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Ask Us Anything
When It's Right It's…Um
Sometimes you just know. But more often than not, you’ve got questions. Is he right? Is she the one? It’s tough to know when things are worth working on or it’s better to quit while you’re ahead. Ask Us Anything about your relationship.
How do you make something official? I've kind of had a thing with this one guy since April. We go out and he buys me movies and dinner and ice cream, and I go over to his house every Sunday, but when someone asked him if I was his girlfriend, he said no - before turning to me and asking, "Are you?" I told him I could if he wanted me to be, he need only ask, but when he said he was too afraid to ask, I did instead. He asked to think about it, but hasn't brought it up since. How do I try to further this without being pushy or clingy?
It sounds like you and this guy are both a little bit confused as to where you stand in your relationship. It’s really tough to be in that gray area. If you’ve already given him plenty of time to think about it, it’s totally fair to ask him if he’s come to a decision. Approach it gently, but if you guys are already friends, you might both have concerns about a relationship that you want to address. A really common concern for people going from friendship to relationship is maintaining the friendship that brought you guys together in the first place. If you have an honest conversation and get all of your concerns out in the open, it will be better for your relationship in the long run, whether you decide to stay friends or begin dating.I find this helpful
Is it right to like a guy who you know is a player, even though you had some good times together in the past?
Sometimes you can’t help being attracted to someone—even if you know that he can be a heartbreaker! It’s totally fine and normal to be attracted to this type of guy, and, hey, you aren’t alone in your crush if he has a reputation for being a player. Reputation isn’t everything, and its fine to give this guy a chance, but you might want to proceed with a little bit of caution if you want to move from having a crush to dating this guy.I find this helpful
Me and my boyfriend have been dating for 6 months. We are super great together and we understand each other well. But lately something has been seeming very off to me. It's making me question if our relationship is going to last. I haven't been feeling that same excited feeling every time I see him because we have been having a lot of arguements lately. The past week or two over really stupid things. So my question is...does this mean I'm not in love with him anymore? Is this the end? We've done so much and been through so much together I'm so scared. He's such a good boyfriend.
The best thing that you can do is talk to your boyfriend—if you’ve been feeling like something is off between the two of you, chances are, he noticed too. If you want a resolution, you have to be honest with each other about what’s bothering you in the relationship. You might be able to resolve whatever is causing these fights, and it will make your relationship stronger. However, sometimes feelings change, and you might decide being in a relationship isn’t the best choice for you anymore. That doesn’t mean that either of you aren’t good people or that he wasn’t a good boyfriend, but people can grow apart. If you do feel that you want to break up, it’s best to sit down and have an honest conversation where you tell him how you feel as soon as possible. If that’s the case, it’s not fair to either of you to stay in a relationship that isn’t fulfilling or honest.I find this helpful
I've been friends with this guy off and on since middle school, we kept saying that we were going to go out. I'm now starting my senior year and we just went on our first date. With the way our friendship was off and on, should I worry about the same thing in a relationship? (Obviously we've dated other people until the present)
Think about why your friendship was off and on; was it because it was middle school and it was just an awkward time for everyone, or was it something else? You’ve both come a long way since middle school, so it’s fine to give him the benefit of the doubt while still keeping an eye out for “hot and cold” behavior. The best thing that you can do in this situation is to tell him how you’re feeling. It’s really important to have open communication in a relationship, so it’s definitely fine to let him know you were hurt when you guys stopped talking before, and are concerned about your relationship going forward. If you encourage him to share his feelings, you can make sure that you both are on the same page, which will help your relationship long term.I find this helpful
So I've been seeing this guy for a while and I really like him, and we want to date, but it seems he's waiting for something and I don't know what. I've asked him too about it, but its hard to understand. Do I wait it out and see what happens? Or...
If you’re tired of waiting and this guy has avoided the question about what he’s waiting for, it might be worth it to ask him again or to ask him to hang out solo and see where it goes from there. You also might decide that you’re tired of waiting—that’s totally okay too! You don’t have any obligation to wait around for someone who won’t give you a straight answer, and if this guy refuses to talk about your relationship, you might be better off looking for someone new.I find this helpful
I've liked this guy for almost three years and throughout those years we've talked about trying to go out but people always get in the way. Like has turned into love recently, but now he thinks he's in love with one of my close friends. I don't think I can restrain myself anymore. Should I wait?
It’s really difficult to navigate this kind of relationship when you’re somewhere between just friends and a couple. It might be scary, but the best way to figure out what’s going on inside of his head is to have a conversation with him. If you guys have talked about going out before, that’s a good jumping off point to ask where you stand now. The conversation might go really well—which is awesome! But, if he really does like your friend, that might be tough to hear, but at least you’ll have a definite answer as to what’s going on, and that could be the first step in moving past this. There’s no perfect formula for how relationships are supposed to be and no way to perfectly predict what’s going on in a guy’s head, so the best way to figure out what’s going on is to just ask him.I find this helpful
Me and my boyfriend live in different states. After I went back home we told each other that we loved each other. Last night he asked me if when I come back to visit we could do it, and I don't know if we should?
If you’re having doubts about sex, you might not be ready—and that’s totally okay! Sex is a big decision, and it’s important that both you and your boyfriend are comfortable with taking this step. Long distance relationships can put a lot of pressure on couples to have sex because you guys don’t see each other as often, but that’s not a reason to jump into something if you don’t feel ready. If you do decide to have sex, it’s super important to use protection! If you’re not on birth control or if you just want to understand all of the options available to you, check out our Birth Control Explorer.I find this helpful
Me and my boyfriend have been together for 9 months everything was perfect until he become friends with this guy that didn't like me. His friend would try everything to break us up and then my boyfriend started pulling away, like he wouldn't talk much, he would always talk to his friend and do stuff with his friend and leave me out. It made me feel like his friend was more important than me, and it would take him hours to text me back. Every hour I would get a text from him and I started losing trust. I thought he was seeing another girl, and now he and his friend aren’t friends any more. Things are lot better but it still takes him a long time to text me back and every time I ask to call him he makes up something like he will always say he's busy or something. I want to trust him but I can't, I think he’s cheating on me, but I just need to know how could I find out ??
It sounds like this guy is doing some shady things, but the best way to know for sure what’s going on is to talk to him face to face. You also might want to take some time to think about what you’re getting out of this relationship. It’s clear that you really care for this guy, but if he isn’t being respectful to you—and it doesn’t sound like he is—it might be time to look for someone new. You deserve someone who will be loving and attentive, no matter what his friends think about the relationship!I find this helpful
I have been with my boyfriend almost 10 months now. We have been fighting lately for dumb reasons. One thing that really bothers me is the fact that when something happens to me that has to do with a guy and I decide to tell him, he goes off on me. Even though it's not my fault. For example I was walking home from church and a guy asked if I wanted a ride and for my number. I told him this and he questioned everything. It was as if he thought it was my fault. He is also always stating what a relationship is all about, communication, trust and understanding yet when it comes down to it he dosent follow through. I really love him so much but I don't know how much of this behavior from his part, I can take. I don't know how to approach him about this without offending him, making him feel bad and me ending up being the bad guy. What can I do? Is his behavior normal? Can he change?
Controlling behavior is not normal, and it’s not something that you should have to deal with in a relationship. It’s really good that you know this is not your fault—because it isn’t. If you want to talk to this guy about his behavior, try to focus on how what he’s doing makes you feel rather than that you just don’t like it. You might also want to take some time to think about your relationship. Ten months is a long time, but people can change or grow apart, especially when you’re both young. Above everything, it’s important that you feel safe in your relationship, and if you feel unsafe at any point, please tell a trusted adult or friend who can help you figure out what to do next. LoveIsRespect.org has even more resources that might help you figure out what to do next.I find this helpful
This guy I really like (and his friends have lead me to believe he might like me too) has done "it" before and I'm afraid there would pressure to have sex if we dated. What do I do to avoid that?
If you know you’re not ready for sex, make that clear from the beginning. If this guy is worth your time, he will respect your decision. Dating a more experienced partner can be intimidating, but relationships can be just as good without sex. Just because this guys has had sex before doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll expect it right away in a new relationship. The best thing that you can do is have an honest conversation about how far you’re comfortable going early in your relationship. There’s no specific time when you’re supposed to have sex—it’s all about when you and your partner are ready.I find this helpful
Me and my best friend really like each other ,we have talked about it a lot...and I really want to ask him out but I don't know if I should...I don't want to lose him as a friend..
That’s a really tricky situation! Going from a friendship to a relationship can be a difficult transition, and it makes a lot of sense that you don’t want to lose him as a friend. If you’re scared to bring up dating out of the blue, you might want to wait for a conversation about your friendship to act as a natural segue. You said that you guys have talked about liking each other quite a bit, so bringing up your future during one of those conversations may be easier than just asking him out. It might still be scary, but you guys both deserve to be out of this gray area between friendship and dating!I find this helpful
He is very jealous and tries to be controlling, should I stay away from him?
Jealousy and the need for control are not ingredients for a healthy relationship, so if this guy is exhibiting both of these traits, you might want to stay away from him. You deserve to be in a good relationship, with someone who treats you well and makes you feel safe. Controlling behavior is the opposite of that. If you ever feel unsafe, please tell a friend or trusted adult who can help you figure out what do next, or check out the resources at loveisrespect.org.I find this helpful
My "love interest" doesn't want people to know that we want to date. I've been in love with him for years and I think he's the one, and I understand his reasons for not wanting people to know about us, but... He's constantly talking about things like his friend trying to hook him up with girls and such. It upsets me that he doesn't speak out and tell his friends that he's involved with me and to quit trying to get him a gf. How do I tell him how I feel about everything without seeming like I'm jealous/completely obsessed with him?
If you guys have been seeing each other for a while, it’s totally okay for you to question why he’s keeping it a secret. There can be a tendency in relationships to want to seem “laid back” and not possessive, but if something is making you uncomfortable, you should definitely tell this guy. Confront him calmly and outline your concerns, focusing on how this behavior makes you feel, rather than the fact that you don’t like it. You deserve to be in a relationship with open communication and trust, so even though it might be scary to bring this up, having a talk with this guy is the best way to really understand what’s going on in his head.I find this helpful

domain: psychology


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Can you imagine how amazing this would be? I'm not saying binge on packaged ramen. I'm talking about a ramen diet with fresh wholesome ingredients. Maybe some soba noodles and homemade broth. MMMMMMMmmmm. Can someone PLEASE make this happen!? Let's find a nutritionist, I'll illustrate the recipes, and we will make this happen!
How do you like your ramen? I take mine with an egg, fresh green onion, and if I'm splurging, some mushrooms. Plus, I am all about super spicy Korean flavors.

domain: food


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No points for neighbourhood criterion at some schools
At Apeejay School, Saket and Apeejay School Pitampura there are 10 criteria, including alumni, girl child and first child, based on which applicants are being allotted points.Nursery admissions 2016 Updated: Jan 06, 2016 14:37 IST
Some of the schools in Delhi are not giving any points for neighbourhood criterion for nursery admissions under the general category making it difficult for many parents to make it to the list.
At Apeejay School, Saket and Apeejay School Pitampura there are 10 criteria, including alumni, girl child and first child, based on which applicants are being allotted points.
Some schools are also allotting points to applicants whose parents or grandparents are doctors, civil servants, armed forces, martyrs and diplomatic corps. Though these criteria are discriminatory, DoE officials said they haven’t decided to take an action yet as the schools have autonomy to fix their criteria.
Most of the schools have kept distance as one of the main criterion while allotting points for nursery admissions. According to Ganguly Committee Report on nursery admissions, children living in the neighbourhood should be given priority in admissions.
At Modern School, Vasant Vihar and Raghubir Singh Junior Model School there are no points for neighbourhood criterion. Both the schools have given 40 points each for general category.
“If schools don’t give points to applicants living in the area then parents will be forced to send kids to far-off schools,” said Pankaj Malhotra, father of a 3-year-old.
However, schools maintained they are not flouting any rules. Principal Apeejay Pitampura, DK Bedi, said that there is no compulsion on the schools to follow the distance criteria. “People use the criteria for all the wrong reasons and to their own advantage... The applicants give false documents to deceive the school and I don’t see any logic in the criteria,” he said.
Directorate of Education had recently asked schools to adopt clear, well defined, equitable, non-discriminatory, unambiguous and transparent criteria for admissions.
“Many schools have given 20-50 points to neighbourhood which is the main criteria. Some schools have not allocated a single point to neighbourhood that means parents staying in that area won’t have any scope of admission as all the criteria are discriminatory points,” said Sumit Vohra, who runs an online portal on nursery admissions.

domain: sociology


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There are many board certified veterinary specialties. Most fall under two categories, the American Colllege of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). In addition there are other specialties such as board certified veterinary ophthalmologists, dentists, behaviorists, and radiologists.
Each Veterinary Specialty Board has their own websites with more information. Visiting thes websites which are linked below can give you access to great information and handouts on the conditions that they treat.
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
This web site form the ACVIM has video describing the value of a specialist. It also has a nice link to fact sheets on diseases and symptoms provided by the ACVIM for conditions that commonly require internal medicine referral care.
American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Owner Info
This website from the ACVS has more information about surgical specialists, it has several pet owner links and also has informative handouts with information on various conditions that might require referral to a surgical specialist.
American Veterinary Dental College
American College of Veterinary Dermatologists ACVD
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists ACVO
American College Of Veterinary Behaviorists ACVB

domain: pet


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IUI: Intrauterine Insemination
The IUI Treatment Program at San Diego Fertility Center
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), otherwise called managed impregnation, is a richness strategy in which sperm are washed, focused, and infused specifically into a lady’s uterus. The most widely recognized signs for IUI are cervical bodily fluid anomalies, low sperm check, low sperm motility, expanded sperm thickness or antisperm antibodies, unexplained fruitlessness, and the need to utilize solidified giver sperm. In regular intercourse, just a small amount of the sperm make it past the lady’s cervical bodily fluid into the uterus. IUI builds the quantity of sperm in the fallopian tubes, where preparation happens.
Studies demonstrate that IUI, or manual semen injection, is best when it is combined with ripeness medicates that enlist different follicles. This method regularly is called controlled ovarian incitement and IUI.
IUI now and again is suggested for couples with unspecified fruitlessness who have been endeavoring to have an infant for six to a year. You ought to have an intensive fruitlessness assessment before attempting IUI.
Male Partner Requirements for IUI
IUI depends on the regular capacity of sperm to prepare an egg in the fallopian tubes. Studies demonstrate that IUI won’t be viable in situations where the male has low sperm tallies or poor sperm shape (otherwise called sperm morphology). Sperm tests are required, in this manner, with a specific end goal to demonstrate:
- Sperm count (number of sperm per cc)
- Sperm motility (percentage of sperm moving)
- Sperm morphology (shape)
Female Patient Requirements for IUI
The patient should have normal day 3 blood test results, open fallopian tubes, and a normal uterine cavity.
- Women with ovulatory disorders can be candidates for IUI if they respond adequately to fertility drugs. In these cases, hormone treatments stimulate follicle growth and the IUI is timed to take place after ovulation is induced. Hormone treatments are usually used even for women without an ovulatory disorder.
- Women with mild endometriosis may benefit from IUI if they do not have a distortion of the pelvic structures.
- Women with severely damaged or blocked fallopian tubes are not candidates for IUI.

domain: biology


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''DELICIOUSLY silly,'' is how Ruth Page describes the plot of ''Die Fledermaus,'' and ''just a little bit naughty.'' The famed choreographer, now in her late 80's, is on hand tonight - at 8 on Channel 21, at 9 on Channel 13 - to introduce her ballet version of the 1874 operetta by Johann Strauss. Dr. Falke, the bat of the title, does have his revenge, she assures us, but no lives are ruined because, as in any enduring bit of froth, all is forgiven.
Ms. Page created the work in 1961. For this taped version, produced by Thea Flaum and directed by Dick Carter, she has overseen the re-staging by Larry Long, her associate for 25 years and the director of the Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance. The production was performed before an audience at the restored Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Ill., some 30 miles outside Chicago. The music, recorded earlier in stereo in a studio, is under the baton of George Daugherty. The scenery and costumes are by Andre Delfau, who met Ms. Page when hired to work on the original ''Die Fledermaus'' ballet. The choreographer was subsequently widowed, and she and the designer were married in 1983.
All of which is by way of intimating that this particular production is something of a family affair, mounted with what is obviously loving care. An international cast has been assembled for the occasion. The scheming Dr. Falke is impersonated by Valery Panov, an accomplished character dancer. The leading pair of husband-and-wife lovers, the von Eisensteins, are portrayed by Galina Panov and Richard Cragun, the Californian who went on to become leading dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet. The second pair, Adele the maid and Otto the valet, are danced by two American Ballet Theater stars, Marianna Tcherkassky and Australia's Danilo Radojevic.
The result is an attractive exercise that, while always rather endearing, is never quite as exciting as it clearly intends. Its effervescence is not consistently heady. What we get is the story of the Strauss work told more or less straightforwardly with a judicious mixture of mime and set dance pieces. After being tied to a lamppost by a bunch of late-night revelers led by von Eisenstein, the humiliated Falke sets about arranging his own ball and tricking von Eisenstein into seducing his own wife. Heartiness and broadness are of the essence.
Mr. Carter, the director, takes pains to remind the viewer that the performance is in a theater. The camera keeps pulling back from the stage to reveal the heads of the audience. At one point, we are even given a glimpse of the theater's refurbished ceiling, evidently meant to elicit favorable comparison with some of the rococo masterpieces of old Vienna. The gambit misfires, hampered by, among other things, inadequate lighting.
The audience is supportive, applauding even the music when the more familiar Strauss waltzes are heard. But it's not until the ball itself and the flirtatious duet for von Eisenstein's wife and Otto that the performance reaches its true bubbly potential. Mrs. Panov and Mr. Radojevic are indeed sparkling. And the rest of this ''Die Fledermaus'' happily becomes the light confection it was meant to be.Continue reading the main story

domain: entertainment


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007 – Casino Royale
A night of high rolling excitement began when the guests entered thru an authentic grand archway façade. A customized sign greeted all with “Welcome to The 007 Casino Royale Party”. Once inside the ballroom, guests felt as though they were actually in “Salon Privee” directly out of the movie! Suspended around the perimeter of the ballroom were eight (8) large panels of rich burgundy velvet curtain swaged and tied with gold tassels. The fabric was rich in color complete with gold fringe. Each of these panels were up lit to create an elegant glow throughout the room. The stage treatment consisted of a black backdrop accented by white stretched spandex featuring a custom logo gobo of the 007 Casino Royale. Directly in front of the stage was a large white dance floor with the 007 logo prominently displayed. Distinctive lighted LED bars were on hand and throughout the night the lighted bars changed color creating a unique touch to this great night. Dinner tables were covered with black floor length linen with an Aston Martin DB-5 centerpiece to enhance the theme of this program. Burgundy and gold napkins accented.
Additionally, we provided a full casino gaming section for guests to enjoy throughout the night following dinner. Black Jack, Craps, Roulette, Slot Machines… Showtime provided the games and dealers to make this night a big hit!
The Garden Party
Guests were impressed through sight, sound and smell as they entered the gardens at this welcome party!
Creating a unique look at the entrance to the ballroom and in the cocktail area, we installed a beautiful botanical garden. Large vignettes of plants and fresh colorful florals were strategically placed to establish the theme early. Roman columns and urns on pedestals were found throughout this area overflowing with greenery and beautiful flowers. Additional stone statues were placed “in the garden” with fresh greenery at the base. Colorful spotlighting enhanced this entrance area and completed this incredible look!
Once the guests entered the main ballroom, they saw a continuation of the “garden” theme. There were a variety of “gardens” throughout the main function area. To one side was a fresh green “lawn” complete with croquet and bocce for guests to enjoy. In another area, we featured a beautiful “sunflower” patch. In yet another, a beautiful fresh “rose garden”!
The tables featured checkered linen alternating between red, green, yellow and blue. This was the perfect look for this dinner to be enjoyed in a beautiful “garden”. Each table alternated between a glass vase with fresh cut florals and a hand made basket featuring fresh picked fruit as a showcase.
Additionally, fresh greenery, lush trees and florals accented the food buffet stations and bar areas. A large hand painted mural backdrop of a lush garden accented the stage area. This was a fresh new and beautiful theme concept that guests truly enjoyed.
Showtime Events created an unbelievable series of events over the course of 6 days for National City Bank in Sanibel Island, Florida, April 22nd – 27th. Dittman Incentive Marketing was hired by National City Bank to produce an incentive marketing program that would create a unique and profitable experience for National City employees. Dittman Incentive Marketing turned to Showtime Events to make it happen!
The event was a three-day excursion for winners in beautiful western Florida. National City had two separate groups of winners and decided to do back to back programs based on size and company demographics. They looked to Showtime to design, create and produce and incredible set of events that topped a fantastic program the previous year.
The guests flew in to sunny Florida for their excursion, while the staff at Showtime Events set out to create an impressive week.
The welcome reception was designed as a casino night and scheduled to be installed out doors around the pool to allow guests to enjoy the great weather and scenery. Over 500 guests were expected in the first group, so a large installation of gaming tables, dining rounds, cocktail tables, décor and A/V production were schedule for this night. There was minimal house lighting in this area, so area lighting was also required. The equipment, décor, and games were put into place and the finishing touches put on prior to the guests arrival. Guests enjoyed themselves immensely this evening with great food, great drinks, casino games, and dancing, as the kick off to an incredible incentive program began.
Day two was a “Great Restaurants” evening in which the guests were transported to a restaurant of their choice on Sanibel Island. Multiple restaurants were secured and made available for the groups that evening. Back in the ballroom at the resort, the Showtime staff was installing the first phase of the final night. The audio, lighting and video production was all put into place at this time. The entire A/V rig was installed into the ceiling and tested, to be ready for rehearsals the following day.
The following day (day 3), the décor crew started early installing all aspects of the room décor. The crew broke into miniature teams to cover the entire ballroom in a timely fashion. By noon, the majority of the large décor was in place and the tables began to be set. As rehearsals started later that afternoon, the final décor touches, light programming and band sound checks were completed. Finally, the room was complete and ready for the awards and partying to begin!
This incredible evening began in the foyer with a cocktail reception and a great entrance to the ballroom with a facade of the legendary “Studio 54”! A “bouncer” was placed at the entrance to allow guests to randomly enter as the bouncer saw fit, just like the old New York landmark used to do. As the guests entered, they were in awe of the incredible “club like” appearance they were exposed to for their final evening. The interest heightened and everyone wanted to be the next group to be let in. This entrance was a spectacle in itself. We were able to get the guests involved and entertained prior to even entering the ballroom. The anticipation was incredible! As the guests entered, the band “Superfly” played and once everyone was seated, dinner began. Following dinner, the awards started. This was the most important part of the evening for National City and we heavily focused on specialty lighting to ensure all aspects of the awards ceremony were spectacular. Immediately following the awards, “Superfly” once again took the stage and turned the heat up to keep the party cooking all night long! It was an unbelievable night and a great ending to a great 3-day getaway for the winners!
The best part of this particular event was that although this 3-day incentive trip was done, we were only half way through. There was another group arriving that very next day looking forward to an incredible experience. It was our job to deliver.
Departure day for the first group was also arrival day for the second group (day 4). This was an intense period as Dittman Incentive Marketing handled both departures and arrivals at the same time!
The new group arriving was due to experience their “Welcome Reception” that evening. So, in preparation for that, set-up began once again poolside early in the morning. On this particular morning, rain was expected throughout the day. It was decided that we would stay outside for the event, so the set-up had to be done in such a way as to protect the equipment from the weather. We also had to be prepared for a possible move inside and have the necessary equipment, décor, and gaming available for this move. This created some adjustments for the second installation and made it a whole new set-up as new measures were put into place throughout the day. As luck would have it, it never rained and the event took place outdoors as expected. The guests loved it and partied under the stars for long after the curfew allowed!
The second group enjoyed “Great Restaurants Evening” as expected on their 2nd night (day 5)! Just as the earlier group experienced, each guest was transported by town car to a restaurant of their choice on Sanibel Island. The Showtime production team re-focused lighting and made necessary adjustments to the A/V installation this evening in preparation of rehearsals and the big awards night to come.
Lastly, the final night for the final group arrived (day 6)! The décor team took over early in the morning once again installing the incredible Disco décor treatment that created such an enormous response with the first group. As the day progressed, tables were set, rehearsals were run and the band sound check took place. Finally, it was time for the awards to begin… And what a night it was!!
Showtime Events was asked to turn an old, unattractive tradeshow floor into an intimate and elegant charity wine auction experience.
Unfortunately, the only space available that was large enough to house the elite scheduled to attend this event was not a place organizers wanted guests to see. Thus, Showtime Events created a Tuscan Wine Village concept and transformed the entire space. In the silent auction and pre-function areas, a cobblestone path with a variety of Tuscan Village vignettes were created while a hanging roof façade made of lattice, greenery and grapes gave the enormous space an intimate feel.
Creating a wall during the silent auction period was a red wine theatrical drape accented by a moving gold chiffon curtain. At the appropriate time, the gold curtain was drawn to create a dramatic entrance for guests to transition into the live auction portion of the evening.
Once guests walked through the curtain, they were amazed at the elegant room they had entered. It was completely transformed through rich fabric, impressive stage set, outrageous table treatments and intelligent lighting. Guests looked in awe around the room as they marveled at how such a transition could take place.
All that was left was for the guests to enjoy an incredible lavish dinner while the live auction raised a large amount of money for charity. The entire auction was broadcast on live IMAG and recorded for the committee. An incredible vision became reality amidst such an undesirable location!
Fire & Ice
The goal was to create the feel of continually changing temperatures and corresponding moods throughout the evening, while at the same time incorporating dramatic entertainment and visuals to compliment and complete the effect. In addition everything was choreographed to build to a crescendo performance that kicked off the rest of the night.
The room was bathed with mysterious and glowing white and soft blue specialty lighting focused on gentle white fabrics that covered the surrounding walls. This created the feeling of “ice” to welcome the guests to the evening festivities. Each table setting consisted of an acrylic table that was vividly lit from beneath with a battery operated LED light pack. Each LED pack was controlled remotely and the colors of the tables transitioned throughout the evening and in sync with the perimeter lighting changes. Satin white linens were used to create the perfect palate for the under-lighting and enhance the elegant look of each portion of the night as the room changed from ice to fire. The centerpiece for each table was a custom ice sphere with a single flame to signify the “fire” portion of the night and add to the powerful table treatment! White spandex chair covers further enhanced the theme.
The stage was the main attraction during dinner for the awards ceremony and entertainment! Headline entertainment for the evening was a dynamic fire show featuring a multitude of entertainers mystifying the crowd. This was a powerful and high energy performance that got the crowd involved and excited! Following dinner, guests danced the night away to an incredible interactive dance band.
This tropical fantasy was taken to a whole new level with lighted tables, glowing centerpieces, lighting and video effects combined with custom animated branding; each element coordinated with the other.
Our lighting producer combined all of the elements to create one of the most incredible Awards Ceremonies of 2006.
We took our client’s vision, to its maximum WOW factor by creating a Tropical Fantasy of light.
In the foyer a ‘port of call’ vignette for photo opportunities, gave only a hint of what was to come. As the guests entered the ballroom they were seated at lighted tables with glowing feather palm centerpieces, a cruise ship on the Caribbean waters was projected onto the stage backdrop to greet them.
Perimeter décor consisted of custom painted spandex murals of live palms with up lighting giving that perfect feel of a warm tropical night. Airstar cones with interior vivid LED lighting were remotely synchronized with the surrounding effects.
The entire room came together with the stage and its rear projection on a 20’ X 40’ cyc wall in combination with the intelligent lighting. The lighting effects were flawlessly interwoven with the custom made video projections. These video effects were created and edited by our in-house staff. Our clients branding was recreated with 3D computer generated modeling, along with modeled elements such as a cruise ship, a Caribbean sea, tropical landscapes and other organic shapes. Once created; these elements were animated. Shading and lighting were added and adjusted to be edited into the video special effects. Once all of the elements were brought to the stage; Michael combined and directed the video effects and lighting effects to coincide with the client’s program activities.
The evening began with all lighting set to a white glow as guests entered the main ballroom for dinner and the awards program. A moving 3D graphic was projected onto the cyc wall at the stage to create animation to a dark stage during the first course of dinner.
Throughout each course of dinner, the dining tables morphed to a different color while the cyc wall featured a different animation. This allowed for a continuously changing look as the evening progressed throughout dinner and on to the awards program.
Once dinner was complete and the awards began, the stage came to life with an incredible presentation that the guests never expected. With 24 moving light fixtures, 3 large screen video projections and conventional lighting, each presenter and award recipient was showcased and honored in a visual spectacular. This combined with the constantly evolving light at the tables; we were able to create an endless amount of room looks that tickled the imagination!
We really took this vision and ran with it to create a most incredible dreamlike Tropical Fantasy of light.
Guests were treated to an outrageous evening of fun and excitement at this incredible Sports Village. At the entrance, guests walked through a Stadium entrance arch welcoming them to the party. This entrance gave guests the feel of walking through the players tunnel down into the locker rooms of the professional teams! A locker wall, bench and referee greeters accented this entrance vignette.
Hand painted murals of sports legends were suspended throughout the ballroom including Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Miracle on Ice, Wayne Gretzky, Dale Earnhardt, Babe Ruth, and Walter Payton. Colorful uplighting enhanced each of these pieces and created a colorful glow throughout the room.
The dining tables alternated with different sports themes creating an exciting look. The tables treatments included; Indy racing, basketball, football, baseball and boxing. A variety of memorabilia from each of these sports were displayed atop a themed table linen enhancing this great event!
An authentic full “boxing ring” was installed as the dance floor for this event. A box truss was flown high above the boxing ring (dance floor). Colored washes of lighting and sports gobos were projected out to each of the walls, enhancing the theme and making it as though each sport was on stage. Additionally, intelligent lighting fixtures were positioned on the truss to light up the dance floor and give guests a club like feel.
A high energy DJ performed hits of yesterday and today, taking requests and leading interactive dances.
As other forms of entertainment positioned around the room we installed a multitude of sports bar games including; dart boards, foose ball, air hockey, pool tables, ping pong, pop-a-shot basketball, football toss, Ms. Pacman, Galaga, Daytona USA racing, Alpine skiing and putting challenge.
Finally, what would a “Sports Bar” theme be without an actual “Sports Bar”? We built an authentic hard wood bar in the center of the ballroom that was 40’ long and 14’ wide. This was an island bar and allowed guests to sit at the bar on both sides. TV screens were positioned around the bar showing current games, ESPN, and other sports related programming. Sports pennants, team banners, jerseys and memorabilia were all displayed throughout the “bar” area on brick walls completing the “Sports Bar” look.
This incredible sports night was a big hit for all of the guests and one they are sure to remember!
This unique and stylish beach event began as guests left the hotel and were led
down an illuminated path accented by white cylinders on each side. As guests
strolled to the beach they were greeted by our boardwalk fabric treatment. This
entranceway consisted of bamboo poles embellished with palm leaves, white
billowing fabric and uplighting that set the tone for the evening!
As guests hit the beach they were transported into a chic “Miami style” club
atmosphere by the water. Immediately they were impacted by the visual
recreation of the famous “Club Duvet”.
Around the perimeter of the function space we had installed two (2) mahogany
beach cabanas. These bed lounges were enveloped in white fabric that created
an alluring effect as it blew in the breeze. The appeal of these ocean side
lounges was compelling as guests relaxed and enjoyed the evening.
Guests were able to enjoy something to drink at one of the two (2) mahogany
bars that we installed. Each bar was accented by a mix of white canvas and real
palm trees to create an elegant tropical feel. Additionally, we had a giant sand
castle built between the bars that featured the company logo and was the topic of
lots of discussions. To provide an ambient feel to this area we installed our 5’
round Airstar light that created necessary light and provided the perfect mood.
The table treatments consisted of white floor length linen, accented by our
shimmer sheer overlay. White canvas palm trees acted as centerpieces
accented by votive candles and white napkins completed the look.
As a focal point in the center of the event we installed our white spandex truss
sculpture. The company logo was projected from this onto the center of the sand
branding the event.
This lit up sand under and around the truss structure acted as a dance floor for
the event, while a DJ kept them dancing all night! At the conclusion of the event,
guests enjoyed an amazing 10-minute firework finale; that took place over the

domain: artistic


text:
all these STFU commentators are right where they need to be...behind a keyboard. cuz if any of you had the balls to say that to my face, which i highly doubt, i would show you just how "black" i can be.
what is funny about black people and fried chicken?? no one else likes fried chicken but black people?? no one like watermelon but blacks?? you obviously have no idea how racism is furthered...by images and ideas like that. it is ignorant to think that this is something that is funny along with the rest of the stereotypes that others have mentioned. many of the "jokes" on this thread are funny, however a good number of them are offensive to women as well as blacks. i doubt you would find jokes about white men having small dicks funny even though that is a stereotype. i don't see any of those posted.


Volvo position describes necessary inspections after airbags blow, says steering wheel must goBy on
Announcements | Education | Repair Operations | Technology
Volvo recently told collision repairers that the steering wheel must be replaced if its airbag blows, and many other parts might also need to be swapped out following various airbag deployments.
“When the steering wheel airbag deploys, the steering wheel must always be replaced,” Volvo wrote in one of what appears to be a few new position statements. “Damage can occur which is not externally visible.”
A body shop must also inspect the clockspring and steering column any time the steering wheel airbag blows, according to Volvo. “When in doubt, replace,” it wrote for each part. (And speaking of steering-related checks, don’t miss Volvo’s position on steering racks.)
Any airbag deployment at all triggers the need to inspect occupied seats (“When in doubt, replace,” Volvo writes) and automatically demands the shop replace all pretensioners and seatbelt buckles on those occupied seats, according to Volvo.
However, you also must inspect “Seat belts, buckles, car seat anchors and other components” related to all unoccupied seats too, Volvo wrote. “When in doubt, replace,” the OEM stated.
There are two other safety systems whose deployment automatically triggers at least an inspection, if not a replacement.
Volvo’s whiplash protection feature can automatically shift headrests forward if the car is rear-ended. “These components must
be inspected and/or replaced if deployment occurs,” Volvo wrote. “When in doubt, replace.”
Knee airbags can fire after a crash, and if it does, the shop must inspect the dash, according to Volvo.
“Repairing the dashboard in this area is not permitted,” the OEM wrote. “These components must be inspected and/or replaced if deployment occurs. When in doubt, replace.”
Volvo “Statement on Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS)”
A 2016 Volvo XC90 with deployed airbags is shown following Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small-overlap crash testing. (Provided by IIHS)
A 2016 Volvo XC90 with a deployed knee airbag is shown following Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small-overlap crash testing. (Provided by IIHS)


LifeLabs will be supporting the Ontario government in their effort to increase the local public health response to the coronavirus pandemic by providing additional COVID-19 assessment centres. This increase in testing is a necessary step in helping to stop the spread of the virus.
As announced by the Ontario government on December 31, publicly-funded PCR testing will be available only for high-risk individuals who are symptomatic and/or are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including for the purposes of confirming a COVID-19 diagnosis to begin treatment, and workers and residents in the highest risk settings, as well as vulnerable populations. Members of the general public with mild symptoms are asked not to seek testing. A full list of eligible individuals can be found here.
If you are seeking COVID-19 testing for the purposes of travel, please visit our FlyClear webpage.
COVID-19 sample collection services will be available by appointment only at the following LifeLabs locations (closed on long weekends):
- 3427 Derry Road East, Mississauga, ON: Sun: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- 950 Southdown Rd, Mississauga, ON: Wed: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- 575 River Glen Blvd, Oakville, ON: Tues: 5:00m. to 8:00 p.m.
How to Book an Appointment
Individuals can book an appointment for testing online at lifelabs.com/book-an-appointment or by calling 1-877-313-4982 (Monday – Friday, 8am to 6pm EST) if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:
- Hospitalized patients
- Patients in Emergency Departments, at the discretion of the treating clinician
- Patient-facing health care workers
- Staff, residents, essential care providers, and visitors in hospitals and congregate living settings, including long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions
- Outpatients for whom COVID-19 treatment is being considered
- Underhoused or homeless
- People who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work
- Symptomatic elementary and secondary students and education staff who have received a PCR self-collection kit through their school
- People on admission/transfer to or from hospital or congregate living setting
- High-risk contacts and asymptomatic/symptomatic people in the context of confirmed or suspected outbreaks in high-risk settings, including hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes, other congregate living settings and institutions, and other settings as directed by the local public health unit
- Individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP
- Asymptomatic testing in hospital, long-term care, retirement homes and other congregate living settings and Institutions as per provincial guidance and/or Directives
As a reminder, face masks are mandatory at all locations for the health and safety of our customers, employees, and community.
If you suspect you may have COVID-19, please do not visit any of the surrounding businesses or facilities before or after your swab collection at LifeLabs.
Rapid Testing Assessment
We are currently assisting our government partners in evaluating the reliability of the ID NOW rapid test at our 3427 Derry Road location. Participation in this pilot is completely optional and will require two nose swabs. Individuals will be asked if they’d like to participate at the time of their appointment.


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MSArch in Drylands Design
Using the Southwestern region as a case study, and drawing upon its vibrant design community, the Drylands Design faculty train students in the conception, research and development of design solutions that serve as a bridge between science and public policy. ALI’s courses are rich in fieldwork, geospatial modeling, history and design collaborations dedicated to adaptation in a changing climate.
NEWS & EVENTSSEE MORE
Mayor Eric Garcetti and ACE Center Installation
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke at a fundraiser at the L.A. river on June 30, kicking off the...
Now Available as PDF: 2015 Thesis Book
The 2015 Woodbury School of Architecture Degree Project / Senior Project / Graduate Thesis...
In the Press: ALI on GIZMODO
Woodbury University's Arid Land Institute (ALI) was featured on Gizmodo this June. Gizmodo contributor...
Learn About ALI
ALI offers learning opportunities for graduate students and undergraduates in the design studio, in the classroom, and in the field. ALI’s academic offerings are research-driven, with a strong investment in critical geopspatial mapping and modeling as a basis for design intelligence. ALI’s learning environment is not only data-rich, however. It is also values-rich, culture-rich, and history-rich. GIS and design studios are supplemented by seminars, fieldwork, and public programs that collide disparate disciplines and generate critical vision.
Apply or Inquiry Here.
If you’re ready to apply to our MSArch in Arid Lands Design program, you can click the big APPLY button to do so electronically. If you have questions, use this contact form to get in touch with one of Woodbury School of Architecture’s dedicated admissions counselors. Someone will get back to you within 24 hours.
The admissions counselors will be able to answer all your questions about our programs, scholarships, financial aid, transfer credits, portfolios and anything else. They can also put you in touch with faculty and students who would be happy to talk to you about Woodbury.
You can initiate a live chat session right now by clicking CHAT.
Co-Director, Arid Lands Institute:
Architecture Main Office:
Graduate Admissions Counselor:
MSArch ALI FACULTY
The MSArch in Drylands Design Curriculum
ALI’s MSArch in Drylands Design is a one-year post-professional degree comprising research, design, and synthesis/dissemination, open to applicants who hold a first professional degee in architecture or landscape architecture. The Institute’s MSArch program is the only one of its kind. Qualified graduate and undergraduate students may also sample ALI’s drylands design course offerings a la carte.
- Summer 0 Semester
- Fundamentals of GIS: Groundwork Summer Workshop.This two-week intensive seminar provides basic GIS concepts and techniques with emphasis on spatial information management, analysis, interpretation, map generation and display using GIS software packages.
- Fall 1 SemesterGeospatial Technologies and Advanced Spatial Analysis for Designers: Thesis Research Studio. Required. 6 units.
- GIS and Urban Design Theory: Thesis Prep Seminar. Required. 3 units.Delivered parallel to the Thesis Research studio, this seminar provides a critical context for generating design vision out of geospatial analysis. Students will be introduced to urban design theories and case studies, and asked to interpret, reflect on, and test preliminary findings from their Thesis Research studio. Students in the Thesis Prep seminar will identify and articulate specific challenges and sites of interest within the ALI research agenda, and produce a thesis proposal to be developed the following semester in Thesis Design studio.
- ALI Policy Lab 1: Understanding the Urban Metabolism: Science, Policy, and the Landscape of Resilience. Required. 3 units.Led by a team of instructors from science and policy, students survey the terrain of current water, energy, and climate policies, as they bear on design of the built environment in drylands. The course uses case studies to critically evaluate planning documents and identify opportunities for amplifying and accelerating climate change mitigation goals through strategic planning and design of the built environment. While maintaining a particular focus on water use, water systems, and the interdependency of water and energy, the seminar places those issues in the context of other planning challenges, including density, transit, and food policy.
- Drawing on History: Water Infrastructure and Urban Form. Required. 3 units.This seminar is a hybrid history and representation course. Focusing on case study sites in India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the New World, students will examine the role of water engineering in shaping city form. Lectures, discussion, and drawing exercises will explore how public water systems have shaped (and been shaped by) ritual, hygiene, gender roles, technology, governance, the marketplace, and political power.
- Spring 1 Semester
- GIS Applied: Thesis Design Studio. Required. 6 units.This studio challenges the design student to actively translate geospatial analysis into design vision at the architectural, infrastructural, and/or urban scale. Design projects will reflect well-defined individual interests within the ALI research agenda; demonstrate understanding and application of concepts in geospatial analysis; and convey clear and meaningful connections between problem definition, evidence, analysis, and design vision.
- ALI Policy Lab 2: Recalibrating the Urban Metabolism: How to critique, draft, and advocate policy change. Required. 3 units.Led by policy experts, this seminar teaches students to read, evaluate, and critique policy and to draft policy recommendations. Within the focus area of the water, energy, and climate nexus, students will identify particular policies and practices related to their individual thesis projects and craft written policy recommendations to accompany it.
- Elective seminar. 3 units.Choose from history, theory, media and technology, design, business, and service-learning course offerings from across disciplines.
- Summer 1 or Fall 2 Semester
- Synthesis Studio. Required. 6 units.In the final semester, ALI students in the MSArch program will integrate their geospatial research, design proposals, policy recommendations, and case studies derived from history, theory, and field work and prepare it for public dissemination. Depending on the student’s area of interest, career aspirations, and intended audiences, the vehicle and medium for public dissemination will vary. Some students will build websites or applications; others will produce an exhibition; others may prepare a publication and lecture; others may produce and document a design-build demonstration project. ALI MSArch final thesis projects are comprehensively documented, archived, and made available to the public as an ongoing resource for dry lands design.
Every semester, my classes cultivated my creativity in different ways and offered me collaborative design-driven opportunities. The study away programs had a powerful impact on my critical thinking as a student, reinforcing many of my attitudes and approaches I developed throughout my projects. While studying at Woodbury I traveled to Arizona and New Mexico, and internationally to Costa Rica, Italy, and Turkey.

domain: geography


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Meat consumption is increasing, especially in the emerging economies. The Chinese government has an increasing interest in making steps towards sustainable livestock production, and the more GHG (greenhouse gas) “efficient” pork and poultry industries have seen substantial progress towards sustainability in the recent past.
Although pig and poultry GHG emissions are much lower in comparison to sheep and cattle (the methane from enteric fermentation from a sheep and pig of similar body size is estimated to be 5.0 and 1.0 kg yr–1 per individual, for example), their large and increasing populations result in considerable overall contributions to the total GHG burden.
China has experienced considerable changes in its booming pork and poultry industries: from 1980 to 2009, the number of slaughtered pigs increased from 198.6 to 645.4 million individuals and egg production increased from 2.6 to 27.4 million tons. China’s pork and poultry industries are expanding; China is now home to over half of the world’s 1 billion pigs, produces 40% of the world’s poultry and eggs and this increasing trend is expected to continue in the future.
This paper examines how pork and poultry production has changed between 1960 and 2010 in China (where pork and poultry are the main sources of meat) and in particular looks at their GHG emission inventories in CO2 equivalents. In this assessment they included methane emissions from enteric fermentation and methane, and nitrous oxide production from manure management. They did not include the emissions as a consequence of land use change. Data was collated from national statistical records and the Livestock Information Network in China and GHG emissions calculations were based on the IPCC (2006). Default factors for these calculations were divided into Northern and Southern China to account for climatic variation in manure management systems, which is something that previous studies have not included. The authors acknowledge uncertainty in their calculations, which is mainly derived from a ±20% uncertainty in the annual number of pigs or poultry present in each region.
Total CO2e emissions increased from 1960 to 2010 in both pig (11,582 to 55,564 Gg yr–1) and poultry (1,497 to 14,873 Gg yr–1) sectors due to increases in animal numbers. When related to the output efficiency, however, both pig and poultry sectors have seen significantly reduced emissions per kg of product: pork (8.01 to 1.14 kg kg–1), poultry meat (1.19 to 0.37 kg kg–1) and egg (0.47 to 0.33 kg kg–1) in these years (see fig 1). The authors state that this is attributable to the considerable reduction in market age of animals (ie. if animals reach slaughter weight in a shorter period of time, overall lifetime emissions are reduced) and an increase in the number of slaughtered animals compared to stocking animals. This has been achieved through improved production efficiencies aided by the adoption of more productive breeds; these trends are correlated with a decrease in small family farms and an increase in large scale farming.
Figure 1: The CO2e emissions associated with the production of one kg of meat or eggs in China from 1960 to 2010
In terms of emission sources, the majority of CO2e emissions in the pig sector were from methane production from manure management (approximately 62%), and emissions from manure N2O and enteric CH4 accounted for about 21 and 17%, respectively, during the period from 1960 to 2010. The contribution from slaughtered pigs increased considerably from 39 to 53%, whereas the emissions from stocking growing pigs reduced from 67 to 38%, which highlights the impact of changes in management in GHG emission reductions.
In the poultry sector, 81.4% of emissions arose from manure-related N2O emissions and 18% from manure related methane. The remaining 0.6% of GHG emissions was from enteric methane. The proportion of CO2e emissions arising from hens and breeding poultry increased from 34 to 57%, while the contribution from stocking broilers decreased from 29 to 8%, between 1960 and 2010. Chickens accounted for on average 76% of total poultry emissions, with 15% from duck and 9% from geese.
The authors report that their GHG emissions estimates differ significantly from those of other studies, like Zhou et al., (2007), partially due to differences in which emission sources they included in their calculations (for example, Zhou et al., did not include poultry enteric emissions).
Pig and poultry production in China had experienced considerable changes from 1960 to 2010. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of these changes on greenhouse gas emission inventories (expressed as CO2 equivalent) from these two sectors. The inventories included methane emissions from enteric fermentation and methane and nitrous oxide production from manure management. The greenhouse gas emissions from these sources in 2010 in pig sector were 17, 62 and 21%, respectively, and that in poultry sector (including chicken, duck, goose and others) were 1, 18 and 81%, respectively. Total CO2 equivalent increased from 1960 to 2010 in both pig (11 582 to 55 564 Gg yr–1) and poultry (1 497 to 1 4873 Gg yr–1) sectors. Within poultry sector, emissions from chicken, duck, goose and others accounted for 74, 15, 11 and 0.01% in 2010. However, during the last 50 years, these emissions continuously reduced when related to production of 1 kg of pork (8.01 to 1.14 kg kg–1) and poultry meat (1.19 to 0.37 kg kg–1) and egg (0.47 to 0.33 kg kg–1), which is mainly associated with the continuous improvement in production efﬁciency in all management systems. These results provide benchmark information for Chinese authorities to develop appropriate policies and mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from pig and poultry sectors.
WANG, L. Z., XUE, B., & YAN, T. H. (2016). Greenhouse gas emissions from pig and poultry production sectors in China from 1960 to 2010.
Read the paper here.
Read this FCRN report for further analysis of China’s food system - Appetite for Change: social, economic and environmental transformations in China’s food system and its associated 9 briefing papers.

domain: literature


Younger's book, Breaking Vegan, comes out in May.
No one expects to get death threats because they opted for the salmon instead of the grilled portabella. But that's exactly what happened to Jordan Younger. "I was shocked," says the 24-year old. "I lost friends. I had to move out of my apartment. I felt unsafe."
Her crime? She decided not to be a vegan anymore.
More From Prevention
But Younger wasn't just any old vegan. She was The Blonde Vegan, a celebrity blogger with more than 3,500 uniques a day and an Instagram account of about 70,000 fans. She wrote and snapped pictures about her vegan journey every day. She posted recipes and reviews. She obsessively responded to all reader questions. She even hawked vegan-themed apparel on her blog, and people ate it up.
"It was so exciting. And for a while it was all so motivating," says Younger, who decided to go vegan in early 2013 after trying a fruit-nut-veggie cleanse that (just about) erased a lifetime's worth of digestive woes. "I never felt better, and I'd never been in this kind of position where so many people were interested in what I had to say." Younger embraced it whole hog—without the hog, of course. She quit grad school to be TBV 24/7. People recognized her on the street, in the grocery store. She was Internet famous and real-life famous. And there was an extraordinary amount of pressure to keep up her healthy image.
"I thought about food all of the time," Younger says. "I created more and more food rules to follow to be as healthy as possible." She went from being entirely vegan to entirely plant-based—no more tempeh or even quinoa—and then gluten-free, oil-free, sugar-free and flour-free, too. But she felt anything but free. She became a prisoner to her own rules. Her stomach was a mess again. She was exhausted. Her lips were blue no matter the temperature. Her hair and skin started to discolor. She even lost her period.
Younger was suffering from orthorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that can start as an innocent attempt to eat more healthfully, but can morph into an unhealthy fixation on food quality and purity. "I now see there were red flags every day," says Younger. Like the time she went to Cabo with friends and insisted on dragging a cooler stocked with fresh fruit and veggies with her. (What if there was no produce in all of Mexico?!, she thought.) Or the time she panicked when her go-to green juice was sold out and walked a mile just to get the exact drink she needed (because glugging anything else scared the bejesus out of her). "I was so anxious about eating the wrong thing," she says. But it took a chat with a friend who was recovering from her own eating disorder to bring it into focus. "I related to a lot of what she was saying and realized I had an eating disorder, too," says Younger.
In May last year, Younger reached out to an eating-disorder specialist and a nutritionist for help—and an official diagnosis. But the hardest part was reaching out to fans. "I knew they'd be disappointed, but I needed to be honest," says Younger. Her admission on TBV—"Why I'm Transitioning Away from Veganism…"—crashed the site almost im-mediately, drove away thousands of followers, and brought on death threats.
"All of these animal rights people were telling me that I deserved to die," says Younger. "It was intense." Yet despite the scary negativity, there was also some positive, as some fans reached out with support. They thanked Younger. "People told me that they were—or their daughters were—getting help now, too," she says.
Where blogging had once fueled Younger's eating disorder, today it's doing the opposite. She dumped TBV to launch The Balanced Blonde, a label she's happy to embody. But the blog—and Younger's life—is not just about food anymore. "It's about a balanced and healthy lifestyle," says Younger. "I write about fashion and travel and following your heart, as well as wellness, nutrition, fitness and overall health." And Younger continues to be honest about her own recovery and desire to help others. "I'm trying to help readers realize when or if their obsession with health may cause anxiety or pain in their life," she says. All in all, the life and blog revamp has been beyond positive. TBB brings in as many as 6,000 uniques a day, while its Instagram account has 109K followers—far better metrics than TBV ever had.
But beyond hits and Facebook likes, Younger is simply better off as The Balanced Blonde. "Getting rid of the vegan label and its limits is good for continued recovery. Today, I have a lot more energy, I'm in tune with my body and I've been thoroughly enjoying eggs and salmon," she say. "Balance is where I'm at—and where I want to stay."
Holly Pevzner is a writer, content creator, and award-winning former senior-level editor at Self, Prevention, Fitness, and Scholastic Parent & Child magazines. She’s spent over 20 years tackling and finessing stories about all things health, nutrition, pregnancy, parenting, and family travel.


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Last updated on September 17th, 2022 at 01:48 pm
Two months after recording three cases, two of which were fatal, Ghana proclaimed an end to the outbreak of the Marburg virus disease on Friday, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Marburg virus illness is a hemorrhagic fever that is almost as dangerous as Ebola.
The World Health Organization (WHO) made the announcement in a statement that “the end of the epidemic has been declared by Ghana’s Ministry of Health after there have been no new cases registered for 42 days.” Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, was quoted in the news release as saying, “Even though the country has never seen this virus before, Ghana’s response has been quick and strong.”
The hemorrhagic fever was identified in Ghana for the very first time during this outbreak, which was notified on July 7 and has since confirmed a total of three cases, two of which have resulted in fatalities. “Marburg is a terrifying disease because of the fact that it is extremely contagious and can quickly result in death. There is neither a vaccination nor a treatment that can stop the spread of the virus. Any sign of the Marburg virus should raise serious concerns,” Moeti noted.
Fruit bats are responsible for transmitting the Marburg virus to humans, and the disease can be passed between people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as infected surfaces and materials. In September 2021, 42 days after a single case of the Marburg virus was found in Guinea, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the Marburg virus outbreak in West Africa had been stopped.
A number of countries in Africa, including Angola, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, had previously recorded sporadic outbreaks and cases of the disease. The symptoms of the sickness, which include a sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, and eventually malaise, appear all at once. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that case mortality rates have ranged from 24% to 88% during previous epidemics, depending on the type of virus and how cases were handled.
Even though there are no vaccinations or antiviral medicines that have been approved for the virus, survival rates can be improved by rehydrating the patient orally or intravenously and treating the specific symptoms that they are experiencing.

domain: medical


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As the cherry is very traditionally important to this territory, Ceresara has organized a festival in its honor, and created a special dish with it, the Tortello della Possenta: pink colored stuffed pasta shaped as a crescent, which has already been certified De.Co.
During the days of the Cherry Festival, from 30 May to 2 June, you can buy cherries directly from the producers, but also taste the tortello during the dinner that takes place along the main street of the town, just below the Gonzaga tower.
The name of the town itself -in the local dialect Saresera– etymologically comes from the Latin “cerasus” meaning cherry, identifying Ceresara as “terra dei giliegi” –land of cherries. Even the coat of arms, consisting of a tree with red fruits, a prancing dog and fertile land on the background, suggests that this area has always been used to cultivate cherry trees. Given the many clues, after further research, many believed in the cultivation of cherries that today boasts 2,500 fruit trees and is constantly increasing.

domain: agronomy


Pacific Northwest National Lab
About Pacific Northwest National Lab
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is focused on DOE's missions in science, energy, environment, and national security. PNNL researchers routinely integrate across fundamental science and applied technology programs, engaging partners across the country to take on big challenges. These efforts also deliver significant economic contributions to Washington State, the Northwest region and the nation. The dedication of our people to push the frontiers of science and engineering in order to solve some of the nation's greatest challenges is a hallmark of PNNL's 50 year history.
PNNL scientists and engineers across multiple disciplines – atmospheric research, modeling, etc. — look to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of wind energy. Wind power research at PNNL includes distributed wind development and testing, plant optimization (A2E), offshore wind R&D, resource characterization, analysis and modeling, and support for DOE’s Wind Vision project.
To support DOE offshore wind demonstration projects, PNNL acquired two LIDAR- equipped ocean buoys that provide cutting edge data on wind resources, as well as monitor key environmental parameters at project sites. One buoy is deployed off Virginia Beach, Virginia with the other is slated for New Jersey shore. Data from these buoys will be used to develop accurate cost models, validate turbine and forecast models, and evaluate plant performance.
PNNL is drawing on its atmospheric science expertise to bring cutting edge science to address wind plant efficiencies. The Atmosphere to Electrons (A2E) project looks at the wind plant scale rather than the individual device scale to identify new efficiencies and opportunities. PNNL's role focuses on modeling tools and data to improve forecasting and prediction of wind resources at timescales useful to power planners and managers.
PNNL is developing software and hardware solutions to better understand and mitigate the environmental challenges associated with offshore wind projects. Through the Wind and Water Power’s Tethys database, PNNL is aggregating and disseminating relevant environmental information associated with offshore wind and providing opportunities for scientists, regulators, and stakeholders to collaborate.
Systems Engineering Lab — This new facility provides state-of-the-art laboratory space and equipment that furthers basic and applied research in electricity markets, generation, transmission, distribution and end use, including buildings-grid integration. The 24,000-square-foot building houses some of PNNL's power grid research.
Marine Sciences Laboratory (MSL) — DOE's only marine research laboratory. The MSL, located on Sequim Bay in Puget Sound, offers research capabilities in ecotoxicology, analytical chemistry, wetland and coastal ecology, biotechnology, fisheries, ocean processes, remote sensing, remediation, water resources modeling, plus national and homeland security. The MSL enables sustainable development of ocean energy; the understanding and mitigation of long-term impacts of human activities and climate change on marine resources; and protection of coastal environments from security threats.
Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility — provides scientists from around the world the opportunity to conduct research in a wide range of interdisciplinary Earth sciences. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, ARM offers research users cutting-edge ground and aerial instruments and testing facilities for continuous and long-term studies of the climate. The program's objective is to improve scientific understanding of the fundamental physics of the interactions between clouds and radiative feedback processes in the atmosphere. The facility obtains field measurements and provides archived data products that assist scientific study and improvement of climate models and prediction.


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BOOK the whole boat to wineglass bay VIA HAZARDS BEACH for you & your friends
View the spectacular Hazards mountains and crystal clear waters on the way to Hazards Beach, where we'll drop you off in style. From there, you can take the 25-minute flat walk via the Isthmus Track across to Wineglass Bay... Spend an hour or so there and we'll be waiting to pick you up when you return. Look out for dolphins and other marine life on the way!
(Subject to sea state and prevailing conditions)
$750 for the whole boat
3 hour round trip
bring 9 friends
(private boat charter)
Please note that: while we encourage spontaneity, any additional hours will need to be charged at our regular charter rates and are subject to availability. Freycinet Charters reserves the right to cancel or postpone any booking because of adverse weather, sea states or conditions that risk passenger safety or exceed our vessel's operational constraints. Passengers need to be well prepared for the activity they intend to undertake ashore and be able enough to board from or disembark to a beach via our vessel's boarding ladders.

domain: travel


Iran’s proxies have been ramping their havoc WAY up for months now. Hamas and Hezbollah have been hitting Israel. And the Houthis have been harassing shipping along one of the world’s most significant trade routes in the Red Sea.Read More
The left has been very smug in their assurance that ‘the walls are closing in’ on Trump. In a crazy reversal, the people who have been trying so hard to lock him up are in legal trouble of their own… potentially even RICO charges.Read More
Who: https://news.yahoo.com/watch-live-star-trek-actors-070919839.html What went wrong: https://www.livescience.com/space/space-exploration/peregrine-moon-lander-may-be-doomed-after-critical-loss-of-propellant Of note: Company seen as a competitor to Elon Musk’s SpaceXRead More
Become a Clash Insider! Don’t let Big Tech pre-chew your news. Sign up for our FREE email newsletter, and we’ll keep you in the loop. NOTE: This article may include commentary reflecting the author’s position. Canada’s apparent descent into an authoritarian hellhole under Justin Trudeau can be aptly described with a quote from Hemingway’s “The …
The post Journo Arrested For ‘Assaulting’ Cop — But That’s Not What The Video Shows appeared first on Clash Daily.Read More
Ruffalo hates Trump with the heat of a thousand suns. Publicly apologizing for wrongly defaming him must be a VERY jagged little pill to swallow.
Mark Ruffalo has a long-standing habit of saying stupid and humiliating things in public. But this one was bad even by his lowered standards.
The post Humiliated Rufflao Has To Apologize For Running AI-Generated Trump-On-Epstein’s-Plane Pics appeared first on Clash Daily.Read More
Did it seem weird to you that the same Dem government that bends over backward to call police ‘evil’ for lawful use of force suddenly ‘back the blue’ without reservation in the context of Ashli Babbitt?
The post Justice For Babbitt? $30M Wrongful Death Suit Filed By Judicial Watch appeared first on Clash Daily.Read More
Remember when the so-called Arab Spring was sweeping through the Middle East? Obama gave a big thumbs up when it hit places like Libya, or Eogypt, Yemen or Syria.
The post Hey Joe: Your Iranian Buddies Just Flogged A Woman Over A Hijab — Where’s The Outrage? appeared first on Clash Daily.Read More
Democrats are in a panic. You can tell the Biden family corruption story is getting traction because they are trying to hit Trump with the very same accusation. The only way to blunt the blow of allegations against Biden is to have Trump facing the same ones. Unlike the ‘perfect phone call’ to Zelenskyy, Joe’s …
The post HEY DEMS: While You Try To ‘Emoluments’ Trump… Here Comes Evidence Of Joe’s Corruption appeared first on Clash Daily.Read More


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Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.


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Enhanced online resource gives land managers "heads up" for invasive plants of Australia's future
A web resource that screens potential plant invaders under future climates and provides the information to land managers has been expanded to screen nearly 600 exotic plant species.
Study shows invasive species in waterways on rise due to climate change
One of the most serious threats to global biodiversity and the leisure and tourism industries is set to increase with climate change according to new research by Queen's University Belfast.
As crop indicators, weeds spread in warmer world
(Phys.org) —Weeds, those unwanted, unloved and annoying invasive plants that farmers and gardeners hate amid their plantings, are expanding to northern latitudes, thanks to rising temperatures.
Saddling up against the threat to our National Parks
Research team leader, Associate Professor Catherine Pickering, said the Griffith study looked at the number and types of weed seeds which can be dispersed through horse manure. The findings have been published in the journal ...
Searching for ways to control an agricultural nuisance
Even the name sounds threatening. Known as "dog-strangling vines" in Canada, European swallowworts are invasive vines that can grow to 8 feet in length and wrap around supporting vegetation and smother it. ...
Avocado farmers face unique foe in fungal-farming beetle
(Phys.org) —Beetles with unusual "green thumbs" for growing fungi are threatening avocado crops and could transform into a more destructive pest, according to an international team of researchers.
Researchers look into the future to weed out problem plants
(Phys.org) —Researchers from Macquarie University and the University of Canberra have developed an assessment scheme that allows them to look into the future to see which exotic plants might become tomorrow's ...
Researchers weed out ineffective biocontrol agents
'Keep it simple' is a good rule of thumb when designing biocontrol programs to combat weeds and invasive plants, according to a meta-analysis of studies by UBC biodiversity experts.
How a little plant became a model for pioneering research
In recent decades, research into a diminutive plant, Arabidopsis thalania, which goes through daily life as a common weed, has generated a tremendous amount of knowledge. Much of the research on Arabidopsis, ...
Regulation recommendations so that biofuel plants don't become weeds
In the United States, only species listed on state or federal noxious weed lists are regulated, and those lists are often biased toward species that affect agricultural crops. Conversely, invasive plant council ...
Invasive weeds could shed light on climate-coping
(Phys.org) —In the race to adapt to climate change, weeds may be the winners. Understanding their well-honed coping mechanisms could inform strategies for ecological management, says a Cornell crop and ...
Citizens recruited to fight the weed invasion
Australians have been urged to defend their native landscapes against an insidious invasion of slow-spreading weeds.
Scientists fight 'super weeds' with sustainability
(Phys.org)—Across the United States, fields of genetically engineered crops have become laboratories for the evolution of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds. These fast-growing "super weeds"—resistant to ...
How to restore native grasslands in the interior Pacific Northwest
Weed scientists in Oregon have found that the timing of herbicide application along with reseeding of native grasses offers the best recipe for restoring native grasslands while controlling invasive weeds. Grasslands are ...


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All tech giants are worried about your digital health. So they want you to cut off the time you spend on the social media platforms. Just recently Facebook was reported to working on a “time feature” that will let you know the amount of time you have wasted while using the app. Google also wants you to save your precious time especially the time you spend watching YouTube Videos with Youtube time feature.
YouTube Time Feature- Replica of Facebook Time tool
YouTube is one of the most famous videos streaming sites and is the second most trafficked website in the world. Now Google is rolling out a feature for both iOS and Android that will track the amount of time you spend while watching videos on the YouTube.
While announcing this news, YouTube said in a statement that:
“Our goal is to provide a better understanding of time spent on YouTube, so you can make informed decisions about how you want YouTube to best fit into your life.”
How to Check the time You have Spent on YouTube:
When YouTube will launch this feature, you will be able to check the spent by following these steps:
- go to your account menu
- Click on the “time watched.”
Upon clicking it, you will be able to see the number of minutes or hour you have spent while watching YouTube videos for the same day, yesterday or past weeks.
If you want that YouTube should track the time you spent on the app, just disable YouTube watch history. If the videos are deleted from YouTube or you have watched videos in incognito mode, the time statistics will not be tracked.
Facebook and Instagram have already rolled out time management features to help users follow their social media usage on those sites.

domain: news


The Commander of the Ukrainian Navy says the ability to use long-range Western weapons against military targets inside Russia would help Ukraine win the war.
Oleksiy Neizhpapa made the remarks in an interview with Britain's Sky News.
Asked about attacks using long-range missiles provided by Western nations, Neizhpapa replied that the sooner Ukrainian forces have the necessary battle capabilities and the means to destroy the enemy's infrastructure, the sooner they will win.
The United States has provided Ukraine with long-range surface-to-surface missiles known as ATACMS. But US media reports say the US had halved their maximum range before shipment.
The Western nations are apparently trying not to provoke Moscow over the matter.
Meanwhile, Russia's state-run TASS news agency quoted Russian authorities as saying that there have been 220 attacks including arson against facilities such as military registration offices since the start of the military operation nearly two years ago.
The British Defense Ministry attributes the incidents to the public outcry over Moscow's additional mobilization of troops to be sent to fight in Ukraine.


text: The aim of this study was to characterize the cellular phenotypes of articular cartilage and meniscus in rabbits with experimentally induced osteoarthritis (OA), by histological and molecular biological techniques. OA was induced by severing the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee and rabbits were killed 2, 4 or 9 weeks following surgery. Our histological observations show a progressive destruction of extracellular matrix in both tissues. To determine whether these morphological changes could be related to alterations in the regulation of gene expression for a subset of relevant molecules, levels of mRNA for proteinases and one inhibitor (MMP-1, -3 and -13, aggrecanase-1 and -2 and TIMP-1), matrix molecules and one chaperone (type II and X collagens, aggrecan, osteonectin, betaig-h3 and BiP) were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Our results indicate that for most markers expression profiles were similar in both tissues. In particular, matrix protein gene expression remained stable or varied little during progression of OA, suggesting a poor repair capacity of the tissues. MMP gene expression increased rapidly whereas aggrecanase gene expression remained stable. These findings suggest that differential regulation of mRNA levels of MMP-1, -3 and -13 on the one hand and aggrecanase-1 and -2 on the other, occurs during OA.


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Stuck in London while your colleagues are in Barcelona? Didn’t make it to all the halls of Fira Gran Via? The Drum rounds up everything you missed from day two of the Mobile World Congress.
Watch the video above to find out…
- What Netflix’s services could look like in the future
- What virtual reality adverts could look like, courtesy of Adobe
- Why the UK government has brought its largest cohort of tech companies to MWC
- And when Google’s smart speaker will launch in the UK
Catch up with the rest of the MWC 2017 news here.


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While progress was seen to be made in some areas of policing at Monday’s meeting of the Garda Authority, the O’Higgins commission’s efforts to access Garda documents exposed the old culture of secrecy, writes Special Correspondent Michael Clifford
On Monday, the O’Higgins report was delivered to the Department of Justice. The report is from the commission of investigation into malpractice in the gardaí, as a result of allegations from Sergeant Maurice McCabe.
On the same day, the Garda Authority and the commissioner met in public for the first time, with the former questioning the latter about operation of the force.
There is a symmetry about these two events. The authority was set up in the wake of the fall-out from McCabe’s claims. When he first made his allegations, he had felt the reaction was one of indifference from both the top brass in the force and the political system. After Martin Callinan resigned as garda commissioner, it was felt it was time to bring in an authority as a buffer between policing and politics.
The Garda Authority was to herald a bright new era of openness and transparency. And the force was to be led by a new commissioner, the first woman to occupy that role, Nóirín O’Sullivan.
On Monday, the authority put Ms O’Sullivan and her senior officers under the microscope. Sort of.
A range of areas were examined, including surveys of public attitudes to the force, closure of rural stations, communications, anti-social behaviour and road safety. There was also some encouraging statistics in combatting gangland crime, which has been to the fore in the media in recent months.
But it was the bread and butter issues that formed the substance of the meeting. Typical of the fare was the closure of rural stations. This policy has been controversial in some quarters, but a case can certainly be made that the country no longer requires a network designed for the days of the horse and cart.
“Our focus is on engaging with communities as opposed to bricks and mortar,” Ms O’Sullivan told the authority. “The investment in the fleet has ensured there is adequate transport to reach out to communities.”
On the face of it, this makes perfect sense. The real problem is many rural communities still feel unsafe because there is a lack of visible presence, on either motorised or foot patrol.
It would have been interesting to find out the specifics of how patrols have been increased in the various areas where stations have closed. Anecdotally, there is precious little in some of the more far-flung outposts.
In all likelihood, other districts have seen an increase in patrols, but we didn’t find out because nobody asked. Details such as these are not hard to come by and would certainly fulfil the function of boosting confidence in operations if made public in a forum such as Monday’s meeting. That is, of course, if there has been a real “reaching out” exercise to replace the vacated bricks and mortar.
Road safety is another area that affects most all citizens. Recent report about staffing in the traffic bureau was touched on. In response, Ms O’Sullivan gave no specifics as to whether numbers would be beefed up.
What did emerge is that there have been more detections for drink driving in the first quarter this year — 1,833 — than for the corresponding period last year, when the figure was 1,765.
How come there was more drink driving detected with less staff and fewer checkpoints? The question was never asked.
None of which is to say that the gardaí are not doing a good job, it’s just that we still don’t really know. Maybe the authority is just getting going. Time will tell.
The O’Higgins report is largely about the past. The main body of the report examines a dozen instances of garda investigation which McCabe had complained were not done properly. To a large extent, retired High Court judge Kevin O’Higgins found that the public were poorly served by the investigations.
The most serious of these concerned Jerry McGrath, a violent offender who was released on bail on a charge of false imprisonment of a child, while he was already on bail for a serious assault of a woman in Cavan a few months previously. Ten days after his second successful bail application, McGrath murdered Sylvia Roche Kelly in December 2007.
Could that or the other cases where poor and shoddy police work ill-served the public be repeated in this bright, new shining era?
What we do know from the O’Higgins report is that openness and transparency were slow coming to the inquiry. The report ruled that the discovery of documents by the force to the inquiry was “unhelpful and frustrating”. That is not from the bad old past, but from just a few months ago, well into the new era. What it demonstrates is that while there was some great soundbites about openness and transparency at the authority meeting in public, the same fidelity to laudable ideals was obviously not evident behind the closed doors of a commission of investigation.
The other issue that arises from O’Higgins is whether the malpractice examined was exception or rule. Was it just a coincidence that, in the Bailieborough district of Co Cavan, there was an officer who was willing to stick his head above the parapet? Could it be that in all other districts everything is largely hunky-dory?
While there was some terrific management speak at the Garda Authority meeting, it is the quality of district officers that still largely determines how the force operates in particular districts.
There are plenty of good senior cops who ensure that the best practice ensues.
But the notion that there has been a transformation within the force, ensuring that the old, often bad way of doing things is now past, hardly stands up to scrutiny.
There are a raft of external factors — most prominently the recent recession — which have put serious pressure on a force to do more with less resources and attempt to maintain morale at the same time. But it remains to be seen whether any real cultural changes have been effected to ensure that we don’t have more O’Higgins reports into the future.
A little done, a lot more to do.
© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved


I have to do a lot of hacks for the Vice city for the ECS mod. The mod is public for discussion so I am gonna explain my problems sir.:
Firstly we are combining Vice City and Liberty City in the mod where the game will be set in 1993 incorporating huge changes in both the cities with a way R* could have made.
Apart from the story line and setting we planned to make VC directly above LC floating in the air. It was done due a limitation which no one was able to hack: the Paths Spawn area(Spawning them outside original bounds is almost impossible), though the path node limit has already been hacked.
Also to go with our plan, we need physical and visual water at both of the cities along with the helicopter height limit(How much can the helicopter go up), so I did the dynamic water hack by just editing the memory address of water level but there seems to be some problem with the visual water. Also the same thing was done for the helicopter height limit at both the cities. Currently, one cannot view Vice city just by looking at the sky
, That was solved by Almost610 by simply editing some flags of IDE lines and placing a zon over there. Most of the physical problems we have faced that would cause the development to be halted have been solved already.
I was doing all the solutions in VB.net via writeprocessmemory! Now I will be coding them in C++. There are still some left to do hack. They are:
i. Visual water level for Vice City ,its just not showing up(Currently we are using our own textures for it).
ii. Hack the radar by loading a set of Vice city radar textures and Liberty City radar texture dynamically ( I am not sure but I think it can be achieved by reloading the functions which load the radar)
iii. Menu map ( I have thought the same solution like the radar)
iv. HUD ( I need to learn programming with DirectX first)


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Is Days of Our Lives alum, Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) quitting acting? Learn more here--->>>
Photo: Alyssa Tabit
Is Days of Our Lives alum, Freddie Smith (Sonny Kiriakis) quitting acting now that he is relocating to Florida? The actor took the time to reveals his plans for the future on his YouTube podcast.
On episode 132 of The Freddie & Alyssa Show, they sit down for an in-depth discussion about the entertainment industry. They explore the world of reality television that self-made modern-day influencers like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian into the mega brands that they are today. They also share their thoughts on the future of the entertainment industry and content creation. Plus, they dive into what they'll do for work in Florida!


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JCB Fellow's Talk: Jesús Ruiz
Jesús Ruiz, (Tulane University), Helen Watson Buckner Memorial Fellow
"In the Shadow of Mystery": Royalism and Counterrevolutionaries on the Eve of the Haitian Revolution
The first successful slave rebellion in the world – The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) – is often linked with debates about enlightenment, abolitionism, independence, and discussions surrounding emancipation. This talk explores evidence that suggests the existence of a counterrevolutionary conspiracy in Saint Domingue, where royalist whites, mulattos, and free blacks sought to destroy French Republicanism in the colony and uphold the monarchy of Louis XVI. Such an event alters historiographical understandings of the ways in which African descendants from Saint Domingue conceptualized notions of rights and freedoms. It also demonstrates an elaborate transimperial conversation and entanglement with colonial Santo Domingo and the Spanish monarchy.
The Reading Room will close to researchers at 3:30 p.m.

domain: library