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By Rebecca Adams, CQ HealthBeat Associate Editor
December 21, 2012 – Trade organizations representing such major interests as medical providers and consumers argue in comments to federal officials that the essential health benefits proposal would give insurers and states too much flexibility, which could potentially undermine consistent, robust coverage.
The comments are just some of the more than 1,000 responses that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services collected by Friday afternoon. Individuals are also bombarding CMS officials with pleas for specific benefits. Public comments are due by Dec. 26.
The American Hospital Association said that while its members understand the need for some flexibility for insurers, "we remain concerned that too much emphasis is being placed on providing flexibility and affordability rather than ensuring that coverage is meaningful."
Several groups said the proposed rule would allow too much substitution of services. The proposed rule did narrow the amount of substitution that could occur from an earlier bulletin released by federal officials last year. The bulletin had suggested that health plans could substitute one type of medical care for another. But the proposed rule, which was released Nov. 20, said insurers could only substitute care within certain categories, such as inpatient rehab services for outpatient rehab.
"The effect of this provision is that plans are allowed to deviate from their state's [essential health benefit] definition and the only real standard for the benefit is cost," Linda Fishman, AHA senior vice president for public policy analysis and development, wrote in the association's letter. "Furthermore, those substitutions may not be readily apparent in the general benefit summaries that will be available, resulting in a lack of transparency for consumers about what is covered."
Consumers Union suggested that summaries of the plans available in the exchanges be expanded to note what kinds of substitutions were made.
The group also recommended several provisions that would limit substitution and asked CMS officials to add language ensuring that state officials could ban benefit substitution if they wish.
Consumers Union officials offered an example of the kind of substitution that they are worried about.
An insurance company could substitute coverage of physical therapy services that treat short-term sports injuries for those that treat more chronic conditions and are more commonly used by people with disabilities.
"Leaving substitution up to insurers could result in their crafting benefit packages that attract certain populations at the expense of others," the group concluded.
The Alliance of Specialty Medicine, representing an array of specialists, said its members are worried that the proposal would lead to drug coverage that is not broad enough for many patients and result in insufficient access to specialty care.
In particular, the group raised concerns about the proposed rule's provision on prescription drug benefits. The original bulletin would have guaranteed coverage of at least one drug in every class. The proposed rule did expand that to say that every plan would have to cover at least one drug in every category and class, or the same number of drugs in each category and class as the benchmark plan that a state selects, whichever is more. That raises the possibility of having coverage of more than one drug in every class, but the Alliance said that does not go far enough.
"By allowing plans to cover an arbitrary number of drugs, there is no guarantee patients will get access to the medicines they need," the group wrote.
Another concern mentioned by groups, including the Alliance and AHA, is that the proposal would cap out-of-pocket spending by consumers but out-of-network costs do not count toward that limit, except for emergency care.
"As providers of specialty care, the Alliance believes it is a critical problem that there is no limit to the amount an individual may need to pay for out-of-network providers," the group said. "This aspect of the EHB proposed rule essentially promotes a closed provider network. It is especially problematic for patients who need to seek specialty care providers who, by the nature of their specialty, often see patients from a variety of health plans in- or out-of-network. This proposed rule would impede a patient's access to specialty care and treatment."
The National Health Council, a group that focuses on chronic disease, said it is important to put in place federal monitoring programs to ensure that plans are meeting federal requirements. They are worried that insurers could construct plans that would discriminate against people with certain types of conditions by putting in place high cost-sharing requirements or limits on services.
Insurers represented by America's Health Insurance Plans said that they are still working on their comments. They may want to respond to the concerns raised by other groups in their letters. The plans have said in the past that one of their main concerns is that the coverage be affordable, and they say putting restrictions on how plans can design their benefits can raise prices for consumers.


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Grand Park’s Easy-Mornings offers a start to the weekend with relaxing and family-friendly activities live in Grand Park this April. This free three-hour public program highlights arts and culture, educational and creative programs, and community health, offering Angelenos ways to experience joyful and creative opportunities to deepen relationships with family, community, parks and their playful selves as well as ways to support local small businesses. Grand Park’s Easy Mornings takes place on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
From puppetry, storytelling, dance, music making, arts and crafts and live DJ entertainment with DJ Lawrence, Grand Park’s Easy Mornings will explore all the ways everyone can express themselves. This year’s program includes a mini maker’s market featuring Los Angeles-based small businesses and nonprofits with activities to inspire children of all ages, adults, families and caregivers to think big. Grand Park-goers will experience tactile, fun and creative activities in various artistic mediums. Grand Park’s favorite food trucks and vendors will offer food and beverages for purchase; on-site picnicking is encouraged.
Grand Park’s Easy Mornings is curated in partnership with Streetlet, an opportunity-matching and growth engine for small business owners and makers. Streetlet is powering the #shoplocal movement by connecting the best small retail and product businesses with amazing opportunities in their neighborhoods and online.
*Masks are not required but are highly encouraged.

domain: artistic


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Gary Neville: Why I prefer Liverpool FC’s Andy Robertson over Chelsea FC defender
The Man United legend admits he would prefer Liverpool FC star Andy Robertson over Chelsea FC defender Marcos Alonso
Gary Neville has picked out Liverpool FC star Andy Robertson as the Premier League’s best left-back this season ahead of Chelsea FC full-back Marcos Alonso.
The Scotland international moved to Liverpool FC in an £8m deal from relegated Hull City in the 2017 summer transfer window.
Robertson impressed during his first season in the Premier League before Liverpool FC swooped to sign the Scottish starlet.
The 23-year-old made a slow start to his Reds career after Alberto Moreno managed to reclaim his place in the Liverpool FC team.
Robertson, though, seized his chance to tie down a place in the Liverpool FC side following Moreno’s injury setback.
The Liverpool FC star has impressed with four assists in 20 appearances in the Premier League in the current campaign.
Robertson has started four of Liverpool FC’s last five Champions League games to help the Reds reach the last four for the first time since 2008.
Chelsea FC star Alonso has netted six times and has made two assists in 31 appearances in the English top flight this term.
Former Manchester United defender Neville explained why Robertson has outperformed Alonso this term.
“In terms of goals, it’s a no-brainer,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“Alonso’s scored more goals, but clean sheet ratio, Robertson’s better. I’m going to go with Robertson, because ultimately Liverpool are having a fantastic season. I’m not entirely convinced by the season Alonso’s had.”
Liverpool FC will take on Chelsea FC in their Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

domain: sports


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Barton Marine sponsors Women in Marine at SIBS
Barton Marine is to sponsor the Women in Marine reception at this year's Southampton International Boat Show powered by Borrow a Boat.
The reception will be held on 18 September at 4pm and will feature guest speakers Dawn Ramsay, UK and Eire country manager for Navico and Lottie Harland who founded and runs the sailing charity, Ausome which supports people with autism spectrum conditions.
Suzanne Blaustone, chief executive of Barton Marine, said that the show provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues. "Sharing experiences and knowledge with each other as we navigate through the current complex business environment is really valuable. I look forward to seeing everyone on the 18th,” she said.
Dawn has spent 30 years in the marine industry working with the biggest names in electronics across sales, marketing and general management. Lottie, who is autistic herself, started sailing at the age of nine and found that the sport helped build her confidence and self-esteem as she went through a difficult time at school. She set up Ausome to enable other autistic people to experience the benefits and joys of sailing.
Taking place in the new centrally located British Marine Lounge, all industry professionals are welcome. A space can be secured at the British Marine website.
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domain: news


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Drosophila Neuroanatomy Biocurator
We are seeking to recruit a new member to our team at the University of Cambridge that contributes to two Drosophila databases: Virtual Fly Brain (VFB; http://virtualflybrain.org) and FlyBase (http://flybase.org/). Virtual Fly Brain is a resource that helps Drosophila neuroscientists map and visualize neuronal circuits, and find the experimental reagents to manipulate the circuits to reveal their role in perception, learning, memory and complex behaviours. The successful applicant will aid this process in three ways: 1) by annotating the expression of Gal4 drivers within the adult brain, using data from large scale datasets and the primary research literature; 2) assisting in the integration of data from single-cell RNA sequencing datasets; and 3) leading the effort to assess the functionality of improvements to the website, by recruiting members of the local neuroscience community and working with them and other VFB members to perform usability testing of the website. Much of the curated data will also be integrated into FlyBase, the primary community resource for Drosophila genetic, genomic and functional data. You will interact day to day with the rest of the expert scientist-curators in the Virtual Fly Brain and FlyBase team, housed in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, and VFB colleagues in the Cambridge area and Edinburgh. Members of VFB and FlyBase will provide appropriate training.
More details and a link to the application form can be found here: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/21376/

domain: biology


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It's not completely clear how the fire started, but most historical accounts hold that burning trash in a landfill near an abandoned strip mine ignited an exposed coal vein. The fire spread throughout a labyrinth of coal mines beneath the town, creating a giant underground inferno.
That was 50 years ago on May 27, 1962.
Half a century later, Centralia, Pennsylvania still burns.
The once bustling coal-mining town — then home to over 2,000 people — is now a smoldering expanse of overgrown streets, cracked pavement and charred trees. Everywhere, streams of toxic gas spew into the air from hundreds of fissures in the ground.
Workers battled the fire for almost two decades, but all attempts to extinguish the massive blaze proved unsuccessful.
In 1981, amid growing health concerns over dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, Centralia's plight was launched onto the national radar when a 12-year-old boy fell into a sinkhole. Decades of intense underground heat was causing the pavement to crumble.
In the following years, Congress set aside more than $42 million to relocate residents. Abandoned houses were bulldozed to the ground. Some townspeople, however, refused to leave.
In 2010, the town's last nine residents were fighting to keep the state from evicting them and demolishing their homes.
Experts say there is enough coal to fuel the fire for another 250 years.


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Ryan Clement was the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Outlaws of XFL I in 2001. He was more than a casual observer of the XFL’s reinvention that began last week.
When offered a chance to gain the upper hand on an opponent through nefarious means, Faith Lutheran football coach Vernon Fox refused and did the right thing.
Chicago Cubs slugger Kris Bryant of Las Vegas addressed rampant trade rumors and other topics during an informal workout at Las Vegas Ballpark.
Stunt driving team helps “Ford v Ferrari” attain authenticity, critical success en route to Best Picture nomination at the Oscars.
Hall of Fame New Jersey sports writer Jerry Izenberg, 89, will end his streak and watch the big game from a sportsbook in Henderson on Sunday.
There was a chill in the air and no place to park when Bryce Harper made his college baseball debut as a 17-year-old on Jan. 29, 2010.
Mary Wilmore was part of security force for 22 years and popular with Rebels players, fans and local sports media. She was affectionately known as “Military Mary.”
Members of the Las Vegas Aces slow-pitch softball team have remained close friends, despite not playing together for more than 25 years.
Competition at Sin City Classic festival attracts eclectic mix of players who just want to play hockey in a comfortable environment.
Former UNLV NCAA doubles champion Tim Blenkiron said his parents’ home in the Adelaide Hills region burned to the ground during the deadly blazes.


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Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday afternoon plans for the next phase of the state’s economy reopening.
Abbott said that starting immediately, massage and personal care businesses, child care centers and youth clubs and sports could resume operations. In a previously announced decision, gyms, offices and non-essential manufacturers were allowed to reopen on Monday.
Also, starting on Friday, restaurants can have 50% capacity (up from 25%), and bars and similar establishments could reopen at 25% capacity. Also allowed to reopen Friday are bowling alleys, skating rinks, rodeo and equestrian events, zoos, aquariums and natural caverns.
On May 31, professional sports will be allowed without in-person spectators, and youth camps (day and overnight) can resume. Starting June 1, school districts can hold summer school if they follow social distancing guidelines.
Two hotspot areas — Amarillo and El Paso — are exempted from the latest reopenings.
Click here for more information about specific guidelines for businesses and patrons as the economy continues to reopen.

domain: economics


This paper introduces a strengthening technique of two-way slabs using steel plates and steel bolts. The effectiveness of two configurations of steel plates and four different arrangements of steel bolts were evaluated. The strengthening steel plates were extended to twice the slab depth around the column and acted as a drop panel of an equivalent concrete depth. Steel bolts were used as vertical shear reinforcement. Eight bolts were sufficient to transfer the horizontal forces from the steel plates to the concrete and the confining concrete sandwiched between the steel plates. The strengthened slabs showed an increase in stiffness and energy absorption. In addition, the ductility was slightly improved. The load-carrying capacity of the strengthened slabs was increased by 56.55, 57.76, and 64.56% over that of the control specimen with slabs that had eight, 12, and 16 bolts, respectively. The research presents a strengthening concept that can be used to strengthen two-way slabs in multistory structures. A simple approach that was based on the yield line theory showed good agreement with test results.
|Number of pages||9|
|Journal||ACI Structural Journal|
|Publication status||Published - Jan 1 2002|
- Punching shear
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction


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Parry is a homeless history professor who lives in a fantasy world full of castles, Red Knights, and damsels in distress. Jack is New York's number one shock deejay, until the day his off-hand arrogance triggers a tragedy that ruins his career. Penniless and without prospects, Jack finds himself plucked from disaster by the most improbable of saviors, Parry.
Criterion collection (DVD videodiscs)
Criterion collection (DVD videodiscs) ; 764. DVD.
Criterion collection ; 764
Love -- Drama.
Male friendship -- Drama.
Man-woman relationships -- Drama.
Mentally ill -- Drama.
Quests (Expeditions) -- Drama.
Criterion Collection (Firm), publisher.
Gilliam, Terry, film director.
Obst, Lynda Rosen, film producer.
Plummer, Amanda, actor.
Ruehl, Mercedes, actor.
Williams, Robin, 1951-2014, actor.

domain: library


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The House of Representatives, Wednesday, resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the recovered loot by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, since 1998.
To this end, the ad-hoc committee is expected to dig out all recoveries made and mode of payments, how the money was disbursed and report back within the next six weeks.
This development was sequel to a motion under matters of public importance, entitled: ‘Urgent Need To Stop The Federal Government From Expending The Last Tranche Of The Abacha Loot Or Any Recovered Loot At All Without Parliamentary Approval’, promoted by Sunday Karimi, PDP, Kogi.
Recall that Eric Mayoraz, Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, had during a round table on assets recovery organized by the Swiss Embassy in Abuja, noted that total sum of $722 million of Abacha’s family money hidden in Switzerland had been fully repatriated in 2005.
Mayoraz was quoted as saying that additional sum of $322 million, which was frozen by the Swiss Attorney-General, was repatriated in December, 2017.
The lawmakers noted that the move by President Buhari to share the recovered loot was in breach of section 12(1) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) which provides that the treaties and agreements reached by Federal Government must be ratified by the National Assembly.
While leading the debate, Karimi said, “Transparency International estimated that about $5billion public revenue was stashed abroad by the late Military Ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha, between 1993 and 1998 when he ruled the country.
“In 2014, Abacha family entered an agreement with the Federal Government, forfeiting several billions of dollars to the Federal Government, following a plea bargain to drop charges against the late Military Ruler’s son.
”The funds have been released to the federation in several tranches by Swistzerland government but without much disclosure to the public by government
“Recently, the Attorney General of the Federation signed an agreement on behalf of the government of the federation on the release of the last tranche of $322 million belonging to Nigeria.
“The Special Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Justice Reform, Juliet Ibekaku Nwagwu, was reported to have said that in line with Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Switzerland government and its Nigerian counterpart, the$322 million will be paid directly to the account of the poorest Nigerians without recourse to the National Assembly
“By virtue of section 12 (1) of the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), no treaty between the Federal Government of Nigeria and any other country shall have the force of law except to the extent to which such treaty had been enacted by the National Assembly.
“Consequently, no agreement or MoU purportedly signed by the Federal Government with Switzerland government can have any force of law in Nigeria, except approved and enacted by this National Assembly.
“Cognizant that by virtual of section 80(1-3) and 81 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) all revenue raised and received by the Federal Government shall be paid to the consolidated Revenue fund.
“Section 80(3) stipulated that no such monies raised shall be withdrawn from the consolidated Revenue fund unless the issue of such funds has been authorized by the National Assembly. As a result, no monies can be paid or expended without National Assembly approval
“If the money is shared as is being speculated, what was the modality used because we hear only 19 states are adjudged to be poor in Nigeria.
“They can’t spend Nigeria’s money and spend it the way they like and nobody is above the law, the money belongs to the country and must be distributed normally and Federal Government share should be used to complete the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.”
At this point, the presiding officer, Yakubu Dogara, threw the debate open to members to make their contributions.
In his contribution, Hassan Salem, stated, “How do we determine those earmarked to benefit or identification of poor families? I smell corruption in this whole exercise.”
Also contributing, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, PDP, Abia, said, “We should also look at the economic multiplier effect, with all the intended reason to feed the poor although noble but let every member make bold to support this motion in protecting our laws.
“The constitution which is the grund norm says such payment should be made to Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF, a departure from it will negate our laws.
“On the other hand, if we continue to feed the poor, will it continue? We should rather support wealth creation and support a sustainable method.”
Ossai Nicholas Ossai, PDP, Delta State, in his submission, supported the move but quickly pointed out that “section 12ss 2 looks into treaties and agreements that must be ratified by NASS.”
Chika Adamu, APC, Niger State, queried, “How are we going to share the money? For instance, if I recover my money, nobody has the right to tell me how to spend it.”
Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje PDP, Abia, said, “I support what Karimi said because to me, sharing the money does not make any economic sense as Switzerland does not have any right to tell us how to spend our recovered money.”
Abdulmunin Jibrin, APC Kano, however, raised an amendment to the motion that all the Abacha loots from 1998 should be investigated or “we won’t be doing our children any good because an account was not given of how the money recovered was disbursed.”
This development made the House to put Jibrin’s amendment to a voice vote which was unanimously carried.
The House, therefore, resolved to step down the prayers in Karimi’s motion, urging the House to direct the Presidency to pay the $322m recovered into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF, pending the outcome of the adhoc committee investigative hearings.

domain: law


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Life is good!! Larger print!!
Word Art Wednesday how did you get to 200 posts without me finding you? Well, I have found you now and I want to join in oun your celebration!! Congratulations and great job!!
Here is a fun card doing something new. Wild colors are coming through!! This card was so much fun to make as I pieced the rays together. I love the look and the numbers on the paper just add to the design. The train and sentiment were stamped and popped up.
Full Steam Ahead is linked to:
Word Art Wednesday
613 Avenue Create http://avenue613.blogspot.com/2015/09/challenge-141-anything-goes-woptional.html

domain: design


Cool Forgotten Weapons merch! http://shop.forgottenweapons.com
The Arizona PCC (Pistol-Caliber Carbine) Championship is a 10-stage competition held every year at the Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club in Mesa, AZ. It is normally only open to semiauto carbines, but I was able to get permission to run a true submachine gun this year (full auto is truly not an advantage for this sort of competition…). So I took the opportunity to run nearly 750 rounds through a Stemple-Suomi, while kitted out in my proper Finnish Wanter War uniform. Any you know what? I had a great time and didn’t come in last!
6281 N. Oracle 36270
Tucson, AZ 85740
At Forgotten Weapons I think the most interesting guns out there are the most obscure ones. I try to search out experimental and prototype weapons and show you how they work, in addition to more conventional guns that you may not have heard of before. You’re much more likely to find a video on the Cei Rigotti or Webley-Fosbery here than an AR or Glock. So, do you want to learn about something new today? Then stick around!


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Orlando Area Residential Sales Down 18 Percent Annually in June
Based on the Orlando Regional Realtor Association’s latest market data, the median residential home sales price for the Orlando MSA in June 2023 was recorded at $385,000, up from $378,000 in May. Median home prices have increased every month this year. The median home price in June 2023 was close to June 2022, when it was recorded at $387,000.
ORRA reports new listings rose 7.1% from May to June, with 3,703 new homes on the market in June, compared to 3,459 in May.
Orlando homes spent an average of 41 days on the market in June 2023, down from 45 days in May. This is 105.0% higher than June 2022 when homes spent an average of 20 days on the market.
Overall sales fell 0.8% from May to June 2023. There were 3,124 sales in June 2023, down from 3,150 sales in May 2023, and down 18% annually to 3,793 sales in June 2022. Pending sales also fell, with 4,304 in May and 3,964 in June 2023.
ORRA also says 28 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.9% of all home sales in June. That represents a 33.3% increase from May, when 21 distressed homes sold.
Inventory for June 2023 was recorded at 5,450, up 5.8% from May when inventory was recorded at 5,149. Inventory was 0.2% higher compared to June 2022, when it was recorded at 5,437 homes.
“Now that we’re officially halfway through the year, Orlando’s housing market remains strong,” said Lisa Hill, Orlando Regional Realtor Association President. “June’s housing data is a strong indication of what the rest of the year will look like – we can expect to continue to see more inventory and great prices for homes, which is good news for buyers and sellers.”
Source: World Property Journal


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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A former NFL player and Florida State wide receiver is suing the city of Jacksonville over a law that restricts sexually themed bars.
The Florida Times-Union reports that Laveranues Coles filed the lawsuit Monday in federal court in Jacksonville.
Coles is asking a judge to overturn the city's rules governing bikini bars and other similar businesses.
The city's planning commission denied Coles a zoning exception for a restaurant and "dancing establishment." Coles argues the sexual dancing at the restaurant would be for a consensual audience over the age of 18.
Coles' suit argues Jacksonville's rules infringe on his business's Constitutional right to free expression and asks for $75,000 in damages.
Jacksonville spokeswoman Marsha Oliver says they do not comment on pending lawsuits.
Coles played in the NFL from 2000-2010 for the Jets, Redskins and Bengals.

domain: sociology


text:
Diffuse spinal arachnoiditis in neurobrucellosis is a rare manifestation. We report a boy aged 17, presenting with hearing impairment and recurrent vomiting for 18 months, weight loss for 12 months, dysphagia, dysarthria, hypophonia for 6 months, and gait unsteadiness for 5 months. He had bilateral 5th (motor) to 12th cranial nerve palsy, wasting and weakness of limbs, fasciculations, absent tendon reflexes, and positive Babinski’s sign. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed raised protein and pleocytosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive enhancing exudates in cisterns and post-contrast enhancement of bilateral 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th nerves. Spine showed clumping with contrast enhancement of the cauda equina roots and encasement of the cord with exudates. Serum and CSF were positive for anti-Brucella antibodies. He showed significant improvement with antibiotics. At 4 months follow-up, MRI demonstrated near complete resolution of cranial and spinal arachnoiditis. It is important to recognize such rare atypical presentations of neurobrucellosis.
Address correspondence to Atchayaram Nalini, Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Faculty Block, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore 560029, India. E-mail: email@example.com

domain: medical


text:
Actor Emily Howlett had to learn to smoke, to play the piano and to shout for her latest role.
Emily is deaf, so shouting doesn’t come naturally, but she’s been working with a voice trainer.
There’s so much of it I can relate to and so much I don’t agree with
She had a breakthrough when she got frustrated and swore loudly and the trainer said: “That’s what I want. Do that!”
Emily added: “I’ve had to learn to play the piano. A hearing person will hear it when it’s a wrong note. I can’t hear any of what I’m playing.”
She was determined to be able to play, though and added: “It’s bloody-mindedness as much as talent. They said, ‘Maybe have a break’ but I said, ‘Not until I’ve played it’.”
The show follows a young man, Billy, who was born deaf into a hearing family.
He has never been treated any differently by them but when he meets Sylvia, who teaches him sign language, he starts to wonder if his family have ever really listened to him.
Emily plays Sylvia. She said: “Sylvia is born to deaf parents and she’s losing her hearing because of the genetics of her mum and dad.
“She’s got an elder brother and seen it happen to him.
“She is struggling a bit with it, then she meets Billy, who is deaf.
“When she meets his family, it kicks off a lot of events that are the play. It seems to be real life for an awful lot of people I know, it’s very representative of real-life experiences.”
Emily said the play isn’t just meant to represent the lives of people with disabilities, though.
“It’s about being different and being part of a minority group or being different in your family.
“You can treat the people you love very badly and never mean to. We all do it.
“I don’t think anyone could watch it and not identify with one of the characters. It’s great we’ve got a variety of them.”
Her experience of deafness is different to Sylvia’s as she had hearing aids from the age of four.
“I don’t really know not being deaf,” she said.
“It’s been really interesting for me to find that character and talk to people in that situation and to bring my experiences of how my life has been to her.
“There’s so much of it I can relate to and so much I don’t agree with at all. It’s been so much fun to play.
“Being deaf doesn’t define who you are but it’s a massive part of who you are.”
She said that Sylvia, as a hearing child of deaf parents, would have to do so much interpreting the world for them and finds herself in a different situation entirely.
“Then she meets this other family who are the exact opposite to hers and she’s been drawn to them, but through this boy who is deaf, something she’s fighting against.”
Emily thinks her industry needs to change its ideas about who should be cast into roles, rather than sidelining people like her into playing only deaf people.
She said: “I really want to say no, it’s all different, but I pretty much get deaf roles.
“It’s not just me but so many of my compatriots.”
Crucible Studio, June 29 to July 22


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Today I'm in the land of bright fabrics. I'm surrounded by names like Volcano, Tobasco, Poppy and Red Pepper while narrowing down my choices for the project I'm working on. So many options and great fabrics, so little things to apply them to. Thanks goodness for throw pillows since they allow me to keep a few more of the fun fabrics in the loop.
Glamour from Met Home
I'll be presenting the project next week to the client so I'm sure you will be getting a glimpse of the presentation board when it's done. Have a great weekend!
Photos by Rebecca Ward


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“YOU CANNOT TAME SOMETHING SO HAPPILY WILD...”
Created by How It Ended
Based on the book by Emily Hughes
Wild’s home is the forest. Bears teach her how to eat, birds help her to speak, and foxes show her how to play. She is irrepressibly wild.
Then one day, some new animals arrive. They look oddly like her – and they want to take Wild away. But what if she was happy where she was?
Adapted from the glorious picture book by artist Emily Hughes, Wild is brought to life by inventive young company How It Ended (The Little Gardener, UK tour). This energetic story, told with atmospheric sound, movement and puppetry, celebrates the free spirit in all of us.
Originally programmed for March 2020, we're delighted to present this show in 2022 following its cancellation due to the pandemic.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
How It Ended make ambitious, original theatre for and with young people. Find out more by visiting their website.
A gorgeous and cheering sight!
The Guardian on The Little Gardener by How It Ended
£12 - £14 under 18s / £12 - £20 adults (holiday weekends at top price. Holidays 2 – 17 Apr)
Previews 11 - 17 Mar: £10 under 18s / £12 adults
KEEPING YOU SAFE
We have been granted the Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s ‘See It Safely‘ mark, which certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of our staff and audiences. Read more about how we're keeping you safe in the pandemic.
Photo by Peter Schiazza
We'd like to say thank you to the members of the original 2020 production which was cancelled due to the pandemic, who are unable to return for the 2022 production - performers Mei Mac, Laura Caldow, Peter Hobday and Sound Designer Anna Clock.
- Directed by Eva Sampson
- Dramaturg Teresa Burns
- Designed by Samuel Wyer
- Design Associate Cristiano Casimiro
- Lighting Design by Zoe Spurr
- Original Composition by Marc Teitler & Roly Botha
- Sound Design by Roly Botha


text:
Kobe Bryant’s weariness should make Lakers fans wary
As Pau Gasol lay sprawled on his belly in a cramped and jeering gym late Tuesday, gasping, sweating, needing a hand, a teammate walked past.
Kobe Bryant never even slowed down.
He wouldn’t pick him up. He couldn’t pick him up. He couldn’t pick any of them up.
The Laker who can run through walls has suddenly hit one, hard, and an entire team has been left with a bloody nose and splitting headache.
The Lakers gave away an NBA Finals game they could have stolen Tuesday, losing to the Orlando Magic, 108-104, as painfully as Bryant was losing his breath.
The Lakers endured swish after swish against what became the hottest-shooting team in NBA Finals history, yet still tied it up in the final three minutes.
Then Bryant gasped.
The Lakers still had a chance in the final minute, trailing by a basket with their best player dribbling the ball.
Then Bryant coughed.
The ending was remarkable in that, this being the first Finals win in Magic franchise history, Amway Arena was filled with falling confetti and the incessant wail of a foghorn.
It was also remarkable in that the game’s best closer was just too darn exhausted to do anything about it.
After scoring 17 points in the first quarter, Bryant scored just 14 the rest of the game. That’s a lack of energy.
He missed half of his 10 free throws, clanking one in the final minute that could have pulled the Lakers to within a point. That’s a lack of legs.
He then committed a costly mistake with the Lakers trailing by two, losing the ball while trying to dribble through a double team. That’s just pure weariness.
It was that play, with 28.7 seconds left, that ended with Gasol on the floor and Bryant too worn to even bend over and lift him.
It was that play that led to two Mickael Pietrus free throws that clinched it.
Well, OK, as a last sign of sluggishness, there was also Bryant’s wildly missed three-point attempt in the final seconds, one of 14 misses in 25 attempts that led to his worst 31-point game of the season.
Bryant was whipped, and I wasn’t the only one who thought so, as Coach Phil Jackson sat him on the bench for nearly the first five minutes of the fourth quarter.
“I wanted to move it even farther,” Jackson said of the benching, which probably drew cries of protest from everyone but Bryant. “Seven-minute mark is what I wanted to move it to, but it looked like we were going to have to get back.”
So, then, Jackson thought he looked tired?
“Yeah,” Jackson said. "[But] he’ll say no.”
I asked Bryant and, yes, officially he said no. But by his tiny smile -- one of the first of the series -- you knew he meant yes.
“I felt OK,” he said.
So, I asked him, you were wiped out?
“I was fine,” he said.
The Lakers coaches feel he expended too much energy too early, throwing up more shots in the first quarter -- 10 -- than any two players combined.
“He never really got in rhythm again the same way he was at that time,” Jackson said
The Magic players felt it was their defense who shut him down and, indeed, amid a joyous vacation atmosphere, they sent players at him from teacups to flying toads.
“They threw the whole kitchen sink, and they did a great job staying on my body,” Bryant said.
There is a third possibility for Bryant’s fatigue, but it is too premature to ponder, and, for Laker fans, too painful to even consider.
Two months shy of his 31st birthday, three games into the most strenuous basketball series of his life, could Bryant be hitting a wall that will not disappear?
In three games, he has played 126 of 149 minutes while averaging 27 shots per game.
That’s strenuous work for any player. That’s downright hard labor for an aging star who works hard at both ends of the court and has even taken to coaching his team during timeouts.
Anybody else see him consulting Gasol with a whiteboard late in Tuesday’s game?
Nobody in the NBA pushes their team like Bryant pushes the Lakers, and when that push diminishes to a shove like it did in the final three quarters Tuesday, well, everything collapses.
Defense suffers, and if you don’t think Bryant’s energy was missing there, well, the Magic had the best shooting first half in NBA playoff history (75%) after bricking its way through Los Angeles.
“They’re doing a great job making adjustments, it’s on us to make adjustments as well,” Bryant said of the defense. “We’ve got to do a better job on the close-outs.”
The Lakers’ fourth quarter also suffers, because when the game’s great closer is tired, the game closes on him.
In the fourth quarter Tuesday, Bryant made two of six shots while missing all three of his three-point attempts, and everyone in the gym could feel that extra step disappearing.
“It was disappointing,” Bryant said. “I’m used to coming through in those situations, the team trusts me to come through in those situations, and it just didn’t happen tonight.”
After games, usually Bryant is the last Laker to meet the media, but on Tuesday, he was the first.
He dressed quickly, and left quickly, Game 4 coming up fast, in two days that perhaps feel like two minutes.
“Just got to bounce back,” he said, disappearing into the night in search of that bounce.
Follow Plaschke at twitter.com/BillPlaschke.
BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX
Orlando, which shot 46.3% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range during the regular season, finally found its shooting touch in Game 3. Field- goal percentages in the Finals:
*--* GAME 1 FG% 3PT% Orlando 29.9 34.8 Lakers 46.1 33.3 GAME 2 FG% 3PT% Orlando 41.8 33.3 Lakers 46.2 33.3 GAME 3 FG% 3PT% Orlando 62.5 35.7 Lakers 51.3 34.8 *--*


Any and all whom visit San Antonio are greeted with beautiful scenery and a thriving metropolis consisting of restaurants, shops, bars and of course the hallmark attraction, the River Walk. As one begins to explore the River it is hard not to take notice of the barges upon the it which take tourists and locals up and down the River Walk while pointing out points of interest along the way. These barges have become a sort of keystone attraction themselves as they are a great way to learn about the city as well as get a great view of the many attractions.
in 2016 a project came into fruition which called for new state of the art river barges. Mason’s Mill and Lumber Co. began working with the Go Rio cruise company along with others to create a prototype for the intended barges. After the prototype for the barge was approved Go Rio began bidding out the project to custom boat builders. A company in Chicago landed the project and was commissioned to build 80 new river barges. Once the order was received in 2017 Mason’s Mill went to work. Mason’s Mill milled the hand rail components on a custom CNC router and began shipping them out to the builders for installation. Two years later here we are admiring the final product as the historical city celebrates its Big 300th Birthday.
“This project is unique because of the time it took to complete and how long it will be around! I hope I can take my grandkids on these barges one day and show them not only the quality of our work but also the wood, these handrails will last a lifetime!” – Mason Spellings of Mason’s Mill and Lumber Co.
Most of the river barge is constructed with decorative metal and accented with Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) which is in the Ironwood family of tropical hardwoods. There has been a steady increase in the specification by architects and designers for this specie due to its attractive appearance and incredible durability. With the same fire rating as concrete and proven 50+ year performance in ground contact testing, Ipe has proven itself to be a preferred specie where durability and a pleasing aesthetic are required.
Mason’s Mill used extra wide boards to cut the radius handrails in order avoid gluing up smaller components. The finished product is as attractive as it is durable, and adds a natural warmth and character to the eccentric river barges that ply the San Antonio River.
Dive deeper: Find out more about this project as well as how to book your next cruise down the River Walk using the links below!
Click the link below to read about the $100 million dollar contract and how they chose the manufacturer


Fetch.ai Partners with Bosch
Fetch.ai Partners with Bosch to Form a Foundation to Promote Industrial Applications Using Web3 Technology. The Fetch.ai Foundation aims to research, develop and harness Web3 technology for real-world use cases that will span across mobility, industrial, and consumer domains.
Fetch.ai Foundation will be anchored in the core tenets of transparency, openness, neutrality, and data and technology sovereignty. Furthermore, The Foundation will have a three-tier governance structure as outlined in the Foundation’s articles and by-laws. The Foundation’s design is inspired by the Linux Foundation which has shown how decentralized innovation can be achieved at scale while embracing open-source technologies and ecosystems.
An important design goal for the foundation is to achieve technology pooling such that it can survive independently of the individual foundation participant’s engagement, while also providing influence and clout to those who contribute and depend on the viability of its ecosystem. The Foundation will optimize the degree of influence on the evolution of its technology and ecosystem based on active contribution and participation from its members assesses in terms of parameters such as provided liquidity, IP, code, and usage.
Partnership Importance to both projects
At inception, Bosch and Fetch.ai will lead the Foundation’s management board and look to expand it with other key participants from the industry. Right from the start, the Fetch.ai Foundation will organically evolve by imbibing and adopting its core tenets and design goals to encourage participant growth and contributions from new participants. Additionally, Bosch and Fetch.ai are fully committed to making the Foundation and its ecosystem sustainable and independent by getting new participants to join the management board and in the future electing new management board members as per the provisions in the Foundation’s articles and by-laws.
“Bosch as one of the worldwide leaders in industrial engineering and mobility solutions sees the huge need for smarter technologies and governance to cope with the challenges coming with ever more connected ecosystems regarding safety/security, privacy, and data ownership. In combining disrupting Web3, AI, and Open Source technologies with the proven world-class hardware and software capabilities of the classic engineering corporations, this foundation is the perfect endeavor at the right time — this gets even more exciting the more other partners will join!”—Peter Busch, Chairperson of the Fetch.ai Foundation
“This is an exciting phase in Fetch.ai’s journey as we will see our Web3 tech products enabling real-world industry applications with partners such as Bosch. Bosch will also help us fast-track Web3 adoption in the industry and encourage other industry players to join us in this journey. More industry applications will also bring new business opportunities for the existing tech entrepreneurs in the Fetch.ai ecosystem.”—Humayun Sheikh, Fetch.ai CEO & Founder
Bosch is a leading global supplier of technology and services. BOSCH operations devides into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. Bosch is looking at the Web3 technology stack as an enabler to achieve its strategic objective.
Fetch.ai has been building infrastructure for the Web3 technology stack that will unlock new peer-to-peer (P2P) business models. At its core, this Infrastructure includes a modular autonomous economic agent (AEA) technology with the goal to generate economic value for its organization/human/machine owner with limited to no interference from its owner and AI tooling that provides inferences to agents by supporting collaborative and privacy-preserving machine learning (ML).


Tuesday November 30 was a special day here in the Capitol City of Illinois - Springfield! We were blessed with the constitutional freedom to gather INSIDE the State Capitol Building and celebrate the Savior and Launch the 3rd Annual Springfield Nativity Scene in the Rotunda!
There were heavenly voices from a choir in Villa Park, Illinois and powerful speeches delivered by Dave Smith (Illinois Family Institute); Beth Rogers on the Illinois Constitution and a testimony about the Life of Christ.
Our hearts and prayers go out to brother Dan Zanoza, the energy and chairman of the SNS Committee and his lovely wife, Julie. The Zanozas live in Lincoln, Il.
I was blessed to be asked to do the Invocation and read the Powerful Prophesies of Isaiah 9:6-7 about the Savior to be born in Bethlehem Ephratah (see Micah 5-2) before praying.
CLICK HERE to see a beautiful video piece from the local FOX TV affiliate Fox55 WRSP, from the Ceremony on November 30.
Sounds like an excellent event. Thanks for sharing.
God bless you, my friend! Have a great day and weekend ahead,
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The big problem is that I’ve been spoiled by 16-bit console RPGs. In my opinion, the most incredible console and computer story-based adventure games were made in the early to mid nineties. The Super Nintendo (the fucking SUPER NINTENDO!!!) brought us Breath of Fire, Chrono Trigger, Earthbound, no less than three Final Fantasy games, Lufia, Secret of Evermore, and Secret of Mana. Not one of these games was bad, and I played the shit out of them. Add the kinda-meh RPGs for the Sega Genesis (and a couple of gems, such as Phantasy Star IV), and I grew up with some pretty great console games as a kid.
Those games set the bar for me, and there have only been a few games out in the past decade that I feel met or exceed them. Dragon Age comes to mind, probably because it’s fresh in my memory. Knights of the Old Republic, too. Jade Empire, Elder Scrolls – Oblivion, Fallout 3. So there have been some decent games, but in general the quality of good story-based adventure games has gone down in the past decade. While the games have gotten much prettier to look at, they’ve lost a lot of what made the 16-bit games so much fun.
The thing they lost was “character.” Not in the sense that I couldn’t tell Jade Empire from Fallout; the games are definitely unique and have some pretty amazing art direction and flavor. But they’re missing something. And it’s something games like Chrono Trigger and Phantasy Star have in spades.
I really like the characters I interact with in those games.
The protagonist guy from Chrono Trigger doesn’t speak. He’s just your avatar. Whatever you would have said there, that’s what he just said. But characters like Frog and Magus stick around with you. They’re cool. They have interwoven histories. They’re unique and interesting. You get to learn more about them as you progress through the game. They gain depth through their actions and through the way they tell their story. Modern console and computer role-playing games, with a few key exceptions, have lacked this, and it’s noticeable in the quality of the games.
See, the guys at Bioware understand what the hell is going on here, and they make up for it. Dragon Age has some really neat characters in it, and they’re unique and they’re fun and you get a pretty good idea of what they’re about by the end of the game. None of them are humanoid frogs, but they don’t need to be for you to remember who they are. Morrigan is sarcastic and strangely naive. Alistair is straight-laced and thinks he’s funnier than he is. I haven’t played the game in months, and these are character traits I remember. Very few computer or console rpgs are going to the effort to make that happen anymore.
This is especially true of MMORPGs. This started off as a criticism of Star Trek Online, for its absolutely horrendous lack of interesting characters, but it’s been pointed out to me that the problem is rampant throughout the platform. It is generally assumed that any sort of role-playing you might want to do during an MMO would occur with other players. Or, at least, that’s the only reason I can fathom that would explain the complete absence of interesting non-player characters in MMO games. And sure, that’s an option for some games. I’ve had moments of pure role-play in World of Warcraft and FlyFF, but those moments were very few and so far between that I believe they happened once per game in years of playing.
See, people don’t want to role-play on a console or in a computer game. For one thing, it’s currently impossible to make a program do all of the cool things your imagination can. For another, people understand how to interact with a game like Star Trek Online from their experiences with other console and computer games. They interact with one another on STO the same way they would interact with players in a HALO game. Which is really sad, because HALO doesn’t pretend to be an RPG.
If you take all of the RPG elements out of Star Trek Online, it’s a pretty fun adventure game. If you take all of the things that make Star Trek fantastic, it’s a pretty good homage to the setting. But both RPGs and Star Trek are about character and that is something that the MMORPG market is missing entirely. In playing STO, I want to care. I want to talk to my crew and learn something about their history. Hell, make it up. Make it random. Choose 100,000 pre-made “who are you” character scripts and compile them into chat trees. Pay me enough money, I’ll write them for you just so that I can go home and read my own chat trees and feel like I know something about my crew.
I want them to interact with me and with one another. I want missions to be based on the fact that my chief of security walked into my Ready Room and told me his wife is having a baby on Deep Space K-7 and he’d love it if we could get him back there before his daughter is born. I want a mission that is just me mediating a dispute between two members of my crew. I want to know that when my helmsman and one of the science lieutenants are working together, they’re more efficient because they’re lovers. Or less efficient. Or whatever. Any character trait at all.
And if there was a storyline behind Star Trek Online as compelling as that found in Chrono Trigger, you’d never get me to leave the captain’s chair. Hell, if the story was as intriguing as the worst season of Enterprise, you’d have me knocking at your servers constantly.
As is, it’s a pretty good adventure game.
I’m just going to post a link here. It’s the Memory Alpha entry for Lieutenant Commander Data. Take a look at the things that made this character interesting. Let me know how much of that is based on the space ship he flew or the away missions in which he shot his phaser. I’ll let you come to your own conclusions on just how important character interactions are for MMOs based on that…

domain: entertainment


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Child abuse is a broad term that includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. While it varies between the states, a child is usually considered to be someone under 16 or 18 years old. Each state has their own laws defining child abuse.
Child Abuse - Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can include the following:
- Hitting a child with a belt, whip or paddle other instrument;
- Pinching a child which leaves a mark;
- Pushing a child into walls;
- Knocking a child down;
- Corporal injuries; and/or
- Shaking a child under 4 vigorously enough to cause shaken baby syndrome.
Spanking is not generally considered abuse in the United States, as long as it is age appropriate and does not cause the child serious injury. However, if the discipline is extreme and forceful enough to cause the child injury, then it will be considered physical abuse.
Child Abuse - Sexual Abuse
Children cannot consent to sexual activity. Sexual abuse of a child does not always include physical action. Some examples of sexual abuse to a child are:
- Sexual acts with a child;
- Exposing oneself to a child;
- Exploitation of a child; and/or
- Any type of sexual behavior that harms a child physically, emotionally or mentally.
Child Abuse - Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can include the following:
- Constant criticizing and teasing;
- Rejection and isolation;
- Corruption of the child; and/or
- Excessive, aggressive, or unreasonable demands that place expectations on the child beyond their capacity.
If the pattern of negative behavior affects a child's emotional development and sense of self-worth, emotional abuse has occurred.
Child Abuse - Neglect
Neglect is when a parent, guardian or caregiver fails to provide for a child’s basic needs. Some examples are:
- Physical: The failure to provide necessary food and shelter, or lack of appropriate supervision;
- Medical: The failure to provide necessary medical or mental health treatment;
- Educational: The failure to provide education or attend to special education needs; and
- Emotional: The failure tend to a child's emotional needs, mental health or permitting the child to use alcohol or other drugs.
Have You been Accused of Child Abuse?
A person who commits child abuse can be prosecuted criminally or face civil penalties.
If you are accused of child abuse, you may be arrested and convicted of a crime. The consequences you may face depend on the severity of the abuse, any prior similar convictions, whether you are currently on probation or parole, and the number of instances of child abuse.
If you are convicted of child abuse, you could face any of the following:
- Probation or parole;
- Loss of custody or visitation with your children;
- A permanent criminal record; and/or
- Required anger management and/or parenting classes.
A victim of child abuse may also sue you in a private civil lawsuit, where you may liable to pay the victim money. This is based upon the victim’s pain, suffering and medical expenses resulting from the abuse. Any prior similar convictions will also be considered.
If you are accused of child abuse, you should speak to a lawyer immediately to learn more about your rights and to determine your next steps.
Do You Know a Child Who is Being Abused?
If you believe that a child is being abused, then the first step is to call the police. The police will investigate, collect evidence, and send your case to the District Attorney’s office to prosecute the offender if there is sufficient evidence against them.
If you have been accused of child abuse but none of your actions fall under the above requirements for child abuse, then you should contact a local criminal lawyer today!

domain: psychology


The TUF Brazil 3 Finale last weekend drew an average of 609,000 viewers on FOX Sports 1.
That’s the lowest rating ever for a UFC event aired nationally on a Saturday night, though it’s not too far off some of the ratings we’ve seen for other UFC events on FS1 lately, such as ‘UFC Fight Night 40: Brown Vs Silva’ which did 655,000 viewers.
A little more positive was the fact that the prelims for the show did 560,000 viewers – a solid number for an undercard, though it makes it all the more surprising that the main card could only muster 49,000 more viewers, one of the shallowest inclines we can recall for a UFC event in recent memory.
So what’s the reason for all this?
Well, the fact that the UFC decided to air two events in one night (the other being UFC Fight Night 41 which aired on the UFC Fight Pass subscription service) certainly wouldn’t have helped either show’s ratings.
An explanation for the lack of audience growth throughout the event could partly be explained by some of those who watched UFN 41 earlier in the evening starting to watch the TUF Brazil prelims, but then tapped out due to fatigue before the main card.
That would be perfectly understandable as the TUF Brazil 3 Finale’s main card was light on star power with the main event between Stipe Miocic and Fabio Maldonado notable only for it’s curious matchmaking, while the only other fighter who’d stand out on most fan’s radar’s was Demian Maia who was coming off a loss and fighting an unknown newcomer.
It would have been interesting to see how the ratings would have been affected if the originally scheduled main event between Junior Dos Santos and Miocic would have gone ahead as planned instead.


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The Board of Neimeth is set to raise N5 billion additional equity upon the approval by shareholders of the company at the AGM.
This week we provide insight into why Champions Breweries, Ardova Petroleum and Japaul Gold & Ventures all made positive gains in the market last week.
Pressure on FX will continue in 2021 as a result of thin reserve buffers and recovering domestic demands.
Why the insurance sector is currently the best performing stock market index in the country
Sixty (60) equities appreciated at price during the week, higher than fifty (50) equities in the previous week.
Ramp Defi, Telcoin, Parsiq and DeFiChain have had their value surge by more than 400%.
The Naira remained stable against the dollar at the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window on Friday, closing at N394.67/$1.
Brent crude futures dropped about 1%, to $54.65 a barrel, after losing 2.3% on Friday.
The NSE Industrial Index appreciated by 2.84% during the week to close the week 57.03 index points higher.
The Crypto futures became overheated and record sell-offs began leading traders to lose more than $527 million in a single day.


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Tennessee State continues to blend big names with rich experience as it assembles Eddie George’s inaugural football staff.
Sources on Friday tell FootballScoop that Pepe Pearson is accepting the position of running backs coach on George’s Tigers’ staff. Pepe, like Eddie George, played running back at the Ohio State University (with Pearson taking over as the featured back in the years following George's time in Columbus).
This comes just 24 hours on the heels of TSU moving closer to finalizing a deal with Hue Jackson to become TSU’s offensive coordinator.
George was formally hired earlier this week by TSU and athletics director Mikki Allen after the school parted ways last weekend with long-time TSU coach Rod Reed.
A former Ohio State player who won Buckeyes team MVP honors in 1997 and 1998 graduate, Pearson has a deep history in college football coaching.
After 10 years on staff at Ohio Dominican, an NCAA Division II program, Pearson logged five-straight years on Doc Holliday’s Marshall Thundering Herd staff as running backs coach.
Between Ohio Dominican and his leap to Marshall, Pearson spent one year on staff at traditional FCS powerhouse Youngstown State.
In addition to Jackson’s expected inclusion as offensive coordinator, George’s TSU staff also is expected to include Brandon Fisher, son of TSU advisor Jeff Fisher, as defensive coordinator and Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson as secondary coach.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest news.


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- 4.5 Socio-economic impacts in the Litani basin, Lebanon
Poor water quality in the upper Litani basin and Lake Qaraoun has at least three negative economic impacts.
- Economic value is lost due to restrictions or limitations on the use of water for irrigation, fishing, swimming, or other recreational activities.
- Higher costs are incurred to treat water and render it suitable for use.
- Water-related illness imposes an economic cost on individuals and society.
Brochure, policy brief, ...:

domain: geography


By William Maley
Kia revealed some details and pictures of the upcoming K900 flagship sedan that will be debuting next week at the New York Auto Show.
The K900's new body was styled in California and Korea. It has slightly more presence than the outgoing model with a front grille featuring 176 jewel-like “cells,” and new LED headlights. The back looks Mercedes-esq with similar styling for the trunk and taillights. Kia has extended the K900's wheelbase by 60-millimeters (about 2.3-inches), which is similar to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
We also got a first look at the K900's interior thanks to someone leaking out the brochure for the Korean-market K900. Compared to the outgoing model, the new K900 has a modern and clean looking dashboard with less buttons and a strip of real wood trim. Two 12.3-inch displays are used - one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system.
The KDM brochure reveals that that K900 will offer a 3.6L V6, twin-turbo 3.3L V6, and 5.0L V8 engines. We think the 3.3T and 5.0L V8 engines will be available for the U.S. market.
We'll have more details when the K900 rolls out on March 28th.
Source: Kia, Motor Graph
Press Release is on Page 2
Kia reveals first glimpse of all-new K900 luxury sedan
Kia releases first images of new flagship luxury sedan Rich, sophistacted design and balanced proportions ensure a strong on-road presence for K900 Analog clock developed exclusively by Swiss watch brand Maurice Lacroix Minimalist interior with advanced in-car technologies, new Human Machine Interface (HMI) and co-developed Pantone customizable mood lighting Kia Motors has revealed the design of the all-new K900 today in a series of exterior and interior images. The all-new K900 has been created in close collaboration between Kia’s global design headquarters in Namyang, Korea and the brand’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California. The new model will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show later on March 28.
Exterior design and the Gravity of Prestige
Combining a beautifully balanced design with elegant, flowing lines and geometric details, the K900 introduces a modern air of elegance and gravitas to the large sedan segment. Kia’s designers were inspired by the ‘Gravity of Prestige’ design concept, which exudes strength through rich detail and solid surfaces. Based conceptually on the the changing shape of condensed energy, a new ‘Quadric pattern’ signature grille – seen for the first time today – is the focal point of the K900. Embodying the K900’s design concept, the grille contains 176 jewel-like ‘cells’, suggestive of released energy accelerating away from its center.
Lines in the high-strength steel bodywork flow naturally from the grille, rising over the hood and, in profile, sweeping through to the rear flanks before meeting at the back.
Geometric design details add an element of modernity and technology. Evoking the trajectory of light, the design of the ‘Duplex’ LED headlamps provides the K900 with a visually progressive, high-prestige image. In profile, a chrome flash adds visual depth to the smooth bodywork, running along the base of the doors and around the lower rear section of the K900. The chrome window-line adds a degree of technicality and structure to the free-flowing C-pillar before it merges with the rear deck. The tail lights and exhaust housings are also finished with fine chrome details.
A key element in the design of the all-new K900 comes from its new platform and elongated proportions. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the wheelbase of the new model has been extended by 60mm (2.3 inches) to 3,105mm (122.2 inches), while both the front and rear overhangs are shorter, pushing the wheels further out to the corners of the car. This subtle change to the K900’s proportions is a strong expression of space, while underpinning improvements in ride quality and creating greater passenger room on the inside.
Elegant, minimalist and innovative interior
Elegant by design, and with a high-class, minimalist layout, the interior of the new K900 provides the driver and passengers with a peaceful retreat in which to spend time. Kia has also developed a series of more expressive features for occupants to enjoy.
Kia has created a refined and luxurious cabin which wraps around the driver, enhancing the sense of being cocooned from the outside world. Flowing from the center of the dash and outwards to the doors, surfaces are trimmed in a sophisticated combination of materials, with soft-touch surfaces, a blend of highly tactile wood and metal veneers, and genuine leather throughout the interior.
The cabin is designed to offer greater space and comfort than ever before. The all-new K900’s longer, wider exterior proportions provides a more spacious cabin for occupants than its predecessor, while seats are trimmed in genuine leather, with smooth and quilted surfaces enhancing the prestige aspect of the interior.
The K900’s 12.3-inch HMI screen is integrated in such a way as to enhance a sense of calm and serenity on-board, with a bezel-less display and simplified switchgear layout. At the base of the center console, the driver can also use a manual dial to rotate through on-screen functions. Inspired by the simplicity of fine watch design, the K900 dashboard also houses an elegant analog clock, developed specifically for the new model through an exclusive collaboration with Swiss luxury watch brand, Maurice Lacroix.
The HMI features a new intelligent lighting control with proximity sensors, only illuminating the dashboard when it detects the driver’s hand reaching for a switch. Drivers can also adapt the cabin of the new K900 to personal preferences with a new mood lighting system. The new K900 is the first car in the world to incorporate an ambient lighting system developed in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on color. Customizable on the move, the subtle ambient lighting floods the interior in one of seven colors, jointly developed by Kia and the Pantone Color Institute. Drivers can also choose from 64 unique settings to adapt light levels throughout the car. Harmonizing with the cabin’s design, the glow of the lights creates a truly contemporary ambience while providing stability and rest for K900 occupants.
The all-new Kia K900 will be manufactured in Korea and will go on sale across selected global markets from the second quarter of 2018.
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By William Maley
While automakers are going crazy in terms planning new crossovers, Kia is showing some restraint. Speaking with Wards Auto, Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning for Kia Motors America said the company doesn't see an opportunity to introduce an A-Segment crossover.
“I don’t think we see an opportunity there. We have a lot of coverage in the marketplace now, and that is not a priority at this point. I think we would see more opportunity in C-segment (CUVs) then we would in A- or B-(segment models),” said Hedrick.
Kia will also not join Hyundai with entering the pickup truck market.
“It’s a big step to take and I think it’s a major commitment.”
Hedrick points out that Nissan and Toyota have had issues in trying make a dent into the stronghold of large pickups by Ford, GM, and Ram.
"It’s a fierce battle. You have to go into it eyes wide open,” said Hedrick.
One interesting tidbit from Ward Auto's piece is that Kia is considering doing something similar to Hyundai's N performance sub-brand.
Source: Wards Auto
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By William Maley
We cannot fault anyone who forgets Kia sells a flagship sedan. No, we're not talking about the Stinger. We're referring to the K900 which sounds like the name of a knock-off Doctor Who character. Later this year, Kia will be launching the second-generation K900 in select markets like the U.S.. Today, Kia dropped a teaser photo of the new model.
Compared to the current K900, the new model looks much leaner and the A-Pillar has been pushed back slightly. The headlights feature LED accents. We think the new K900 will use the underpinnings of the Genesis G90, which would allow it to have rear and all-wheel drive. Engines are expected to be the twin-turbo 3.3L V6 and 5.0L V8.
As for when we'll see it, some believe it will debut at Geneva while others have it at New York. Our money is on New York.
(Author's Note: I actually reviewed the K900 back in 2015 and thought it was a nice sedan for the money. You can check out the review here. -WM)
Press Release is on Page 2
Kia previews second-generation K900
Kia Motors has previewed its flagship luxury sedan, the K900, ahead of its world debut later in the year.
The new model combines sophisticated exterior design, effortless performance and a spacious cabin distinguished by luxurious materials and elegant styling. New technologies protect occupants, enhance interior comfort and give the driver greater confidence at the wheel.
Created through joint efforts by Kia’s designers in Korea and in the U.S., the new K900 will be manufactured at the company’s production facility in Korea. The new flagship sedan will go on sale in selected global markets from the second quarter of 2018.
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By William Maley
Since last year, we've been hearing various rumors of Ford cutting a number of passenger cars. In October, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said various cuts were incoming, including ones for the vehicle lineup. This would be part of a $7 billion shift of development funds from passenger cars to SUVs/Trucks. At the time, Ford wouldn't say what vehicles would be cut.
During Ford's fourth-quarter and 2017 earnings call, Hackett said details about which models would be cut would finally be revealed later this year. Analysts hoping to get an answer were frustrated by this news.
Ford has already ended production of the C-Max Energi late last year and is planning to end production of the C-Max Hybrid sometime later this year. Other models that have been rumored to be cut include the Fiesta, Taurus, and recently the Fusion.
Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)
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By Drew Dowdell
Kia released an all new version of their Kia Forte compact sedan at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. Kia wants to be more than just another basic entry in the compact sedan market and is bringing the Forte style and substance up market.
Aiming for a more sophisticated design, the new Forte pulls on design cues from the Kia Stinger. A sharper and deeper version of Kia's Tiger nose grille gives way to more expressive hood and fender styling. Inside, the dashboard has been updated to a minimalistic design with a large floating center screen an restrained use of buttons. An updated infotainment system is now available which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The power train consists of a new, more efficient 2.0 liter 4-cylinder which runs on Atkinson cycle rather than the more common Otto Cycle. Atkinson cycle engines are typically reserved for hybrid-vehicles. The 2.0 is estimated to produce 147hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a new CVT. This in-house developed CVT claims to address the issue of "rubber-band feel" often cited as a complaint in other CVTs. Kia programmed the CVT to have a stepped feel similar to a standard automatic when in heavy acceleration situation. The new engine and CVT combined contribute to a preliminary estimate of a 3mpg increase in fuel economy combined.
Click here for more 2018 Detroit Auto Show News
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Kia Press Release on Page 2
ALL-NEW 2019 FORTE MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Compact Sedan Levels Up with Sophisticated Yet Sporty Design, Advanced Technology, and All-New Efficient Smart Stream IVT
Forte evolves into a more refined compact with design cues inspired by Stinger Kia’s first in-house designed and built Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) introduces new line of Smart Stream technologies designed to help increase fuel efficiency and deliver an estimated 35 combined MPG Standard 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Advanced Driver Assistance technologies join Forte’s tech roster DETROIT, January 15, 2018 – Today at the North American International Auto Show, Kia Motors America (KMA) hosted the global debut of the all-new 2019 Forte which enters its third generation with a more sophisticated design and desirable features that transforms one of Kia’s best-selling vehicles into something more than a compact car meant for getting people from one point to another. Thanks to a number of improvements, Forte now offers drivers a higher level of comfort, fuel efficiency and advanced driver assistance technologies that are aimed to make the journey – whether a short commute or long haul – a more rewarding and decidedly upscale experience.
The Forte has evolved with a number of visual and feature enhancements, inside and out. The cabin is now more comfortable and “class above,” and integrates new driver assistance technology. In addition, the Forte ups its MPG game with an all-new powertrain that utilizes Kia’s first IVT, set to deliver an estimated 35 MPG combined1.
“The compact sedan segment is highly competitive, but with all the improvements the new Forte brings to market for the 2019 model year, it is more than prepared to take on the toughest the segment has to offer,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning, KMA. “As one of our top-selling models, the all-new Forte follows some large footsteps, but enhancements in styling, packaging and content make it even more attractive to drivers seeking a compact sedan that can accommodate their versatile lifestyle.”
Standard features and desirable amenities in the compact sedan segment continue to be available across three trims – LX, S and EX – with the model line continuing to expand throughout its lifecycle.
Sophisticated Yet Sporty Design
While the third-generation Forte retains its sporty and youthful image, it has graduated to a more sophisticated appearance thanks to a number of sleek and dynamic styling cues inspired by the Stinger fastback sport sedan. Lauded in the auto industry for its excellence in design, the Stinger is a product fueled by Kia’s bold and adventurous spirit and Peter Schreyer’s global team of designers translated elements of the Stinger’s design language onto the compact to give it a commanding road presence. Enthusiasts know that the right proportions are key, and like the Stinger, Forte’s long hood and short deck lend it an overall fastback-like shape. The cowl point was moved back five inches, creating a more athletic stance that makes the Forte appear well-planted to the ground.
Creases in the hood contribute to the Forte’s muscular appearance and distinctive design traits on the front fascia, including a fresh approach to Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and an aggressive black lower valance, enhance its presence and individual character. The front clip is flanked by a Stinger-esque headlamp design and layout. Separate turn signal indicators are mounted below on the front bumper, where air curtains improve aerodynamic performance and enhance the Forte’s technical appeal. Around back, the rear bumper gets the same treatment with separate reverse and turn signal indicators located beneath available LED taillights. Similar to the Sportage compact crossover, a sleek horizontal trim piece connects the taillights.
Creating the fastback shape strengthened the Forte’s exterior appearance, but it also gave engineers an opportunity to expand the occupant compartment in several key areas so passengers are treated to a comfortable space no matter how long the journey. Overall length has increased by 3.2 inches to 182.7 inches, allowing for more legroom and additional cargo in the trunk. With 15.1 cu.-ft., cargo room is among the largest in the segment and generous enough to accommodate gear for a group of friends on a road trip or a growing family managing a busy schedule. Additional headroom results from increasing the overall height nearly a half inch to 56.7 inches, while the overall width has grown to 70.8 inches.
While the extra 0.7 inches of width may not be noticeable to the naked eye, the layout of the dashboard paints a picture of a wide interior space. Again drawing inspiration from the Stinger, a horizontal theme creates a sense of openness and avoids clutter with clean lines and minimal buttons that are intuitively placed below an 8-inch color touchscreen. Aeronautically inspired spoked circular vents adorn the dash and increased soft-touch points create a comfortable and visually appealing cabin. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate easier ingress and egress, plus improved outward visibility.
Building upon an already solid structure that helped the current 2018 Forte sedan achieve an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Plus rating2, the all-new 2019 Forte strengthens its bones with additional hot-stamped components and 54 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel. Stronger seat frames are lightweight and provide a more comfortable seating position with increased lumbar support and denser seat foam for more pleasurable long-distance drives. The all-new Forte offers projection or full LED headlights and is targeted to receive the highest ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and IIHS.
Because body stiffness plays a major role in NVH performance, engineers worked to increase rigidity for a quieter cabin and better handling tuned to match the Forte’s sporty and dynamic exterior appearance, resulting in a 16 percent stiffer body in white. New subframe designs help to improve lateral responsiveness, while steering feel is upgraded compared to its predecessor’s thanks to enhancements within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system that reduce artificial steering feel and friction. Reworked suspension geometry provides a quick and nimble behind-the-wheel feel and evolutionary improvements were made to throttle and brake feel performance, yielding a smoother initial response at tip-in and a shorter stopping distance than the previous model.
A More Efficient Powertrain
Housed underneath the Forte’s longer hood is a second-generation 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine that benefits from Atkinson Cycle technology and a cooled EGR system. Typically applied to hybrid and electric vehicles, the Atkinson Cycle and cooled EGR technologies are designed to help boost fuel efficiency. The new powerplant can be paired with either a six-speed manual or Kia’s all-new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The engine and in-house-built IVT are the first of a new line of highly efficient “Smart Stream” powertrains that will make their way into the Kia lineup in the future.
Waiting before developing Kia’s own continuously variable transmission (CVT) allowed engineers to research issues often associated with CVTs and apply their findings in the application used in the Forte. One of the main criticisms is that they can create a rubber-band-like feel, and in an effort to address this issue, engineers built the IVT with adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt instead of push belt, a first in the compact class. This results in smooth and linear acceleration, and for a more enjoyable and sporty driving experience, a step-shift-like feel mimics a conventional automatic at wide-open throttle or when more acceleration is needed.
Noise is another issue CVTs can sometimes face and engineers worked hard to reduce this in the Forte by wrapping the transmission case in a sound-insulating cover to help quiet the typical “drone” associated with this tech from other OEMs. In doing so, NVH levels are also reduced by 5dB.
Horsepower and torque are expected to remain unchanged from the 2018 Forte, delivering an estimated 147 HP and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Efficiency was the top priority and the IVT, together with the 2.0-liter engine, is estimated to return up to 35 MPG combined, about a 3 MPG improvement over the current vehicle. Official EPA fuel economy ratings will be announced closer to the Forte’s arrival in the U.S. later this year.
Brimming with Technology
Staying connected with advanced technology and infotainment features allows the driver to dedicate their important attention to the road ahead. In that regard, the Forte comes standard with an 8-inch color touchscreen with Android Auto™3 and Apple CarPlay®4 that’s integrated neatly on the dash and within the driver’s line of sight. With select smartphone devices, the system also has the capability to read SMS texts aloud through Bluetooth®5. Eliminating the need for a charging cord is an available wireless charging6 tray perched up on the center stack for compatible Android7 devices, as well as Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X.8
Another welcome and surprising feature in this segment is an available 320-watt premium sound system developed with Harman Kardon that pumps out music through a unique speaker hole pattern on the door panels and throughout the cabin.
Kia’s suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)9 offered in many of the automaker’s more expensive vehicles make their way down into the Forte, making it an even more value-laden option for cost-conscious shoppers. In addition to Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)9 and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)9, the all-new Forte is available with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)9 and Smart Cruise Control (SCC)9.Smart Cruise Control is designed to maintain a pre-set distance between the Forte and the vehicle in front and can slow the vehicle slows with traffic in certain circumstances.
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text:
Cisco asked us to create an awareness video to highlight the problem of video calling Interoperability. We pulled out all the stops and just went for it creating a colorful world to explain this complex but real problem. The video was used on a microsite where you could vote and share if you wanted video Interoperability.
- Client: Cisco
- Agency: Alchemy Creative
- Design & Animation: Peter Hootman, Clifford Chan
- Sound Design: Stephen Beacham


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Our next festival will open on 19th May. Follow our Facebook for updates
Quebec focus「魁北克焦點」ONLINE電影節// Online Film Festival
Join our Asia Pacific Human Rights Filmmakers Network.
Winners and finalists of our Young Directors Project to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Our very own co-produced film to raise awareness of “bride kidnapping” in Kyrgyzstan


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You give a hoot about your health and know the risk of illness isn’t something to take lightly. But you sometimes struggle to sort out the barrage of health information available, and the choices and complexity in the healthcare system can feel overwhelming.
As a Seeker, you’re searching for health content that lays out common sense solutions and a clear plan of action to follow.
Now that you know…
Get the most out of knowing your health style by creating a FREE HealthPossible.org account. You can save recipes, advice, and stories you don’t want to forget—and get health and lifestyle content selected just for you delivered to your email every month. (No, we’re not going to spam you or sell your contact information. That would be unhealthy.)


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Gov. Phil Murphy Tuesday ordered a 60-day review of New Jersey’s “constrained” medical marijuana program, saying he would consider allowing home delivery, purchases beyond the 2-ounce limit and expanding the number of licensed dispensaries to improve patient access.
Murphy, however, did not mention anything about approving an expanding list of medical conditions — including Tourette syndrome, chronic pain and anxiety — a medical advisory panel recommended in October.
Gov. Chris Christie left office last week without his health commissioner making a decision, which rules say is due no later than April. Murphy did not take questions from reporters after signing the executive order.
Standing in front of a banner, “A Fairer New Jersey: Expanding Access to Medical Marijuana,” the week-old Democratic governor lamented how “politics replaced compassion” under the Christie administration, which reluctantly inherited the law in 2010. “I’m committed to reversing this,” he said.
Murphy rattled off a list of ideas he was willing to consider: providing home delivery services, allowing people to buy more than 2 ounces of dried marijuana a month, expanding the availability of edible products, permitting the six approved dispensary operators to open multiple retail locations and expediting the patient application process.
Some will need legislation, others he could do administratively, he said.
Murphy said his view offers “a very stark difference from the previous administration. It’s passed time (patients) be given the compassion they deserve.”
There are more than 15,000 card-holding members of the state medical marijuana program, compared to Michigan, a comparably-sized state, which has 220,000 members. The goal of the audit is to improve access for patients, who have encountered far too many bureaucratic hurdles in trying to participate, he said.
“We cannot turn a deaf ear to our veterans, the families of children facing terminal illness, or to any of the other countless New Jerseyans who only wish to be treated like people, and not criminals,” Murphy said. “And, doctors deserve the ability to provide their patients with access to medical marijuana free of stigmatization.”
Murphy invited to his press conference in Trenton a number of families who have benefitted from the existing program, but who wanted to see changes.
They included Mike and Janet Honig of Howell, whose 7-year-old son, Jake, died from cancer Sunday. Jake “the tank” as he was known, consumed cannabis oil his parents made for him to reduce his pain.
Murphy said his wife, Tammy, saw a story written about the boy on Friday, called the family and planned to meet the boy, but it was too late.
Janet Honig said she hoped the governor would lift the 2-ounce limit on cannabis sales, which “didn’t come close” to meeting her son’s needs. He would run out mid-month.
Princeton High School student Charles Griebell, 18, accompanied by his mother, Diana, has been a medical marijuana patient since last year because his doctor recommended it for his post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that is permitted by the state. But his most problematic diagnosis is Tourette syndrome, which is on the list of new conditions awaiting state approval.
Allowing other people with Tourette syndrome to use medical marijuana “would make such a difference,” Diana Griebell said. “It’s been completely life-changing, allowing him to do the things all teenagers should do.”
A soon-to-be Rutgers University student, Charles said the marijuana he vapes and consumes in the form of a butter “calms my body down. I’ve only had six absences this year, compared to 80 last year.”
Ken Wolski, the executive director for the Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey, had a long list of improvements to the program he’d like Murphy to consider. People should be allowed to grow their own plants, and any medical professional with prescription-writing authority, not just doctors, should be permitted to recommend patients to the program.
“I’m very pleased the governor has taken such a strong stand to expand the program,” Wolski said. “Eight years into the program, we have 15,000 patients. In a state with 9 million people, this program is really a failure.”
Jeanette Hoffman, the spokeswoman for New Jersey Responsible Approaches to Marijuana Policy (NJ-RAMP), a group formed to fight Murphy’s plans to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, called the audit “appropriate.”
“It is appropriate for Governor Murphy to study the medical marijuana system in New Jersey to ensure public health and safety are being served,” Hoffman said.
“We hope that the Department of Health consults experts from public health and the addiction field, including medical doctors and prevention experts. We also expect the marijuana industry not to exert influence here, any more than the tobacco industry should influence DOH tobacco regulations.”

domain: politics


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Pureen Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste - Strawberry
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Pureen Kids Toothpaste has no Fluoride, No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, No Saccharin and Safe for Children. It is also approved by Malaysian Private Dental Practitioners' Association (MPDPA) and certified Halal. Why No Fluoride Excessive fluoride ingestion during early childhood years can damage the tooth-forming cells, leading to a defect in the enamel known as DENTAL FLUOROSIS. Why No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Mouth ulcer is common in children. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a detergent and foam booster found in normal toothpaste. It can cause mouth ulcers, as it dries out the protective mucus lining in the mouth. Why No Saccharin is synthesized from coal tar. Pureen Fluoride Free Kids Toothpaste contains: 5% Xylitol is a natural sweetener. It is found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, including berries, corn husks and mushrooms. It does not cause tooth decay. Triple Calcium & Phosphate Calcium and Phosphate ions are essential for the REMINERALIZATION of tooth enamel to protect against tooth decay. They play an important role in the maintenance of strong teeth. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate inhibits the growth of bad breath-causing bacteria in human saliva.
Country/place of Origin
Brush and rinse, Brush at least twice a day. Control sugar intake. Get a dental check-up at least once a year.
Keep in cool dry place. Avoid direct sunlight. Keep out of children's reach. Avoid contact with eyes.
Dicalcium Phospate Dihydrate, Purified Water, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Stevia Rebaudiana, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Flavour, Cellulose Gum, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Calcium Lactate and Calcium Pyrophosphate.
PUREEN KIDS FLUORIDE FREE TOOTHPASTE STRAWBERRY 75G

domain: chemistry


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As we close this series, let us remember the basic principles and purpose of exploring the development of our lives through the lens of theorist Erik Erikson.
Keep in mind that, by definition, a theory is a guess about how something works. Erikson’s Theory of Emotional Development is a guess about how we grow emotionally and what it takes to do so in a healthy way.
The eighth and final stage is called Integrity vs. Despair. Integrity is feeling at peace with the world and with yourself. It’s getting to a place in life with no regrets. It’s looking at your life positively and happily knowing that the world will be a better place because of what you did while you were here.
Hopelessness is defined as a feeling of “sour grapes” about what life could have been like. It is made up of feelings of missed opportunities, regrets, and wishes for a second chance at life.
As an adult, no matter what our age, it’s never too early to think about living a life that leaves something of value when we die. There are many individual lives waiting to be touched by meaningful acts of love. It’s never too late, at any age, to leave a meaningful “footprint” of love in someone else’s life.
I like the Ray Boltz song “Thank you for giving to the Lord”:
“I dreamed that I was going to heaven, you were there with me. We walked the golden streets next to the Sea of Crystal. We heard the angels sing, then someone called your name You turned around and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.
“He said, ‘Friend, maybe you don’t know me now,’ and then he said, ‘Wait, you used to teach my Sunday school when I was only eight years old. and every week you said a prayer before class started. and one day when you said that prayer, I asked Jesus in my heart.’
“Then another man stood in front of you, he said ‘Remember the time, a missionary came to your church, his pictures made you cry. You didn’t have much money, but you you gave it anyway. Jesus took that gift you gave, and that’s why I’m in heaven today’
“One by one they came, as far as the eye could see. Every life somehow touched by your generosity. The little things that you had done, the sacrifices that you had made, They had passed unnoticed on this earth, in Heaven now proclaimed.
“And I know in heaven you’re not supposed to cry, but I’m pretty sure you had tears in your eyes when Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord. He said ‘My child look around you, great is your reward.’
“Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that has been changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I’m so glad you gave, I’m so glad you gave.
Keep in mind that it will be the constant “little splashes”, not the rare “big splashes”, that will make the biggest difference. Instead of building a hospital, school, or seminary, it will be things like adopting an older child, being an adoptive parent for children in times of crisis, providing transportation for doctor’s appointments, or helping single mothers to “succeed” who will provide your true legacy.
A life lived, day to day, listening to and following God’s specific call on your life to meet the immediate needs of those around you will be your life of integrity.

domain: literature