Iraq haunts U.S. in Munich
At the Munich Conference on Security Policy back in 2003, Joschka Fischer stared down Donald Rumsfeld and told him what he thought about Washington’s case for invading Iraq.
“I am not convinced. That is my problem,” the feisty German foreign minister told a glaring Pentagon chief.
Five years on, Iraq has dropped down the agenda of this high-profile annual gathering of foreign policy and defence experts, but it still casts a long shadow over U.S. efforts to press its policy in Europe.
This year in Munich, the focus has been on Afghanistan. U.S. officials, spearheaded by Rumsfeld’s successor Robert Gates, have pressed European nations to send more troops there and take a more active role in repelling a fierce Taliban insurgency.
On Sunday, Gates made a case for Afghanistan that might have made even Fischer proud — but Iraq is getting in the way.
“Our mistakes in Iraq have made it hard to convince Europe to do more in Afghanistan,” Lindsey Graham, Republican U.S. Senator from South Carolina told me. “These are two different conflicts but they are lumped together here.”
That’s partly the Bush administration’s fault. It has lumped Afghanistan and Iraq together under the banner of its “global war on terror”.
As long as Bush remains in office, it will be hard for European leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel to convince their deeply sceptical publics that a stronger commitment is needed in Afghanistan.
When a President Clinton, McCain or Obama comes knocking, it may be tougher to resist.


text:
by Rachel Isadora, Illustrated by Rachel Isadora
Publication Date: May 01, 2008
List Price: $7.99
Format: Board Book, 24 pages
Target Age Group: Board Book
Imprint: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Parent Company: Bertelsmann
A toddler plays a game of peekaboo, and you’re invited to play too. First there’s Mommy to find, with Daddy not far behind. Then Puppy comes peeking around the corner, and a favorite toy train brings the toddler to Grandma and Grandpa. Isadora’s brilliant, joyful pastel illustrations capture the familiar and cozy people, toys and animals that will delight babies.
Join this sweet toddler in the morning fun, sharing words your baby can repeat and pictures your baby will recognize. Then find out what this toddler sees next. It could be you!
- Juvenile Fiction / Family / Multigenerational
- Juvenile Fiction / Health & Daily Living / Daily Activities
- Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Games

domain: library


text:
Users' subscriptions to cloud mining products have been extended for three days due to the power outage.
The severe winter storm in North America shut down Binance's cloud mining products between Dec. 24-26, according to an official announcement on Dec. 28. As a result of the power outage, the company announced that users' subscriptions to cloud mining products were extended for three days.
Binance has noted that further outages as a result of the weather conditions will extend the duration of cloud mining subscriptions.
The exchange's cloud mining service, launched nearly a month ago, allows users without mining equipment to earn mining rewards from Binance Pool. Subscriptions are required to buy hashrates and Bitcoin mining on Binance's cloud.
During the days leading up to Christmas, a "bomb cyclone" unleashed extreme temperatures across the United States, leaving millions without electricity and claiming dozens of lives in the country.
Weather conditions in Texas drove Bitcoin miners to voluntarily curtail operations to give power back to the grid, allowing residents to keep their homes warm. Disruptions have impacted Bitcoin's hash rate, which typically hovers around 225-300 Exahashes per second (EH/s) in a typical day, hitting 170.60 EH/s on Dec. 25, Cointelegraph reported.
Bitcoin transactions worldwide have been slowed by 30% as a result of the Texan miners' decision. Texas is among the top states for Bitcoin mining in the U.S., along with New York, Kentucky and Georgia. All states were affected by the bomb cyclone in the past days.
Since FTX's collapse in November 2022, Binance has been surrounded by fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD), resulting in billions of dollars in withdrawals. While fighting rumours, the crypto exchange has continued to work on diversifying its business model. Last month, the company also announced that its venture capital arm, Binance Labs, has invested in Belgian hardware wallet company Ngrave and will lead its Series A funding round.

domain: finance


text:
On May 10 FactCheck.org examined Hillary Clinton’s gun control aspirations and suggested her praise for Australia’s gun confiscation scheme does not necessarily make her pro-confiscation.
They also admitted Clinton wants to ban “assault weapons,” yet suggested this in no way shows she wants to take guns away.
FactCheck.org noted Clinton’s October 16 statement that Australia’s gun confiscation scheme “would be worth considering” for gun policy in the United States yet simultaneously claimed Donald Trump “distorts Clinton’s gun stance” when he says she wants to take away guns.
They did this by trying to equate Clinton’s praise of the Australian approach with praise of gun buybacks. But they missed the whole point–Australia’s 1996 buyback was not like those which Democrat office holders in the U.S. sponsor for people who want to voluntarily turn in an old gun. Rather, the buyback was a mandatory one that veiled real confiscatory goals. Clinton knows this, and that is why she not only praised the Australian ban but also the bans in the UK and Canada.
On October 16 Clinton said:
You know, Australia’s a good example, Canada’s a good example, [and] the UK’s a good example. Why? Because each of them had mass killings, Australia had a huge mass killing about 20 or 25 years ago. Canada did as well, so did the UK. In reaction, they passed much stricter gun laws. In the Australian example, as I recall, that was a buyback program. The Australian government as part of trying to clamp down on the availability of…weapons offered a good price for buying hundreds of thousands of guns and basically clamped down going forward, in terms of having more of a background check approach–more of a permitting approach.
Her admission is that Australia bought up the weapons, then allowed certain people to get a permit to have a weapon thereafter with government approval. So it was not just confiscation, but confiscation followed by a gun and gun owner licensing program.
FactCheck.org also admits Clinton wants to institute an “assault weapons” ban, but because the previous federal ban only banned the sale of “assault weapons”–rather than their possession–they assume she does not want to ban possession either. The problem with this assumption is that the previous ban began over two decades ago, and Democrats have grown far more anti-gun since then. State-level “assault weapons” bans in New York and city-level bans in Chicago show the folly of believing an “assault weapons” ban is anything but.
Moreover, Clinton has been very clear that she not only wants to enact gun control but also wants to exceed those who went before her in so doing.
AWR Hawkins is the Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at email@example.com.

domain: law


June 14, 2011 - Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation , Canadian Water Network and RBC Blue Water Project team up for "Blue Economy Initiative."
Today, Canada's most experienced funder of water organizations, the nation's leading water research network and Canada's largest bank joined forces in a two-year venture that will make a clear case for the critical role water plays in Canada's economy.
The Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation, Canadian Water Network and RBC Blue Water Project announced The Blue Economy Initiative, which will provide information to Canadians and key decision makers about the economic benefits of protecting Canada's fresh water, and the economic risks of neglecting the health of our watersheds. Its goal is to create an upswell of support for sustainable water management in Canada, addressing questions that so far remain unanswered such as:
The Blue Economy Initiative will be led by Nicholas Parker, Chair of Cleantech Group and Parker Venture Management. Its first milestone will be the fall of 2011, with the release of a ground-breaking economic study of the contribution of water to the Canadian economy , authored by Canada's foremost water economists Steven Renzetti and Diane Dupont, and award-winning journalist, Chris Wood.
The announcement was made at the second annual Canadian Water Summit in Toronto.
For more information, contact Tim Morris, Program Manager, Fresh Water Protection at email@example.com


At President Trump's golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, there is a driving range on a cliff, with a stunning view of the blue Pacific. There's room for 24 golfers.
But, on a recent afternoon, there was only one.
And he was playing with a guilty conscience.
"I feel like I'm cheating on my wife," said Richard Sullivan, a 59-year-old doctor.
His wife is a fierce opponent of the president's politics. She'd recently caught Sullivan with a freebie water bottle bearing the Trump logo. "Don't ever go to Trump again," she ordered. Sullivan had stopped playing full $300 rounds of golf there, but he sneaked back to the range.
He often found it...


text:
Anderson appointed to state park advisory committee
Vincent Anderson appointed to Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park Advisory Committee
Vincent S. Anderson has been appointed by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve on the Advisory Committee of Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park near Fayetteville.
He was sworn into the position Tuesday morning by County Judge Mickey Pendergrass, and will serve a five-year term.
Anderson is a noted historian of the Ozarks and particularly our North Central Arkansas/Southern Missouri area.
He is a Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society member and past president, and is employed as the reference librarian and teacher at Donald W. Reynolds Library Serving Baxter County.
He is the author/editor of "Bald Knobbers: Chronicles of Vigilante Justice", and is in demand as a speaker on historical subjects about our region. Anderson is often consulted as an authority on Ozarks history by researchers from all across the country. He maintains an online blog, Ozarks’ History, filled with useful information and resources for those interested in the area history.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park near Fayetteville is a park commemorating and maintaining the site of the last major Civil War battle in Arkansas. Anderson says he hopes to use his Advisory Committee appointment to help preserve and present the full history of that battle, working to research the truth about both the Confederate and Union forces who fought there. As a scholar and historian Anderson is well qualified to serve in his new appointment.
Born in Mountain Home, Anderson was raised on the Arkansas/Missouri State line in Ozark County, Mo. He served in the U. S. Air Force, stationed at Little Rock AFB as an instructor in parachutes, oxygen systems and crash survival.
In 2004 Anderson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Arts with a minor in Hebrew. In 2006 he graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education with certification in to teach grades 4 to 8 in language arts, science, social studies, and has a Pre-AP certification in mathematics. He is certified as an EAST facilitator in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Education.
In 2007, Anderson was named Arkansas State University-Mountain Home alumni of the year. Committed to historical research and learning, Anderson is currently enrolled in a graduate program pursuing a Master’s Degree in American history from American Military University.
He is a former columnist of the weekly “A Look Back in History” column in The Baxter Bulletin. He has published articles for newspapers and historical quarterlies in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
He also has worked as a history consultant for the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Animal Planet. He served on the board of directors for the Arkansas Genealogical Society as the chair of education for three years.
He has been married for 26 years and the Andersons have and a daughter in high school and a son who is a computer engineering graduate from the University of Arkansas.

domain: history


text:
Starting today, the Walt Disney World Railroad system is closed to support work surrounding the upcoming TRON roller coaster coming to Tomorrowland. As seen in the concept art below, the TRON structure will be built over the top of the existing track.
It’s because of this construction that the railroad will be experiencing an extended closure. Disney has yet to make a statement of when the railroad will reopen, and there are no times available on the Walt Disney World website.
In the meantime, a train is parked at the Main Street Station, allowing for some unique photo opportunities for guests. Here’s a look at the #2 Lilly Belle locomotive, now open for guests to explore.
Parked at the station is the Lilly Belle #2 locomotive and three cars. Guests are able to walk up to the locomotive, but unlike when Disneyland had an extended closure for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge work, guests will not be able to enter the locomotive at Walt Disney World.
Cast Members at the location have given an estimated closure time of “at least one year”. Disney has not made an official statement.

domain: entertainment


text:
There is an old adage that goes, the cream always rises to the top. This ancient bit of agricultural wisdom is widely applied to mean that success comes to those who are worthy of it. I doubt there is a writer alive who does not harbor the fantasy, however deeply, that somewhere, a big-time movie producer or the acquisitions director of some major publishing house is reading his or her book and thinking, “My god! Why have I wasted all my years producing such drivel when this was out there? This person can write! I must sign them immediately, no matter the cost. Estelle, cancel all my appointments and find this author for me.”
That’s the dream. We think success will somehow find our books. Stop rolling your eyes and just admit it. Every writer harbors some version of that fantasy. If you didn’t think your writing was worthy, you wouldn’t put it out there. So you hit the publish button and wait for the calls and offers to start pouring in. They don’t. You find a few minor successes – a few nice reviews, a nice initial bump in the book rankings, maybe your book even won an award. But then everything seems to fizzle and your book languishes.
In the mean time that book, A Half-Hundred Variants of Off-Black has sold a zillion copies even though everyone says they hate it and it is being made into a movie with A-List actors. Probably in 3-D. There’s your cream.
Beneath your stoic exterior, you’re pulling your hair out and yelling, Why, god, why? Whose [BLANK] do I have to [BLANK] to get a [BLANKING] break in this business?
This frustration is caused by an unspoken and unrealistic belief that writing a good book is somehow enough. There is an innate faith that if your book is as deserving as you believe it to be, and you’ve been a good little writer all year long, the success fairy will come and grant your wishes.
Rick Taubold put it well in an excellent article on the subject of book marketing.
“The experts tell us that whether an author is indie or not he/she , [sic} needs to think about marketing from the moment the book is begun. But wait. Didn’t traditional publishers deal with all the marketing, leaving the author free to write? No. That hasn’t happened for several decades. Most books receive minimal marketing (unless the publisher has good reason to believe it’s going to be a bestseller out of the gate). An author who believes that a book will sell itself is sadly mistaken.”
Rick makes the case – and rightly so – that book marketing begins with a good product. Painstaking proofing, editing, beta-reads, tweaks, cover design, book description, etc. The problem is, a lot of folks seem to think once they have put the final polish on their little gem, it will glisten enough to attract readers. It won’t. Sure, as soon as you hit the publish button, your book is available on the biggest online retail site, and maybe even 25,000 other sites all over the world. So is every other book.
To get any real traction, you’re going to have to promote the book. The good news is that there are lots of ways to do this. The bad news is that what works or worked for one person may not work for you.
If you have enough money left over from the expense of editing, cover design, and formatting, you can hire a media relations firm, buy a tour bus and set up a bunch of book signings and speaking engagements. Okay, let’s call that plan B.
The book launch is often used in combination with giveaway goodies. Big Al wrote a great post on Rafflecopter. Laurie Boris wrote about Goodreads giveaways. If done well, a book launch can get you off to a nice start. Just don’t let the book lose too much steam before the next marketing stratagem.
Initially, you will probably try to capitalize on your established social media presence. That was probably why you established it in the first place. Be sure to check out this recent article by Nick Forristal on book marketing with Twitter.
A lot of authors go with the KDP Select program and maximize the use of their free days to ramp up their book rankings. KDP Select doesn’t seem to work as well as it once did, but a number of folks still report some success.
Reviews are important, though not necessarily in the most obvious way. Yes, it is nice if people look at your book page and see a couple dozen four and five star reviews. The problem is that reviews have been tainted by the twin scourges of sock-puppetry and paid-for reviews. But the reviews that are likely to be the most helpful are those by actual book bloggers. Why? Simply put, book bloggers have followers and their reviews carry weight with those followers. Each review you can get from a book blogger is a double-whammy. Unfortunately, most of the bloggers with large followings (like Books and Pals) have long wait times. On the bright side, very few book bloggers will charge you even a thin dime to review your book. The IndieView has an extensive list of book review sites that are indie-friendly.
The final, ugly bit of promotion deals with placing your work with book promo sites. There are many sites that offer free and low-cost promotion. Indies Unlimited is one of those sites where you can get a lot of exposure for no cost at all, and purchase advertising at ridiculously low rates. My advice is not to put all your eggs in one basket, though. Martin Crosbie put together an excellent list of book promo sites that he has shared with IU.
Some of the paid advertising can be a little pricey. The key is return on investment. If an ad cost you $200, you want to be sure it sells enough books to justify that cost. As with anything, it doesn’t always work. Nothing always works.
All of this stuff falls within the general category of book hype. That is, it involves what you say or pay people to say about your book in order to generate interest. What you want is for the book hype to generate book buzz. That is when people start talking, blogging, and enthusing about your book. If you can obtain sufficient book buzz, you’ll have traction.
The thing to remember is that there is no secret formula. What worked for someone else may not work for you. What worked for you once may not work a second time. Something that never worked before might skyrocket you to success on another try. Marketing is a black box. Having so many tools at your disposal can be confusing, but it is better than having too few. Mix and match – try a little of everything. In the case of books, the cream doesn’t rise to the top on its own. It has to be promoted there.

domain: literature


text:
Allahabad High Court dismissed an appeal filed by a man in a 1987 murder case, noting that his counsel had not appeared during the hearing of his case. While HC dismissed the man’s appeal, the Apex Court, while resorting it, asked the High Court to consider taking it for hearing at an early date and also said that it was open for the High Court to appoint an amicus curiae to assist it when the petitioner was not represented before it through the lawyer in the matter.
It is well accepted that right of being represented through a counsel is part of due process clause and is preferable to the right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, a bench headed by Justice U.U. Lalit said.
In case the advocate representing the cause of the accused, for one reason or the other was not available, it was open to the court to appoint an amicus curiae to assist the court but the cause, in any case, ought not to be allowed to go unrepresented, the bench, also comprising Justices Vineet Saran and S Ravindra Bhat, said in its December 18 order.
The order was passed by the Apex Court while hearing a plea filed by the convict against the judgment of April 2017, which dismissed the petitioner’s appeal which challenged the Trial Court’s Judgement, awarding him a life-term in a murder case. It noted the submission of the petitioner’s lawyer that the appeal was disposed off by the High court in the absence of any representation on behalf of the appellant.
The Bench constituted in the Supreme Court noted that the man was not presented by any lawyer through the hearing and took onto the matter and affirmed the view taken by the trial court. In the circumstances, we have no other alternative but to set aside the judgment passed by the High Court and to restore criminal appeal to the file of the High Court to be disposed of afresh, said the Apex Court.
It was duly noted by the court that the man was taken into custody while his appeal stood pending in the High Court, which was filed by him when he was out on Bail.
The Bench, while examining the facts of the case said,
“In the circumstances, we request the high court to consider taking up criminal appeal. For hearing at an early date and in order to facilitate the exercise, we direct the registry of the high court to list the appeal before the appropriate court on January 11, 2021 for directions.”
“The convict shall appear before the high court through advocate on January 11 and in case of any default, the high court may consider appointing an amicus curiae to assist it in the matter. During the pendency of the matter before the high court, the appellant shall continue to remain in custody,” added the Bench, while disposing of the plea.
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domain: news


PARIS – Nautricity, a spin-out company from the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, UK), announced it has received $2.2 million to take its tidal technology forward.
Nautricity said it has developed a marine turbine that can harness energy from the sea. The device is capable of generating 500kW of electricity, the company claimed.
Nautricity said it used fluid dynamics with performance characterization to develop the concept of the contra-rotating tidal turbine (CoRMaT). CoRMaT is a patent pending contra-rotating turbine, suitable for deployment in water depths of 8 to 500m.
CoRMaT uses two closely spaced dissimilar rotors, moving in opposite directions. The first rotor has three blades rotating in a clockwise direction while the second rotor, located directly behind the first, has four blades rotating in an anti-clockwise direction.
According to Nautricity, this doubles the relative rotational speed compared with a single rotor turbine, allowing the turbine to directly drive a flooded, permanent magnet, contra-rotating generator, without a gearbox. The flooded generator is cooled passively by the water, eliminating parasitic energy losses associated with gearbox driven water tight active oil based gearbox-generator cooling systems and power absorbing shaft seals.
Following successful sea trials, the team said it was able to demonstrate that the CoRMaT produces electricity and that the technology is scalable and versatile, making it suitable for grid connected power systems and standalone / distributed power systems such as those for island communities, paper mills, etc.
Nautricity Ltd is a spin-out company formed in 2010 from the University of Strathclyde’s Energy Systems Research Unit (ESRU), in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, to generate electricity from tidal flows.
The $2.2 million award was part of the $12.8 million WATERS 2 funding package announced by Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, aimed at helping Scottish firms to secure an increased share of the international marine energy market.
See related links
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text:
Calm. One Word says it all – it’s amongst Rarebits’ most soothing properties. A true country experience - meet the locals in a country inn with a modern twist. Good food- tasty, inventive cuisine, good value and fabulous breakfasts.
A long and winding road up the beautiful Ceiriog Valley leads to a crossroads and the tiny village of Llanarmon, locked away in the undiscovered Berwyn Mountains. Near to Llangollen as the crow flies, this soothing retreat is superbly placed for exploring especially enticing countryside (one of those ‘best-kept secrets’). It’s a mix of rolling borderlands, grassy highlands and hidden valleys, one of which leads to Wales’s highest waterfall.
The Hand is an ancient hostelry with all the attributes you’d expect – bags of character, a cosy, relaxing ambience and a warm welcome from your hosts, Jonathan and Jackie Greatorex. As soon as you arrive you feel the weight of the world dissolving as the surroundings work their magic. All the classic ingredients are here – old beams, roaring fireplaces, a casual mix-and-match of pine and oak furniture, real ale and good food. The latter is seriously good. Thanks to the talents of Head Chef Grant Mulholland and his team, The Hand is renowned for award-winning food, an inventive marriage of country fare and sophisticated metropolitan cuisine.
The bedrooms, in a variety of sizes, reflect similar influences, with rustic décor and sparkling modern bathrooms. Country lovers just love the location. You can walk in the Berwyns for hours with only the sheep for company and the ever-helpful Hand can arrange many country pursuits, including horse riding, fishing and shooting. You may be away from it all, but you’ll also be in the swing of things; this gem of a country inn is so much a part of village life that locals and visitors mix in unaffected harmony.
The whole of North Wales is beautiful, but few areas compare to the Ceiriog Valley.
Llanarmon D.C. is at the heart of the Upper Ceiriog: the most remote, most beautiful part of the valley, set against the backdrop of the Berwyn Mountains. This truly is stunning, real countryside. Whereas in many parts of Britain today, the drone of traffic is a permanent background, here you can get up on the tops of the hills and not hear a sound, apart from the birds and every turn of the track reveals another breath-taking view.
This is a genuinely tranquil place in which to while away a few days and The Hand is uniquely situated as a base for all sorts of outdoor activities or just sitting and soaking up the atmosphere.
This is wonderful walking country - you can walk for miles and not see another soul and almost any country pursuit can be arranged nearby. Some wonderful National Trust properties - Erddig, Chirk and Powys Castles - are nearby and many of the popular attractions of North Wales such as Snowdonia, Portmeirion and Bodnant Gardens provide a pleasant day out within easy striking distance.
Thanks to good road networks we are easily reached from major centres and although sufficiently off the beaten track, we are in fact only 34 miles from Chester, 28 from Shrewsbury, 82 miles from Birmingham, slightly less from Liverpool and Manchester, and 196 miles from London. Turn off the A5 at Chirk and follow the B4500, signposted to the Ceiriog Valley.

domain: geography


text:
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, diced fine
2 celery ribs, diced fine
1 medium carrot, diced fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 pound ground chuck
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup red wine
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1/3 cup heavy cream
In a large skillet over medium-high heat olive oil and sauté onion, celery, and carrot, and saute until tender. Add garlic and tomato paste stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker.
In the same pan vacated by the vegetables, brown beef; drain. Stir in kosher salt and seasonings. Stir in wine, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 7 minutes or until almost all liquid has evaporated. Add to slow cooker with tomatoes and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW 6-8 hours. Stir in cream. Check sauce; it should be thick and creamy. (If a thicker sauce is desired uncover and cook 30 more minutes.) Discard bay leaf.
Serve atop the pasta of your choice.

domain: food


text:
Manufacturers are more optimistic as orders rise
Tuesday 03 May 2011
Small and medium-sized manufacturers are striking a much more optimistic note than the rest of the economy, with the Confederation of British Industry revealing today that the sector saw orders grow in April at the fastest rate for 16 years.
The CBI said orders were rising quickly from both domestic and overseas customers, and that output continued to rise solidly as a result. It also revealed that companies were increasingly optimistic about the months ahead. However, cost pressures have become even more intense, with the rising price of raw materials presenting a serious problem for many.
Overall, orders in April rose the most since April 1995. Some 39 per cent of companies surveyed by the CBI said their domestic orders rose last month, while 23 per cent saw a fall, a positive balance of 16 per cent. For export orders, the corresponding numbers were 37 per cent and 14 per cent, a positive balance of 23 per cent.
The improvement will be welcomed by ministers anxious to see a rebalancing of Britain's economy towards manufacturing and industry, as will the evidence that the increases in orders are prompting a growing number of companies to take on new staff. A balance of 18 per cent of companies said production rose last month, while a balance of 16 per cent made additional hirings, the highest figure since April 1995.
However, the global boom in commodity prices is now being felt acutely by small British manufacturers. A positive balance of 53 per cent of companies said costs rose last month.
Domestic prices rose at the fastest rate since April 1995, while export prices rose more quickly than at any time since the CBI began its monthly surveys of the sector in 1988.
Lucy Armstrong, chairwoman of the CBI's small and medium enterprise council, said the survey presented a mixed picture. "Smaller manufacturers are enjoying strong demand for goods at home and abroad, underpinning robust growth in production, while headcount has increased for the third consecutive quarter as firms try to keep up with demand, and output is expected to rise again in the coming months," Ms Armstrong said.
"However, inflationary pressures remain a dark cloud, with rising oil and commodity prices pushing up the cost of production and eating into profit margins."
Malaysia Airlines plane crash exposes alarming flaw in airline security: over one billion flights made last year without stolen-passport check
Kim Jong-un wins 100% of the vote in North Korean elections
Teacher shows sex tape featuring herself to pupils during class by mistake
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: Oil slicks in South China Sea ‘not from missing jet’, officials say
Swarm of killer bees sting woman 1,000 times
Britain's top vet sparks controversy with call for ban on slashing animals' throats in 'ritual' slaughters for halal and kosher meat products
If you're horrified by a flame-roasted dog, you should be shocked at a hog roast
Poor 'live like animals' says Boris's privately educated sister after going on 'poverty safari'
Exclusive: Impact of immigrants on British workers ‘negligible’
Vince Cable: Teachers 'know absolutely nothing' about the world of work
Ukraine crisis: Russia pledges to 'retaliate against sanctions' as Ukrainian president says Crimea vote will not be recognised
- 1 International Women's Day 2014: The shocking statistics that show why it is still so important
- 2 Australian man Rod Sommerville reacts to bite from deadly snake by reaching for cold beer
- 3 Teacher shows sex tape featuring herself to pupils during class by mistake
- 4 David Cameron resorts to paying for Facebook fans because not enough people like him
- 5 Steve Irwin’s final words: Cameraman present at death opens up about deadly stingray attack for the first time
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text:
Salima Central Constituency UDF shadow MP promises equal development
UDF shadow MP for Salima central constituency John paul Chitimbe has promised to be working without looking into different religious background once voted as a member of the parliament in the next tripartite elections.
Chitimbe said this when he was addressing people who came to witness the Umanyano CD launch which held at Msalura CCAP hall on Sunday where he was the guest of honor.
Chitimbe said being a a muslim does not mean he cannot attend a Christian gathering saying everyone has the right to help in every situation.
Both chitimbe for UDF and Gerald phiri for MCP who are amongst the salima central aspirants in 2019 elections were in attendance of the show.

domain: politics


Microsoft has launched a new limited time promotion that allows customers to trade in their iPad for a minimum $200 gift card towards the purchase of a Surface tablet or other products from the Microsoft Store.
The offer applies to the iPad 2 or later — so long as the device is in “gently used” condition — and is available at brick-and-mortar Microsoft Stores in the United States and Canada, not online. The power cord must be included with the iPad.
This promotion is intended to boost sales of the Surface tablet, which has failed to gain traction in the market alongside the industry-leading iPad. Microsoft was forced to make a $900 million write down on unsold Surface inventory, and has been using Siri as part of an aggressive marketing campaign against the iPad.
With the new Surface starting price of $349, coupled with a minimum $200 gift card, customers could potentially purchase the tablet for $149 or less. Prospective buyers may wish to wait a few weeks, however, as Microsoft is expected to unveil the second-generation Surface at a press event on September 23rd.


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S-56 was a Stalinets-class submarine of the Voyenno-morskoy flot SSSR (Военно-морской флот СССР), ‘Military Maritime Fleet of the USSR’) — the naval arm of the Soviet Armed Forces — known as the Soviet Navy or the Red Fleet in English. She was laid down by Shipyard #194 in Leningrad on November 24, 1936, and then shipped in sections by rail to Vladivostok where it was reassembled … Continue reading Soviet Submarine S-56
On May 22, 1819, an American hybrid sailing ship/sidewheel steamer built the year before called S.S. Savannah, departed on a voyage during which she became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, transiting mainly under sail power from May to June 1819. In spite of this historic voyage, the great space taken up by her large engine and its fuel at the expense of … Continue reading S.S. Savannah
At 10:22 PM local time on Saturday, May 21, 1927, Charles Augustus Lindbergh landed his Ryan single-engine monoplane Spirit of St. Louis on the ground at Aérodrome de Le Bourget in Paris, France, completing the first solo, non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. He had begun his journey 33 hours, 30 minutes and 29.8 seconds before — lifting his aircraft from the muddy runway of Roosevelt Airfield … Continue reading Lindbergh Takes Europe by Storm
At 7:52 on the rainy morning of May 20, 1927, a 25-year-old former U.S. Air Mail pilot with the nickname of Slim taxied his single-engine Ryan monoplane, Spirit of St. Louis, down the muddy runway at Roosevelt Airfield near Garden City on Long Island, New York. Taking off in relative obscurity, 33 hours, 30 minutes later Charles Augustus Lindbergh landed at Aéroport Le Bourget in … Continue reading Lucky Lindy Flies the Atlantic!
One of the reasons that I love collecting stamps so much is that I learn quite a lot about people, places and events I previously had no knowledge of. The hobby has stimulated my love for history and has enabled me to become quite an expert at geography. It all starts with curiosity: what is on my stamp? Where is it? The quest for those … Continue reading Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Every year from April until June, the skies over the vast northeastern region of Thailand known as Isan fills with the smoke of rockets rising up over the rice fields. The rockets range from the traditional cylindrical missiles to rotating contraptions that are as dangerous as they look. Welcome to the annual Bun Bang Fai Festival (ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ — Prapheni Bun Bang Fai), where the superstition of … Continue reading Thailand’s Bun Bang Fai Festival of Rockets
To most people, the post horn is an antique object rarely encountered. To most stamp collectors, it is a design element most often found gracing older stamps or within the modernized logos of many postal services around the world. If certain specialized philatelists, the post horn represents a lifetime of collecting pleasure. When I was a budding collector in rural Tennessee circa 1974-1975, I was … Continue reading The Post Horn
Riding the local version of a bus (called a songtesaw, meaning “three seats”) to work today, I decided I wanted to write a “random stamp day” article about giraffes. I felt it would be an “easy” topic compared with the recent marathons involved putting together the articles on Jamestown (more than 11,000 words) and Air Mail/Inverted Jenny (almost 6200 words). I need to do a few … Continue reading The Giraffe


Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
Condition: Used - Excellent
Model: Dash 4000
The Dash 4000 monitor is a lightweight, portable and ergonomic monitor developed by GE Healthcare. The Dash 4000 takes flexible to a new level, allowing the user to bring the ICU to any patient. Whenever you need reliable patient care, the Dash 4000 is the monitor for you. Long-lasting batteries allow for extended use.
The screen is 10.4" and offers full-color active matrix displays that makes viewing from a distance convenient. Dash 4000 is a user-friendly device. Set up of the monitor is simplified with color-coded connections.
This durable patient monitor has a wide variety of software and hardware capabilities like GE's famous 12SL interpretive algorithm. Dash leads the industry in in rejecting artifact from pacemakers. The monitor can be networked with a wired or wireless connection at a facility.


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Other International Definitions
Resilience means the ability to “resile from” or “spring back from” a shock. The resilience of a community in respect to potential hazard events is determined by the degree to which the community has the necessary resources and is capable of organizing itself both prior to and during times of need.
(States of) Jersey
Note: Six dimensions of community resilience are identified: ecological, social, economic, institutional, infrastructure, and community competence.
- CBRN Resilience
- Cyber Resilience
- Economic Resilience
- Organisational Resilience
- 2009 UNISDR Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Geneva, Switzerland, May 2009.
- States of Jersey Emergency Measures Plan (2014)
- Cabinet Office, Glossary - Revision to Emergency Preparedness 2011
- NIST Special Publication 1190, Community Resilience Planning Guide for Buildings and Infrastructure Systems, Volume I, U.S. Department of Commerce, October 2015.
- Presidential Policy Directive -- Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, PPD-21, 2013.
- Magis, K. (2010). Community Resilience: An Indicator of Social Sustainability. Society & Natural Resources: An International Journal, 23(5), 401–416.
- Cutter, S. L., Barnes, L., Berry, M., Burton, C., Evans, E., Tate, E., & Webb, J. (2008). A place-based model for understanding community resilience to natural disasters. Global Environmental Change, 18(4), 598-606.
- Alderich, P. D., & Meyer, A. (2015). Social Capital and Community Resilience. American Behavioral Scientist, 59(2), 254-269.
- C. E. Colten, R. W. Kates, and S. B. Laska, “Three Years after Katrina: Lessons for Community Resilience,” Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development 50, no. 5(2008): 36–47.
- Bruneau, M., Chang, S. E., Eguchi, R. T., Lee, G. C., O’Rourke, T. D., Reinhorn, A. M., … Von Winterfeldt, D. (2003). A Framework to Quantitatively Assess and Enhance the Seismic Resilience of Communities. Earthquake Spectra, 19(4), 733–752.


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Ceramics - Bowl
Faience, medallion decorations executed in sgraffito technique
Size: Diameter: 37.5 cm
Origin and time: Kerman, Iran, 17th century
Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna
Inv. No. Or 0783
A particular variation of blue-white ceramics is assumed to have emerged in Kerman: using the sgraffito technique, scant patterns were incised into a thick blue glaze. The two medallions covered in arabesque decorations are the only ornaments of the bowl remarkably highlighted by the distinct color contrast. The few preserved objects of this ceramic category stand out through their precise decorations. It is believed that the blue background represents the sky.

domain: design


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The Dining Room is an award-winning AA Rosette restaurant, where you can indulge in our seasonal menus with ingredients from the hotel’s own kitchen gardens. The restaurant serves up fresh flavours, and stunning views over the terrace and gardens.
Tuck into deliciously fresh flavours and healthy dishes in a tranquil atmosphere, at the Orchard House Spa Cafe. This stylish, award-winning dining experience is open to everyone, so join us and soak up the glorious sun terrace views.
Mallory Court Hotel Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with Company Number 01274376.
Registered office address: Mallory Court Hotel Harbury Lane, Bishops Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9QB
VAT Number: 806 6412 41

domain: travel


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The inaugural Farm2Fork Fest, sponsored by GMO-Free Florida and MAM Miami, will promote organic farming and sustainable living. This free event is set for Saturday, May 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Miami’s Wynwood arts district.
“Living well begins with eating well, and eating well begins with how our food is grown,” says a press release issued by GMO-Free Florida.
The event will combine “the magic of a street fair; the tastes and aromas of an organic farmers market; the pulse of live music; and the fun of hands-on classes, cooking demos, pop-up gardens and mind-expanding talks,” the release explains.
Although the event will be fun, it will have a serious side, too. Workshops will provide information about GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and other issues, including how to protect pollinators and how to restore and regenerate the U.S. food and farming systems.
Other activities will include learning about seasonal planting, soil, permaculture and other topics at the on-site Farm School. And, of course, plenty of food vendors will be on hand.
For more information about MAM Miami, visit www.march-against-monsanto.com.


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Both the pond and the mature landscape around the house give it a cloak of green and provide ample privacy even as the dashing white structure with black trims stands in captivating contrast. A cleverly concealed driveway snakes through the trees and leads you to the entry of the minimal residence.
It is natural daylight that offers necessary illumination during the day cutting back on energy needs even as a the steam shower and the Jacuzzi next to the rooftop garden complete a home that is as sensible as it is stylish
A stunning blend of modern minimalism at its refined best and natural landscape filled with green goodness the offers the best of both worlds rolled into one. Designed by in situ studio this striking contemporary home in Charlotte North Carolina is surrounded by natural woodlands and sits close to a beautiful natural pond.
A remarkable world where the night sky comes alive with dancing lights in brilliant colors and the rugged landscape disappears into the rough Northern seas is undoubtedly a great setting for an off-grid home that allows you to enjoy nature at its breathtaking best.
The courtyard sits at the heart of the house and a ventilation duct on the second floor brings in light and natural breeze. While hitting the house is gently drawn into the courtyard it is the slightly curved outward roof of the south side that directs the air outside. This also helps in cooling the house naturally on less boisterous days!
Presenting a wonderful contrast between the cleverly concealed and the undeniably obvious in Downtown neighborhood of enthralls with its innovative design. In an urban landscape where greenery and privacy are increasingly hard to find architects from El Dorado manage to unearth both these qualities with a home that seems hidden underground on one side and precariously floating above it on the other!
Transforming a home with a modern rear extension is definitely a hot trend that simply refuses to slow down. Not only does it give an old structure a new lease of life with simple refurbishment and a snazzy addition but also cuts down significantly on construction costs.

domain: artistic


In honor of April Fool’s Day, Law.com presents the First Annual Juris-Imprudence Awards, whereby we recognize acts of extreme foolishness by members of the legal community from the past year.
The Dumbest Email
Dewey think it’s okay to cook the books when you’re a little short of cash? No, siree, and neither does the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, which recently indicted four of the defunct Dewey & LeBoeuf’s erstwhile members for doing just that: Steven Davis, the firm’s former chairman; Stephen DiCarmine, its former executive director; Joel Sanders, who served as its chief financial officer; and Zachary Warren, who was the client relations manager. P.S. Allegedly, they actually used the phrase “cooking the books” in emails discussing (you guessed it!) cooking the books.
The Rookie Mistake
Here’s a tip: When you’re stepping up to the podium at the highest court in the land, don’t plan to rely on your notes. In January, a nervous first-time U.S. Supreme Court advocate began his argument by reading from a prepared statement, until Justice Antonin Scalia (that old softie), interrupted and asked: “Counsel, you are not reading this, are you?” …Cue awkward silence…
The Cringe-Inducing Associate Error
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan is known for its envy-inducing work policies (Go ahead, draft that memo from the beach in Costa Rica!). But even when you’ve got a cushy Biglaw gig, some rules still apply. That lesson was brought home to the firm after one associate “fail[ed] to omit confidential terms from a licensing report while working late one night,” and then distributed the report to 200 people at Quinn’s client, Samsung. No one caught the mistake for a year, and when it was (finally) noticed, the firm chose to say nothing. Then word got out, and Apple and Nokia demanded sanctions. Quinn escaped that fate, but far from telling the firm to hang loose, U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal issued a blistering 19-page excoriation of its management structure.
The Long-Overdue Comeuppance
Former SAC Capital portfolio advisor Matthew Martoma was convicted of insider trading after he procured information about the problematic results of an Alzheimer’s drug trial and immediately sold stock in the companies conducting the trial. Martoma was no stranger to cheating: He was expelled from Harvard Law School for falsifying his transcript to improve his chances of getting a federal clerkship. He then managed to get into Stanford Business School (oh, with the help of a name change). But the most seasoned liar has his bad days, and this time, even Martoma couldn’t beat the rap.
The Copycat Criminal
Just a thought: It might not be the best idea commit the same crime as that of your recently convicted client. A Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney was arrested last December for selling Oxycodone out of his Jaguar (in front of his law office, natch) to an undercover police officer. The lawyer’s client, a doctor, had been convicted the month before for distributing the same pills to drug addicts.
The Best Reality Show Star Court Appearance
As TV’s Judge Joe Brown learned last month, reality show antics don’t translate well to an actual courtroom. The former television judge was jailed on a contempt of court charge after reportedly becoming “pretty raucous” in front of a Tennessee juvenile court judge.
The Judge Who Went (Way) Too Far
A New York judge resigned last June after he decided to take the law into his own hands. Specifically, he suspected that a 15-year-old boy had stolen money from his farm stand, so he allegedly pushed the boy to the ground, took his bike, threw it in the boy’s yard and then threatened him with a baseball bat for good measure.
The Grossest Tweet
A Georgia-based lawyer who filed a lawsuit against celebrity chef Paula Deen turned heads last June when he tweeted that he wanted to ”do” and “undress” her. Although the lawyer said he meant it in a strictly metaphorical sense, Deen’s lawyers asked a judge to dismiss him from the case.
The Most Misogynist Comments
An Arkansas judge was outed last month for making racist, sexist and homophobic comments on a popular online college sports board. One of his posts included this gem: “Men have two needs. Feed me and f*<k me. Take care of both we will be good. Whichever one you don’t then the man will find.”
The Most Ridiculous Drug Trafficking Attempt
A Boston lawyer was arrested last November after he decided it was a smart idea to smuggle narcotics to a woman locked up in a courthouse. He was caught (shocker!) and charged with possession of Suboxone with intent to distribute.
The Repeat Offender
Michigan Judge Wade McCree has been removed from office for having sex with a complaining witness in a child-support case before him. Does his name sound familiar? That would be because he’s the same judge who made headlines for texting a shirtless photo to a court employee and then telling a reporter “There’s no shame in my game.” McCree might run for re-election in November, but the Michigan Supreme Court has already suspended him for the entire six-year term.
The Hit with No Run
Last June, an attorney and a retired LAPD officer engaged in a brawl in what appeared to be a case of road rage. The lawyer allegedly got out of his Volkswagen Beetle, walked up to the retired officer’s BMW and punched the driver, who promptly placed the attorney under citizen’s arrest.
The Ill-Timed Nudity
What happens in chambers doesn’t always stay in chambers. A Bosnian judge was recently fired for “damaging the reputation of the judiciary institution” while behind closed doors. Her offense? Oh, just sunbathing on her desk … in the nude … in front of a bunch of windows.
The Completely Absurd Indigence Claim
A Minneapolis attorney racked up $300,000 in sanctions for filing frivolous lawsuits, then claimed poverty despite his $1.35 million income and his lavish spending on “restaurants, meals, liquor, yoga, tanning and kettlebell equipment.”
The Nigerian Scam Victim
This Iowa lawyer may have had the best of intentions in trying to help his client secure a bequest of $18,800,000 from a long-lost cousin in Nigeria (sound familiar?). The situation went from sad to messy when the attorney, Robert Allan Wright Jr., began recruiting his other clients to loan their settlements to help pay the $177,660 in taxes needed to secure the big inheritance. The whole mess resulted in Wright’s suspension by the Iowa Supreme Court, which did take notice of the Disciplinary Board’s conclusion that Wright “appears to have honestly believed — and continues to believe — that one day a trunk full of … one hundred dollar bills is going to appear upon his office doorstep.” Sigh. Don’t we all?
The Resume Forger
Lying on your resume is probably not the brightest idea, but it’s extra risky when you’re a partner at a big law firm and you’re fabricating degrees from Harvard and Oxford, plus admission to the New York and Irish bars. It all looks very impressive — until you’re caught.
The Amazing Time Traveling Lawyer
Ben Swift became the highest-paid attorney for court appointments in Ohio by billing for indigent defense work for an average of nine hours a day, seven days a week for 365 days straight. Impossible, you say? Not if, as an audit showed, some of those days included 21, 23 and 29 billable hours. Swift’s unique sense of time-management earned him a disciplinary review.
The Egregious Stripper-Related Decision
When New Jersey Judge Roman Montes paid a visit to Breathless, a local “go-go bar,” one of the performers recognized him — as the judge presiding over her pending domestic violence case. Awkward? Not for Montes, who asked for her phone number. The judge did try to get the matter transferred, but his continued relationship with the dancer-litigant included communication about her case, and for that he was hit with an ethics complaint.
The Sin of Omission
The Illinois Supreme Court has issued a three-year suspension for solo Reema Nicki Bajaj, who failed to disclose some of her work history on her bar application. That can be an issue — especially when one of your former jobs happens to be prostitution. Bajaj allegedly worked as a call girl from 2005 to 2011, and accepted not only money but office supplies for her law practice in exchange for sex.


text: Custom Mobile Chris Craft Boat Bar portable home One-Of-A-Kind Rustic Hand Made. Condition is New. Custom bar made from an original 19' Chris Craft Scorpion made with reclaimed wood and original hardware on wheels. Added a real wood steering wheel. This is built solid with screws, not a nail gun. Custom hand painted by local artist and clear coated for outdoor or indoor use. The back bar is about 6’ wide and will get accurate measurements soon. It can be hung in the wall or placed on any flat surface. We will consider building a rolling stand or permanent one. Bar is: 7’ long 36-5/8” deep 42-1/2” tall Will consider freight shipping or delivery.


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Michigan State Police troopers are switching back to a classic look to celebrate the department’s 100th anniversary.
The last time Michigan State Police wore these hats was in the 1920s.
Similar to the current hats, the new hats include a black braid.
Sergeants get a silver braid.
Lieutenants and above get a gold braid.
State police say they are excited to honor those who came before them.
“I think it’s kind of a nice move to go back to a piece of equipment that we originally wore, we’ve moved away from it, we’ve come back to it and I hope that it’s something that stays around,” says Sgt. David Johnson, Michigan State Police Houghton Lake Post.
Along with the hats, state police will celebrate 100 years of service in 2017 with a specially designed Dodge Charger.


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The Ben F. McDonald Library is getting national recognition for helping children get a head start on reading.
The McDonald Library on Greenwood has been chosen as a member of the National Network of Family Place Libraries. Libraries that receive this designation serve children from birth to age of 5 by building strong foundations through early literacy and learning.
The staff at McDonald Library has done much to earn its title. They’ve created an early literacy play area that includes many learning toys.
It also has a section where parents can check out books on raising children and child development. The library focuses on serving children from birth through the age of 5.
Youth services librarian Stormy Campbell said helping children at a young age is important.
“The library really should be for everyone and that includes the young children in our communities,” she said. “As soon as we can get them those good foundations and help families build connections with each other and their own kids, they become stronger library users growing up. They become stronger students and stronger citizens.”
The McDonald Libraby is the first “National Family Place” library in Corpus Christi.
The Keach Library in Robstown earned the designation in 2016.


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L Ghonella: "Nice Ambience But Mediocre Food" Malta Restaurant Tip by Perkins_USA
Malta Restaurants: 282 reviews and 293 photos
Here you can enjoy dinner in the former wine cellar of an old Maltese Villa. The ambience is perfect for a night out as a couple or even for business dinners. The young chef prepares local favorites with a modern touch, but the food is not as good as you would expect from the wonderful surroundings.
I think the restaurant would be 10 times better if they made everything from scratch and used more fresh ingredients, but still, the service is good and you can enjoy a pleasant evening at this restaurant.
Ah, I forgot to mention the wine! They have a nice selection of local Maltese wines which are worth trying.
Favorite Dish: The Penne with Goat Cheese, garlic, spinach, and mushrooms was very good. It was slightly oily, but the flavors were very nice and well balanced.
Address: St. Julians, Portomasso area
Price Comparison: more expensive than average
Directions: Right in the center of St. Julians, Portomasso area.
Price: US$41 and up
Have you been to Malta?Share Your Travels


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Pete Davidson’s Mom Thought He’d “Resort to Self-Harm” if Pariana Split
Pete Davidson knew he was going to marry Ariana Grande the day they met and Ari felt the same, but the Saturday Night Live star’s mom (understandably) took a little bit of time to get on board with the relationship.
Amy Davidson was reportedly “very nervous” when her son started dating the “God is a Woman” crooner because she felt he was “rushing into a relationship.”
“Pete’s mother was very nervous about his relationship with Ariana when they started dating,” a source tells Us Weekly. “She knows her son goes through manic episodes and thought he was rushing into a relationship and would wind up getting hurt.”
The 24-year-old’s mother allegedly feared that if Pariana broke up, her son would “become very, very depressed and resort to self-harm.”
Pete was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2016 and recently admitted he tried to kill himself when he was in elementary.
But while Amy was originally wary of the hot and heavy romance, she “has grown to love Ariana and can see how much she loves Pete.”
A family insider explains, “It has gotten better now that she knows Ariana better.”
Ariana says Pete is her “soulmate,” and while their relationship came out of seemingly nowhere, it’s clear that they’re SUPER in love and happy together.

domain: celebrity


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USDA Proposes New Rules to Cut Sugar, Salt in School Meals
American schoolchildren could be getting school lunches that have less sugar and salt in the future, thanks to new nutrition standards announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday.
These are the first school lunch program updates since 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What's different this time is a limit on added sugars, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Limits would at first target high-sugar foods, including sweetened cereals, yogurts and flavored milks.
By fall 2027, added sugars must be less than 10% of total calories a week for school breakfasts and lunches. Sugary grain foods like muffins or doughnuts can't be served more than twice a week at breakfast.
Another example is that an 8-ounce container of chocolate milk must contain no more than 10 grams of sugar under the revised rules. Some popular flavored milks contain twice that amount.
"Many children aren't getting the nutrition they need, and diet-related diseases are on the rise. Research shows school meals are the healthiest meals in a day for most kids, proving that they are an important tool for giving kids access to the nutrition they need for a bright future," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in an agency news release.
Vilsack said the agency's goal is to get school guidelines to align with U.S. dietary guidelines for the nearly 30 million children who eat lunch at school and the 15 million who have breakfast there.
The American Heart Association applauded the move.
"By proposing to limit the amount of added sugars in school meals for the first time ever, the USDA is taking a major step toward helping children achieve a more nutritious diet and better health," the AHA said in a statement. "Added sugars are a significant source of excess calories, provide no nutritional value and may cause weight gain and increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic health conditions."
But sugar won't be the only thing targeted in the updated rules.
Sodium would be capped to stay in alignment with recommendations that kids 14 and up have less than 2,300 milligrams per day. The recommended limits are less for younger children. Sodium content would be reduced in school meals by 30% by fall 2029.
Here is a summary of the proposed rules:
High school student lunches now average about 1,280 milligrams of sodium, and that would drop to 935 milligrams.
"More than 90% of children consume too much sodium, and taste preferences -- including those for salty food -- begin early in life," the AHA said. "The new sodium reductions would be phased in over time to help schools make the transition, and the proposed limits would be achievable for schools and effectively lower sodium consumption."
A 60-day public comment period on the 280-page plan starts Feb. 7.
Not everyone thinks the changes are the answer.
“School meal programs are at a breaking point,” said Diane Pratt-Heavner, spokeswoman for the trade group School Nutrition Association, told the Associated Press. “These programs are simply not equipped to meet additional rules."
Courtney Gaine, president of the Sugar Association, expressed concern about the use of sugar substitutes and said the proposal ignores the "many functional roles" sugar plays in food.
But Katie Wilson, executive director of the Urban School Food Alliance, told the AP that the changes are "necessary to help America's children lead healthier lives."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on healthy nutrition.
SOURCES: U.S. Department of Agriculture, news release, Feb. 3, 2023; Associated Press


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Indre elegantly conjures the suspended catenary streetlights and cobbled stone streets of Copenhagen. Delicately rendered double-wall glass capsules cradle the soft glow of floating internal lights, each connected by graceful interlinking rods and anchored with rich stone or timber detailing.
Designed by Nikolai Kotlarczyk for Rakumba.
Rakumba, Making Beauty
Positioned at the junction between residential and contract, Rakumba’s luxury lighting collections have a European feel, drawing from a multicultural background just like their Australian home. Rakumba draws design and technology together into the Rakumba essence – Making Beauty – this is what drives Rakumba and their people; forging a design legacy of iconic lighting pieces.
Rakumba collaborates with Australian and international designers of global renown to create sophisticated, deeply considered, and rigorously authentic designs. Working beyond the constraints of material or process, Rakumba expresses their aesthetic as ‘contemporary elegance’.


Bringing STEM Lessons to Life in Florida
If you’re already missing the summer heat, imagine that you’re getting ready for a school trip to Florida. Not only will you be soaking in the sun again, but you’ll also be giving your students hands-on educational opportunities AND an incredible experience in the place dreams come true.
If you’re not sure a Florida school trip is the right fit for your students, check out these four ways you can work STEM education into your itinerary.
1. Space & Engineering
Middle school students spend some time during their Earth Science class learning about astronomy and space, making Florida a great location for their age group. Groups can spend a full day exploring the Kennedy Space Center’s “mission zones” where they’ll learn about the history of space exploration as well as the different scientific discoveries that made space travel possible.
Much like the Kennedy Space Center, Disney World’s Education Series offers several different programs focused on similar air and space content. Two programs in particular (Physics in Imagineering Technology in Imagineering) highlight curriculum like force, motion, gravity, and the development of technology.
2. Marine Biology
You don’t have to spend a day at Seaworld to learn more about sea creatures. Wherever you go in Florida, there will likely be a marine biology component available for your students. If you want something hands-on, students can explore seagrass beds along the coast or snorkel through coral reefs with a naturalist tour guide. Countless turtle, dolphin, and manatee rescues offer educational programs for student groups as well.
If you’d prefer to stay out of the water, there are dozens of aquariums throughout central and southern Florida that offer educational programs for student groups. And if snorkeling isn’t your speed, your tour operator can arrange a glass-bottom boat tour of the coral reefs and seagrass beds.
With its subtropic temperatures, Florida is teeming with different animal and plant life than most of the United States. While it’s well-known for gators (no, not the football team), Florida is also home to species of birds, reptiles, and other animals often found in the tropics. Students may encounter these animals on an airboat tour of the Everglades, but there are plenty of zoos and animal sanctuaries that allow them to get a closer look.
Pair your time at Disney with another educational program at Animal Kingdom. The Disney World Education Series offers programs on animal behavior and wildlife conservation, allowing students to explore Animal Kingdom and learn more about the animals living there. There are also two career exploration programs, one on marine biology and the other on zoology.
4. Ecology & Agriculture
Allow students to learn more about the agriculture and ecosystems of Florida through an agriculture education program. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of local farms throughout Florida that welcome student groups as they learn about life science, conservation, and sustainability. Even Disney World offers an educational program called Science Behind Seeds at Epcot, which discusses sustainability and the plant cycle.
According to the University of Florida, there are over 80 distinct ecosystems in Florida. There are all types of ecology tours in Florida, whether through a kayak expedition or an afternoon at a local farm. One of the most exciting ways to explore unique ecosystems in Florida would be through an airboat ride in the Everglades.
Originally published October 2020, updated January 2022.


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Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan has pleaded guilty to headbutting and spitting at a Garda following an alleged air rage incident, a court in County Clare has heard.
The court also heard that she told officers during her arrest at Shannon Airport on November 10th last year that she was "an icon" and "the Queen of Limerick".
The 44-year-old mother of three, who was born in Limerick but who now lives in New York, appeared at Ennis District Court.
O'Riordan, who has since been diagnosed as suffering with bipolar disorder, admitted four offences including assault and obstructing a Garda during the incident following a flight from New York's JFK airport.
Ennis District Court was told she accused a Garda officer of groping her and sexually assaulting her during the arrest, a claim which has since been retracted.
The court heard O'Riordan threatened to sue arresting officers. She also told them she paid their wages when they attempted to take her off the flight.
Inspector Tom Kennedy said the singer-songwriter's behaviour was at first erratic, then unruly, irate, threatening, irrational and aggressive.
He said that the singer had said:
"You are not going to arrest me. I am an icon. I'm the Queen of Limerick, I pay my taxes, I pay your wages. I'm going to sue you."
The court was also told that she had separated from her husband, Don Burton, in the year before the incident.
O'Riordan twice tried to flee custody after being arrested at the airport, once from an ambulance and once while in a patrol car.
Garda Shane Dawson revealed that the singer managed to free herself of one handcuff and forced open the door of a Garda car while he wrote up his notes on the airport apron. When she was restrained after a short chase, she head butted the officer and spat in his eye, the court heard.
Her solicitor did not contest any of the evidence and said the marriage break-up put her under huge emotional stress. He told the court:
"These were the actions of a very, very ill person."
Judge Patrick Durcan ordered O'Riordan to write letters of apology to all those affected in the incident while he considers sentencing which will take place next year.