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Mortgage rates in Northern California have been relatively low since the early 2000s.
If you are considering a home purchase or a refinance of your current mortgage, then you’ve come to the right place. I have over 17 years of experience providing low Northern California mortgage rates for both homebuyers and homeowners. In addition to that, we offer fast closings and personal one-on-one service.
|30yr Fixed Rate||6.375%||6.591%||Request|
|25yr Fixed Rate||6.375%||6.618%||Request|
|20yr Fixed Rate||6.25%||6.398%||Request|
|15yr Fixed Rate||6.125%||6.365%||Request|
From the quote to the application to the approval to closing, I will work directly with you throughout the entire process. This allows for a much better customer experience, and the process is much more efficient. Helping Homeowners Achieve Their Dreams is not just a saying; it’s something my team fully believes in.
Deciding On The Best Mortgage Rate
Everyone wants the best mortgage rate possible. The problem homeowners face is how do you decide on the best mortgage rate for their specific financial situation. Before we move on to how to decide on what’s the best mortgage rate for your financial needs, I have one simple question; which mortgage rate is better? 3.00% or 2.50%
If you picked 2.50%, you’re probably thinking this is a no-brainer; however, the fact is, at this point, you can’t answer this question because you are missing a VERY important piece of information.
If the 3.00% came with no closing costs and the 2.50% came with $10,000 closing costs, and those costs are rolled into the loan, then the 3.00% is significantly better than the 2.50%. So keep that in mind when you go out and ask for quotes; ask what are the total fees for everything!
Ok, let’s get back to deciding on the best mortgage rate for your financial situation. Here are the three most popular mortgage rate options and the benefits associated with each option. Deciding on the best mortgage rate is a matter of picking which option matches your financial needs best.
- 30-year fixed mortgage rate – this option gives you the lowest payment of the three, which allows for better cash flow each month.
- 20-year fixed mortgage rate – this option gives you a balance between a lower payment than the 30-year fixed and a lower payment than the 15-year fixed option. It’s a great balance between the two.
- 15-year fixed mortgage – rate this option gives you the lowest mortgage rate and allows you to pay off your home faster than the 20 or 30-year fixed-rate options.
Match your financial needs to one of the options above and now you know which option will provide the best mortgage rate for your financial situation.
The Difference Between Conventional and FHA Mortgage Rates
It’s a common debate – is a conventional loan or an FHA loan better? An even greater question is which rates are lower conventional or FHA mortgage rates?
Surprisingly, conventional rates are often higher than FHA rates despite the popularity of the conventional loan program. Here’s why.
FHA Loans Have Government Backing
FHA loans have the backing of the FHA, a government agency. Lenders still underwrite and fund the loans, but they have the guarantee of the FHA backing them up.
What does this mean for the lender?
It’s simple. If you default on an FHA loan, the FHA promises to pay the lender back a portion of what it lost. In other words, the bank takes a much lower risk with an FHA loan. They want you to pay the loan, but if you can’t, they still get paid.
That’s why FHA borrowers pay mortgage insurance. The insurance premiums are how the FHA affords to ‘bail banks out’ if someone defaults on an FHA loan.
FHA loans offer borrowers the best of both worlds. You get flexible underwriting guidelines and lower interest rates. It’s a win-win for you.
Conventional Loans Don’t Have Government Backing
Conventional loans, which are loans for ‘good credit’ borrowers, don’t have government backing. If you default on the loan, the bank loses the money. But, if you put down less than 20 percent on the home, you’ll pay Private Mortgage Insurance.
The PMI is like the mortgage insurance you pay on an FHA loan, but it’s through a private insurance company, not the government.
They sound the same – both loan programs have mortgage insurance, so why would FHA rates be lower?
It’s all about mortgage insurance.
FHA Mortgage Insurance vs. Conventional PMI
FHA loans always have mortgage insurance. Whether you put down 3.5 percent (the minimum allowed) or a larger down payment, you pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.
FHA borrowers pay 0.85 percent of the loan amount until they no longer have the FHA loan. This means you either sold the home, refinanced the loan into a non-FHA loan, or paid it off in full. If you keep the FHA loan, you pay the insurance the entire time.
Conventional loans require PMI only when you put down less than 20 percent of the sales price. If you make a down payment larger than 20 percent, you don’t need to pay PMI.
This is one way conventional loans differ. Lenders take a large risk by giving you a loan with no insurance. Even with a 20 percent down payment, there’s always a chance a borrower will default. If you do, the bank loses the money – there’s no insurance to back it up.
Conventional loans differ in one more way. They let borrowers cancel PMI when they owe less than 80 percent of the home’s value. This occurs with regular payments and when a home appreciates. Between the two, you will eventually owe less than 80 percent of the home’s value and can request PMI cancellation.
This puts the lender at risk again.
Are Higher Conventional Rates a Bad Thing?
So far, it seems like conventional rates are higher than FHA rates, and that’s bad. It might not be as bad as you think. Here’s why.
FHA loans have lower rates, but if you keep the loan for the full term, you’ll pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan.
Most FHA borrowers pay 0.85% of the loan amount. On a $200,000 home with a 3.5% down payment, that’s $1,640 a year or $136 per month. The amount decreases slightly each year as you pay the principal balance down. You pay 0.85% of the average outstanding balance for the year. Over a 30-year term at 4%, you’d pay around $49,000 in mortgage insurance for an FHA loan.
A conventional loan at 4.5% with 3.5% down would cost just $8,520 in PMI over the required term, but you’d have a higher interest rate.
Putting it all Together
So which is better, a lower interest rate and longer mortgage insurance or a higher rate and shorter mortgage insurance term?
Every situation differs, but in our example, here’s the bottom line:
- The total cost of the FHA loan over the loan’s term is $469,301
- The total cost of the conventional loan over the loan’s term is $445,601
The difference isn’t as big as it looks, right? It seems like having FHA mortgage insurance for the life of the loan is a bad thing – it’s not.
When Should you Use an FHA Loan?
Here’s the bigger question: when is an FHA loan right?
It depends. FHA loans have more flexible guidelines. If you don’t have perfect credit or you had recent negative credit events, an FHA loan is a better choice. You’ll get more flexible guidelines and have an easier time qualifying. Yes, you’ll pay mortgage insurance, but you may get a lower rate too.
Now, what if you have good credit and qualify for a conventional loan? The slightly higher interest rate won’t seem like such a big deal – the payment difference isn’t huge, and you don’t have to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan or worry about refinancing to get rid of it.
Look at the Big Picture
Focus on the big picture when deciding which loan is right for you. FHA loans aren’t as expensive as they look. In our example, there was a $24,000 difference, but that’s if you keep the loan for the entire term.
Look at what you can afford, what you qualify for, and how to minimize your costs to make the most of one of the best investments you’ll make in your lifetime – your home.
Northern California, Consumer Protection and Mortgage Rates
Being a homeowner (or potential homeowner) in Northern California means you have access to many mortgage rate options. You can obtain quotes from so many different sources; however, the problem is knowing what is a “legitimate” quote and what is not. That’s where the following three agencies can help.
We suggest anyone seeking a mortgage in Northern California utilize the services of the CFPB, California DRE, and the NMLS to ensure they receive only legitimate quotes from reputable mortgage companies.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Did you know there is a group of people that work for the federal government and are completely focused on protecting and educating the consumer?
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (aka CFPB) was created after the mortgage crisis in 2008. They not only ensure mortgage companies follow a strict set of rules and guidelines, but they also provide a lot of educational material to homeowners.
Take the time to utilize the educational materials provided by the CFPB. You’ll not only be better educated about the mortgage process, but you’ll also end up finding a better mortgage.
California Department of Real Estate
At the state level, an important part of the mortgage industry (and housing) is the California Department of Real Estate (aka California DRE). Every legitimate Loan Officer and Real Estate agent is licensed by the state of California. If you are working with someone who does not have a verifiable license, stop working with them immediately and find a new Loan Officer to work with.
The California Department of Real Estate is an important part of the mortgage industry. We highly suggest consumers take advantage of what they have to offer to ensure they obtain the best possible mortgage.
Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) is an excellent resource for homeowners in Northern California. We highly suggest you utilize their services to help you locate the best possible mortgage rate.
How can you use what the NMLS has to offer?
Great question. Just visit their website and enter the NMLS license number for a mortgage company or Loan Officer (if you don’t know what it is just ask the Loan Officer, and he/she will provide it), and you’ll be able to see licensing information, where they are located, branch locations and more. It’s free to you, and it only takes a minute!
Using our mortgage calculator to figure out your monthly mortgage payment is an essential part of buying a home or refinancing a current mortgage.
Northern California Realtors
If you are buying a home in Northern California, you’ll want to hire an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor. Your California mortgage broker (or lender) will work directly with your local Realtor to ensure your purchase closes on time.
Northern California Realty, Inc.
The main office for Northern California Realty, Inc, is located t 728 Main St., 2nd Floor, Red Bluff, CA, 96080. Their direct contact number is (530) 877-9208. They are a full-service real estate company with a “friendly, experienced team.”
California Outdoor Properties
This Northern California realty company has seven offices. The main office for California Outdoor Properties is located at 707 Merchant Street, Suite 100, Vacaville, CA 95688. Their direct office number is (707) 455-4444. Additional offices include:
- Napa (two in Napa)
- Fall River Mills
- Red Bluff
Stewart Real Estate Company
Steward Real Estate Company is located at 1700 Market Street, Suite 102, Redding, CA 96001, and their direct office number is (530) 255-4133. According to their website, they are “Your source for Northern California Real Estate.”
Another Northern California Realtor is Vintage Realty. Located at 19622 Lake California Dr., Cottonwood, CA 96022, and their direct number is (530) 347-1566. In addition to Cottonwood, they service Anderson and Redding as well.
Living In Northern California
California is a large state, and Northern California covers a large area of the state, which covers the 41 northernmost counties. Its major areas of population include the Bay Area, the cities of San Francisco and San Jose, the greater Sacramento area, and the Metropolitan Fresno area. Northern California is an economic, scientific, technological, and cultural leader in the world. Besides that, there are a lot of great things to do in Northern California.
Along with several large Metropolitan areas, Northern California also is made up of agricultural and wilderness areas. In fact, Northern California is comprised of several of the country’s national parks, including:
- Kings Canyon-Sequoia
- Larsen Volcanic National Park
- Death Valley
This area also has a number of other parks and wilderness areas. Northern California is made up of many different communities with diverse climates, job opportunities, and types of housing. Here is a look at some of the various communities in Northern California.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco was founded in 1776 and had a growing population until ¾ of the city was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire. The city was quickly rebuilt and has played a major role in much of the history of this country. During World War II, soldiers were shipped overseas from this city. It played a major role during the Goldrush, which was the birthplace of the United Nations and the Center of the Sexual revolution and gay rights.
San Francisco is known for its cool summers, fog, and rolling hills, and it is a popular tourist center as well as the home of 5 major banking institutions and various companies such as Levi Strauss, Gap, Fitbit, Dropbox, Reedit, Yelp, and many more.
San Francisco has many fine neighborhoods in which to live and work.
Two Of The Best Neighborhoods In San Francisco
- Pacific Heights Neighborhood: Pacific Heights offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bridge, Arcata, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Known as San Francisco’s most expensive neighborhood. The area is made up of expensive homes, mainly French Chateau and Spanish Style Mansions with large lots. There are two parks in the neighborhood, Lafayette and Alta Plaza Park, and the neighborhood is close to several hiking trails.
- Noe Valley Neighborhood: Noe Valley is an interesting neighborhood with quite a mix of residents. This neighborhood has both liberals and conservatives, as well as working-class residents and dot-com millionaires. This neighborhood is made mainly of beautiful restored Victorian homes, upscale restaurants, chic clothing shops, Bistros, bookstores, and fine dining restaurants. The neighborhood is both family and dog-friendly.
Sacramento is the capital of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. With a population of over 501,000, this is a fairly large city. Sacramento became a major commercial center as a result of the California gold rush and today is a major center for the health care industry.
Education is a major part of this city, and you will find 2 major universities, several private institutions, and community colleges, as well as vocational schools and the McGeorge School of law within this city’s boundaries. Sacramento also has a number of museums and theater venues and an extensive park system (over 5,000 acres).
The city of Sacramento has many fine neighborhoods, and here is a look at a couple of the best neighborhoods in the city.
The Best Neighborhoods In Sacramento
- River Park Neighborhood: The River Park neighborhood of Sacramento has close to 4000 residents. This neighborhood has a suburban feel to it, with neighbors tending to be friendly with one another and look out for each other. The neighborhood is on the quieter side with above-average schools, and most residents own their own homes making this a good place to raise a family. Scattered throughout the neighborhood are a number of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and parks.
- Pocket-Greenhaven Neighborhood: The Pocket-Greenhaven Neighborhood is located about 5 miles south of downtown Sacramento. This area is primarily occupied by middle to upper-class families, and most of the families own their own homes. This is a good area to raise a family as the schools in the neighborhood are above average. There is also a number of parks so both children and adults can enjoy spending time out of doors.
San Jose, California
Located on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. San Jose is the economic, cultural, and political center of Silicon Valley and the largest city in Northern California, with a population of around 1030,000. San Jose is also the county seat of Santa Clara County and the 10th largest city in the United States.
San Jose was founded by the Spanish in 1777, became part of Mexico in 1821, and then in 1848, became part of the United States. When California first became a state, San Jose was the first capital of California.
The city is home to many important tech companies, including Cisco Systems, eBay, Adobe Systems, Paypal, Samsung, Acer, Hewlett Packard, and more.
The city is located on the southern shore of San Francisco Bay and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. San Jose has a high cost of living, which is understandable since this city has the most billionaires and millionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world.
The Best San Jose Neighborhoods
San Jose is made up of a number of fine neighborhoods, and here is a look at a few of those neighborhoods.
- Willow Glen Neighborhood: Willow Glen has the charm of a small town in the middle of a big city. The community has a number of small businesses, beautiful walkable tree-lined streets, and diverse architecture with many single-family homes. Home values are high, but this neighborhood is considered to be one of the best neighborhoods to live in San Jose. This is an extremely friendly neighborhood. One point of interest is the neighborhood’s Christmas tree tradition. Every home in the neighborhood places a small tree in its front yard covered in colored lights. A single white light is placed on the tree.
- West San Jose Neighborhood: The neighborhood of West San Jose is located on the Western end of the city near many of the big tech companies. This neighborhood is made up mainly of people who work in the tech industry and a good deal of the housing is apartments and townhouses. The neighborhood has well-kept streets and yards. The communities have at least two fair-sized shopping malls. The neighborhood is extremely upscale, and most homes run a million dollars or more. The neighborhood is friendly, and many believe this is a wonderful neighborhood to raise kids.
- Evergreen Neighborhood: Evergreen is a very family-oriented neighborhood made up of many single-family homes with well-kept lawns and streets. Neighbors here are friendly; most of the residents in this neighborhood own their own homes, and there are many parks and coffee shops scattered around the neighborhood. Lake Cunningham is located in this neighborhood and sports a large water entertainment park. It is also the home to Brigadoon Park, which has a nice picnic and play area and large concrete slides. This neighborhood also has some really good schools.
Another city located in Northern California is Stockton. Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County, which was founded by Captain Charles Maria Weber in 1849. Stockton has an estimated population of 311,000.
Stockton was built during the California gold rush and is the home of the University of the Pacific, which is the oldest university in California.
Stockton is set amid the surrounding San Joaquin farmland. The area has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. Stockton is the home of several museums and galleries, 2 shopping malls, and a number of festivals are held in this city each year. Stockton has several nice neighborhoods; here is a look at two of those neighborhoods.
Popular Neighborhoods In Stockton
- Brookside Neighborhood: The Brookside neighborhood is a popular, but small neighborhood in Stockton, California. This neighborhood is located less than 3 miles from downtown Stockton. The neighborhood is made up of several gated communities and single-family homes. The neighborhood has decent schools, two parks, Nelson and Buckley Cove Park, and the Brookside Golf and Country club. The neighborhood also has a community pool, and there are several different shopping options, as well as various entertainment venues spread throughout this neighborhood.
- Pacific Neighborhood: The Pacific Neighborhood is one of the largest neighborhoods in Stockton and is a good place to live for those making a lower income as well as families. The neighborhood has a variety of housing options, several elementary and secondary schools, and is the home of the University of the Pacific. This neighborhood also has several parks, including Hidden and Caldwell Park as well as theaters and galleries.
Redding is the county seat of Shasta County and is located about 162 miles north of Sacramento. Redding is located at the very Northwestern end of Central Valley.
During the gold rush Redding was known as Poverty Flats until 1868 Benjamin Redding bought the property in Poverty Flats for the railroad; eventually, the town’s name was changed to Redding. Redding’s economy is largely based on the service industry, with most of the services being in the healthcare, retail, and tourism industries.
Most of the residents in Redding own their own homes, and there are a number of coffee shops and parks scattered throughout the city. Redding experiences hot, dry summers and cool wet winters, with the city experiencing occasional snowfall. Temperatures in the month of July can reach into the 100s.
Redding has some nice neighborhoods, and here is a brief look at two of the most popular.
Popular Redding Neighborhoods
- City Center Neighborhood: City Center is the neighborhood to live in if you enjoy being right in the thick of things. While most people who live in the neighborhood live in apartments homes in the neighborhood sell for a pretty reasonable $268,000. Since this neighborhood is centrally located most people who live here either walk or bike to work, and the weather in this city makes doing so very enjoyable.
- Centerville Neighborhood: The Centerville neighborhood is located outside the main part of Redding to the Southwest giving this neighborhood a rural feeling that many residents love. Medium prices of homes in this neighborhood are around $400,000. Homes are quite large in the area, and many people own their own homes. It is a great place to raise a family due to the highly rated-schools.
Eureka is the county seat of Humboldt County in the Redwood Empire Region of Northern California. It is the headquarters of Six Rivers National Forest and the North Coast Redwoods District of the California State Park System.
The entire city is a State Historic landmark as well as the home of California’s oldest zoo, the Sequoia Park Zoo. Major industries in Eureka are tourism, timber, and health care. This city is known for its cool summer climate and mild and rainy winters. Eureka has some nice neighborhoods in which to live, and here is a brief look at a couple of those neighborhoods.
The Best Neighborhoods In Eureka
- Freshwater/ Freshwater Corners Neighborhood: The Freshwater/Freshwater Corners neighborhood is a rural neighborhood that is mostly made up of small to medium size homes and some mobile homes. Most of the residents own their own homes in this neighborhood. This peaceful quiet neighborhood is a good place for retirees, although the area has a mix of different age groups. Most of the people here have middle-income jobs.
- Cutten Neighborhood: The Cutten neighborhood is the suburban equivalent of the Freshwater neighborhood. This neighborhood is made up of residents who own their homes, and homes run from small to medium size single-family dwellings and a few small apartment buildings. Many of the residences are older, having been built between 1940 and 1969. It’s a good place for retired people because the neighborhood is nice and quiet, but there is a mix of different age groups all living here. People have a short commute to work in many cases less than 15 minutes.
If you are considering moving to Northern California, there are a lot of communities and neighborhoods that will make a good place to live no matter what your age or income.
Low Northern, CA Mortgage Rates
Since the early 2000’s low mortgage rates in Northern California have been an integral part of a somewhat meteoric rise in home values. Along with low mortgage rates, a strong economy and good-paying jobs have enabled more first-time homebuyers to buy their first home. 30-year fixed mortgage rates tend to be the loan program of choice; however, some homeowners do prefer a 20-year or even a 15-year fixed mortgage rate.
The 30-year fixed mortgage provides for a lower payment; however, you’ll have a lower interest rate with a 20-year or a 15-year fixed mortgage rate. In addition to the lower rate, you’ll also pay your home off faster.
Additional California Cities
If you’re looking for additional information on another California city, please be sure to visit our main California Mortgage Rates page.


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GM Earnings On Faucet After Ford’s Grim Warning
Common Motors (GM) is gearing as much as report for the primary quarter Wednesday, after the worldwide chip scarcity pressured GM to increase manufacturing unit downtime because it prepares to unleash a flood of electrical automobiles. What’s going to GM earnings appear like?
Together with GM earnings, Wall Avenue will search for any influence of the chip scarcity on the automaker’s manufacturing. In February, GM mentioned it might be “untimely” to debate quantity influence, however Ford Motor (F) warned on April 29 that it expects to supply 1.1 million fewer automobiles this 12 months, as a result of semiconductor scarcity.
Traders may also wait to see if GM’s extremely awaited Hummer EV, its first all-electric truck, stays on observe for this fall, regardless of the chip crunch.
Estimates: Early Wednesday, Wall Avenue expects GM earnings to leap 65% to $1.02 per share as income rises almost 2% to $33.26 billion, in line with Zacks Funding Analysis. That might mark the strongest gross sales progress in not less than eight quarters.
Final quarter, Common Motors grew automobile gross sales 4% 12 months over 12 months within the U.S. on the again of SUV and truck demand, and 69% in China after a giant pandemic hit to gross sales within the year-ago quarter.
Outcomes: Test again later.
Outlook: In February, GM warned of a short-term hit to manufacturing, with EBIT down by $1.5 billion to $2 billion this 12 months. On April 1, GM mentioned that it expects to get better misplaced automobile manufacturing within the second half of the 12 months.
Since then, an intensifying chip drought pressured GM to increase manufacturing unit downtimes, together with vegetation in Tennessee, Michigan, Kansas and Canada. Ford made related strikes.
Shares rose dipped 0.1% to 57.18 in Monday’s inventory market buying and selling.
In March, GM inventory provided a 54.75 entry from a pullback to the 10-week line, in line with MarketSmith chart evaluation.
Common Motors inventory is now looking for assist at its 50-day and 10-week traces as soon as once more. Shares are a number of weeks into a brand new doable shallow consolidation, however there is no new purchase level but.
If GM rebounds solidly from its 10-week line on earnings, buyers may use that as an early entry.
Ford inventory edged up 0.6%. Volkswagen climbed 0.7%. Tesla (TSLA) fell 3.4% amid a report that the important thing Berlin plant will not begin manufacturing till 2022. Shares are as soon as once more testing the 50-day line. On Friday, Tesla inventory rebounded above that vital degree after initially tumbling following earnings final week.
On Thursday, Volkswagen is more likely to see earnings vault 578% to 61 cents as gross sales develop virtually 10% to $66.64 billion.
On Monday, Volkswagen (VWAGY) warned that the chip scarcity will curb output of automobiles general, whereas sparing EVs. The German auto big, together with GM and Ford, is pivoting to an emissionless future.
Legacy automakers proceed to play catch-up with Tesla (TSLA). In the meantime, scorching EV startups like Nio (NIO) reported blistering gross sales in April vs. a 12 months earlier, however deliveries have been typically little modified vs. March.
Now GM CEO Mary Barra calls all-electric automobiles “a supercycle alternative,” with plans to solely promote EVs by 2035.
On the again of a $27 billion EV and AV funding, GM’s all-electric Hummer truck is meant to reach in late 2021. A luxurious electrical Cadillac SUV follows by mid-2022, and an electrical Hummer SUV by early 2023.
A wholly new EV platform known as Ultium underpins these automobiles, in addition to GM’s aim to promote a million EVs yearly by 2025.
On Monday, rival Ford additionally sharpened its EV and EV battery plans. The automaker introduced it led a $130 million funding spherical in Stable Energy. The Colorado-based startup makes solid-state batteries, which it touts as lighter and extra environment friendly.
Final week, Ford mentioned it might make investments $185 million in a brand new battery lab, as a step towards making its personal batteries for electrical automobiles. By 2025, Ford plans to speculate $22 billion in EVs, together with previous investments.
VW is a giant buyers in solid-state startup QuantumScape (QS). Volkswagen is also ramping up in-house battery manufacturing.
Discover Aparna Narayanan on Twitter at @IBD_Aparna.
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Russia has hit back after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, which accuses him of war crimes for his alleged involvement in child abductions from Ukraine.
The ICC said the president is allegedly responsible for the “unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of children from the territory of Ukraine to the Russian Federation”.
It also issued a warrant for the arrest of Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, his commissioner for children’s rights, on similar allegations.
War crimes include torture, mutilation, corporal punishment, hostage taking and acts of terrorism. The category also covers violations of human dignity such as rape and forced prostitution, looting and execution without trial.
Crimes against humanity are acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, such as murder, deportation, torture and rape.
So what do we know about Ms Lvova-Belova and other fugitives who are facing ICC arrest warrants?
Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova
Lvova-Belova was appointed by Putin as his children’s rights commissioner in October 2021.
British and Ukrainian officials have accused Lvova-Belova of the forcible deportation and adoption of children from Ukraine during the Russian invasion which began in February 2022.
Lvova-Belova has been sanctioned by the US, Europe, the UK, Canada and Australia.
She claims to be the “saviour” of Ukrainian children caught up in Russia’s so-called “special military operation” but her passionate rhetoric allegedly conceals a sinister plan to deport Ukrainian kids from territories occupied by Russian invading forces.
A recent US report said Russia has held at least 6,000 Ukrainian children in sites in Russian-held Crimea and Russia whose primary purpose appears to be political re-education.
Last month on television, Lvova-Belova thanked Putin for being able to “adopt” a 15-year-old boy from Mariupol, the southeastern Ukrainian city that was destroyed and occupied by Russian forces.
Lvova-Belova was already the mother and guardian of 22 mostly adopted children, according to reports.
She is also a member of the governing body of the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, the largest party in the Russian parliament.
Mikhail Mayramovich Mindzaev
The Russian allegedly committed war crimes during the August 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia, a breakaway region of Georgia that has very close ties with Moscow.
The war cost hundreds of lives on both sides and forcibly displaced tens of thousands of civilians.
Human Rights Watch found that after Georgian forces withdrew from South Ossetia on 10 August, the Russian-backed South Ossetian forces deliberately destroyed ethnic Georgian villages in South Ossetia that had been administered by the Georgian government.
It said the forces looted, beat, threatened, and unlawfully detained numerous ethnic Georgian civilians, and killed several, on the basis of the residents’ ethnicity and political affiliations.
The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Mindzaev in June 2022. It said the ex-Russian police officer was the minister of internal affairs of the de facto South Ossetian administration from 2005 until 2008.
He was charged with war crimes of unlawful confinement, torture and inhuman treatment, outrages upon personal dignity, hostage taking, and unlawful transfer of civilians.
These were allegedly committed between 8 and 27 August 2008 during the conflict. He is still at large.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi is a Libyan political figure and second son of the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
In 2011, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Saif on two counts of crimes against humanity, which were murder and persecution, allegedly committed in Libya that year.
He was captured by a militia group in 2011 in Libya, as he tried to flee for Niger, but was released from prison in 2017 and is still at large.
In 2021, he registered to run for president, but the election authority rejected his bid.
An arrest warrant was issued in July 2005 for the Ugandan rebel who was allegedly commander-in-chief of militia group the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
His decades-old war kept much of north Uganda trapped in a nightmare of violence, hunger and fear of night-time raids by the LRA.
Child soldiers and their commanders, many barely in their teens, carried out attacks on unarmed villagers, allegedly under Kony’s orders.
Several attempts to capture him by UN and Ugandan forces over the years have failed and he remains on the run.
He is accused of 12 counts of crimes against humanity, which included murder, enslavement, sexual enslavement, rape, and inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering.
The ICC also accused Kony of 21 counts of war crimes, including murder, cruel treatment of civilians, intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population, pillaging, inducing rape, and forced enlistment of children – these were allegedly committed after 1 July 2002.
Three women killed in brothel in Austria
Police have arrested a man after three women were killed in a brothel in the Austrian capital Vienna.
The women were found with “cuts and stab wounds”, police said.
Police found a fourth woman inside the brothel and she was being questioned by the police as a witness.
A 27-year-old man was arrested in the vicinity of the brothel while carrying a knife, which is suspected to be the weapon.
Police said the suspect is an asylum-seeker from Afghanistan and will be questioned by police later on Saturday.
A witness had discovered traces of blood outside the building, located near the Danube River, and alerted police on Friday evening.
The identities of the three victims remains unclear.
Brothels are legal in Austria.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
‘Significant progress’ in Paris hostage talks – Israeli media
There has been “significant progress” in hostage talks in Paris, according to Israeli media.
Negotiators have been ramping up efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, in the hope of heading off an Israeli assault on the Gaza city of Rafah where more than one million displaced people are sheltering.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met Egyptian mediators in Cairo to discuss a truce this week on his first visit since December.
A Hamas official said yesterday that the militant group had wrapped up ceasefire talks in Cairo and were waiting to see what mediators bring back from weekend talks with Israel.
It comes after the Gaza’s health ministry said death toll from the nearly five months of war has risen to 29,606. The total number of wounded rose to nearly 70,000.
Speaking on Friday, Hamas political official Osama Hamdan said the militant group has “dealt positively with the proposals and initiatives of the mediators” but that Israel’s position “poses many obstacles to reaching an agreement”.
He said the Israelis had refused the main demands put forward by Hamas to “stop the aggression, to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, to return displaced people to the north (of Gaza), and to make a real reciprocal deal” on exchanging the Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Mr Hamdan said his group is sticking to these demands.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the militant group’s demands “delusional”.
Israel wants open-ended control over security and civilian affairs in Gaza, according to a long-awaited post-war plan drawn up by Mr Netanyahu.
UK and other NATO allies urged to consider conscription as Ukraine war enters third year
Any move to introduce conscription by Britain and other NATO allies would make a difference to Europe’s defences against Russia, Latvia’s foreign minister has said.
Krisjanis Karins said the larger the country, the bigger the difference.
Asked whether he was advocating such a step, the top diplomat told Sky News that he is “happily sharing” with colleagues the experience of his own nation, which reinstated mandatory military service last year in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“We think it’s a very good idea for us,” the foreign minister said, speaking on the sidelines of a recent security conference in Germany.
“I think other NATO allies could consider it as well.”
Follow latest: Sunak and Starmer pledge support ‘for as long as it takes’
Latvia, one of the three Baltic states who are members of the NATO alliance, scrapped conscription almost two decades ago.
But it decided to reintroduce the draft as part of a plan effectively to double the size of its armed forces – professionals and reserves – to 61,000 by 2032.
“The point of the draft is to beef up capable, equipped and trained reservists,” Mr Karins, a previous Latvian prime minister, said.
“It’s not replacing the professional army. It’s augmenting the professional army.”
Asked whether he thought it would make a difference if the UK started conscription, the foreign minister said: “I think it would make a difference if any European country [did] – and of course, the larger countries, it would make a bigger difference.”
As for whether this was an idea he was pushing, he said with a smile: “It’s the experience that we have that I’m happily sharing with all of my friends and colleagues.”
But UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who also spoke to Sky News at the Munich Security Conference last week, sounded less than keen about even training citizens voluntarily – an idea the head of the British Army appears to support – let alone mandatory military service.
“We have a professional army of professional armed forces. It’s really important that they are trained to the highest possible standards,” Mr Shapps said in an interview.
“Everyone knows that in a wartime – First World War, Second World War – scenario, of course, countries have to make other arrangements.
“That’s not the position we’re in now. We have absolutely no plans to do that now. And so that’s not something which is on the agenda currently.”
Yet a Latvian general explained how conscription is about much more than simply generating fresh boots on the ground – it is also about growing a sense of national service and a desire for each citizen to do their bit to help protect the country.
“Everyone has the right to serve – an obligation to serve – the nation,” said Major General Andis Dilans, the Chief of the Joint Staff of the National Armed Forces, Latvia’s second most senior commander.
“This is really the cornerstone of democracy,” he said in an interview in the Latvian capital Riga.
“Therefore, we looked at this not just as a war-fighting force of the conscription, but looking at the connection between the public and the military in case of crisis, in case of war.”
Sky News was invited to visit a training base in southeast Latvia, close to its border with Belarus, a close Russian ally, where a mix of conscripts and other recruits were going through a three-week basic training course with the National Guard.
The National Guard is a branch of the armed forces that is made up of volunteers. At a time of war, they would offer support to the professional military.
“Bam! Bam! Bam!” the recruits shouted, rifles raised, mimicking the sound of gunshots, as they practised a response to an ambush on a muddy shooting range surrounded by forest.
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One group of soldiers provided cover, as a second group moved forward, stopped and then took their turn to provide cover as their colleagues advanced.
Edging close to the site where their pretend enemy had launched the ambush, the troops lobbed an imaginary grenade and hit the ground to brace for what would – if done for real – be a deadly impact, before scrambling forward to press on with their counterattack.
Eduard, 18, was one of seven conscripts among the group of about 20 on the range. All seven were voluntary conscripts, rather than being ordered to serve.
“I think that every man in the world needs to at least try military life,” said Eduard.
Conscripts can choose to go through a solid 11 months of training or stretch it out during five years, in between their civilian lives.
Eduard said he had decided to do the latter so he could continue his studies as well.
As for what he would do if Russia attacked, the young man said: “I will defend my country.”
Maxim, 21, a second conscript, was also enthusiastic about his limited time in uniform.
“I’d recommend that everyone samples the emotions and experiences of military life, then – if they like it – maybe they will seek to join the armed forces full time,” he said.
A total of 39 trainees were going through the basic training course at the Meza Mackevici base of 3rd Latgalian Brigade, National Armed Forces
Split into smaller units of nine to 12 people, they train, eat and sleep together.
Each day starts at 6am and ends at 11pm.
The trainees sleep on bunkbeds in makeshift dormitories that line a one-storey hangar. A canteen is in a second hanger, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Each morning, they sing the national anthem on a parade ground before three tall flag poles displaying the colours of Latvia, NATO and Ukraine – the war in that country, a constant reminder of why all three Baltic states are doing so much more to mobilise their people.
One instructor, a professional soldier who was sipping soup from a bowl during his lunchbreak, offered his perspective on conscription.
“I think that the most important thing is to awaken the desire to protect and defend your country,” said Staff Sergeant Gunars Brencis, 36.
“[It is] to awaken the patriots in them so that they have the courage to stand up against the enemy if needed.”
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domain: news


text:
"The main motif was an ogre, and each one was designed by following the keyword which we had for each of them. We think that you can see their characteristic just by looking at them." - Concept of the Deadly Six.
"Wisps all have 3 legs, but if you look closely, each has different shape in legs too." - Concept of the Wisp.
"We wanted to make it look like an army, so we were thinking to make an another color version for the leader. But unfortunately, we didn’t have chance to use the leader type." - Concept of the Anton.
"This is one of the few enemies which are an original design for Lost World. The motif is ant-lion." - Concept of the Antlion.
"When we design this Buzz Bomber, we decided the concept of the eyes of all enemies for this title. So we tried various type of eyes on this enemy." - Concept of the Buzz Bomber.
"Instead of adding details, we wanted make it simple but huge, and wanted to make the players feel the largeness with this gap when we design this." - Concept of giant Caterkiller.
"It was the very first enemy we designed in this title, so we had many various idea to this enemy. We wanted to make the design simple so the entire silhouette will fit in single sphere." - Concept of Moto Bug.

domain: artistic


text:
Jacob Grimm (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859) commonly known as The Brothers Grimm where the German storytellers who were the first to ever write down and arguably create the fairy tale "Schneewwitchen " ("Snow White") which was included in their bunde "Kinder Und Hausmarchen" in 1812. The created many other classic fairy tales such as: "Little Red Riding Hood", "Sleeping Beauty", "Rumpelstilskin", and "Hansel and Gretel"
The Brothers Grimm where both born in a house in Steinau' 'an der Straße in Hesse, Germany in 1785 and 1786. They went to Kassel whre they studied at the University of Marburg. They at first wrote mainly romantic stories but in 1812 "Schneewwitchen" was included in their "Children and Household Tales" bundle. Other fairy tales they wrote included: "Little Red Riding Hood", "Hansel and Gretel" and "Sleeping Beauty" and "The Wolf and The Seven Goats" which all have become a staple of culture.
Wilhelm Grimm died three years earlieir than his brother Jacob.
- The children's program "Simsala Grimm" (1994-1996) centered around two freinds visiting Grimm's most famous fairytales.
- "The Brother's Grimm" (2006) was a fantasy movie made about the brothers.

domain: library


By Kevin Abourezk
A lawsuit by two Winnebago tribal corporations challenging the state of Nebraska’s efforts to regulate tobacco sales by the companies will proceed following a federal judge’s decision Wednesday to deny the state’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
Attorneys for both sides presented oral arguments December 10
on the state’s motion to dismiss the case before U.S. District Court Judge John Gerrard.
“The state’s illegal regulation threatens the ability of the Winnebago Tribe and tribes across Indian Country to provide for themselves,” said Nicole Ducheneaux, an attorney representing HCI Distribution and Rock River Manufacturing. “The state of Nebraska will be forced to defend its deal with Big Tobacco.”
Ho-Chunk Inc. (HCI) – an economic development corporation
run by the tribe – owns the two subsidiaries, HCI Distribution and Rock River Manufacturing. On April 20, those two companies filed a lawsuit against the state of Nebraska seeking to prevent the state from forcing them to abide by a legal agreement between the state and a variety of tobacco manufacturers.
inside Rock River Manufacturing, a tobacco manufacturing company owned by the
Winnebago Tribe. Photo by Kevin Abourezk
HCI Distribution purchases tobacco products from tribal-based manufacturers and resells those products exclusively to reservation-based wholesalers and retailers. Rock River is a federally licensed cigarette manufacturer whose products are distributed by HCI Distribution and other national distributors to retailers throughout the country.
The lawsuit, filed before the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska in Omaha, alleges the state’s efforts to force the two corporations to abide by an agreement between the state and several major tobacco manufacturers constitutes an attack on the tribe’s status as a sovereign nation. The lawsuit names Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson and Tony Fulton, state tax commissioner, as defendants.
The lawsuit alleges the state of Nebraska has sought to force the Winnebago Tribe to participate in a 1998 settlement between the four largest tobacco manufacturing companies and 46 states, which had sued those tobacco companies in order to recover healthcare costs related to smoking. The resulting legal agreement, known as the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), required the tobacco giants to make payments to the states each year.
Federal agents in
unmarked black sports utility vehicles can be seen parked at the headquarters of
Ho-Chunk Inc. on the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska on January 30, 2018.
Photo by Kevin
States that fail to force all tobacco manufacturers that operate within their borders to either participate in the agreement or begin paying fees in order to sell cigarettes in the state face losing their sizeable settlement payments. For Nebraska alone, that payment was $37.7 million in 2017.
However, neither states’ attorney generals nor the big tobacco companies invited tribes to participate in the MSA, and they also failed to seek the involvement of Congress, which exercises “exclusive and plenary control over sovereign tribes within its borders independent of state jurisdiction,” according to the lawsuit.
The tobacco trade is important to Winnebago and many other tribal economies by providing employment and funding programs for education, social and cultural advancement. Ho-Chunk Inc. estimates that the state of Nebraska’s attempts to regulate on-reservation business has resulted in a more than 80 percent loss in revenue in 2018 for its two subsidiaries.
The state’s efforts also have effectively ended the distribution of third-party Native tobacco brands to other sovereign tribal nations and hampered outside sales of tobacco products manufactured on the Winnebago Indian Reservation, the company said. Ho-Chunk Inc. was launched in 1994 to spur economic development activity on the Winnebago Tribe’s reservation.
On January 30, nearly 50 armed agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives raided
Ho-Chunk Inc.’s offices in Winnebago and confiscated dozens of boxes of documents, office equipment and cigarettes.
Ducheneaux said the lawsuit by HCI Distribution and Rock River Manufacturing is focused on trying to prevent the state from forcing them from abiding by the Master Settlement Agreement and isn’t directly related to the January 30 raid by the ATF.
Ho-Chunk Inc. owns Indianz.Com. The website is not involved with the tobacco operations or the activities at issue in the lawsuit.
Ho-Chunk Inc on Facebook: 'Native Americans want to provide for themselves and determine their destiny as a people'
UPDATE – Judge to rule whether Tribal lawsuit against Nebraska proceeds to trial.
Following arguments presented Monday (Dec. 10), a Federal judge in Omaha, Neb., will decide if a lawsuit challenging the State of Nebraska's attempts to regulate business activity on Native American reservations may proceed to trial.
The hearing was on a motion by the State of Nebraska to dismiss the case HCI Distribution, Inc. v. State of Nebraska. A ruling whether the suit may proceed to trial is anticipated by the end of December.
“Native Americans want to provide for themselves and determine their destiny as a people. The state’s regulatory overreach disrespects our sovereignty and violates established federal Indian law,” said Nicole Ducheneaux, an attorney representing HCI Distribution, Inc. and Rock River Manufacturing, Inc.
The two companies are subsidiaries of Ho-Chunk, Inc., the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s award-winning economic development corporation.
The Tribe is seeking a judicial determination of these issues despite state and Federal Government efforts to halt the case. If the case is dismissed, the Tribe will likely appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
A 20-year dispute with Nebraska came into sharp focus early 2018 with a search of Ho-Chunk, Inc. locations conducted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The tribal companies targeted manufacture and distribute tobacco products.
Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s companies filed the suit in April 2018, detailing how big tobacco companies are using their financial power to coerce state governments to unlawfully target Native American tribes or lose millions in settlement funds.
Tribes were not part of the historic 1998 Master Settlement Agreement in which major tobacco companies agreed to pay damages to states, nor are tribes subject to state regulation under federal law.
Big Tobacco has withheld millions in settlement payments from other states for failing to enforce MSA laws on sovereign tribal nations. Nebraska’s MSA payment was $37.7 million in 2017.
The tobacco trade is crucial to Winnebago and many other tribal economies by providing employment and funding programs for cultural and social advancement.Posted by Ho-Chunk, Inc. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Join the Conversation
Tribe defends sovereignty in dispute with state officials
authorities seized more than $1 million in property in Winnebago raid
19, 2018) Appeals
court rules against Winnebago tribal corporation in tobacco case
Tribe takes advantage of new 'Opportunity Zone' designation
Tribe fights back in court after 'attack on sovereignty'
(April 24, 2018)
LaMere: Native people are still fighting for our own rights
Tribe slams raid on businesses as attack on sovereignty
Tribe corporation cooperates with federal tobacco investigation


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The Nestorian Stele is an ancient stone artifact that reveals a Christian presence in 7th-century China. The Christian sect of Nestorianism originated in 5th-century Constantinople and reached China through missionaries. Inscribed in both Chinese and Syriac, the almost 10-foot (3-m) limestone stele, or stone slab, describes the existence of Christian communities in northern China and reveals that the Emperor Taizong had recognized Christianity by 635 CE. When was the stele unearthed?
Back in the day
Arizona's Grand Canyon, the great gorge of the Colorado River, is one of the natural wonders of the world. The canyon reaches depths greater than 1 mile (1.6 km), and its multicolored rock layers and steep rims are renowned for their beauty. After visiting the Grand Canyon in 1903, US President Theodore Roosevelt—an avid conservationist—became a major proponent of its preservation and designated it a US National Monument on January 11, 1908. Who fought against his efforts?
Born on a day like today
Smith was the English serial killer and bigamist behind the "Brides in the Bath" murders, a case that was a breakthrough in forensic investigation. Suspicions arose when three women were found dead in their bathtubs within three years—and each one had left money to her husband. However, none of the victims showed signs of violence. Smith's perfect crime unraveled when the Detective Inspector was able to link him to each woman, and the pathologist determined that Smith had done what to them?

domain: geography


text:
Follow and subscribe to DayakDaily on Telegram for faster news updates.
KUCHING, Sept 5: If the Pan Borneo Highway project connects Sarawak and Sabah by bypassing Brunei, it will catapult economic growth and alter the landscape of the state’s northern region.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing is on the same page as Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on this matter. The prime minister announced on Monday that this highway project would not cut into the neighbouring country.
The Malaysia and Brunei governments recently agreed in principle on this arrangement, which was based on factors including cost and immigration issues.
Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, opined that the proposed new routes would transform the economic makeup of places such as Marudi, Limbang and Lawas.
This would benefit the people in the long run, he added.
“I agree with Tun Dr Mahathir that the Pan Borneo (highway) should bypass Brunei. The route should originate from Marudi town to Long Terawan, then hugging Mulu National Park along the border with Brunei and straight to Hulu Sg Limbang and Hulu Sg Trusan.
“From there, the route would lead to Lawas town before connecting with the Sabah border,” he said in a statement.
Masing pointed out that the route would open up the upper reaches of Sg Limbang and Sg Trusan in Lawas, too.
“The highway will truly benefit the people who reside in the interior of Sarawak’s northern region. The distance is approximately 250km, with cost around RM3.5 billion.
“We hope the federal government will allocate funds to begin this part of the project as soon as possible,” he continued.
Dr Mahathir and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reached this agreement during a meeting that took place at the Istana Nurul Iman in conjunction with the former’s official visit to Brunei.
The decision was also made to simplify travel and save time, as it would not be necessary to undergo immigration checks.
Dr Mahathir said the government is studying alternative routes for the highway project, which is long awaited by the people of Sabah-Sarawak to generate development in both states. — DayakDaily


text:
By Eric Savitz
First Solar (FSLR) posted better-than-expected third quarter results.
For the quarter, the company reported revenue of $348.7 million and profits of $1.20 a share; the consensus called for $339.3 million and $1.01.
The company also announced several new supply agreements which expand its backlog by over 525 MW, for additional sales of about $800 million over the 2009-2013 time frame.
After hours, FSLR is up $18.14, or 15.6%, to $133.89.

domain: finance


text:
Panic attacks are becoming more widespread and create very troubling situations for its sufferers. Treatments and medications from medical professionals have been on the rise because more is needed. Follow these tips to learn how to handle panic attacks.
Try deep breathing and relaxation exercises when you are having a panic attack. Just learning how to breath in a more open and relaxed manner can help you get control of any future panic attacks.
Speak to a counselor for an effective way to cope with panic attacks. A counselor’s sole purpose is to help you find a solution. Having a professional to turn to can really lift your mood and lessen the occurrence of your panic attacks.
Have you ever had a panic attack that you couldn’t get out of? You are in control of your body and emotions!
When you are suffering in the middle of one of your panic attacks, ask yourself if there’s really anything to be afraid of. Is your fear based on reality, or is it actually just a creation of your mind? Is someone in your immediate presence trying to physically hurt you? In all likelihood, the answer is no; therefore, let yourself relax and let go of the panic.
One bad choice you can make in the midst of a panic attack is letting the symptoms overwhelm you. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that you are experiencing instead of resisting them. Visualize the panicked feelings as flowing past you instead of through you. Most importantly, keep breathing deeply. Try to stay calm and take long, slow, deep breaths. Eventually, the adrenalin will burn off, and you will feel yourself becoming more relaxed.
Ask your friend if they can meet you to talk in person. This may help you feel better quickly.
Speaking in a positive dialogue while maintaining a calmed attitude is an excellent way to talk yourself out of panic. Think logically and realize that the attack will end. Know that you won’t lose control of yourself.
Remind yourself of previous panic experiences and that nothing disastrous happened. Relax, then look for ways to avoid unnecessary anxiety and potential triggers.
It is important for someone to pay attention to what is happening when they feel that they are about to have a panic attack. Just remind yourself that this is an over-stimulation of your nervous system, and no harm will occur to you physically. This will put you in the right frame of mind and reduce the duration of the attack. It may be terrible, and this advice isn’t meant to treat it as though it is a game. If you use this way of thinking, though, you will be able to end some of your panicky feelings.
You can see now why this stressful condition needs various treatments and medications. There are a lot things to consider when treating a person who has panic attacks. By following these tips, you will soon find your panic attacks improving.
For more information on How to Stop Panic Attack, please visit Remedy for Panic Attack

domain: health


text:
Victoria Haskell Fine Art
Woodblock Prints, Works on Paper, Illustrations
Our sincerest apologies. This page is being re-designed and is temporarily unavailable. Please check back in at a later date.
Works on Paper and Illustrations
Oil Paintings, Watercolors, Prints


text:
Found myself in among maybe 6 or 8 other casters as the sun started to rise. Then there were 10. Then 15. And suddenly, there was a guy hooked up. Then another.
Almost everyone was blasting SS little necks in the 3 sizes as hard as they could. I was suprised to see guys throwing the small size ones. Maybe I was missing something here. I stuck with the 2 3/8 classic, in yellow over white...because I lost my all white one and haven't got a replacement yet.
Soon enough, moments before the sun broke the horizon, we were all hooked up on monster blues between at the very smallest end 10lbs up to fish the size the one I hooked which was mid-30"s so definitely well into the teens. Poppers were taking most fish. Mine hit no more than 30 feet in front of me, and jumped 6 times, tail walking twice. Took off taking drag too. Of the 15 guys, all but maybe 3 had fish, and I saw no one catch more than 3. I had two. It was a short crash of the beach.
Unfortunately, my big bruiser died. Bled out somehow, even though the hooks were in it's face. I have to assume when it hit I ripped a gill somehow. Sad. You probably don't care, but I do. One thing if I could have ate it, but I had 4 hours more of fishing and then 90 minutes of driving to go.
After she floated up, I walked down the beach and pulled her out. A guy with a Wal-Mart rod was there, and he hadn't been able to cash in on the blue blitz. So I told him he could have the fish. He was excited, grabbed it, and left immediately. Good.
Lots of blitzes of blues, bass, and ablies all throughout the So. Co. Just...too far out. I saw fishing SMASHING bait, birds on them. I found birds in tight too- just no fish. I fly fished for a while too, nothing. Tons of potential, which kept me interested....for a while. 11 I called it quits, and headed for my rig.
I did have a nice chat with a 79 year old fly fisherman named Bob. We ended up chatting for at least a half hour. That was nice, we had a shocking lot in common.
So many jag-offs around though. I can't stand So. Co. during the day, it's a nightmare. I didn't go back Sunday. I need sleep. I don't need to stand shoulder to shoulder with 30 guys throwing SS little necks.
Still can't find any fish in MA, and I gave it a couple go's last week. Maybe it really is over for us in MA. Doubt it. But I can't figure it out either. I won't be out local this week, heading to MECCA on Thursday. Stay tuned.

domain: hobby


text:
Are you looking for a simple T-Shirt that becomes the most awesome piece of clothe that you own once you light it up? This Iron Man T-shirt comes with a a lighting ARC Reactor powered by a battery which can be kept in a secret pocket. You will need 4 AAA batteries to start glowing in the dark.
The t-shirt is made of black cotton and can easily be washed after removing all the electronic parts.
- ARC Reactor Lights Up
- High Quality
- You will need to get batteries often if you wear it a lot.


text:
Who would you vote for? Obviously you don't have to answer if you don't want to.
I am voting for my cat. my cat could do better than both guys combined.
Obama, because he supports woman's rights and I don't have any major issues with him.
Write the question as a poll. Lots more people will make their preferences known. Too many people believe they will be considered racist by other white people if they say Romney.
Do I need to say for whom I am voting?
Already Joined? LOG IN
© 2017 CMI Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved.

domain: sociology


text:
TWU state secretary Peter Biagini has blasted Qantas management over its decision to cut 5000 jobs. Photo: Glenn Hunt
Cairns has become one of the first casualties of the Qantas job cuts.
The airline announced on Thursday it will close its cabin crew base in the far north Queensland city, with the loss of 110 jobs.
The company is believed to have informed the affected staff at a 2pm meeting.
In a statement, Qantas said the closure was due to a reduction in passenger numbers to the tropical centre.
Voluntary redundancies and redeployment to other cities for cabin crew will be offered, ‘‘in the first instance,’’ the airline said.
It said the decision would not impact flights to Cairns.
Earlier, angry union bosses have demanded Alan Joyce stand down as Qantas chief executive following the darkest day in the airline’s history.
An equivalent 5000 full-time jobs will be cut. But with many Qantas staff working part-time or on a casual basis, the Transport Workers Union fear the actual number of people who will be left without work will be far higher.
TWU Queensland branch secretary Peter Biagini said his members held Mr Joyce “totally responsible” for the airline’s $252 million loss, announced on Thursday.
“I think it will take more than just reducing staff to turn this business around. I think it needs a much better management plan and I don’t think Alan Joyce has got that plan,” he said.
“Three years ago he took the dramatic move of grounding the airlines to turn this business around and it’s got worse.”
Mr Biagini said the union would demand on Tuesday that Qantas impose a hiring freeze for the three years to avoid existing staff being replaced by cheaper workers.
Many of the job losses would come from Queensland, although at this stage it was not clear who or when.
Despite the uncertainty, Thursday was all about putting on a brave face for Qantas workers at Brisbane Airport.
From the fluoro-clad maintenance workers to the smartly dressed flight crew and pilots, all said they had been ordered not to speak with the media.
However some did, on the condition of anonymity.
One part-time worker said the airline had made “unnecessary cuts”.
He pointed to the reduction in the number of baggage handlers who unload each 747 flight, which have dropped from six to four.
“There’s no real future here for the company, which is a sad thing, especially with younger guys coming through,” he said.
“A lot of people who have taken redundancies still haven’t been able to get back into employment. I think a lot of people out there are between a rock and a hard place and there isn’t much you can do about that. It’s a sign of the times.”
Earlier in the day, the head of the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association, Steve Purvinas, also hit out at Mr Joyce.
“Mr Joyce said the results were unacceptable and we agree. He should be stepping down,” he said.
“Air New Zealand posted record results today so the excuses don’t wash. I don’t know how any airline executive can continue to hold their position with results like this.”
The Australian Services Union, which represents largely airport front desk staff, said it remained unclear how many of their 1000 Queensland members would be impacted by the job cuts.
Queensland branch secretary Julie Bignell said the move could have significant ramifications for airports in regional Queensland and regional Australia.
“These decisions by the company are absolutely outrageous, blaming workers for poor management decisions over a period of time is absolutely the wrong thing to do,” she said.
“They need to have considerable consultation with our members, if our members aren’t out there delivering a service for Qantas, the public won’t be flying Qantas.”
Ms Bignell said talks with Qantas management were due to start imminently, but rejected an intended indefinite payrise freeze as an “outrageous suggestion”.
Ms Bignell also hit out at Mr Joyce for informing workers through the media and said the company should now look after its workers.


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File this one under weird: a La Puente, California family woke up to a bang, which turned out to be a Lexus going for a nose dive in the family pool.
Read This Article
Despite strong sales, Lexus is undergoing a transition; the luxury arm of Toyota is aspiring to become more emotional and aggressive.
Luxury Japanese automaker Lexus has made many a fine vehicle over the years.
Lexus has announced that the new 2011 LS 460 Touring Edition will carry a base price of $73,875, including the destination charge.


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Eastern Plumas Health Care is a small, non-profit, critical access hospital district, providing comprehensive medical services to Plumas County since 1971. We operate a 9 bed acute care hospital at our main Portola campus, which includes a 24 hour, physician staffed, emergency room and ambulance service. In addition, three primary care medical clinics and a dental clinic offer residents a full spectrum of health care services in the Graeagle, Loyalton, and Portola communities. There are also hospital-based Skilled Nursing Facilities in Portola and Loyalton.
Sign on bonus for qualified candidates!
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- $1,000 signing bonus for PT and FT employees.
- Excellent benefits package, including 403(b) or 457(b) plans administered through VALIC
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Free training and CE opportunities, including free re-certification for ACLS, PALS, BLS
- 40% discount on all hospital services for employees
We are seeking a qualified paramedic for a part-time position with benefits. Our part time paramedics work one 24-hour shift per week. Come join the best team with the greatest shifts in the area!
A qualified applicant will perform medical care in accordance with the established protocols and within scope of practice in the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Also, supervise and direct prescribed activities of ambulance personnel and emergency responders. EOE
About Eastern Plumas Healthcare
Eastern Plumas Health Care offers the only emergency services and acute care hospital in Eastern Plumas and Sierra Counties.


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NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has been sued over a disagreement on how commissions to the city’s housing authority board are being handled by administration.
City Wide Tenants Association filed suit against Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu, in his official capacity as the Mayor of the City of New Orleans in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
The suit questions whether Landrieu can appoint elected members of the Tenants Association to the Board of Commissioners.
An injunctive relief is also requested to prohibit the meeting of July 29, and thereafter all meetings of the board of commissioners due to lack of representation by members of the tenants association as mandated by law.
The plaintiffs contend under Article 3901 of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, the City Wide Tenants Association is entitled to an injunction ordering defendants to come forward and state what, if any, authority they can deny the duly elected members of the Tenants Association to the Board of Commissioners.
The City Wide Tenants Association is seeking a few mandates. The plaintiffs are asking that the court issue a declaration that the plaintiffs have a right to elect and seat as members of the Board of Commissioners. The City Wide Tenants Association has also requested order the issuance of a writ directing defendants to establish the members of the City Wide Tenants Association elected members to the Board of Commissioners. lastly, the plaintiffs are asking the court rule as to make this writ peremptory and awarding plaintiffs all of the attorneys’ fees and costs.
In addition, the Tenants Association seek to be recognized and immediately placed on the board of commissioners of the HANO Tenants Association, in charge of future Board of Commissioners meetings, a permanent injunction prohibiting defendants in taking any further action without plaintiffs’ participation and that the defendants be served a copy of the petition and be required to appear by law.
The plaintiffs are represented by attorneys Robert C. Jenkins and Ike Spears.
The case has been assigned to Div. L Chief Judge Kern A. Reese.
Case no. 2014-07457.

domain: politics


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When he's not working in marketing for powerhouse sports drink BODYARMOR, Blaise Ffrench is working on campaigns for brands like Target, Banana Republic, Stance and True Religion. The former college basketball star is currently gearing up for an appearance in the upcoming film Marry Me alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson. Can't wait? You can currently catch him in And Just Like That...
We caught up with the model/actor to find out which beauty products keep him looking fresh.
Image via Elle Michelle
"Good dental hygiene is a must. The Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush helps keep my smile looking like a billion dollars. You never know when there's going to be a photo op."
"Being well groomed is super important for my line of work. My beard always needs to be fresh and trimmed and the waves have to stay wavy."
"I try to keep my skin clear and healthy as much as possible between shoots and traveling. Clarisma Beauty's skin care line is a fruit enzyme-based skin care brand that helps me achieve all my skin goals."

domain: celebrity


Jan 25, 2013, 12:13 AM EST
For the third time in the last two seasons, Michael Snaer hit a game-winning triple at the buzzer.
Before we go any further, here’s the video:
FSU was down by as much as 12 in the second half against Clemson, but they slowly chipped away thanks to 16 points from Kiel Turpin and 10 from Okaro White. Snaer and Devon Bookert, who hit the game-tying three Snaer assisted on with 44 seconds left, both had 11.
More importantly, this win keeps at-large hopes within reach for the Seminoles. They’re now 11-7 on the season and 3-2 in ACC play. Hopefully, they can start to build some momentum off of this shot.
- College Basketball Talk’s Ten Most Disappointing Teams 0
- CBT Weekly Roundtable: Who are the top five teams as of today? 1
- The Chase for 180: Jahii Carson’s improved jump shot 0
- College Basketball Talk’s Top Ten Most Surprising Teams 1
- Two losses in a row? Three in 11 days? Oh well. Don’t give up on Kansas just yet 2
- Weekend Preview: Kentucky-Baylor, a trio of in-state rivalry games (4)
- Why is Kentucky’s attendance going down? UK writer says Rupp is ‘stale’ (4)
- Turnovers, rebounding woes plague No. 3 Kentucky again (3)
- Late Night Snacks: Rhode Island rivalry and VCU’s overtime (2)
- Wisconsin guard George Marshall seeking transfer (2)


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Ferdinand Hodler was a Swiss painter born on 14 March 1853 in Bern, Switzerland. In 1861, Ferdinand lost his father and brothers to tuberculosis, and his mother remarried shortly after. He regularly assisted his stepfather, a painter, in completing his projects. After his mother died in 1867, Ferdinand was sent to Thun to apprentice with the painter Ferdinand Sommer.
At age 18, Hodler traveled to Geneva to start his art career and frequently made copies of paintings in museums. A couple of years later, Ferdinand became a student of Barthelemy Menn and continued developing his style. In the following years, he traveled around Europe, studying renowned artists and their works.
After rejection in Switzerland, Ferdinand’s self-portrait got accepted at the Paris Salon, but he was still widely unrecognized. A change of fortune came in 1891 when he exhibited his painting Night at the Paris Salon. The subsequent years saw Hodler receive commissions to paint large frescoes and hold exhibitions that brought him immense success. Hodler died on 19 May 1918 as one of the leading painters of his time.
What was Ferdinand Hodler Known For?
Ferdinand Hodler was known for painting landscapes and realistic genre paintings. Hodler’s early works were portraits, genre scenes, and landscapes painted in a natural style. He then created his mature works in the symbolist style. The rhythmic placement of figures in a ritualistic manner was termed Parallelism by the artist.
Who was Ferdinand Hodler Influenced By?
Gustave Corbet and Hans Holbein influenced Ferdinand Hodler. Hodler’s early works in the realism style included simplified portraits painted with techniques similar to Corbet’s. However, Hans Holbein influenced Ferdinand’s use of the theme of death in his later symbolist artworks.
What Art Movement was Ferdinand Hodler Associated With?
Ferdinand Hodler was associated with the Realism and Symbolism art movements.
Ferdinand Hodler Artworks
Below are some of the artworks of Ferdinand Hodler
A troubled soul
Cherry Trees in Bloom
Lake Geneva from Chexbres
Lake Geneva with the Jura and Clouds
Landscape on Lake Geneva
Portrait of Berthe Jacques
Portrait of Helene Weigle
The Consecrated One
The Holy Hour
The Miller and his son with a donkey
The Saleve in Fall
The Watchmaking Workshop in Madrid
Tired of Life
View into Infinity
Woman in Ecstacy


We started hearing about the Snapdragon 836 at the beginning of this month. Some rumors emerging from the eternal rumor mill, Weibo, hinted the new SoC from Qualcomm was under development. We also heard some time earlier that the improved chip will release in the second half of this year from some sources.
Now a new leak is hinting that the Snapdragon 836 might find its first home in the chassis of the upcoming Samsung Flagship Galaxy Note 8. The Galaxy Note 8 has a fair amount of time to go before it launches but we are seeing some rumors starting to guess the specs and design of the device. Earlier leaks point to a 6.3-inch Infinity Display. Of course, a dual camera is much talked about. And we have seen renders of the alleged Galaxy Note 8 with the dual camera earlier
It seems quite possible that Qualcomm could unveil an incremental upgrade to the successful SD 835. As it did with the SD 820. The Snapdragon 836 will be built on the 10nm FinFET process and also receive some performance tweaks, says the source. SD 836 is assumed to be clocked at 2.5 GHz and a 740MHz GPU will also be seen.


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- 21 August 2019
Ali Hussain, Project Coordinator at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (King’s College London), considers how we can overcome the challenges to health and wellbeing that are presented by social media.
The internet is firmly entrenched in our day-to-day lives. Attachment to screens in the forms of phones, tablets, consoles and computers can often dominate our attention at the expense of real life objects, individuals and experiences.
Research has shown that some young people are so invested in their digital presence, that they wake up in the middle of the night to log on to their social media to avoid missing out. For many, this can mean that there is no real distinction between the digital and the real world, making them prone to the drawbacks of the online sphere.
Amidst the growing concerns of the adverse effects of smartphone and social media addiction, two of the biggest investors in Apple have demanded that the world’s largest technology company take action. What’s interesting is that Apple as a major brand itself does not use social media, so the company can retain absolute control of the message when a new product is launched. Comments on YouTube videos are restricted, and engagement on Twitter and Facebook are finite, despite gaining millions of followers and 'likes'.
However, Apple products enable consumers to access various social media channels, without any tangible restrictions. The user-friendliness of the iPhone makes it accessible to a wide range of audiences, spanning different generations. This can however be a cause of concern if an impressionable young person is able to access the same material as a mature 40 year-old adult.
Hence why in an open letter to Apple, investors have called for new tools and options so that parents can safeguard the usage of young people through restricting certain social media sites and moderate hours of usage.
The former president of Facebook, Sean Parker, has claimed that social media is exploiting a vulnerability in human psychology by providing doses of dopamine, through 'likes' and comments on posts. Social media apps thus become addictive to users, and some experts even claim that the effects are like giving them a gram of cocaine due to young people developing a dependency and constantly craving to check their mobile phones and social media.
This increased dependency can have a detrimental impact on the mental health of young people. As a poll revealed that four out of five prominent social media networks can be harmful to young peoples’ mental health by spurring self-inadequacy, anxiety, depression and poor sleep.
These social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter) were found to exacerbate body image worries and bullying, as self-reported by participants. Recent research by King’s College London has shown frequent bullying to have poor psychiatric outcomes at midlife, including depression and anxiety disorders, and suicide.
Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has written to companies including Facebook and Google calling for action to improve the mental health of young people who use the technology. Furthermore, according to new polling commissioned by RSPH, there is an increasing demand from the UK public for tighter regulation of social media companies. It found that four in five (80%) wanted a greater understanding of the impact of social media on the health and wellbeing of young people.
Seeing it from the perspective of young people, the internet brings with it a world full of opportunities to learn about a vast range of different topics and to acquire new skills. Social media enables young people to mould their personal brand to become a better version of themselves and inspire others to do the same. Young people are able to develop genuine connections with peers and even use social media to vicariously explore the world, maybe even plan their own adventures.
The internet also allows young people to engage and debate with their elected representatives in real time. Many young people are utilising the internet to create progressive movements and mobilise individuals from all ages. Take for example the Never Again movement, which was set up by schoolkids to counteract gun violence in the USA. The movement has raised over $3.5 million and garnered support from celebrities and politicians alike.
Young people are utilising social media to keep up-to-date with current affairs and to air their personal views. Social media has created a space for young people where they feel included and so are more motivated to show up to the polls. Alongside which, social media is boosting political sentiment - a study by Ipsos Mori highlighted that seven in ten Britons (71%) feel that social media platforms are giving a voice to those who would not usually engage in political debate. It found that 88% of young people strongly feel this, demonstrating that social media is creating a more politically-charged culture in young people.
The Science and Technology Committee has launched an inquiry into the impact of social media and screen-use on young people’s health. The inquiry will seek to draw on the perspectives, experiences and initiatives by children, schools and youth organisations. The amalgamation of such perspectives will shine light on both the positive and harmful impacts of the digital sphere.
An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Social Media and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing was established by RSPH in March 2018. The APPG will be crucial in building cross-party collaboration and further policies that mitigates the negatives and maximises the positives of social media for young people.
We are now witnessing greater interest in the role of the digital world on young people – the work of such APPGs and committees will aid in bringing forth research and experience into the public domain, increase legislation and hold technology and social media companies to account. This will better equip parents, schools and youth organisations to manage young people in a digital world.
The evidence brought forward can help in eradicating the myths of the internet, and prompt further research into the effects of social media, both beneficial and harmful, in young people.

domain: psychology


"The reporter didn't ask if they are going to kill us, she asked
if they were going to shoot the balloons," relays Thor Halvorssen
to a colleague with him in a Seoul coffee shop, shortly after
Wired.co.uk asked him a question over the phone.
Human rights advocate and founder of the Human Rights Foundation Halvorssen is
in South Korea to take part in the release of huge helium balloons
carrying pro-democracy literature, transistor radios and other
items over the border into North Korea. The mission will be carried
out in partnership with the Freedom Fighters of North Korea, a
group set up by North Korean defector and human rights activist Park
Sang-hak that has been using balloons in this way for
Hearing of these confrontational plans, the North Korean
propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri made threats
against the activists, saying that they "will walk straight into
our gun-sights where we will keep them -- wherever they may hide --
and slit their throats". You can read the full translation
of the message here.
"They don't usually threaten organisations that engage in this
sort of behaviour, but it's in line with their typical, hot-headed
rhetoric. I don't really think they are going to [carry out the
threats], it's more for internal consumption," says Halvorssen,
optimistically. Despite the aggressive posturing, he says that the
team hasn't changed its plan.
It's at this point that Wired.co.uk asks whether the helium
balloons might be shot down as soon as they are released from a
city called Paju, in the north of the country. Halvorssen relays
the question to his colleague who, after the aforementioned
confusion responds that "the balloons go up too far".
The activists plan to release several thousand of these helium
balloons containing leaflets -- made out of waterproof paper --
containing information about what life is like outside. "We are
giving them a sense that there's a better life outside of North
Korea and that they've been fooled," Halvorssen says. There are
pictures of three defectors who have escaped to the South,
describing how they got out and what life is like outside. In
addition to leaflets there are CDs, thumbdrives and tiny transistor
radios designed to pick up stations from the south.
Several stations have been set up in the north of South Korea
specifically aimed at citizens over the border. "They offer an
alternative -- entertainment, music, pop culture, soap operas. It
shows that there is life outside," explains Halvorssen.
"Only twenty percent of North Koreans have ever heard foreign
radio. The phrase Hermit Kingdom is really quite accurate."
How can he tell that this approach is effective? Partly because
when South Korea was also under a dictatorship, both governments
used to use the balloon drop tactics against each other. Secondly,
defectors have escaped and have talked about reading the materials.
Finally, and perhaps most tellingly, in 2011 an agent was sent from
North Korea armed with poisoned needles, intending to assassinate
Park Sang-hak. The plan was foiled, but Halvorssen believes that it
sent a clear signal about the effectiveness of Sang-hak's
When asked whether the materials pose a risk to the people who
find them, Halvorssen says that "if there are authorities nearby
they will turn in the material, but in the absence of that it
becomes a sort of treasure".
In addition to planning the balloon release, Halvorssen has been
meeting with other dissident organisations and defector groups
while in South Korea. He is "frustrated" by the fact that their
combined budgets are so paltry -- he estimates "no more than a
"So many people in democratic countries relate to North Korea on
the basis of thinking about their funny haircuts and a caricature
of the dictator, who frequently appears on TV and in movies. The
only other way to relate to them is on the basis of their nuclear
weapons. Ignored in all of this are the 20 million people living
under the regime and the 200,000 people in labour camps."
He compares the situation to Kazakhstan. "People don't relate to
it as a tyranny run by the same man from the Soviet era, or the massacre at Zhanaozen, people relate to it through Borat and
"It's very sad. People are sombre when we talk about Darfur or
Iran, but with North Korea we wash our hands of it or go 'I'm so
Despite this, Harvorssen remains positive. "There's no question
there's momentum. There are more defectors that are active than
ever before," he explains. It's particularly encouraging that a defector called Cho Myung-chul won a seat in the National
Assembly in Seoul in 2012. "That gives the cause a lot of
The balloon launch (and an associated press conference) will
take place on Saturday 29 June.


Rajendra Lauds Role Of Border People In Maintaining Peace28 April, 2016, By Cross Town News
JAMMU, APRIL 28: Lauding the role of people of border areas to work with Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies shoulder to shoulder for maintaining peace in the areas, Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. K Rajendra Kumar has described the contribution of border people a success in prevailing security.
Rajendra was addressing a meeting of police officers at District Police Lines Kathua during his daylong visit to the border district today. The meeting was convened to take stock of overall security, law and order situation in the border districts of Samba and Kathua. Police functioning in the twin districts was also discussed in the meeting.
After obtaining details from the concerned Districts Superintendents of Police, Mr. Rajendra asked to work with greater synergy to ensure efficient policing with special focus on crime detection, security, maintenance of law & order, besides drug trafficking. He stressed the need for further improvements in police functioning to eradicate crimes from the society. He said that investigation of the cases need to be taken on modern lines to bring the culprits to justice. Cyber crimes and drug smuggling is posing a great challenge to the investigating agencies and it is our priority to take joint efforts and eradicate the crimes.
Discussing the security scenario in border areas, the DGP emphasized on coordination and communication with other security agencies and maintaining vigil in sensitive areas. He said that proper supervision by the field officers at lower level will make the efforts fruitful. Public cooperation is mandatory to get desired results from the efforts put in by police at different levels. Polite attitude at the lowest level is the key to get cooperation from the people in making professional policing a success, the DGP added.
Mr. Rajendra said that drug abuse is root cause of crimes besides affecting capabilities and energies of our youth. We have to take along other stakeholders and work for the eradication of growing menace from the society.
Later, DGP, accompanied by IGP, Mr. Danesh Rana and MD Police Housing Corporation (PHC), Mr. A.K. Choudhary, commissioned new police station building at Lakhanpur and various constructions for battalion headquarters at Sidhra. The works have been executed by PHC at a cost of Rs. 5.72 crores under modernization programme.


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It’s Tollywood heart-stopper Meenakshi Dixit for Thala Ajith’s Billa 2, according to latest reports. The dusky lass will set pulses racing with her item number in the upcoming gangsta offering Billa 2. Meenakshi is currently enjoying all that love from her fans, who were bowled over with her special act in the recently released Telugu flick Dookudu.
So the choice for Meenakshi as the item girl for Billa 2, was quite a natural one for the makers of the movie. The flick already boasts of some hot ‘n new faces in beauty pageant winner Parvathy Omanakuttan and the Brazilian starlet Bruna Abdullah. Readers might recall that it was earlier Bruna who set Billa 2 sets on fire. The brazilian model and Thala danced away at the Goan coasts, to a wonderful tune composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja winding up the recent 40 day shooting schedule. Now the team is planning to move to Georgia for rest of the shoots with everyone pretty excited about the foreign visit.
Hang on to Kollytalk for all further updates on Billa 2.

domain: entertainment


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Calendula soap bar – Marigold, Honey & Oat
Natural nutrition with the healing power of honey and marigold
The calendula soap contains:
- Calendula or Marigold is one of the most useful and versatile herbs. This antibiotic, immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory herb heals and treats skin problems and as such is an essential ingredient of many cosmetic products. It is recommended for surface treatment of skin disorders, slow healing wounds, and varicose veins.
- Marigold oil promotes skin formation and vitalises the epithelial tissue.
- Honey is well-known antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and soothes the skin. It is widely used because it is rich in minerals, amino acids enzymes and vitamins.
What can you use this Calendula soap for?
- Sensitive skin
- Facial cleansing
- Make-up removal (not around eyes)
- Soothing sunburns
- Inflamed, acne-prone skin
Why is this calendula soap ideal?
- It soothes the skin immediately
- The Marigold – Calendula relieves varicose veins
- Very effective on inflamed skin
- Deep cleanses your pores
- Contains Shea butter which is anti-inflammatory and soothes and moisturises the skin and prevents the formation of wrinkles due to its A, E and F vitamin content. It also effective against psoriasis and eczema.
- The oat heals acne and soothes dry and irritated skin while gently cleanses the pores. The calendula soap is ideal for any skin type.
This calendula soap (marigold soap) is recommended for everyday use.
- Fragrance and colourant free
- Made from oils and butters rich in E vitamin
- 100% made from natural raw ingredients
- 100% vegetarian, but not vegan because it contains honey.
You can find a perfect handmade SLS and paraben free natural soaps for your skin conditions >>
Eczema in children
7 tips to stop the itch: Dr Colin Holden, consultant dermatologist, has these tips for parents of babies and small children with eczema on NHS Website.
This soap may contain gluten – Avena Sativa – Oat meal
If you have allergic reactions for gluten, you can find a right gluten free artisan soap for your skin conditions. Please, make sure you read the list of ingredients before usage! Always test the soap before use to avoid accidental allergic reactions.
Go social, get your deal
Our Facebook page is the first page of news, best skincare tips and the great deals. Don`t forget! You can find the new products and offers on the Social Pages of Artisan Cosmetics firstly. Follow Us on Facebook!

domain: medical