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KOCHI: All that glittered did indeed turn out to be gold at the eighth edition of the Kerala Gem and Jewellery Show ‘KGJS 2017’ that showcased an extensive and breathtaking range of precious and semi-precious gems and jewellry designs. The state’s biggest one-stop B2B trade exhibition of jewellers was held from December 2 to December 4, 2017, at CIAL Exhibition Centre, near the Cochin International Airport.
It saw a wide participation of jewellery manufacturers, jewel artisans, leading designers, technology service providers, wholesale and retail jewellers from across the country.
The trade fair was inaugurated by Industries Minister A C Moideen. The show was jointly organised by AOJ Media, PVJ Endeavours, a renowned consulting firm in jewellery trade and KNC Services, the organisers of premier international exhibitions.
Besides this, the event is supported by all the jewellery industry associations in the state, Gem and Jewellery organisations across India and leading international organisations and collectives in the field.
“With the successful roll-out of GST, we are delighted to have KGJS back in Kerala. The trade fair will provide the necessary extra impetus to jewellery manufacturers and retailers in the state, enabling them to take Kerala’s thriving gem and jewellery market to newer heights assimilating the latest trends and industrial updates,” said P V Jose, Director, KGJS and Chairman PVJ Endeavours.
Referring to the state’s shimmering traditional jewellery, Kranti Nagvekar, Director, KGJS, and CEO of KNC Services said the traditional pieces of Kerala are world famous. However, its global market potential is not effectively tapped. “This gem and jewellery show has emerged as an excellent platform for sourcing and networking Kerala’s traditional designs,” she said. The expo also gives the merchants and manufacturers of Kerala an opportunity to study new designs from different parts of the world.
There are around 200 stalls with pavilions specialised in gold, diamond, allied items and advanced equipment and technologies. Each jeweller had unique designs which made them stand out from the rest.
A Chennai based jewellery, Vithraag Jewels showcased their latest temple design collection. The highlight of these designs are they are handmade and embellished with ruby, rice pearls and gemstones with a glass layer encrusted on top. Even their diamond collection ‘Venki’ is trendy and is handmade.
While some jewellers chose to showcase traditional designs, some others tried to give a contemporary look to their designs. Kolkata- based JKS Jewellers displayed their filigree work which is a type of fancy jewellery. Other leading jewellers like Dew Diamonds, S K Sethco, Amy Palace and Kripa Jewellers also showcase some of the best designs in gold and diamonds.The major attractions of the show are the exclusive jewellery collections in Italian, Turkish , Singapore and Malaysian designs. A fashion show was also held with models showcasing a diverse array of traditional as well as custom-made designer ornaments in gold, diamonds, gems and pearls.


Dell Venue 7 8 GB is Candybar, Touchscreen, Tablet PC Android Tablet PC from Dell which runs on Android OS, v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean). Dell Venue 7 8 GB is available in Black, Red colors and 234 g (8.25 oz) of weight. Dell Venue 7 8 GB has 7.0 inches IPS LCD display.
Dell Venue 7 8 GB is powered by Dual-core 1.6 GHz CPU, Intel Atom Z2560 Chipset and PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU along with 8GB 1GB RAM.
Dell Venue 7 8 GB has GPRS, EDGE, WIFI, Bluetooth, GPS connectivity options on board.


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After being inspired by an image on pinterest (which for some strange reason I did not pin and cannot find now), I decided the store windows needed to be framed with tons and tons of beautiful flowers. I just had to figure out how to accomplish this… real flowers wouldn’t work, silk flowers would cost a pretty penny, hmmm…. being a stationery store and all, the only logical solution was to make a few (uh, I mean a couple hundred) paper flowers!!
Several people, lots and lots of paper, a boat load of glue sticks, burnt fingers, sore hands, more paper cuts than we care to recount, a few technical difficulties, one amazing mix tape compliments of Claudia at Fig 2. Design, an all-nighter and a month later our windows are finally installed!!
Our hard work paid off, I love them and I hope you do too! You’ll be able to enjoy them for some time as these babies are staying up for quite a while!
A big shout out to Honestly, Kate, who was my partner in crime on this project, for all of her hard work, paper cuts, craftiness and patience. And a special thanks to Ashley and Guy from Ashley Elizabeth Floral Design and Styling for lending us their amazing wall of glass bulbs and spending a night making flowers with me.

domain: design


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Dec 18, 2013, 4:19 PM EDT
Denver’s Hamilton has been suspended one game by the league for throwing this punch, striking the Thunder’s Steven Adams, the league announced Wednesday. Hamilton will sit Friday when the Nuggets play the Suns.
The incident took place at the start of the fourth quarter of the Thunder’s win Tuesday night. After a missed Nuggets shot OKC grabbed the rebound and started back up court when Adams set a little screen/bumped into Hamilton and Hamilton responded with a closed right hand to Adam’s chest. You could tell Hamilton tried to pull back on the move made out of frustration, but the punch connected, even if it wasn’t with much force.
That will get you a night away from your teammates.
- James Harden and Dwight Howard show Mavericks what they’re missing in Rockets’ Game 1 win 6
- Derrick Rose looks like his old self as Bulls beat Bucks in Game 1 11
- Warriors strong enough to outlast Anthony Davis and Pelicans in Game 1 5
- Paul Pierce leads Wizards to overtime Game 1 win over Raptors 5
- Q&A: Corey Brewer on trade from Timberwolves, his 51-point game, Harden’s MVP case, Rockets vs. Mavericks 3
- PBT First Round Playoff Previews: Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs 10
- Why the 2015 NBA playoffs feel wide open – but probably shouldn’t 6
- PBT Extra: Houston, Dallas simply do not like each other 3

domain: game


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From investment deals to climate goals, cross-border collaboration to multi-national festivals, the first three months of Expo 2020 Dubai have seen a plethora of link-ups between countries, organisations and artists showing that the event is truly exemplifying its theme: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.
The opening ceremony was an event in its own right.
In early October, Uganda signed business deals worth US$650 million while in the first two weeks of Expo 2020, Malaysia generated more than US$1.7 billion in agreements.
In October, the Brazilian state of São Paulo announced US$1.1 billion of new investment deals with the UAE and San Marino and Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism.
The United Arab Emirates’ golden jubilee celebrations in early December proved to be a boon for deals.
French president, Emmanuel Macron, visited Expo 2020 on December 3rd, meeting sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, signing a series of agreements to benefit both France and the UAE, while Maharashtra Week resulted in US$2 billion of investment deals for the Indian state.
The Programme for People and Planet is convening global stakeholders to contribute expertise, content, and best practices to encourage international cooperation on the most pressing challenges in the world.
It has already hosted five theme weeks and sparked a raft of agreements and action-led pledges.
French president, Emmanuel Macron, was among the dignitaries to visit Expo 2020 earlier this year
Nadia Verjee, chief of Programme for People and Planet at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “It has always been Expo’s purpose to connect minds to create a brighter future – a goal based on the belief that innovative solutions and progress are the result of people and ideas coming together in inspiring new ways.
“Expo has brought together change-makers from around the world – individuals and organisations who are working together to drive positive impact. We are thrilled to see so many tangible agreements so far, and look forward to many more collaborations, deals and alliances in the next three months.”
At Climate & Biodiversity Week from October 3-9, the UAE announced its Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, which will see more than US$163 billion being invested in clean and renewable energy to meet the country’s mid-century target.
Staying with this theme, on November 22nd, the governments of Jordan, Israel and the UAE signed a landmark declaration, committing to building renewable electricity and water desalination capacity in the region to address the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.
Witnessing the signing, John Kerry, US special presidential envoy for climate, praised the deal, describing it as “a welcome example of how cooperation can accelerate the energy transition and build greater resilience to the impacts of climate change”.
John Kerry, special US presidential envoy for climate, praised UAE efforts to get to new zero on a visit to Expo 2020
At Space Week, from October 17-23, the UAE Space Agency said it would work with strategic partners to develop programmes permitting private sector investment in space.
On October 20th, the UAE Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding with the Israel Space Agency that could see the flags of both countries planted on the moon by 2024, and provide a framework for a mutually beneficial strategic partnership to strengthen efforts to gather and analyse scientific space data.
In addition, on October 19th, Curtin University and the UAE University revealed joint plans to develop the region’s first radio array observatory in Al Ain, through a strategic research-and-development collaboration between Australia and the UAE.
During Urban & Rural Development Week, from October 31-November 6, the UN unveiled the Last Mile Delivery Roadmap – a blueprint for an inclusive, localised approach to make informal settlements safe and sustainable.
In November, during Expo’s Tolerance & Inclusivity week, the Te Aratini, a Festival of Indigenous and Tribal Ideas was hosted, the first at a World Expo.
The three-day event saw Aotearoa New Zealand collaborate with the UAE, Australia, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, Paraguay and Panama to ignite new connections and forge partnerships to address the issues facing our world today.
Expo 2020 also saw the opening of the Joint World Summit of Religions at the Italy Pavilion, which brought together scholars, clerics and intellectuals to promote dialogue between different religions.
Millions of guests have visited Expo 2020 during its first three months
Expo’s most recent theme week – focusing on Knowledge & Learning and running from December 12-18– saw a number of education agreements.
Financing for education in 37 countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, worth half a billion dollars, was agreed at the RewirEd Summit hosted by Dubai Cares on December 14th.
Called the Smart Education Financing Initiative, the programme aims to assist 28 million children who are not in school.
Expo 2020 has also witnessed an array of artistic and cultural collaborations, from a cross-continent art exhibition between Malta and the UAE; a fashion week, organised by the Mexico Pavilion that showcased designs from around the world on runways in the pavilions of Israel, Switzerland, Thailand and the USA; and a Portuguese language festival that united performers from Portugal, Angola, Brazil, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste.
The most inclusive and diverse World Expo ever, Expo 2020 runs for six months, with more fruitful collaborations expected before the event ends on March 31st.
So far more than seven million guests have passed through the turnstiles.
At Expo 2020 Dubai, you never know who you might run into.
Sports fans in particular have been in for a treat as the mega-event reaches its half-way point, with visits so far from some of the world’s biggest stars and a brand-new sports venue, opening in January, set to welcome many more sporting giants.
Earlier this month, Argentine footballer and Expo 2020 Dubai ambassador Lionel Messi – fresh from his recent move to Paris Saint-German, and also claiming his record seventh Ballon d’Or – told us what he thought of Expo.
“Something extraordinary… each pavilion has its own thing, its own place,” he said.
“It shows you its culture, its country, it makes you see and learn from each one of them.
“It’s all very big, very impressive.”
Lionel Messi showcased his star power during a visit to Expo 2020
And from one of the best footballers in the world to the globe’s fastest man, Usain Bolt dropped in just weeks earlier to host a charity fun run.
The retired Jamaican sprinter is still the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay, and echoed Expo’s message of using sport to bring people together.
“For me, just watching sports in general, and as a sports person, it’s massive,” he said.
“One example: in Jamaica, when the Olympics is going on, the crime goes down to zero… and when the World Cup is going on, everyone is watching.
“So I feel sport plays such a big part in helping the world come together.”
With state-of-the-art sports and fitness facilities, and coaching schools with the likes of AC Milan, Manchester City and the Rajasthan Royals, there is never a shortage of sporting names visiting the Expo site.
Usain Bolt wowed crowds during a visit to the Jamaica pavilion
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, was very impressed during his own visit: “It’s been a wonderful experience to witness the energy of grassroots football here at Expo 2020 Dubai, and to see how the club connects with people around the world.
“The enthusiasm for the game demonstrated by the next generation of aspiring players is marvellous.”
Pep Guardiola shared the secrets of his success with Manchester City fans while in Dubai
Expo has seen visits from Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Tour de France cyclists, Formula 1 drivers (and its chief executive, Stefano Domenicali), Premier League footballers, cricket legends, karate champions and the globe’s top chess players.
Talal Al Hashemi, national director of Special Olympics UAE, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai is quickly becoming a global platform to operationalise inclusion, in sports and in life, and to make sure that people of determination are empowered as we connect minds and create the future.”
Even basketball exhibition team the Harlem Globetrotters got to showcase their skills, while visitors got a glimpse of the Premier League trophy and the European Cup.
Female athletes visiting Expo help to encourage participation and interest in women’s sports – Lancashire and England women’s cricketer Kate Cross was very impressed by the site.
“I couldn’t grasp how big it was going to be, you have to see it to believe it,” she said.
“At the Emirates Pavilion, they showed me what aviation is going to look like in 50 years’ time, and how sustainability is going to be a big part of that. It’s all really exciting.”
So who else might be visiting over the remaining three months? With an even bigger sports venue opening on the Expo site in January, the question should be, which other sporting names can you think of?
A note of caution
As Covid-19 cases again begin to rise, the most significant global gathering of 2021 continues to welcome visitors safely and responsibly.
Throughout the Expo 2020 Dubai journey organisers have worked hard to balance between holding a responsible, safe, fun Expo and navigating a way through a pandemic.
Like the city and the country, Expo organisers say they have learnt how to live and operate effectively within a Covid-19 world, as long as they remain agile, factual and responsible.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s stringent Covid-19 safety measures are designed to protect everyone visiting and working on site; they include mask-wearing – indoors and outdoors – for visitors, staff and participants.
On-site PCR testing facilities enable frequent testing of Country Pavilion staff, frontline workers and entertainers.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone continues to be of the highest priority and we remain committed to working with our participants to welcome visitors to a safe, fun and exceptional Expo.
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domain: news


Petition to the Minister of Health & Wellness, NS Please click the link above and print a copy of the petition to sign and share. After signing the petition you can email : John Munro <firstname.lastname@example.org> to return the signed copy.
While some aspects of the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program are effective, there are significant weaknesses in the Program’s control and monitoring processes that can allow abuse or misuse of prescription drugs to continue undetected. Improvements are needed to address these issues. There was adequate attendance at meetings of the Board and Practice Review Committee;… Continue reading Auditor Generals Report On The Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program – Key Findings


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Instrumentation: Solo and Piano Instruments: Euphonium, Piano
Born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, tubist Jonathan Rowsell received his earliest musical training from his father David and the brass band traditions of the Salvation Army. He studied both performance and composition at Memorial University and in 2011 began working to complete his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto. Jonathan works as a freelance tuba player throughout Ontario, performing with various groups including the Trillium Brass Quintet, Hannaford Street Silver Band, Thunder Bay Symphony, London Symphonia, Hamilton Philharmonic, and the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra.
In 2013 Jonathan began playing in the newly formed Reverb Brass, a virtuosic chamber ensemble dedicated to exciting performances of new repertoire for brass. Jonathan is also in demand as a clinician and teacher and is the tuba and euphonium instructor at both Havergal College and St. Michaels's College School. In addition, Jonathan is an enthusiastic composer and arranger and has had his works for brass recorded, published, and broadcast in Canada and abroad. Most recently, Jonathan joined the team of composers at Experianza Music in New Zealand.
|Delivery||PDF download, Shipped (printed)|
|Instrumentation||Solo and Piano|
|Publisher||Cimarron Music Press|

domain: artistic


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Thin Film Materials and Processing Techniques for a Next Generation Photovoltaic Device: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-12-470
This research extends thin film materials and processes relevant to the development and production of a next generation photovoltaic device.
- Publication Date:
- OSTI Identifier:
- Report Number(s):
- DOE Contract Number:
- Resource Type:
- Technical Report
- Research Org:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Org:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Solar Energy Technologies Program
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- 14 SOLAR ENERGY; 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; CRADA; THIN FILM ABSORBER; LOW COST PHOTOVOLTAIC ABSORBER MATERIALS; Solar Energy - Photovoltaics
Enter terms in the toolbar above to search the full text of this document for pages containing specific keywords.

domain: library


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San Diego Private Bank has agreed to buy all the loans and deposits of First Security Business Bank in Orange, Calif.
The $340 million-asset San Diego Private said in a press release Wednesday that it will gain $56 million in loans and $28 million in deposits. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter. The company did not disclose the price.
"This transaction is meaningfully accretive to our earnings in the first year and creates critical mass at our Newport Beach office," Selwyn Isakow, San Diego Private's chairman, said in the release.
First Security will close its only branch when the deal is completed.
"This transaction is part of our long-term plan to move out of commercial lending," Jim Bresnan, First Security's president and chief executive, said in the release. "We feel this serves both our customers' and our business interests by providing an expedited, smooth transition for the close of First Security Business Bank."


NOTE: The M1 Helicopter is discontinued and replaced by the new M1 EVO Helicopter.
The OMPHobby M1 RC Helicopter BnF is a great micro (150 size) 3D Flybarless RC helicopter. Best for indoor flying during bad weather days. It can be flown outside as well.
M1 Swash leveling tool provided free with every M1 Helicopter!
OMP or S-FHSS protocol?
- If you are an beginner choose the OMP Protocol and the OMPHobby T6 radio controller. In the future, you can add a S-bus/DSM2/DSMX satellite receiver and use a fully programmable radio controller.
- If you have a Futaba or multi-protocol radio then choose the S-FHSS protocol version.
- If you have a Spektrum Radio, you can choose any protocol and add a DSM2/DSMX satellite receiver.
- High performance direct drive 3D helicopter with dual Brushless motors
- 290mm Main rotor diameter
- Weight:Approx 118g
- Six Core Advantages
- Adjustable Flight Controller Parameters
- Dual Brushless Direct Drive
- High-performance 3d Flight
- High Precision
- Low Noise
- Easily Maintained
- Main motor: Sunnysky R23-2
- Tail motor: Sunnysky R09-2
- Diameter of main blades: 290mm
- Diameter of tail blades: 46.5mm
- Weight: approx. 118g
- Overall size: 290*88*290
- Battery: 2s 350mAh 50C (1 battery included)
- Flying time: maximum flying time 8Min / 3D violent 3min
- Servos: Digital sub micro, metal gears, plastic case
- Flight controller: Adjustable parameters, governor mode
- Receiver: S-FHSS (Futaba) integrated receiver plus S-BUS & DSM ports for external Rx.
- Included accessories: Charge lead, nut wrench, screwdriver, 1mm hex wrench, spare screws & servo arms.
- Battery (Installed in helicopter)
- EPP Box
- 2x Screw drivers
- 3x Servo Horns
- Spare Screws
- 1x Balance Charging Cable
- 1x Flight controller settings sheet
- OriginHobbies RTF User guides (TX16S / Zorro)
- M1 Flight Controller Manual
- OMP M1 User Manual
- Radio Setup guides (TX16S / Zorro / Futaba T18SZ)
- OMP M1 Spare Parts list


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The Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago is one of the highlights of the year in the city. For one glorious weekend, you and your friends get to peek into places that you’ve only dreamed of going into. It’s an Instagrammers dream and an architecture buff’s happiest time of the year. We wanted to highlight a few NEW spots this year, that conveniently are located near Divvy stations. So grab an Explorer Pass for 24-hours of 3-hour rides and go explore! (use promo code OHC18 in the Divvy app or at the kiosk for $5 off the Explorer Pass for the day!)
Let’s start out in Evanston at Industrious, Evanston. You’ve heard of coworking and shared workspaces? Well, Industrious is the largest premium one. This is their newest location in Evanston which has amazing spaces and amenities. Don’t miss the 5th floor where you can see amazing views of Evanston and the Chicago skyline.
Divvy station: Benson Ave. & Church St.
Let’s get back into the city and hit up West Ridge where one Divvy station gets you two new OHC locations! Park Gables Apartment Homes is an amazing Tudor-Revival building that when you come upon it, you feel as though you stepped back in time in England. And then one of its amenities is an unbelievable historic swimming pool that you just have to see for yourself.
About a block away is Park Castle Condominiums, where you step out of quaint England and into royalty as you come upon this castle-like structure. And again, with its incredible pool that has mosaic walls and a tented ceiling.
Divvy station: Western Ave. & Lunt Ave.
Heading over to the Near West Side we’ll visit the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum that sits in two surviving settlement homes which date back to 1889. Jane Addams was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, partially for her work in improving the lives of Chicago immigrants. This museum honors her and rotates exhibitions regularly throughout the year.
Divvy station: Halsted St. & Polk St.
Finally, it’s not a bike tour without a bike stop. In Pilsen, we’ll visit Working Bikes which is a non-profit that takes used bikes, fixes them up and sells them back to local users who need an affordable biking option. The collection of bikes they’ve collected is incredible to see on their floors and learn about the creativity they put into them.
Divvy station: Western Ave. & 24th St.
There are 250 places to choose from to visit during Open House Chicago. You only have 48 hours to do it - make it a little easier on yourself by grabbing that Explorer Pass ($5 off using code OHC18 - download the Divvy app to redeem) and biking around rather than driving (who wants to park?!) or relying on the CTA!

domain: geography


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Trust me, I have high self esteem but Halle Berry just makes me feel like the ugly girl who no one asks out on prom night!!!
She looks outstanding yet once again in her white one-shouldered Alberta Ferretti ruffles detailed dress. The actress is simply glowing in this creation.
Can she ever have a bad day?
Jessica Alba looks absolutely adorable in her nude printed bustier Rachel Comey strapless dress.
She completes this wonderful look with a stunning vintage inspired necklace and nude heels. I adore this sweet look!
John Legend and her girlfriend Christine Teigen(how long will they continue with this charade?) were in attendance.
Christine is rocking one of my favorite pieces from Prada. She looks beyond fabulous in this printed peep-a-boo dress paired with peep-toe heels.
Holly Robinson looks great in her black one-shouldered dress adorned with a embellished belt. I just would love to see her in some color.
Melanie Fiona wore a cute black and white graphic dress paired with hot black mary jane heels.
Renee Zellweger looks darling in her fuchsia satin Carolina Herrera bow detail dress. She completed her look with nude heels.
Marisa Tomei looks beyond fabulous in her red sculptural asymmetrical Vivienne Westwood off-the-shoulders dress paired with nude Christian Loboutin peep-toes.
I swear Demi Moore looks younger every time I see her. Who is her plastic surgeon? He needs an award because she still looks kind of natural and not so fake.
I am loving her in her navy embellished Marios Schwab dress paired with printed Casadei peep-toe heels.

domain: celebrity


text: A truck pulled up past the charred hotdog stand by the empty grey beach dotted with driftwood or dead seals. Honey looked round: mom nodded from her Cherokee. Teetering in her heels Honey walked up to the cab and smiled. The little ladder was like a ladder, leading up to a trapdoor which was open. A hairy hand reached down. A giant in his cloud.

domain: literature


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Ketchikan, Alaska may not be as popular as its big city counterparts in terms of tourism, but it is definitely worth a visit. Cheap flights to Ketchikan can easily be booked, and once you arrive, you'll find yourself immersed in a charming and unique city that is packed with activities and attractions that make it a perfect destination for travelers.
Ketchikan is situated in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. The Misty Fjords National Monument is a perfect example of the natural beauty that this city has to offer. These gorgeous fjords are filled with wildlife, including bald eagles and seals, as well as pristine lakes that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Ketchikan is also a great location for those who are interested in learning more about Alaska's rich history and culture. The Tongass Historical Museum offers a fascinating insight into Native American culture and history, while the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a wonderful place to learn about the flora and fauna of the region.
One of the most popular attractions in Ketchikan is the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. This tour takes visitors through a beautiful rainforest that is home to a variety of animals, including white-tailed eagles and black bears. It's an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling connected to the natural world around us.
Ketchikan also boasts a vibrant art scene, with plenty of galleries and shops showcasing local artists. You can admire stunning works of art, sculptures, and crafts that speak to the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's Native American communities.
In addition to everything else, Ketchikan is just a fun place to explore. The city is known for its colorful buildings, quirky shops, and welcoming locals. Whether you're strolling through the historic Creek Street boardwalk or wandering through the Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center, you'll find that there's always something new and exciting to discover.
Ketchikan may not be as famous as some other American cities, but it has a charm and allure that makes it a must-visit destination. With cheap flights available, there's no reason not to explore beautiful Ketchikan and all that it has to offer.
If you're planning a trip to Ketchikan, Alaska, there are several airlines that fly to this charming town. Whether you're looking for cheap flights or want to splurge on a premium experience, there are plenty of options to choose from.
1. Alaska Airlines
As the largest airline in Alaska, Alaska Airlines offers frequent flights to Ketchikan from several major cities, including Seattle, Juneau, and Sitka. With a range of fare options, you can choose the level of comfort and amenities that suit your needs. Plus, Alaska Airlines has a generous frequent flyer program, so you can earn and redeem miles for future travel.
2. Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines also operates flights to Ketchikan, with direct routes available from Seattle and Juneau. With a reputation for excellent on-board service and comfortable seating, Delta is a popular choice for travelers who want a high-quality flying experience.
3. American Airlines
American Airlines offers seasonal service to Ketchikan, with direct flights from Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago. While the airline does not operate flights to Ketchikan year-round, their presence in the area during the summer months can be a great way to snag a cheap flight.
4. Ravn Alaska
If you're looking for a regional airline that specializes in flying to smaller Alaskan towns, Ravn Alaska is a great choice. With direct flights from Anchorage, Klawock, and Wrangell, Ravn provides reliable service at competitive prices.
No matter which airline you choose, flying to Ketchikan is a great way to experience the stunning beauty of Alaska's coast. With so many options for air travel, it's easy to find a flight that fits your schedule and budget.
Looking to explore the breathtaking beauty of Ketchikan but not sure how to get there? Don't fret! Ketchikan has an airport that's easily accessible through a range of transportation options.
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is the main airport that serves Ketchikan, offering daily flights to and from Seattle and other major cities. There are a number of airlines that operate flights to KTN, and it's always advisable to compare prices to find the best deals.
If you're looking for cheap flights, try booking your tickets well in advance of your travel dates. Alternatively, you can check various travel websites that offer discounts and promo codes on plane tickets.
Another popular option to get to Ketchikan is by ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system connects Ketchikan to various ports and cities throughout Alaska, as well as to Seattle and British Columbia.
Ferries offer a more scenic route and can be a great option for those who want to take in the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. However, it's important to note that ferry schedules and routes may be limited during certain times of the year, so it's recommended to plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
If you plan to explore Ketchikan and the surrounding area by car, there are several car rental options available at KTN. Renting a car can be a great way to explore and discover Ketchikan's rugged coastline, breathtaking scenery, and charming towns at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can drive to Ketchikan from other parts of Alaska or Canada, with highways connecting it to major cities such as Anchorage and Whitehorse.
If you need a ride from KTN to your accommodation, you can take a shuttle that connects the airport to various places in Ketchikan. Many hotels and lodges also offer shuttle services to and from the airport, so it's worth checking if your accommodation provides this service.
There are many options to get to and from Ketchikan, making it easy for travelers to explore the beauty and charm of this Alaskan town. From affordable flights to car rentals and ferry rides, Ketchikan has all the transportation options to suit every budget and preference.
Ketchikan, Alaska is considered the "salmon capital of the world", but there is more to this town than just fishing. Here are some activities to consider during your visit.
While it's not the easiest destination to get to, Ketchikan is accessible via cheap flights from Seattle, Washington or Anchorage, Alaska. Once you're there, you'll realize the journey was worth it for the natural beauty and cultural experiences that await.
Ketchikan is a beautiful city situated in Alaska, known for its incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. If you're planning a trip to Ketchikan, you might be wondering when the best time to visit is. Here's everything you need to know.
Ketchikan receives a lot of rainfall throughout the year, so it's important to be prepared for wet weather conditions whenever you decide to visit. Generally, the best months to visit Ketchikan when the weather may not be so bad are from May to September.
The peak season in Ketchikan is during the summer months, from June to August. This is when the weather is warmest and driest, and many tourists flock to the city to experience its natural beauty and cultural offerings. However, this also means that flights may be more expensive during this time.
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, visiting Ketchikan during the off-season (September to May) might be a good option. Although the weather may be wetter and cooler during these months, you may be able to find cheaper flights and accommodation.
The best time to visit Ketchikan really depends on your preferences and what you're looking to get out of your trip. Whether you're looking for warm, dry weather, or hoping to save some money on your travels, there are options to suit everyone in Ketchikan.
Ketchikan, Alaska is known as the salmon capital of the world, so seafood lovers rejoice! From fresh catches of the day to deep-fried delights, here are some must-try dishes in Ketchikan.
One of the classic dishes to try in Ketchikan is the fish and chips. You can find them in just about any local restaurant or food stand. The secret is in the batter - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like it should be. It's the perfect dish to enjoy by the pier on a sunny day.
Being the salmon capital of the world, it's no surprise that this fish finds its way into many dishes in Ketchikan. You can try it grilled, smoked, baked or even canned. The Chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon are some of the most common types available in the area.
If you're a fan of crab legs, you're in the right place. Ketchikan's waters are full of Dungeness crab and King crab. It's not the cheapest meal you'll find in town, but it's worth the splurge. Some restaurants serve them with drawn butter and lemon, while others offer garlic butter or spicy sauce.
On a chilly day, there's nothing better than a bowl of warm seafood chowder. Made with cream, potatoes, and a variety of seafood, including halibut, shrimp, clams, and salmon, it's a hearty dish that will keep you warm and full.
Another popular fish in Ketchikan is halibut. It's often served as a main entree, grilled or battered and fried. You can find it in many local restaurants and cafes, often paired with potatoes, veggies, or coleslaw.
Ketchikan is a destination that's easy to reach with cheap flights. The local food scene is a mix of seafood-focused eateries and casual joints serving everything from burgers to pizza. No matter what you're craving, you're sure to find something delicious in this charming Alaskan town.
If you're looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, Ketchikan, Alaska is the perfect destination for you. With cheap flights available, it's easy to visit this charming and picturesque town that offers a wide range of attractions to explore. Here are the top 5 attractions in Ketchikan that you shouldn't miss.
Ketchikan, Alaska offers a rich blend of natural scenery, cultural history, and outdoor adventure that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. With so much to see and do, it's easy to understand why this town is such a beloved destination. So book your cheap flights, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.


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Take in the view from Spencer Butte and experience an intimate performance with Siri Vik and Nathalie Fortin.
Proceeds and donations collected during the event benefit Lane Arts Council’s arts education programs.
Tickets available for $45 (limited availability). Hors d’oeuvres from Noisette included with your ticket. Wine available for purchase from Stanton Vineyard.
About Siri Vik, voice:
Siri Vik is recognized as a singer of versatility, power, and emotion with an eclectic repertoire of music. As a resident artist at The John G. Shedd Institute, she has been a featured soloist with Emerald City Jazz Kings big band, the Oregon Festival of American Music, and writer, director, and performer in her own cabaret shows at The Shedd’s Jaqua concert hall.
About Nathalie Fortin, piano:
Purchase tickets here, or by cash/check at 541-485-2278.
Location address will be shared in your confirmation email after purchase.


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After reviewing International Automated Systems Inc ‘s new revolutionary self-service fast-food express lanes, called OrderXCEL, Harman’s Management Corp. has agreed to test the system in one of the company’s highest grossing restaurants, located in Sacramento, Calif.
Harman’s Management Corp., the single largest franchise owner of Yum! Brands Inc., owns approximately 375 KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and A&W franchises.
Using the OrderXCEL, a fast-food customer can enter an order on a touch-pad screen and pay with cash, check, credit, or debit card—all without the need for a counterperson to take the transaction. Customers who wish to avoid traditional lines at the counter can use this express service without increasing the labor costs of the restaurant.
“I think the IAS system has real potential for fast-food restaurants, because the technology enables employees to focus on giving the customers what they want as quickly as possible,” said Roger Hamblin, a consultant to KFC and former multiple-franchisee owner with the fast-food chain.
“With OrderXCEL, a restaurant can serve more customers in less time, without additional counterpeople. We think the system could allow customers to order and pick up their food in less than half a minute—that’s not only great service, but a great traffic-builder for a restaurant.”

domain: food


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Another day, another record. On October 27, 2000, the Philippine peso hit another intraday trading record low of Ps51.400 to the US dollar, before closing at Ps51.080 at 4pm when the Philippine Dealing System closed for the day.
The speculators are savagely attacking the peso which is being saddled with the weight of political problems stemming from allegations by a northern provincial governor and self-confessed gambling lord that President Joseph Estrada is on the take.
The volume traded at the PDS was only $46 million, lower than the previous days $58 million and well below the usual volume of $90 million to $125 million in the last two months.
The Bangko Sentral...

domain: economics


As our company is giving main focus on Import, Export & General Supply / Distribution, then we must careful for the quality price, timely delivery & after service facilities for the respected Customers.Most Trusted and Reliable Channel in the Market of Professional Medical Equipment.
Medela Disposable Nursing Pads
Which moms want to do with less is to be able to do more? For fewer pads, our reusable nursing bra pads offer greater value so that you stay clean, relaxed and secure.
- Super absorbent materials avoid leakage and preserve dryness in order to use less
- Discreet socks, with double adhesive tape to hold pads in place
- Hold dry, secure and relaxed
- Individually wrapped
- Cotton, nylon and absorbent rubber
- 30 pads.


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Tagged: Isaiah Thomas
Kings travel to Minny to take on the T-Wolves
DeMarcus Cousins dominates, but it’s not enough for the Kings.
Previewing tonight’s road match-up between the Kings and Indiana Pacers.
The Kings conclude a five-game home stand with a blowout victory.
With trade winds swirling, Jimmer focuses on the task at hand.
Looking ahead to today’s match-up between the Kings and Cavs.
The Kings avoid playing down to the level of their competition.
Kings try to make it two in a row
A chat with the head coach of the Sacramento Kings’ D-League affiliate.
The Kings win a shootout.

domain: sports


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Sydney is Australia’s biggest city, with a population of over 5 million people. Located on the east coast of Australia, it is famous for the iconic Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach.
CDU’s campus is located in downtown Sydney, at Level 10, 815 George Street Haymarket – just a short walk from Chinatown, Pitt St Mall and Central Station.
Learn more about courses in Sydney
Living in Sydney
Things to do
Sydney is Australia’s largest and most famous city, and it’s easy to see why! Set on the iconic Sydney Harbour and surrounded by some of the country’s best beaches, it is a visual feast, full of activities, places to see and great food and drink. To find out what’s on, visit the following sites:
For an informative look at life in Sydney as an international student, visit the International Student Guide to Sydney.
With four distinct seasons of summer, autumn, winter and spring bringing vastly different weather and climate to the area, it is important to come prepared for the season you are arriving in:
- Summer (December to February) brings an average temperature of 25℃ (77°F) with long and sunny days.
- Autumn (March to May) is a little cooler, with an average temperature of 22℃ (71.6°F) and cool evenings.
- Winter (June to August) is the coldest season, with average temperatures of 16℃ (60.8°F) and lots of wind and rain.
- Spring (September to November) is similar to autumn, with an average temperature of 22℃ (71.6°F) and cool evenings.
Weather information can be found at Bureau of Meteorology.
Sydney has a broad range of public transport options, including trains, buses, light rail and ferries. Public transport is accessible using an Opal Card, which you can top up with money before you travel. If specified, recipients of certain Australia Government scholarships are entitled to discounts. For more information, please visit Transport NSW.
Bicycles are an increasingly popular form of transport in Sydney, but be sure to follow the road rules as fines apply. More information can be found on the City of Sydney website.
Uber and other ride-sharing options are also available.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Australia varies from person to person depending on where you live and your lifestyle choices. Students should not expect to fund their studies or living costs in Australia through part-time employment only.
During your studies, you will need to purchase textbooks and other items required to study.
Textbooks can vary from $200 - $500 per semester.
Other expenses might include stationery, printing, purchasing a laptop or computer, protective clothing, work materials, travel and accommodation for placement, working with children clearances and computing programs, find out more about additional fees and expenses.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. As of October 2019, the 12-month living cost (per person) as suggested by the DHA are:
- Individual student – $21,041
- Partner or spouse – $7,362
- Child – $3,152
For an approximate guide on Education and living costs visit the Study in Australia website.
Other expenses and fees
Find out more about the cost of living and studying in Australia.

domain: travel


Architecture, Engineering, Construction
The project focused on creating a comprehensive digital model of a segment of the A-23 highway passing through Nueno, leveraging Infraworks for layout design and Revit for modeling signage. This integration facilitated the visualization of road features and signage placements, enhancing project comprehension and communication. Utilizing Lumion for rendering provided stakeholders with realistic visualizations, aiding in design assessment and decision-making. Through the seamless integration of various software tools, the project streamlined the design process and improved project visualization, ultimately contributing to the effective planning and implementation of the highway segment in the Nueno area.


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Insurance: With & Without
SISTERS Carol Burgess and Lisa Lineberg slice bagels, tote bags of flour, run the cash register, wait on customers, and mop floors at the Chesapeake Bagel store.
They own the business. Seven years after they opened their franchise, they have finally made it into the black. "There aren't many days I'm not here before 6 a.m.," Burgess said. Many nights, they don't wrap up the catering orders until 7 or 8, sometimes 11 p.m.
The Mingo County natives and their 15 employees often joke together and greet customers by name. "Carol and Lisa are like family," said 62-year-old cashier Nancy Billanti. "If you need financial help, they help you. They've helped a lot of these young people when they got in a pinch."
When her husband was in the hospital, Billanti said, Burgess let her take a week off with pay. "She said for me not to worry about it."
The sisters dig into their own pockets in part because they can no longer provide health insurance. "We've scratched around to find the best deal we could offer," said Burgess. "We would love to provide full coverage for our employees, and we would love to pay for it. But we can't afford to do that anymore."
Since 1996, they have gone through three insurance plans, trying to keep ahead of rising premiums. "Each time we changed, we had to offer a little less," Burgess said. "I hate it."
Many of their Capitol Street neighbors are in the same boat. "We all talk about it a lot," said Burgess.
"Everything in my price range now seems like it has something fishy about it," Burgess said. "It might look good on first glance, but when you look closer ..."
"The system that depends on health insurance that comes through the workplace is breaking down," said Jerry Flanagan, consumer advocate at The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. "A lot of small business owners genuinely want to offer insurance, but basically, the only thing they have access to now are empty plans that may or may not be available when the employee gets sick."
Larger businesses aren't far behind. McCabe-Henley covers all their employees through Carelink. "We're trying to tighten up our deductibles and in some ways contract the coverage," said owner Brooks McCabe. "But we're still faced with significant price increases, and we've had to eat the difference." They checked out other plans, "but we got the same story from everybody."
"We're not talking small change when we talk insurance," said Chesapeake Bagel customer Roger Forman. Forman, senior partner of the Forman and Huber law firm, said his firm pays $38,400 a year for basic insurance for 14 people. "That's a nice big hunk every month."
His 32-year-old male law partner costs $211 a month, and a 42-year-old female secretary costs $590. "I think we should all share the risk equally, so I'm for national health insurance," he said. "I'd much rather pay whatever extra taxes it costs, so everybody had health insurance."
'I only make so much'
At Chesapeake Bagel, the regular morning customers drink coffee, trade gossip, and read newspapers. Wall Street Journal readers regularly scan front-page stories with titles like "Health Coverage Is a Big Burden for Little Firms" and "With Medical Costs Climbing, Workers Are Asked to Pay More."
Plowing through those articles, they find that:
Of course, every business owner does not want to insure his or her employees. Four out of 10 West Virginia small business owners recently told West Virginia University they would not offer health insurance at any price.
Burgess said she and her employees have talked about insurance. They know that by the numbers, this is now an impossible goal for them.
Karen Pollitz, Georgetown University researcher, operates a Web site called healthinsurance
info.net. "At the end of the day," she said, "the small businessperson says, 'I only make so much money. I want to offer benefits, and I want to buy as much coverage as I possibly can.' But if a small employer can only afford to spend, say, $100 a month per employee ... then the co-pay is going to be a problem" for people who make below $8 an hour, she said.
"I can't even think about it [$150 a month]," said Chesapeake Bagel cashier Nancy Billanti. A good chunk of her take-home pay has to go to her husband's heart doctor, she said.
People who earn more than $25,000 may not understand why even a $60 co-pay can be tough, said Joy Doss, manager of Taylor Books "But the people I work with, most of them don't have somebody at home who can help them out. They're paying about $300 a month rent, usually sharing a place with somebody else. Plus they have to eat and get to work. If they have a car, that means parking.
"We start most people out fairly well above minimum wage, but even with that, after they pay their bills, they have a little spending money left. If they spend $30 or $40 every two weeks on insurance, that would be their spending money. And they don't want to lose that.
"So we offer insurance and pay 80 percent of the premium, but most people still can't take us up on it."
'We wanted to be different'
Seven years ago, the year Burgess and Lineberg sold their first bagel, they also offered health insurance to their full-time employees. "We were really proud. It was decent coverage."
"Lisa and I wanted to provide insurance for everybody. We wanted to be different that way from a lot of other restaurants," Burgess said. "Our dad worked in insurance in Williamson over 40 years, and that's something we wanted to do for people who work here."
"We thought it would help us keep good employees, too," Lineberg said. "It's expensive to train new employees."
Premiums were $160 a person then. They paid the entire premium for full-time employees, who then paid a $15 co-pay for a doctor visit.
"We thought we'd start with that and build from there," Burgess said. But just as they opened the store, the price of health insurance started a steep climb.
Their second store in Huntington went bust. And meanwhile, the cost of U.S. health care — and health insurance — doubled, thanks to huge increases in the United States price of prescription drugs, hospital costs, and medical salaries, plus insurance company stock market losses.
The sisters' first company, American General, hit them with hefty rate hikes. "Every year, like clockwork," Burgess said.
They switched to American Medical Securities to avoid asking employees to pay a co-pay. "They paid well, and their coverage was decent, but their rates went up too high, too."
"It drove me crazy," Burgess said. "We couldn't understand why it kept going up so high. We weren't filing a lot of claims."
They were taking a crash course in the realities of small business insurance in the United States:
"A lot of my young employees, they'd rather have a raise or they'd rather have the money," Burgess said. "They could care less about insurance."
In 2002, Burgess and Lindberg signed up with their third company, Pacific General. "The coverage we could afford wasn't even that good," Burgess said. "And then they didn't pay half our claims. They told us we'd get all these discounts that didn't happen."
"By that time, there were just three of us left on it," Burgess said, "and our total premium was $1,200 a month."
Earlier this year, Pacific General told them their premium would go up another $400. Now they're casting about again. "We've tried," Burgess said. "And we're still hoping to find something."
She questions the practice of making each small business be its own pool. "Seems like there should be some way restaurants and small businesses could band together and buy insurance together, so we'd have a big pool and get better rates. Why do each of us have to buy by ourselves?"
Two blocks down Capitol Street, at the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Linda West, senior vice-president, sighed when asked if they would organize a pool for small businesses. "We did that for years," she said. "But with prices going up, it just got too difficult."
So Burgess and Lineberg — and many other employers — keep plugging holes in the dam. In July, one of their young workers had a baby. "They helped her," said Billanti.
It was a drop in the bucket, Burgess said, compared to what good insurance would provide. "You have single mothers who can't afford to get the insurance, yet they can't get the medical card, because the government says they make too much money."
"This is really a classic story," said Consumer Advocate Jerry Flanagan. "It really is a clear picture of the problem: Many people who are working can't afford coverage anymore. Adequate health care is becoming more and more an entitlement for the wealthy. Is that what people want? I don't think so."
To contact staff writer Kate Long, send e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.org or call 348-1798. Former staff writer Jan Boyles contributed to this story.


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Until she disappeared only a few of Iman Haq’s neighbours had known her name. Now, along with most of the world, they all know every juicy detail about her.
Not that Iman is shy. For three years prior to her disappearance, she has curated snapshots of her life on Instagram. Beginning with a photograph sof the moment, re-enacted for the lens, that her boyfriend became her fiancé and ending, or so it seems, with one of fireworks in the park behind their home in a leafy part of north London. That tangerine explosion against an inky sky is perceived by some as a poignant farewell and by others as a mere coincidence. In between those two, there are thousands of posts cataloguing happy, chaotic or comical aspects of her days. A highlights reel for a continuous movie that has gained the make-up artist and new mum nearly 400,000 followers and partnerships with various brands. It is her undeniable charm and the sense of community that she creates through her frequent and seemingly frank posts that cultivates loyalty in her followers and jealousy in her trolls.
Now, strangers pour over every snippet of news and old Instagram posts of her idyllic life like amateur detectives looking for hidden clues to over-analyse. Photographs of her posing in Eid outfits, beaming on her wedding day, close ups of her hugging her baby and even the way she decorated her home for Halloween just last week, flood news feeds. Her dimpled smile becoming familiar even to those who had never heard of her till now.
Theories swirl about exactly how, why and when she disappeared, without a trace, leaving her baby home alone. They are discussed online, debated in group chats, and mulled over in office kitchens. Differing possibilities bubbling and bursting by the hour.
Everyone has an opinion but her nosey neighbour, Sujata Patel, will be the first to uncover the truth.
People see what we show them. I’ve always known that.
That’s why I love make-up. I can transform myself into whoever I want to be.
It is magic really.
Kamila Haq is no longer gasping for breath when her mobile phone rings but her chest still feels tight. She instinctively reaches into her hoodie pocket for it, then stops herself. Are her hands clean? They must be. After tossing her muddy trainers in the washing machine, cleaning her hands is all she has done since she arrived home five minutes ago.
She holds them up to the light, yes, yes, they are but seeing her mum’s name on her phone screen, she decides to ignore it. Instead, she grabs a towel, peels off her damp clothes and throws them in the washing machine too. She knows she should have wiped the mud off her trainers first but she doesn’t even want to look at them. As she watches the soapy water begin to froth and fill the cylinder her phone rings again, this time she reluctantly picks up. Her mum, is not the sort to ring twice. As the matriarch of the family she normally doesn’t have to.
When Kamila is not met with even a fleeting greeting, she wishes she hadn’t bothered.
‘Why is your brother’s phone off?’
Kamila is yet to say a word but the pace of her breathing, even now that it has considerably steadied, is enough for her mum to snap,
‘Take your asthma medication.’
‘I don’t need it.’
‘If you can’t handle a run, then you do.’
‘I wasn’t running.’ Kamila lies.
‘You and your brother. Tauba.’
‘I’m fine.’ Kamila says firmly.
‘Ok then, tell me why does Rameez have his phone off? It is never off.’
Her mum is furious but there is a hint of something else too, fear. In an instant Kamila is seven again, rather than thirty-seven, and responsible for her little brother.
‘I’ve called Rameez nine times and it goes straight to answer phone every time. Barcelona is an hour ahead of London, he should be up.’
Kamila has not heard from her brother since they argued yesterday, when he was boarding his flight, so she is about to say, your guess is as good as mine when she hears her baby nephew, Musa, whimper in the background.
‘Iman isn’t home. I arrived to find Musa alone. Crying his eyes out. I need to speak to your brother.’
Kamila takes a moment to absorb her mum’s words, which is clearly too long for her mum because she says,
‘Are you asleep too? I said, Iman is gone. His wife is gone.’
Iman is gone.
Kamila repeats to herself. She tries to grab the words but they roll around her tired mind, just out of reach. It is as if the rage that was swirling around it just half an hour ago has sucked all her energy.
‘We agreed, I’d arrive at 7.30 this morning to babysit so she could go do that singer’s make-up. I arrived on time but she is not here. I found Musa alone in his cot. Crying. I do not understand what is going on.’
Iman is gone. Kamila silently repeats to herself over and over.
Relief. She feels relief, just for a moment but she does. Then guilt hits her, it races through her body till even her toes pulsate with it.
Oblivious, her mum continues,
‘Iman’s car is here. Her keys and wallet are here. All her stuff is here but she is not here. Your brother is on his silly schoolboy holiday with his phone off.’
Kamila hears herself say, ‘stag do’ and instantly regrets it. The need to correct her mum is so entrenched it has become a reflex.
‘Jo bhi hai. I don’t care. His baby is alone, his wife is missing and I can’t get hold of him.’ She hisses. Kamila can almost see her wave, a no doubt beautifully manicured hand, through the air as if to bat Kamila’s correction away.
Musa begins screaming and Kamila notes, not for the first time, that her baby nephew has inherited Iman’s lungs. The pitch of his cries reach far into Kamila’s soul, blocking her thoughts but fortunately Musa stops just as abruptly as he started.
‘Hello? Are you listening? I’m talking to you Kamila.’
There is the briefest of pauses and Kamila can feel the heat of her mum’s gaze as if they were stood opposite each other.
‘She can’t have left for that singer’s forest party thing, all of her make-up kit is here and we were going to go over Musa’s routine. She kept going on and on about that, I must have twenty messages about it. Not even this Natasha Jones, singer or actress or whatever she is, make-up job is more important to her than Musa. Something has happened.’


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FEMA No: 2902
Pinene consists of two isomers, alpha and beta, depending on the position of the double bond within the molecule. It is an alkene and contains a highly reactive four membered ring perpendicular to the main ring, prone to skeletal rearrangements. Both the – and + enantiomers are seen in nature. – alpha pinene is mostly seen in European pines, and + alpha pinene mostly in North American pines. The racemic mixture is seen in eucalyptus and citrus oils. Pinene is used in nature with the ozone to condense aerosols that could harm the environment.
Conifer Trees, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Sage, Ironwort, Turpentine Trees, Citrus
Cedarwood, Pine, Sharp
With acute pancreatitis, alpha-pinene treatment reduced histological damage and myeloperoxidase activity in the pancreas and lungs. Furthermore, alpha-pinene pretreatment reduced the production of pancreatic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 during acute pancreatitis. In vitro, alpha-pinene inhibited cerulein-induced cell death and cytokine production in isolated cerulein-treated pancreatic acinar cells. This could point to alpha-pinene possibly having beneficial effects with pancreatic cancer and maybe diabetes. It has been shown that alpha pinene has anti-inflammatory effects in human chondrocytes, thus exhibiting potential antiosteoarthritic activity. + alpha pinene was shown to inhibit the interleukin -1beta- induced inflammatory and catabolic pathways, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells and c-Jun N-terminal kinases activation, and the expressionof the inflammatory (iNOS) and catabolic (MMP-1 and -13) genes.
As tested through solid medium diffusion procedure, pinene exhibited toxic effects against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. pyogene
Mice placed in an environment enriched with a-pinene demonstrated reduced melanoma growth, and tumor volume of the mice was about 40% smaller than that in the control mice. In another study, alpha-pinene was identified as an active anti-proliferative compound on liver cancer BEL-7402 cells using the MTT assay. Alpha-pinene inhibited BEL-7402 cells by arresting cell growth in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, downregulating Cdc25C mRNA and protein expression, and reducing cycle dependence on kinase 1(CDK1) activity.
Alpha pinene has been shown to be a uncompetitive reversible inhibitor of red blood cell acetylcholinesterase in vitro. The essential oil of sage having, camphor, 1,8-cineole, bornyl acetate, alpha pinene and several other terpenes in much smaller concentrations were exposed to human cells. Since many memory-enhancing and dementia drugs are based on inhibiting cholinesterase to enhance cholinergic activity, it is thought that alpha pinene may act as an effective supplement for such conditions.
Synergistic effects with…
Anti-inflammatory - CBD
Bronchodilator - THC
Memory enhancer - CBD
Anti-bacterial - CBN, CBG
Common strains high in Alpha Pinene
Arjan's haze 75.93
Arjan's haze #3 68.23
Arjan's haze # 2 56.54
Great white shark 65.69
Himalayan gold 79.51
Jack herer 60.10
Super silver haze 59.84
White widow 67.75
- Formula: C10H16
- Molecular Mass: 136.23404 g/mol
- Relative Density: 0.858 g/ml at 25 C
- Water Solubility: 0.00004 g/L at 20 C
- Auto-ignition Temp: 255 C
- Melting Point: -62.5 C
- Boiling Point: 155 C
- Flash Point: 33 C
Alpha Pinene is also know by these other names
- 7785-70-8 [RN]
- 219-445-9 [EINECS]
- 232-087-8 [EINECS]
- 2,6,6-Trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene [ACD/IUPAC Name]
- Bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 2,6,6-trimethyl- [ACD/Index Name]
LD50: Mice 3,700 mg/kg
Storage: 2-8 C, proper ventilation, spark proof environment
Flammable liquid and vapor. Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. Store locked up. Keep away from heat / sparks / open flames / hot surfaces. No smoking. Keep container tightly closed. Ground / bond container and receiving equipment. Use explosion-proof electrical / ventilating / lighting / equipment. Use only non-sparking tools. Take precautionary measures against static discharge. In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. Causes skin irritation and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Avoid breathing dust / fume / gas / mist / vapours / spray. Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. Avoid release to the environment. Wear protective gloves / eye protection / face protection. IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor / physician. IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove / Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water / shower. Do NOT induce vomiting. If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice / attention. Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Harmful to aquatic life. Dispose of contents / container to an approved waste disposal plant.
Read through our forum on Alpha Pinene below, or start your own topic.

domain: biology


text:
Updated 8:30 p.m. | Posted 4 p.m.
The University of Minnesota on Tuesday fired head football coach Tracy Claeys.
The firing follows months of turmoil in the program over allegations of sexual assault by members of the team and the responses to those allegations by Claeys and university leaders.
"This decision is about the future of Minnesota football," athletics director Mark Coyle said in a statement on Tuesday. "Moving forward, we need a leader who sets high expectations athletically, academically, and socially."
Most of Claeys' assistants also were fired. The U said coaches Dan O'Brien and Mike Sherels agreed to remain to help with the transition.
Ten players were suspended from the football team after an on-campus investigation found them guilty of violating school policy. That investigation says the athletes were involved in what a student described as multiple sexual assaults of the same woman.
On Friday, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said he reviewed the university's more detailed internal report. He called the men's conduct "deplorable" but added that there was no significant new evidence that would enable prosecutors to bring charges.
The team briefly boycotted all football activities after the suspensions were announced. Claeys tweeted support of his players, which some criticized as tone deaf and insensitive.
Coyle said Tuesday that the tweet and fallout from the sexual assault investigation weren't the only reasons for Claeys' firing.
"This isn't about one specific incident. I've been here six months," Coyle said. "I think the events of the past few weeks underscored the concerns and some of the things I've been seeing with [the football program.]"
At a press conference Tuesday night, Coyle acknowledged frustrations from football players and others with his decision to fire Claeys.
Coyle said he wasn't pressured to fire the coach.
"I get that fans are frustrated. I get that students are frustrated, I hear them. I read those emails, I really do and I try to respond to them when I can," he said. "But I did not feel pressure from the outside forces."
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domain: sociology


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|Wang Yi Meets with Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Amina J. Mohammed|
On November 22, 2018, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met at Zhongnanhai with Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Amina J. Mohammed.
Wang Yi noted that the UN is the banner of multilateralism and the core of multilateral mechanism. Under the current situation, the international community needs a stronger UN more than ever. The basic principle of multilateralism lies in consultation for international affairs based on rules consented by all during which the legitimate interests and reasonable concerns of all countries should be accommodated. China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is fully aware of its international responsibilities, and will continue to firmly support multilateralism and support the UN in playing a central role in international affairs. Standing as the biggest developing country, China will also continue to steadfastly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and play a constructive role in making the world a fairer place. China stands ready to work together with the UN to continue to intensify cooperation in dealing with global challenges such as climate change. As the Belt and Road Initiative is highly consistent with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Chinese side is willing to enhance cooperation with the UN to jointly promote cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Amina J. Mohammed expressed that the UN and China enjoy very close cooperation. It is especially true at a time when the current multilateralism is facing challenges. The Chinese side firmly supports multilateralism and the UN's work, and plays a leading role in dealing with global issues including climate change and promoting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which is of important significance for the world. The joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, as a significant proposal, will provide foundation for realizing global peace and sustainable development. The UN looks forward to continuing to coordinate and cooperate closely with the Chinese side.


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Publish. Read. Get Read.
Random First Lines:Based on a poem I wrote a while back. » Read
By Joanna Strafford
The saddest thing about depression is thinking that the pain will never end. Here are gathered articles I have written regarding my thoughts about depression, suicide, recovery, positive changes, revelations, Robin Williams and a fan fiction piece written based on Dead Poets Society. :)
How I survived suicide
Essay | Updated Aug 13, 2014 | Reads: 115 | Comments: 0 | Likes: 0
By Another World
just a few lines on the passing of robin williams. he was a great man and he will be missed dearly.
Article | Updated Aug 13, 2014 | Reads: 3 | Comments: 0 | Likes: 0
Dedicated to Robin Williams (1951-2014) who died on August 11, 2014.
A short sad poem.
Poetry | Updated Aug 10, 2014 | Reads: 19 | Comments: 0 | Likes: 0
No, this isn't a porn advert (I swear) just some messed up version of a memoir I guess? Maybe..I don't know tbh.
Short Story | Updated Aug 9, 2014 | Reads: 54 | Comments: 0 | Likes: 0
Once again, please give me your feedback, it will be extremely appreciated./
By The Merrimack
Lost in this world, is there any hope for me?
We always said this could never happen. But here we are about to cross that line
By Jordan Paige
Personal, meaningful and sour with heartache.
Oh Paisley, how I wish you could read this. And oh, Melanie, how grateful I am for you putting up with that bitchy, defensive girl sobbing on the mesa who lied and said she was flying, and that she wanted to be alone. You knew it was bullshit, but still, you sat down next to her, not letting her...
Miscellaneous | Updated Jul 26, 2014 | Reads: 30 | Comments: 0 | Likes: 0
Just my feeling,this time the ones I wish I didn;t have..
Poetry | Updated Jul 25, 2014 | Reads: 32 | Comments: 1 | Likes: 2
I am a girl whose seen death and life. But also seen life destroyed by its own hand. And and struggles to keep her self from putting her own light out I wrote this poem to explain the way I see the world and the way it seems to revolve in my eyes.
Its been 23 years and no one's told the truth for Rachel Donovan. The death of her parents, her siblings whereabouts, her uncle's abusive behavior, or even if her best friend Isabelle Porter is a lesbian or not. But one thing that no one has evener spoken the truth about is a ring that Rachel...
taken from my book,


I’m Sandy Smith. I have been fighting to flip this district back when GK Butterfield was the congressman and the district was so blue no one would even try.
Well I forced GK Butterfield to retire and now with the new district map this is a red-leaning district which means I would have won last time if the district lines were what they are right now.
I have always supported President Trump and have proudly endorsed him for president.
I fought the 2020 election fraud and when I get in congress I am going to investigate and fix the election mess.
I will also fight against the drug cartels, stand with the state of Texas in their fight to secure our border and will always put America first.
Also, when I get in congress I am going to stop the woke nonsense in our military and restore Fort Bragg’s name!
Farmers, law enforcement, veterans, military and parents – I have your backs.
I ask you to please vote for me Sandy Smith and president Trump by March 5th. Thank you and God Bless. #NC01


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33 Days to Merciful LoveRegular price $16.95 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 127): Computation results in '-Infinity'%
33 Days to Merciful Love: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC
Journey with St. Therese of Lisieux and discover 33 Days to Merciful Love: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy, the stirring sequel to the Fr. Gaitley's 33 Days to Morning Glory. Whether you want to deepen your love of Divine Mercy or have a devotion to St. Therese, 33 Days to Merciful Love is the book for you.


text:
Heart Auscultation Quiz
Objective: to improve your skill diagnosing abnormalities of heart sounds and murmurs.
This series of cases provides the listener with diagnostic exercises to integrate history and physical with a detailed analysis of the heart sounds and arrive at a diagnosis. Many are Pediatric congenital heart disease but are common diagnoses and also suitable for learning adult presentation of these conditions. The recordings are of good quality from live subjects. A methodical approach to listening is essential: focus on S1, then S2, then systole and finally diastole.
NOTE: You will need good quality earbuds or possibly head phones but the closer the sound to your eardrums the better. Do not use computer speakers. Do not increase the loudness too much or you will get distortion. Your feedback is helpful, at firstname.lastname@example.org.
4 year old boy, completely normal to past history and very active with no lack of energy, no breathlessness with exercise or other cardiac symptoms. On examination he looks normal but is slightly small for his age (35%ile for weight and height) and you find his heart action a bit increased particularly along the left sternal edge. Pulses are normal. You listen to his heart at the left upper sternal edge.
Press play arrow above to listen.

domain: medical


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She became a self-made millionaire in the 1990s through building a global financial headhunting firm, moving bankers and trading teams around the world. However, she found herself miserable and empty, entangled in a world of money, sex, drugs and power. Disillusioned with her life at the top in 2000, she gave up her business, put all her money in the stock market and moved to Hollywood, marrying a total stranger on a whim. Three months after she moved to Los Angeles, the dot.com bubble burst, and she lost her millions. In 2005, she had a near-death experience which left her stranded, homeless, penniless and dying in a shelter in Compton, one of the most dangerous places in the US.
Today, 18 years on, Shirley is back safely at home in the UK. Healthy and happy, she has reinvented herself as the Mind Detective. She is back on top with her purpose and passion restored, successfully running a new kind of ethical, sustainable fashion brand: Venus Cow, built on a GBP300 government business loan. The business is a social enterprise that helps fund one of her key missions, free talk-therapy work with the homeless and addicted.
During her incredible and unimaginable life-changing experience, Shirley began to read the teachings of an earlier 'mind detective', Carl Jung. Using this vital resource, Shirley was able to work herself out of a mental health hell. She went on to self-actualise this new life she deserves and loves.
The Mind Detective is not just another self-help book: it is the story of someone who battled against the odds to climb out of the gutter, reach the top, fall to the bottom again and rise back to the top as the truly enlightened, happy and fulfilled person she was always meant to be.
It takes depression to understand depression. It takes addiction to know addiction. It takes courage to admit failure. It takes reaching the bottom to find out what really matters in life. It takes near-death to realise what happiness is. Shirley knows this, because she survived herself to finally find herself.
Journey through this book with the help of the Mind Detective: it will lead you into your own mind and allow you to discover whether the life you are living today is the life you truly deserve, or whether it is a life handed down to you from your caregivers, circumstances and experiences as a child.


Stream DJ Khaled's Star-Studded Album 'Grateful'
All of the vocals are in and every-ting is no longer top secret. DJ Khaled’s highly-anticipated album Grateful is finally here.
The follow-up to last year’s chart-topper Major Key is Khaled’s most star-studded project yet, with appearances by Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Alicia Keys, Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, Rick Ross, Big Sean, Calvin Harris, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and T.I.
Want even more star power? The album also includes features from Future, Bryson Tiller, Migos, Pusha T, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, Raekwon, Betty Wright, Kodak Black, Sizzla, Yo Gotti, 21 Savage, Jeremih, Belly, and Mavado, among others.
Grateful has already spawned singles like JAY-Z and Beyoncé’s “Shining,” Drake’s “To the Max,” Bryson Tiller and Rihanna’s “Wild Thoughts,” and Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, and Quavo’s “I’m the One,” which became Khaled’s first No. 1 single on the Hot 100.
When he first announced his new album, DJ Khaled said it was the perfect response to the love he received on Major Key. “The title is Grateful,” he explained. “This title means so much to me. Especially coming off Major Key and seeing that love…The message here today is love. Love is the key and love is the answer.”
Stream Grateful below.


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No one knows for sure why more than 1,000 previously healthy individuals in the US, half under the age of 25, have developed serious lung injuries that require hospitalization and in many cases, mechanical ventilation and intensive care. Eighteen people have died from the mystery illness as of Oct. 3, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials have ruled out an infectious agent. The only common link is that all of the victims have admitted to vaping nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoactive component in cannabis that gets you high—or both.
Federal, state, and local governments are scrambling to find answers to this emerging public health crisis. “No single e-cigarette or vaping product, brand, or specific substance has been definitively linked to the outbreak,” CDC’s principal deputy director Anne Schuchat told members of Congress at a Sept. 25 hearing.
The ongoing investigation is particularly challenging because it involves nearly all US states, Schuchat said. In addition, “the investigation is complicated by the diversity of the e-cigarette or vaping product marketplace, with a multitude of products, a wide array of ingredients, and the intersection with potentially illicit substances such as marijuana,” she noted. The bottom line is that “users do not know what is in their e-cigarette or vape solutions,” Schuchat said. And even if they did know, there’s little information available on inhalation toxicity.
The crisis, first reported by state health departments in July, has added urgency to an ongoing effort to stem the rise in e-cigarette use or vaping among youth in the US. The latest figures from the US National Youth Tobacco Survey suggest that 27.5% of high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. About 9% of all middle and high school students reported using cannabis in e-cigarettes.
Searching for a culprit
The nature of the lung injuries is one area of debate. A group from WakeMed Hospital in North Carolina reported in early September that lung injuries in five people resembled lipoid pneumonia, a condition in which fats or oils deposit in the lungs (Morb. Mortal. Wkly Rep., DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6836e1). However, in a letter to the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine published on Oct. 2, Mayo Clinic and UnityPoint Health staff from Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota report finding no evidence of lipoid pneumonia in lung tissue samples from 17 people with suspected vaping illness. The physicians instead point to lung inflammation “from one or more inhaled toxic substances” (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc1913069).
While clinicians work on identifying and treating the lung injuries, others are actively looking for the cause. The US Food and Drug Administration is analyzing samples of vaping products consumed by those who have developed lung injuries. So far, the agency has received about 300 samples, acting commissioner Norman “Ned” Sharpless told members of Congress during the Sept. 25 hearing, held by the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
FDA scientists at the agency’s Forensic Chemistry Center are analyzing the samples “using state-of-the-art methods to assess the presence of a broad range of chemicals, including nicotine; THC and other cannabinoids; opioids; cutting agents and other additives; pesticides, and toxins,” Sharpless testified. Such testing is limited, however, because many of the samples contain little to no liquid, he noted.
The FDA has analyzed about half of the 300 samples. Of those analyzed, about 70% contain THC, Sharpless said. About half of the products that contain THC also contain vitamin E acetate, he noted. The New York State Department of Health on Sept. 5 pointed to vitamin E acetate, an oil used as a nutritional supplement and as a diluent or thickening agent in THC vaping cartridges, as a possible cause of the lung problems. It is unclear whether vitamin E acetate is the cause of the lung injuries or is a marker that a product is adulterated, Sharpless said at the Sept. 25 hearing.
Nonetheless, cannabis testing labs are now starting to offer tests for vitamin E and vitamin E acetate in THC vaping cartridges. “It is not a standard test,” in the cannabis industry, says Amber Wise, science director at Medicine Creek Analytics, a Seattle-based cannabis testing lab. But vitamin E is used in many other products, such as lotions and nutraceuticals, “so analytical labs already have protocols for them,” she says. “It is a common thing you can test for in a food lab or product safety lab.”
Medicine Creek Analytics is testing for both vitamin E and vitamin E acetate, because it is unclear what additives are in THC vaping cartridges, she says. Wise suspects that “the acetate might be a breakdown product of vitamin E and not an actual compound that people are adding directly.”
Thickening agents are common in illicit THC cartridges, but they are rarely added to legal products where testing for potency is required, says Jeffrey Raber, cofounder and CEO of the Werc Shop, a California-based cannabis contract manufacturing and testing firm.
“THC concentrates are known to be thick and viscous when they are high potency,” Raber says. So when street dealers dilute illicit products with various agents to maximize profits, those products are typically less viscous. Consumers can visually detect the viscosity of the product by turning the cartridge upside down. If a bubble goes from the top to the bottom quickly, it usually means that the product has been cut with something, Raber says. Dealers mask that visual test by adding a thickening agent, so the bubble doesn’t move from the top to bottom as fast, and consumers think they are getting a high-potency product.
The illicit cannabis market “is out of control and concerning,” even in states like California where recreational cannabis is legal, Raber says. In California, the cannabis black market is estimated to be 3 to 4 times the size of the legal cannabis industry, he notes.
One source of the black market problem is that California requires testing of final finished cannabis products, Wise says. If a product fails the test, more often than not, it doesn’t get thrown away. Instead, it enters California’s black market and is then distributed to states where cannabis is illegal, she says.
The cannabis industry would like to see the black market problem addressed at the federal level. “If it is confirmed that Americans are being hurt because of unregulated, illicit market cannabis vape products, it is yet another reason for real, comprehensive federal cannabis reform that will allow the regulated, tested cannabis industry to displace illicit market actors,” says an Oct. 3 letter from the National Cannabis Industry Association to congressional leaders.
Although the majority of cases of lung injuries associated with e-cigarette or vaping products have involved the use of THC products, federal, state, and local authorities are not ruling out the possibility that nicotine e-cigarettes may also be playing a role. Joseph Allen and colleagues at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health raised concerns in 2016 about three flavors—diacetyl, 2,3-pentanedione, and acetoin—widely found in e-cigarettes (Environ. Health Perspect., DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1510185). The flavors are used to give e-cigarette vapor a buttery, caramel, or fruity taste. They have been associated with severe respiratory disease in workers at microwave popcorn processing plants. The Harvard researchers reported finding at least one of the three chemicals in 47 of 51 e-cigarettes and liquids that they tested.
About 10–20% of the identified cases of lung injury from vaping so far involve patients who claim they were only using nicotine e-cigarettes. But that data is based on self-reporting, “and interviewees may be hesitant to share information about their use of illicit substances such as marijuana,” the CDC’s Schuchat acknowledged at the Sept. 25 hearing.
What is in the aerosols?
Determining what’s in either THC or nicotine vaping products is a key part of understanding what’s causing the lung injuries. However, what is in vaping cartridges is not the same as knowing what’s going into people’s lungs. “You can test the oil all you want, but at the end of the day, what are you inhaling?” Medicine Creek Analytics’ Wise asks. “That is the most important part to test in my opinion.”
Scientists at the CDC are analyzing the aerosols produced by some of the products consumed by patients with vaping illnesses, Schuchat testified. The analysis is complex because “users can modify the products, and the heating process can also influence the types and amounts of chemicals a user is exposed to,” she noted.
Cannabis testing labs are also investigating aerosols generated by various vaping products. Before the outbreak of lung illnesses hit the news, Medicine Creek Analytics ordered a vapor collection machine to test a filter device for a client to determine whether it removes pesticides, cannabinoids, and terpenes from cannabis vaping products, Wise says. The machine will be useful for understanding what is in the aerosol that people are vaping, she says.
And then there’s the question of which of the chemicals in aerosols might harm lung tissues. Little is known about the toxicity even of branded e-cigarettes, never mind THC products. The FDA claims that e-cigarette products are illegal because the agency has not approved any of them. But the agency has chosen to allow continued sales of e-cigarettes that were on the market before Aug. 8, 2016, the date when FDA’s regulation of e-cigarettes went into effect.
That is about to change, however. The FDA appears to be on the verge of requiring e-cigarette manufacturers to obtain agency approval for flavored e-cigarettes. And earlier this year, a US district court judge in Maryland ordered the FDA to begin enforcing the approval requirement for all e-cigarettes, not just those that contain flavors, by May 12, 2020. Manufacturers will need to show that “the product is appropriate for the protection of the public health,” the FDA regulation says. Meeting that standard will require demonstrating that the products do not cause harm.
Scientists at the Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) are working with tobacco companies to evaluate the inhalation toxicology of products in development or already on the market. They are using nonanimal, human cell–based testing platforms. The team is optimizing such tests for evaluating potential hazards associated with inhalable materials, including those from vaping devices, says Holger Behrsing, a principal scientist at IIVS.
“As part of our expansion of respiratory toxicology testing, we do utilize long-term pulmonary models and conduct repeat exposure studies to better recapitulate potential human exposures,” Behrsing says. “We believe such an approach using human, multicellular, three-dimensional respiratory test systems will better allow us to detect key events that may lead to more severe, adverse pulmonary conditions.”
Academic researchers are also tackling the problem. Earlier this year, for example, Allen and colleagues at Harvard reported the effects of the flavoring agents diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione on human airway epithelial cells (Sci. Rep., DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37913-9). They found that both chemicals were associated with gene expression changes that could alter the production and function of cilia.
As for the cause of the current lung injury crisis, Wise believes people who vape a lot of nicotine e-cigarettes or THC cartridges probably have some existing lung damage. “And then they get a bad batch and it pushes them over the edge,” she says. The problem may also be related to the battery, the heating element, or the cartridge itself, she says, noting that many devices are cheap and not very reproducible. It is likely to be a combination of many factors, she says. “This situation really points to the need for oversight, regulation, and product safety testing.”
“I firmly believe that many aspects of the youth vaping epidemic could have been addressed if the FDA had moved forward with reviewing all e-cigarettes on the market when it first had the chance two years ago,” Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, said at the Sept. 25 hearing. “These products have been marketed and targeted to kids without our knowledge of the full public health consequences.”


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With Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet the only two fit centre-backs at Barcelona, bringing in a defender as cover was seen as a priority for Ernesto Valverde.
Logically, Barcelona had to make a move for a short-term fix that could help the club until the injured Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen return to full fitness. Former Real Madrid player Pepe and Chelsea’s Andres Christensen emerged as possible matches but the La Liga champions decided to search for a potential candidate within the league and hence signed Valencia’s Murillo.
The deal is a six-month loan with the option to buy the 26-year-old for €25m at the end of the season. In truth, it’s a move that could prove to be a fantastic one for the club and the risks associated are incredibly low.
With experience of playing in the top flight in Italy and Spain, Murillo can prove to be an excellent back-up option to the likes of Pique and Umtiti. The Colombian international has plied his trade at Valencia for 18 months now and has accustomed well to the league.
This transfer promises to be a tremendous move for the club from both the short-term and long-term perspectives.
It is no secret anymore that Dutch sensation Maathijs de Ligt is a target for most top European clubs and this hunt is spearheaded by Barcelona.
The fact that Murillo’s loan deal runs until next summer does not close the door for de Ligt’s transfer to the Catalan club.
All evidence points to the fact that the Ajax defender will be wearing Barcelona colours soon and the Murillo deal keeps the best interests of this move intact while providing a short-term fix for the remainder of the season.
De Ligt has been tipped to be the successor of Pique and if everything goes according to plan, Barcelona will have the centre-back position sorted for the next 7-8 years.
In the case that de Ligt refuses a move to Barcelona, the club can execute the option to buy Murillo on a permanent deal. His €25m price tag is an extremely small sum in the inflated market for a player who has already proved himself in a top league.
In the worst and unlikely scenario that de Ligt decides against the Barcelona move and Murillo fails to impress at the Catalan club, Ernesto Valverde will still have four fit defenders next season.
This deal has all attributes to be deemed a well-thought and calculated move.
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Apr 8, 2016
On this episode of the Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER!, Jerry and John
sit down with Greg Smallwood, artist of the new Moon Knight series
(with writer Jeff Lemire) that debuts next week. Believe us when we
tell you, PICK UP... Read More ›
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A machine that converts waste plastic into crude oil is operating at a recycling depot in Whitehorse.
The machine is the first of its kind in North America.
Project manager Andy Lera first read about what he calls the "amazing" machine more than a year ago. He read that a Japanese man who was tired of seeing so much waste plastic being burned had found a relatively inexpensive way of converting plastic to crude oil.
(I wonder who this Japanese man is, will have to google more). Let's vaporize those nasty plastic bags - hey it made oil? Cool.


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He is what he is and that's all that he is.
Popeye the Sailor first debuted within the January 17th, 1929 installment of Elzie Crisler Segar's Thimble Theatre, when two of the comic strips original cast: Castor Oyl and Harold Hamgravy, needed to hire a boat to continue an adventure they were in the midst of at the time of the then ten year old strip.
To say that the character stole the show and the rest is history is a serious understatement, although it did not happen overnight. After that adventure, the character did not return until readers' demand and the storyline needed him a few months later.
But the one eyed sailor (or at least he was actually was in the early days, now he just has a bad squint) was undoubtedly the star by the spring of 1931, even winning the love of Castor's sister Olive Oyl away from Harold; although the strip's name was not officially changed to Popeye until the 1970s.
The beloved, at least by his friends, sea man has been in numerous animation efforts, comic books, a 1940s radio show, video games, and even a major motion picture in 1980 with Robin Williams in the title role.
And now to celebrate Popeye's 80th anniversary this past week, here is Ms. Waxy Dragon with a few appropriate jokes.
If he worked in the garment industry, would that make him Popeye the Tailor Man?
What happens if you throw a blue rock into the Red Sea? It gets wet!
How did Popeye divide up the oceans? With a sea-saw.
Sea ya' next weekend for more Sunday Funnies!

domain: entertainment