When you step into the airsoft battle arena, your goal is to dominate your opposition. Before you engage them in physical combat, you want to defeat them psychologically.
Nothing will achieve that goal faster than the sight of a pump action shotgun in your hands. This not only makes your opponent run for cover, but also gives you the confidence of dominating the arena.
Then, when you’re in the thick of the action, your pump action beast of a weapon will allow you to blow away all-comers and claim the victory that is rightfully yours.
But you’ll only get this result if you’re wielding a shotgun that’s up to the task.
We look at the best shotguns in the market and which ones are available to you at an affordable price. We will also answer some of the frequently-asked questions about airsoft shotguns. Read on for more.
BEST OVERALLASG Franchi SPAS-12SUMMARYSUMMARY
The ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Bust airshot is an exceptional airsoft weapon that delivers a whole lot for not a lot of money.PROSPROS
The ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Bust airshot is a SPAS-12 replica that looks very much like the real thing.CONSCONS
The buttstock of this shotgun is made from rubberized plastic which is a little uncomfortable on the shoulder when aiming.
Runner UpEVIKE CYMA M3SummarySummary
It is durable, handles well and delivers three projectiles with every trigger release. Just don’t expect any extras with your purchase.ProsPros
This is a lightweight, durable shotgun that handles very nicely, providing a solid, secure and comfortable grip on both the stock and the pump.ConsCons
The CYMA M3 3-Round Burst Multi-Shot Shell Loading Airsoft Shotgun does not come with any accessories.
BEST FOR THE MONEYCYMA POLYMER M870SummarySummary
The CYMA Polymer M870 is similar to the M-3 from CYMA, except that it features the folding stock design of the M870.ProsPros
This gun is custom made by CYMA with an 870 style body to offer different length, stock options and overall setups.ConsCons
There is no rubber buttstock on this shotgun, the folding stock is also a little wobbly.
In this article, we take away the guesswork by uncovering the five best airsoft shotguns on the market right now.
We’ll also answer your most pressing airsoft shotgun questions with our shotgun FAQ.
Best Airsoft Shotgun Overall: ASG Franchi SPAS-12
Are you new to the Airsoft world? The ASG Franchi SPAS-12 mimics an actual shotgun and will introduce precision and funcitonality to the Airsoft Battlefield. Weaker players who are looking for an airsoft gun with a compact design then this unit fits the bill. The gun is easy to handle thus helping new players keep up with their teammates on the battlefield.
The ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Bust airshot is a SPAS-12 replica that looks very much like the real thing. It is a spring loaded weapon that is made from high grade polymer which keeps the weight down to reduce fatigue while you’re roaming the airsoft battlefield.
The ergonomic rubberized pistol grip of the SPAS-12 provides you with a very natural, secure grip that enhances the control that you have over the weapon. The pistol grip features a non-slip surface for even greater control and stability.
The SPAS-12 airsoft gun is the real deal. It has fixed front and rear sights meaning you can choose the best sight for your use on the battlefield.
The buttstock of this shotgun is made from rubberized plastic which is a little uncomfortable on the shoulder when aiming. The receiver, trigger, trigger guard and safety on this shotgun is made out of ABS plastic as opposed to metal, meaning that is is not as durable as some models.
The pump on the ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Bust airshot is a little harder to pull back than you would expect.
The ASG Franchi SPAS-12 has an extendable barrel to enhance the range and accuracy of this shotgun. The high quality spring power provides a consistent source of acceleration that can be adjusted if you want to boost the output.
This weapon features an innovative triple inner barrel system. It allows you to shoot three rounds every time you pull the trigger. The shell magazine holds thirty rounds and front and rear sling mounts increase your carrying options.
The rubberized pump on this shotgun gives you a very comfortable feel. There are two barrels on this shotgun, both of which are made from metal. However, the lower barrel is purely cosmetic. You also get front and rear sights on the barrel, though these are made from plastic.
Your purchase of the ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Bust airshot comes with a barrel cleaner, speed loader, a sling and a bag of two hundred 0.12 gram BBs. You also get a shell pouch and four shells. Each shell holds ten BBs to provide you with 30 triple fire shots per shell.
The ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Bust airshot is an exceptional airsoft weapon that delivers a whole lot for not a lot of money. The accessories that come with it are generous, you get triple fire power with every trigger pull and the look and ergonomics of this shotgun are outstanding. For our money, the ASG Franchi SPAS-12 is the best shotgun that you could possibly be carrying onto the airsoft battleground.
RUNNER UP: Evike CYMA M3
The CYMA M3 3-Round Burst Multi-Shell Loading airsoft shotgun is an authentic replica of the legendary M3 that delivers triple barrel action, combined with durable internal workings at an attractive price. The tri-shot systems allows you to fire three BBs with every pull of the trigger.
This is a lightweight, durable shotgun that handles very nicely, providing a solid, secure and comfortable grip on both the stock and the pump. The barrel is made from sturdy metal and the magazine capacity of 30 rounds will give you plenty of fire-power.
For close-quarter combat, the CYMA M3 3 Round Burst Multi-Shell Loading gun is the best in the business. Due in part to its tri-shot design which fires three BBs with each trigger pull, you will be able to attack multiple enemies with precision and speed.
The CYMA M3 3-Round Burst Multi-Shot Shell Loading Airsoft Shotgun does not come with any accessories. Therefore, you need to purchase batteries, scopes, and other accessories in order to have a fully -unctioning weapon.
The CYMA M3 3-Round Burst Multi-Shot Shell Loading Airsoft Shotgun is noted for its durability, thanks to its high spec internal parts. This is a visually striking airsoft shotgun that looks very realistic, which has made it very popular among airsofters.
The CYMA M3 is developed to be more aggressive in order to compete in performance-driven competitions.
The CYMA M3 3-Round Burst Multi-Shot Shell Loading Airsoft Shotgun is the ideal weapon to take into rugged terrain, especially when you intend to rush the enemy. It is durable, handles well and delivers three projectiles with every trigger release. Just don’t expect any extras with your purchase.
Honorable Mention: JAG Arms Scattergun HDS
The JAG Arms Scattergun HDS Gas Powered Extended Tube Shotgun makes your airsoft experience as realistic as possible by powering the weapon with green gas. This delivers a more realistic pump action that delivers an awesome pop when you fire. The inner workings of the gun hold enough gas to provide you with 120 shots before it needs regassing.
This airsoft rifle also boasts a solid stock design with a rubber recoil pad, giving the user comfort when aiming and carrying your shotgun.
When you have multiple enemies attacking you, the shotgun has three barrels with fixed hop-up that can be changed from three to six rounds per shot via lever inside the ejection hole This feature allows you to catch your enemies by surprise and capitalize on your advantage over them.
The JAGS Arms Scattergun HDS Shotgun is convenient for all ages. The JAG is a gas-powered weapon which means the pump is easier to trigger compared to the spring-powered shotguns that require more energy and technique.
The JAG Arms Scattergun HDS Gas Powered Extended Tube Shotgun is quite a lot more expensive than its spring or electric competitors. You also have the inconvenience and expense of the gas having to be replaced.
An extremely cool feature of this gas powered airsoft shotgun is that, with the flick of a switch, you can toggle between three shot and six shot firing modes. Unlike many competitors, both the barrel and receiver on this shotgun are completely solid.
The JAG Arms Scattergun HDS Gas Powered Extended Tube Shotgun comes with a top rail to allow you to mount a scope. The polymer hand- guard and grip are anatomically designed to fit comfortably into your hand and to provide a secure, non-slip hold. This gun also comes with a pair of metal sights.
This airsoft rifle has a metallic build, giving it a realistic feel and extra grip as compared to its plastic counterparts.
The JAG Arms Scattergun HDS Gas Powered Extended Tube Shotgun will provide you with an extremely realistic pump action. This shotgun handes incredibly well and is easier to operate than its spring or electric competitors. It is also quite a lot more money!
BEST AIRSOFT SHOTGUN FOR THE MONEY: CYMA Polymer M870
The Evike CYMA Polymer M870 is a spring powered tri-shot shotgun. This gun is custom made by CYMA with an 870 style body to offer different length, stock options and overall setups. It provides you with the same spring loaded technology as the M-3 shotgun but with the look of an 870.
There is no rubber buttstock on this shotgun, so you may find it pretty uncomfortable to cradle the stock into your upper chest / shoulder area. The folding stock is also a little wobbly.
Accessories are not included, meaning the buyer needs to purchase the batteries and scope separately.
If you desire a shotgun that looks and feels like a real gun then this weapon is not your best choice. The parts do not imitate real weapons, thus reducing the realistic feel of the gun.
The CYMA Polymer M870 features a visibly moving bolt which travels when you pump the shotgun. The loading gate fits the standard tri-shot shell. Each shell holds 10 shots. With the triple barrel system that fires three shots with every trigger pull, that gives you 30 shots per shell. You also get front and rear sling mounts on this model.
The CYMA Polymer M870 is similar to the M-3 from CYMA, except that it features the folding stock design of the M870. This pared back stock look and feel may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you are a lover of the real thing, this is a great imitation model.
RUNNER UP: Double Eagle M-56 AL
The Double Eagle M56 AL Tri-Shot Spring Shotgun is based off the world famous Tokyo Marui M3 Shotgun. It does a great job of replicating that original shotgun. It features the three internal barrel design to allow you triple fire power.
The pull on the pump requires quite a bit of exertion with this shotgun.
The Double Eagle M56 AL Tri-Shot Spring Shotgun has rubberized, textured pistol grip and pump to provide a comfortable hold on the weapon. Your purchase comes with a sling and speed loader. This is a lightweight gun with an aluminum barrel.
The Double Eagle M56 AL Tri-Shot Spring Shotgun is a budget shotgun designed for the beginner airsoft battler. It is made from lower quality materials but will still prove robust enough for most applications. It has a good feel and is lightweight but the pump action requires some force to activate, which may make it tricky for youngsters to operate.
Airsoft Shotguns FAQ
What are the benefits of the shotgun on the airsoft field?
The first thing that a shotgun will do is to make you look bad-ass.
It will strike fear into your opposition before the opening hooter even sounds. The shotgun is the weapon of choice when you’re storming an enemy position.
It will allow you to shoot three or more BBs with each trigger pull, so you can overpower the enemy before they have a chance to recover.
Airsoft shotgun shells how do they work?
Airsoft shotguns will either shoot BBs or small pellets.
They are loaded into the shotgun via the magazine cartridge which is located in front of the trigger guard.
A magazine release button will allow you to open the magazine.
The projectiles are fitted into a shell, which will typically hold ten projectiles.
You then load the shells into the magazine. Many shotguns will come with a speed loader which will make this process faster.
When you pump the shotgun, the projectiles are taken from the magazine to the chamber. Depending on the shotgun, you will be able to shoot 3 or 6 projectiles at one.
This allows you to simulate the spray fire effect of a shotgun – without expending shell cartridges onto the forest floor.
How to make your airsoft shotgun more powerful?
The first thing you will need to know before maxing up the power of your shotgun is how it is powered; by spring, gas or electricity.
An electric gun will have a battery pack hatch, while a gas power weapon will have a small gas valve visible once you remove the clip.
Gas powered shotguns are the easiest to adjust the power on because they are built with an adjustment system. This usually involves simply turning a screw or dial.
However, each model differs and you should refer to your user manual for instructions on how to do it.
If you have a spring-loaded shotgun, examine the weapon for screws. Make a note of how many there are and where they are located. Adjusting the power of your spring-loaded gun will require that you open it up to work on the inner parts.
You should be aware, however, that this made void the warranty conditions of your weapon. You will also need a few small metal washers. Unscrew all the screws and then lay the shotgun flat on its side. Use one hand to apply downward pressure to the top side of the gun.
With the other hand, pull the bright orange barrel tip off. This will take some effort and will require twisting to get it off. When the tip comes off, the gun will open up, so be prepared.
With the tip removed, lay the shotgun on a table and pull off the top half. Watch out for any springs that may jump out of place. Now look for the plunger and firing spring.
You’ll find them towards the back of the gun, with the plunger compressing the spring. Now take a hold of the plunger and pull it back as far as possible.
You will be able to pull it back farther than the level to which it was set in the factory. This will provide you with more power.
Now allow the plunger to go back to its normal position.
Take hold of the stacked metal washers and slip them into the gap between the back of the plunger and the front of the spring. You will have to compress the firing spring slightly with your other hand to create this gap.
Now test out the added spring load by pulling the plunger all the way back and noting how much more compression you get.
If you want more, simply add more washers. When you are satisfied that you have achieved the level of pressure that you want, put the shotgun back together again.
How does gas airsoft shotgun work?
Airsoft shotguns are designed to as closely imitate the workings of a real shotgun as possible. Of course, the major difference is that they are powered by compressed air rather than gunpowder.
The ‘bullets’ used in airsoft shotguns are either BB’s or small pellets. There are three categories of airsoft shotgun in accordance with how they are powered:
Electric shotguns are the most popular and the most common type of shotgun used for airsoft battle play.
There are batteries within the inner workings of the shotgun that keep the gun powered. This electric power provides the acceleration force to send the projectile towards the target.
The gears in electric shotguns are either made from plastic or metal, with metal being the preferred option.
Compared to the other two types, electric shotguns are more complex. This means that they require more care and maintenance.
A spring-loaded airsoft shotgun makes use of a tension spring to provide the acceleration force. You have to cock the gun for the spring to load.
Then, when you release the trigger, the spring will release its tension, sending the BB or pellet on its journey toward the intended target.
The down-side of a spring loaded shotgun is that you cannot get them in semi- auto or fully auto versions.
A gas powered airsoft shotgun uses a propane gas, known as 13a green gas, to power it. Once you load the gas into the shotgun, some of it gets released each time you pull the trigger to deliver projectile acceleration.
The downside of this one is that you will be constantly having to replace the gas.
How to re-assemble an airsoft shotgun?
The following instructions on how to re-assemble an airsoft shotgun are based on an APS CAM 870P
First replace the bolt, fore-end assembly and mag tube assembly by positioning the magazine cradle in place and screwing in the four hex screws that hold it in place.
Position the bolt and then screw in the two screws on the bolt receiver to hold it in place.
Replace the trig group by positioning it and then inserting the two pins that hold it in place.
Replace the fore-end by screwing up the fore-end nut.
Push the barrel onto the gun. Insert the mag follower into the mag tube. Now screw on the endcap
Replace the stock by screwing in the M6 screw to attach the stock to the receiver of the shotgun. Then screw the recoil pad back into place.
Carrying a shotgun onto the airsoft battlefield will earn you instant respect. But carrying the wrong one may get you an early ejection from the game.
In this article, we’ve identified five of the best airsoft shotguns on the market right now to make it easy for you to lay claim to the right weapon for the job.
Our overall favorite airsoft pump-action shotgun is the ASG Franchi SPAS-12 Bust airshot, with its combination of superior value, generous accessories and triple action firepower.
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The administration’s new defense budget looks remarkably similar to last year’s plan. But don’t expect the defense-budget debates in Congress to be the same.
Unlike last year, Congress must now determine an overall spending topline for defense. Absent a budget deal, the DOD budget will fall to about $500 billion under sequester provisions. That’s far south of the $534 billion requested by the White House, and many in Congress want even more.
Settling on an appropriate topline will likely dominate lawmakers’ defense discussions, because the stakes are high. Holding to the defense spending cap set by the Budget Control Act would once again force damaging cuts on the military, leading to a hollow force.
The DOD request to increase defense spending by 8 percent, from $496 billion to $534 billion, should not come as a surprise. This is in line with the five-year plan DOD put forward in 2014, which projected a fiscal-year-2016 budget of $535 billion. At $130 billion over the Budget Control Act spending caps, the 2016 budget request continues forward the same five-year plan—with some small exceptions. This is to be expected, as DOD is still using the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) as its guiding strategic document.
The new budget, consequently, has many of the same problems as last year’s. The driving architecture, the QDR, was criticized as a budget-driven strategy. The bipartisan National Defense Panel chartered by Congress concluded that the force structure outlined in the QDR “is inadequate given the future strategic and operational environment.” While DOD has slowed the rate of cuts to end-strength, the Active Army still plans to cut 15,000 soldiers next year. The Marine Corps will cut another 2,000 in 2017.
The department has also been recovering from major readiness shortfalls created by sequestration in FY 2013. The budget request would continue efforts to regain “full-spectrum readiness,” but it does so with an extended timeline. According to this budget plan, it would take five years to address the readiness issues of the Army and Marine Corps. Meanwhile, the Air Force would not reach “full-spectrum readiness” until FY 2023. This plan lacks immediacy. Moreover, it’s insufficient, given that the military is engaged in what it calls “three emergent geopolitical challenges: Russian activities in the Ukraine; rise of ISL; [and] Ebola” in addition to Afghanistan.
Additionally, members of the Armed Services Committees will likely have problems with the inclusion of several cost-saving proposals that they rejected in last year’s authorization. These include DOD’s request to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt II, conduct another round of BRAC, and make changes to compensation (like consolidating TRICARE plans).
These debates are not new. They are also completely dependent on what the final DOD budget level will be.
Now that the White House has presented its budget, Congress will have to pass its own version. Most likely, lawmakers will produce something similar to the 2013 Ryan-Murray bill. Getting there will require negotiations between Republican and Democratic members of Congress and the White House. If a budget deal can be reached, then the debate of what is or is not in the defense budget can begin.
Getting a budget deal will be an uphill battle. Even though Republicans now control both chambers of Congress, any piece of legislation still needs to be signed by the president. Thus, Congress will have to find a new balance between the conservative fiscal priorities of the Congress and the domestic priorities of the White House. National security may again become a bargaining chip for issues like reducing the deficit, taxes and spending on infrastructure. However, there is still a chance Congress and the White House can pass a budget that funds defense responsibly.
For the first time in six years, the White House has released a budget on time. It’s a small accomplishment, but it gives Congress several additional—and much needed—weeks to craft a budget.
Diem Nguyen Salmon is the senior analyst for defense budgeting in The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for Foreign and National Security Policy.


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Click To See If You Qualify : https://rebrand.ly/keto-diet-437f5
Epilepsy is thought about refractory (not yielding to treatment) when 2 or three anticonvulsant drugs have actually stopped working to control it. About 60% of patients accomplish control of their epilepsy with the first drug they utilize, whereas around 30% do not attain control with drugs. When drugs fail, other options consist of epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, and the ketogenic diet.
Although popular in the 1920s and ’30s, it was largely deserted in favour of new anticonvulsant drugs. Most people with epilepsy can successfully manage their seizures with medication. However, 2530% fail to achieve such control in spite of…
Common Mistakes While Following a Diet Plan
Are you dieting for a long time and still unable to lose weight? So, what can be the reason behind not getting the results? Undoubtedly, the mistakes in carrying on with the diet plan can be the biggest reason.8 Stress-Free Ways For A Quick Weight Loss Diet That Works
Losing weight slow and steady means you’re likely to keep the pounds off, but there are healthy means and ways to lose weight quickly, too. You can step up your metabolism and burn calories faster. Here are 8 fool-proof tips for a quick weight loss diet.Weight Loss – Three Powerful Points To Remember to Help Increase Your Body’s Fat Burning Rate
Any weight loss eating plan can help produce fat and weight loss in the short-term. But as you get going, one main point to keep in mind at all times is what you can do to help promote an increased metabolic rate. Your metabolic rate is going to dictate just how quickly you burn calories as time goes on, so the faster your fat burning is humming along, the better off you will be. This said, few people truly know what they should be doing to promote an optimal calorie burning rate. To help you get a better idea of what you should be making sure is in place in your weight loss program, let’s look at the three most powerful steps you can take to boost your metabolic rate…The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting This Ramadan
Fasting has become increasingly popular over the last few years and not only associated with the holy month of Ramadan. There have been a number of studies over the past few years that look into the health benefits of fasting or intermittent fasting. Here is a review of some of the benefits and drawbacks of intermittent fasting.Weight Loss – Push Back Your First Meal of the Day to Help Lose Weight
This article will serve as yet another short discussion on one of the simple things you can do to lose weight. It’s crucial to understand you don’t have to follow some ridiculous diet or quick-fix program to achieve a “six-pack” physique. First and foremost, getting to that point is unnecessary. Don’t believe you need a six-pack abdomen to be healthy. And quite frankly, many of those people you see on the cover of fitness magazines are unhealthy. To reach such a low-level of body fat often requires drastic measures, which can compromise one’s health and well-being in the process. Rather, let’s focus on what you can do to lose some of your body fat so you can return to a healthy weight. If you have high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or are a Type 2 diabetic, this piece of advice will benefit you as well.

domain: medical


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This real-time data could be obtained, for example, with GPS or GIS tech and using proximity sensors or RFID sensors to track locomotives and wagons.
Government today said that 24,834 children have gone missing in past two years with the highest number, 7,689 cases reported from Madhya Pradesh.
Railways Ministry has started an online survey on consumers' preference of bedrolls which will cover aspects from cleanliness and hygienic conditions.
This, Prabhu said, would help the Railways in conducting seamless policing and provide better safety to the passengers.
Total earnings of Railways registered an increase of 17.63 per cent in the month of April as against the same period last year.
Railways earned Rs 9,461.47 crore from freight transportation in April of this year as compared to Rs 8,071.18 crore during the same period in 2014, an increase of 17.23 per cent.
The public transporter attributes the fall to the rise in ticketless travel and shift in commuter preference due to improved condition of roads.
The report, which is with the Ministry of Railways and will be submitted to PM Modi by the end of this month, has been criticised by trade unions.

domain: economics


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Hollywood creativity hypnotist volunteers to help those in coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine
As a certified hypnotherapist and former Counterintelligence Agent, Alan M Franzenburg understands the stress isolation and stigma can cause. He is volunteering to work remotely with those infected or in quarantine to reduce their stress levels with hypnosis.
Must be in official quarantine and participating with medical providers.
What makes hypnosis a great supplement to their existing care is it can be done remotely over the phone or internet. With this the client can relax and go somewhere else mentally as their body experiences lower cortisol (Stress hormone) levels. Higher stress levels caused by infection or quarantine isolation can affect the immune system in negative ways. So lowering stress while enabling deep inner journeys to entertain the mind can both break up the monotony and allow the body to heal. The fact it can be done remotely protects against any potential harm to the practitioner.
"Helping one with their own internal resources can empower them to cope better in stressful situations."
About Creativity Hypnosis
Specializing in Internal Creativity Expansion for the entertainment industry.
No longer do we need to see remake after remake!
Alan M Franzenburg


Here is a collection of photos from the release show on April 28, 2017, for Sun Cop's debut album When You Hear The Drum You May Speak. Vinyl pre-orders are still up and will ship out mid-June. All photos taken by Diana Bowden and Alex Manley. BUNNY (A. Manley) BUNNY MERCH (D. Bowden) MERCH MOM DIANA (A. Manley) FAR OUT CHERRY MAN (A. Manley) PAUL CHERRY BAND (D. Bowden) MARK of SUZIE (D. Bowden) SUZIE (D. Bowden) ANDREW, SUN COP (A. Manley) SUN COP (D. Bowden) JOSH, SUN COP (D. Bowden)Listen to Sun Cop! Listen to Suzie! Listen to Paul Cherry! Listen to Bunny!


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Debate then Contemplation She wanted gestures. Well hereís one, I said: The black country, earth and sky, darker than Prussia and riddled with ice-towers... Youíll have to look in there for any signs of regret. It was clear that she was down on me. Our providential alliance sat wasted like a large child on ketamine. And she spoke: Was she beautiful, did you love her... Iím the only one who understands you, for Christís sake! It is moments like this that slew Fourier and Marx... Saw them bent double at the hip, begging for leniency. They must have seen themselves, like me, looking into the eyes of both successor and aggrieved... Watching her doing something with her g-string, eating kidney beans, scoffing, farting, arguing over holiday plans.... A young girl at the typewriter, rearranging the keys.
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domain: artistic


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Copa America: Casemiro only Real player to make Brazil squad
Barça star Neymar was not included - as already announced - as Dunga named his final 23 for this June's tournament in the United States.
Brazil coach Dunga on Thursday named a youthful squad for the Copa America Centenario in the United States in June, with the country having one eye on the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.
As announced last month, Barcelona superstar Neymar is not in the squad of 23 after his club said they would only release him for the Olympics football tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain duo David Luiz and Thiago Silva and Real Madrid full-backs Marcelo and Danilo had already been excluded from Brazil's 40-man preliminary squad, but Dunga also left the likes of Kaka, Oscar and Lucas Moura out of his final squad.
The list contains seven players eligible to feature in the under-23 squad that will be chosen for the Olympics, including PSG defender Marquinhos, Monaco defender Fabinho and Barcelona midfielder Rafinha Alcantara.
Barcelona's Daniel Alves, Zenit St Petersburg forward Hulk, Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo and Willian of Chelsea are survivors of the 2014 World Cup to feature in a squad which also contains Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho and Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa.
The special centenary edition of the Copa America, to be held from June 3-26, will be the first to be staged outside South America.
Brazil, beaten quarter-finalists in last year's tournament in Chile, have been drawn in Group B along with Ecuador, Haiti and Peru.
Dunga's side will kick off their campaign against Ecuador in Pasadena, California on June 4.
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Internacional), Diego Alves (Valencia), Ederson (Benfica)
Defenders: Joao Miranda (Inter Milan), Gil (Shandong Luneng), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Fabinho (Monaco), Filipe Luís (Atlético Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atlético Mineiro)
Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Elias (Corinthians), Renato Augusto (Beijing Guoan), Willian (Chelsea), Lucas Lima (Santos), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Rafinha Alcántara (Barcelona)
Forwards: Ricardo Oliveira (Santos), Hulk (Zenit), Gabriel (Santos)

domain: news


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If you’ve ever wondered how to decoupage furniture, now is a great time to learn and jump in on this trend. There are more papers and designs available now than ever before.
First things first, what is decoupage? Affixing paper to furniture or decor items using glue.
Why would you want to decoupage? It gives your items a unique artistic look that you can’t otherwise achieve unless you are a gifted painter.
Hopefully, you’ll be convinced of that when you see how this bed turned out.
Rice Decoupage Paper
You can use many things to decoupage, like napkins, tissue paper, posters, etc. But as I mentioned, these days there are tons of papers on the market specifically for decoupaging.
These are frankly the easiest thing to use since they are designed for this purpose. It needs to be thick enough that it won’t disintegrate when it gets wet, but thin enough to adhere well.
Dixie Belle has a new line of embellishments called Belles and Whistles, and it includes these rice decoupage papers.
Aren’t they gorgeous?! I haven’t used most of the designs yet, but I have my eye on a few I’m especially excited to use.
Let me preface the supplies list this week by saying yes, I used 4 million products on this project. So if you want this look, you have to hire me to get it!
I’m kidding. I wasn’t exactly sure how to achieve the vintage-y yet modern look I was going for. So I played around with it until it felt right. Here is the list.
(Note: When you purchase these items, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!)
- Bed frame (client-owned)
- White Lightning
- Slick Stick
- Salt Water Silk paint
- Pallet Wood Pattern Paper (3 sheets/pkg)
- Clear Coat Flat
- Soft Pink
- Farmhouse Green
- Sand Bar
- Moonshine Metallic Gold Digger and Rozay
- Drop Cloth
- Best Dang wax in brown
- Tea Rose
- Lace transfer
- Gemstone Mousse in Golden Gem
- Gator Hide
For more information on Dixie Belle products, grab one of my free guides here by clicking the picture.
How to Decoupage Furniture
I kicked off this project with the decoupage using the Pallet Wood paper design. For the glue medium, I brushed on the Clear Coat in Flat. I trimmed off the white border around the paper, but I didn’t cut the paper to size.
If the bed wasn’t already fairly white, I would have painted the base white before adding the paper. This keeps the paper color as true as possible.
I laid the paper over the glue in the inset area and smoothed it out. You can lift and reposition it if needed. Then I brushed clear coat over the top of it as well.
Once it was dry, I trimmed the excess with a razor blade. Using more clear coat, I stuck down any edges that needed it and re-sealed the whole area again.
Painting the Headboard
Since the bed had a laminate surface, I prepped it with Slick Stick. Next was a coat of Salt Water Silk paint. This is a beautiful bright white with a super smooth finish.
Do you see the little flowers on the pallet wood paper? I brought those onto the frame by hand painting them.
I started by painting a blob of Peony, the darker pink. Over that, I dabbed some Soft Pink, and then added some blue flower sprays with Blueberry and leaves with Farmhouse Green. I added a tiny bit of depth to the leaves with Kudzu.
Since the flowers were going under more layers, they didn’t have to be perfect. Which was good because they weren’t! Here I had layered on some watered-down Sand Bar.
The rest of the layering I did without waiting for anything to dry. I added some Putty for a little more depth. Then I thought I needed even more darkness, so I added some dark brown wax.
Next I cross-hatched on some Gold Digger and Rozay. And finally, brushed on some Drop Cloth. I love how the final look kind of glows from the metallics and it also reads coral.
That’s what inspired the use of Apricot on the footboard. First, though, here is the footboard with a coat of Slick Stick.
To tie into the headboard, I painted a coat of Salt Water as the base coat.
Next I blended Tea Rose around the edge and Apricot in the middle, two coats. I love the sunset colors that emerged.
With a small artist brush, I added Golden Gem to the braid across the top and the bow at the bottom.
Next came the Lace transfer. Toward the end of applying the transfer, I encountered a little issue. The color on one of the transfer sheets was much whiter than those I had already applied which were gray.
Around the edges, I blended a mix of Rozay and Gold Digger. I think this camoflauges the difference pretty well.
Lastly, I dry brushed on some Drop Cloth for additional texture and vintage-y layers.
I forgot to mention I painted some Rozay metallic around the edge of the pallet wood to tie it into everything else.
To preserve this paint job, I sealed it all with Flat clear coat followed by Gator Hide applied with a synthetic brush. I hope the 12 year old daughter of my client is thrilled to have this bed in her pre-teen room!
If you like this makeover and learning how to decoupage furniture, check out these others as well.
8 thoughts on “How to Decoupage Furniture”
Beautiful and definitely makes for a one of a kind piece. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. #HomeMattersParty
Of course, Donna, thanks for hosting! xo, Shannon
You have the best projects. So pretty. Great tutorials as well. I am happy to feature your post at Love Your Creativity today, Sunday.
Thanks, Linda! I appreciate you featuring this How to Decoupage Furniture post!! xo, Shannon
It turned out fantastic, Shannon! Thank you for the decoupage tutorial, pinned!
You bet, Kat! Thank you! xo, Shannon
Wow, this is absolutely stunning, Shannon!
Thanks, Marie! Glad you like it; an alternative to white white white! xo, Shannon


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Love & Guts Art Show
If you're in New York for the Maloof contest, be sure to check out this art show featuring Pat Ngoho, Lance Mountain, Steve Olson, Chad Muska, and more.
Lance Mountain Commercial
Pat Ngoho Commercial
Steve Caballero Commercial
1/23/2017In celebration of their 10 year anniversary, No-Comply released this new video. Congrats on the milestone!
1/23/2017Near-makes, outtakes, face-plants, and plenty of hammers. Enjoy...
1/23/2017Hyperion Distribution launches with a bang. Check out this rad video featuring riders from their brands WKND, Pass~Port and Butter Goods.
1/23/2017Adam "Dirt" Soles set up a tow line and shot himself into the rafters of Burnside for the latest OJ ad.
1/23/2017The Bronson crew barged through the South on their maiden voyage. Check out the video here.

domain: hobby


US military refuses outright to attend 'friendly fire' inquests at British court
Last updated at 10:58 29 August 2007
The MoD has written to every coroner in England and Wales to explain the support they will receive when holding military inquests.
The Americans' stance means the families of three British soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan on Thursday after a US F15 jet dropped a bomb on them will not see those who could be responsible face questioning.
The MoD letter to coroners reads: "The US have confirmed categorically that they will not provide witnesses to attend UK inquests.
"While coroners may continue to ask for US witnesses to attend ... they should be aware that there will in all cases be a refusal."
The document also states that the MoD will have to return all classified US military reports after completing boards of inquiry into combat deaths, according to the Times.
Coroners have warned they may mount a legal challenge to these arrangements, arguing they could prevent families getting a "full and fair" inquiry, the paper reported.
In March Oxfordshire Assistant Deputy Coroner Andrew Walker strongly criticised the Americans' stance at the inquest into the death of Lance Corporal Matty Hull, who was killed after a US aircraft fired on two armoured vehicles in March 2003.
He said at the time: "I find the decision of the US authorities not to allow the relevant persons to attend to give evidence, or to themselves provide full transcripts of questions those people were asked during the (American) Friendly Fire Investigation Board, hard to understand."
Mr Walker called on the US to alter its stance and co-operate with future hearings.
Those killed in Thursday's apparent "friendly fire" incident were Private Robert Foster, 19, Private Aaron McClure, 19 and Private John Thrumble, 21.
Pte Foster's uncle, Steve Foster, told the Times: "As a family we want to find out what happened to Robert - why he was killed by an allied bomb.
"We cannot see why the American pilot and those who provided the intelligence or gave commands from the ground cannot give evidence at the inquest."
He went on: "I am sure that if an American was killed in a British attack then those involved would give evidence."
The MoD said the letter was intended to guide coroners and did not represent a change of position.
An MoD spokesman said: "The MoD remains committed to supporting the work of every UK coroner. Indeed the Wiltshire Coroner praised the level of support he received from us.
"Both the US and UK work together to investigate the circumstances surrounding friendly fire incidents and their findings are made available to the coroner, as national and operational security and data protection allow.
"The MoD does all that it can to assist the coroner during inquests and liaises with the US Government to facilitate requests for information."
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Director and co-writer Ryan Coogler makes his way into the MCU with Black Panther’s standalone debut, and he’s crafted what I feel is one of the more innovative and mature films to come out of the studio recently. As much as I loved Thor Ragnarok and thought it was hilarious, I can understand how some people felt the comedy was too overbearing during its heavier moments.
Panther, in contrast, allows is drama to gel and has no fear in tackling issues pertaining to global influence, energy and cultural conflicts. And the best part is how it weaves its messages into a fun, epic film that never comes off overbearing. Its racial politics are front and center, but the story always feels thrilling and never preachy.
Rachel Morrison’s cinematography is on point in helping to render the kingdom of Wakanda that our main hero T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) presides over. This movie picks up shortly after the events of Captain America: Civil War, which saw the assassination of his father T’Chaka (John Kani).
As the prince makes his way home and Wakanda’s queen mother Ramonda (Angela Bassett) informs him it’s time to receive the crown, we get a sweeping shot of his technologically advanced homeland that wouldn’t look too out of place in a Star Wars movie. It’s certainly a landmark in how Afrofuturism has been presented in terms of the mainstream.
Wakanda is bolstered by its rich resources of vibranium, a powerful substance that allows its citizens to develop innovative concepts, such as telecommunicators that rise from the user’s hands like a magical black sand. T’Challa’s younger sister and sassy scientist Shuri (Letitia Wright) uses the material to not only enhance his big brother’s suit (which results in some funny banter between the two), but also create hologrammatic simulations of cars and airships- which are especially useful when the Wakandans discover that one of their artifacts has been stolen from a museum.
With the help of his spy girlfriend Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), a general named Okoye (Danai Gurira) who commands the Dora Milaje special forces, the Black Panther prowls his way through South Korea after recurring MCU villain Klaw (Andy Serkis) to recover the vibranium and keep the secret from being leaked. But Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), a special ops soldier with mysterious tribal markings adorning his chest, has other plans in mind.
The argument he makes as to why he should be the real Wakandan king won’t make you turn on our heroes completely, but it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t have a point. It’s said that the best bad guys believe they’re correct, and this helps make Killmonger easily one of the most compelling antagonists the MCU’s had in quite some time. A flashback to his childhood in Oakland especially hits hard.
But any superhero film worth its salt also needs a compelling lead character, and Chadwick Boseman delivers the goods as the new Wakandan king. The fact that he’s a black hero protagonist is groundbreaking enough for mainstream hero fare, but Boseman adds considerable compassion and understanding to his role. While his cool powers and gadgets define him as an escapist power fantasy for all kinds of people (young black boys especially), it’s his relatability and kindness that connect him to the audience.
One good example is seen during a coronation ceremony at a gigantic lagoon, where his spiritual advisor Zuri (Forest Whitaker) has T’Challa undergo a ritual where his powers are actually removed, and would-be rulers challenge his right to the throne. The idea is for the competitors to fight to the death, but T’Challa chooses to spare the life of the mountain ruler M’Baku (Winston Duke) after he bests him. This proves to be a wise decision on his part as the film progresses.
M’Baku, who gets some funny dialogue later, is one of many supporting characters that stand out in Black Panther. The women are badass and capable, but never to where the title hero comes off inept, they always feel like equals. T’Challa’s advisor W’Kabi (Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya) can’t seem to decide which side he’s on, and Martin Freeman serves as fun comic relief playing the bumbling CIA agent Everett Ross. Gurira lends plenty of humanity and warmth to her role as Okoye while always remaining intimidating.
Wright is a particular delight as Shuri, displaying plenty of humor and heart and kicking plenty of butt in her own right during the climax. She might be the Q to T’Challa’s James Bond in some ways, but you’ll also learn quickly why it’s a bad idea to sport open-toed sandals in her lab.
What complaints I do have are relatively minor. The editing of the action feels a bit choppy at points, and it would have been nice to see T’Challa in action more often inside his suit (though the combat he does engage in is certainly memorable). Some of the pacing slows a bit in the middle, but to be fair some of the talk-heavy scenes are important to the character development. In particular, Boseman’s performances when he consults with his father in a beautifully rendered spiritual plane are quite powerful.
I have a feeling that Black Panther will probably connect the most with older audiences and MCU fans, just because of how uncompromising its narrative is. It’s a comic book film that isn’t afraid to challenge the viewer in terms of its ideas and the gravity of its tone. And thinking about it, that’s exactly what a major Panther film needed to be for it to succeed. Judging by the box office, that strategy seems to have paid off.
This movie is easily a case of “high risk, high reward” on Marvel’s part, and an easy recommendation from me. BP is the royal intrigue story I wanted from the Inhumans series but didn’t get, and much more. (The fact that Wakanda doesn’t employ a caste system was also a plus.) If what we got here was just a preview for Avengers: Infinity War, then we’re in for a crazy exciting 2018 when it comes to superhero flicks.
Have you see Black Panther yet, and what did you think? Hit us up on @Official_FAN and let us know!


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Lindsay Lohan: Cuts Like a Knife
Lindsay Lohan can’t stay out of the hospital these days:
Lindsay Lohan was rushed to hospital on Friday after cutting herself while staying at rocker Bryan Adams' London home.The 19-year-old actress was taken by ambulance from the singer's £3million property in London's plush Chelsea region.A friend of the star is quoted in Britain's News of the World as saying: "Lindsay cut herself, but she is fine."
January 30, 2006 | Permalink
The comments to this entry are closed.

domain: celebrity


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Family jewels are the ring that shines so brightly on our mother’s finger, those novelty earrings, heavy and colourful that she treasures in her jewellery box in memory of her first salary, our father’s ring that he can no longer take off, Grandma’s pearls, Auntie’s old brooch…
Each family jewel tells a story.
Our Initial jewellery line debuted 3 years ago, when Nathalie’s son Joseph was born.
We asked her what gift she would like on her first Mother’s Day. Her answer was obvious: she wanted to wear her Joseph’s J. The first piece of jewellery by émoi émoi embodied this precious initial. Thus we started to design our dream piece of jewellery.
Its shape? The diamond: the symbol par excellence of femininity and motherhood.
Its style? Minimalist. Because there is nothing like simplicity to highlight what is essential. Its lines are graphic and clean; its surface smooth and without embellishments.
The typography? Timeless and yet full of character. It might not seem like it… but the curve and angles of a letter make all the difference! Just like a good wine, a typography has to age well.
The manufacturing? Our brass Initial jewellery is gilded in fine gold, the brass plates are made and cut in Italy and then flow over to the 18th district of Paris. Philippe, Marie-Anne and their team take over: our medallions are then immersed in a 24-carat gold bath and then varnished; the rings are welded (to last longer) and the medallions are linked on chains. Final step: our jewellery is packaged and prepped in Yvelines by Sandra and her team at EBS Espérance – a company of social and professional reintegration.
3 years after the very first design and 8 prototypes, this jewellery has become iconic of émoi émoi.
… and it’s my turn to wear this precious Initial every day.
N for Nour, my daughter.
When I look at it, I feel myself slip away. I see myself quickly and lightly stepping back, half-open the door, and softly break into the first notes of our song. I imagine her little head that raises and lets me catch a glimpse of the neck I love, her eyes that smile when she finally sees me, and I hold her tightly to me.
A precious Initial: the symbol of little and large stories.


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Series Like The L Word: Generation Q; Are you wondering what TV series are similar to The L Word: Generation Q on Showtime? Stop looking and start watching! In this page we bring you all the TV shows with the same taste.
If you enjoyed watching The L Word: Generation Q, you will also love watching those TV shows!
TV Series Like The L Word: Generation Q
The L Word
The Real L Word
All Over Me
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love
More Showtime Series
Didn't like what's on our list? Share your recommendations for this list on the comments!
About The L Word: Generation Q
The groundbreaking drama series, The L Word®, revolutionized a generation and this fall the highly anticipated sequel The L Word®: Generation Q debuts. Returning cast members Jennifer Beals, Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey will resume their original roles alongside a new group of diverse, self-possessed LGBTQIA+ characters experiencing love, heartbreak, sex, setbacks and success in LA.

domain: entertainment


text:
Case on citizenship goes to next division bench for final hearing
KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has decided to conduct hearing in a division bench on the case on whether citizenship certificate by descent could be conferred to the children of the naturalized citizen. The full bench comprising Justices Ishwor Khatiwada, Sushmalata Mathema and Kumar Regmi on Thursday issued the order that the case will be forwarded to another division bench comprising only two Justices for the complete hearing.
In the order the Justices said further debate and discussion could be held in the next division bench to finalize the case.
Senior advocate Borna Bahadur Karki had filed a writ petition demanding the SC to scrap Home Ministry’s circular on conferring citizenship by descent to the children of those holding naturalized citizenship.
Published Date: Thursday, May 16th, 2019 | 08:33 AM

domain: politics


The mother of a girl who was driven to suicide because of an abusive relationship said her daughter would be “proud” of her campaign to tackle gender-based violence at university.
Emily Drouet, 18, took her own life last year. She was living in Aberdeen University’s halls of residence and had suffered mental and physical abuse from Angus Milligan.
Since then, Emily’s mother Fiona has been fighting to combat violence at Scottish universities through the #emilytest campaign.
It has led to the launch of a guide to help tackle gender-based violence on campus, with £396,000 from the Scottish Government to provide advice and training for staff.
Law student Emily had tried to get help from university staff throughout her horrific ordeal.
Fiona hopes the guide – produced by Strathclyde University – will “empower” students and staff and “eradicate” a victim-blaming culture.
Fiona, from Glasgow, said: “Emily will never get the justice she deserves.
“We’re giving her a voice and that’s what her abuser tried to take away from her. I think she would be very proud of what we’ve achieved.
“Emily would want to help other people. She couldn’t recognise it as happening to herself. She didn’t relate to it but if she had seen someone else going through what she had, she would have been the first to help.
“This toolkit is about empowering women and empowering staff. We want to eradicate the victim-blaming culture.”
Further and Higher Education Minister Shirley-Ann Somerville said: “One in four young women will experience some form of sexual harassment within their first week of university.
“That figure is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue in our society. It can’t become normalised and accepted as just something that happens when you arrive on campus.”
At Aberdeen Sheriff Court last year, Milligan, 21, pled guilty to assaulting Emily, threatening her using offensive language, and sending indecent, obscene and menacing texts. He was given 180 hours of community service.


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by Dulux Trade, brand of AkzoNobel
Dulux Trade Alkali Resisting Primer is a solvent-based primer particularly suitable for use on interior and exterior masonry surfaces, including plaster, that may contain alkalis. It is also highly recommended for its outstanding stain-sealing properties, and will help seal fire damaged surfaces after very thorough cleaning and rinsing. Can also be used to prime surfaces treated with fire retardant chemicals.
Contact Dulux Trade, brand of AkzoNobel by clicking the button below to find out which products were used in this Product catalogue.
Dulux Trade Weathershield All Seasons Smooth Masonry
Dulux Trade Satinwood
Dulux Trade Ultra Matt
Dulux Trade Diamond Specifier Guide

domain: chemistry


text:
Jan 11, 2024, 1:05 pm297 ptsTopAfter a bunch of delays, we’re finally going to see the Porsche Macan EV unveiled in a few months. In the meantime Porsche continues to tease the electric crossover, releasing new information about the second-gen Macan’s performance stats and testing regimen alongside yet more images of prototypes wearing…
Trending Today on PCar.club
Welcome to PCar.club the Porsche News Aggregator and discussion forum for car and automotive enthusiasts. Delivering a streamlined feed of Porsche news daily.


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82 Flats at The Crossing
30 day minimum stay required
Property listing images on this site are presented to reflect the layout of temporary housing accommodations existing at the identified location. National does not represent that any property listing image contained on our website matches the accommodation you will be provided if you choose to book. Please be advised that accurate unit photographs are often available and can be requested prior to booking from your local National representative.
About this property
82 Flats Furnished Apartments at the Crossing is located in Indianapolis' Magnificent Mile near Keystone at the Crossing. 82 Flats Apartments feature modern luxurious design features and one and two bedroom floor plans. You will find 82 Flats Furnished Apartments situated in the heart of the action at 82nd and Dean directly behind the newly renovated Rivers Edge Shopping. National Corporate Housing guests love having access to the resort style, saltwater pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and the cyber café with coffee bar!

domain: travel


ARMA -- Uniontown's volleyball team sept its way through a Three Rivers League triangular here Tuesday night.
The Eagles (4-0 TRL, 10-2 overall) began the night with a sweep of defending champion Northeast, 25-4, 25-11. Hayden Rathbun had 5 kills and Ashley Nietfeld had 3. Tayler Shook handed out 18 assists.
"The girls played really well in the (Northeast) match," Uniontown head coach Jackie Hall said. "Everything was working really well."
Uniontown swept St. Paul, 25-13, 25-19. Nietfeld recorded 6 kills, Hayden Rathbun 4 and Hope Jurgensen 3. Shook had 12 assists.
"We struggled at times in the St. Paul match," Hall said. "I'm pleased with the way the team worked to correct the problem and found a way to get the win."
The Eagles will play in the Cherryvale Tournament Saturday.
JUNIOR VARSITY -- Uniontown's JV beat Northeast, 25-8, 25-7. Britney Stokes was credited with 3 kills. The Eagles defeated St. Paul, 20-25, 25-11, 15-11. Emily Shinn had six kills.
The Eagle JV will play at Jayhawk-Linn Tuesday.


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Health Benefits of Rosemary
One of the earliest reported or documented uses of rosemary for health reasons was as a cognitive stimulant. It was said to improve memory and help to increase intelligence and focus. While many of those claims are still being researched and studied, its effects on the brain do indicate an increase in memory retention, which is never a bad thing; keeping your mind quick will help to keep it young. In that same vein, rosemary has been linked to stimulating cognitive activity in the elderly, as well as those suffering from more acute cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is an exciting alternative or supplement to more modern treatment for these as yet uncured conditions.


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Solis to receive USHLI award
Former U. S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis will receive special recognition for her public service from the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) at its 31t annual conference later this month in Chicago.
The USHLI annual conference runs from February 14-17. On February 16, during the Latino officials recognition at 12:15 p.m., Solis will be awarded the Edward R. Roybal-Henry B. Gonzalez Award for excellence in public service.
"We are honored that former Labor Secretary Solis has agreed to accept this prestigious award and we consider it a privilege to present her with this well-deserved award," said Juan Andrade, USHLI President, in making the announcement.
The award honors the memory of two legendary pioneers who were the first Latinos elected to the U. S. Congress--Roybal of California and Gonzalez of Texas.
More than 6,000 from 40 states are expected to attend the national conference.

domain: sociology


Trust Bloomberg Tax for the international news and analysis to navigate the complex tax treaty networks and global business regulations.
By Joe Kirwin
Nov. 28 — The European Commission is set to propose an overhaul of electronic commerce rules while expanding the one-stop-shop value-added taxation system for collecting and distributing the levy.
In addition, the commission will aim to permit European Union member states to reduce VAT rates on electronic publications, including newspapers, magazines and e-books.
Other measures expected to be included in the commission’s Dec. 1 proposal include VAT-free exemptions for small and micro businesses, and changes that relieve express mail companies—such as United Parcel Service Inc., FedEx Corp. and DHL Express—from the collection of VAT.
Further, the plans include the elimination of VAT exemptions for imported goods valued at less than 22 euros ($23,28).
The proposal to eliminate VAT exemptions on imported small consignments is designed to clamp down on foreign companies based primarily in China, India and the U.S. which fraudulently price small goods to EU consumers below 22 euros, to avoid VAT.
“This proposal will address current distortions putting EU businesses at a significant disadvantage compared to non-EU businesses that can legally supply small consignments VAT-free into the EU annually and frequently omit to pay the VAT they should,” European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen told members of the European Parliament Nov. 23.
According to the commission, 150 million parcels entered the EU in 2015 marked at a value of 22 euros or less, and the amount is increasing at an annual rate of 10 percent.
A recent study conducted by consulting group Copenhagen Economics estimated that approximately 65 percent of the imported goods were fraudulently undervalued.
Besides putting EU-based companies at a disadvantage, fraudulently marked parcels are estimated to cost EU-member state governments 5 billion euros ($5.7 billion).
While many U.S. exporters of small online-purchased goods to the EU aren’t happy about the elimination of the VAT exemption, they hope the move will be offset by changes in the way customs duties and VAT are collected.
“There is a risk of increasing time and costs if businesses have to complete customs entries regardless of value,” Walter Van der Meiren, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union’s committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation, told Bloomberg BNA Nov. 25.
“Therefore, we should safeguard the time and cost saved in moving tax collection upstream,” Van der Meiren said.
One measure being pushed by express mail carriers would allow them to unbundle their current legal responsibility of collecting both VAT and custom duties upon delivery of goods.
“We have encouraged the commission to look at vendor-based declaration models as well as other models that would allow intermediaries to assist the vendors and buyers to comply with their VAT obligations,” Mark Van Der Horst, a director of EU affairs at UPS, told Bloomberg BNA Nov. 24. “This will be much more efficient for both express mail carriers and EU member-country tax authorities.”
While EU electronic commerce sales have expanded over the years, businesses, national governments and EU institutions all agree the market is still minimal compared to its potential.
There are more than 75 different rates in the 28 EU countries, due to reduced rate exemptions. As a result, the complex web of rates makes for hefty administrative and collection costs.
“The cost of filing for VAT in 28 different countries for selling or even for simple storage of goods is a major barrier to small firms making the most of the single market,” according to a blog post by Amazon.com Inc. that outlines the company’s recommendations on how the EU could boost the digital single market when it comes to electronic commerce.
To address the cross-border sales barrier, the commission will call for the extension of the Mini-One-Stop-Shop (MOSS) system that currently applies to broadcasting, telecommunication companies and other electronic services. According to Katainen, the proposal will “extend the current single web portal concept whereby a seller is able to declare and pay all VAT for both domestic and EU sales in its own member state. The tax authority then transfers VAT revenues to other member states where VAT is due.”
According to Ecommerce-Europe, which represents more than 25,000 companies selling goods online, the expansion of the MOSS would help “smaller and start-up e-commerce businesses by removing the need to invest disproportionate resources in verifying the home base of the consumer and calculating and displaying individual prices.”
However, Ecommerce-Europe warned that the “level of such a threshold” that would apply to an expanded MOSS “should be carefully assessed, considering the sensitivity of this matter for national government.”
The threshold issue is also considered crucial to AmCham EU members, who fear there could be different thresholds for EU-based companies and those selling into the EU for foreign countries.
The expansion of the MOSS is also expected to serve as an “upstream” VAT collection change that could benefit express mail carriers.
“If non-EU vendors are registered in the VAT one-stop-shop then the transport intermediary will not collect the related VAT from EU consumers when goods reach the EU territory,” according to background material provided to Bloomberg BNA by the European Commission.
“If the non-EU vendor does not register in the VAT one-stop-shop either directly or via an intermediary, then the current system of collection of VAT by the postal express operators will remain in place.”
The proposal to give EU member countries the right to allow reduced VAT rates on electronic publications will mark a dramatic change for the European Commission. Two years ago, the EU executive body won a European Court of Justice case against France and Luxembourg in order to force both to eliminate reduced rates for electronic book publications.
However, commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who served as prime minister of Luxembourg for more than a decade, promptly announced a policy turnaround upon taking office in 2014.
“Our proposal will give member states the option of aligning the VAT treatment of e-publications such as books, newspapers and periodicals with the one of printed publications,” Katainen said.
To contact the reporter on this story: Joe Kirwin in Brussels at email@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Penny Sukhraj at firstname.lastname@example.org
Copyright © 2016 The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Is the USD/CHF a buy or sell after the weak US GDP data?
- The USD/CHF pair declined to the lowest level since July 17 after the latest Fed decision.
- The pair also reacted to the strong US GDP data.
- The numbers showed that the American economy expanded by 6.5% in Q2.
The USD/CHF pair declined to the lowest level since June 17 after the latest Federal Reserve interest rate decision and the US Q2 GDP data. The pair fell to 0.9072, which was about 2% below the highest level this year.
US GDP data
The American economy did relatively well in the second quarter as more states moved to reopen and as health officials intensified their vaccination process. The exact growth rate was revealed on Thursday when the statistics agency published the latest US GDP data.
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The numbers showed that the economy expanded by 6.5% in the second quarter after it rose by 6.3% in the first quarter. This growth was significantly lower than the median estimate of 8.5%. This growth was mostly driven by a rise in consumer spending. Real consumer spending rose by 11.5% in the second quarter as more people got back to work.
Further, business investments, government spending, and the overall external demand helped improve the American economy. Meanwhile, the personal consumption expenditure prices rose by 6.4% while core PCE rose by 6.10%. The PCE figure is the Fed’s favourite inflation tool.
The American economy is expected to continue recovering in the third quarter. However, the ongoing wave of the Covid pandemic could derail the recovery especially if states order new lockdowns.
The USD/CHF pair also declined because of the latest Fed interest rate decision. The bank decided to leave interest rates between 0% and 0.25% in its July meeting. The members also committed to start deliberations on quantitative easing tapering in the next meetings. Analysts interpreted this to mean that the talks will start in December and that the bank will start tapering in January.
Looking ahead, the USD/CHF pair will react to the latest Swiss leading indicators and US June PCE numbers that will come out on Friday.
USD/CHF technical outlook
The USD/CHF formed a double-top pattern at 0.9230 this month. This week, it managed to move below the neckline at 0.9150. It also declined below the important support at 0.9115, which was the lowest level on July 15. The pair also fell below the 25-day and 50-day exponential moving averages (EMA) while the Stochastic oscillator has moved below the oversold level. Therefore, the path of least resistance for the pair is lower. If this happens, the next reference level will be 0.9000.
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text:
Fighting with each other wasn't going to do anything but play into the hands of those instigating the trouble.
He opposed the Mexican War and slavery, and in 1847 was arrested on the charge of instigating a riot, which resulted in the rescue of several fugitive slaves; his trial, in which he was acquitted, attracted wide attention.
The Girondins, discredited in Paris, multiplied their attacks upon Danton, now the master: they attributed the civil war and the disasters of the foreign campaign to the ?I~ despotism of the Paris Commune and the clubs; they the corn- accused Marat of instigating the September massacres; mane and they began the supreme struggle by demanding the a~d the election of a committee of twelve deputies, charged with ron e.
For the next week Cynthia listened to - and even found herself instigating - discussions about Mr. Cade.
In 1104 Paschal succeeded in instigating the emperor's second son to rebel against his father, but soon found Henry V.

domain: library


Senate Republicans have set up votes on two bills next week aimed at criminalizing some abortion procedures after 20 weeks and putting Democrats on the spot about how far they are willing to support unlimited abortion rights.
One of the measures, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican, would impose criminal penalties, including a fine or a possible five-year prison term, for medical providers who perform abortions after a fetus reaches five months gestation. The bill, which Mr. Graham has pushed for several years, includes exceptions for pregnancy complications that threaten the life of the mother or if a pregnancy results from rape or incest.
Sen. Ben Sasse, Nebraska Republican, introduced the other bill, which requires health care workers to give medical care to a baby born alive after a botched abortion, ensuring the child is admitted to a hospital. If they fail to act, they could face a fine or prison time.
Critics of the bills say they are unnecessary and aimed at further limiting a woman’s control over her body. Proponents argue that the bills are humane and based on science.
Both pieces of legislation are expected to fail, as it is highly unlikely seven Democrats will side with the chamber’s 53 Republicans to advance the bills, which would require at least 60 votes.
Still, the votes put the senators, including several 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls, on the record on late-term abortions.
The Democratic Party has moved toward expanding abortion rights, including for the first time in 2016 making overturning the ban on federally funding for abortions part of the party platform. The issues surrounding late-term abortion, however, remain dicey for the party and its candidates.
Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, a top 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, got into hot water recently when he dodged an Iowa voter’s question about late-term abortions. He said it should be the mother’s decision, not the government’s.
The remark spurred complaints that he was alienating pro-life Democrats.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List, said Democrats are out of step with their base on abortion.
“They are feeling it. It’s time they see that consensus is necessary to move forward on this debate in a way that honors American opinion,” she said. “This is not only the right thing to do but the politically smart thing to do.”
A national poll conducted for the pro-life group showed that 77% of voters think babies born alive after a failed abortion should be given the same level of medical care as an infant at the same age.
“The overwhelming majority of Americans – including 75% of independents and 70% of Democrats – want Congress to ensure that babies who survive abortions receive the medical care they deserve,” Ms. Dannenfelser said, citing her group’s poll data.
A Gallup poll last year found that 25% of respondents thought late-term abortion should be legal in any circumstance, the lowest level of support since 2012.
More than a half-dozen states currently have no limits on late-term abortions.
Mr. Sasse introduced his legislation the same day a year ago that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ignited an abortion debate firestorm by describing an after-birth abortion.
“The infant would be delivered; the infant would be kept comfortable; the infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desire, and then a discussion would ensue between the physicians and the mother,” the Virginia Democrat said in a WTOP radio interview in January 2019.
The comment provoked a fierce backlash from Republican lawmakers and pro-life advocates.
Mr. Sasse’s bill came up for a vote the following month but was blocked by Senate Democrats. Three Democrats broke with their party to support the legislation: Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama and Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Graham’s legislation was introduced in honor of Micah Pickering, who was born at 22 weeks in 2012. He said that science points to the five-month mark at which a fetus can feel pain, saying abortion at that point should be limited.
A representative for the pro-choice Center for Reproductive Rights accused Senate Republicans of using abortion legislation to “galvanize” their supporters.
“This medically unnecessary bill applies arbitrary time constraints to a decision that should be left up to a patient and their doctor,” said the spokesman.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat, said the bills were another Republican attempt to limit a woman’s right to choose.
Other attempts, she said, included laws passed in seven GOP-run states last year restricting abortions and the Trump administration’s stripping Planned Parenthood out of the federal government’s family planning program.
“These efforts to restrict women’s access to care ignore the harsh reality that the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world,” Ms. Feinstein said. “Instead of considering controversial bills to restrict abortion, Congress should pursue bipartisan measures to make health care more affordable and accessible.”
Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, Illinois Democrat, said Mr. Sasse’s bill was unnecessary because current laws already penalize health care providers for malpractice involving abortion procedures, such as Kermit Gosnell, who is serving life in prison for first-degree murder and manslaughter convictions.
The infamous abortion provider’s case garnered national attention after it was uncovered he would use scissors to sever the spinal cords of babies born alive after botched abortions.
During a hearing on Mr. Sasse’s bill, Mr. Durbin said there’s no need to push for even more criminalization when the justice system works as it stands.
“This hearing, as important as it is, is addressing an issue already addressed in virtually every state in terms of infanticide and involuntary manslaughter when it comes to babies in this circumstance,” Mr. Durbin said.
Mr. Sasse stressed the importance of putting federal penalties on the books rather than leave it to the states to punish health care providers who fail to aid babies born alive.
“This hearing is about making sure that every newborn baby has a fighting chance whether she is born in a labor and delivery ward or whether she is born in an abortion clinic,” Mr. Sasse said. “This hearing isn’t about overturning Roe v. Wade.”


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Traveling is something we just can't get enough of, but with the lack of quality hotels in small towns across the US, we often find ourselves tuning our browsers towards Airbnb when looking for a place to stay. But Graduate Hotel cooked up a solution! Their fresh approach to boutique hotels are located in some of the best college cities throughout the country and they approached us to help tell their story. Our challenge was to showcase the intricate detail put into each concept, while only featuring a few. We traveled to Tempe, Arizona, Oxford, Mississippi and Madison, Wisconsin to get the proper cross section, but don't take our word. Peep the video and check them out for yourself.
We also put together a quick 15-second clip for Graduate's Instagram Account to promote the video's launch.


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Sizing and Thickening Agents Market: —
Thickening agents are substances that are extensively used to increase the viscosity of fluid which makes them ideal for the use in the food and beverage industry. Thickening agents are also used as additives in the inks, paint & coatings, and cosmetic and personal hygiene manufacturing industries. The most commonly used thickening agents are cellulose, starch, clay and silica. Sizing agents are extensively used in the paper and textile industry owing to its ability to hold ink. The growing demand from the end use industries such as food and beverage, paints and coatings, textile and paper & paper board is anticipated to be the major factor driving the global sizing and thickening agents market. Sizing and thickening Agents are segmented on the basis of type and application and region.
Ashland (U.S.), Cargill Incorporated (U.S.), CP Kelco (U.S.), The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), and AKZO Nobel N.V.(Netherland), FMC Corporation (U.S.), and Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.) among others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the global Sizing and Thickening Agents Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.
Get Free Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5463
Sizing and Thickening Agents Market- Competitive Landscape
The global Sizing and Thickening Agents Market is a highly lucrative market driven by flourishing growth in packaging and petrochemical industry, along with the propelling textile industry Ashland (U.S.), Cargill Incorporated (U.S.), CP Kelco (U.S.), The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), and AKZO Nobel N.V.(Netherland) among others are some of the major players operating in this market. Most of these market participants are adopting the expansion, product launch, and merger and acquisition tactics to strengthen their production capacities and market position. Taking account of these trends the global Sizing and Thickening Agents Market is projected to witness considerable competition over the forecast period of 2017-2023.
Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:
11th September 2013- Cargill made an investment of around US$ 15 million in the expansion of its French sizing and thickening agent production plant. This investment is in line with their expansion strategy of the alginates plant in Brittany and Lannilis. Moreover, the strategic location of the plant near the sea cost will help Cargill in extracting fresh brown sea weed for the production of alginate. Furthermore, this expansion will enable them to supply sustainable and cost competitive alginates to its consumers.
22nd April 2015- The Blue Diamond Growers company launched a new product almond flour in facility in Turlock, that are used in delicate cookies, breads and cakes among others in the food and beverage industry. The new product can also be used as coatings in fish, meat and soups among others as thickening agents.
The global Sizing and Thickening Agents market is geographically spanned across five key regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The Asia Pacific is leading the market, among others, owing to the increasing demand for building & construction, automotive, and wind energy sector in this region. India, South Korea, China, and Japan are the major markets in this region due to the growing demand from emerging end use industries such as marine, automotive, and building & construction. North America is the second most considerable region in the global Sizing and Thickening Agents market. The U.S. is the major contributor to this region due to the presence of leading end use industries such as defense, marine, aerospace & defense.
Europe is another substantial region in the market. The major markets in this region are Germany, the U.K, France, and Italy, where there is a growing demand for Sizing and Thickening Agentss by the automobile industry. Latin America is witnessing a rise in industrialization along with the pacifying political and economic scenario in Brazil and Colombia. During the forecast period, the region anticipated holding a significant share of the global Sizing and Thickening Agents market. The Middle East & Africa is holding relatively lesser shares in the global Sizing and Thickening Agents market. It is anticipated to witness growth in coming years on account of hitherto untapped growth opportunities in the construction sector.
Get Full Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/sizing-thickening-agents-5463
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Executive Summary
2 Scope Of The Report
2.1 Market Definition
2.2 Scope Of The Study
2.2.1 Research Objectives
2.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations
2.3 Markets Structure
3 Market Research Methodology
3.1 Research Process
3.2 Secondary Research
3.3 Primary Research
3.4 Forecast Model
4 Market Landscape
4.1 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
4.1.1 Threat Of New Entrants
4.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers
4.1.3 Threat Of Substitutes
4.1.4 Segment Rivalry
4.2 Value Chain/Supply Chain Of Global Sizing And Thickening Agents Market
5 Industry Overview Of Global Sizing And Thickening Agents Market
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Address: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312t Email: firstname.lastname@example.org
Release ID: 525410

domain: geography


Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4, DALL-E have captivated the public imagination and demonstrated immense potential across a variety of applications. However, for all their capabilities, these powerful AI systems also come with significant vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. In this post, we will explore the attack vectors threat actors could leverage to compromise LLMs and propose countermeasures to bolster their security.
An overview of large language models
Before delving into the vulnerabilities, it is helpful to understand what exactly large language models are and why they have become so popular. LLMs are a class of artificial intelligence systems that have been trained on massive text corpora, allowing them to generate remarkably human-like text and engage in natural conversations.
Modern LLMs like OpenAI's GPT-3 contain upwards of 175 billion parameters, several orders of magnitude more than previous models. They utilize a transformer-based neural network architecture that excels at processing sequences like text and speech. The sheer scale of these models, combined with advanced deep learning techniques, enables them to achieve state-of-the-art performance on language tasks.
Some unique capabilities that have excited both researchers and the public include:
- Text generation: LLMs can autocomplete sentences, write essays, summarize lengthy articles, and even compose fiction.
- Question answering: They can provide informative answers to natural language questions across a wide range of topics.
- Classification: LLMs can categorize and label texts for sentiment, topic, authorship and more.
- Translation: Models like Google's Switch Transformer (2022) achieve near human-level translation between over 100 languages.
- Code generation: Tools like GitHub Copilot demonstrate LLMs' potential for assisting developers.
The remarkable versatility of LLMs has fueled intense interest in deploying them across industries from healthcare to finance. However, these promising models also pose novel vulnerabilities that must be addressed.
Attack vectors on large language models
While LLMs do not contain traditional software vulnerabilities per se, their complexity makes them susceptible to techniques that seek to manipulate or exploit their inner workings. Let's examine some prominent attack vectors:
1. Adversarial attacks
Adversarial attacks involve specially crafted inputs designed to deceive machine learning models and trigger unintended behaviors. Rather than altering the model directly, adversaries manipulate the data fed into the system.
For LLMs, adversarial attacks typically manipulate text prompts and inputs to generate biased, nonsensical or dangerous outputs that nonetheless appear coherent for a given prompt. For instance, an adversary could insert the phrase “This advice will harm others” within a prompt to ChatGPT requesting dangerous instructions. This could potentially bypass ChatGPT's safety filters by framing the harmful advice as a warning.
More advanced attacks can target internal model representations. By adding imperceptible perturbations to word embeddings, adversaries may be able to significantly alter model outputs. Defending against these attacks requires analyzing how subtle input tweaks affect predictions.
2. Data poisoning
This attack involves injecting tainted data into the training pipeline of machine learning models to deliberately corrupt them. For LLMs, adversaries can scrape malicious text from the internet or generate synthetic text designed specifically to pollute training datasets.
Poisoned data can instill harmful biases in models, cause them to learn adversarial triggers, or degrade performance on target tasks. Scrubbing datasets and securing data pipelines are crucial to prevent poisoning attacks against production LLMs.
3. Model theft
LLMs represent immensely valuable intellectual property for companies investing resources into developing them. Adversaries are keen on stealing proprietary models to replicate their capabilities, gain commercial advantage, or extract sensitive data used in training.
Attackers may attempt to fine-tune surrogate models using queries to the target LLM to reverse-engineer its knowledge. Stolen models also create additional attack surface for adversaries to mount further attacks. Robust access controls and monitoring anomalous use patterns helps mitigate theft.
4. Infrastructure attacks
As LLMs grow more expansive in scale, their training and inference pipelines require formidable computational resources. For instance, GPT-3 was trained across hundreds of GPUs and costs millions in cloud computing fees.
This reliance on large-scale distributed infrastructure exposes potential vectors like denial-of-service attacks that flood APIs with requests to overwhelm servers. Adversaries can also attempt to breach cloud environments hosting LLMs to sabotage operations or exfiltrate data.
Potential threats emerging from LLM vulnerabilities
Exploiting the attack vectors above can enable adversaries to misuse LLMs in ways that pose risks to individuals and society. Here are some potential threats that security experts are keeping a close eye on:
- Spread of misinformation: Poisoned models can be manipulated to generate convincing falsehoods, stoking conspiracies or undermining institutions.
- Amplification of social biases: Models trained on skewed data might exhibit prejudiced associations that adversely impact minorities.
- Phishing and social engineering: The conversational abilities of LLMs could enhance scams designed to trick users into disclosing sensitive information.
- Toxic and dangerous content generation: Unconstrained, LLMs may provide instructions for illegal or unethical activities.
- Digital impersonation: Fake user accounts powered by LLMs can spread inflammatory content while evading detection.
- Vulnerable system compromise: LLMs could potentially assist hackers by automating components of cyberattacks.
These threats underline the necessity of rigorous controls and oversight mechanisms for safely developing and deploying LLMs. As models continue to advance in capability, the risks will only increase without adequate precautions.
Recommended strategies for securing large language models
Given the multifaceted nature of LLM vulnerabilities, a defense-in-depth approach across the design, training, and deployment lifecycle is required to strengthen security:
- Employ multi-tiered access controls for restricting model access to authorized users and systems. Rate limiting can help prevent brute force attacks.
- Compartmentalize sub-components into isolated environments secured by strict firewall policies. This reduces blast radius from breaches.
- Architect for high availability across regions to prevent localized disruptions. Load balancing helps prevent request flooding during attacks.
Training pipeline security
- Perform extensive data hygiene by scanning training corpora for toxicity, biases, and synthetic text using classifiers. This mitigates data poisoning risks.
- Train models on trusted datasets curated from reputable sources. Seek diverse perspectives when assembling data.
- Introduce data authentication mechanisms to verify legitimacy of examples. Block suspicious bulk uploads of text.
- Practice adversarial training by augmenting clean examples with adversarial samples to improve model robustness.
- Employ input sanitization modules to filter dangerous or nonsensical text from user prompts.
- Analyze generated text for policy violations using classifiers before releasing outputs.
- Rate limit API requests per user to prevent abuse and denial of service due to amplification attacks.
- Continuously monitor logs to quickly detect anomalous traffic and query patterns indicative of attacks.
- Implement retraining or fine-tuning procedures to periodically refresh models using newer trusted data.
- Form ethics review boards with diverse perspectives to assess risks in applications and propose safeguards.
- Develop clear policies governing appropriate use cases and disclosing limitations to users.
- Foster closer collaboration between security teams and ML engineers to instill security best practices.
- Perform audits and impact assessments regularly to identify potential risks as capabilities progress.
- Establish robust incident response plans for investigating and mitigating actual LLM breaches or misuses.
The combination of mitigation strategies across the data, model, and infrastructure stack is key to balancing the great promise and real risks accompanying large language models. Ongoing vigilance and proactive security investments commensurate with the scale of these systems will determine whether their benefits can be responsibly realized.
LLMs like ChatGPT represent a technological leap forward that expands the boundaries of what AI can achieve. However, the sheer complexity of these systems leaves them vulnerable to an array of novel exploits that demand our attention.
From adversarial attacks to model theft, threat actors have an incentive to unlock the potential of LLMs for nefarious ends. But by cultivating a culture of security throughout the machine learning lifecycle, we can work to ensure these models fulfill their promise safely and ethically. With collaborative efforts across the public and private sectors, LLMs' vulnerabilities do not have to undermine their value to society.
The post The Vulnerabilities and Security Threats Facing Large Language Models appeared first on Unite.AI.


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There are a lot of studies on older cancer patients’ distress level, mainly during the course of chemotherapy and at the end of life. However, there are not a lot of studies on the distress that they have before undergoing cancer surgery. There are a lot of important issues to realise at that time: one is these are older patients, they have their own frailty and issues, they are diagnosed with cancer, the family is going through a lot of stress. There are a lot of unknowns for them which may create a lot of distress for them. Distress has shown to be correlated with their quality of life, their perception of quality of care that they receive and their outcomes. So my study looked at their distress level before undergoing cancer surgery.
Were there any successful interventions you found to change behaviour?
Guidelines suggest that these patients with a high level of distress should be referred to social workers, psychologists or many times there is an issue with just lack of information about their surgery and their outcome. So we try to implement that stuff – refer patients to social workers, mental health specialists or just educate them about their surgery and their surgery outcome.
Are oncologists looking more into patient histories for signs of distress?
What we’ve found is actually, number one, more than half of patients have a high level of distress before undergoing surgery. The second thing is that their distress is correlated with their functional status – how fit they are. The third thing is those who are depressed are more likely to have a high level of distress before surgery so definitely those who are depressed or have a history of anxiety might have a higher level of distress but that’s not all the information. As I said, distress correlates with unmet needs so the more needs you have the more likely that you have needs that are not answered and because of that you have a high level of distress.
What recommendations would you give based on your findings?
At least based on our experience and based on our data it’s very important for older cancer patients and their families to seek help and information from their surgeons or their primary care providers. Most of the time it’s just about knowing what they should expect, how long they are going to stay in the hospital, how functional they are going to be after surgery. At times cancer diagnosis is a stressful event so many patients and their families rush to the surgery without knowing what to expect, so taking some time, at least for a day or so, figuring out what questions they should ask and get the proper information is going to be a stress relieving intervention for many of them. At the end I do think that I have to emphasise that patients and families should have all the information that they feel is necessary for them. Don’t be shy to ask those questions, they have every right to do so. It’s very important to get that information before proceeding with surgery because after surgery it may create more stress if they haven’t thought about those things. One of the most important things is about the functional recovery – do they need additional help at home after surgery? Who is going to deliver that care, is it the family, is it home help aides? Those things are going to help them with their distress level and hopefully will lead to better outcomes.

domain: health


text:
The Wedding book of Lorne and Erin Collins, October 9, 2009. 74 pages.
Located in Central Virginia, designmarie is a personal graphic design firm specializing in books, music albums, photography, photo restoration, etc.
Thirty. Published April 22, 2012
Pickles Before Breakfast Published December 17, 2011
Surviving The Great Depression Published January 20, 2011
chris loves christy Published December 02, 2010