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Petta vs Viswasam: This 2019 has started with the heavy war in Kollywood industry because of Rajinikanth’s Petta and Ajith’s Viswasam. Pongal is one of the biggest festivals which is celebrated in a grand manner in Tamil Nadu. Two big stars of Kollywood industry movies are releasing for this Pongal which is a great war.
In recent times, no two big hero Tamil films have released on the same day. But on January 10, 2019, two mega-movies, Rajini’s Petta and Ajith’s Viswasam are releasing for Pongal 2019. The last time big hero films clashed on the same day was nearly 14 years back; April 14, 2005, saw Rajinikanth’s Chandramukhi taking on Vijay’s Sachein. Also, Vijay’s Jilla and Ajith’s Veeram clashed for Pongal 2014.
Petta vs Viswasam
Coming to the previous movie of these stars, Rajinikanth is 2.0 and Ajith’s Vivegam. Compared to previous movies of Thala Ajith, Rajinikanth movie was most welcomed by the audience. Hence, this time also it is expected that Petta will win successfully in theatres when compared to Ajith’s Viswasam.
While Karthik Subbaraj’s film, Petta, has been promoted as a trademark Rajinikanth film, Ajith’s Viswasam has been marketed as a family entertainer which will satisfy the expectations of both his fans and the general audience. The songs and trailer of both movies reached well and both movies are expected to be best for this Pongal 2019.
The film Petta was directed by Karthik Subbaraj in which Rajinikanth, Simran, Trisha, Bobby Simha, Vijay Sethupathi and Sasikumar in the lead roles. The music for the film is composed by Anirudh. The film Viswasam was directed by Siva who has worked in many movies with Ajith. Nayanthara plays the lead role in the film and the music is composed by D.Imman. Sun Pictures, the producer of Petta movie has wished both Rajinified Petta and Ajith’s Viswasam movie to be best.


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Invisible Paint Brushes
Issue: 349 | 27th day of Relaxing, Y10
Drawing a Blank: Happy Birthday Dio
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Shoyru Adventures: Battledomers! Part 5
New Challenger! The Snowager awaits in the Battledome!
The Night of Nothing: Part Three
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Roomies 3: Part Four
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domain: literature


text:
Shorten: no carbon tax under my government
LABOR has gone into damage control as it continues to deny leaked reports it is planning on introducing a revamped carbon tax if successful at the next election.
The report revealed Labor had produced a briefing paper proposing a two-pronged carbon tax on industry and Australian households.
The paper includes proposals for vehicle emission standards, laws governing power plants and household energy efficiency targets.
Labor says the leaked document was as a briefing paper and not policy.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said on Thursday that Labor was considering a policy on climate change.
He said Australians understood the importance of climate change.
"We are not going to bring back the carbon tax as that matter was decided at the last election," he said.
"Labor is determined that future generations of Australians do not have a more polluted environment when we can handle this matter now.
"We believe in strong action in renewable energies, we believe in an emissions trading scheme and working with the rest of the world, not dragging behind the rest of the world.
"Climate change is real and we should be doing our bit to make sure we can keep downward pressure in terms of the warming of the world and the heating of the climate."
Flinders University politics and public policy spokesman Dr Haydon Manning said introducing any type of carbon tax or emissions trading scheme was a poisoned chalice.
"For Labor to walk down that path would be deadly electorally," he said.
"An emissions trading scheme itself is not that controversial, there is a very good economic argument to implementing one.
"But is it is an issue that has had an unfortunate history in Australia."
Environment Minister Greg Hunt said on Thursday there was no difference between a carbon tax and Labor's mooted emissions trading scheme.
"They will not call it that, but if it works like a tax, if it looks like a tax, if it hurts like a tax and if it taxes like a tax, it is a tax," he said.
"They said they would bring back an ETS, which is a carbon tax, they are bringing in an ETS, it is there in black and white."
- APN NEWSDESK.

domain: politics


McKinsey & Company
Partnering for impact ➞
Partnering for impact ➞
Helping interactive investor start the fight for financial independence ➞
Helping to beat the world's biggest killers ➞
Building a brand for how the world moves, today and tomorrow ➞
Setting a new standard in personal health ➞
Creating a human face for Artificial Intelligence ➞
Celebrating the idea of making ➞
Empowering girls to change their lives ➞
Shaking up the healthcare system for good ➞
Creating a new services brand to double share of the tech support market ➞
Reengineering a brand to create a platform for growth in the UAE ➞
Partnering to address an invisible global emergency ➞
Shaping a new, participatory era for a critical industry ➞
Creating a language for the Internet of Things ➞
Twenty years after Wolff Olins created the original brand, we pitched and won the opportunity to do it all over again. We talked to people in France, Spain, Senegal and Poland – places where Orange and their competitors have been growing their businesses – and they told us clearly: telcos aren’t listening.
Listening is how we understand people, and a digital world thrives when it builds on our ability to listen. We explored what that means, speaking to nurses and researchers, clinical psychologists and aid facilitators.
Prototyping a listening experience
We crafted a set of principles that explained the kind of experiences a ‘listening company’ could create. We designed ‘trigger’ moments for customers and employees, and took to the streets with a 3D-printed orange box to gather insights for our prototypes.
“You kept us focused, created energy, and built the confidence that brought the rest of the business along.”Daniel Keller, Former Director of Global Brand Strategy, Orange
A new offer and expression
We worked closely with Orange’s brand, marketing, product, digital and retail teams to transform how they present their offer. The architecture started with six themes, identified in research as true essentials: home, work, money, wellbeing, fun and family. These helped broaden the conversation with customers, shifting the focus away from product features and price.
As a result of this thinking, the brand needed to express itself differently. We developed a system that shows it is listening to what’s essential and responding to people’s changing lives.
“This brand brings the power of the network to the surface. Orange now supports and enhances the most important parts of customers’ lives.”Pierre-Antoine Arlot, Programme Director
Inspiring change from within
With strategy, expression and prototypes in hand, we needed to help 170,000 employees become brilliant at listening. To inspire change, we designed a culture that could grow and support systemic shift across 33 countries.
We piloted the work in two of Orange’s major markets: Poland and Spain, working with teams on the ground to understand unique needs. We generated ideas through workshops, built an online sharing platform, and developed a brand champions program to galvanise a generation of trainers.
Beyond this, we worked with the CEO’s executive committee to figure out how the brand’s ambition could amplify the corporate strategy.
The first telco of the internet age
The revamped brand put its people and technology in touch with the everyday needs of individuals. The response of the business leaders in France, Spain and Poland was positive and action was swift. Customers overwhelmingly approved of the new proposition, and it received recognition from global research company, Ipsos.
“This brand is customer centricity at its best.”Ipsos qualitative research, 2014
In 2013, Orange’s CEO Stephane Richard set the company on its new trajectory to be “the first telco of the internet age.” We are immensely proud to have been a part of that journey.
Working closely with Telia’s senior leaders, we approached the brand in a way that would help transform the business from the inside out.
To ensure it would work across diverse markets, we worked with teams in key countries. We piloted the identity in Estonia in January 2016 and considerably improved perceptions, putting Telia alongside YouTube and Facebook as one of the country’s top 10 most loved brands within weeks of launch.
Pebbles with pop
From the start, we put customers at the centre of the experience. We worked as a cross-discipline team of UX, front-end developers, 3D and 2D animators, strategists and designers, working directly in code to test concepts quickly.
This brand was designed to work in a customer’s hand – on their watch, mobile, tablet and TV. The pebble is its defining icon. It has a ripple of bright colours and as every customer is unique, so every pebble is different. Built in 3D and designed to move, it can be replicated in a range of software environments, and helped define a typeface.
The system is adaptable and encourages creative interpretation. Overall, it’s a positive and colourful expression for a new generation telco.
“The brand is vibrant, exciting and signifies the change we aimed to create. People are surprised how much it influences them”Anne Gro Gulla, VP & Head of Brands, Telia Company
Flipping a code of conduct
After our initial work, we were briefed to engage 26,000 employees over 13 countries in a code of conduct – a challenging task, and a test of the new creative expression.
For some, a corporate code of conduct might be a box ticking exercise. For Telia, it was an opportunity to nurture an internal culture based on responsibility and positivity.
The power of ‘don’t’
This was an opportunity to do something unexpected. Our tongue-in-cheek animations explained what not to do in a tongue-in-cheek way. To make sure content was surprising but not offensive, we tested concepts with staff and ensured copy was caring, rather than dictatorial.
We produced the code in the form of a broadsheet newspaper, alongside a website. To support the launch we created posters, event roll-ups, collateral featuring the new characters and a teaser game. The engagement was impressive. In the first 8 weeks, 20,000 staff had viewed the code. The work was also a finalist in the Fast Company Innovation by Design awards, and won a D&AD Pencil.
“Wolff Olins had a unique take on a common business brief. This has engaged the whole organisation.”Mahsa Sina, Ethics and Compliance Officer, Telia
Everything Everywhere were the company behind two strong brands: Orange and T-Mobile. With a combined 23 million UK customers, they were the dominant player in a market that had become static and entrenched, with competition hanging around price.
Change was on the horizon. New waves of mobile technology were making life easier for the tech-savvy, who had adapted to new devices and were now ready to see what was possible with a faster network. Meanwhile, many others were left stranded in the wake of advances, aware of new possibilities but unable to make full use of them.
The big players were failing to do much for either group. But in the summer of 2012, Everything Everywhere would be opening the UK’s first 4G network, which meant a huge opportunity to change the market for good.
Down to business from the start
Everything Everywhere asked us what a third, all-new, game-changing brand could do for Britain. There was no real pitch, and instead, a series of working sessions in which we built the business case for this new brand. With a collaborative, cross-functional team in place – and senior engagement from the offset – we made quick strides to achieve sign-off and the ‘no pitch’ mentality shaped the relationship on the project.
A central idea
Together, we created EE: a brand to help you do things you couldn’t do before. The central idea became, ‘Now You Can’.
This helped drive major investments into the UK’s first ever 4G network, as well as fibre broadband and film. ‘Now You Can’ inspired a new way to serve customers on the high street, on the phone and, most importantly for the new brand, online. It was an idea that spoke powerfully to people who were technological ‘haves’, as well as the tech ‘have-nots’.
“The process of change wasn’t a linear one. We were constantly reacting, standing back and recalibrating”Chris Moody, Chief Design Officer, Wolff Olins
The brand idea was supported by a creative expression that focussed around the benefits of a network. A system of particles formed and re-formed to bring messages to life, and the tone of voice was both playful and purposeful.
“A truly momentous journey and we could not have done it without you. We have landed in a very good place.”Steven Day, Chief Marketing Officer, EE
EE achieved their goal of a million 4G customers by September 2013, beating the target by three months. And 4GEE is already helping people do more with their technology: 42% more customers download apps on the go, 37% of customers use less or no public Wi Fi, and 26% of customers use mobile banking services.
The new brand has proved compelling to partners: EE were able to secure exciting and exclusive new devices for launch, as well as being the UK’s first and only 4G network ready for the iPhone 5.
They’ve recently pledged to help build the digital skills of one million people through a series of new initiatives, making good on their promise that ‘Now You Can’. And in February 2018, The Sunday Times named EE as its Best Big Company to Work For in its annual survey.
Skype were a rare kind of business when we met them in 2009 – they had 100 million users but were yet to turn a profit. They were a phenomenon, founded on an amazing product, and growing fast. They needed to get ready for a possible IPO in a way that preserved their spirit.
Their ever-widening range of products and features posed a challenge. They needed to make sense of the offer, in a way that would guide activity internally and drive revenue by helping users navigate beyond free video calls.
Up until now, Skype had viewed their role as ‘enabling the world’s conversations’. We saw a broader benefit: ‘doing things together, whenever you’re apart’. We developed a set of principles to guide product development and marketing activity: ‘Universal, Useful, Wonderful’.
“We needed to understand how to help customers make sense of our widening product set.”Neil Stevens, Vice President and General Manager, Skype
A path to growth
By now Skype had a powerful, central idea and we were their trusted creative partner. We built a brand workbook and website, helped simplify the portfolio, and structured innovation for immediate results.
We didn’t just change the expression. We affected the way engineers built the product and the way sales charged for it. We also led the re-organization of Skype’s marketing function, establishing a clear and compelling role for this department in a previously product-focussed business. We even acted as Skype’s CMO for 6 months.
“Their work and thinking continue to sit at the heart of our business today.”Neil Stevens, Vice President and General Manager, Skype
New hires were trained up quickly and growth continued. Over the duration of the project, Skype doubled their monthly active users, while also seeing a large increase in the activity of existing users
Shortly after our partnership, Microsoft bought the company for $8.6bn. We continued our partnership long after this sale, which you can read about in the Microsoft case study.


text:
Yevgeny Yevtushenko remembered, Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction shortlist announced
Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction judge Aminatta Forna announces the shortlist. Plus, poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko remembered and Slovakian violinists Vladimir and Anton.
The writer Viv Groskop reflects on the life of the Soviet-era poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko, best known for his epic work Babi Yar, who died at the weekend aged 84.
The shortlist for the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction is announced live by judge and novelist Aminatta Forna, who discusses the novels that made it though from the longlist of 16.
Pulitzer Prize nominee Rajiv Joseph discusses the European premiere of his award-winning play Guards at the Taj. Taking as its starting point the legends surrounding the building of the Taj Mahal, Joseph's play examines the human price paid throughout history for the whims of those in power.
The duelling Slovakian violinists, brothers Vladimir and Anton Jablokov, who have performed on the Last Night of the Proms, bring their instruments to the Front Row studio, and discuss the influence of their Russian grandfather on their choice of the music they perform.
Presenter Samira Ahmed
Producer Jerome Weatherald.
Baileys Prize shortlist
Anton and Vladimir Jablokov
Yevgeny Yevtushenko RIP
Vladimir and AntonDuelling violinists
Vladimir and Anton's cd Live is out now
Role Contributor Presenter Samira Ahmed Producer Jerome Weatherald Interviewed Guest Viv Groskop Interviewed Guest Aminatta Forna Interviewed Guest Rajiv Joseph Interviewed Guest Vladimir Jablokov Interviewed Guest Anton Jablokov

domain: library


text:
The FDA has proposed a new set of social media guidelines that will require drug companies to tweet their products’ side-effects to the world, reports The Wall Street Journal. Though still tentative, the proposal would make it so that all the benefits and the side-effects of a company's products — even the most dangerous ones — will need to be condensed in single, 140-character tweet.
if they can't fit all the information, "the firm should reconsider using Twitter."
If a firm "concludes that adequate benefit and risk information, as well as other required information, cannot all be communicated within the same tweet, then the firm should reconsider using Twitter for the intended promotional message," the FDA wrote in the regulations.
Already, there has been a ton of backlash from the drug companies, but also from people who believe that the regulations limit free speech. "The result is a restriction on free speech intended to protect consumers from a phantom danger," Brittany La Couture, a health policy analyst at the American Action Forum wrote in a statement. La Couture’s assertion also hints at the possibility that people who need not fear certain side-effects will end up doing so anyway, and might therefore forgo treatment altogether. But given that the FDA already asks drug companies to list side-effects in television ads that proclaim a drug’s benefits, tweets really shouldn’t be viewed any differently (that’s if you don’t think too hard about these tweets’ immense potential for going viral, of course).
they can still remind the public that their product exists
It should be noted that the guidelines won’t actually stop pharmaceutical companies from tweeting about their drugs or devices if they can’t fit all the information in a single tweet. If they want to remind customers that their products exist, they’ll still be able to do so. But the minute that they include a product’s benefits, the tweet will also have to include a long list of side-effects.
The guidelines won’t just affect Twitter, however, because they’ll require companies to contact bloggers to ask for changes to articles that contain misinformation. Wikipedia will also be affected, as companies will now be asked to alter pages relating to their products if they contain false labeling details. Those edits, the FDA says, will have to be credited to the company employee or contractor who made them. "This is not an opportunity for a company to tout its drugs," Tom Abrams, head of the FDA Office of Prescription Drug Promotion, told the Wall Street Journal. The information "should be factually correct" and "consistent with the FDA approved [product] labeling."
If approved, the guidelines will go into effect in a little less than 90 days.

domain: law


text:
Thursday, 10 November 2022
Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters
I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for selecting this matter and the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, for making himself available to take it. As education spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, I am very proud of my party's history in the education sphere over the years, including this current period in office. It has certainly been a transformative period despite the many challenges of Covid. We pushed for the establishment of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. We reformed the leaving certificate. We are providing free schoolbooks to all primary school pupils. We have a ten year literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy. We have widened and improved Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, which is something I have long advocated. We have expanded the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme, DEIS. One in four students is now availing of the programme. We have also reduced the pupil-teacher ratio to its lowest ever.
As a party, we have also championed the launch of a five year action plan for apprenticeships, and this action plan aims to expand the types of programme available and increase the number of apprenticeships to 10,000 by 2025. I note that it is great to see a lot more women taking up apprenticeships. Approximately five years ago, only 2% of those taking up apprenticeships were women, but that has greatly improved since. This plan will work to ensure equity of access, to ensure under-represented groups are able to avail of apprenticeships, by creating simplified routes to entry and improved flexibility within the system. The fact there is additional support for those within the apprenticeship system, in particular for employers to encourage them to support and to take on apprenticeships through financial assistance and other mechanisms, is really important. This is a real step change in terms of public policy around apprenticeships and I particularly commend the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, on his work to date on this issue within his higher education brief. This strategy brings all apprenticeships together under one roof in a new National Apprenticeship Office.
I fully support the expanded offerings. We need to ensure that we broaden what we mean by education, and that we recognise the needs of the job market and of students. We have skill gaps in our workforce, of that there is no doubt, and apprenticeships are a key element in filling many of those. We have invested heavily in apprenticeships, and that is absolutely the right decision. However, I have had a number of cases recently where the academic elements of certain courses have yet to be confirmed or to take place. I am going to give one particular example, so let us call this young man, John. He took up an apprenticeship on 21 April last year.He completed all the necessary documentation, as did his employers, within one month. He did not receive any confirmation about where the academic side, his block release in terms of college, would take place. I have followed this up a number of times. I went to the Minister's office and to SOLAS. SOLAS has blamed Covid-related delays for backlogs in admitting this student and others to the college element of their course. At this stage, it is accepted that Covid is no longer a valid excuse. SOLAS came back and told me at the end of September that the student would be in placement in quarter 4 of this year. It is now 10 November 2022 and the student has still not heard anything. This is not good enough. There seems to be lingering delays in the wider apprenticeship sector in terms of these elements and they need to be alleviated. As this young man said, if he went straight into the labouring area of construction, he would be earning three times more. It is hard to keep young people motivated when they are not getting the responses and the opportunities to deal with that essential element of the block release. This would allow them to study and further their own career within the apprenticeship area. I would like to know what is happening to alleviate this issue.
I would like to thank Senator O'Loughlin for her question on this very important issue for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Apprenticeship is a demand-driven educational and training programme, which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. Apprenticeship has undergone transformation over the past six years. The importance of apprenticeships in society, both now and into the future, has never been more apparent than it is today.
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 was launched in April 2021 and sets out new ways of structuring, funding and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship accessible to employers and learners. The actions set out in the plan seek to deliver on a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations across a wide range of programmes each year by 2025, thereby fulfilling a key commitment in our programme for Government. Some 25 of the 66 apprenticeship programmes are craft. These experienced a marked increase in interest over the past four years, accounting for more than 80% of the apprentice population. Given the practical nature of off-the-job training for craft apprentices, the Covid-related shutdown of on-site learning, or block release, had a significant impact on their ability to access off-the-job training. Consortia-led apprenticeships were not delayed to the same extent but may have had disruption - for instance, in hospitality programmes.
Craft apprenticeship programmes are demand-led. There are no restrictions on the number of apprentices that can be registered in any single year. Last year saw a record 8,607 registrations overall. This is an increase of nearly 40% compared to 2019, the last normal year, of which 6,955 were craft registrations. Strong registrations are continuing this year. SOLAS, the HEA and education and training providers work together to deliver craft, off-the job training places, and have worked closely to change training delivery. The programmes with the longest waiting lists - electrical, plumbing and carpentry - have been reformed. These changes are now running through the system with increased numbers of apprentices being called to off-the-job training. In addition, all classes which had been running at half capacity under social distancing measures are now back at their full intake.
To ensure that the remainder of the Covid-19 backlog is cleared and the system has the capacity to meet the training needs of rapidly increasing numbers of apprentices, expansion is being funded. For example, capital funding of €20 million was provided in 2020 to extend and upgrade facilities. Expansion is continuing in 2022, with further major investment in workshops and staff planned for this year and beyond. Two large training hubs dedicated to electrical training are being developed for the next three years. Electrical, plumbing, and carpentry programmes are expanding across further and higher education. Electrical workshops are being developed under Kilkenny and Carlow ETB and a further training facility is being developed in Donegal. There is a call for additional phase 2 capacity in craft programmes, including carpentry, plumbing and refrigeration. There is also the expansion of electrical apprenticeships in ATU Donegal and MTU Kerry.
An additional €30 million in once-off funding was secured for apprenticeship in 2023 to help expansion of the system and support the Government's Housing for All and climate goals. Top level data for the end of October has just become available. It shows that 4,937 apprentices are waiting more than six months for their off-the-job training. There has been significant progress made, despite continued strong registrations. For example, nearly 6,000 phase 2 apprentices have completed or commenced their training. Nearly 1,300 more will be trained by year end. More than 7,000 phase 4 and 6 apprentices have completed or are progressing their training and nearly 3,000 more commenced training in September.
Officials in the Department are in continuous engagement with SOLAS, the HEA and other partners. As strong registrations on craft programmes continue, SOLAS is working, and will continue to work, to provide further places to address high numbers of apprentices needing off-the-job places.
I thank the Minister of State for his response. I certainly welcome the capital funding and the expansion that has been put in place. It concerns me when I hear that the top level data for the end of October shows that there are 4,937 apprentices waiting more than six months for their off-the-job training. This is a huge issue. Planning is essential for everybody. Young people who have taken on apprenticeships need to be able to plan accommodation for whichever college they will attend for their off-the-job training. In some instances, they may need to be able to save to buy a car because they will not be able to get accommodation. That is a real concern.
It is very heartening to see the number of apprenticeships being taken up and we are starting to see the parity of esteem that is needed between academia and apprenticeships. I would like to send a very strong message to both Ministers that this needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
This recent data is very concerning. I spoke with an official in the Department this morning and she assured me that those people who are waiting six months and more are going to be prioritised in being moved on to the next phase of their off-site training or block release. It is important to point out that further funding of €17 million has been provided to SOLAS and the HEA to address Covid-related backlogs. Of this, €6 million is being invested in additional instructors with more than 100 additional posts approved. However, I will certainly deliver that message to the two relevant Ministers.


text:
Guest Post – Guest Review By Perdita Cargill – Strange Star by Emma Carroll
It’s no secret that I am a huge Emma Carroll fan girl! Not only is she a lovely person her books are always wonderful!
You can find out more about Emma’s books in these previous guest posts on Tales….
Strange Star is the breathtaking new book from Emma Carroll, the critically-acclaimed author of Frost Hollow Hall, The Girl Who Walked On Air, In Darkling Wood and The Snow Sister, is a deliciously creepy story inspired by the creation of Frankenstein, and is brought to life by a leading talent in children’s literature.
So when the lovely Perdita Cargill, co author of Waiting For Callback asked if I would feature a guest review of Strange Star I jumped at the chance!
They were coming tonight to tell ghost stories. ‘A tale to freeze the blood,’ was the only rule.
Switzerland, 1816. On a stormy summer night, Lord Byron and his guests are gathered round the fire. Felix, their serving boy, can’t wait to hear their creepy tales. Yet real life is about to take a chilling turn- more chilling than any tale. Frantic pounding at the front door reveals a stranger, a girl covered in the most unusual scars. She claims to be looking for her sister, supposedly snatched from England by a woman called Mary Shelley. Someone else has followed her here too, she says. And the girl is terrified.
Review Of Strange Star By Perdita Cargill
**Please note this review is as spoiler free as possible**
I’m a huge fan of Emma Carroll’s writing and her latest novel Strange Star recently published by Faber & Faber is my favourite so far. Powerful and moving, it’s electric with intelligence and humanity.
The writing is of course absolutely assured, beautiful and sensory (‘Change was coming. You could smell it in the air, all sharp and peppery like radishes.’), never slowing down the fast drive of Carroll’s big, complex story about death and life and prejudice and bravery. This is a middle grade novel that has huge respect for its young readers and their ability to rise to serious issues and clever ideas and to be thrilled and scared along the way.
Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as well as the true story of that book’s stormy genesis, there are roles for Lord Byron, for Claire Clairmont, Polidori and the Shelleys, ‘As individuals they were interesting enough, but together their sparks became flames’. Mary Shelley especially is key to Carroll’s story, the scene where she relives the failed efforts or missed chance to resuscitate her premature baby is heartbreaking and sets up one of the big themes of the book ‘”there would always be those that couldn’t be saved.’ But the ‘ghost’ that knocks at the door on the night of the storm is not a figment of any of the stellar imaginations in the Villa Diodati but is Lizzie Appelby ‘There’d been no need for tales to freeze the blood. Not when real life had brought death to the front doors.’ and this clever framing makes the story that Lizzie tells the ‘true’ story. Lizzie has travelled to Switzerland from her home in Somersetshire and what’s been going on at Eden Manor has been so shivers-down-the-spine dark that it would be no surprise were Lizzie running away but no, she’s running to the rescue. I have to be careful here to give nothing away, I didn’t know what was coming and had all the thrill of turning pages and gasping. All I will say is that the monsters in this book are subtle monsters. A clever woman who’s made monstrous by ambition, and an animal whose raw, brute threat is abused by adults. And Carroll gives a powerful message about prejudice and the ignorant, fearful and misguided response to that which is perceived as different. This is strong stuff, readers who’ve come to love and respect Lizzie and Felix will be outraged that they be judged on their skin and appearance. But dark and thrilling though this book is, the message running through its pages is one of hope, Lizzie has learned the myth of the Phoenix from her mother, ‘In the story they rise up from the flames, just to prove that even when everything’s destroyed, life can begin again,’ and Carroll hopes for her readers a better less prejudiced, braver future where ambition doesn’t need to destroy kindness and goodness.
I loved this book.
You can buy a copy of Strange Star here
About Emma Carroll
When I’m not writing books, I’m reading them. For many years I was an English teacher in a secondary school in Devon. Nowadays, I write full time. It’s my absolute dream-come-true job!
As a child, I wrote stories about ponies and pop stars, though not together. Nowadays it’s called fan-fiction; back then it was just weird.
After school, I worked as a reporter on a local newspaper. From there I went to university to study English Literature. After backpacking around the Middle East, South America, Australia, I did a PGCE in English and became a teacher.
Many years later, I bought myself a lovely big notebook and some new pens. I enrolled on the MA Writing For Young People at Bath Spa University, and got writing again. ‘Frost Hollow Hall’ was started on the MA course. It is my first novel, and took two years and many cups of tea to write.
I live in the Somerset hills with my husband and two Jack Russell terriers.
You can find out more about Emma Carroll on her website – www.emmacarrollauthor.wordpress.com
Or why not follow her on twitter using @emmac2603
About Perdita Cargill
Perdita Cargill is co-author of Waiting For Call back with Honor Cargill and are a mother and daughter writing team living in North London. Perdita used to be a barrister; Honor is studying for her A levels. Once they’d discovered the secret of mother/daughter collaboration (separate rooms and cake) writing Waiting for Callback together was enormous fun. Honor’s (limited) experience as a child actor gave them lots of funny material for their novels.
When Elektra is discovered by an acting agent, she imagines Oscar glory can’t be far away, but instead lurches from one cringe-worthy moment to the next! Just how many times can you be rejected for the part of ‘Dead Girl Number Three’ without losing hope? And who knew that actors were actually supposed to be multi-lingual, play seven instruments and be trained in a variety of circus skills?
Off-stage things aren’t going well either – she’s fallen out with her best friend, remains firmly in the friend-zone with her crush and her parents are driving her crazy. One way or another, Elektra’s life is now spent waiting for the phone to ring – waiting for callback.
Can an average girl-next-door like Elektra really make it in the world of luvvies and starlets?
You can buy a copy of Waiting For Callback here
A huge thank you to Perdita for a fab guest post review and for asking me to feature it!
Have you read Strange Star? What did you think? Have you read any of Emma Carroll’s other books? Do you have a favourite? Have you read Waiting For Callback? I would love to hear from you! Why not leave a comment using the reply button at the top of this review or tweet me on twitter using @chelleytoy!

domain: artistic


text:
Hi, North Seasons, thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us!
Hello to you too, we’re really good at chatting, let’s do this!
First of all, can you tell us who you are and what sort of sound you make?
We are North Seasons and we come from Newcastle, which is famous for beer and Geordie Shore and Sting. We kind of sound like a mixture of all three of those things, only heavier and totally different.
You’ve formed fairly recently and seem full of ambition, where do you see yourselves in five years?
We’re actually pretty deceiving – we’ve been together for a couple of years now but spent most of that time writing and recording with no sort of publicity or advertising or anything; intentionally of course. Five years is a long way away, we’d love to think we could be playing huge shows around the world; realistically we just want to be in a financial position where we can tour steadily and release the music we want without having to worry about not being able to afford to live.
September 8th sees the release of your debut single. Silhouettes. What’s influenced the track musically and lyrically?
We draw influences from a whole range of musical and non-musical sources and we all come from very different backgrounds. Usually, our lyrics are pretty autobiographical and Silhouettes is no different – Harvey knows how to pour himself into his lyrics and we all love that. Oddly enough a lot of the instrumentation for the track was written years ago before the band even started.
This’ll be the first release off your debut EP. How much can you tell us about that as of yet?
Haha not so much just yet! It’s all fully recorded and ready to release, we’ve been sitting on it for a little while waiting for the right time to get it out there which has been insanely frustrating but we know it will be worth it in the end. There are six tracks on the record and they cover a range of sounds – there’s some incredibly heavy stuff on there as well as some more melodic singalong tracks and even some weird experimental stuff to spice things up a bit. We’re pretty aware that we’re still in the process of ‘finding our sound’ but we’re all really happy with what we have come up with so far and we’re so excited for everyone to hear it!
You’ve also got a UK tour coming up, what should we be prepared for?
Yeah we have some stuff in the pipeline that is in the process of being finalised right now. We want to be one of those bands that is known for their live show so we’re working on it all the time trying to make it the best it possibly can be. We try to make it as passionate and energetic as possible – a real live experience that differs a bit from the average gig.
Anything else planned for this year we should know about? You seem busy enough as it is!
We like to plan ahead and we have A LOT planned for the rest of the year. We’ve already begun work on our debut full length; we have a whole lot of as of yet unfinished ideas that we’re working on with respects to that and we couldn’t be more excited about what we’re working on!
And, finally, what’s the best bit about being in a band so far?
North Seasons is kind of like a really close-knit family and we have real love for each other (except George, he’s minging) as well as all the people we work closely with – we’re lucky enough to work with a really talented, down to earth team of people who really strive to get us to where we want to be which we’re hugely grateful for.
Also the girls, which there are obviously loads of…


text:
ZigaPep® MP-90 is originated from fish skin of marine fishes (cod, salmon, etc.), of which collagen is extracted by specialized hydrolysis technology. It is an emerging environmental-friendly active ingredient for skin care.
In March (Mar. 28-30), GIGA Fine Chemical attended high [...]

domain: health


text:
Revised Biostratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Gadvan, Dariyan and Kazhdumi Formations, SW Iran
F.S.P. van Buchem, D. Baghbani, L. Bulot, M. Caron, F. Gaumet, A. Hosseini, F. Keyvani, R. Schroeder, R. Swennen, V. Vedrenne and B. Vincent
Event name: Shiraz 2009 - 1st EAGE International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition
Session: Sedimentology, Sequences Stratigraphy, Chronostratigraphy I
Publication date: 04 May 2009
Info: Extended abstract, PDF ( 413.04Kb )
Price: € 20
A regional sequence stratigraphic model is presented for the Barremian to Lower Albian sedimentary systems of southwest Iran. Illustrated with nine seismic scale outcrop sections, and constrained by new biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic age dating (ammonites, pelagic forams, orbitolinids and carbon and oxygen isotope curves), it proposes a fundamental revision of the geometrical relationships between classically used lithostratigraphic units. The relative influence of both eustatic sea-level fluctuations and regional tectonic control are demonstrated. These new insights have significant implications for both the understanding of the factors controlling sedimentation, as well as the architecture of the mid-Cretaceous petroleum systems in the studied region.


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Marquette County Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build event continues for second day
This week-long event is hosted by the Marquette County Habitat for Humanity to get women busy with their hands, and give Tyler Bialkowski the dream he always wanted.
GWINN, Mich. (WLUC) - While Friday’s build encouraged women to put their handy skills to the test, a few men showed up too, including the future homeowner.
“It’s really amazing to have all these people getting together to help volunteer, and build a house for a young family just starting out,” said Tyler Bialkowski, the future homeowner.
The construction of the new homeowner’s home is happening through Women’s Build. This week-long event is hosted by the Marquette County Habitat for Humanity to get women busy with their hands, and give Bialkowski the dream he always wanted.
“It’s a huge deal to be able to work on your own house. This is what I’ve always wanted to do too when I was kid,” said Bialkowski.
The Women's Build event kicked off Thursday, where more than 40 volunteers, throughout their three days of working, gave a helping hand to support the new homeowner and his family.
“It’s an event that we wanted to partake in, but the Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build Week, usually falls at the beginning of May, and that’s not really conducive to us because we really can’t even dig a hole in the ground by then, so ours is kind of moved to a better time when the weather’s nicer, and we can actually get people working on the build,” said Marquette County Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Support Manager, Cindy Noble.
“Just to be apart of it, to know that we put the screws in and we put the nails in, and that there’s a family that’s going to live here, it just makes you feel really good inside,” said Kristin Frak, a volunteer.
Bialkowski and his family are expected to move into their new home later this fall.
Copyright 2020 WLUC. All rights reserved.

domain: sociology


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DO SOME GOOD TODAY
I'm usually sceptical about certain "Africa" campaigns adopted by corporate giants with biased corporate social responsibility blinkers on their heads however the new Benetton Microcredit Africa campaign has trully challenged my cynicism about the issue.
Benetton has puts the spotlight on entrepreneurial Africa. This campaign is designed to celebrate the hard working men and women on the streets of Sub-saharan Africa struggling to make tiny profits from their respective crafts. The spotlight highlights current challenges facing fishermen, decorators, musicians, jewellery-makers, farmers, tailors, textile sellers and athletes.
The 2008 global communication campaign aims to promotes the Birima micro-credit programme in Senegal, a co-operative credit society founded by the Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. The programme will also receive financial support from Benetton Group.
The campaign slogan was developed by Fabrica and has quickly dominated billboards leaving millions of impressions on the print and online community around the globe. The campaign was unveiled in last month and it features Senegalese workers who have used micro loans to start small, productive businesses. Photographer James Mollison portrays them with the tools of their trade against a neutral background.
These images are tangible symbols of an Africa that uses the dignity of work to fight poverty, promote equitable development, maximise its resources and take back responsibility for creating its future.
We can all show our support by purchasing more benetton goods. Their new range is fantastic so we have litle excuses.
For further information,

domain: economics


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There seems to be tension in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as some of its members under the aegis of Concerned Edo PDP Stakeholders have written a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) over alleged diversion of state funds by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The concerned members called on the ICPC to investigate the governor on allegations that he awarded contracts to AfriInvest Limited, which is said to be owned by Gov. Obaseki.
The petition was signed by Andrew Egboigbe, a PDP member in Ward 3, Orhionmwon LGA of Edo.
The letter seen by The Street Journal was submitted to the ICPC on Monday, August 3.
In the petition, titled: “Petition against the unfairly advantageous awarding of Edo State Contracts to Afrinvest Limited by Mr. Godwin Obaseki”, the concerned PDP members alleged that the governor did not only abuse his office but also disregarded constitutional power and inflated contracts.
The petition read in part:
“We, as concerned Edo indigenes, who have no other place to call our home except Edo state, file this honest petition against Mr Godwin Obaseki, the governor of the state and his firm, Afrinvest Ltd following revelations from reliable sources of unfair advantage the governor bestowed upon the firm using accumulated state funds meant for developmental works and projects.”
The petitioners who noted that a sitting governor is immune to arrest called on the ICPC to swing into action.
“We, therefore, call on the ICPC to investigate the suspected contravention of Section 19 of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) Act, 2000 by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
The petitioners said that even though Obaseki stepped down as the Chairman of Afrinvest’s Board of Directors in 2016 prior to assuming office as governor, he handed over to one Mr Ike Cijoke who is his strong ally.
“To begin with, and to aid your investigation into the matter, we wish to state certain facts concerning the established ties between Mr Godwin Obaseki and Afrinvest Limited.
“-That Mr Godwin Obaseki founded Afrinvest in 1994 and only stepped down from his position as chairman of its Board of Directors in 2016 when it became impossible for him to remain so as the governor of the state.
“-That Mr Obaseki’s voluntary stepdown was followed by the immediate appointment of one Ike Chijoke, who remains answerable to the governor and is no more than a placeholder and a marionette through whom Mr Godwin Obaseki maintains firm grip and control over Afrinvest Limited,” the petitioners said.
The concerned petitioners who said Mr Obaseki and his company managed to stay above the water prior to becoming governor, gave an account of who he abused his office.
“On one specific occasion, Obaseki, single-handedly, without the approval of his cabinet and legislative arm of government, awarded a N1.8 billion naira consultation contract on water storm project to Afrinvest Ltd., without the justification of the sum and the nature of the contract. This, when established, will find the governor in contravention of Section 19 of the ICPC Act 2000.”
They also alleged that since 2016, Obaseki increased the security votes of Edo state to 7.5 billion Naira; and this huge sum had been deposited in Afrinvest Ltd bank account.
The petitioners urged the ICPC to investigate if stashed funds and other profits are what Obaseki used as startup capital to resuscitate PRIMUS bank.
PRIMUS Bank is currently seeking approval to operate as a regional bank.
“That the ICPC in line with its core mandate should examine the practices, systems, and procedures of public bodies and where, in the opinion of the commission, such practices, systems born procedures aid or facilitate fraud or corruption, to direct and supervise a review of them,” the petition added.
See a copy of the petition below


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Sure it’s Valentine’s Day and it’s all about finding a valentine. Bummed you don’t have one’ Guess what you have one, YOU. Celebrate YOU! If you don’t love yourself who else will do it.
Instead of Valentine’s day I’m gonna celebrate what makes me special.
This one was particularly hard for me for two reasons.
- I don’t really like to shine the spotlight on me, I’m more of a background stage manager type person.
- It caused me to get really deep and think about what I really want and be very open. I’m usually the one asking the questions to help my clients open up and get to the heart of what you are really feeling. Now.. the spotlight being put on me and my feelings and that’s not something I really like to do. Typically I’m the one asking questions (not in a police interrogation kind of way) or the smart ass in the corner telling jokes.
Here goes nothing!!!
- What are you better at than anyone else’ I’m not better I just think differently. I believe the client has the answer. I don’t. I’m better at asking great questions to help them really figure out what THEY want and break it down into bite size chunks. I work with clients to meet them where they are. My questions help me to better understand your motivations behind making a change in your life.
- What do you enjoy doing the most’ I geek out when I see my clients achieving results and crushing their goals. I can see the strengths in each and every client and work with you by breathing belief into you when you don’t or can’t believe in yourself. I enjoy showing you how to stop dieting and embrace your changes as a lifestyle.Personally, I’m a big geek. Right now I’m reading everything I can get my hands on about hormones and mindset. I love traveling seeing new places. My ultimate is sitting by the water listening to water. My goal is to live by the water.
- What do (or could) you provide that no one else is providing’ I am a Lifestyle Interventionist.
I don’t encourage my clients to follow a “diet”. I listen to all the facts and work with them to brainstorm different solutions that will work best for them. Together we create a road map leading you to your dreams. This is so POWERFUL!
- What annoys people the most about your industry ‘ When folks get on their high horse and telling YOU what YOU need to do without any flexibility. I also get frustrated with the bootcamp type instructors/fitness professionals who believe in no pain no gain. If you aren’t hobbling the next day it’s not a workout you didn’t CRUSH IT.Now.. I’m not giving your carte blanche to drinking wine by the bottle and ice cream by the gallon. I do believe in meeting you where you are. I also believe in a safe and sensible approach based on YOUR lifestyle, your reality. I’m not a fan of trying to mold YOUR reality to fit a “diet”. Guess what that doesn’t work, so enough you’ll be running for the diet exit.
- What is remarkable about you’ I have a sense of humor. I don’t take myself so seriously. I’m honest to a fault. You will always know where I stand. I will also hold you accountable to helping you to achieve your goals and dreams. If you want to achieve your dreams I’m your girl.
- Do you have an unusual combination of elements’ What is unusual about me is also remarkable about me is my unusual combinations of elements. I have a sense of humor, a way of explaining fitness concepts in layman terms to you so that your really understand what the heck you should or shouldn’t be doing. I have a way of putting you at ease, encouraging you to answer questions openly and honestly. This is the first big step toward permanent change.
- Do you have a big personality’ Yes. I can sometimes be a loud and over the top type of person. It’s just that I’m passionate about what I do for a living that I can be a get a little excited.
They say no 2 snowflakes are alike and I feel the same way about trainer relationships and their clients. Each relationship has its on fingerprint and each client approach is different based on where they are in life. ‘
I know that you know what to do when it comes to getting healthy and working out, but sometimes you need a little support. You need someone to be in your fitness confident. Someone who will tell you yeah girl, that you are on the right track or hey make these tweaks and you’ll get even better result. I created the 7 day Lifestyle Intervention.

domain: psychology


text:
Affluent people love their walls. They’re willing to spend tons of money to create a barrier between them and people who “look different.” The current administration’s push to build a border wall didn’t come out of nowhere, this is what affluent people do.
We saw this with the creation of redlining and suburban sprawl. We see this when white school districts secede from their Black and Brown neighbors.
We saw this when the predominantly white Northeastern section of Philadelphia wanted to leave Philadelphia and create their own town. When they can’t build an actual wall, affluent districts will use other means to do whatever it takes to keep their districts separate, albeit never equitable.
Philadelphia is surrounded by wealthier school districts. Historically, many Black families have done whatever it took to find a school that could educate their child. While this often meant moving, starting schools, homeschooling, etc., it also has meant using other people’s addresses or making up an address altogether.
Philly families are no exceptions. While these address changes occur within the Philadelphia school district, it also occurs across district and county lines. And, suburban districts aren’t happy. They’ve countered with spending thousands of dollars on private eyes to investigate. Often, the investigation is launched after the white “see something- say something” crowd calls in a suspicious Black or Brown family.
WHYY’s Avi Wolfman-Arent wrote a three-part series about Pennsylvania’s “resident police” and some of the causes for families following the money that belongs to them anyway.
The disparities among school districts, in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, have deep roots in the policies of the past: housing segregation, job discrimination, and even Jim Crow, said Cornell University professor Noliwe Rooks, who recently wrote a book on school segregation.
You just want your kids to be safe and have basic education,’ she said of parents who attempt to jump district lines. ‘I think [that] is more an indictment on the rest of us than it is those parents.’
A parent who enrolled her child in one of the suburbs described in Rooks’ book talks about being harassed about her lease. Most of the families targeted, investigated are, of course, people of color – even when they can prove their residency.
It was a constant feeling of, even though you can legally be here, we don’t want you to feel like you should be here. We want to be as tough for you as possible. We want it to be as uncomfortable for you as possible.
Needless to say, with white folks calling police on Black people for breathing and existing, there are plenty of Black families who are just as harassed for being Black in school – even when they do live within the catchment areas.
Black families are doing what anyone in their right mind would do: trying to put their child in the best position to win, even if it’s “illegal.”
With the US Constitution punting the education of its citizens to states, it’s interesting, to say the least, that states then punted education to local counties—essentially carving up the state into 500 districts, with the affluent districts hell-bent on ignoring kids of less means than their own.
Mind you that often wealthy suburbs are stealing a portion of the educational funding that would go to poorer districts like Philadelphia if more than four percent of the state’s funding was equitably distributed. Pennsylvania can begin to address this through equitable funding for all schools within the Commonwealth. Research shows the wealth disparity among school districts in Pennsylvania is abnormally high.
Philadelphia must accelerate its work to improve schools and significantly decrease poverty. Until then, Black families will continue to try to improve the educational outcomes of their children and will remain hell-bent on accessing the educational resources that institutional and state-sanctioned racism has denied them for generations.
This post was written by Sharif El-Mekki and originally ran on his Philly’s 7th Ward blog.


text:
A Visual Identity for Expo 2023
Branding, Nomenclature, Promo video, Animations, Logo design, Visuals & Print collaterals
A Global convergence of international and top Indian realtors on a single stage at the 15th International Inter-State Real Estate & Business EXPO 2023.
"NARVIGATE," the aptly coined name for the property expo, resonates with confidence, trust, and progress, igniting the path towards property investment and growth.
Connect. Collaborate. Create.
Our tagline sums up the expo's purpose - connecting, collaborating, and creating opportunities that shape the future.
Our design philosophy extended beyond the tangible, bringing NARVIGATE's identity to life in the digital realm through an immersive website.
Step into the world of NARVIGATE, where confidence meets progress, and connections shape the future of real estate. We've designed more than an event - we've crafted an experience.
Our branding narrative guides like a compass, tracing the trajectory from real estate's origins to contemporary heights. It's a synergy of art and innovation, forging connections that endure and propel the real estate realm forward.


The frogs Evening primrose
|Format:||Music CD 2001|
|Availability:||Available at 2 Libraries 2 of 2 copies|
ContentsFrogs. Fanfare ; Prologos, Invocations and instructions to the audience ; Traveling music ; Parodos, The frogs ; Hymnos, Evoe! ; Dialogue: "Pluto!" ; Parabasis, It's only a play ; Dialogue, "That was some banquet!" ; Evoe for the dead ; Invocation to the muses ; Fear no more ; Exodos, The sound of poets (33:00)
Evening primrose. If you can find me, I'm here ; I remember ; When? ; Take me to the world (14:00).
|Publisher|| New York, N.Y. :Nonesuch,2001
|Other Titles|| Evening primrose.
Krasker, Tommy, librettist.
Goldman, James, librettist.
Tunick, Jonathan, arranger of music.
Lane, Nathan, 1956- performer.
Mitchell, Brian Stokes, performer.
Gaines, Davis, performer.
Harris, Neil Patrick, 1973- performer.
McCarthy, Theresa (Vocalist), performer.
Gemignani, Paul, conductor.
Collier, John, 1901-1980. Evening primrose.
Sondheim, Stephen. Evening primrose.
American Theatre Orchestra, performer.
In the 1st work: Nathan Lane, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Davis Gaines, with chorus. 2nd work: Neil Patrick Harris, Theresa McCarthy. Both works: American Theatre Orchestra; Paul Gemignani, conductor.
Book by Burt Shevelove, abridged by Tommy Krasker and the composer, adapted from the comedy by Aristophanes (1st work); book by James Goldman, based on a story by John Collier (2nd work); orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick.
Program notes by Frank Rich, synposes by Tommy Krasker, and lyrics (66 p. : ill.) inserted in container.
1 audio disc : digital ; 4 3/4 in.


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A community-driven source for post-production information
April 10, 2019, 01:53 PM
The New Division Provides Feature Films and TV Shows with Access to B.C.’s Deep Tax Incentives and the New Studio’s Skilled In-House Talent, Along With its Collective of Experienced VFX Artists Based Throughout the Province#vfx legion#vfx for tv#vfx for film#vfx la#vfx bc
Cindy Mollo sits down to discuss the editing of Ozark.
Yan Miles sits down to discuss editing The Crown's hit episode Fairytale.

domain: entertainment


text:
Hippity Hoppity Egg Plate
Hippity hoppity, hippity hoppity. Welcome the Easter bunny in style this spring with this cute Easter egg plate! Featuring adorable hand lettering and a three-dimensional bunny, this plate will quickly become a seasonal family favorite. The cute, central design offers a handmade look that will bring some big joy and color to your Easter table. With 12 compartments for deviled eggs (or your dyed works of art, if you so desire), this smile-inducing egg tray is great for the appetizer display or dinner spread. It's made of food-safe ceramic so it's sure to become an Easter tradition for years to come.
If you love the special look of lovingly crafted servingware, be sure to hop over to our ceramics department to discover more delightful plates, trays, dishes, mugs and more.
Adoption Is A Miracle Frame
Adoption truly is a miracle and a gift from God. This frame is a perfect way to celebrate the new blessing in your life and to show the love that...
Yum Y'all Chip & Dip Dish
Yum Y'all! Fill this plate with your favorite chips and dip or set it on display for all to see!
Mr & Mrs Dish
Congratulations to the Mr. and Mrs.! This plate is a fun gift for a shower, wedding or newly married friend!


TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgia says negotiations with the European Union about the schedule and procedures for signing the Association Agreement must be finished in March.
Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said this after meeting with Štefan Füle, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, on Tuesday.
“Both Georgia and the EU expressed readiness to sign the Association Agreement as soon as possible,” Panjikidze said.
She described the meeting as very interesting and said the two discussed EU-Georgia relations.
“We both work intensely in order to finish the necessary procedures.”
She continued saying that they spoke about the schedule and decided that the text of the document must be agreed on as soon as possible and be finished in March.
“This document is the main action plan for implementation of the agreement,” she explained.
Panjikidze said that in light of Ukraine’s experiences, Russia is expected to increase its pressure on Georgia before the AA has been signed.
As an example, she recalled that as soon as the Sochi Winter Olympics were over, Russians resumed the installation of barbed wires and fences along the South Ossetia boundary line in Georgian villages, and creating a so-called security line by moving the border with Abkhazia 11 kilometers, which she said must be abolished as soon as Paralympics are over.
“We expect such type of pressure and provocations,” she said.
Štefan Füle said the EU will stand by Georgia if there is pressure from Russia. He apologized that his visit was postponed for a day due to events in Ukraine and said he plans to meet with the president, government members, the opposition and civil society, as well as the Patriarch, during the visit.
Füle expressed support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and called on Russia to respect the sovereignty of a neighboring country. He said that as the international community is observing the events in Crimea, it must not lose sight of Russia’s actions in Georgia.


text:
john tiong chunghoo
Travel Laos Haiku - Onwards To Chiangmai - Poem by john tiong chunghoo
the road to Chiangmai
feels like a Buddha's blessing
After roughing it up in the rough terrain in Laos, the smooth road from the border town of Chiang Khoong to Chiangmai feels like a blessing from buddha. The mini van trundles through so smoothly i thought the road is oiled. In less than four hours we were in Chiangmai.
Comments about Travel Laos Haiku - Onwards To Chiangmai by john tiong chunghoo
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- EVA4ALL sets new standards in the display and handling of large data volumes
- Structured processing of surface and borehole data – from active and passive VALLON detectors
- Innovative new functions for data evaluation and display
- Simplified object calculation – manual or automatic, depending on the requirements
- Customised project report at the touch of a button
- Uncomplicated changeover – EVA4ALL is downward compatible to older versions of VALLON hardware and software
- Support and all future updates included
This innovative software solution sets new standards in the handling of ever-increasing data volumes for today’s large-scale projects. The groundbreaking operating concept of EVA4ALL affords maximum freedom and allows the most diverse approaches to project implementation.
EVA4ALL provides a modern user interface, allowing for various methods of operation. It fully supports field oriented work as well as a more project-oriented approach. Even highly complex data packages can be clearly processed and quickly evaluated.
Extensive import and export functions facilitate cross-platform work. This includes the export of conventional data formats for further processing in third-party software as well as compatibility with older VALLON products. Data from the VFC2 field computer and existing EVA2000 projects can be easily imported.
In addition to optional integration of your own georeferenced maps in the display, EVA4ALL also provides an extensive range of tools with high-quality maps. The entire range of functions for Bing Maps is available whenever your PC is online. Access to OpenStreetMap is also integrated and features an offline mode.
The integration of extensive, automated documentation is the result of many years of close collaboration with our customers. The improved workflow has greatly simplified and accelerated the creation of individual project reports.
Customer satisfaction is top priority at VALLON!
Support and all future updates are already included in the purchase price. The EVA4ALL from VALLON offers state-of-the-art and future-oriented software. All requests and suggestions from our customers are incorporated into ongoing further development. These are often already taken into consideration for upcoming releases.


The next edition of Newton Running’s lightest racing shoe ever is shaping up to be even better than the current model, as we take a look today at the upcoming MV3 trainer.
An update of the MV2, the Newton MV3 isn’t any lighter than its predecessor. In fact, it’s 0.2 ounces heavier. But don’t expect that extra weight to slow you down any—it’s unlikely you’ll notice a difference. As with every Newton shoe, the MV3 will feature Action/Reaction midfoot technology designed for forward momentum, as well as the same zero-drop platform for a natural foot strike. The upgrades come in the toe box, which has been tweaked to allow more room up front. It also features a more generous toecap for improved durability. The shoe’s upper has also been upgraded with an ultra-light mesh upper that breathes better and dries quicker for greater overall comfort.
The expected release date for the Newton MV3 is July 15, 2013. Keep your eyes out for this one if you’re in the market for a high-performing short-to-middle distance running shoe this summer.


Polymer Centre Highlight – Inkjet printing of self-healing polymers in aerospace applicationsPosted on Thursday, March 26th, 2015 in Uncategorized| Share this article
Polymer Centre academics Dr Simon Hayes and Dr Patrick Smith have been investigating an application for thermally-cured polymers to heal defects in composite materials in aircrafts, by applying this technology through inkjet printing.
Composite materials, defined as materials made from two or more distinctive components which have different physical and chemical properties, are used in a variety of industries including the aerospace sector, due to their superior properties including high strength, durability and stiffness. However, an emerging problem with composites is the delamination, or separation, of internal layers. This leads to concealed damage within the material- a difficult problem to detect and treat. The use of self-healing polymers has been investigated for in situ repair of composite materials in airplanes.
Composite specimens for testing were produced from two different monomers, which were synthesised and inkjet printed in layers as 1% and 5% w/v solutions onto a PTFE base. Heat was applied under vacuum, initiating the thermal polymerisation of monomers via a series of Diels-Alder reactions to form polymers. It is this thermal polymerisation that is being used to promote self-healing between damaged layers.
The critical energy release and the interlaminar shear strength were assessed for each specimen. It was found that 5% samples showed superior interlaminar properties over control and 1% samples.
A thermal cycle analysis was conducted on the composite specimens. The results indicated that after heat treating, the 5% samples showed less of a reduction in interlaminar properties than the control and 1% samples. This suggests that some rebonding took place in the laminate layers due to polymerisation. Overall printing of the monomers followed by the application of heat to start the polymerisation, therefore the self-healing process, has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the composite material.
Original article: Inkjet Printing of Self-healing Polymers for Enhanced Composite Interlaminar Properties, Elliot Fleet, Yi Zhang, Simon Hayes and Patrick Smith, Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2015 3, pp 2283-2293
Article by Kathryn Murray; a PhD Student on the EPSRC Polymers, Soft Matter and Colloids CDT programme. For more information, please contact Dr Joe Gaunt at the Polymer Centre.


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Strontium Side Effects are Overblown – Get the Facts
Adverse Side Effects with Strontium Ranelate | Why Strontium Citrate is Safe | Strontium and DEXA Results | Strontium Does Not Increase Risk For Fractures | Why You Shouldn’t Take Calcium and Strontium At The Same Time of Day | Strontium Questions | The Takeaway
Don’t let misleading commentaries prevent you from reaping the bone-building benefits of strontium!
Having now reviewed the published research conducted on both natural strontium salts and strontium ranelate, I can confidently assure you that natural forms of strontium can provide a safe and highly effective contribution to the health – both the density and the tensile quality — of your bones.
What are the scare tactics being used to dissuade us from utilizing strontium? It is claimed @ http://saveourbones.com/strontium-demistyfied/ that:
- Strontium has a long list of undesirable side-effects, commonly ranging from nausea to skin irritation, and less often (fortunately), blood clots and fainting.
- Since strontium is denser than calcium, it is difficult to assess actual bone improvement in a DEXA scan.
- Several studies conclude that strontium causes the outer cortical bone to become thicker, actually reducing tensile strength. This increases the risk of fractures.
- Strontium competes with calcium absorption.
When confronted with the facts in the research, these apparent threats to one’s health when taking supplemental strontium either simply do not hold up or are revealed to be no problem at all. Let’s take a closer, research-based look at each of them.
Natural Forms of Strontium, When Consumed In Lesser Amounts Than Calcium, Are Very Safe
The side-effects attributed to blanket-fashion to all available supplemental forms of strontium have been seen with strontium ranelate, but not with any natural strontium salt, such as strontium citrate.
The only negative effects seen with natural strontium salts occurred in 1 animal study conducted in 1994 and 1 human study conducted in 1996.
In the animal study, immature lab rats (whose bones were still developing) were deliberately given a low calcium diet and supplemented with high doses of strontium. Not surprisingly, since calcium is the major mineral found in normal bone, and these animals were calcium-deprived, the rats developed ricket-like bone deformities.
The human study was conducted in Turkey in 1996.  Before complete data analysis, it looked like there was a higher incidence of bone malformations (i.e., rickets) in young children in areas of Turkey with very high strontium concentrations in the soil. However, when the question of whether the children had been breastfed was taken into account, the risk for rickets no longer differed between people living in high strontium areas compared to those with low strontium. Why? Because breast milk provides the calcium and protein that prevents excessive incorporation of strontium into bone. In other words, only when much more strontium is consumed than calcium do bone formation abnormalities, e.g., rickets, occur.
According to the Centers for Disease Control’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which published a 161-page report  on the health effects of natural forms of strontium, e.g., strontium citrate:
“There is no direct evidence that strontium is toxic to humans, but there is suggestive epidemiological evidence that the oral toxicity observed at high doses in juvenile laboratory animals may pertain to humans under special circumstances [here, they are referring to the 2 studies discussed immediately above, which is why their following sentence emphasizes the importance of adequate calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D]. At low exposure levels, ingestion of stable strontium poses no harm to organisms with access to adequate calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. At higher exposure levels, especially under conditions of inadequate calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, stable strontium will interfere with normal bone development, causing ‘strontium rickets’ of variable severity.”
Adverse Side-effects Are Seen ONLY with Strontium Ranelate – Natural Strontium Salts, Like Strontium Citrate are Safe
In contrast, following on the heels of data collected in a number of other studies,, the most recent research — a three year study conducted in France whose results were published in October 2011  — confirms that the patented unnatural form of strontium, strontium ranelate has a number of potential side-effects, at least two of which are very serious: an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE, deep vein blood clots) and DRESS syndrome.
Overall, the likelihood that you will be among the ones affected can be argued to be small – although a review of the research on strontium ranelate published in 2005 states “Strontium [ranelate] caused a 50% increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism (including pulmonary embolism).”
In the health information provided for medical professionals, Servier, the pharmaceutical company with the patent on strontium ranelate (trade name ProtelosTM) states:
“In phase III studies, the annual incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) observed over 5 years was approximately 0.7%, with a relative risk of 1.4 (95% CI = [1.0 ; 2.0]) in strontium ranelate treated patients as compared to placebo.”
What does this mean in plain English? Over a 5-year period in the Phase III studies, each year, 0.7% of those taking strontium ranelate developed VTE. Saying that those taking strontium ranelate had a relative risk for VTE of 1.4 compared to placebo means that strontium ranelate increased risk for VTE by 40%. Strontium citrate has never been found to increase risk of VTE.
The other serious side-effect for which people taking strontium ranelate are at increased risk is DRESS syndrome. (Strontium citrate has never been found to increase risk of DRESS syndrome.) Symptoms of DRESS syndrome typically begin 1-8 weeks after exposure to the offending patent medication. Classic symptoms include widespread rash, fever, and involvement of one or more internal organs. Approximately 50% of patients will have hepatitis (liver inflammation), 30% will have eosinophilia (high levels of white cells in the blood indicating immune system activation), 10% will have nephritis (inflamed kidneys), and 10% will have pneumonitis (inflamed lungs). DRESS syndrome is often severe and can result in death if not diagnosed early – thus the warnings to see your doctor immediately if you develop a rash after taking strontium ranelate.
In his excellent YouTube presentation on strontium, Dr. Brunnel, discussing strontium ranelate, notes that “99-93% of the ranelic acids is excreted unchanged within a week.” I have a question and a comment to make in regards to this. My question is “What has happened to the up to 7% of ranelic acid that is NOT excreted from the body? What is it doing?” And my comment is that it is important to realize that just because something is excreted does not mean it did not do anything on its way through the body. Ranelic acid is a new-to-nature, never seen by the human body, compound. Simply assuming it is inert and is not going to do anything inside the human body is questionable – and the side effects associated with the use of strontium ranelate suggest this assumption is incorrect.
The latest review of the evidence confirming strontium ranelate may produce potentially lethal adverse effects has just been published in Prescrire International, March 21, 2012. The title of this review? “Strontium ranelate: too many adverse effects: Do not use.”
Since VTE and DRESS syndrome are likely to result in death, why expose yourself to any increased risk for them when you can take strontium citrate, proven to be a natural, safe and effective form of strontium?
Strontium Citrate is Not Only Safe, But Delivers an Important Added Benefit To Your Bones
While working my way through the last 30 years of research on strontium, I mentioned to my husband, Dr. Joe Pizzorno, that I was looking into the safety and effectiveness of natural forms of strontium versus the patented drug, strontium ranelate. His response was that the “citrate” form of natural strontium, specifically, should be the best.
The reason for this is that – unlike ranelic acid, a weird hydra-headed molecule never before seen by the human body – citrate actually helps make the body’s pH more alkaline. This is very important because it helps prevent the low-grade metabolic acidosis – an overly acidic pH –that is caused by a diet too high in protein, is quite common in the U.S. and Canada, and causes bone loss. In fact, this is such an important health issue that Joe recently wrote an article about it, which was published in the British Journal of Nutrition in April 2010.
Data from US Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) shows that the average American diet (i.e., the typical Western diet) is acid-producing and results in a state of chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis. This increases bone loss because an acid pH is a strong activator of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. In this case, the osteoclasts’ activity is ramped up because when bone is broken down, calcium is released, and calcium restores a more alkaline pH.
Taking strontium, specifically in the form of strontium citrate, will help you maintain a more alkaline pH.
Strontium Impacts DEXA Results
It is true that strontium affects DEXA results. Strontium has a larger atomic number (Z=38) than calcium (Z=20). This causes the DEXA BMD reading to be overestimated.
Here are the facts on this from the most recently published paper discussing this issue: “If 1% of calcium atoms in hydroxyapatite are replaced by strontium, BMD measurements are increased by 10% although the net mass of bone mineral increases by only 0.5%.
The key issue here, however, is “What is the practical importance of this for you?” What does this say about strontium’s ability to help you maintain healthy bones and prevent fractures?
Bottom line: Strontium increases BMD. Well, what’s wrong with that? Is the DXA still useful? Absolutely, an improvement in your DXA shows that you are responding positively to treatment with strontium, that your BMD is increasing, and your risk for fracture is decreasing.
So, yes, BMD as measured by DXA will be over-estimated in people taking strontium, but what really matters here is that strontium treatment increases bone mass and reduces fracture risk. DXA is useful in that it shows whether you are responding (absorbing strontium well), and a better DXA score still correlates with lower risk for fractures.
Strontium Does NOT Increase Risk For Fractures – Quite The Opposite
If one is going to make a claim like “Several studies conclude that strontium causes the outer cortical bone to become thicker, actually reducing tensile strength. This increases the risk of fractures,” it should be backed up with footnotes citing these studies, and they should be bona fide, peer-reviewed papers accessible on PubMed.
Since no references were provided to substantiate this claim, I ran a search on PubMed for these “several studies” and could find nary a one. What I found were papers showing the exact opposite.
In animal studies (discussed in the 161-page report on strontium by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry cited above), strontium has been proven to improve BMD without altering bone stiffness.
Numerous papers (way too many references to list them all – I provide many more in Your Bones — here are just a few of the significant papers:,,) reporting the results of the SOTI and TROPOS trials — large, multi-center human trials that together involved ~7,000 postmenopausal women (many of whom had already had an osteoporotic fracture when they began treatment with strontium) — show strontium greatly reduces risk of vertebral, femur and hip fractures in as little as 1 year. Other studies have produced similar results, but SOTI and TROPOS are the largest, and have been running the longest.
A key aspect of the SOTI (Spinal Osteoporosis Therapeutic Intervention) and TROPOS (Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis Study) trials was the advanced age of most of the subjects compared with many previous osteoporosis trials: 23% of the combined study populations were aged 80 years or older at enrolment. In women older than 80 years, strontium produced a 55% reduction for vertebral fractures over the first year of treatment and a 32% reduction over 3 years.
In the SOTI trial, which included 1,649 patients whose average age was 70 years, at the end of the first year, women taking strontium had a 49% lower risk of a new radiographic [seen on x-ray] vertebral fracture compared to women given a placebo. The risk of a clinically symptomatic vertebral fracture was 52% lower. After 3 years, the strontium group had a 41% lower risk of a new radiographic fracture, and the incidence of clinically symptomatic vertebral fractures was 38% lower. When the 4-year data were reported, they showed a 33% reduction in radiographic vertebral fractures.
In the TROPOS study, an even larger trial with 5,091 patients whose average age was 77 years, strontium produced a risk reduction of 16% in vertebral fractures and a 19% reduction in risk of non-vertebral fractures (e.g., hip, femur, wrist, ribs, etc.) In TROPOS, in the subgroup of women at highest risk of fracture (women 74 years of age or older who had a low femoral neck BMD score), strontium reduced the risk of hip fracture 36%. Over 3 years, the reduction in vertebral fracture risk was 39% and was similar even for patients who had already had a vertebral fracture when the study began. The 5-year data showed a 24% reduction in vertebral fracture risk.
The most recent paper, published November 2011, reports the results of 10 years of strontium use in the postmenopausal osteoporotic women who, after participating in the SOTI and TROPOS studies for 5 years, were invited to enter a 5-year extension, during which they received strontium ranelate at a dose of 2 grams/day. The results: vertebral fracture risk was reduced by 31%, nonvertebral fracture risk by 27%, major nonvertebral fracture risk by 33%, and hip fracture risk by 24%.
Obviously, these results run counter to the claim that strontium increases fracture risk!
Why You Shouldn’t Take Calcium and Strontium At The Same Time of Day
In short, strontium competes with calcium for absorption…and calcium wins: “The simultaneous intake of strontium and calcium remarkably reduces the bio-availability of strontium.”
For this reason, it is best to take strontium supplements and calcium at different times of day to get the most benefit.
In the strict sense Strontium should be had an hour before breakfast time and approximately three hours after dinner.  In other words, it should be had on an empty stomach. In almost a contrast of dosage timings, Calcium is taken with food so that when food nutrients are being metabolised, the calcium absorption happens along with the other nutrients in the same digestive phase.
However, it seems almost impractical to follow the schedule mentioned above, without making it the follow-up/tracking and focus of the whole day on which supplement is to be had at what time. So why do the doctors set apart the timings of the two supplements? The answer lies in the way Strontium and Calcium are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tracts.
It is understood by the medical fraternity that both the Strontium and the calcium supplements are absorbed in our gastrointestinal tracts using the same mechanism. Thus, if we take both the supplements together or at the same time, the two will compete for absorption by the body. Studies run on this issue have demonstrated that when the two supplements are taken together, the system absorbs twice as much Calcium than it does Strontium. This makes the bioavailability of Strontium an issue despite taking the supplement.
A report published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) titled Osseor, INN-strontium ranelate Summary of Product Characteristics) – clearly says that intake of food, milk, derivative products as well as medicines reduces the bioavailability of Strontium by as much as 60% – 70%. For this reason, it goes on to recommend that strontium products should be separated by at least two hours from food intake time.
In fact, the dynamics of the two supplements can also be looked at from another perspective – from that of how they work once they are absorbed into the blood stream. Both Strontium and Calcium supplements work in very similar ways, they excite the calcium receptors which in turn trigger bone formation. This means the production of osteoblasts (i.e bone cells responsible for bone formation) now begins and there is a reduction in the production of osteoclasts (i.e. bone cells responsible for removal of bone tissue and bone minerals) Together the process helps to increase bone density.  When we take both these supplements together, both the minerals will compete for ‘x’ number or volume of calcium receptors with calcium overtaking Strontium and thus rendering the intake of strontium supplement less than optimum. Since it is important that Calcium and Vitamin D be taken along with Strontium for it to be able to deliver the maximum bone health benefits, it is advisable that the intake of Calcium and Strontium be taken apart from one another in the way prescribed by the doctors.
Strontium Questions, Answered
I have added the following questions from readers regarding strontium in the video below.
So this question was sent into me, actually it’s two questions by a lovely gentleman whose wife has begun taking strontium and he wanted to know:
“My wife wants to take the strontium in the morning with her coffee, she puts about 3 tablespoons of half and half in her coffee. Will the half and half prevent the absorption of strontium or compromise its effectiveness in any way?”
So that was his first question. So unfortunately, even though a tablespoon of half and half, the amount that is usually used in a cup of coffee, contains only 16 mg of calcium, certainly not much, but since it does contains calcium and calcium and strontium require the same pathways for absorption and the calcium will always outcompete strontium in this competition, your wife will receive the most benefit from taking her strontium a couple of hours before she consumes any calcium containing food or supplement, including half and half.
He also wanted to know:
“How long does it take for strontium to be absorbed into the system? How long after taking strontium would it be safe to eat or drink dairy products without them interfering with the strontium?”
Well, it’s best to wait at least an hour, but two hours would be optimal. The research that has been done has looked at how quickly strontium labeled in different foods, in other words strontium in the food matrix was absorbed into the body and the amount of time it took ranged from 60-120 minutes. In other words, 1-2 hours after the food was consumed. Since supplemental strontium does not have to be released by the food matrix, it should be absorbed more quickly than strontium found in food. But to get the most from your strontium supplement, I would suggesting waiting 1.5-2 hours before consuming any calcium rich foods.
Strontium Citrate Has Much To Offer Your Bones!
I hope this discussion of the research findings helps put your mind at ease regarding strontium. Strontium has much to offer your bones! We now know that strontium not only lessens osteoclast production and bone resorption (so unlike the bisphosphonates, e.g. Fosamax™, Boniva™, or the latest osteoporosis drug on the block, denosumab, e.g. Prolia™, strontium does not prevent healthy bone remodeling), but also boosts osteoblast production and bone synthesis. What’s not to like about that?
No adverse effects have been associated with the natural forms of strontium when calcium and vitamin D are also supplied.
The only precautions are: take more calcium than strontium, for best results take strontium at a different time of day from when you take your calcium, and take a natural form of strontium – all of which you will automatically be doing if you follow the AlgaeCal protocol.
- ^Neufeld EB, Boskey AL. Strontium alters the complexed acidic phospholipid content of mineralizing tissues. Bone. 1994 Jul-Aug;15(4):425-30. PMID: 7917582
- ^Ozgur S, Sumer H, Kocoglu G. Rickets and soil strontium. Arch Dis Child. 1996 Dec;75(6):524-6. PMID: 9014608
- ^Centers for Disease Control’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Health Effects of Strontium report accessible @ http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp159-c3.pdf
- ^Osborne V, Layton D, Perrio M, et al. Incidence of venous thromboembolism in users of strontium ranelate: an analysis of data from a prescription-event monitoring study in England. Drug Saf. 2010 Jul 1;33(7):579-91. doi: 10.2165/11533770-000000000-00000. PMID: 20553059
- ^Le Merlouette M, Adamski H, Dinulescu M, et al. Strontium ranelate-induced DRESS syndrome. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2011 Feb;138(2):124-8. Epub 2010 Dec 16. PMID: 21333824
- ^Jonville-Bera AP, Autret-Leca E. Adverse drug reactions of strontium ranelate(Protelos(®) in France).Presse Med. 2011 Oct;40(10):e453-62. Epub 2011 Aug PMID: 21885232
- ^No authors listed. Strontium: new drug. Postmenopausal osteoporosis: too many unknowns. Prescrire Int. 2005 Dec;14(80):207-11. PMID: 16397977
- ^No authors listed. Strontium ranelate: too many adverse effects (continued) Do not use. Prescrire Int. 2012 Mar;21(125):72. PMID: 22428195
- ^Pizzorno J, Frassetto LA, Katzinger J. Diet-induced acidosis: is it real and clinically relevant? Br J Nutr. 2010 Apr;103(8):1185-94. Epub 2009 Dec 15.
- ^Bärenholdt O, Kolthoff N, Nielsen SP. Effect of long-term treatment with strontium ranelate on bone strontium content. Bone. 2009 Aug;45(2):200-6. Epub 2009 Apr 17. PMID: 19376283
- ^Belissa-Chatelain P, Dupin-Roger I, Cournarie F, et al. Re: “Effect of long-term treatment with strontium ranelate on bone strontium content” by Bärenholdt et al. (Bone, 2009). Bone. 2009 Nov;45(5):1024-5; author reply 1026-7. Epub 2009 Jul 17. PMID: 19616656
- ^Meunier PJ, Roux C, Ortolani S, et al. Effects of long-term strontium ranelate treatment on vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2009 Oct;20(10):1663-73. Epub 2009 Jan 20. PMID: 19153678
- ^Reginster JY, Seeman E, De Vernejoul MC, et al. Strontium ranelate reduces the risk of nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: Treatment of Peripheral Osteoporosis (TROPOS) study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 May;90(5):2816-22. Epub 2005 Feb 22. PMID: 15728210
- ^Reginster JY, Felsenberg D, Boonen S, et al. Effects of long-term strontium ranelate treatment on the risk of nonvertebral and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis: Results of a five-year, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Jun;58(6):1687-95. PMID: 18512789
- ^Reginster JY, Kaufman JM, Goemaere S, et al. Maintenance of antifracture efficacy over 10 years with strontium ranelate in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2011 Nov 29. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22124575
- ^Reginster JY. Strontium ranelate in osteoporosis. Curr Pharm Des. 2002;8(21):1907-16. PMID: 12171530
- Can You Take Calcium with Strontium?; End Fatigue; December, 2011; http://www.endfatigue.com/health_articles_o-q/Osteoporosis-calcium_with_strontium.html
- Summary of Product Characteristics (Page 4); European Medicines Agency; December, 2011;http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/000561/WC500051121.pdf
- Strontium Support II (Video); Innovative Research Scientific Integrity; December, 2011; http://www.aor.ca/html/products.php?id=97
- Bonnelye E, Chabadel A, Saltel F, et al. Dual effect of strontium ranelate: stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast formation and resorption in vitro. Bone. 2008 Jan;42(1):129-38. Epub 2007 Sep 12. PMID: 17945546

domain: medical


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Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits A meta-analysis
Journal of psychosomatic research
Format: Journal Article
Publication Year: n.d.
Sources ID: 22279
Zotero Collections: Contemplation by Applied Subject, Psychiatry and Contemplation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction / Cognitive Therapy, Psychotherapy and Contemplation, Health Care and Contemplation
Objective: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a structured group program that employs mindfulness meditation to alleviate suffering associated with physical, psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders. The program, nonreligious and nonesoteric, is based upon a systematic procedure to develop enhanced awareness of moment-to-moment experience of perceptible mental processes. The approach assumes that greater awareness will provide more veridical perception, reduce negative affect and improve vitality and coping. In the last two decades, a number of research reports appeared that seem to support many of these claims. We performed a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished studies of health-related studies related to MBSR. Methods: Sixty-four empirical studies were found, but only 20 reports met criteria of acceptable quality or relevance to be included in the meta-analysis. Reports were excluded due to (I) insufficient information about interventions, (2) poor quantitative health evaluation, (3) inadequate statistical analysis, (4) mindfulness not being the central component of intervention, or (5) the setting of intervention or sample composition deviating too widely from the health-related MBSR program. Acceptable studies covered a wide spectrum of clinical populations (e.g., pain, cancer, heart disease, depression, and anxiety), as well as stressed nonclinical groups. Both controlled and observational investigations were included. Standardized measures of physical and mental well-being constituted the dependent variables of the analysis. Results: Overall, both controlled and uncontrolled studies showed similar effect sizes of approximately 0.5 (P <.0001) with homogeneity of distribution. Conclusion: Although derived from a relatively small number of studies, these results suggest that MBSR may help a broad range of individuals to cope with their clinical and nonclinical problems.


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There's no place like home.
The 26-year-old singer posted a video on Thursday of her mom's dog named Kitty -- who's actually a huge Great Dane -- who obviously can't get enough of the "Style" singer.
"Thank you, thanks for the hug," Taylor deadpans as the dog adorably crawls all over her while she's lying on the couch.
Obviously, Kitty has no sense of personal space.
"My mom's dog is named Kitty. And yet, she is nothing like a cat," Taylor captioned the sweet video of Kitty giving her a few dog kisses.
On Tuesday, Taylor made plenty of her fans envious, when she Instagrammed dreamy shots of herself and her handsome beau on vacation, in what appears to be a tropical paradise.
And Calvin, 32, couldn't help but show off his girl's incredible bikini bod.

domain: celebrity