March 2008, The Millennium Health Centre was fortunate enough to see Micheline Legault join the clinic as the Office Manager. With a career spanning two decades in Cornwall’s health care community, Micheline has served the public as the Office Manager of one of the city’s most recognized Medical Doctors for sixteen years. In addition to this position, she pursued a certification as a medical and pharmaceutical assistant and worked in this capacity in a local pharmacy and at the hospital.
An avid reader and student of health care, Micheline was excited to accept a position in a non-conventional clinic. She settled into the position at the Millennium Health Centre instantly and the patients responded immediately to her charm and gracious greetings. Micheline has summarized her role with the Millennium team in stating that she is “happy to work in a friendly environment where the focus is on finding the cause of patients’ illnesses and not pharmaceutically controlling and suppressing their symptoms.”
Dr.s Oxbro and Jones are delighted to have her take charge of the office and offer their patients a reliable contact.
Educated in the same basic sciences as medical doctors, naturopathic doctors Jones and Oxbro have also studied natural approaches to health care, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimal health. Therefore they bring a strong scientific understanding to patient care, and are able to provide integration with other health care professionals. In their practice, they offer the following treatments:
- All conventional blood tests, PAP tests, stool tests etc. - ONSITE, no referral to a lab.
- Advanced Diagnostic Testing (see the 'Services' page for 'Functional Medicine and Diagnostic Testing').
- Chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease (angina, past heart attacks or strokes, previous by-pass or stents, etc.), poor circulation or the removal of ‘heavy metals’ (such as lead, mercury, etc.) found via medical testing. Go to the ‘Links’ page to learn more about chelation, or visit our Chelation Therapy page.
- Intravenous Therapies to treat cancers, heart disease, Chronic Fatigue and more.
- Clinical Nutrition
- Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture
- 'Neutraceutical' (non-drug) medications
- Botanical Medicine
- Physical Therapies
- Lifestyle Counseling and Stress Management
- Homeopathic Medicines

domain: medical


Space National Guard
Support S. 503 and H.R. 3048 to create the Space National Guard as the primary reserve component of the U.S. Space Force. Please contact your members of Congress today and ask for their support.
Support S. 5142/H.R.3512 to expand Zero-Cost TRICARE Reserve Select to all members of the Reserve Component.


text:
The Collapsible LED Magnifying Glass has a 4x magnification and a flexible, articulated body that is made to be adjusted for comfortable viewing. The strong lens combines with four LED dimmable lights that provide three brightness modes for viewing whatever it is you need to magnify, from text to objects.
Full features of the Collapsible LED Magnifying Glass include:
- The stand collapses so the magnifier can be taken on the go.
- Collapsible design offers different viewing angles.
- 4x magnification.
- 3 brightness modes.
- Powered by two button-cell CR2016 batteries (included) or via USB-C cord (included) and wall adapter (not included).
- Opened, the Collapsible LED Magnifying Glass measures 3h x 4" diam.
- Folded, it measures 0.9h x 4" diam.
- The magnifying viewing glass measures 3" diam.
- Includes a cleaning cloth & instructions manual.
SizeOpened:3h x 4" diam.
Folded:0.9h x 4" diam.
Magnifying viewing glass: 3" diam.
Year of Design2021
- This item is final sale and non-returnable.
$7.95 Flat standard shipping fee available. Learn More.
You will earn Rewards points.
At MoMA Design Store, all of the designs we sell are curator-approved and authentic. We ensure the integrity of our products through research and by working closely with the designers. Our products embody the spirit of good design objects in MoMA's collection. Some of them are actual designs represented in the Museum's collection.

domain: artistic


Jiangsu Huaying Machinery Co.,Ltd.
Hydraulic press,cutting machine,plane cutting machine,30T,hydraulic cutting machine, Manufacturer and Supplier - China(CN)
Information for Buyers
Price : $6000 USD
Description : 1. The machine is applicable for large factories to use blade mould to do continuous and big quantity cutting for such non-metal materials as carpet, leather, rubber, fabric and so on. 2. PLC is equipped for conveyor system. Servo motor drives materials
Description : Detailed Product Description cutting machine The 30T Plane hydraulic press die cutting machine is mainly suitable for cutting nonmetal materials such as leather, plastic, rubber, canvas, nylon, cardboard and various synthetic materials. 1. The principal


Thank You to the U.S. Mechanical Co. for their generous support of the Fisher House Boston.
This is their fifth year supporting The Fisher House Boston and the event gets bigger and better every year.
To date, they have raised over $37,000, and this years event will keep that number growing…which translates directly into the help that these military families need during some of their toughest times.
Thank You again to the U.S. Mechanical Co., their event organizers and all participants for making this event possible.


text:
Dating an individual mother is a real challenge. But, as challenges get, its definitely worth every penny. You actually shouldnвЂ™t just skip this method because she’s got young ones. Better believe there are a great number of benefits and advantages that go along with washing, diapers, and life that is mature.
Single moms are particularly attractive simply because they have actually unique characteristics other ladies merely usually do not possess. Particular guys will much more likely make do with a single mother than with some other woman.
Why is a Single Mom So Special?
A mom that is single not only your normal gf. This woman is a mature and separate girl. The total amount of her duty talks louder than her age. She could even be younger than you but having a young child by her part makes you at the least equal. Several things depend on whether you have got young ones your self. When you do, then chances are you two certainly have actually a spot of connection.
Solitary mothers are extremely confident, dedicated, patient, and committed. It really is difficult sufficient to have a young child however it is twice as difficult to own it all on your own being a lady. You need to remember this before, after, plus in the entire process of dating a single mother. Solitary moms guys that are dating other criteria with regards to their boyfriends. It really is apparent that a mother that is singlen’t search for something which isn’t severe.Continue Reading


text:
Expert Eye: Victorian Land Market Trends of 2022
by Carlisle Homes
Planning on building your dream home? Here are the current property trends you need to know about, plus a look at what’s forecast for 2023.
Whether you’ve got your sights set on buying a site in Victoria for your dream home in the coming months or you’re waiting for your lot to title, it’s wise to know what’s happening in the property market as a whole. To keep you informed, we spoke to three experts to get the latest on Victorian property trends in terms of price and lot sizes, title dates, what buyers are looking for now, plus insider tips on how to secure land in today’s competitive market.
Victorian Prices On The Rise
The Australian property market experienced extraordinary growth in the last part of 2021 and early 2022. Property and land prices across the country saw a steep in this period, and Victoria was no exception. “Greater Melbourne has seen a 20% rise in lot pricing over the past 12 months, with the median lot price $383,000,” says William Anderson, Builder Relationship Manager at RPM Group. In regional areas, the South East and Geelong have seen the most prolific growth; “Prices have risen $60,000 and $81,500 respectively over the past 12 months,” he says.
And with many buyers looking to relocate outside city centres in search of more space and a better lifestyle, demand for homes in Victoria’s growth corridors has exploded. “The South East is one of our most sought-after corridors, mainly due to the limited stock available,” says Adele Katelanis, Builder Partner Specialist at Core Projects. “In February 2022, the South East saw a 96% increase in sales, although this was largely as it was coming off a quiet holiday period of December 2021/January 2022. It is interesting to note that there was a significant increase and demand for Geelong as well as regional areas, which was uncommon pre-Covid.”
See Carlisle’s Lara display village servicing the Geelong Region.
Meanwhile, Anderson has seen even growth across all regional areas; “All corridors have grown steadily in line with each other, showing there is a consistent demand across all regions.”
Lot Size Trends
While land prices have risen, the average lot size has remained largely unchanged. “Lots sized between 300 and 400 square metres continue to be the most popular, accounting for approximately 44% of lot sales in Victoria over the past 12 months,” says Anderson. Katelanis concurs, adding; “When broken down by region, Geelong’s most popular lot size was 400 square metres (12.5 x 32 metres), while in Victoria’s South East, West and North, the most popular land size was 350 square metres (12 x 5 x 28 metres).”
Victorian property trends show that larger lots are proving less popular, says Anderson; “Where we’ve seen a major change is the decrease in sales in 448 square metre and 512 square-metre lot sizes and above, with sales of lots below 300 square metres making up the difference. These small-lot housing code lots now account for 22% of sales.”
As families look to carve out more living space from what they’ve got, homes are heading upwards – a growing trend in the Australian property market. “Everyone would love to be able to buy a 448 to 512 square-metre lot, but the reality is budgets are seeing them now consider the 350 to 400 square-metre lots,” says Daniel Begley, Sales Manager Brown Property Group. “As average lot sizes get smaller, there has been a natural evolution of trying to maximise the home size you are able to fit on a block. This has meant that more customers are now choosing to build two-storey homes.”
Covid and the growing trend for working from home have changed what many buyers want from their homes, says Anderson; “The rising popularity of flexible working options is making buyers rethink their design choices.
“More buyers are looking for dedicated office spaces in their homes and, with the ability to work from home and travel less, many are willing to consider areas further from their workplace to find a larger and more affordable option.
“Affordability has raised a concern for many buyers, meaning more people are looking to purchase smaller land but spend more on their construction to maximise internal space, which can be achieved by building a double storey home – meaning the land to house ratio is changing, with backyard size reducing, but number of rooms increasing,” he says.
The composition of double-story designs is changing dramatically with new designs often building over garages to provide more floor space upstairs.
Buyers are increasingly prioritising a connection with nature and a sense of community when choosing where to build a new home, says Begley; “Connectivity of neighbourhoods is a huge priority now, along with access to parks and open spaces.”
Supply has been an obvious issue across the Australian property market, so it pays to look in the right places when searching for land. “Some regions have bigger supply issues than others, for example, the South and Geelong. Due to more supply in the West, this region usually achieves the largest percentage of sales. The West’s market share at the end of February was 47%,” says Katelanis.
Note: Carlisle exclusive house and land packages can be found weekly on our house and land filter by selecting the exclusives tick box. Explore more here.
“Title dates are currently being extended into 2023 and 2024 due to a number of factors; high volumes, the success of the HomeBuilder grant, and the unexpected sales rate during Melbourne’s lockdown periods. Because of the high volume of sales across Victoria, developers have sold through stock that is expected to title in the next 12 to 24 months.
“Our developers are very mindful of selling too far out, which is why you’ll see that a lot of projects currently have limited stock to sell through. This is to ensure they can deliver on their projects in a timely manner,” says Katelanis.
“There is a very slim chance of finding anything titled within the corridor currently. However, sometimes opportunities present themselves when buyers have a change in circumstance. To give you the best chance of securing something titled, being finance-ready is vital,” says Begley
Lock in your fixed price now
If your land title is forecast in the future and you’re concerned about rising prices of materials and trades, it’s wise to lock in a fixed base price now. With Carlisle Homes’ Price Lock guarantee, you can secure today’s prices and start building in 18 months’ time. It also means you can take advantage of our great special offers, secure today’s luxury inclusions and put yourself first in line for your site start.
Buying land and then having to wait months for it to title can be frustrating, but the situation is not without its upsides. “Having more time to save means you can contribute more to your build deposit and potentially lower your home loan amount,” says Anderson. “Often, by the time the customer has their land titled and the client is ready to build, there is uplift in the value of the land, which makes the wait worth it,” adds Katelanis.
“In the last 12 months, in particular, the significant capital growth while waiting for titles has been a huge win for our customers,” says Begley. There’s also the stamp duty savings; “By buying land you are only paying stamp duty on the land component rather than the end value of the property.”
So, in such a competitive and fast-moving market, how should you go about securing land? The best way is to get in touch with Carlisle Homes and we will refer you to the land estate. This way you can leverage our strong relationships with developers, take advantage of our exclusive offers and house and land packages, and create a seamless path to securing the land you want.
Insider TIP 1: Be Proactive
“Securing land in this market is proving a challenge for buyers. However, being proactive is the best way to ensure you get the lot of your choice,” says Anderson. Regularly checking in with a land consultant about available stock, staying up-to-date with new releases and enquiring through your builder are all effective methods to ensure you secure your lot,” he says.
“Having a team with strong and active working relationships with our land sales team is important as opportunities do come up when lots sometimes come back to market,” says Katelanis.
Insider TIP 2: Be Finance Ready
When the time is right to secure land, ensure all your financials are in place, advises Begley. “Being finance-ready is one of the most important steps – making sure that you have a clear understanding of your actual budget for both house and land. This will put you in a much better position when discussing your requirements with both land agents and builders as we can tailor our conversations and present solutions based on an actual number rather than a hypothetical.
“Work with your building consultant – this is so important as the best consultants are very well-connected and have their finger on the pulse regarding new releases,” he says.

domain: finance


ISO 1897-4-1977 工业用苯酚、邻甲酚、间甲酚、对甲酚、甲苯基酸和二甲苯酚 试验方法 第4部分:不溶于氢氧化钠溶液的杂质目视试验(甲苯基酸和二甲苯酚除外)
Phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, p-cresol, cresylic acid and xylenols for industrial use; Methods of test; Part IV : Visual test for impurities insoluble in sodium hydroxide solution (Excluding cresylic acid and xylenols)
Simple empirical test of no great precision. The principle consists in shaking a test portion with sodium hydroxide solution under specified conditions and assessment of any insoluble matter present in suspension in the mixture by comparison either with an agreed standard turbidimetric solution or with sodium hydroxide solution. The comparison of the turbidity of the two solutions is carried out by viewing vertically and with the electric lamp equipped with a ligth blue dayligth-bulb switched on.


text:
19 past concerts
Heights and Last Witness
Yashin, Feed the Rhino, and With One Last Breath
The Ghost Inside, Miss May I, and Confession
Pettybone and Grappler
See all 19 past concerts
Track your favorite artists and never miss them live.

domain: entertainment


text:
Bluestocking Books is away and unable to process orders through our website at this time. You can still browse our inventory or send us inquiries in the meantime.
The Trial Definitive Edition Translated from the German By Willa and Edwin Muir
Ny: Random House, 1956. Hardcover. Ny: Random House, 1956 Dust jacket good, chipping to edges. Red cloth with gilt and black trim. good, light bumping to edges, The Modern Library # 340, Revised, and with additional materials translated by E. M. Butler, 340 pgs . Cloth. Good/Good. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Good / Good. Item #3963
See all items in Modern Library
See all items by Franz Kafka

domain: literature


text:
Trump says he doesn't see why Russia would have meddled in election
After Putin meeting, Trump tweets: 'I have GREAT confidence in MY intelligence people'
U.S. President Donald Trump said after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in Helsinki that he didn't see "any reason why" Russia would have interfered in the 2016 U.S. federal election, despite the findings of his own intelligence agencies.
On a day when he faced pressure from critics, allied countries and even his own staff to take a tough line, Trump said not a single critical word about Moscow on any of the issues that have brought relations between the two powers to the lowest ebb since the Cold War.
Instead, he denounced the "stupidity" of his own country's policy, especially the decision to investigate election interference. Trump's performance is likely to create a political storm in the United States, where the White House has struggled for months to dispel a suggestion that Trump was unwilling to stand up to Putin.
Trump held his meeting with Putin just days after a special prosecutor in the United States indicted 12 Russian agents for stealing Democratic Party documents to help him win the vote. Asked if he believed U.S. intelligence agencies, which concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help him defeat Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, he said he was not convinced.
Watch as Trump deflects a direct question about Russian election interference.
"I don't see any reason why it would be" Russia, Trump said.
"President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today."
The U.S. president also continued to deny that there had been any other collusion between his campaign and Russians, declaring: "We ran a brilliant campaign and that's why I'm president."
Speaking through an interpreter, Putin once again denied what he described as "so-called interference of Russia." He called it "nonsense" and insisted the Russian state had never interfered and would never interfere in the American electoral process.
Putin said the meeting marked the first steps to restore "an acceptable level of trust and go back to previous level of interaction on all mutual interest issues."
The Russian president reiterated his message in an interview with Chris Wallace of Fox News, saying allegations of meddling were ridiculous and that Russia had nothing compromising on Trump.
Russian President Putin on the Mueller probe: I'm not interested in this issue a single bit. It's the internal political games of the United States. #WallacePutinOnFox https://t.co/OqrOzjYveR pic.twitter.com/xejkVcxb8C—@FoxNews
"I don't want to insult President Trump when I say this — and I may come as rude — but before he announced that he will run for presidency, he was of no interest for us," he said in the Fox interview.
'Clear in our assessment'
American intelligence agencies have said their assessments show that Russia meddled in the 2016 campaign.
In a statement released after the meeting between the two leaders, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats — who was appointed by Trump — said the role of the intelligence community is "to provide the best information and fact-based assessments possible" for the president and U.S. policymakers.
"We have been clear in our assessment of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and their ongoing, pervasive efforts to undermine our democracy, and we will continue to provide unvarnished and objective intelligence in support of our national security.
As reaction and criticism poured in after the meeting, the U.S. president weighed in again on Twitter later Monday, saying "as I said today and many times before, "I have GREAT confidence in MY intelligence people." However, I also recognize that in order to build a brighter future, we cannot exclusively focus on the past — as the world's two largest nuclear powers, we must get along!"
'Foolishness and stupidity'
Before the summit even began, Trump blamed his own country for the deterioration in relations.
"Our relationship with Russia has NEVER been worse thanks to many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity and now, the Rigged Witch Hunt!" he said on Twitter. The Russian foreign ministry tweeted back: "We agree."
At the news conference, Trump was invited by reporters to offer any criticism of Russia but he repeatedly declined.
Asked if Russia was at all to blame for the poor ties, he said: "I hold both countries responsible. I think the U.S. has been foolish. We've all been foolish," he said, before veering into discussion about his election victory.
Watch as Trump blames both U.S. and Russia for the frosty relations between the 2 nations.
"I beat Hillary Clinton easily and frankly we beat her. We won that race and it's a shame that there can be even a little bit of a cloud over it," he said.
Trump's warm words for Russia were a marked contrast from the past week when he repeatedly rebuked traditional U.S. allies at a summit of NATO and during a visit to Britain.
Asked if Putin was an adversary, he said: "Actually I called him a competitor and a good competitor he is and I think the word competitor is a compliment."
Putin spoke of the importance of the two countries working together and praised Trump, at one point interrupting the news conference to give the U.S. president a soccer ball.
Asked whether he had wanted Trump to win the 2016 election and had instructed officials to help him, Putin said, "Yes I did," although he denied any interference, saying the allegations were "complete nonsense."
Trump also told gathered reporters that Putin made an "incredible offer" of law enforcement collaboration during the leaders' one-on-one summit.
Watch the full Trump-Putin news conference below.
Putin said American investigators who have charged 12 Russians with hacking during the 2016 presidential election can come work with Russian investigators on the case.
A spokesperson for special counsel Robert Mueller, whose office on Friday charged the hackers, declined to comment.
It was not clear from Trump's statement what sort of help Putin was offering. The United States does not have an extradition treaty with Russia, making it uncertain that the indicted Russian military intelligence officers will ever be prosecuted in an American courtroom.
The summit, which is being closely watched around the world, was not the first time Trump and Putin have held talks. They met on the sidelines of world leader meetings in Germany and Vietnam last year.
- An earlier version of this story said Trump and Putin emerged from the summit and said Moscow did not interfere in the 2016 U.S. election. In fact, Trump said, "I don't see any reason why it would be [Russia]."Jul 16, 2018 3:47 PM ET
With files from The Associated Press and CBC News

domain: news


When choosing the best way how to transfer money, you usually consider things like convenience, destination country, security and currency. While it is easy to send fiat in countries within the EU using SEPA or local banks, when we are talking about transferring fiat currencies overseas the process is not as simple as it might seem for some countries. Of course, you can always choose cryptocurrencies, but if you need to transfer EUR, SpectroCoin is happy to announce that, from now on, international bank transfers are available for users from more than 150 countries around the globe.
The boom of new cryptocurrencies issued through ICOs and the rising interest in the crypto market have led to the implementation of regulatory requirements for the entire financial market. In 2018, the European Parliament issued a proposal for the AML5 directive, which will come into effect in 2020 – in some countries, it will happen in mid-2019. AML5 is a commonly used abbreviation for the fifth EU Directive on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing.
SpectroCoin is more than happy to witness the rising number of customers who trust our platform. In exchange, we continue working to provide our users with the highest security performance. We believe that the basis of every great business is the collaboration between the company and its clients. For this reason, SpectroCoin is launching a Bug Bounty Program.
We are delighted to announce that on the 2nd of July of 2018, SpectroCoin became a full member of Infobalt. The Infobalt Association is recognized as the biggest and the main contact point between Lithuanian business associations and government organizations dealing with Blockchain initiatives. At the moment, the Infobalt Association unites more than 160 members from the Information and Communication (ICT) industry.
SpectroCoin and Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty are happy to announce a cross-sector partnership centered around a new Master’s Degree Program in Financial Technology (FinTech) which is being launched this year.


text:
Iridium granted 30-day reprieve
Has until 30 June to prove punters want it
Iridium's bankers last week came to the troubled satellite-based mobile phone service's rescue -- well, sort of. The good news for Iridium was an extension to the last deadline its lenders imposed on it to either hit customer and revenue projections or pay back its massive debt. The bad news is that it only has a month to do so. Iridium's arguments for a further delay -- its debt repayment deadline has already been put back, from the end of March to 31 May -- will have centred on the establishment of its new management team, primarily interim CEO John Richardson and CFO Leo Mondale; its decision to take its sales and marketing teams, dubbed by the company as "weak", to task; and to just give it time to see if can persuade its backers to support its proposed finanicial restructure. Speaking last week, before the banks' decision was announced, Mondale said the ailing company's options were essentially to restructure or file for bankruptcy. Motorola, for one, will be keen to pursue Iridium's latest plan. Not only does it own 18 per cent of the company, but it has guaranteed most of the satellite service's debt. However, the deal with Iridium's bank is not exclusively financial. It also needs show it has at least 27,000 subscribers by the 30 June deadline. It managed to notch up a little over 10,000 by the end of March. More than doubling that figure in one quarter alone would be hard enough for any company, let alone one as unhealthy as Iridium. On the financial side, Iridium's books must show a $4 million cash reserve and $30 million of cumulative accrued revenues. Its Q1 revenue was just $1.45 million. ® See also Missing Iridium 'suit' located
Sponsored: RAID: End of an era?


Warlock 2: Wrath of the Nagas – Release Trailer
Warlock 2: Wrath of the Nagas introduces the ancient Naga race to the worlds of Warlock 2 – a sinister people who have lurked outside the realm of Ardania since time immemorial, waiting for their chance to break back through the barriers and unmake reality.
Videos You May Enjoy
Articles You May Enjoy
- Wargaming Launches Digital Magazine 'Let's Battle'
- Wargaming announces the launch of their digital magazine that includes exclusives on all of their titles.
- Nether: Full Release Now Avilable On Steam
- After months of community support and feedback, Nether Productions announced today that first-person survival game Nether has exited Steam Ear...


text:
I don't so much boogie with the moon.
Our dance is slower paced, measured even,
as the earth spins days into months, shifting gently underneath my moving feet.
I love her constant steady change,
The whole way from fat to nowhere to be seen.
But she’s always still there, dancing slowly, in and out of shadows and reflected light.
She knows for sure when she’s coming, when she’s going,
Always circling the point. Predictable perhaps (once you know the steps),
Yet mysteriously compelling, constant re-telling of heavenly bodies in love with flight.
The moon is inside me, Emotion- as energy in motion,
stills my beating heart,
slowly slowly opening everything,
graceful and glorious,
rolling around my pelvic bowl,
holy wholly stepping up and in and all the way out with faith and fate,
moodily moving oceans in her dreaming wake.


Friends of Unfair Park know all too well the hot water in which former Dallas Housing Authority president and CEO Alphonso Jackson's bathing these days, so no point in rehashing it when the history lesson's but a click away. But for those in need of more recent developments, on Friday Senators Chris Dodd and Patty Murray, both Democrats, called for the Housing and Urban Development Secretary's resignation in a letter sent to Jackson's BFF, President Bush, based on the fact the South Dallas native refuses to answer Congress' questions concerning four different investigations into how Jackson's helping those who help him and hurting those who won't. Said Murray: "It is time for Secretary Jackson to go."
Today, a Friend of Unfair Park sends us this Washington Post editorial that says almost the same thing -- if nothing else, it'd like "Stonewall Jackson" to offer "some straight answers" after refusing to answer even one question put before him by the Senate Banking Committee. Reads The Post's editorial, concerning Bush's sticking with his bud and Jackson's refusal to budge: "The president's loyalty is a boon for Mr. Jackson, but the allegations and questions dogging the secretary are many and alarming." --Robert Wilonsky


text:
It’s been confirmed that a new bio-musical about the rise to fame of the Bee Gees is in the works, and could be eyeing a place in the West End.
Universal Theatrical Group is the team behind...
The Postman Always Rings Twice at the Playhouse from 24 May 2005
The West Yorkshire Playhouse production of The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M Cain, adapted by Andrew Rattenbury, will open at the Playhouse Theatre 8 June 2005, following previews from 24 May 2005, booking to 30 July 2005
The cast includes Hollywood star Val Kilmer (Batman Forever, The Saint, Tombstone, Top Gun) & Charlotte Emerson
(Tickets are on sale now!)
It is directed by Lucy Bailey and designed by Bunny Christie.
When Frank drifts into their roadside cafe,Greek immigrant Nick and his wife Cora have no idea of the devastating effect he'll have on their lives. Fark and Cora begin a passionate affair that leads to murder, double-crossing and dubious courtroom deals...


text:
Dreyfuss Capital Management
Dreyfuss Capital Management is an Investment Advisor to individual investors and business owners. Dreyfuss Capital Management started out of a vision for the next generation of advisor-client relationship, the firm's focus is primarily on helping our clients reach their True Wealth. True Wealth is defined by the elements of a client’s life that enable happiness, fulfillment, benevolence and legacy. Mapping out a client’s True Wealth gives clarity to the goals that make wealth management relevant and necessary. Clients are taken through a step by step process including risk and goal analysis, financial profiling and planning, and investment selection. Firm specialties are retirement income planning and equity research, analysis and selection. The firm also believes in real estate investment as a part of a balanced investment portfolio.

domain: economics


text:
GUWAHATI, Aug 11 - Shocked at the Supreme Court�s verdict on the �misuse� of Section 498A of the IPC related to cruelty against women at their matrimonial home, a number of women�s organisations and activists from Assam have joined a national drive asking the Chief Justice of India to review the judgement, which leaves women in a highly vulnerable condition.
The women�s organisations argued that Section 498A was already surrounded by myths like its misuse by women for falsely implicating the husband and his family, and the SC ruling has institutionalised the prejudices with more thrust on saving the marriage instead of saving the women from violence.
North East Network; Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS); Mumbai�s Special Cell for Women; Shishu Sarothi, Assam; All India Progressive Women�s Association; activist Nishamoni Borah; Sakhi � One Stop Centre � Kamrup Metro; Legal Cell for Human Rights; Asom Mahila Sangha; All India Democratic Women�s Association, Assam and Human Rights Law Network, Assam have asked the SC to review its July 27 judgement.
As per the latest ruling in the case of Rajesh Sharma and others vs State of UP and another, the court directed the police and magistrates that there would be no automatic arrests or coercive actions arising out of complaints lodged under Section 498A without ascertaining the veracity of the complaints and setting up of a family welfare committee in every district of the country.
The organisations argued that with the power of the police being diluted, the ruling would have adverse implications on women, leaving them more open to abuse during the investigation period.
�It further shifts the burden of investigation to the victim to produce strong evidence of cruelty against her. The courts term �strong evidence� is also not defined here as we all know such crimes happen behind closed doors and collecting strong evidences is very difficult since most of such crimes are perceived as personal matter,� Nilanju Dutta, a legal expert on women�s issues stated.
The organisations have also given some suggestions regarding the profile and experience of the family welfare committees recommended by the SC, for an effective intervention into the issues of cruelty against women.
�The judgement begins by noting that �the institution of marriage is greatly revered in this country� and expresses its concerns over the �phenomenal increase in matrimonial disputes in recent years�. However, by expressing fear of sudden increase in the breakdown of families and by advocating the retrogressive ideas of preservation of the marital institution over women�s individual rights within the household, the court has taken the struggles of the women�s movement decades back in time,� Anurita Pathak Hazarika of the North East Network said.
�Further disheartening is the fact that though the rate of conviction under Sec 498A was taken into consideration, it is only 15 per cent, suggesting that the remaining 85 per cent cases are false. On the other hand, the NFHS-3 data showing that at least 59 million women have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in the preceding 12 months, has not been taken into account. Going by the data it is evident that less than 0.17 per cent of women actually filed a case under Sec 498A,� she said.


text:
Anne of Green Gables Ballet Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM MST
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM MST
This creation is monumental for the company and enables Ballet Jörgen to present this uniquely Canadian story to communities across the country. Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s Anne of Green Gables - The Ballet® is the first time the story has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet. This creation is made possible through the assistance of the heirs of Lucy Maud Montgomery. A full-sized symphonic ballet score was created as an extended orchestration of the Anne of Green Gables - The Musical™ made possible through a partnership with Avonlea Productions Ltd. and Erinsharn Productions Ltd.
4501 50 Street
Camrose AB T4V 5J1


text:
- Subscribe NowLimited Time Offer
Two suburban apartment buildings sell
Two suburban multifamily properties have traded.
Berger Rental Communities bought Forest Manor, a 60-unit apartment complex at 615 Downingtown Pike in West Chester, Pa., in a note sale that also involved a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The transaction totaled about $4.5 million. Corey Lonberger, Ken Wellar, Steve Miceli and Mark Duszak of Rittenhouse Realty Advisors handled the sale.
“They are looking for value-add opportunities and this sits right across the street from a property Berger already owns so it was a good fit for them,” Lonberger said. “Sales are really strong thought we’re starting to see push back on some of the bigger deals because interest rates are going up.”
In another sale, Westover Apartments, a six-unit complex located at 30 West Street in Bernardsville, N.J., traded for $1.04 million. The sale was arranged by Steven Rutman, Zachary S. Pierce and Mark Thomson of Marcus and Millichap.
Natalie Kostelni covers real estate and economic development.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
- Most popular
- Philadelphia’s best places to eat in 2014, according to Yelp
- Exclusive: Tax credits lure big accounting firm to Center City
- Lot where 'Fergie Tower' was proposed sold to Goldenberg Group
- The next decade's hottest jobs in the Philadelphia region
- Pa. Supreme Court affirms $151M ruling against Walmart, Sam's Club
- Comcast tower's massive foundation will be poured tonight
- Fashion outlets to the Gallery?
- Agreement reached to redevelop SS United States
- WIP morning show hosts sign new contracts
- Liberty Place observation deck aimed at expanding city’s tourism scene
Sign up to receive Philadelphia Business Journal's Morning Edition and Afternoon Edition newsletters and breaking news alerts.
Retail Sales Consultant-Bilingual-Part Time AT&T Retail | Philadelphia, PA
Human Resources Manager Invista | Wilmington, DE
Administrative Assistant Townsend & Associates | Collegeville, PA
Entry Level Sales / Customer Service – Part time / Full Time Vector Marketing | Camp Hill, PA


text:
ABC News Correspondent, author, and mother Linsey Davis returns to the bookshelf with her second children’s book titled, “One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different.”
Inspired by her son’s life and growth, Davis began writing books as love letters and life lessons to her son, with an emphasis on creating characters that looked like him. “One Big Heart” focuses on highlighting how our differences bring us all together.
“I felt like for him growing up during this time it was essential to affirm what kids already know, which is basically that they have this ability to find common ground,” she says of her new book. Understanding that children know what makes them different, but not the mindset of placing labels on individuals.
“I think kids are better than adults in that way of setting aside differences and just looking for what we have in common.”
Based on a foundation of love, Davis’s intentions to bring peace and inclusion are prominent within her books. “God gave us all this one special gift, he gave us each a heart and that’s the most important part because that’s where love starts.
As a mother of a five-year-old, fulltime news reporter, and author, Davis wears many hats working around the clock feeding each aspect of her life. Writing both “One Big Heart”and her first, “The World Is Awake: A Celebration of Everyday Lessons,” Davis says brought her closer to her son as he grew, both teaching each other ways to do life.
“I think so much about the theme of this book is that the students can become the teachers, adults can really learn from children,” she states. Noting the differences between children having no preconceived notions of what is bad or good based on appearance. Believing children are taught and observe how to respond to dissimilarities, this book is a reminder to continue growing with a nonjudgmental attitude.
“I think that as life hits, you have to respond and respond right away,” Davis says, believing children should know the truth of the world they live in, adding, “I also think it’s important to let children direct the narrative.”
“It is important for all of them [children] to see each other,” believing that lack of information is what creates fear, it is important to show diversity to promote unity, rather than exclusion, she goes on to say, “it’s about seeing every race.”
“This is just a conversation that really needs to be had about exposure and embracing diversity.”
Growing up, Davis dealt with being one of the few Black girls in her school and she understands the importance of inclusion and the isolation she felt during her years. Expressing her biggest hope is that children who read “One Big Heart” continue to search for common ground as they grow and experience the world.
“One Big Heart” will be available August 6, 2019 at bookstores and online for purchase. Follow Linsey Davis on Instagram @linseytdavis and Twitter @LinseyDavis for updates on her life and career.


text:
Playing Making Recording: NEIGHBOR
Playing Making Recording is an ongoing class offered through The Public School, Philadelphia and exists as a series of concentrated music making and recording experiments. Each open door session invites a revolving group of partcipants to come play, compose and record a series of songs during the weekend long intensive. Musicians of all kinds and levels of proficiency were invited to attend and contribute.
In considering this session’s theme NEIGHBOR!, we encouraged participants to bring recorded sound from their particular neighborhood – additionally, PMR provided ambient tracks from the surrounding neighborhood around Basekamp. These recordings operated in part as springboards for the weekend of music making.
Recordings culminated from the weekend of playing and recording are eventually edited, mixed and offered free for download. Recordings from the June 12th and 13th, 2010 weekend can be accessed at http://making.bandcamp.com


text:
Hi I'm new here I have been perscribed Escitalopram 5mg tablets for the last 4 days which I take in the morning, after 2 weeks I up the dose to 10mg. My question is that I see Nausea is listed as a side effect which I have, I was just wondering if this goes away after a while or is it something I have to put up with.
NAUSEA AND ESCITALOPRAM: Hi I'm new... - Anxiety and Depre...
Hi Ray: Are you eating before you take the medication? Unless it indicates "take on an empty stomach" you should eat before you take it. Whenever I start a new medication I DO NOT look at the side effects because every single one of the side effects are listed. If anyone is fearful and they read them they make not take the meds.
Hello! I have the same promblem with nausea especially the first week and the days that I increased my dose. Now, I am taking the medication for 5 weeks and sometimes during the day I feel a strange knot on my neck but I dont know if its real or just my imagination. Also, I sweat every night ... but generally my anxiety is decreased. So, I think that nausia depends on the individual's response to the medication because this medication acts in the stomach
I was prescribed 10 mg of it and was super nauseous for a week, VERY sick and even actually threw up several times. But after a week and half I started feeling much better and have had no problems since then. Your body probably just needs to adjust and I also always at least eat a snack before taking it so I'd try that!


text:
Cedar and gaiac scent. Inspired by the Mary Shelley's fantastical world, Mary is a combination of spices as the recipe for a strange potion, tender and exotic wood notes expressing desire for movement, a soft amber and tobacco accord reminiscent of certain scents of the author's time. Crafted of vegetable wax, it's presented in a mouthblown glass vessel. Founded in 1693, Trudon is one of the oldest and most prestigious wax-producing factories in the world. The French brand is renowned for its handmade scented candles developed in collaboration with world-class perfumers.
- Head notes: cardamom, juniper, pepper; Heart notes: cedarwood, papyrus, patchouli, gaiac wood; Base notes: labdanum, moss.
- Crafted of vegetable wax.
- Mouthblown glass vessel.
- Made in Normandy, France.
- 4"H; 9.5 oz.
- Burn time: approx. 55 to 60 hours.


Henry Original Deluxe Engraved 3rd Edition .44-40 Win Lever Action Rifle 24.5″ Octagon Barrel 13 Rounds Hardened Brass Receiver Walnut Stock Blued
- All firearm sales are final. NO RETURNS.
- Return to manufacturer for warranty service.
- Firearms are only available for purchase online.
Due to high volume, some firearms may require up to 2 weeks to process.
A $15.99 handling fee will be charged per order. No additional charge for multiple firearms on an order.
Henry’s Original Deluxe Engraved limited 3rd edition lever action rifle is the newest and most updated version of the Original Deluxe. This rifle is chambered in the popular .44-40 Winchester cartridge and will easily hold 13 rounds in the magazine tube. The hardened and polished brass receiver features gorgeous engravings and the fancy American walnut stock completes the overall look. A folding ladder rear sight and blade front sight will allow you to get on target quickly and easily and the brass butt plate completes the overall aesthetics.
Specifications and Features:
Henry Lever Action Rifle H011D3
Limited Edition Run
24.5″ Octagon Blued Barrel
13 Rounds Capacity
Toggle Link Lever Action
1:36″ Twist Rate
Polished Brass Receiver
Folding Ladder Rear Sight
Blade Front Sight
Fancy American Walnut Stock
Half Cock Safety
14″ Length of Pull
Overall Length 43″
Overall Weight 9 lbs


text:
On Monday, November 17, radio commentator Arecio Padrigao of Radyo Natin in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding gunmen after he dropped his daughter off at school at the Bukidnon State University.
Reports from local police also revealed that Padrigao received death threats days before he was killed. Padrigao was known as a critic of illegal logging in the city.
His murder brought the number of media killings this year to six, surpassing last year’s five deaths, and to 61 the total since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo came to power in 2001.
It also comes on the heels of recent threats to the lives of several colleagues.
Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, head of Task Force 211, clearly opened his mouth to soon when he boasted recently that government had succeeded in bringing down the number of media killings.
It is clear that government has done no such thing.
If anything, Padrigao’s murder highlights the government’s inability to stop the media killings and put those responsible behind bars.
The government can only earn bragging rights when it shows irrefutable results – the arrest, prosecution and conviction of not just the killers but, most important, of the masterminds.
We call on our colleagues not to waver, to continue banding together and remain vigilant against all attempts to suppress us and the independent Philippine media.
The struggle for genuine press freedom in our country has been a long and painful one and will continue to be a long and painful one. But we cannot waver. We must see this struggle through to the end and the inevitable victory that awaits us and our people. #
Leave a comment
No comments yet.

domain: politics


text:
Farmers on the Shannon callows alarmed over the rising water levels
Farmers on the Shannon callows have raised concerns over the rising water levels on the river.
South Roscommon Cllr John Keogh said he has received a number of representations from farmers in the Clonown area over the rising water level on the River Shannon.
"It is now at a point where it has breached its banks in locations.
"Farmers along the callows in Clonown have fertilized their lands in anticipation of cutting winter fodder.
"This fodder (not to mention the expensive fertilizer) is now in jeopardy.
He questioned Minister for State with responsibility for Kevin Boxer Moran
to explain why there has been such a rise in the level of the Shannon.
"Is the water being held back? If so, why is that the case and why are these farmers livelihoods being jeopardized like this," he asked.
He said immediate action needs to be taken to address this issue for the farmers before the problem escalates in a fodder crisis for the farmers.
The OPW has highlighted that the River Shannon has a very low gradient over most of its course.
A number of weirs were constructed along the river in the 1840s as part of the Shannon Navigation to make it navigable. These only provide control at low flows, when they prevent the water level falling below the navigation level.
It says in summer, lower rainfall, increased temperatures and increased plant growth reduce the amount of water entering the river, however in periods of heavier rains, especially when combined with cooler temperatures, flooding of the Shannon callows is possible.
The most recent significant summer flood occurred in 2012, although there was late flooding in March 2016 and again in March this year, following a relatively dry winter. This caused higher water levels on the river and sluices downstream were opened.
The OPW said when river levels downstream of Athlone start to lead to waterlogging in the callows, the sluices at Athlone are closed. This it says was carried out recently, on June 6.
"When the level in the river is low, Waterways Ireland open and close sluices to maintain the river at the target navigation level. On the 1st June, 5 of 30 sluices downstream of Banagher were open.
"By the morning of the 5th June 8 were open and a further 10 were opened that day. By the 11th June, all 30 sluices were open," it said.

domain: geography


text:
Thursday, April 30, 2020 Winemaker Dinner Series
Jean-Claude Plihon was named the Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.’s director of culinary and food & beverage operations in November 2019. Located in the fashionable West End Georgetown neighborhood, Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. combines modern luxury with classic American style.
Blue Duck Tavern, designed by Tony Chi, is a contemporary neighborhood restaurant welcoming guests to gather and celebrate in good taste. The restaurant features an open staff pantry and kitchen and its menu consists of the freshest ingredients available from local purveyors and artisans. Three quarters of the menu is cooked in a wood-burning oven – dishes are genuine, time-honored and traditional. Slow roasting in wood embers, braising, preserving and smoking techniques bring the true flavors of America’s great, simple and wholesome foods to the Blue Duck Tavern.
Blue Duck Tavern is #18 on Washingtonian’s “100 Very Best Restaurants” released in February 2019, and received one star from the 2019, 2018 and 2017 Michelin Guides.
A native of Bretagne, France, Jean-Claude Plihon’s first job in the hospitality industry was serving as an apprentice at the Hotel Beaurivage in Savoie, France. His career also includes experience working in Michelin starred restaurants. Jean-Claude attended Culinary School of Chambery and later continued his culinary studies with Cornell University and the Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program with the Culinary Institute of America. Plihon and his family enjoy traveling to explore culture and diverse culinary scenes. He also is relishes being outdoors, pursuing photography and is a fan of soccer.
Family is why

domain: food


text:
Jeremy grew up in a village just outside Dundee. His father and grandfather were artists and originally Jeremy thought he'd go to art school, like his two brothers. Instead he got a job as a waiter in a local restaurant. He didn't enjoy being front of house and eventually got a job in the kitchen, where he stayed for three years before moving to London.
Jeremy developed his knowledge of modern European food in the early ‘90s while working with Simon Hopkinson at Bibendum in London. He became head chef at the Blueprint Café in London in 1995, and started crafting seasonal dishes with influences from his native Scotland and Europe.
Jeremy has also had a successful food writing career. He was shortlisted for Newspaper Cookery Writer in the 2002 Glenfiddich Awards for his work in The Guardian Weekend.
See all recipes by Jeremy Lee (4)
Type the ingredients you want to use, then click Go. For better results you can use quotation marks around phrases (e.g. "chicken breast"). Alternatively you can search by chef, programme, cuisine, diet, or dish (e.g. Lasagne).


text:
No deal on Brexit would trigger economic disaster in North West – mayor warns
Greater Manchester’s mayor has warned that a no deal Brexit would be an economic disaster for the region.
Andy Burnham will deliver the grim assessment in his first major speech in London since being elected as mayor.
He has also called for Brexit to be delayed if an agreement cannot be reached before next year’s deadline.
The Labour mayor said: “The shock to our economy and public services would be huge.
“We are looking at double-digit damage to our economy and disruption to essential services.
“I believe we ... You can carry on reading TheBusinessDesk.com for free, but you have reached the maximum number of pages an unregistered user can view. To register for an account, click here or login below...


text:
- TripBuzz discovered 116 different types of activities for couples in the Marblehead area, including Parks (like Chandler Hovey Park), Historic Homes (like Jeremiah Lee Mansion), Movie Theaters (like The Warwick Cinema) and Theaters (like Marblehead Little Theatre), and much more.
- We discovered a total of 566 date ideas in or near Marblehead, Massachusetts, including 553 fun or romantic activities in nearby cities within 25 miles like Boston, Gloucester, Salem and Cambridge.
Located in Cumberland, Rhode Island, Monastery Park features trails for jogging and walking. Once home to a Cistercian monastery, the grounds now have become a home to Cumberland's library, gardens and playgrounds.
21 Prichard Street, Fitchburg, MA 1420 MoreLess Info
It's the only museum like it in the world, making the Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum a one-of-a-kind destination. It features nearly 2,000 flight related toys from around the world, hands on activities, and aviation films.
25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg, MA 1420 MoreLess Info
The Fitchburg Art Museum displays world art masterpieces including paintings, artifacts, photographs and fine sculpture. This venue caters to private functions including weddings and corporate meetings and offers monthly exhibition programs and free docent training.
Regatta Point Community Sailing is an outdoor sailing, kayaking, and paddle boating facility and training center. The center offers activities including boat maintenance lessons, model boating, human powered boats, and advanced sailing.
Located on 212 acres of land, Coggshall Park is a park that offers visitors the opportunity to spend time outdoors in a serene environment. The park offers many miles of wooded trails, a playground, and is dog-friendly.

domain: travel


text:
The NFL has put its global media account up for review as it aims to consolidate with one agency, Campaign US has learned.
Omnicom’s OMD, Publicis Media, Stagwell, Horizon Media and Tinuiti are said to be among the agencies vying for the business, according to sources. OMD and Tinuiti are the incumbents.
The review comes just over a year after the NFL took parts of its media buying account in-house, according to Business Insider, retaining OMD as a lead strategy agency. The NFL has worked with OMD in some capacity since 2019, when it brought the agency on to manage media buying and planning for NFL games without a review.
The NFL also expanded its relationship with digital agency Tinuiti at the time to oversee most of its digital media buying budget, including paid social, video and display.
The NFL is estimated to have spent $400 million on U.S. media between July 2021 and June 2022, including $120 million on digital, according to Comvergence data.
The NFL’s global media account is believed to cover the U.S., Canada, Mexico and U.K. market, according to sources.
The NFL has worked with 72andSunny, which is part of Stagwell Group, as its lead creative agency since 2018. The two have collaborated on notable work such as the Football is Gay campaign in 2021.
In addition to being a massive advertiser, the NFL offers a major and growing advertising platform for brands. The league generated a record $4.4 billion in ad revenue during the 2021-2022 season, a 14% year-over-year jump, according to Standard Media Index.
The NFL did not reply to requests for comment.


text:
Today, different types of modern agricultural machines and technologies are used in different farms. The different levels of crop production include primary and secondary tillage, sowing and planting, cultivation, fertilizer application and distribution, pest control, harvesting, irrigation, drainage, transportation, storage, management of previous harvest residues, etc.
Agricultural technology has transformed and increased production and product quality. In modern times, farmers who do heavy work on farms using traditional and old farming tools waste their health and time. A tractor that was once considered a technological genius in agriculture is now old news. Modern agricultural machinery has improved the agricultural industry. Some of the essential and most used machines are the combine or combine harvester, the rotavator or rotary tiller, plough or plow, the tractor with trailer, the power harrow, water bowser, the ripper, and the disc harrow. Below we mention some of the latest agricultural machines and their uses in agriculture.
What is Agriculture Machinery
Agricultural machinery, also referred to as agricultural technology, serves as a vital instrument in enhancing agricultural production. It enables farmers to increase crop yields within shorter timeframes and with improved efficiency. This category encompasses a wide range of equipment, including tractors, harvesters, animal feed mixers, and field-wide weed removers.
In contrast to traditional implements such as rakes and shovels, contemporary farm machinery incorporates multifunctional capabilities that streamline field harvesting. These innovations span from automated sorting and conveyor systems to autonomous vehicles that monitor and optimize plant processes. Moreover, cutting-edge models integrate advanced sensing technology, enabling farmers to accurately gauge crop ripeness and soil fertility levels, surpassing the precision achieved through manual inspection.
Importance of Agriculture Machinery in India
Here are the key benefits of investing in agricultural machinery:
- Enhances Traditional Methods
- Increases Farm Productivity for Commercial Purposes
- Mitigates Labor Shortages
- Optimizes Land Usage
- Enhances Farm Revenue
Enhances Traditional Methods
Agricultural mechanization practices contribute to improved land reclamation, decreased soil erosion, and heightened efficiency in irrigation systems. The cultivators attached to tractors play a crucial role in soil smoothing, filling ditches, and weed removal, expanding land utilization, and preventing soil erosion.
Increases Farm Productivity for Commercial Purposes
Agricultural mechanization has largely supplanted subsistence farming, leading to increased productivity and higher crop yields. While subsistence farmers produce just enough for self-sufficiency, mechanization empowers commercial farmers to generate larger quantities of food for profit.
Mitigates Labor Shortages
The migration of rural inhabitants to urban areas in recent years has resulted in labor shortages on farms. Mechanization has alleviated this challenge by reducing the physical demands on farm workers, compensating for the lack of manual labor.
Optimizes Land Usage
Through the mechanization process, land can be utilized more efficiently. Machines can render previously unused land arable, facilitating the cultivation of a broader array of crops.
Enhances Farm Revenue
Agricultural mechanization translates to increased monetary returns for both large and small farms, while also reducing the time required to compensate laborers. Machinery contributes to higher crop yields, ultimately boosting farm profits. Additionally, it elevates farms from local enterprises to entities capable of competing on a global scale, adding a layer of sophistication to their operations.
Types of Agricultural Machinery and Their Uses
First and foremost in agricultural machinery is the tractor, representing the most common piece of farm equipment with diverse applications. Tractors come in various sizes and exhibit high versatility in farming operations. It is crucial to select the appropriate tractor based on the required horsepower and hitch rating for the intended tasks. Additionally, a two-wheeled tractor also referred to as a walk-behind tractor, offers flexibility by accommodating a variety of attachments such as a hay baler, rototiller, seeder, wagon, bed shaper, and other implements.
2. Combine Harvester
Larger in size, a combine works like a comb cutter to cut mature crops and at the same time thresh. A combine harvester is one of the most advanced machines that helps farmers by saving them long hours of the day spent on harvesting activities.
The multi-crop harvester is designed in such a way that it supports the harvesting of multiple cereal crops such as wheat, corn, barley, sorghum, soybeans, oats, sunflower, and rice. A modern multi-crop combine accelerates harvesting so that fields can be opened for the next harvest in minimal time and the probability of production increases during this period.
A mower equipment is used to cut grass and other ground-growing plants. Usually, reaping—the term used traditionally for harvesting grain crops—is distinct from mowing, even though the two tasks use comparable tools. To maintain your lawn or pastures, you can choose between a push-behind mower, a riding mower, a zero-turn mower, a belly-mounted mower, or a pull-behind mower. You may wish to use a disc, drum, or sickle-bar mower if you are producing hay. Brush, batwing, and flail mowers are options for your collection of farm equipment that can be used for huge regions.
Backhoes prove highly effective for tasks such as excavating fence post holes or handling minor excavation projects like digging small ponds and water features. If your need involves digging holes, a backhoe stands out as the ideal equipment for the job. These backhoes are offered as individual hydraulic attachments designed for various tractor types.
A sprayer is a tool that is used for the application of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers on crops. Sprayers come in various sizes, ranging from portable units, usually backpacks with spray guns, to trailed sprayers that are attached to tractors.
Plough, a primary tillage equipment, works like a tractor implement attached to a tractor and helps to plough the land efficiently. This remarkable agricultural machine is used to prepare the land during the planting season. Whether converting new land into a farm or simply preparing an existing farm for sowing seeds, different types of plough (mouldboard plough, reversible plough, disc plough) allow farmers to transform soil into a nutrient-rich seedbed for a better plant. growth.
7. Rotavator or Rotary Tiller
A rotary tiller, also known as a rotavator, is a versatile tillage tool equipped with a series of blades designed to turn over the soil. Farmers widely favor rotary tillers for the convenient preparation of seedbeds in various agricultural settings such as farms and gardens. Its straightforward design and high efficiency in soil cultivation have contributed to the increasing popularity of rotary tillers in agricultural operations.
8. Disc Harrow
The disc harrow stands out as a crucial tillage implement for farmers seeking to enhance their production. This equipment plays a key role in secondary tillage processes by efficiently breaking up soil clumps, ensuring a refined finish for the final seedbed. Additionally, it aids in weed control around plants once crops are planted and have matured.
These tractor implements contribute to achieving a more level, smooth soil surface, creating an optimal moisture environment for crops. The leveler results in reduced consumption of fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, and fuel in the agricultural process.
The integration of advanced technologies, such as automated sorting systems and sensing technology, has elevated the precision and efficiency of contemporary farm machinery. This evolution has not only transformed traditional farming practices but has also increased productivity while minimizing the physical demands on farm workers. As we look toward the future, the continued development and adoption of advanced agricultural machinery promise to further revolutionize the industry, empowering farmers to meet growing demands while ensuring sustainable and efficient farming practices.

domain: agronomy


New jam from the Ghananian superstar act Samini which is a Reggae Fest Riddim tagged My Own produce by the In-house DJ Frass.
Samini – My Own (Reggae Fest Riddim)
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Copyright © 2018


text:
In Chinese culture, people tend to share good news and keep worries to themselves. There’s even an idiom in the language that describes this deep-rooted tradition, (bou hei bat bou jau) which roughly translates into “Share good news; hide bad news.”
This concept is examined with empathy and sensitivity in American family dramedy The Farewell.
Struggling to pay the rent and disheartened by a career setback, 30-year-old Chinese-American writer Billi Wang (Awkwafina) senses that her troubled parents are keeping something from her.
When she finds out that her beloved grandmother Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen) is dying of cancer and has only a few months to live, Billi decides to fly to China against her parents’ wishes to join them and other returning emigrant relatives - to reunite with Nai Nai one last time under the guise of a cousin’s wedding.
She also finds out that her parents have kept Nai Nai in the dark about her own illness, and must keep up a facade of happiness in front of her dying grandmother.
The realistic and poignant story of a traditional Chinese family reveals the bright side and dark side of keeping bad news from your loved ones. While the well-intended and selfless act can minimise others’ worries, the practice can also be highly distressing, create an invisible barrier between family members, or erode trust.
In addition to the thoughtfully written screenplay, a big part of the motion picture’s success lies in the excellent acting of the lead actresses, Awkwafina, Zhao Shuzhen and Diana Lin (who played Billi’s mother Lu Jian).
Awkwafina gives a natural and moving performance as the American-born Chinese who’s constantly torn between the culture she was raised in, and her cultural roots. Carefree, cheerful, and expressive, Billi complies with her senior family members’ wishes to shield the patient from the dire news, but is also confused and scared about lying to Nai Nai about her death.
Meanwhile, Zhao’s mature turn as the playful and generous Nai Nai will inspire both laughter and affection from the audience. Lin’s portrayal as the authoritative, tough and unaffectionate mother is impeccable as well.
Complemented by a melancholic yet catchy soundtrack, and artistic cinematography, The Farewell shows the world how Chinese families work, while inviting international audiences to contemplate the beauty (and pain) of hiding emotional burden from our loved ones.


Marital Distress May Affect Breast Cancer RecoveryOutcome appears to be related to quality of marriage relationship
THURSDAY, Dec. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Marriage problems are associated with poorer outcomes for women with breast cancer, a new U.S. study finds.
The researchers found that women in troubled marriages had higher levels of stress, less physical activity, slower recovery and more symptoms and signs of illness than women who reported good marriages. The research involved 100 women who were married or living with a partner at the start of the study and remained in the relationship during the five years of follow-up.
The findings were published online and will appear in a future print issue of Cancer.
The benefits for women in good marriages held true even after the researchers adjusted for the participants' depression levels, cancer stage, treatment and other factors that could have an influence.
"The quality of the marital relationship may not be the first thing women worry about when they get a cancer diagnosis. But it may have a significant impact on how they cope physically and emotionally," study co-author Hae-Chung Yang, a research associate in psychology at Ohio State University, said in a university news release. "Our results suggest that the increases in stress and other problems that come with a distressed marital relationship can have real health consequences and lead to poorer recovery from cancer."
Of the 100 women in the study, 72 reported having good marriages and 28 reported distressed marriages. At the start of the study, all the women had high and nearly equal levels of cancer-related stress.
"When you're diagnosed, that's devastating for everyone, regardless of the quality of your marriage," Yang said. "But women in good marriages saw steady reductions in their cancer-related stress, while women in distressed marriages had a much slower recovery."
As in previous studies, this one found that most women don't see a change in the quality of their marriage after they've been diagnosed with cancer.
"Whether you have a good or bad relationship before being diagnosed with cancer, that is not likely to change afterwards," Yang said.
"Clearly, marital distress is a risk factor for numerous poorer outcomes, and it is never too late to work to improve your marriage, not only for your emotional well-being but also for your health," she added.
The American Cancer Society offers tips for coping with breast cancer.


text:
The curriculum is designed to cater to the multiple intelligence of the child which makes learning a very enjoyable experience. Our motto “Rooted in Knowledge” aims at sowing the seed of knowledge ingrained with values among them through best practices adopted from around the world.
GAIT (Grooming Artistic Innovation and Talent)
GAIT is a one-of-a-kind program that uses techniques from dance & theatre as tools to help children learn and practice critical thinking and creativity. We are looking forward to bringing energy, fresh perspectives and innovative classes that will have your students thinking, exploring, and creating all year round! GAIT is pleased to be your partner in making a lasting difference to the way our children think, observe, create, and engage with the work around them – skills that they will cherish for a lifetime!
Specialized teachers in sports not only nurture the spirit of sportsmanship but also work on their cardiovascular health, hand eye coordination, strength, and flexibility.
Children exposed to Chess at an early age encourages strategic thinking and improves their attention span, memory, and IQ.
Lessons in music develop an ear for music.
Dancing builds motor skills and improves self-expression.
Art is the expression of the profoundest thoughts in the simplest way— Albert Einstein
Exposure to art & craft nurtures creativity and develops fine motor skills and hones sensorial learning. Children take pride in their handcrafted work and are motivated to better themselves craft after craft. Kindergarten students are introduced to the exciting world of art through lessons that directly relate to world around them and the diverse topics they are studying in the classroom. Students learn how to analyze artwork and explore a wide variety of materials, from oil pastels to watercolor. The projects are geared towards building valuable fine motor skills and artistic skills.


Pope's choice to direct Financial Information Authority seen as reformer
January 30, 2014
Pope Francis has named a new president for the Vatican’s Financial Information Authority (FIA), in another step to establish a new team to supervise the Vatican’s financial affairs.
Bishop Giorgio Corbellini, who heads the Vatican’s Labor Office, has been appointed interim president of the FIA, replacing Cardinal Attilio Nicora, who is retiring at the age of 76.
Although Cardinal Nicora had already passed the normative retirement age of 75, John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter notes that the appointment appears to be a move toward reform for two reasons:
First, Cardinal Nicora is seen as an ally of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the former Secretary of State, whose handling of Vatican financial affairs has been sharply criticized. Moreover, Cardinal Nicora was president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA) from 2002 until 2012. The APSA is now under heavy scrutiny because of the criminal trial of Msgr. Nunzio Scarano, the former chief accountant for APSA, who is accused of money-laundering and other financial misconduct.
Second, Bishop Corbellini worked closely in the past with Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano at the Vatican City Governorate. Archbishop Vigano (who is now the apostolic nuncio to the US) was seen as a financial reformer in that office, whose private letters to Pope Benedict XVI, complaining of corruption in the Vatican’s financial affairs, were made public in the “Vatileaks” scandal.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
- Francis taps reformer for financial cleanup (National Catholic Reporter)
- Other Pontifical Acts (VIS)


BE KIND REWINDPG-13
Nurturing a talent like Michel Gondry’s in the commercial feature film world has always been a very particular challenge. One of the most dazzlingly inventive directors in the music-video arena, Gondry stumbled with his bizarre first feature Human Nature, then triumphed with the critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning headtrip Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The Science of Sleep (2006) was wildly creative and often delightful, but undone by the laxness of his first screenplay written without his brilliantly fanciful collaborator Charlie Kaufman.
It’s a pleasure, then, to report that Gondry’s second solo writing-directing venture, Be Kind Rewind, is an ideal showcase for the talents that make him such a transatlantic filmmaking treasure. The Frenchman’s screenplay has its shaggy edges, to be sure, but the basic concept gives him license to explore what he does best: a childlike, DIY approach to moviemaking that beguiles as it astonishes.
Don’t be too judgmental about the narrative setup, just go with it: The action centers around “Be Kind Rewind,” a struggling video (as in VHS) store in economically depressed Passaic, New Jersey, run by the gentle Mr. Fletcher (Danny Glover). When Fletcher takes a trip to attend a celebration of jazz icon Fats Waller (who he claims was born in the same building as his store), he leaves his assistant Mike (Mos Def) in charge. But things quickly go awry after Mike’s manic friend Jerry (Jack Black), a mechanic who lives in a trailer near the local power plant, decides to sabotage the plant and receives a whopping jolt of electromagnetic voltage. The powerfully magnetized Jerry unknowingly erases the entire inventory of videotapes in Fletcher’s store, which leads to some frantic improvisation when Fletcher’s close friend Miss Falewicz (Mia Farrow) arrives looking for a copy of Ghostbusters.
And thus the phenomenon of “sweding” (i.e., custom-made movies “imported from Sweden”) is born. Overnight, Mike and Jerry embark on a 20-minute Passaic remake of the Bill Murray comedy, using tinfoil costumes and hanging dime-store props above their digital camera. Snatching cinematic victory from the jaws of defeat, their homemade effort becomes a neighborhood word-of-mouth hit, and soon the duo are taking orders for more favorites like RoboCop, 2001 and (much to Mike’s chagrin as an African-American) Driving Miss Daisy. But will their efforts be enough to halt the city’s plans to raze the shop and its neighboring buildings and launch a new housing development called Olde Passaic Gardens?
The storyline is utterly improbable, but Gondry thrives in an alternate world of whimsy and conviviality, a fantasy ideal where neighborliness trumps self-interest. That was certainly the feeling generated by the director’s sunny documentary Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, which brought comedian Chappelle and his musical idols to the gritty Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant for a very special day of unity. Filming on location in Passaic, with many local residents as extras and in small roles, Gondry creates a similar vibe in Be Kind Rewind, especially when the entire community participates in the joyous epic project that ends—and justifies—the film.
Along the way, those other mini-movies reflect Gondry’s handcrafted, anti-CGI aesthetic, so disarming in his classic music-videos like Björk’s “Bachelorette” and The White Stripes’ “The Denial Twist.” It’s fun to see the way Mike and Jerry deconstruct and replicate the essential moments from movies like Rush Hour and King Kong with the skimpiest of resources, though the guys must have learned a few camera tricks from watching Gondry videos themselves. (Movie buffs will note that there are an awful lot of obscure New Line titles being offered at “Be Kind Rewind,” which may be one reason Mr. Fletcher’s bank account is so low.)
Black brings his usual overabundance of energy to the role of Jerry, a borderline-certifiable egomaniac who at last finds his true métier. Mos Def smartly underplays it as Jerry’s incredibly patient friend, grounding the movie with his cool, likeable presence, while veterans Glover and Farrow supply bonus charm. But it’s Passaic, lovingly photographed by the gifted Ellen Kuras (Eternal Sunshine), and its residents who are the real stars of this unusual, heartfelt valentine to community and creativity, a true movie for the YouTube era.