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May is National Short Story Month!
Short stories are ideal for readers, who may be pressed for time, but are craving something to read. Most short stories clock in at 20 pages or less, and they can be a great way to discover new authors, or sample established ones, before investing the time reading a full-length novel. Writers, too, can improve their craft by delving into short fiction and experiencing a multitude of voices and styles in their genre.
So here are 10 suggested anthology and story collection titles for the mystery reader/writer…
The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century. Edited by Tony Hillerman and Otto Penzler. Houghton Mifflin Company. ©2000 — This 800+ page volume includes 46 stories by such seminal voices in mystery fiction as Lawrence Block, James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, Sue Grafton, Dashiell Hammett, Patricia Highsmith, Evan Hunter, Dennis Lehane, Sara Paretsky, Ellery Queen, and many more, including some authors who might not be known for their contributions in the mystery genre, like Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen King. Stories range in date from 1903 to 1999. Sample the “best” mystery stories of the 20th century!
Manhattan Noir. Edited by Lawrence Block. Akashic Books. ©2006 — Akashic has released a number of titles in their Noir Series, each featuring a place of distinction like Manhattan, Long Island, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Copenhagen, Moscow, and a host more. Each volume includes stories steeped in the title location. The first Manhattan Noir collection features Lawrence Block, Thomas H. Cook, Jeffrey Deaver, S. J. Rozan, among others. There are 15 stories here and the table of contents informs readers just which “neighborhood” in Manhattan each story is set in.
The Prosecution Rests. Edited by Linda Fairstein. Little, Brown and Company (Hachette Book Group) ©2009 — Each year the Mystery Writers of America releases a themed volume of select short stories. This edition featured “stories about courtrooms, criminals, and the law.” More than 20 stories are featured here, including ones by Linda Fairstein, James Grippando, Barbara Parker, and S. J. Rozan. Several new voices in mystery fiction are included as well.
The Mystery Box. Edited by Brad Meltzer. Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group) ©2013 — This year’s Mystery Writers of America anthology features more than 20 stories with a more obtuse theme…the mystery box. “What’s in the box? That was for our writers to decide,” author Meltzer says in his introduction. In addition to Meltzer, there are stories by many familiar authors, including Steve Berry, Jan Burke, Joseph Finder, Laura Lippman, Katherine Neville, Karen Slaughter, R. L. Stine, and Charles Todd.
Two of the Deadliest. Edited by Elizabeth George. HarperCollins. ©2009 — The cover says it all, “tales of lust, greed, and murder from outstanding women of mystery.” 23 never before published stories by top female crime writers are featured in this anthology. Carolyn G. Hart, Laura Lippman, Marcia Muller, Nancy Pickard, S. J. Rozan, and Marica Talley join with Elizabeth George and some new writers in spinning tales that recall the seven deadly sins.
Murder in Baker Street. Edited by Martin H. Greenberg, Jon L. Lellenberg, and Daniel Stashower. Carroll & Graf Publishers. ©2001 — For those with a taste for the Victorian and the foggy streets of Sherlock Holmes’ London, this anthology of 11 stories might suit. Bill Crider, Loren Estleman, Stuart Kaminsky, Anne Perry, Peter Tremayne, and more “ingeniously contrived and shrewdly executed” an all new Sherlock Holmes story.
The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories. By Agatha Christie. Dodd, Mead. ©1939 — One of Christie’s finest collection of short stories, featuring Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Mr. Parker Pyne. Nine stories are featured here, including The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest, Yellow Iris, and How Does Your Garden Grow? Interestingly all three of those stories were expanded upon in other Christie works!
Kinsey and Me. By Sue Grafton. Peguin Group. ©2013 — Since 1982, readers have been entertained by the investigation of Santa Teresa, Calif., P. I. Kinsey Millhone. Nine Kinsey Millhone stories (written between 1986 and 1993) are featured in this wonderful volume, which also includes some touching and very personal stories that give insights into Kinsey’s creator.
A Question of Death. By Kerry Greenwood. Poisoned Pen Press. ©2007 — This illustrated treasury of Phryne Fisher is perfect for fans of the Jazz Age. Read 13 mystery gems and then enjoy the tidbits of trivia about Phryne, including cocktail recipes!
Mortal Lock. By Andrew Vachss. Vintage Crime/Black Lizard. ©2013 — Releasing this month, author Vachss offers 20 noir stories and one feature-length screenplay in this anthology of stories spanning 15 years. Kirkus Review (1 May 2013) calls it “a collection of white-hot short stories.”
So celebrate National Short Story Month, read some of these suggested titles, and let The Poisoned Martini know what your favorites are in the comments section.
Can’t find these anthologies/short story collections at your local bookstore? Try checking them out at your local library! This especially holds true for the older publications.


Tonight’s meeting postponed
Tonight’s Play Off Semi-Final against Leicester has been postponed due to a waterlogged track and a poor weather forecast.
Heavy rain over the last week has left the Media Prima Arena sodden and with more rain forecast for this afternoon, the decision has been taken to make an early call.
Promoter Jitendra Duffill added, “We needed a full day of dry weather to get our track into good shape and it’s looking very unlikely that will happen. I don’t want to run the most important meeting of the season in poor conditions and I don’t want to inconvenience travelling riders and supporters by cancelling last minute.”
The meeting has been rearranged to take place next Friday 4th October, with the usual start time of 7.30PM.


As state Senator Pat Steadman gets set to introduce his civil unions legislation in Denver next week, new public opinion poll results bolster the case for the bill. The results of a Public Policy Polling survey (pdf) conducted this past weekend match almost exactly results of a survey conducted last January by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner and American Viewpoint. More than 70 percent of Coloradans support legally recognized domestic partnerships, including those between same-sex couples.
How to vote
Vote-by-mail ballot request deadline: Varies by state
For the Nov 3 election: States are making it easier for citizens to vote absentee by mail this year due to the coronavirus. Each state has its own rules for mail-in absentee voting. Visit your state election office website to find out if you can vote by mail.Get more information
In-person early voting dates: Varies by state
Sometimes circumstances make it hard or impossible for you to vote on Election Day. But your state may let you vote during a designated early voting period. You don't need an excuse to vote early. Visit your state election office website to find out whether they offer early voting.My Election Office
General Election: Nov 3, 2020
Polling hours on Election Day: Varies by state/localityMy Polling Place


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SALISBURY, Md. — Perdue Farms has announced the release of its Fiscal Year 2022 Company Stewardship Report focusing on four areas — Food, Environment, Animal Care, and People and Partners. This new report highlights a second year operating amid a global pandemic, elevating the company’s commitment to alleviating food insecurity, offering consumers new and innovative products, advancing its industry leading-animal care commitment, and creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Released during the company’s 102nd year, the report notes progress made in the key areas of environment, communities and people, and reinforcing the company’s stewardship platform: We believe in responsible food and agriculture. The report also highlights how the company’s sustainability efforts align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“In the past year, we continued to face some of the toughest challenges in our history – navigating through a global pandemic, inflationary costs, and persistent supply chain issues. Our new reality reinforced the importance of operating in a way that supports the well-being of our associates and consumers who purchase our products, as well as the future of the shared planet we all call home,” said Randy Day, Perdue Farms CEO. “We are incredibly thankful for our more than 20,000 associates and 10,000 farmer and ranch partners for their continued dedication and service in fulfilling their essential roles to help keep our nation’s families fed.”
“Since our beginning, Perdue Farms has focused on operating responsibly, rooted in our core values of quality, integrity, teamwork and stewardship,” said Jim Perdue, Perdue Farms chairman. “This focus has kept us grounded and guides us in making the best decisions for all our stakeholders and the planet as we continue working toward achieving our vision ‘to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products.’”
The report is available at www.responsiblefoodandagriculture.com formatted to showcase report highlights for convenient web access and in an e-book format.
Report highlights include:
People and Partners: The company continued to make progress in being a responsible employer, investing in associates’ growth, safety and well-being.
- Perdue Farms was named Forbes’ Best Employer for New Graduates for 2021, reflecting a commitment to provide diverse and rewarding careers to present and future generations.
- Thirty-seven Perdue facilities received Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council recognition for 25 years of continuous exceptional safety performance.
- Hosted third annual company-wide Day of Understanding in conjunction with CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion to encourage tough conversations and bridge cultural divides.
Food: The company continued a legacy of product innovation with the introduction of new products from its portfolio of brands.
- The Perdue® brand introduced its “Hungry for Better Chicken” master brand messaging platform which brings to life how everything we do adds up to great-tasting Perdue chicken and conveys our obsession with raising better chickens.
- The Perdue brand introduced two new products: Perdue Chicken Plus® Chicken Tots and Perdue BBQ Seasoned Pulled Pork Bites highlighting a commitment to new product innovation.
- The Niman Ranch® brand introduced the first-of-its-kind culinary-driven 100 percent grass fed and finished beef program, providing exceptional marbling, tender texter and consistent rich flavor.
Environment: The company made progress toward achieving its 2023 environmental sustainability goals and being good stewards of the environment.
- Perdue Farms improved solid waste diversion by 11 percent as part of its progress toward achieving 2023 sustainability goals.
- Kept more than 250,000 pounds of Styrofoam out of landfills by using Green Cell Foam for packaging and shipping Perdue Farms e-commerce website orders.
- National Audubon Society and Panorama Organic Grass-Fed Meats announced largest U.S. market-based regenerative grassland partnership.
- Spot Farms pet treats partnered with Savory Institute to donate 1 percent of annual sales to help expand their mission of regenerative sourcing solutions for meat, dairy, wool and leather.
Animal Care: The company continued its industry-leading animal care initiatives, commitment to transparency and hosted its sixth Animal Care Summit.
- Invested in Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) to study free-range chicken activity and continued to study potential benefits of on-farm hatching to improve chick quality as part of a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Announced eight new animal care initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and compliance to our current programs.
Communities: Through our Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® initiative, Perdue Farms and the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation made a meaningful impact in the communities where the company operates through financial support, community giving, hunger relief and disaster recovery support, associate volunteerism and working with stakeholders to make meaningful change.
- Perdue continued its commitment to alleviate food insecurity with the donation of more than 4.2 million pounds of protein to Feeding America®-affiliated food banks, and food pantries and hunger-relief organizations. Since 2000, Perdue has donated more than 88 million pounds of protein, or the equivalent of 73 million meals, to regional book banks serving its communities and beyond.
- The Perdue Foundation awarded $1.45 million in grants to support 88 non-profit organizations to improve quality of life and build stronger communities in partnership with our neighbors.
For more information, visit perduefarms.com.

domain: food


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Wednesday, August 4, 2021 - The 77th annual Sallisaw Lions Club Rodeo begins Thursday and runs through Saturday, one year after the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of the rodeo is big news in Sallisaw, and organizers say they are expecting large crowds to attend each night.
A rodeo parade through the streets of downtown Sallisaw is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and the rodeo will begin each night at 8 p.m.
Those riding horseback during the parade will earn a free ticket to Thursday's rodeo, and participants riding horses in Friday and Saturday's grand entries will be admitted to the rodeo free.
Rodeo admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-10. Children 5 and under get in free.
Lineup for Thursday's parade will begin at 5 p.m. at the rodeo grounds, which are northwest of the Sallisaw Municipal Pool at 115 E. Redwood Ave. At 5:30 p.m., parade participants will head west on Redwood to Maple Street. The parade will then proceed south to Cherokee Street, east to Wheeler Avenue, north to Redwood, then west to the rodeo grounds.
Competitions at the rodeo will include bareback riding, bull riding, cowgirl barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and cowgirl breakaway roping. The Rodeo of the Ozarks Rounders will be back for this year's rodeo, along with a drill team that will perform each night.
Dances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights after the rodeo, around 10:30 p.m. Brandon Bethel will perform Friday and RC and the Ambers will perform Saturday. Wyatt Shumate of Crossroads will open for Bethel on Friday and Sethro's Cosmic Cow Camp is set to open for RC and the Ambers on Saturday. Paid entrance to the rodeo includes dance admission, but admission to the dances after 10 p.m. will be $8.
Other events at the rodeo will include wild-horse races, calf scrambles, mutton-bustin' and pony rides. There will even be a mechanical bull at the rodeo for those willing to give it a try. Sign-ups for the wild-horse races will begin at 6 p.m. each day. Three-man teams can sign up at the entry gate, where no entry fee will be charged for race participants. Entrants must be 18 and older. Each night's winning team will win $150.
The calf scramble is for children 5-11. Each night of the rodeo, contestants and calves will be released at the same time in the arena. Eight of the calves will have ribbons attached to their tails. Each ribbon is worth $5 to the kid who can grab it and return it to the judges. No entry fee is required for the scramble, either. The event will be held in the middle of each rodeo performance.
Sign-ups for the mutton-bustin' competition will take place at 5:30 p.m. nightly, and the fun will begin at 6:30 p.m. The top 10 participants will get to ride again in the rodeo itself for a nightly prize of $25 and a trophy. Mutton-bustin' is for children ages 4-8 who weigh less than 60 pounds. Riders will be timed and judged. Entry fee is $15 and riders can sign up at the contestants' entry gate.
Pony rides and mechanical bull rides will be $5 each .
The announcer for the 2021 Sallisaw Lions Club Rodeo will be Matt McGee of Oak Ridge, Mo., a six time IPRA Announcer of the Year. Sophie Duch, 13, a trick rider and mounted shooter from Stilwell, will perform her “Annie Oakley Wild West Act” at the rodeo. Colten Ulmer will be the rodeo clown.
The rodeo is sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) and the American Cowboys Rodeo Association (ACRA) and is part of the Ram Rodeo Series.
Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer
For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com

domain: news


KIT ID: 036103A
Name: Full suspension bush kit SPORT
- BMW E30 82-91
- 2 x 031195A Front wishbone bush SPORT
- 2 x 031369A Front lower arm bushes M3 eccentric SPORT
- 2 x 031318A Front anti roll bar bush SPORT
- 2 x 031525A Front anti roll bar link bush SPORT *
- 2 x 031336A Rear beam mounting bush SPORT
- 4 x 031314A Rear trailing arm bush SPORT
4 x 031860A Rear trailing arm bush - eccentric SPORT
2 x 031313A Rear anti roll bar bush SPORT
- 2 x 031789A Rear anti roll bar link to anti roll bar bush SPORT
- 2 x 031790A Rear anti roll bar link to arm bush SPORT
- 1 x 031342A Rear diff mounting bush SPORT
Bush 031525 works only with anti roll bar link mount to lower arm, not the shock absorber.
Not fit the E36 M3 and Z3M models.
Measure Anti Roll Bar diameter before placing order.
NOTE! RELATED MAINLY WITH drift, motorsport ect.
Front Wishbone Bushes (031195 or 031369) can be prepared to fit the arm from the E46 model.
E46 Control Arm is longer and larger negative (wheel angle) can be achieved in comparison to the mass and E30/E36 geometry.
Place a note in the order if you are interested in such bushings.
Equivalent of "centric" bush is No. 031,737, and "eccentric" 031738.
These bushes can also be purchased separately.
Material: POLYURETHANE (PUR/PU)
To every product we add grease!


The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Tuesday liberalised guidelines governing publishing of results and other compliance norms for listed entities as it eased norms pertaining to the requirement of sending physical copies of annual reports to shareholders, proxy forms for a general meeting and dividend warrants or cheques.
The regulator has relaxed the stipulation for listed banks and insurance companies for publishing consolidated financial results for June quarter now as “voluntary basis” in the wake of COVID-19.
Further, Sebi said in a circular, that the exemption given to listed companies from publication of advertisement in newspapers about their board meetings, financial results and other events has been extended till June 30. Earlier, the exemption was till May 15.
“Listed entities which are banking and insurance companies or having subsidiaries which are banking and insurance companies may submit consolidated financial results for the quarter ending June 2020 on a voluntary basis,” Sebi said. However, they must continue submitting standalone financial results, it added.
With regard to the requirement of sending physical copies of annual reports to shareholders, Sebi has dispensed with this norm for listed entities who conduct their AGMs during calendar year 2020 (till December 31, 2020). “The requirement … is dispensed with temporarily, in case of meetings held through electronic mode only,” Sebi said.
It has also eased the compliance requirement related to dividend warrants or cheques.
The norms prescribe the issuance of ‘payable-at-par’ warrants or cheques in case it is not possible to use electronic modes of payment. Further, in case the amount payable as dividend exceeds Rs 1,500 the ‘payable-at-par’ warrants or cheques shall be sent by speed postage.
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines


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[PLEASE NOTE: This is an article from the early stages of our understanding of Covid-19 and our knowledge and understanding has since been updated and refined since it was originally published]
This is what we do and don’t know about the Wuhan coronavirus spreading around the world.
A fact-based approach to information about the current pandemic, suitable to support delivery of the Year 8, 9 and Senior Secondary National Curriculum for Biological Sciences.
For definitions of epidemic, pandemic and other terms useful for this topic please direct your students to https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson1/section11.html
Word Count: 1395
Why This Matters: Investigations around the world are still piecing together the puzzle.
As the number of confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus, properly named 2019-nCOV, in Australia hits five, experts are beginning to understand more about the outbreak and virus itself.
However, there are still many questions that don’t have answers. Here is what we know, and don’t know, already.
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses which cause infections of the respiratory system. While they’re a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats, they rarely spill-over into humans.
There are 7 known coronaviruses that can infect humans, which include the cause of the current outbreak 2019-nCOV which emerged in Wuhan, China; SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome), which emerged in 2002 in Asia and killed 774 people; and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) which first appeared in humans in 2012 and has killed 858 people mostly on the Arabian Peninsula.
The viruses themselves are covered with spikes which help it bind to cells in the host. Once bound, the virus infects the cell and hijacks the cell’s own machinery to replicate the virus, which are then released to infect other cells.
How many people are infected?
The majority of those infected have been within China, however at least 44 cases have been identified in 17 other countries.
So far there have been 5 confirmed cases in Australia, four in NSW and one in Victoria. There have been no deaths outside of China.
“Knowing what’s happened in other countries and knowing the traffic from that part of China to Australia, it’s highly likely we may see some more,” says Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy.
How does it spread?
The initial cases of 2019-nCOV were traced to a live food market in Wuhan, which points to an animal-to-human transmission. The genetic sequence of virus samples from patients in the US were similar to that from Chinese patients, which suggests the virus recently emerged from a single animal source, according to the CDC.
Some early research compared similarities in the genetic code of the virus with species known to be sold in the market suggested the animal source may have been snakes, however more recent research has refuted that, suggesting instead the closest similarities were with bats. In another study published on the pre-print site biorxiv, scientists compared the genetic code of the virus with the coronavirus that caused SARS, and other bat coronaviruses. They found the new virus shared 80% of its genes with SARS and 96% of its genes with bat coronaviruses. However, further research will continue to confirm the animal origin of 2019-nCOV.
The recent spread has shown that the virus is capable of spreading from human-to-human. It it thought to spread from droplets sprayed when someone coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and colds spread. According to Raina McIntyre, who heads up the Kirby Institute’s Biosecurity Research Program, these droplets can hover around in airborne particles for hours.
“The focus in Australia should be on detecting new cases as soon as possible and isolating them, and preventing hospital outbreaks. Protecting our health workers is a high priority,” she says.
How infectious is it?
How easily a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. This transmissibility is one question that is still yet to be understood.
Some epidemiological studies have been narrowing in on the R0, a mathematical measure of how transmissible an infectious disease is. While most studies are suggesting an R0 of around 2.5 or more – meaning on average one person would infect at least another 2.5 people, the ranges across the studies stretch from 1.5 to 4 using different models and as reported numbers of infected change. This is similar to SARS, which initially had an R0 of 2.9, however dropped to 0.4 after control measures were put in place. (The most infectious virus is measles, with an R0 of 18.)
One big difference of the latest outbreak has been the speed of the spread. SARS took almost 5 months to spread to 3,000 people. 2019-nCOV has taken just 28 days.
After the confirmation of cases in NSW of people who travelled from Wuhan, NSW Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant stated, “We do not believe that they were infectious at the time of their international flight.” It’s likely that statement was made based on the experience of SARS, when the risk of transmission was highest five to ten days into the illness. However, given the lack of knowledge around transmission and the virus life cycle of 2019-nCOV, it’s still unknown whether this virus shares those characteristics. Chinese officials have stated that the virus may be infectious before symptoms appear.
Despite this global spread the World Health Organisation has not declared the outbreak to be a global crisis. “Make no mistake. This is an emergency in China, but it has not yet become a global health emergency,” said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
How deadly is it?
On the numbers that are available (as of Tuesday 28 January 2020), the mortality rate for 2019 nCOV is around 2.4%. That is far lower than many other coronavirus outbreaks, such as SARS which had a mortality rate of nearly 10%, and MERS which is around 35%.
However, the risk is higher for health workers, and people already in hospital, says McIntyre.
“During SARS, many health workers died, and 21% of all cases of SARS were in health workers. While the overall fatality rate is 2-5%, the fatality rate in hospitalised patients is 15% and higher in patients admitted to ICU.”
It’s always possible those numbers could change, or the virus mutates into a more fatal form. Recent surges in case numbers may have reflected a rise in infections, or increased testing and reporting.
“The genetic data we have seen does not suggest it is mutating rapidly,” says McIntyre.
What are the symptoms?
So far the symptoms reported commonly include fever, dry cough, fatigue or muscle pain and breathing difficulties. Less common symptoms reported include coughing up mucus or blood, headaches and diarrhea. The infection can then progress to pneumonia, where the lung become inflamed and fill with fluid.
Those symptoms can appear as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure, according to the CDC. This estimate is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses.
“There is everything from the worried well to people who are desperately ill and have to be admitted to intensive care units. So clearly there is a spectrum of severity.”
What is the treatment?
“There is no recognised therapeutic against coronaviruses,” the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme executive director Mike Ryan told a press conference last week.
“The primary objective in an outbreak related to a coronavirus is to give adequate support of care to patients, particularly in terms of respiratory support and multi-organ support.”
“The team hopes to develop a vaccine over the next six months, which may be used to help contain this outbreak,” says UQ’s Paul Young.
“The vaccine would be distributed to first responders, helping to contain the virus from spreading around the world.”
What can we do to protect ourselves?
As always, the best plan is to avoid infection.
The WHO encourages similar measures as you might take to avoid the flu – practice good hand hygiene, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, and avoid people with flu-like symptoms. In addition, obviously, avoid travelling to areas with outbreaks.
If you do feel unwell, you should seek medical attention, but also take actions to avoid infecting others such as wearing a mask and staying away from others as much as possible.
“Potential patients have been advised to call ahead before going to the GP, and that in NSW, GPs have been advised to immediately contact their public health unit if a patient contacts them,” says Raina.
If you think you may have been infected with coronavirus, phone your GP or health clinic before visiting.
For more information contact the Public Health Information Line on 1800 044 599.
More information is also available at the Australian Government Department of Health website: health.gov.au/news/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
Login or Sign up for FREE to download a copy of the full teacher resource

domain: medical


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SCoD has been campaigning to get the health question in the Census changed since 2007. We have beein involved in the consultation on the health conditions question for the 2021… read more →
The Scottish Government has now published the consultation on Social Security in Scotland in BSL. You can find the information at the links below. http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/fairerscotland/future-powers/Consultation http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/07/9955 http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/07/5342 BSL users have… read more →
The Cross Party Group on Deafness has been registered with the Scottish Parliament. For more information, click here.
The Scottish Government published its analysis of equality results from the 2011 Census , including Ethnicity, Gypsy/Travellers, Religion, Disability and BSL. The policy areas covered are: Labour Market, Education, Housing and Transport.… read more →

domain: politics


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NEW this year make sure you check out the Artisan Alley
at the Southern Women’s Show. This unique area of the show includes handmade items from companies like Surfside Gifts, Krafty Max Originals, Couture Jems, Glamgirl Wreaths and Decor and more! Artisan Alley will be located in the ballroom! Find the perfect gift or personal treasure here.
Add a coastal accent to your home with one of Surfside Gift’s unique handmade gifts! Come check out their indoor/outdoor flip flop, sea turtle, and fish towel racks in many sizes and color schemes. In addition, find wood carved wall décor and sea life wall hangings. Straight out of Neptune Beach, Florida!
Krafty Max Originals
She started stranding beads together at the age of 5, and now the owner of Krafty Max Originals brings her perfected technique and style to the Southern Women's Show. Each item is hand-designed and created with a love of beadwork and more, from the designing of the pattern to the finish work of the clasps. Orders can even be customized to match your color and design ideas.
Find unique, handmade jewelry and on-the-spot customization at Couture Jems. See the inspiration behind each piece made by this mom, designer and busines owner!
Glam Girl Wreaths
Glam Girl Wreaths is a custom wreaths and home decorating company. Whether you need a decorative wreath for the next big Florida Gators or Jacksonville Jaguars game coming up, a seasonal creation for Halloween or Thanksgiving, or a special gift for a friend, Glam Girl will make your front door sparkle! Also offering event decorations and classes, swing by the Glam Girl Wreaths exhibit in Artisan Alley.

domain: artistic


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New Study Paints Picture of Pre-Development Delta
A new historical ecology study of the Delta provides a detailed look at the estuary and how it functioned before levees and water diversions began transforming it 150 years ago.
Using old maps, early photographs and the accounts of explorers, settlers and hunters from more than a century ago, the richly-illustrated study gives a never-before-seen picture of the ecosystem at the heart of California’s environmental and water debates.
The report, “Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Historical Ecology Investigation: Exploring Pattern and Process,”was developed by researchers in historical ecology at the San Francisco Estuary Institute-Aquatic Science Center, in collaboration with California Department of Fish and Game and with input from numerous scientists, archivists, historians, and local residents. The project was funded by DFG through the Ecosystem Restoration Program.
“This masterpiece of historical ecology will be widely used by policy makers and scientists because it provides a detailed, painstakingly-crafted description of the Delta of the past – a benchmark from which we will measure the success of programs to rebuild habitats and ecological functions lost over the past century and a half,” Jim Cloern, a senior research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, said in a news release from DFG. Cloern was not part of the research team.
SFEI-ASC Senior Scientist Robin Grossinger said the purpose of the study was “not to go back, but to understand how this landscape worked so we can re-establish ecologically functional and cost-effective habitats within the contemporary landscape.”
The report notes that only 3% of the tidal wetland that existed in the Delta in the early 1800s remains wetland today. It describes the historical Delta as a series of landscapes: the central Delta was characterized by tidal freshwater wetlands of tule (a tall wetland plant) and willow with numerous winding channels; the north Delta featured broad flood basins of tule interspersed with lakes, and rivers bordered by broad forests; while the south Delta had wetlands interspersed with side channels, lakes and ponds, willows and patches of seasonal wetland.
The report and GIS are available for download here. Printed copies of the report, with dozens of rarely seen historical accounts, maps and photographs describing the Delta of the recent past, will also be available for $75. In addition, an interactive map featuring the historical landscape reconstruction and early documents used to create the picture was created by SFEI-ASC with Stanford University and KQED. It can be found here.


Did Escobar own Atletico Nacional?
Its leader, Pablo Escobar, who was also the most prominent of Colombia’s drug lords, was a fan of both football and betting, and also wanted to invest in a local club and find a way to launder his drug money. Although Escobar never took a public role, the money he poured into the club made a major impact.
How much of Pablo Escobar’s money has been found?
At one time the most wanted man on the planet, the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar buried huge amounts of his estimated $50 billion fortune all over Colombia. The vast majority of this money has never been recovered.
Did Pablo Escobar turn himself?
In 1991 Escobar offered to turn himself in to authorities—if he was allowed to build his own prison. Surprisingly—or perhaps not—Colombian officials agreed. The result was the luxurious La Catedral.
What did Pablo Escobar use to say?
“Life is full of surprises, some good, some not so good.” “All empires are created of blood and fire.” “There are two hundred million idiots, manipulated by a million intelligent men.”
Who is son of Pablo Escobar?
Is Pablo Escobar death?
December 2, 1993
Pablo Escobar/Date of death
Does Escobar family have money?
With the help of the members from Pablo’s own Medellin Cartel, they were able to recover a big portion of money from this category. They also forced Escobar’s family to sign over whatever liquid assets were left behind by the government.
Does Pablo Escobar still have money?
Dubbed “the King of Cocaine,” Escobar is the wealthiest criminal in history, having amassed an estimated net worth of US$30 billion by the time of his death—equivalent to $64 billion as of 2021—while his drug cartel monopolized the cocaine trade into the United States in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Who was the richest drug lord?
Pablo Escobar, in full Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, (born December 1, , Rionegro, Colombia—died December 2, , Medellín), Colombian criminal who, as head of the Medellín cartel, was arguably the world’s most powerful drug trafficker in the s and early ’90s. who is the richest drug lord in the world.
What are narco girlfriends called?
“Buchona” is a slang term first popularized in the Mexican state of Sinaloa as a way of describing the flamboyant girlfriends of a generation of 21st century narcos who are referred to in the masculine as “buchón” or “buchones.”
Did El Chapo know Pablo Escobar?
Pablo Escobar and El Chapo had met once, as confirmed by El Chapo in an interview with Sean Penn. Pablo had invited El Chapo to his house to probably “talk business.” Pablo, who was the senior of the two, most likely knew El Chapo but only on a working basis. Escobar died in a shootout by the Search Bloc in 1993.
How many illegitimate kids did Pablo Escobar have?
While researching the book, Roberto learnt that a dozen or so people around the world claim to be Escobar’s illegitimate children. Officially, Escobar only had two children, Sebastián Marroquín (43), an architect, and daughter Manuela (36). They reportedly both live in Argentina.
What was Pablo Escobar’s impact on Columbia?
Pablo Escobar’s impact on the country Columbia is vast and diverse ranging from social, political and economic effects on the country. Although most of the impacts were negative, some of the economic effects had long lasting bearing on the people of Columbia.
Who is Pablo Escobar Gaviria?
Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born on 1 December 1949, in Rionegro, in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. He was the third of seven children of the farmer Abel de Jesús Dari Escobar Echeverri (1910–2001), with his wife Hilda de Los Dolores Gaviria Berrío (d. 2006), an elementary school teacher.
Who was Pablo Escobar’s wife?
He was the third of seven children of the farmer Abel de Jesús Dari Escobar Echeverri (1910–2001), with his wife Hermilda de Los Dolores Gaviria Berrío (d. 2006), an elementary school teacher.
Where did Pablo Escobar grow up?
The city of Medellín, where Escobar grew up and began his criminal career. Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born on 1 December 1949, in Rionegro, in the Antioquia Department of Colombia.


On November 3, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Burbank Police officers responded to the 1800 block of Bonita Avenue regarding a robbery investigation. The occupants of the home stated that two men entered the residence and forced them to a room and terrorized the victims, an elderly man and woman in their 70s, for over an hour, according to Lt. Eduardo Ruiz of the Burbank Police Department. The suspects systematically ransacked the home, searching for valuables. The victims were placed in a room and told to not come out.
The investigation so far has revealed that the suspects forced entry through rear doors to the home. The victims were shaken up but not injured during the incident. The suspects, a thin-built male African-American about 6 feet tall and wearing pants and a shirt and another thin-built male African-American about 5′ 10″ tall and wearing shorts and a shirt fled in an unknown direction and no vehicle was seen. Cash and jewelry of an undetermined amount were taken in the robbery.
Investigators are seeking leads from the public regarding this crime, added Lt. Ruiz. If anyone has information, please contact the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3000.


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Many of us would have eaten pickles and would have found them irresistible. It is noteworthy that pickle is a relish consisting of vegetables or fruits preserved in vinegar etc. Not only pickles increase the taste of food, but they also improve our overall health. In the winter season, there are lots of chances that we would get health issues like cold, cough, congestion, flu etc. Hence, it is necessary for us to eat pickles especially in the cold winters for the sake of our health.
Main ingredients present in the pickles are fruits and vegetables free from spoilage, salt, vinegar, water, spices etc
Intake of pickles is important in the winters because
Probiotics for gut health:
It must be noted that fermented pickles are a source of probiotics and these beneficial bacteria would support a healthy gut in us.
It is common that our immunity levels would go down especially in the winter season. Therefore, by consuming pickles our immunity would get boosted. By this, we could get protected against the common cold, flu etc.
Many of us forget to drink enough water during the cold winter seasons and this might lead to health issues also. By eating pickles, we would be able to stay hydrated and by this we would have healthy skin etc.
Maintaining electrolyte balance:
By eating pickles, our electrolyte balance would be maintained well and this is due to the presence of salt in the pickles. Our body functions will be smooth.
Rich in antioxidants:
It is believed that the vegetables in the pickles like cabbage and beetroot etc would have antioxidants in them that would combat oxidative stress and inflammation in us.
Low in calories and weight loss:
As they are low in calories, we could eat pickles with parathas etc.. By eating pickles with low calories, we would be able to lose excess body weight also.
Good for liver:
Our liver would be kept healthy by consuming ingredients like amla etc. it is known that amla would flush out toxins present in the body. Metabolic syndrome would get lowered by the intake of amla.


text:
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Applied Micro Circuits down on earnings miss
- Staff Silicon Valley Business Journal
Shares of Applied Micro Circuits Corp. were down slightly in early trading on Wednesday after the company said its fourth quarter results will be lower than it had projected.
The Sunnyvale-based circuit maker (NASDAQ:AMCC) cited a slow service provider market and overall wire line market weakness as the reasons for the lowered expectations.
It announced the change after markets closed on Tuesday and its shares dropped by as much as 6 percent before opening Wednesday with less than a 1 percent decline at about $6.19. The company's stock rose 8.23 percent Wednesday to close at $6.78.
The company said its loss for the quarter that will be announced on April 26 will be between 10 cents and 12 cents a share. In January it projected a loss of between 7 cents and 8 cents a share.
Revenue is now expected to be about $48.9 million, compared to its previous projection of between $51.5 million and $52.5 million.
Click here to read the press release from Applied Micro Circuits.
Written by Cromwell Schubarth. Contact him at firstname.lastname@example.org or 408.299.1823.
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US – Director of Sales (Coated Label Products) Green Bay Packaging Inc. | Green Bay, WI
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domain: economics


(Adds forecast, details, background, share movement; compares with estimates)
Feb 6 (Reuters) - OpenTable Inc, an online restaurant booking service provider, forecast a weaker-than-expected profit for the current quarter, sending its shares down as much as 10 percent in post-market trading.
The company forecast adjusted profit of 39 cents to 43 cents, way below the average analyst expectation of 54 cents.
OpenTable said it expects revenue of $53.3 million to $54.9 million, compared to analysts' average estimate of $54.3 million, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
OpenTable said it would buy a provider of mobile personalized restaurant recommendations, Ness Computing Inc, for about $17.2 million as part of efforts to boost revenue from mobiles devices.
About 41 percent of OpenTable's seated diners booked through mobile devices in North America in the third quarter.
Application downloads on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile computing devices will jump to 187 billion in 2017 from 87.8 billion in 2013, IDC forecast in June. (http://link.reuters.com/myg79t)
OpenTable said it was working on allowing patrons to pay for a meal via their mobile phones and that it planned to launch the service in San Francisco.
If a diner makes a reservation at a restaurant through the OpenTable website or its app, the restaurant gets charged $1 per diner. If a diner makes a reservation on the restaurant's website and is directed to the OpenTable system, the restaurant is charged only 25 cents per diner.
Net income rose to $10.3 million, or 43 cents per share, in the fourth quarter, from $7.5 million, or 32 cents per share, a year earlier.
Revenue rose about 22 percent to $52.3 million.
Number of seated diners rose to 44 million.
Excluding items, the company earned 59 cents per share.
Analysts on average had expected earnings 52 cents per share on revenue of $51.5 million.
OpenTable shares were trading down at $69.50 in extended-trading. They closed at $75.41 on the Nasdaq on Thursday.
(Reporting by Chandni Doulatramani in Bangalore; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)


A month-long trial pitting the late Subway founder Fred DeLuca against Delray Beach developer Anthony Pugliese over a failed real estate deal ended late Friday the way it began: mired in disagreement.
After roughly 7½ hours of deliberation, a Palm Beach County jury awarded $2.9 million to DeLuca’s widow, finding Pugliese breached a contract with the foot-long sandwich tycoon to build a city dubbed Destiny on 41,000 acres in Yeehaw Junction along Florida’s Turnpike south of Orlando.
Attorney Rick Hutchison, who represents Elisabeth DeLuca, said the verdict will be tripled to $8.7 million because the jury also agreed Pugliese committed civil theft. The widow, who still owns a condo on Fort Lauderdale’s Galt Ocean Mile, may be entitled to another $2.9 million because the jury ruled Pugliese breached the contract as well as committed other misdeeds that cause the multi-billion-dollar land deal to collapse, he said.
But attorneys representing Pugliese and his business manager Joseph Reamer strongly disputed Hutchison’s claims that the $2.9 million would be tripled. The verdict is for $2.9 million, said attorney Tricia "C.K." Hoffler.
Further, she said, it would be reduced by the $1.2 million Pugliese already paid DeLuca in restitution after the 70-year-old developer was convicted of criminal charges for sending phony invoices to DeLuca that he paid. That would reduce DeLuca’s take to $1.7 million, she said.
In any case, she said, the verdict would be appealed. "I’m ready for the next fight," Pugliese said.
Hutchison voiced confidence that his view of the verdict would prevail. But, he said, he would have to do additional legal research — and review the 11-page verdict closely — to determine the total amount. He said it is also likely Pugliese would be socked with interest that has accumulated since the dueling lawsuits were filed in 2009. That, along with attorneys fees, would add another million or so to the amount Elisabeth DeLuca will recover, he said.
"The DeLuca family is pleased with the verdict," Hutchison said. It is far less than the $46 million he sought. He said DeLuca lost $43 million on the deal.
While the jury found DeLuca also breached the contract with Pugliese, it didn’t award the developer any damages. Attorney Willie Gary, who also represented Pugliese, didn’t tell the jury how much Pugliese deserved. But he hinted broadly — in both opening and closing statements — that $1 billion wouldn’t be a stretch.
Jurors declined to comment about how they decided what Circuit Judge Donald Hafele called "a very challenging case," one that ranked among the most difficult in his 17 years on the bench.
Unlike most breach of contract cases, this one, in some ways, had a smoking gun.
Hutchison built his case against Pugliese on the $2.9 million in phony invoices that Pugliese and Reamer sent DeLuca. Pugliese tricked DeLuca into thinking they were legitimate by creating fakes companies, complete with phony addresses and business logos. In some cases, the invoices were from real companies but were for work the firms did on Pugliese’s palatial oceanfront home in Gulf Stream or one of his other development projects.
Hutchison repeatedly reminded jurors that Pugliese and Reamer pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit organized scheme to defraud in August 2015, shortly before DeLuca died of leukemia at age 67. Pugliese, who also pleaded no contest to grand theft, served four months of a six-month jail sentence and repaid DeLuca $1.2 million. Reamer was placed on probation.
"They are criminals," Hutchison told jurors in closing arguments on Thursday.
Pugliese didn’t run from his conviction. In closing arguments, Hoffler even told jurors his inmate number: 51517.
"They came into this courtroom having paid for the bad judgment they exercised," she told jurors.
Pugliese testified that he came up with the idea for the phony invoices after DeLuca reneged on his pledge to bankroll plans for the development for five months. People working on the project had to get paid, he said. He paid some with $1.5 million of his own money and then squirreled cash from the fake invoices away in case DeLuca again turned off the spigot, he said.
But Hutchison countered that Pugliese was supposed to pay some of the upfront costs. Further, he said, the money wasn’t set aside. It was put in Pugliese Company accounts.
DeLuca stopped sending Pugliese money because he suspected it was being squandered, Hutchison said. Pugliese churned through $6 million in two years and still hadn’t gotten government regulators to bless the massive "eco-friendly" city that was to cover acres of sensitive wetlands. DeLuca wanted a budget, he said.
Pugliese claimed he sent more than a dozen budgets but DeLuca was too busy opening Subway franchises overseas to pay attention.
Hutchison disputed that claim. "Where are those 18 budgets?" he asked jurors, who spent hours looking at the phony invoices, canceled checks and other documents for the failed development.
The project, which drew mixed reviews from government officials, was never built. DeLuca’s estate now owns much of the land, which Hutchison said is worth a fraction of what he paid for it.


text:
VISITING THE TIMES Dante Ang, chairman emeritus of The Manila Times (second from right), shakes hands with Mu Zengyu (right), consultant of the China Energy Construction Group, who visited The Times along with Yu Xiaoyang (left), executive director of Water Environment, Resource and Ecology Projects of CECG and Samuel Lim, chairman of Sinosun Subic Bay Holdings Corp. on Thursday The CECG will develop an infrastructure system proposal for the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
“Our main focus is how to get two areas adequate power generation and the second is environmental protection,” he added.
CECG, which specializes in the use of renewable energy sources, expects to finish an initial study in three months.
Areas to be studied include railway links, road networks, port expansion and redevelopment, hotels and resorts, and other industrial, agricultural and tourism-related developments.
Last month, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and Sinosun signed an agreement to develop the CSEZFP into a fintech city.
Sinosun has partnered with CECG and is also looking to build a 20-megawatt power plant in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Trevor Tan, Sinosun vice president of business development, said on Thursday that project costs were still being finalized.
“CEZA administrator and CEO Raul Lambino has begun the preliminary collection of information, including the immediate, short, mid and long term plans of CEZA,” Tan added.


text:
Support an appeal
We champion the cause of woods, trees and wildlife across the UK but we need your help.Discover an appeal near you
We’ve protected and championed woodland every day for four decades.
We've given nature a chance to thrive by joining up habitats to create corridors for wildlife.
Our work is transforming our landscape and making the UK a healthier place to live.
Support the First World War Centenary Woods project and help create a woodland tribute across the UK.Find out more
We've been doing everything in our power to combat ash dieback but the risk of tree disease is still spreading.Find out more
With your help, we can restore Loch Arkaig Pine Forest to a glittering example of Caledonian pine forest.Explore the pine forest

domain: geography


Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Using Social Media To Connect with Patients
Dr. Tom Lintner is embracing the latest tools of virtual communication to expand his reach and
keep an ongoing dialogue with patients. Through Facebook, Twitter, and other social media
outlets, Dr. Lintner provides information about his Atlanta plastic surgery practice and seeks to
answer any questions that patients may have.
Atlanta, GA (Vocus) November 24, 2009 -- A plastic surgeon in Atlanta is taking full advantage of new online
technologies to connect with patients and provide information about his practice and the procedures that he offers.
Dr. Tom Lintner of Advanced Aesthetic Surgery is no stranger to the Internet – his practice has had a robust,
state-of-the-art website for years. But Dr. Lintner felt that it was important to expand his online presence through
social media to reach individuals interested in cosmetic surgery and to educate them more effectively. “We feel
very strongly that patients get as much information [as possible and they know the surgeon is available 24 hours a
day to them.”
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other social media sites have revolutionized the ways in which people share,
discover, connect, and learn. Dr. Tom Lintner has utilized each one of these new platforms to make it easy for
patients to contact his office, read about the plastic surgery procedures that they’re interested in, and to see and
hear what sets his practice apart from others. Dr. Lintner’s YouTube channel features testimonials, interviews
with Dr. Lintner and staff, and videos that show what it’s like to undergo breast augmentation in Atlanta and other
treatments at Advanced Aesthetic Surgery.
Dr. Lintner’s Facebook page enables patients to interact with his practice on one of the most popular social
networking sites in the world. Many adults are joining the younger generation who is already on Facebook; the
site’s fastest growing demographic is men and women who are 35 years and older. Dr. Lintner says patients of all
ages are w


An important subject of analysis when looking at healthcare in Uganda is the referral system. World Health Organization (WHO) defines referral as the process in which a health worker at a one level of the health system, having insufficient resources (drugs, equipment, skills) to manage a clinical condition, seeks the assistance of a better or differently resourced facility at the same or higher level to assist in, or take over the management of, the client’s case.
It stresses that an effective referral system ensures a close relationship between all levels of the health system to ensure that people receive the best possible health care. The National Development Plan II (NDP II) 2015/16- 2019/20 emphasizes; strengthening the referral system to ensure continuity of care including the Uganda National Ambulance Services, taking care of hard to reach areas such as islands and mountainous areas. In addition, Health Sector Development Plan (HSSP) 2015/16- 2019/20 sets out key interventions to; procure distribute and maintain appropriate medical equipment at all levels of health service delivery and means of transport at all levels based on need to improve the referral process.
According to Ministry of Health, the referral system is a formalized system that requires a patient from a lower level facility to obtain a referral note from the health workers in that facility in order to go to the relevant higher level facility. In practice however, the referral system in Uganda is not effective although it is stipulated that the different levels of the system are supposed to reinforce and complement each other. This is due to lack of sufficient ambulances and fuel, or both which prevents patients from quickly transferring from one facility to another in the case of referrals. The referral mechanism also faces the challenges of insufficient resources, poor road networks or terrain, ineffective system of communication, inadequate relevant emergency medicines and supplies including blood for transfusion.
Furthermore, limited capacity of the health facilities, especially lower health centers such as HC IVs to handle emergency cases i.e. caesarean sections or blood transfusion has resulted into an increase in self-referrals where patients bypass the lower level facilities, and self-refer themselves to a higher health facilities i.e. general hospitals which they perceive to be good for them. This leads to congestion in higher level health facilities with patients with minor ailments which could have been managed at lower levels. It is important to note that, majority of the deaths occur when patients have either had contact with the health service before the referral, on the way to the referral facility or even after reaching it.
Therefore, to revive the functionality of the referral system both at district and national levels, Government needs to improve the transport infrastructure i.e. transport, communication and IT to support patient, “intimating health units and receiving health facilities” referrals; develop standard effective referral system monitoring toolkit and curriculum that trains health works on the referral guidelines including policies that improve referral processes between different health facilities; develop standard referral forms/ registers based on current trends/ needs for health care workers at all health units to improve communication and feedback mechanism between referring and receiving facilities, referral data collection, analysis and interpretation and proper use of the referral system information for decision making.
In addition, budget allocations to the health sector should be increased to bolster procurement of necessary medical equipment, drugs and salaries for health workers, monitoring and evaluation of the referral processes; facilitate supportive supervision to improve health care referral services and accountability at all referral levels. This should be complemented with effective accountability and management of allocations, aid, loans and grants that are channeled to the health sector to effectively build health systems including the referral system such that it embodies a hierarchy of quality healthcare and research where the higher the level, the better the health care provided.


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27th November 2011
Ross Douthat pees all over the Legend of JFK. And about time, too.
THE cult of John F. Kennedy has the resilience of a horror-movie villain. No matter how many times the myths of Camelot are seemingly interred by history, they always come shambling back to life — in another television special, another Vanity Fair cover story, another hardcover hagiography.
Kennedy was arguably the most incompetent President of the 20th century until Jimmy Carter.

domain: library


text:
The global shortages in resources have had skewed effects on the developed and the developing world, with the latter finding it more challenging to adapt to the same.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exposed the surging gaps in resource endowments within and across nations to deal with the crisis, but also the skewed macroeconomic and developmental impacts of the same. To be sure, income inequality within developed nations has been exacerbated by the pandemic where the top 1 percent has witnessed large amounts of windfall earnings over the last two years. While unemployment in the United States (US) rose by 15 percent between April and June of 2020, the five richest Americans (Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Mark Zuckerburg, and Larry Ellison) saw a 26-percent rise in wealth during the same period. Their combined wealth is now higher than the total combined wealth of the entire African continent.
Again, divergences in developmental parameters between the global North and South have become extremely apparent too. Education is one such example—children in advanced economies lost an average of 15 days of school in 2020 due to the pandemic. The number rose to 45 in the case of emerging-market economies, and 72 for children in the poorest nations. The impact on income, similarly, was far higher in developing nations. A higher reliance on the informal sector in the poorer economies meant that when lockdowns and other restrictions started becoming the norm, unemployment and poverty continued to rise due to the collapse of market forces that maintained certain macroeconomic equilibria.
Although governments in the developing world have tried to ease the burden on the poor through social security schemes and benefits that were intended to subsume the lacunae created by the collapse of the economy, they pale in comparison to those available in developed economies. Eligible adult citizens in the US received a minimum of US$ 1,200 as stimulus checks, while government efforts in developing countries were insufficient due to higher fiscal deficits, and would often not reach the intended beneficiaries due to inherent corruption.
A higher reliance on the informal sector in the poorer economies meant that when lockdowns and other restrictions started becoming the norm, unemployment and poverty continued to rise due to the collapse of market forces that maintained certain macroeconomic equilibria.
On the other hand, the technology required immediate attention to accumulate the growing demand as education and offices shifted online. The need to build better virtual networks between government agencies and other organisations has never been stronger. Though this benefited nations as a whole, it perpetuated the rich-poor divide in the poorer nations such as those in South and Southeast Asia and Africa, where the affluent classes will be the only ones who will continue with seamless access to these privileges in the future. However, developed and developing economies where technology is abundant and accessible are not plagued by such inequalities, at least not to the extent of underdeveloped economies.
Against this background, it is quite prominent that the world economies are transitioning towards multipolar convergence clubs between the developed and the developing worlds. Simultaneously, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have been envisioned as a global push to ensure that the world moves towards an equitable, peaceful, and prosperous future intend to tackle the sustainable development challenge through the combined lens of society, economy, and environment. Though the SDGs envisage such change to be brought about around the world, the disparities between the global North and South in their respective abilities to achieve the same, loom large. Undoubtedly, the pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the manifestation of these trends.
Figure 1: SDG Scores 2022 by Groupings (out of 100)
Firstly, there are inherent trade-offs within the SDG framework where one goal may have positive or negative impacts on others. For example, SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure) will always have an inherent tendency to have negative externalities on SDG 13 (climate action). The complex network of interlinkages between the sustainable development objectives makes it impossible for the whole framework to function if one or more targets fall apart due to various direct and indirect consequences of the pandemic. The vulnerability of these developmental objectives is much higher in poorer nations, making them more susceptible to the trail of failures in terms of the SDGs.
Secondly, the actions of one nation can influence other nations’ ability to achieve SDGs. Such economic, environmental, and social impacts often translate into costs or losses for the recipient nations and can stall any efforts they might have made. For example, ‘green growth’ processes in the advanced economies have often laid massive footprints in the poorer nations as the former have shifted their manufacturing units to the latter. The break caused by the pandemic has accelerated the urgency to meet the SDGs by 2030; but that only increases the risk for the poorer nations in this regard. If the progress made by one nation or a group of them comes at a cost of other nations, the global community is merely engaging in a zero-sum game — which is meaningless in terms of the holistic nature of the SDGs.
Economic, environmental, and social impacts often translate into costs or losses for the recipient nations and can stall any efforts they might have made.
Thirdly, meeting the SDG targets would unquestionably need a renewed focus and ample financing from both the public and private sectors in the post-pandemic world. The lack of a robust private sector and scarce financial resources will be more challenging for the developing world than for the advanced nations. These are even worsened due to the pandemic-induced macroeconomic instabilities we see across many developing and underdeveloped nations in recent times—ranging from inflationary pressures to soaring current account deficits.
Finally, this divergence in resources available to the global North and South also includes unequal access to necessary data and underdeveloped scientific capacities, and thus acts as a major barrier to the world that is trying to achieve equitable progress. Nations with lower income levels struggle to touch the higher technological levels of developed nations from decades ago. The global shortages in resources have had skewed effects on the developed and the developing world, with the latter finding it more challenging to adapt to the same. A more proactive approach would involve the North’s efforts to inculcate the interests of the South, as mitigating such disparities is crucial in achieving SDGs by 2030.
(The author acknowledges Rohan Ross at NLSIU, Bengaluru, for his research assistance on this essay.)
The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses now available on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content — blogs, longforms and interviews.
Soumya Bhowmick is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for New Economic Diplomacy at the Observer Research Foundation. His research focuses on sustainable development and ...Read More +


In the movies we watch, an automatic gate is usually owned by wealthy people living in large, intimidating mansions. When technology has made it possible for your gate to open on its own, you can’t help but assume that something so advanced would only fall into the clutches of the rich. Simple folk are for the gates that are opened typically by the push and pull of a hand.
Luckily for you, an auto gate in Singapore isn’t just for those who live in castles and own more than three cars. These gates that can open without you having to step outside your house are an absolute must-have for many good reasons.
One of the main goals of a gate is to make sure dangerous threats aren’t able to enter the premises of your home. Instead of making it easy for them to break inside, a gate poses a challenge they must face to achieve their goal. However, if your gate isn’t a strong enough barricade to fend them off, then it loses its purpose completely.
An auto sliding gate in Singapore can give you the security you’re desperately looking for since you fully control who enters your property. You can even have a CCTV camera installed outside to consider whether you’ll let that person in or not, depending on their identity.
You will never feel unsafe again when you have an auto swing gate in Singapore protecting the residents of your property. Children and dogs have the tendency to wander outside without the knowledge of their parents or owners. If your gate could be easily opened or have the probability of being left open by accident, then there is a big chance that your kids or puppies could escape. At least with an automatic gate, you can prevent any of that from happening.
Automatic gate installation in Singapore is also remarkably convenient. When you need to park your car in the garage or get it outside, you no longer have to trouble yourself with opening the gate on your own. It can be a hassle to climb into the car to drive it out of the garage just to come out again to close the gate yourself. Fortunately, an automatic gate doesn’t have that inconvenience. You can open it inside your car and close it without fussing over having to get out.
Interested in having an automatic gate installed to make your worries disappear? Visit San Automation Gate!


$60.00 - $65.00
Designed with the unknown in mind, the Rutland takes the guesswork out of selecting the right tire for the ride. Ramped, tightly spaced center lugs reduce rolling resistance while more aggressive shoulder and transition lugs provide grip in loose conditions. Our 27.5 x 2.1 Rutland provides a larger volume option for increasingly popular monstercross, gravel, and adventure bikes that accommodate larger volume tires, whether your goal is added traction on singletrack or a more comfortable bikepacking trip. - Light & Supple—When extra puncture protection isn’t necessary, our light and supple casing offers decreased weight and a comfortable, ultra-supple ride quality at lower pressures when set up tubeless. - Durable Bead-to-Bead—This construction consists of a robust woven nylon composite reinforcement between the outer rubber and the inner casing within the tire’s sidewalls to prevent tearing and abrasions. Additionally, a tightly woven layer of protection under the treadcap defends against punctures.
The latest generation of the World-Cup-proven intermediate tire, the Butcher GRID TRAIL 2Bliss Ready, receives an entirely new tread pattern. Wider shoulder knobs better support load under hard cornering, while the biting edges of the shoulder knobs are moved further inside. The center blocks have been staggered and spaced better for a smoother transition when leaning the bike over. Our new GRID TRAIL casing is stiffer, delivering better handling at lower pressures, all while increasing pinch flat protection by 15% and puncture protection by 30%. Meanwhile, our proprietary GRIPTON compound improves high-frequency damping, gripping the tire to the ground better on both small bumps and rough sections. The low frequencies of the rolling tire deflections pass through unfiltered, leaving no energy absorbed and keeping speed high. Once you ride the Butcher, you'll never want another tire for your gravity excursions. - Casing: Additional bead to bead protection for exceptional durability plus sidewall stiffness stability - Compound: GRIPTON - Pressure: 25 – 50psi - Folding bead - 2Bliss Ready
The Eliminator GRID TRAIL 2Bliss Ready tire features a new generation of tread that combines an aggressive block design with a well-balanced tread pattern. Its transition knobs help bridge the traditional channel between center and shoulder knobs, making the Eliminator perfect for enduro where versatility is key. The Eliminator still has the bite of a DH tire but also brings the manners to handle well on hardpacked trails. These characteristics also work well for trail e-bikes, too—combining the traction needed to stay in control on the trail with neutral handling on fire roads. Our new GRID TRAIL casing is stiffer, delivering better handling at lower pleasures—all while increasing pinch flat protection by 15% and puncture protection by 30%. - Casing: Additional bead-to-bead protection for exceptional durability, plus sidewall stiffness stability - Bead: Foldable - Butyl wrapped bead = 2Bliss Ready - Compound: GRIPTON - 27.5 x 2.6" - PSI range: 20-40 - Approximate weight: 850g
Born in the American Midwest, gravel riding is one of the fastest–growing styles of cycling. The sense of adventure, conquering new challenges, and simply experiencing a new style of riding are some of its big selling points, but doing so without the proper tires makes the difference between having fun and cursing and hollering on the side of the road. The Pathfinder delivers the versatility that these adventure-laden rides deserve—fast rolling, lots of grip, and a whole lot of fun. - Casing: 120 TPI - Bead: Foldable - Butyl wrapped bead = 2Bliss Ready - Compound: GRIPTON - Flat Protection: Endurant Casing and BlackBelt - 650b x 47mm [1.75"], psi 35-65
Hurricane rolls fast and noiselessly, offering sufficient traction for short off-road excursions. - Schwalbe's Performance line of tires offers excellent quality and the best value for an intensive-use tire. - Dual compound - Wire Bead
$92.00 - $98.00
The all-rounder that works in every situation, no matter the weather, no matter the terrain. The widest possible range of use: for tour and all-mountain, for difficult cross-country tracks as well as technically challenging enduro trails. Tread design: excellent traction and braking performance thanks to special central stud arrangement, large shoulder studs for excellent control on tricky trails. - SnakeSkin: The monofile SnakeSkin fabric on the sidewall makes the tubeless conversion for the MTB extremely easy and safe. It also provides the best cut protection on the side wall. - Addix Speedgrip: The universal compound. It definitely has the widest range of use. Perfect for XC, AM, and Trail: for the majority of EVO tires there’s a version with ADDIX Speedgrip! It replaces the previous PaceStar compound where a significant, though not the only difference, during extensive use is more mileage and a longer life.
- Whether you're travelling on tarmac or trail, the beefy Super Moto-X offers you the best riding characteristics and plenty of comfort. - The 3 mm Green Guard puncture protection and reinforced sidewalls lets you reach your destination safely, even in the toughest conditions.
Gravel road riding is all the rage at the moment. It's great for cyclists who want to leave sealed roads behind and enjoy the freedom of cycling on unpaved roads. Designed to suit diverse touring styles, the GravelKing uses a mixture of properties that also accommodate on-road cycling. Featuring ZSG Natural compound, anti-flat Casing, and Advanced Extra Alpha Cord. - Black multi-use gravel tread - Aramid (Kevlar) folding bead
Get after it with Maxxis' Ardent holding the line. This versatile tire features large block-style side knobs with numerous edges for high-speed corners along with a ramped center tread for easy rolling. Plus, the high-volume casing delivers a plush ride. This EXO version adds an extremely cut and abrasion-resistant material to the sidewalls for extra peace of mind. - Dual compound rubber - EXO Protection - Folding bead - Tubeless Ready
$66.00 - $111.00
The standard in fast descending front tires. Often imitated, never duplicated. The Minion DHF is the standard by which all other downhill tires are measured. The DHF incorporates ramped knobs for low rolling resistance and channel-cut knobs to increase gripping edges, giving straight-line control and precise cornering. - Tubeless Ready - Folding bead - Directional, ramped knob design - front or rear - Multiple rubber compounds available - EXO Protection available - DoubleDown casing available
$64.99 - $69.99
Thanks to its Trail Shield Technology, a strong and resilient mix of a 3x60 TPI carcass, and a reinforced, high-density casing, the MICHELIN Force AM tire is extra tough and durable and therefore perfect for trail and All Mountain riding. - Offers improved grip and propulsion as well as excellent braking thanks to its mix of three rubbers. - Tubeless Compatible - Tire Bead: Folding
Continental's Cross King is a first-class competition and trail tire combining safe cornering grip with fast rolling characteristics. - Its versatile and easy-rolling profile adapts perfectly to any surface. - You're protected with excellent puncture resistance thanks to a continuous ProTection TubelessReady insert from end to end. - The unique tread rubber mixture which is only produced in Continental's German factory has revolutionized bicycle tires. - BlackChili Compound improves rolling resistance by 26% and provides 30% more grip than activated silica compounds. - Premium tires with BlackChili Compound also deliver higher mileage and, unlike many multi-compounds, provide a constant ride from the first to the last mile.
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Health Savings Account (HSA)
This tax exempt account is established exclusively for the purpose of paying qualified medical expenses for you and your family. If you have a qualified high deductible health insurance plan (HDHP), the HSA is right for you. Contributions can be made at any time by you, your employer, or anyone on your behalf. These funds can be accessed like a regular checking account at any time with checks or an HSA debit card.
- Interest Bearing Account
- Variable Interest Rate
- No Minimum Balance
- Debit Card Available
- $3,500 individual contribution limit for 2019
- $7,000 family contribution limit for 2019
- Individuals 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000
- Variable interest rate
- Only $2.00 per month
- $100 deposit or Direct Deposit required to open
- Monthly fees could reduce earnings on this account
to learn more about HSA's. View our Current Rates
The USA PATRIOT Act has paved the way for financial institutions to help prevent fraud, identity theft, and the spread of terrorism. It requires financial institutions to obtain more information from an individual or legal entity to help establish identity.
Your cooperation is needed when you open a new account or request a loan. You may be asked more questions to establish and confirm your identity. It may also be required for you to provide one or more forms of identification.

domain: finance


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If I have a chance to be loved
by any chance
I’ll take that chance with you.
The chance of knowing you
lights up my heart with gladness
The chance of being with you each day
brings to my life some purpose
The chance of feeling you loving me
fills my thoughts with inspiration.
But if I never have a chance
Then I’ll just dream someday
we’ll be together
If not in this lifetime
then for whatever after.
If I have to choose loving someone
still, I will choose
Gigi Balita was born and raised in Tanza, Cavite, Philippines. She is a Moderator of the group Poetry Planet, an international writing platform study group with 38k members. She is an author/contributor to several poetry anthology books namely "Legacy Anthology Book" & "Quills In A Brighter Horizon" by Poetry Planet, "Illusive Hearts" by Beautiful Minds Community, "100 Quotes of Wisdom" by Lab Academia, "Asia Anthology" by Asian Literary Society, "Salvemos El Planeta Anthology" by Vanguardistas Poeticas Group Rosas Y Orquideas Poeticas. She is also a member of many poetry writing groups such as Poetas Unidos Del Mundo-Peru, Gloucestershire Poetry Society Uk, Global Literary Society-India, World Union Of Poets-Europe, Vincenzo de Caro Poeti Escritori-Italy, Home Of United Inks, Inked With Magic, League Of Poets and many others. Gigi is an old soul who loves the classics. Coming from a family of musicians, she also likes music and singing. Her favorite songs are "Les Moulins de Mon Coeur" and "La Vie En Rose".

domain: literature


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Allegion to Preview New ENGAGE(TM) Technology at BOMA Conference, June 22-24
11819 N. Pennsylvania St.
Carmel, IN, 46032
Press release date: June 11, 2014
Allegion to Offer Remarks at Opening General Session, Provide Educational Opportunity and Host Event
CARMEL, IND. — Attendees at the Building Owners and Managers Association's (BOMA) Every Building Conference and Expo will be able to preview the new ENGAGE™ technology at Allegion's Booth 1011 at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. June 22-24. ENGAGE™ technology simplifies the ability to connect people, openings and access management to deliver cost effective intelligence and efficiency to any building and office. Designed specifically for the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) market, ENGAGE technology was developed in collaboration with BOMA members.
"It's only fitting that the company's latest innovation will be unveiled at BOMA," explains April Noblitt, director of vertical marketing, Allegion. "Because of our close working relationship with BOMA and the CRE market, we were able to address the unmet need for affordable, flexible and scalable tenant access management. Historically, the costs and complexity of EAC solutions offered to this market are scaled for large institutional enterprises, making them impractical for many businesses."
Noblitt says Allegion conducted interviews and focus groups with BOMA members to understand current challenges and, more importantly, determine the type of solution they believed would best serve the market.
Allegion provides commercial real estate managers and occupants with an unprecedented level of simplicity and convenience by installing ENGAGE technology-enabled Schlage® wireless electronic locks on interior doors. Through the ENGAGE mobile App, business owners and managers can easily control the daily access rights of employees and visitors, as well as monitor usage. ENGAGE enabled wireless locks can also be integrated into most popular access control systems for even greater capabilities, including real-time control. Additionally, ENGAGE enabled wireless locks will accommodate multiple credential formats and let property owners and managers leverage their existing electronic credentials throughout the building.
ENGAGE enabled wireless locks can be implemented with new construction, in existing facilities or during tenant fit outs on existing door preps. Owners can expand doors at the pace they or their tenants desire. In contrast to conventional offerings, this new wireless lock easily retrofits into standard commercial door prep in approximately 15 minutes using only a screwdriver.
"Because of the input we received from BOMA members, we're confident that ENGAGE technology will allow commercial owners and managers to quickly evolve from having an intelligent perimeter only to a more secure, connected and efficient environment on the interior as well," says Noblitt.
Allegion's partnership with BOMA
Allegion is a longtime Cornerstone partner at the international level, committee participant at the national level, sponsor at regional conferences and an affiliate providing support at local BOMA groups. Allegion will be involved in the annual conference:
Opening General Session: Allegion General Manager and Vice President, Electronics Rick White will explain how Allegion's spinoff from Ingersoll Rand is providing new services and opportunities for the commercial real estate market.
Education Session: Extend your Market Advantage with Secure Access Technologies, also hosted by White, will be held on Tuesday, June 24 between 9:00 - 10:15 am.
Invitation-only Event: Allegion and Mars will host "an artful evening" at the Ritz Carlton featuring Gino Savarino, a Chicago abstract artist whose painting will be auctioned off with proceeds benefitting BOMA PAC, the BOMA International political action committee.
Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) creates peace of mind by pioneering safety and security. As a $2 billion provider of security solutions for homes and businesses, Allegion employs more than 8,000 people and sells products in more than 120 countries across the world. Allegion comprises 27 global brands, including strategic brands CISA®, Interflex®,LCN®, Schlage® and Von Duprin®. For more, visit www.allegion.com.


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Toro attributes its longevity to, “the character of our people and channel partners, and their relentless commitment to serving our customers and building market leadership through innovation,” says Michael J. Hoffman, Toro’s chairman and CEO.
The company developed networks of professional distributor, dealer and retailer partners across industries in more than 90 countries. Its employees have earned 1,500 patents over the years.
When Toro celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1939, the company’s first president and co-founder John Samuel Clapper noted the loyal service of Toro’s employees and distributors was the customers’ guarantee of a high-quality product.
As part of its centennial celebration, the company created a website with a historical timeline to share its milestones.

domain: history


News Release Date: June 1, 2018
Contact: email@example.com(Press release originally distributed by the Department of the Interior Press Office.)
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of the Interior along with the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will publish a new free booklet to help kids get hooked on fishing. Starting June 2, aspiring anglers can download the Junior Ranger “Let’s Go Fishing!” activity booklet, which will introduce them and their families to fishing and encourage healthy and responsible outdoor recreation.
“The Junior Ranger fishing booklet is a great tool to inspire future anglers to get out on the waters and enjoy the American pastime of fishing,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. “Fishing in the rivers and lakes of Montana as a kid instilled in me a lifelong love of the sport.”
In the coming weeks, kids can pick up a print version of the booklet, funded in part by the National Park Foundation, at more than 500 national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national fish hatcheries that offer fishing. Upon completion of the booklet, kids will be sworn in as Junior Ranger Anglers and receive a National Park Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service junior ranger badge.
“This booklet offers great opportunities to get kids and families outdoors, where they can make memories and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation together,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Dan Smith. “The activities encourage safe and enjoyable fishing experiences and promote the conservation of native fish and their habitats.”
“Teaching a child to fish gives him or her an outdoor skill that can bring a lifetime of pleasure,” said Cynthia Martinez, chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System, part of the Fish and Wildlife Service. “There are hundreds of national wildlife refuges and other public lands across the country — in both urban and rural communities — which are great places to fish, and this booklet will tell you all you need to enjoy them.”
“Discover the fun of sharing a fishing adventure with your friends and family,” said National Park Foundation President Will Shafroth. “Thanks to the support of generous National Park Foundation donors, this new book inspires people of all ages to get out and fish.”
For more information about the Junior Ranger “Let’s Go Fishing!” program or to download a copy of the booklet, visit www.nps.gov/subjects/fishing. Visit fws.gov/refuges/kids/jrr
The Junior Ranger Angler program is one of more than 300 Junior Ranger programs in the Department of the Interior. Each is an intergenerational learning program that focuses on a site or theme tied to public lands. These activity books encourage young explorers to protect public lands, learn about the outdoors, and share their experiences with friends and family.
Last updated: June 2, 2018


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Ron Pollack’s Dec. 21 Point of View, “How the ACA will affect North Carolinians,” explained some of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, such as new benefits and subsidies to make coverage affordable for certain consumers. But his criticism of cancellations and claims of “Swiss cheese insurance” leave out several critical facts.
Implementing the ACA’s provisions is – as expected – creating change and disruption, especially for those who purchase individual coverage. The problematic rollout of the federal website has exacerbated this disruption and shone a light on the cancellation of individual policies across the country. But what Pollack failed to point out is that those cancellations were a direct result of the ACA.
Purchasers of individual policies in effect before the ACA became law March 23, 2010, are entitled to “grandfathered” status, which means that if they like their plans, they indeed can keep them. But “nongrandfathered” consumers – those who purchased or changed policies since that date – were required by the law to switch to ACA-compliant plans, which include new taxes and fees, additional benefits (such as requiring maternity coverage whether wanted or not) and in some cases higher benefit levels. Those extra benefits and taxes lead to more expensive premiums for many.
Several weeks ago, President Obama announced that insurers could extend the policies of nongrandfathered customers for one year, and BCBSNC quickly exercised this new option in order to help our customers through this transition. However, this is just a one-year solution that delays the policy goals of the ACA while extending the period of disruption along the way.
BCBSNC has offered North Carolinians financial protection from medical costs for 80 years through a wide range of health insurance options. The fact that many of those plans offered coverage for pediatric dental and vision or maternity services (all of which are required by the ACA) as separate products or add-ons does not make those plans “Swiss cheese” as Pollack claimed. Rather, it made those plans more affordable and attractive to consumers who did not need or want that type of coverage.
Barbara Morales Burke
Vice president, Health Policy and Chief Compliance Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
The length limit was waived to provide a fuller response to the Point of View.


Once again, the Federal Government and stakeholders in the Niger Delta have embarked on another tedious and long process to achieve sustainable peace in the Niger Delta, presently engulfed by militancy.
When the late President Umaru Yar’Adua administration granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants and created the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in 2009, there was calm in the region. However, the much-awaited development that was supposed to complement the creation of that ministry and end militant hostilities has become a mirage. Thus, militants in the region are restive and once again expressing discontent with the degradation of their communities through oil exploration and government’s handling of the whole issue.
Perhaps, in cognisance of the fact that sustainable peace in Niger Delta might remain elusive, if government does not demonstrate the willingness and capacity to meet the needs and grievances of the people of the Niger Delta region, the presidency was spurred to convene the much-anticipated meeting with stakeholders in Abuja to find the best way to tackle the challenges that have continued to plague the region.


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The Food and Drug Administration is punishing several companies that make and distribute kratom, a supplement with pain-relieving and psychedelic qualities that's been connected to a current salmonella outbreak.
In a letter launched on Tuesday, FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb gotten in touch with 3 business in different states to stop offering unapproved kratom items with unverified health claims. In a statement, Gottlieb stated the business were taken part in "health fraud scams" that " present major health risks."
Stemmed from a plant native to Southeast Asia, kratom is typically offered as pills, powder, or tea in the United States. Supporters say it assists suppress the signs of opioid withdrawal, which has actually led people to flock to kratom recently as a method of stepping down from more effective drugs like Vicodin.
But since kratom is categorized as a supplement and has not been developed as a drug, it's exempt to much federal policy. That means tainted kratom tablets and powders can easily make their method to keep shelves-- which appears to have actually happened in a current outbreak of salmonella that has actually so far sickened more than 130 individuals across multiple states.
Over-the-top claims and little clinical research
The FDA's current crackdown appears to be the most recent step in a growing divide between supporters and regulative agencies relating to using kratom The companies the firm has named are Front Range Kratom of Aurora, Colorado; Kratom Spot of Irvine, California and Revibe, Inc., of Kansas City, Missouri.
The claims these 3 companies have actually made include marketing the supplement as " really efficient versus cancer" and suggesting that their items might help lower the symptoms anchor of opioid dependency.
However there visite site are few existing clinical studies to support those claims. Research on kratom has actually discovered, nevertheless, that the drug take advantage of some of the same brain receptors as opioids do. That stimulated the FDA to classify it as an opioid in February.
Professionals state that since of this, it makes good sense that people with opioid usage condition are relying on kratom as a method of official statement abating their symptoms and stepping down from more powerful drugs like Vicodin.
Taking any supplement that hasn't been evaluated for safety by medical specialists can be harmful.
The risks of taking kratom.
Previous FDA screening found that numerous items dispersed by Revibe-- among the 3 business called in the FDA letter-- were polluted with salmonella. Last month, as part of a demand from the firm, Revibe damaged numerous tainted products still at its facility, but the business has yet to verify that it remembered items that had already delivered to stores.
Last month, the FDA provided its first-ever compulsory recall of kratom items after those produced by Las Vegas-based Triangle Pharmanaturals were discovered to be polluted with salmonella.
As of April 5, a total of 132 individuals throughout 38 states had been sickened with the bacteria, which can trigger diarrhea and stomach pain lasting up to a week.
Dealing with the danger that kratom products might bring hazardous bacteria, those who take the supplement have no trusted method to determine the proper dosage. It's likewise hard to discover a validate kratom supplement's complete ingredient list or represent potentially harmful interactions with other drugs or medications.
Kratom is presently prohibited in Australia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and several US states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, and Wisconsin). Throughout the United States, numerous reports of deaths and addiction led the Drug Enforcement Administration to position kratom on its list of "drugs and chemicals of concern." In 2016, the DEA proposed a ban on kratom however backtracked under pressure from some members of Congress and an outcry from kratom supporters.


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NAM nations call for combating terrorism in all its forms
Describing terrorism as one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, NAM nations, including India, have called on states to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms, including financing and the illicit transfer of weapons to terror outfits.
The 17th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held here, attended by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, also condemned the destruction of cultural heritage and religious sites, as well as crimes against humanity by terrorist groups. "They reiterated that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Hence, they reaffirmed their firm condemnation of terrorist acts in all their forms and manifestations, whatever their motivations, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed," a declaration at the end of the summit said.
The nations recognised the threat posed nowadays by this despicable scourge, particularly the activities carried out by terrorist groups such as the Taliban, Al-Qaida, Islamic State or ISIS and its affiliated entities, Jabhat Al Nusra, Boko Haram and Al Shabbaab, and other entities designated by the United Nations, including the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters and the spread of violent extremism which can be conducive to terrorism.
Nobody can tolerate terrorism: Ansari
Asserting that nobody can tolerate terrorism, Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Monday said the attack in Uri was totally unacceptable and such “tactics” would eventually lead to a lot of “unpleasantness”. “It’s the view of everybody in the country and that is my view also that this (attack in Uri) is totally unacceptable, totally condemnable and this kind of tactics will eventually lead to a lot of unpleasantness. What action the Government of India takes you will hear about it from the government of India,” Ansari said while returning from Venezuela.
Asked with terror attacks continuing unabated was India’s restraint being tested, he said, “Well, I don’t know whether the term restraint is there.
If one is attacked we shall respond in our own judgement and the manner of response is something that is left to the concerned authorities of the state but there is no question of restraint or tolerance. Nobody can tolerate terrorism.”