text:
This Is Here In For You
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Mahabharat (aka Mahabharata) – the epic is setup on so much wide canvas that almost everyone can find it intriguing. And, there is so much in it, that everyone love to explore it from his/her own point of view. I would like to refer you a quote from the preface of the book we are going to talk about before we proceed further:
Books are human’s biggest boons.
I respect people who read a lot of books, especially those who don’t just stop at remembering ad recalling what they read and go deep and research what they read, find meanings that have been hidden by the simpler sentences.
This great epic first narrated by legendary Krishna Dwaipayana Vyas (aka Ved Vyas) is a master piece which is not less a than a text for any writer. Almost every writer wants to represent his/her interpretation of Mahabharat (or its part) some day. Here are some of the retelling/adaptations we came across recently.
Late Harilal Upadhyay (a Gujarati author) have tried to stick to the original popular version of Mahabharat in his Mahabharat book series which is comprised of 7 books. Well known mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik came up with Jaya which is an illustrated retelling of Mahabharata where he tried to take a note of some of the less known tales from the epic.
Deepak Kaul have tried retelling the Mahabharata as a comic book named Corpokshetra, where the characters are setup in current time. Prem Panciker tried to explore Mahabharata from Bhimsen’s point of view in his book Bhimsen. Author Christopher C. Doyle has tried it to setup in modern environment where traces leads to the original epic’s time in his The Mahabharata Quest series.
|Notion Press; Published: (13 December 2017)
|# of Pages
2522 KB 176 (Kindle EBook)
|# of Chapters
Recently we came across a book named Barbarika by debutante author Hariharan Raju. Fortunately, the book is available for free (at the time of writing this article) – Kindle Edition – and we grab the opportunity 🙂 . Fortunately, I got a chance to read and review it from our team and here are my unbiased views and review for this book.
Let us start with the cover page of this book.
As you can see, the cover page is designed using attractive and cheerful colors. It rather looks like a high-resolution poster of an animated movie. The cover page will surely remind you of “Vishwaroop Darshan” by Lord Krishna in Mahabharata. And, it goes perfectly in sync with the story. Also, the modern incarnation of Krishna holding the Sudarshan Chakra looking into the eyes of a man is something interesting. Again, you can find the roots of this illustration in the story.
The story of the book is explored in three different time segments. I will try to make the briefing about the plot and review both as much spoiler-free as much possible, but, please read with consent that some of them might be there.
The story starts from the time of Mahabharata. We know a lot about the Pandavas. Physically mightiest of them, Bhima, like his fellow brothers, was married to other women in addition to Draupadi. Hidimba was the first wife of Bhima. The union of Bhima and Hidimba resulted in the birth of Ghatokacha. Ghatokacha was a mighty warrior and his role in the battle of Mahabharata was nothing less than a game changer. Ghatotkacha was married to Ahlavati, a Yadava princess and they were blessed with a son named Barbarika. It is also said that Ghatokacha has another son named Meghavarna as well.
Barbarika, the grandson of Bhima and son of Ghatokacha, has earned boons from the Goddess Durga herself, which made him the mightiest of all the warriors who took part in the battle of Mahabharata!
What were the boons? How he achieved them? And, then, why don’t we hear much about him in Mahabharata battle?
Cut to time segment 2, Roop Singh Chauhan was ruling the Khatu Kingdom. He and his wife Sukhibi was blessed with a son named Prithviraj. The circumstances turn and we see they have decided to build a temple in their kingdom. Whose temple was that? And, why they decided to build it? We meet many characters like Balaram (cow), Hameshi (Pujari), Marsha (villager) and others during the tale.
Cut to time segment 3, on the day of 18 February, 1993, a boy named Shyam was born! He was an heir of a business tycoon who belongs to the royal lineage. He and his cousin Balram were almost inseparable. How he meets with a strange fate is explored in this segment. And yes, we got to know about Ashoka’s 9 unknown men, Radhagupta ( and his expertise in Biogenetics ), Vishaka and many other characters. And, yes Shyam was also on the quest of finding true love.
Seems a complex and intriguing story, right? It is indeed. When you have so many questions in your mind (like now), you shall go ahead and read the book 🙂 .
The book, of course, re-tells a fraction of Mahabharata, but it ends it there. It then weaves the traces of the same fraction in a thriller set up in the modern time. Of course, to jump from the Mahabharata time to the modern time, it takes little rest in the recent (comparatively) historical time as well.
The reference of Thiruvalluvar, the famous poet, in the preface made us delighted.
The book tries to become a Sci-Fi rather than just being a “mythology retold”. And, that is the beauty of the book. The preface of the book is written by K. Bhagyaraj who is known for his work in south Indian cinema. The foreword of the book raises expectations about the book. The science is infused in the story interestingly. So, there are talks about DNA, mutation and other stuff. However, the author’s main focus is on the entertainment and thrilling quotient of the story.
Of course, we cannot expect science to be explored in the book beyond a certain extent, otherwise, some readers may feel it a little boring. So for a normal reader, it is a perfect mixture of the elements needed in a thriller. In that terms, the book is like a commercial film.
As the author himself considers Eklavya who learned a lot from the movies of his Dronacharya (K. Bhagyaraj), the narration style reflects the same. It is more like a script of a film, and it hooks the reader with the book. The author seems to have a fantastic career ahead as an author and eventually he may try his luck in writing scripts for film.
No story can keep the readers glued if it hasn’t a substance within. This book has a fantastic story to tell. And more importantly, the characters are strong enough. Usually, it happens that in order to glorify the hero(es) the writer focuses more on him/her. But, actually, more stronger the villain is, the hero appears even better. This story has multiple heroes and they all are explored pretty well.
The book starts when Barbarika was 14 years old and it was his big day. The days starts with a simple yet important conversation.
“What time is it Ma?” He asked yawning, stretching which still lying down.
“Time does not matter; we hav a lot to talk about before today beings…”
While there are lines like “with the power comes the responsibilities” the book has some wisdom lines rephrased as:
You must use your power only for good.
It is simple yet effective, right?
The author is good at exploring emotions. Here is an example:
His eyelids felt like they were made of lead, dropping down by themselves.
Here is another interesting segment:
… No matter how much time paseed, the cow was nowhere to be seen. Marsha grew frantic with worry for his favorite cow. To him, she was like a mother, who took care of all his needs. Just how a son is helpless and defenceless when young without the mother, he felt naked and defenceless without Balram.
The philosophy is weaved with reality in some interesting lines like:
King Ashoka felt that if normal men were given all the knowledge they would it for devastation and destruction instead of for peace.
— — —
He helped the young prince to understand that it is what is inside that make sa human being good or evil.
— — —
Remember that power by itself uncontrolled is chaos, and can harm just as much as it can help. Choose to use it for the right causes.
The following line explores the human psyche in a nice way:
Perhaps being challenged by the same gender was a bigger blow to their masculinity than treating a woman with respect.
From these quotes you might have got an idea of the literary quality of the book. Of course, there are many points/quotes I need to avoid, in order to make it spoiler free. But, these should be good enough.
The book doesn’t have any “adult only” material, making it a good read for the readers of almost any age group.
Of course, there are points which could have been better elaborated. For example, if Barbarika was died young, how his direct descendants appear?
The book has some spelling/grammar mistakes which could have been rectified at proof reading stage. I’ve read the kindle version of the book, so I will refer them with the location (rather than the page number).
I am here to tell you something that is critical that you need to. With this…
This line could have been written better.
Modern day and age are such that not even the king was secure.
Here “was secure” is written, while in that context “is secure” is required.
“Why is everything si broken?”…
On location 455 “critical men” is written, which is wrong (in the context).
Also one of the critically important points is the birthdate of Shyam. On Location 455 it is mentioned that
It is that boy who will be born on the 18th of Falgun much later on in your line….
and on Location 584 it is stated that
Shyam was a sweet child and he was born on the 18th of February, 1993
Now, we need to remember there is no 18th day in month. Actually, Hindu calendar months are divided into two segments, Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. So If the author possibly seems to refer 3rd day of Krishna Paksha. If you verify calendar of February 1993 calendar you will see that it was indeed Falgun month of Hindu calendar running those days. But the date of the Gregorian Calendar and the day of Hindu calendar doesn’t have the link expected. Of course, it is a work of fiction, but, for such thrillers, such points matter, as far as my views are concerned.
The book is a nice read. If you love reading sci-fi mixed with mythology and if thrillers interest you, it is highly recommended read. The author and the book both have a potential. If the book is marketed properly and got the attention of worthy readers, it has all the elements of being the bestseller.
We would love to give it around 8.5 stars out of 10.
Quick Purchase Links:
- Buy Book From Amazon India – HardCover
- Buy Book From Amazon US – HardCover
- Buy Book From Amazon India – Paperback
- Buy Book From Amazon US – Paperback
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Boeing [BA], a prime contender for the multi-billion FX-2 fighter program for Brazil, yesterday said its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business unit will showcase the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II simulator inside the National Congress Building in Brasília today through Aug. 19.
The Brazilian public will be able to fly the simulator and see the advanced technology inside the Super Hornet.
On Aug. 18, Boeing will participate in a public hearing organized by the National Defense Committee of the Brazilian Senate to discuss the Super Hornet’s capabilities and how it meets the Brazilian Air Force’s requirements, as well as technology transfer and industrial partnership.
"We look forward to answering any questions that the Brazilian senators may have in regard to Boeing’s Super Hornet offering in the F-X2 fighter competition," said Joe McAndrew, BDS vice president of International Business Development for Europe, Israel and the Americas. "In addition to helping Brazil achieve air dominance, Boeing can be a strategic partner in several areas, including education, biofuels, satellites, unmanned systems, networking, and critical infrastructure protection."
Earlier this month the Defense Security Cooperation notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brazil of 28 F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, eight F/A-18Fs, 72 F414-General Electric [GE]-400 installed engines, a host of spare parts and munitions at an estimated value of $7 billion (Defense Daily, Aug. 10).
The notification was being done in advance of an expected announcement by Brazil as part of its F-X2 fighter competition, so that if the U.S. Navy-Boeing proposal is selected, the United States might move forward as quickly as possible.
Boeing received a Request For Information from Brazil on June 12, 2008. The stated initial requirement was for 36 aircraft, with the potential for up to 120 aircraft (Defense Daily, Aug. 19).
According to the DSCA, Brazil wants proposals from several foreign suppliers, including the United States, to provide the next generation fighter for the Brazilian air force.
The simulator includes a front and rear cockpit and demonstrates the capabilities of the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. Its 180-degree projection screen offers virtual-reality visibility of cities, forests, roads and buildings, as well as enemy aircraft. The system is capable of demonstrating simulated aerial combat and air-to-ground targeting, navigation, and mission systems operation. Operators also can practice landing on and taking off from runways or an aircraft carrier.
The Super Hornet strike fighter is in service with the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force and is currently one of the finalists in Brazil’s F-X2 fighter competition. The Super Hornet offers Brazil a winning combination of price and capability with advanced technology, high mission readiness, low life-cycle costs, low program risk, production availability, industrial benefits, and technology transfer.
representatives will also participate in program management and technical reviews for one-week intervals twice semi-annually.
Along with the Brazilian competition, Boeing is bidding for strike fighter contracts in eight other countries. The company has submitted a comprehensive proposal to India in support of the company’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) offer of 126 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and will offer its Super Hornet as the next-generation fighter for Greece.


Triangulation is a technique for establishing the relative position of two or more points. Aerial triangulation (AT) is a method for producing maps by overlapping aerial images.
How it Works
Aerial triangulation represents the process for determining the correct position and orientation of each image in a series of aerial images so they can be compiled into a map.
Triangulated horizontal, vertical and pass points are referred to as the control. Control may be referenced on digital scans, or drilled into hard copy photo slides and transparencies. AT control information is available for three quarters of the Province of B.C.
Cross-pugging is triangulated data that is transferred from older, existing air photos to newer photos and scanned images to control new mapping.
Aerial triangulation scans are digital aerial photos of British Columbia that include aerotriangulation data. AT scans are used for control and mapping projects.
Scans are created by scanning 10" film negatives on specialized scanning equipment. Colour negatives are scanned at a resolution of 21 microns, and black & white negatives are scanned at a resolution of 14 microns. Files have 8-bit pixel values and are untiled, undodged and uncompressed TIFF 6x format.
This manual is intended to be used for aerial triangulation with or without differential GPS on board the aircraft to provide densified control points for large, medium and small scale digital and analogue mapping produced for B.C. provincial government and any other mapping projects in British Columbia.
How to Acquire
Historical data may be available. For further inquiries contact GeoBCinfo@gov.bc.ca


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Individuals born on December 24th often possess a unique combination of intelligence, charm, and ambition. They have a dynamic and outgoing personality that draws others to them, and they excel in social situations. People born on this day are usually full of energy and enthusiasm, with a zest for life that is contagious.
One of the key traits of those born on December 24th is their charm and charisma. They have a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life and can easily captivate an audience with their words and presence. They thrive in social settings and enjoy being the center of attention, often exuding confidence and warmth.
These individuals are also known for their intelligence and quick wit. They have a sharp intellect and a keen ability to think on their feet. They enjoy engaging in stimulating conversations and debates, and they have a knack for finding creative solutions to problems. Their curiosity and thirst for knowledge drive them to constantly seek new experiences and information.
Creativity is another hallmark of December 24th individuals. They have a vivid imagination and a talent for expressing themselves artistically. Whether it’s through writing, music, visual arts, or other creative outlets, they find fulfillment in unleashing their creativity and sharing it with the world.
Despite their outgoing nature, people born on December 24th also value their independence and freedom. They enjoy exploring new horizons and are not afraid to take risks in pursuit of their goals and aspirations. They may resist authority or restrictions that hinder their ability to express themselves fully.
In relationships, December 24th individuals are often passionate and romantic partners. They value emotional connection and intimacy, and they are dedicated to nurturing their relationships with care and devotion. They enjoy sharing experiences with their loved ones and creating lasting memories together.
Overall, individuals born on December 24th are charming, intelligent, and creative souls who thrive on connection and self-expression. With their magnetic personality and zest for life, they have the potential to make a positive impact on the world around them and inspire others to embrace their unique gifts and talents.

domain: psychology


text:
Fashion Indulgence with Myntra & Vogue
Figure this? A giant online shopping website, a leading sports and fashion management company and a powerhouse fashion magazine decide to collaborate for a fashion weekend; what can you expect? Excitement, panache, style, oomph, exuberance, fun… the list can go on and on. This was exactly what we experienced at The Myntra Fashion Weekend.
A weekend of exuberant designer exhibitions, vivacious pop-up shops, high tempo live bands and engaging competitions; this was a one-of-its-kind shopping and runway experience. The Vogue Fest was dedicated to all empowered and feisty women of today, who continually achieve their goals.
If you did miss it, here are a few highlights!
- The announcement of Masaba’s latest collection ‘Anouk’; besides cocktails at Li Bai.
- Sushmita Sen redefining ‘hot’ on the ramp with a black leather Rina Dhaka ensemble.
- The Howard Pereira Trio and acoustic duo Ankura Tewari and Sid Coutto lifted our moods.
- Pria Kataria Puri took us on a boho luxe holiday with her sorbet hued maxis and high buns.
- Karan Johar’s ‘ Marquee’ was certainly all about the glitter and gold in Bollywood.
- Live chocolate demo by Sanjana from mouth watering patisserie La Folie.
- Actress Kalki Koechlin revealed styling cues that everyone could relate to.
- A presentation of emerging designer labels Huemn, Ikai, Ka Sha, Surendri and Quirk box by Stylist Aki Narula.
- Ali Zaffar walked boldy in a vintage suit for Luxury Menswear by Men’s Health Magazine.
- School of Music presented harmonic notes and ballads that we took note of.
- BBlunt curator and hair stylist Adhuna Akhtar showed us how to don this seasons’s most stylish hairstyles.
- Lessons from the molecular gastronomy chef Joshua.
- Motown’s Thomas Andrews left us swaying to his soulful beats for an hour-long session.
- Closing show by HRX, a fitness inspired collection by Hrithik Roshan came with a high dose of action, live on stage.
Extravagant and entertaining in its first edition; the bars are set high and we curiously await the announcement of the next one.
By: Fleur De Mello

domain: design


For classes in Co-op Campaign, the Dronemaster class can start with one, but only if a specific perk is activated. For classes in Multiplayer, it is the default starting primary weapon of the Warfighter and Assassin.
The Machine Pistol is three-round-burst weapon. When shooting the weapon, three shots are fired with each pull of the trigger. This gives the weapon a higher damage output than the Pistol. However, it lacks the suppressor that the Pistol starts with by default, meaning stealth will not be an option with your secondary should you find this weapon early on.
The suppressor upgrade to make the gun silent is unlocked at level 4 only for the main branch of upgrades.
The Machine Pistol is the only burst-fire weapon in Tier I.
A Challenge Coins version of the Machine Pistol can be bought for 1000 Challenge Coins after reaching level 5. This version comes with a unique perk. It also has the suppressor upgrade. Unlike other versions of the Machine Pistol, this one fires in full-auto instead of in bursts.
The Challenge Coins Pistol's unique perk is called Lurker or Gasbag are typically the best enemies to use this weapon for its benefit due to their weaker health compared to other special zombies. With controlled bursts, Screamers are also acceptable targets even if they are far away to shoot. Bombers are typically in the same spot as Lurkers and Gasbags since they too can be easily killed if shot in the chest, but you must weigh the options between instantly reloading your primary or carefully taking down the Bomber and earn his loot. The Bull and the Infector are tougher targets to take down with a secondary alone. However, unloading a magazine or two at their heads or the Bull's vulnerable back can work just as well. If you do not have enough ammo to completely reload the primary weapon's magazine, the remaining ammo will be loaded. If you have completely run out of carried ammo or the primary weapon is completely empty, nothing will happen.. By killing a special zombie, you can instantly reload your primary weapon back to full when you switch back to it, assuming the magazine is not currently full when you switched to the Machine Pistol. While a bit situational, it can be helpful if you find yourself constantly unloading your primary and switching to your secondary. Killing a special zombie like a
*On the main branch of upgrades, the third version of the Machine Pistol is exactly identical to the second version.
Weapon Experience Requirements
|Level 2||Level 3||Level 4||Level 5|
|100 XP||175 XP||275 XP||375 XP|
The Machine Pistol on the main branch of upgrades are based on the Glock 17. The weapon's actual name, the Geist 17MP, references that specific model. Despite being based on a Glock 17, a semi-automatic pistol, it is a burst-fire weapon by default hence the MP (Machine Pistol) acronym in the name. The Machine Pistol has a tan body, a black MOS (Modular Optic System) slide, and a threaded barrel.
The Scout Rifle on the alternate branch of upgrades are based on the Glock 40 which includes the longer slide. It also feature cutouts on both sides of the slide.
As with all customizable weapons, subsequent versions include a multitude of accessories to visually represent its improved stats. Attachments on the Machine Pistol include extended magazines, flashlight/laser combos, red dot sights, Beavertail grip sleeves, and muzzle brakes.
The Challenge Coins version of the Machine Pistol is based on the second version on the main branch of upgrades. However, it has the suppressor and is fully automatic. Its function as a full-auto weapon is reminiscent of the Glock 18 which had that capability via a selector switch. It is implied that this specific version was converted to be an automatic weapon.
- Tatsuo has the default version of the Machine Pistol as part of his model. He also uses it during his character select and menu animation where he quickly draws it from its holster to open fire on a shambling zeke that was approaching him from behind. However, the Machine Pistol here is shown firing in semi-auto, with individual trigger pulls for each shot, unlike how all other versions of the weapon functions in-game.
- In a similar note, the Quadrocopter can be outfitted with a Machine Pistol that is also shown to fire in semi-auto.
Default Machine Pistol
Machine Pistol (Main Branch)
Machine Pistol (Alternate Branch)
Pistol (Unique Versions)
|Scout Rifle • Compact SMG • Shotgun • Pistol • Machine Pistol • Flaregun|
|Assault Rifle • Sporting Carbine • Classic Battle Rifle • Classic Bullpup Rifle • Light Automatic Weapon • SMG • Combat Shotgun • Sniper Rifle • PDW • Compact Shotgun • Double-Barreled Shotgun • Revolver|
|Assault Carbine • Battle Rifle • Bullpup Rifle • Advanced Combat Weapon • Advanced SMG • Special SMG • Assault Shotgun • Crossbow • Grenade Launcher|


text:
Being a writer I want you to fall in love with my words
The way my mind speaks through my pen
You will discover the real me…my realist thoughts will be revealed
Every way I think, my decisions I make, all of my feels and my values on life
When you decide to love me it’s my mind that will captivate your heart
Fall for me not just in the present, but my past which made into the woman that I am
Learn my fears and failures
The happiest moments and my darkest days and how I’ve learned to survive
Let me curl up on your lap and read to you my favorite book
I want you to read my writing, get inside my head and see life from my perspective
Share your thoughts with me
I want to open both my mind and heart to you without judgement
Ask me why I love poetry and what’s hidden in my journal that no eyes have seen
Tell me stories from your past and how you have evolved into this marvelous human being
I want to be inspired by you, forever learning, shifting and growing
Becoming mentally and spiritually closer
Physical love will not last
I want to share something that goes beyond what the human eye can see
Fall in love with with my art, the only way to see me without seeing me
And that’s where you will find my soul
She Loves Beyoncè
I long to enter inside of her love’s Pandora, to hear each song as I explore her. She says she loves Beyoncè, because of how it makes her feel. But lately that’s all she’s had, that and emotional walls, so I told her I’ll love her past that, FLAWS AND ALL.
Our conversation progressed, and a tear rolled down her eye, with deep emotion, she uttered “I’m tired of all the lies, so it’s just ME, MYSELF AND I. Wiping her tears, I felt the flow of her pain and all she’s been through. So I made her a promise, that if we were ever to be CRAZY IN LOVE, for her, it would never be DÉJÀ VU.
Emphatically she smiled, saying “wow, you’ve got me SPEECHLESS”, then, I reached for her soul’s core, and there her ability to love was right beneath it. Battered and bruised, it was a sight so sad, so this one I’m not letting go, so I’ll never have to say that she was the BEST THING I NEVER HAD.
She says she loves Beyoncè, because of how it makes her feel. So to her heart I’ll LISTEN, and on this day I swear, she will never live in love, a life of RESENTMENT. We will let 1+1 equal forever, yes til the END OF TIME because I’D RATHER DIE YOUNG , than see another take care of what’s ordained to be mine.
The more God speaks to me, the more I know you are worth the wait. Because I first honor Him, He is teaching me how to honor you. Because I love Him he is teaching me how to love again. Please do not expect perfection but determination to become a better woman each day. As your Queen it is my duty as your help-meet to not only build you up but also reinforce what God has already placed in you. I see you, I feel you, and I respect you deeply..I prayed for you,all I can do now is wait patiently
where did you come from and how did you get here
are you here just for a season or for a lifetime my love
are you here to pick up the pieces or to break even more
did God send you to wipe away my tears,
to remind me of what love is again,
will you be the one to make me fall and stay in love
or will you leave me blinded and lost in love
can you stand the rain, fight through the storms
and survive the struggles
or will just give up on love and leave like the others
whose to say what your intentions are
but i prayed for a soulmate, helpmate, a best friend
SO ONE LAST QUESTION…ARE YOU THE ANSWER TO MY PRAYERS
Father, I pray that You would grant me the Spirit of wisdom and discernment so that I may know You better and love You more.
Give me an understanding heart so that I may be open to hear Your voice and hear You say, this is the path, walk in it.
Use me I pray to be Your hands and feet – Your voice and heart that I may be a channel through which You pour out Your grace to help to others – may I decrease to nothing so that only Christ is seen in my life – I ask this in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Jesus, in Whose name I pray.
THE TWISTS AND TURNS
LOSSES AND GAINS
THE HEARTACHE OF SACRIFICES MADE
GOING THROUGH THE STRUGGLES
SURVIVING THE UNIMAGINABLE
HAVING TO GROW THROUGH THE PAIN
BUT AFTER ITS ALL SAID AND DONE
THE HEALING WILL COME
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE LIGHT
AND SAY THAT I AM A SURVIVOR;
SURVIVOR OF LIFE
#LIFE #HEALING #GOD #SURVIVOR #GLORIOUS

domain: artistic


The already impressive Kia Optima receives a plug-in hybrid engine to create the Kia Optima Hybrid, a large estate car that provides comfort, style, space and excellent economy all at the same time, demonstrating Kia's dedication to forward-facing manufacturing.
The Optima Hybrid may pair an electric motor with its engine, but that's far from the only thing that makes it stand out from other executive estate cars, or the other models in the Optima range. For a start, the Optima Hybrid features an exclusive set of alloy wheels and an increased focus on aerodynamics, thanks to several intakes. Kia has also given the Optima Hybrid a series of intelligent lighting solutions, including self-adjusting High Beam assist, extra-bright LED headlamps and Dynamic Bending Light, which aids visibility when cornering in the darkness.
The Kia Optima Hybrid is a car that has been designed to stand out from the crowd and the South Korean manufacturer has made sure that the interior is as functional and luxurious as possible. The seats are upholstered in a beautiful, firm leather, with a cooling system available as an optional extra, whilst leather-like accents adorn the armrest and doors. A heated steering wheel is also available and, for those who need extra space, split-folding rear seats are available to provide more cargo room and storage options.
The big talking point with the new Kia Optima Hybrid is obviously the plug-in electric motor. This will power the Kia Optima Hybrid for up to 33 miles using electricity alone, emitting just 37g/km of CO2 as it does so. Of course, this being a hybrid, the Kia Optima Hybrid also comes with a standard engine; a 2.0-litre unit that can harness 154bhp.
The standard Optima has received a five-star crash safety rating from the experts at Euro NCAP, a score which also applies to the new Kia Optima Hybrid. That rating means that the Optima Hybrid is one of the safest cars on the road, and will protect the driver and passenger thanks to a full range of airbags, ISOFIX child-seat mountings, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and other safety features.
If you would like more information about the new Kia Optima Hybrid, or would like to book a test drive, get in touch with Penraeth Automotive in Anglesey today.
Take a closer look by using our interior and exterior tours


| Han Yang is an average quality article, but could be even better!
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|Executive Director Han Yang of the Western Union|
A picture of Han Yang.
Executive Director of the Western Union
July 1st, 2014 – Incumbent
Snowinian Minister of Foreign Affairs
2011 – Incumbent
Prime Minister of Snowiny
|Preceded by||Ivan Stephan|
|Succeeded by||Adam Ralph|
Han Yang is the current executive director of the Western Union since July 1st, 2014. He is also the Snowinian minister of foreign affairs, incumbent from 2011. He is known to be a strict and courageous person, but a terrible army leader, as he does not know how to war or command over soldiers. He was born on October 14, 1979 in Margate City, Margate. In 2011 he was granted the position of minister of foreign affairs in a foreign country, Snowiny, and he played a big role in inviting Margate into the Western Union, and he also played a great role in creating the Union itself.
Ever since becoming the executive director of the Union, he was advocating for lowering Snowinian and Margatian hegemony in the Union, making all member states the "leaders in the Union" and also creating a new capital city for the Union by taking a part of Snowinian territory and making it administrated by the Union.
Han Yang hatched to his parents Olivia Yang and Alexander Yang in Margate City, Margate on October 14, 1979. He loved adventure and he was famous for going out in the wild and "talking" with animals. He attended the West Margatian Academy in 1988 where he learned a lot about politics, geography, history and science. He suffered an incident in 1990, when he almost broke his beak after he tripped over a rock, but luckily he only suffered a major injury instead of getting his beak broken. He suffered pain while he was eating and chewing food, until he pretty much recovered by 1995.
During the 90s, for the very first time he started getting himself involved in foreign politics. He was a staunch supporter of the Republican Snowinian forces and he constantly talked on phone with Martin Max, the leader of the revolutionary Snowinian forces. After the success of the Republicans in 2003, he was invited to Snowiny, where he met with many Snowinian politicians and also played a role in writing the Snowinian constitution. In 2011, he became the minister of foreign affairs of Snowiny, and sought to improve relations with the recently united Margatian nation.
In 2013, he was one of the diplomats who signed the Circular Defense Pact with Rusca and UnitedTerra, eventually formally establishing the Circular Powers, now known as the Western Union. As the minister of foreign affairs of Snowiny, he also played a major pact in the Western Union as he was in the government of the leading country of the Union. Throughout most of 2013 and the beginning of 2014, he negotiated with Margate for their entry into the Union. They finally entered in April 2014 along with Amataria, which Yang recognised as his best accomplishment of his life.
On July 1st, 2014 he was promoted to Executive Director of the Circular Powers due to his great work in improving the Union and Snowiny itself. Throughout the rest of 2014 and 2015 he worked on putting down Snowinian hegemony in the Circular Powers and giving all the member states equal rights in the Union. By September 2014 Margate and Snowiny became the Big Two in the Union (the leading nations), while it was already noticed that the Terra Federation and Amataria basically were the "second class", having the least influence of all in the Union.
On April 26th, 2015, Han Yang signed the Winsburg Conference, admitting Acadia and Caseusopolis into the Union. Within a short matter of tame, Acadia quickly became an influential state in the Union. Margate and Snowiny were considered first class, Acadia was second class, while Caseusopolis, Amataria and Terra Federation were third.
The third class member states were quickly getting tired of being the least influential. On the Day of Prosper on May 10th, Han Yang made yet another decision affecting the entire Union: Margate and Snowiny continued being the leading states, while everyone else was the second class, but were given more rights than ever before; the rights to make decisions that would affect the entire Union, and so on. The member states became largely pleased, and Han Yang was thanked by everyone in the member states of the Union. Han Yang, however, has more plans for bringing down Margatian and Snowinian hegemony to the same level as the other member states have, so all the member states are equal in the Union.
Ever since becoming Executive Director in July 2014, he has advocated taking a small area of Snowinian territory, constructing a city there, putting it under Western Union administration and make it the Circular Powers capital, while at the same time also controlled by Snowiny and considered de-facto Snowinian territory. He expects construction to start in middle to late 2015, however many people in the government of both Snowiny and the Western Union deny it will ever happen, while most people from the governments of the other member states support its construction. This has caused heavy debate that lasts to this day.
He has been known for his strict and courageous personality, and he also loves outdoors adventuring. He is also often described as one of the few politicians in Antarctica who like to have fun and play with others. He is a proud supporter of peace, equality and freedom all around the world. However, he also is not a good commander when it comes to armies. He does not know how to use guns and how to war, nor how to discipline soldiers. However, never mind that, he found a career in the government(s) of the Circular Powers.
- Robert Smith - Very Good - Yang has built relations with Smith for years before he became king. Yang and Smith usually talk with each other and mostly agree with each other on everything.
- Swiss Ninja - Terrible - Yang and Swiss despise each other. Swiss also described Yang as a person who is not worth trusting, and also described how abnormal the Snowinians and Margatians are for letting him become executive director (of the Western Union).
- Lavender - Good - Lavender and Yang have built good relations, and Yang also used to seek advice from Lavender during the times of the Antarctic War on Terrorism on what decisions to make.
- Miranda Chaikov - Good - Yang knows Chaikov for a pretty long time and the two have good relations with each other.
- Forrest Burton - Okay - Yang and Burton know each other and have built okay relations. Yang doesn't like how he brags about his intelligence and the power of his armies all the time, though.
- Spike Hike - Okay - Yang has been in South Pole City on a diplomatic visit to Spike Hike. Yang and Spike Hike have had okay talks with a few disagreements, and have okay relations. But, Yang, after the conference, stated he doesn't like the reforms Spike Hike introduced in his country, such as when he fired a tens of government ministers without stating his reason.
- His aspiration ever since he got into office as WU Executive Director was to create a new capital city for the Union and lower Margatian and Snowinian influence in the Union.


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Istanbul Biennial Over the Years
15 Biennials and still going strong
Now in its 32nd year, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) has been organising the Istanbul Biennial since 1987. The biennial aims to create a meeting point in Istanbul, in the field of visual arts between artists from diverse cultures and the audience. The 15 biennials İKSV has organised up to now have enabled the formation of an international cultural network between local and international art circles, artists, curators and art critics by bringing together new trends in contemporary art every two years.
Considered as one of the most prestigious biennials alongside Venice, São Paolo and Sydney, the Istanbul Biennial prefers an exhibition model which enables a dialogue between artists and the audience through the work of the artists instead of a national representation model. The curator, appointed by an international advisory board, develops a conceptual framework according to which a variety of artists and projects are invited to the exhibition.
Got a great idea for an article? Are you bursting with tips, ideas and resources about living in and visiting Istanbul? Do you have a small business or project that serves Istanbul and want to be featured? Check out our submissions guidelines for more information and to be featured in an upcoming 'Bloomer Picks' article.


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FRANCE: Brioche Pasquier to close two plants
Brioche Pasquier, the French baker, has indicated it will close two factories producting biscotte, or crisp bread.
Pasquier has confirmed said it will shut its site in Amboise in the Loire Valley next autumn. Some 49 staff will be affected.
The company, which has five plants making biscotte products in France and two in Spain, had indicated in 2006 it could close the facility when it decided to invest in another biscotte plant in Brissac-Quince, 150km further west.
However, another of the five plants, even further west in Saint-Herblain near Nantes, appears set to close.
Pasquier said it will ultimately have three biscotte plants: in Brissac-Quince, Andrezieux-Boutheon and Fontenay-le-Comte.
"This industrial reorganisation is vital to the future of the biscotte business," CEO Pascal Pasquier said.
- USDA's GMO move may block mandatory labels
- Premier Foods to push on with range revamp
- just-food's pick: Products on show at SIAL China
- Why FMCG background key for next Thorntons CEO
- Focus: Why Dairy Crest needs to offload dairies
- Unilever CFO Jean-Marc Huet stands down
- Kerry adds to Mattessons' adult snacking range
- Premier Foods sees FY profits fall
- Mars launches "healthy" snacks Goodnessknows
- JBS "seeking M&A" in Americas, Australia

domain: economics


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Denim jackets have surged in popularity lately, and we love the looks people are creating! Ava + Kris has a variety of denim jackets and bombers with denim accents to help you put the finishing touches on your new favorite outfit. Whether you’re searching for a plain denim jacket or a faux fur bomber with denim accents, Ava + Kris has the perfect piece for you!
Our collection of denim jacket styles includes a little bit of something for everyone. You’ll find cropped light wash styles with the Plain Hailey, black denim distressed jacket with a detachable faux fur leopard collar with the Sara, and a reversible option that pairs dark faux fur and light wash denim with the Alexis.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for a friend or family member, you can’t go wrong with a denim jacket by Ava + Kris!


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The Lagoon Jacket is a handy, hip-length waterproof coat with a clean, streamlined shape. A shortened update of the simple, sporty Coverack Coat, with an adjustable, removable hood. The hood and body are lined in cotton, with polyester sleeves and lower body, for ease when slipping on and off.
Part of the Seasalt RAIN® collection


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The Old Siege House in watercolour presented in a brown and gold frame with green mount
Original watercolour of The Old Siege House, Colchester, Essex.
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The Rose and Crown public house in Wivenhoe, Essex coaster
Schnauzer in pastel – Original
Kitten in pencil – Original
St. Paul’s Cathedral in watercolour – Original
Two pigs in straw – Original
St Marys Church, Wivenhoe, Essex Coaster
Red Tractor in watercolour – Original
St. Marys Church, Wivenhoe, Colchester
Spaniel in snow – Original
Abbey Gate House in watercolour – Original
Fordson Triple D in watercolour – Original
The Horse and Groom public house in Wivenhoe, Essex coaster
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West York Borough Police charged a 34-year-old woman today after they found the house in which she was living -- along with four children and numerous cats and dogs -- was unsanitary and unsafe, according to a news release.
Rebecca Marie Jackson faces four counts of endangering the welfare of children and cruelty to animals, according to the news release.
Police said that on Tuesday, they went to Jackson's home in the 1600 block of Monroe Street for someone making threats. Once there, they noticed the home's condition, according to the news release.
York County Children, Youth and Family Services were called to take custody of the children -- whose ages ranged from 7 to 14, the York County SPCA was called to take away the animals, and the West York Fire Department's codes division then locked the house and declared it uninhabitable.
Since 2003, police and social services have been called to Jackson's home 21 times for various reasons, including health hazards and violent dogs, according to the news release.
Reported earlierYork, PA - A West York home was deemed "unfit for human occupancy" Tuesday night after several animals were seized by the SPCA because of unsanitary conditions, officials said.
Capt. Chuck Zienkiewicz from the West York Fire Department said members of the department's code enforcement division marked the Monroe Street house as unfit and then on Wednesday morning, posted "correction orders," which are the measures that need to take place in order for the house to be habitable again.
The correction orders posted on the front door include: fixing the plumbing and electricity to be fixed, clearing a path of travel throughout the home and exterminating all insects and rodents there.
Zienkiewicz said his department's role in the case was minimal: "All we did was mark it unfit and lock it up . . . the rest of the property is still under investigation through the West York Police Department."
Zienkiewicz said the department's codes enforcement officers were called to the home by police because "there was a police incident there."
Officer David Kahley with West York Police said in an email that the investigation is ongoing, but charges were expected to be filed Thursday. Kahley declined to give any other details.
Melissa Smith, executive director of the York County SPCA, said three dogs and eight cats were signed over by the owner Tuesday night.
"It was indeed very unsanitary, but most of it was related to people, not the animals," Smith said.
All of the animals were "severely flea ridden," Smith said. The dogs were within a "marginal" body weight and the kittens were very small for their age.
Smith said the owner was told her animals would not be returned to her.
Alisa Vedder, who lives across the street, said a single mother with four children lived there until this week. There was almost no sign of the dogs, but neighbors frequently spotted cats on the roof, she said.
Vedder said she called police after one of the children alerted her to a problem at the house. Shortly after, authorities hung the notice on the door that said the structure was unfit for human occupancy, she said.
Neighbor Kim Welsh said she was inside the home, in the 1600 block of Monroe Street, two years ago to deliver some Christmas gifts. The smell was so awful, she had to leave, she said.
Welsh said her husband called code enforcement several times to complain about the mess outside the house. Officials have been there many times before, she said.
"That's the eyesore of our neighborhood," said neighbor Ericah Brunner. "And it's not because people haven't reached out."
The home's occupant could not be reached for comment.
Several code violations were posted to the door of the West York home. The signs read that all violations must be corrected before the home can be reoccupied.
--- The home must be maintained in sanitary conditions. It must be free of insects and rodents, and it must be exterminated by an approved process.
--- All plumbing fixtures have to be properly installed and in working order. The plumbing system constitutes a hazard to the occupants because of damage and/or sewer backup. It must be repaired by an approved agency.
--- A safe, continuous and unobstructive path of travel must be provided from any point in the building to a public way.
--- The interior of the home must be free of accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
--- The electrical system in the home has been found a hazard to the occupant. It must be repaired by an approved agency.


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The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed and one that is very popular among people that love little dogs, and particularly cute, fluffy lap dogs! While all puppies are of course adorable, the Shih Tzu puppy is one of the cutest of them all, and people who are considering getting a puppy, particularly from a small breed, often fall for the undeniable charms of the little Shih Tzu and their puppy dog eyes!
If you are considering buying or adopting a Shih Tzu puppy, it is of course essential to do your research and make sure that you fully understand the traits, needs and temperament of the breed as a whole, and the puppy in the first instance.
Read on to learn five useful things to know about the Shih Tzu puppy.
As a small breed of dog, the Shih Tzu gives birth to relatively small to medium sized litters, usually consisting of anything from three to five puppies. Like other small dog breeds too, the Shih Tzu puppy tends to reach sexual maturity and have the physical ability to reproduce and have puppies of their own relatively young; generally between six and ten months of age. While this means that you will need to be on the lookout for the beginnings of sexual maturity and spay or neuter the dog to prevent unwanted puppies, if you plan to breed from your Shih Tzu, you should not consider doing this until they are at least 18 months old.
As with any breed or type of dog, their temperaments can vary considerably, even within dogs of the same breed. However, the core personality and temperament traits that are associated with the Shih Tzu include an affectionate, friendly and outgoing nature, a love of people, and a strong desire to be close to you. They are also watchful and alert, may be rather territorial, and will often bark at the sound of the doorbell or if they spot someone approaching the home!
The Shih Tzu is sometimes rather wary with strangers, and incorrectly trained and socialised, they may become temperamental and snappy.
The Shih Tzu can be seen in a wide variety of different colours, including white, tan, black, lemon and other mixtures. Their coats often consist of a mixture of two or more colours in varying quantities. The Shih Tzu coat is relatively long, straight, and should be sleek and silky in texture. The coat of the Shih Tzu requires daily brushing and grooming, and sometimes, trips to the grooming salon for trimming and bathing, in order to keep their coats in good condition. As the hair over the eyes can grow rather long, this should be either trimmed or tied up off the dog’s face to allow them to see out! It is also worth noting that the colour of the puppy coat can change as they age, so the coat that you first see your new dog displaying might change somewhat by the time that they are mature!
Shih Tzu puppies are absolutely tiny when they are born, weighing around six ounces at birth, or well under a pound! Once the Shih Tzu reaches sexual maturity at between six and ten months of age, they will usually have completed all of their growing too, and reach an adult weight of between nine and sixteen pounds, with males of the breed almost always being larger and heavier than the females. The height of the adult Shih Tzu at the withers is generally between eight and eleven inches tall.
While the Shih Tzu is cute, cuddly and generally cheerful, this does not mean that training them is always a straightforward process! As well as having friendly and appealing natures, they do also have a tendency to like to get their own way, and may be headstrong, stubborn and slightly unruly! They also have relatively short attention spans, meaning that learning and repeating a training move on one occasion does not necessarily mean that the dog will remember or be able to replicate their response to the command on another day!
Begin with the core basic training commands such as “sit” and “come,” make sure your Shih Tzu knows their name and use this before the command to get their attention, and keep on repeating and reinforcing the dog’s core training commands and gaining compliance on an ongoing basis.
Housebreaking the Shih Tzu may also be a challenge, not least because the diminutive size of the dog and their furry bodies can make it hard to see when the dog is assuming the position to go to the toilet! Patience, repetition and managing your expectations are all keys to successfully training the Shih Tzu dog, and generally, they are not considered to be a breed that is renowned for managing to learn or replicate complex or chain commands.

domain: pet


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Walking into taco cabana, you'll see the little sauce bar and the counter to order the food. You place your order and go into the dining hall to have a seat. When your food is ready, they'll...
- Mon: 6am-1am
- Tue: 6am-1am
- Wed: 6am-1am
- Thu: 6am-12am
- Fri: 12am-12am
- Sat: 12am-12am
- Sun: 12am-12am
WebsiteTake me there
Lol , last time I had been to the location they'd had burglar bars on the drive through window , that says it all ! Minimum is 1 extra star for the bomb ass bacon , chicken , cheese , & jalapeño...
They were not ready with out catering order on time, which caused us to be 30 minutes late to our client. They did not even have salsa prepared at 8:30 AM. We will not be returning for catering...
My boyfriend had a strange request tonight to have all my toppings for my nachos to be on the side. It was my request because I didn't want my nachos soggy because I got off work late. Yall did...
The service was an ok, it was super messy and the lady there was rude. Wasn't the best, wouldn't recommend

domain: food


text: "Low Ceilings" was originally intended to be a parody mixtape, but eventually developed into a mixtape of us just having fun. We want the world to hear what we produced and we would love to release Vol. 1 (Which has been out since Dec. 2009) on here and Vol. 2 (due in March) and any future releases we do. Thank you for your consideration.


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Each day during Black History Month, the York YWCA is highlighting icons of African-American history on its Facebook page. Visit YWCA York's website, www.ywcayork.org, and click on the Facebook logo. The York Daily Record/Sunday News will reprint those pieces each day through February on the opinion page.
• Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) was founder of the first national "Negro History Week," which later became Black History Month. Woodson was one of the first African-Americans to receive a doctorate from Harvard University. He was also one of the first academics to dedicate his life to the study and teaching of African- American history.

domain: news


It’s indisputable that, in the context of the Iran nuclear “deal,” the Iranian régime played the Obama administration for a bunch of fools. It wasn’t difficult; the Obama administration was peopled mainly by idiots, led by its egomaniacal idiot-in-chief. The Iran nuclear “deal” was cobbled together by corrupt, left-wing idiots on the American side and, on the Iranian side, by amoral baboons who realized full well that they were negotiating with idiots. What chance, really, did it have of being something good or positive? More to the point, what chance did the deal actually have of curbing Iran’s nuclear power ambitions?
No chance of either.
Continue reading In Iran Right Now…
Tulsi Gabbard is the least horrible of all the Democrat candidates for President… and she’s horrible.
Continue reading Just Sayin…
Headline: “Iranians Shoot Down Ukrainian Civilian Airliner Killing All On Board.” Remember the old commercial: “This is your brain on … Continue reading Someone Needs to Do a Commercial…
I wish someone — anyone! — would shoot… no one. Ever again. Wouldn’t that be nice? Until then, though: “Hooray … Continue reading I Wish Someone Would Shoot…(1)
Two Quick Things: First: It obviously was no accident that the Iranian régime murdered more than 170 Ukrainian people on an airplane in coldest blood. Yet, still no commentary anywhere (except here, of course) suggesting that the Iranian régime is composed of amoral beasts.
Next…The more Socialism you have, the more the government takes from you; the more Capitalism you have, the more the government… leaves you alone.
Continue reading Wow! So MUCH to Observe!
If any top Democrat were President today, Qassem Soleimani — bloodthirsty terrorist, and the murderer of hundreds (thousands?) of Americans — would be alive today, comfortable and worry-free, and eagerly anticipating many more worry-free years of killing Americans like you and me..
Continue reading Someone Needs to Point This Out…
How about: “Abolitionist?” We are, after all. And we do see parallels between chattel slavery and the crushing burden of government regulation, intrusion and intervention into the lives of American citizens. And, needless to say, the words “abolitionist” and “abolitionism” have noble traditions in Western Civilization. So, that’s my leading contender so far. Furthermore, let’s face it, the label “Abolitionist” absolutely belongs to the Republican Party, since the Democrat Party rejected the abolition of slavery… while the Republican Party embraced abolitionism entirely. If the Democrats object, tell ’em to take a hike. “Abolitionism” — as a concept — and therefore the word itself, absolutely belongs to the Republican Party.
I am an Abolitionist!
Continue reading Time to Retire the “Conservative” Label?


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Linda Crampton is a writer and former teacher with a first-class honors degree in biology. She writes about the scientific basis of disease.
The Problem With Peeing in Pools
Many people reading this article wouldn't dream of peeing in a swimming pool. According to a report published in an American Chemical Society journal, however, it's happening often enough to create a health hazard in some pools. Members of the general public and elite swimmers alike have admitted to peeing during swims. Some elite swimmers urinate in pool water frequently. There is evidence that urine is also being released into hot tub water.
The main problem with peeing in a swimming pool or hot tub is not the release of bacteria. Although urine isn't sterile (despite a rumour to the contrary), it generally contains a low level of microbes unless a person has a urinary tract infection. In addition, the water in pools and tubs usually contains disinfectants that kill bacteria and other microbes. Unfortunately, chemicals in urine react with the disinfectants to create potentially harmful products.
Experimental Evidence for Urination in Pools
In a major investigation, researchers from the University of Alberta in Edmonton collected water samples from pools and hot tubs in two Canadian cities. They tested the urine for the presence of acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K or ACE. The chemical is a common artificial sweetener in soft drinks and processed food. It's even used as an ingredient in other sugar substitutes. It passes through the body and into the urine without being altered.
The researchers tested a total of 250 water samples from 31 pools and hot tubs. They also tested 90 samples of the tap water used to fill the pools and tubs. They discovered that ACE was present in every sample that they tested. They also found that the chemical was up to 570 times more concentrated in the pool and hot tub water than in tap water. Since ACE is not deliberately added to swimming pools or hot tubs and is excreted in human urine, the investigators concluded that people had urinated in the water.
The reason why a small amount of acesulfame K was found in tap water is due to its stability. Some of the chemical survives wastewater treatment. It has been found in groundwater and enters tap water, although not in sufficient quantities to make the water taste sweet.
Lest readers get the impression that only Canadians like to pee in pools, it should be noted that peeing in swimming pools is common in elite U.S. swimmers, as mentioned in the video below.
Elite U.S. Swimmers Pee in the Pool
Facts About Disinfection By-Products
Urine contains nitrogenous waste products, including urea, uric acid, ammonia, and creatinine. It has been known for some time that these react with chlorine-based disinfectants in pool water to form disinfection by-products, or DBPs. Bromine, ozone, and ultraviolet radiation are also used to disinfect the water, either on their own or in combination with another technique. This can cause the production of other by-products. This article discusses the effects of chlorine-based disinfectants, which are the most common type at the moment.
Hundreds of different DBPs can form in and around swimming pools, but some are more common than others. One researcher has said that he's found the same eleven volatile DBPs in every sample of swimming pool water that he's examined. The chemicals are produced not only from the components of urine but also from chemicals in sweat, personal care products, dirt, dead cells, and hair. In addition, they are made from the remains of medications that have entered the urine.
Swimming pools must contain disinfectants in order to prevent the transmission of disease. We have some control over the substances that enter the water from our bodies and from disinfectant by-products, however. I've chosen three common DBPs to discuss in this article–trichloramine, cyanogen chloride, and chloroform.
Disinfection by-products are present in treated tap water, including the water used to fill swimming pools. They make a relatively minor contribution to the DBP level in swimming pools, however. Most disinfection by-products in a pool are made after people have entered it and voluntarily or involuntarily released substances from their body.
Disinfection of Swimming Pool Water
Sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite are added to swimming pool water as disinfectants. Chlorine is used much less often because it's not as safe to store and apply. All three substances react with water to make hypochlorous acid, which kills bacteria.
Ammonia and related chemicals in sweat and urine react with hypochlorous acid. The reaction produces chemicals called chloramines. One of these chloramines is known as trichloramine. Trichloramine is responsible for the typical swimming pool smell, which is often wrongly attributed to chlorine.
Read More From Youmemindbody
Trichloramine has the chemical formula NCl3 and is also known as nitrogen trichloride. It's one of the most common and annoying disinfection by-products. The chemical can cause eye and skin irritation as well as respiratory problems, including asthma. This can be true even when the chemical is at usual pool concentrations and gets worse as the concentration increases.
Although DBPs are often dangerous when they are in a concentrated form, they are safer at the low concentrations present in swimming pools. Pure trichloramine is an explosive substance. Fortunately, this isn't true for the chemical when it's present in pool water.
Cyanogen chloride or CNCl is another common disinfection by-product. It can be deadly when it's concentrated. Like other DBPs, it has a relatively low concentration in and around pool water. People don't drop dead after inhaling or swallowing it when they visit a swimming pool. Nevertheless, the chemical is of concern.
Like trichloramine, cyanogen chloride is a volatile substance (one that readily turns into a gas). The concentrated chemical causes severe irritation of the eyes, skin, and airways and interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen. It can also cause fluid buildup in the lungs (edema), convulsions, loss of consciousness, and death. The chemical is highly unlikely to be sufficiently concentrated in swimming pool water to cause serious effects, though.
Don't Pee in the Pool
It's uncertain whether DBPs in pool water are sufficiently concentrated to cause any serious health effects. There are preliminary indications that some of them may be, but the discoveries need to be confirmed.
Chloroform or CHCl3 is yet another common DBP. Once again, it's a volatile chemical that is normally present at a low concentration in and around swimming pools but is of some concern.
The concentrated chemical irritates the eyes and skin. It also depresses the activity of the central nervous system and can cause a coma. It was once used as an anesthetic. It was found to be dangerous because it can trigger a deadly alteration in the rhythm of the heartbeat. Doctors also found it hard to control the dose. Concentrated chloroform inhaled over a long period damages the liver and kidneys. The chemical is a suspected carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer).
Swim diapers and swim pants are not a substitute for frequent diaper changing and bathroom breaks. It is recommended that swim diapers and swim pants are checked frequently and changed away from the poolside.
— Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Public Health Recommendations
Swimming in a pool is fun and can be great exercise. It's not necessary to avoid the fun or the exercise unless the disinfection by-products are too irritating for a swim or unless the pool maintenance program is of concern. I think that it's the responsibility of swimmers to follow public health recommendations, however, for the sake of themselves and of other swimmers. Many of these recommendations are listed below.
- Shower with soap before entering a pool to remove sweat, personal care products, dead cells, and fecal matter from the skin. Feces can transmit disease.
- Don't enter the water if you have diarrhea, an intestinal infection, or a urinary tract infection. Small quantities of feces and urine can be released into the water accidentally.
- Don't swallow pool water and try to avoid getting it in your mouth.
- Make sure that indoor pools have good air circulation, since many DBPs are volatile and enter the air as a gas.
- Use the restroom whenever the urge to pee appears.
- Make sure that children urinate in the restroom before entering the water and that they leave the water whenever they need to "go".
- If children mention peeing in the pool, explain that this action is not a game and that it can affect the health of other people.
- Make sure that babies wear good swim diapers. These retain solid feces, but unfortunately they may not retain liquids. In addition, they don't prevent harmful microbes in diarrhea from contaminating the water. They should be inspected and changed frequently.
- Shower after a swim to remove contaminants.

domain: chemistry


average investment > Ad Fraud and Data Protection in Digital Advertising: Navigating the Complex Nexus
Ad Fraud and Data Protection in Digital Advertising: Navigating the Complex Nexus
The Dynamic Evolution of Digital Advertising In the ever-evolving digital advertising landscape, a host of challenges confront the industry.
Chief among these challenges is the pervasive issue of ad fraud, which has long plagued the online advertising ecosystem.
In an era marked by heightened privacy concerns, this problem has become increasingly intricate.
Advertisers and marketers now find themselves walking a fine line, striving to reach relevant audiences while safeguarding sensitive user information.
In this article, we will delve into the intersection of ad fraud detection and data protection, exploring the measures taken to combat fraudulent activities while preserving user privacy.
Understanding the Nuances of Ad Fraud Ad fraud encompasses a spectrum of deceptive and malicious practices designed to generate illegitimate or fraudulent ad interactions.
From fabricated clicks to artificial impressions, the spectrum of such practices is vast and varied.
Advertisers are deeply concerned about ad fraud, as it leads to squandered budgets, diminished return on investment (ROI), and a loss of trust in digital advertising.
Furthermore, ad fraudsters are continuously devising new techniques to outsmart detection mechanisms, making it an ongoing and formidable challenge for the industry.
The Far-Reaching Impact of Ad Fraud on the Advertising Industry The consequences of ad fraud reverberate widely throughout the advertising landscape:
- Financial Losses: Ad fraud siphons off billions of dollars from advertisers’ budgets annually. Statista has projected a 25% increase in the expected global cost of digital ad fraud in 2023, reaching a staggering 100 billion USD. Funds that could have been channeled into legitimate campaigns are squandered on fraudulent activities, significantly impacting marketing budgets and overall campaign effectiveness.
- Erosion of Credibility: Ad fraud tarnishes the credibility of the digital advertising ecosystem. When fraudulent ads coexist with legitimate ones, it erodes the trust that users and advertisers have in the medium.
- Distorted Performance Metrics: Fraudulent activities artificially inflate engagement metrics, such as click-through rates (CTR) and conversions, leading advertisers to a false sense of success and hindering accurate performance analysis.
- Resource Allocation Challenges: Misled by inflated metrics, advertisers may allocate more resources to underperforming campaigns, resulting in missed opportunities and ill-informed strategic decisions.
The Evolving Landscape of Data Protection While ad fraud poses a significant challenge, another equally pressing concern is data protection and user privacy. Stringent privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), have ushered in a new era of data handling, demanding the utmost care and transparency.
- User Consent and Transparency: Advertisers are now required to obtain explicit user consent before collecting or processing personal data for ad targeting. Clear information on data usage must be provided, and users should have an easy opt-out mechanism.
- Data Security Measures: Robust security measures must be implemented to shield user data from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats.
- Cross-Border Data Transfers: Companies operating across international borders must adhere to the regulations of each jurisdiction involved in the transfer of user data.
Striking a Delicate Balance: Ad Fraud Detection and Data Protection As advertisers endeavor to combat ad fraud without compromising user privacy, innovative technologies and strategies have emerged:
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Leveraging machine learning algorithms aids in the detection of patterns indicative of fraudulent activities. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, distinguishing between real users and bots, thereby enhancing fraud detection technology.
- Device Fingerprinting: This technique involves capturing unique attributes of devices used to access content, facilitating the identification of fraudulent activities across multiple platforms.
- Blockchain Technology: Embracing blockchain provides a decentralized and transparent system that can help prevent ad fraud. It verifies ad impressions and interactions, ensuring that only valid transactions are recorded.
- Privacy-Focused Advertising Solutions: Advertisers are increasingly turning to privacy-first advertising solutions that prioritize user consent and data protection while delivering relevant ads.
The Imperative Role of Industry Collaborations Effectively combating the ever-evolving landscape of ad fraud and data protection necessitates industry-wide collaboration.
Advertisers, publishers, ad networks, and technology providers must unite to share knowledge, insights, and best practices.
Fostering a united front enables the industry to construct a robust defense against fraudulent activities while upholding user privacy rights.
In Conclusion As the digital advertising landscape continues its transformation, the convergence of ad fraud detection and data protection emerges as a critical focal point.
Advertisers must embrace innovative technologies, adhere to privacy regulations, and work collectively to safeguard user privacy while effectively combatting ad fraud.
Striking the right balance not only safeguards the interests of advertisers but also ensures a safer and more trustworthy environment for users and the entire digital advertising ecosystem. By remaining vigilant and proactive, the industry can navigate these challenges and thrive in the age of privacy.


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The Socceroos stepped up preparations on Tuesday watched on by hundreds of fans in Canberra, but there could be a fitness concern around defender Jason Davidson.
Davidson was one of five players – including late arrivals Ryan McGowan, James Meredith, Alex Wilkinson and Trent Sainsbury - to be restricted to lighter duties under the watchful eye of strength and conditioning coach Craig Duncan.
But the Huddersfield left-back finished the session early, immediately applying ice to his troublesome left calf.
With only two days until Thursday’s qualifier against Kyrgyzstan, Davidson could be in some doubt to start.
Uncapped Meredith of Bradford City would be the most likely candidate to start on the left should Davidson not prove his fitness.
The session was a huge increase in intensity from Monday, with the squad watched on intently by supporters who had turned up to meet their heroes as part of the Socceroos’ Fan Day.
The B-League’s Sam Mac was MC and with ex-Socceroo Brett Emerton as a special guest and a host of activities for the youngsters, it made for a great atmosphere for the squad’s first major session ahead of Thursday’s game at GIO Stadium.
With Tom Rogic and Mathew Leckie yet to arrive – and Matthew Spiranovic ruled out through injury – the 20 remaining players all took some part in the session.
After stretching and a light warm-up, the glovemen – including Mat Ryan – went off to do their specialised session under Tony Franken.
Ryan completed every drill with Adam Federici and Alex Cisak, strengthening his case to possibly be involved against the 124th-ranked Kyrgyzstan.
The other 12 players - Cahill, Jedinak, Milligan, Burns, Mooy, Luongo, McKay, Oar, Risdon, Wright, Juric and Troisi – got straight into work with the ball.
It started with a pass-and-move drill using narrow spaces between poles to find a team-mate.
They moved on to a more intense passing drill, the emphasis on passing the ball into space and moving away from your marker.
It was then on to a 9 v 3 possession drill in tight areas, trying to work their way through the three defenders in a compact area.
After about an hour the session was done and the players warmed down before meeting the fans.
They posed for countless photos and signed a stack of autographs for the healthy contingent of supporters who turned out.
Joeys squad selected for final training camp in Melbourne
Joeys Head Coach Trevor Morgan has named a 26-player squad for a training camp in Melbourne next week (13-19 August) as they prepare for the upcoming AFC U16 Championship in Malaysia which will be held later this year. Morgan is looking forward to working with the players agai
Mixed news for Caltex Socceroos duo in Champions League qualifying
Milos Degenek’s Red Star Belgrade are still alive in their bid to qualify for this season’s UEFA Champions League, but there was heartbreak for Tom Rogic’s Celtic. After a 1-1 draw at home in the first leg, Celtic lost 2-1 against Greek side AEK Athens on Wednesday morning to
Young Socceroos set for kick off in 2018 SBS Cup
A selection of Australia’s finest U18 footballers commence their 2018 SBS Cup campaign in Japan tomorrow evening. Ante Milicic’s side take on the host nation at Fujieda Stadium at 7.30pm kick off (AEST). AUSSIES ABROAD: Maclaren, Vukovic impress in Europe READ: Why Rene


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LEGISLATION banning political parties from accepting donations from tobacco companies passed the House of Assembly yesterday.
Labor and the Greens voted together to pass the legislation, with the opposition vehemently opposed.
The Liberals are the only party accepting such donations.
Greens health spokesman Paul O'Halloran said if politicians wanted Tasmanians to stop smoking it was only appropriate for them to set a good example.
Opposition justice spokeswoman Vanessa Goodwin said she would now seek the support of fellow MLCs to block the legislation in the Legislative Council.
"The passing of legislation in the House of Assembly to ban political donations from tobacco companies is not about health, it is about manipulating the Electoral Act to unfairly disadvantage an opponent," she said.
"If this legislation was really about health, Labor and the Greens would have also banned donations from alcohol companies and gambling; they have not, despite the Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs Council saying the government should give alcohol the same treatment as tobacco."


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Drop in Rates For Mortgages Gets Attention Of Borrowers
Friday, September 12, 2008
For the first time in months, interest rates slipped below 6 percent this week, prompting Donna Gillis to immediately refinance the mortgage on her D.C. rowhouse.
"It would have bothered me not to be in the 5 percent range, even though the monthly payment would not have been much more," said Gillis, who locked in a rate of 5 7/8 percent on Monday.
A weekly survey released by Freddie Mac yesterday shows that 30-year fixed rate loans averaged 5.93 percent this week, down from 6.35 percent last week and 6.31 percent at the same time a year ago.
Monthly principal and interest payments on a $200,000 mortgage at 5.93 percent are $1,190. That's $54 less than at the previous week's rate.
The dip followed the federal government's takeover of mortgage giants Freddie and Fannie Mae. It's by no means a historic low. The 46-year low was 5.37 percent in 2003, according to research firm HSH Associates. But it's an attention-grabbing number for borrowers who have not seen rates under 6 percent since early spring.
"That 6 percent level is kind of a psychological break point," said Keith Gumbinger, a vice president at HSH Associates. "Consumers see a five in front of mortgages, and they get excited."
Joan Caton Cromwell, a real estate agent at Long & Foster's Chevy Chase, D.C., office, said much of the excitement has come from people looking to refinance, not buy.
"I had two calls just yesterday alone," Cromwell said. "One of them was from someone who had settled on their home on July 7, and they wanted to refinance because their lender told them the rates were below 6 percent. . . . For most people, five sounds like a bargain, six sounds fair and seven sounds high."
As many lenders point out, the rates have zigzagged since the takeover was announced. On Monday alone, rates ranged between 5 7/8 percent and 6 percent, said Steve Calem, vice president of real estate lending at American Bank in Rockville. "It doesn't go in a straight line," Calem said. "Rates move up and down, especially after a big event."
In other words, just because your neighbor was quoted 5-something percent yesterday -- or even an hour ago -- does not mean you will get the same rate or better.
Besides, there are lots of factors. The borrowers most likely to secure the lower rates are those with good credit scores, a decent amount of equity in the house, and money to put toward closing costs and fees known as points .
The mortgage rates as stated in the Freddie Mac survey do not include points, which reduce the rate. The nationwide fee for a 30-year mortgage averaged 0.7 point last week. A point is 1 percent of the amount of the loan.
"Every day there's a sliding scale," said Mark Fegani, a mortgage banker and president of Olympia West Mortgage in Vienna. "Even last week, people could have gotten interest rates in the fives if they wanted to pay some points."
But not everyone will be able to qualify, especially if they're trying to refinance a home that's dropped in value or take out cash.
The toughest challenge for many is that they owe more than their homes are now worth.
At First Savings Mortgage in McLean on Monday, one loan officer had to turn away all but three of the 75 customers who wanted to refinance, said Larry Pratt, the bank's chief executive. "Some borrowers are going to be very frustrated."


Below is a transcript of this segment
Let’s look at ISIS. Clearly, that is evil, right? So, what do you need to defeat ISIS? You need the info. That’s hard to get in today’s world because we’re not being given the information. We’re being told that it’s just the jayvee league, that they’re just a small band. We’re told that it has nothing to do with Islam as they understand Islam. So, we have a huge barrier here of information.
Then connect. It’s really hard to connect because you’re called a racist. Notice the pattern here? You can’t get the information because if you even say the information or spread the information, you’re an Islamophobe or you’re a racist or a bigot. If you decide you’re going to share this information and connect with others, you all become Islamophobes or you’re bigots.
The third one is to take action. Now, this one is hard because these guys are over in the Middle East. What are you going to do? We’re going to focus on action in the coming weeks and months because this has to stop. Unspeakable evil is happening, and the answer is—can you fight and win? The answer is yes, but I don’t believe we should be against things. We’re not against Grover Norquist. I’m for the Second Amendment and an end of corruption. I’m for transparency.
I’m not against ISIS as much as I am for the First Amendment, the right to practice your faith. When you’re for something, there’s real power behind it. And there is unspeakable evil on the march in the Middle East. Christians and other religious minorities—heck with that, some people aren’t Muslim enough are being slaughtered, and we’ve seen the videos.
So, where are the leaders? Where are the Churchills? Where are the Bonhoeffers? I contend they’re right there. They’re you. We have shown you the regular citizen taking matters into their own hands and trying to help defend themselves and fight back against ISIS, and I personally think this is the wave of the future because we now can connect. We don’t need others to do it. We have to do it ourselves. It’s not enough in and of itself.
Positions of power come with responsibility, and the global superpowers have only delivered platitudes and politically correct soft admonitions. So far, only one major leader is calling a spade a spade, and that is The Pope, Pope Francis.
He has called for “the defense and protection of our brothers and sisters, who are persecuted, exiled, killed, beheaded, for the only reason of being a Christian.” He said, “They are our martyrs today and they are many; we are able to say that they are more numerous than in the first centuries.” He went on to say he sincerely hopes that the international community does not look the other way.
The Pope has also called to attention something the rest of the world doesn’t have the spine to address, and that is this, the Armenian genocide that happened in 1915. This is critically important. There were 2 million Armenians. Just a few short years later, there were only 400,000 left.
Amidst collapse, the Ottoman Turks, the Muslims, slaughtered the adult men right away. Anyone not killed was forced to march into the desert and the mountains with no food or water. Most died horrific deaths along the way. Few survived. Scholars and historians have absolutely no doubt on what happened, but yet Turkey still aggressively denies and attacks anyone moving to officially recognize it. It is still illegal in Turkey to use the word genocide.
The Turkish government spends millions and millions of dollars every single year using their clout to lobby against anyone in the world pushing a bill to recognize it. Apparently their clout is significant because even the United States of America hasn’t officially recognized it yet. I want you to think about that one for a minute. This country—Turkey has so much power over the world leaders and this country that it can stop us from merely speaking the truth that we know is true.
But on Sunday, The Pope spoke boldly, referring to it as the first genocide of the 20th century. He urged the leaders of the world to recognize it, saying, “Concealing or denying evil is like allowing a wound to keep bleeding without bandaging it.” Turkey responded with a predictable outrage. They recalled their ambassador and the Turkish Foreign Minister and then Tweeted, “Religious offices are not places through which hatred and animosity are fueled by unfounded allegations.”
The real question is why in the world would Turkey care? It happened 100 years ago. Every nation has its scars. Germany recovered from the Nazis. America recovered from the slavery wrongs. They were acknowledged and corrected. We vow not to repeat them again. We learn from those.
But as we all know, the only way not to repeat history is to know our history. Next week, our latest episode of The Root is called “The Christian Holocaust.” This is pretty stark language for us to use to call something the Holocaust. We’re using it intentionally because the world needs to wake up to this. As you will see, there is an important historic reason that nobody talks about because nobody wants to look into it, but this Holocaust played an important role setting up the 20th century.
As The Pope alluded, there is more to the story that the media doesn’t report on. Buried towards the end or omitted in most of the stories is something else The Pope said. He pointed out “Catholic and Orthodox Syrians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Greeks” were also killed in the genocide 100 years ago at the hands of the Ottoman Muslim Turks. Christians were systematically slaughtered by the millions.
Armenia is one of the very first Christian nations, and over 95% of the population identifies itself as Christian. The Assyrians, the Greeks, were also targeted for extermination, and they were also Christians. We next week will show you the true history, and you will understand why Turkey cares so deeply about not admitting what happened 100 years ago and why they go to the extreme lengths to deny any wrongdoings. But more importantly, you will understand why we must now stand in the face of evil and declare it once and for all. Don’t miss it, 5 PM next Thursday.
So, while the world leaders sleep, The Pope is on the front lines, calling evil by its name. The president, our president, has refused to identify the religion of Christians beheaded on the beach. The Pope, on the other hand, calls these people martyrs. Why? A martyr is somebody who simply dies for what they believe, in this case, being a Christian.
The Pope is able to do so confidently because he understands the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He understands history. We’ve seen this all play out before, and we’re now seeing it again. The Pope is refusing to remain silent, thank God. He called out ISIS for their persecution of Christians in Iraq and Syria, who are “publicly and ruthlessly put to death, decapitated, crucified, burned alive, and forced to leave their homeland.”
Refusing to speak evil against evil is in itself evil, and Bonhoeffer was right, God will not hold us guiltless for our inaction. So, what is it you do? You get the information. You learn history. We will show you that on The Root next Thursday.
Second, once you’re informed, you connect with others, and then you take action. Action is going to be something that is in this case very personal to each one of us. We’ve already shown you ways to take action. We will show you many ways before we hit the summer months. There needs to be a great awakening in our country, not against something, but for our brothers and sisters of all faiths who are now being put to death because they see God a different way than monsters do.
So, let’s concentrate tonight on info. We do that. We have a couple of guests in tonight that we’re going to share some of the things they know firsthand what is happening over there, and we will spend some time getting to know them and hearing their story. And then I’d ask that you would share these shows on social media because the words really do matter, the words that are said and the words that are left unsaid. The time will come when we ask you to take action, and action is coming. Tonight, we concentrate on the story, the words that need to be said.


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East Grange Wigwams is located in the beautiful Moray countryside and is close to fantastic beaches (Findhorn, Roseile, Hopeman and Lossiemouth), forests and cycle routes. Lots of local attractions too and ½ mile from public transport routes!
Sandspoint is a splendid and very spacious detached Victorian house situated in a stunning location on the edge of the village of Findhorn and overlooking the sand dunes and the sea. The ideal large family holiday house in a wonderful locationon the
Ardgye House offers luxury Bed & Breakfast Accommodation. Situated near Elgin in Moray, Ardgye House is one of the finest examples of Edwardian architecture to be found of it's type. We look forward to welcoming you to our home.
Carden Cottages are located in an area of outstanding natural beauty only a short distance away from magnificent beaches, rambling forest walks and cycle trails, ancient castles and historic sites in the heart of Moray.

domain: geography


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Queen B is the Queen of many things, but none so more than dropping surprise albums with zero notice. Back in 2016, she did it with 'Lemonade' and now her and husband JAY-Z have dropped a nine-track project titled 'Everything Is Love' with no prior warning whatsoever.
The couple’s first joint album dropped on Saturday on the Tidal music streaming, and it is not yet available on other streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music.
After years of marriage, three children together and shared tours, this first full-length album from the ultimate power couple have happily ended the saga of statements made by 'Lemonade' and JAY'Z's '4:44', which discuss betrayal, responsibility and coming to terms with being married with kids.
In this album, they are a united force. In the title track “Apes**t,” Beyoncé says, “I can’t believe we made it.” This song is the duo announcing that they know just how big they are, with JAY-Z practically shrugging off his zero wins out of his eight Grammy nominations and spitting “I said no to the Super Bowl/You need me, I don’t need you.” The video for 'Apes**t' was shot in the Louvre, including the Carters’ own selfies in front of the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Not only are the married couple united as a force, attacking their haters together and having each other's backs, their musical styles converge as Beyoncé does her share of rapping as singing.
In '713' and others, the pair describes how they are connected to their humble beginnings but do not state, as so many other artists annoyingly do, that they are from modest wealth and just like everyone else. In 'Heard About Us', Queen B sings “No need to ask, you heard about us/Already know you know about us,” and JAY-Z claims he is “every-day-I’m-getting-sued famous.” In 'Boss', Beyoncé sings, “My great-great-grandchildren already rich/That’s a lot of brown children on your Forbes list.”
Beyoncé and JAY-Z are the power couple in this album that we all knew they could be. It's a banger of a project that completely encapsulates who they are and what they stand for, and we are absolutely digging it.
Keep up with the Culture Kings Blog for all the latest in music, sports and streetwear.
Header image from Cosmopolitan.com


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ZAGREB (Croatia), March 15 (SeeNews) - Croatian hospitality group Valamar Riviera [ZSE:RIVP] said on Friday it has increased its own shareholding to 2.5807%.
On March 13, the company purchased 5,000 of its own shares, representing 0.0039% of its share capital, Valamar Riviera said in a filing with the Zagreb Stock Exchange (ZSE).
Following the last transaction, the company holds 3,252,463 of its own shares.
Valamar Riviera Group owns two brands, Valamar Hotels & Resorts and Camping Adriatic featuring 22 hotels, 7 apartment resorts, 2 hostels and 10 camp sites. Its facilities can accommodate some 43,000 guests daily.
The company's shares closed at 33.20 kuna ($5.1/4.5 euro) on Friday, down 1.19%.
(1 euro = 7.42236 kuna)


Joshua Peter Clausen, a legend of the South Australian boating industry, meticulously built a boat for himself at his Peterhead shed in 1939 and named it after his eldest granddaughter, Pauline.
This beautiful wedge in our wooden boat history remains very much alive today with Greg and Jannean Weston having bought the boat almost three years ago and formed a treasured frienship with the lady herself – Pauline Clausen.
They say to own a JP Clausen & Sons wooden boat is special, but the Pauline, which for many years was the official vessel for the South Australian Yacht Squadron, is touched with profound sentiment.
Greg and Jannean bought Pauline, a 38ft cruiser, from the Patterson family, who worked at JP Clausen & Sons and have always made Pauline very welcome when visiting from Adelaide.
According to Jannean, it sums up what the wooden boat fraternity is about; fascinating history richly entwined with every craft and the strong friendships that come with them.
Greg and Jannean sold their Apollo Bay home southwestern coast of Victoria almost three years ago and went on what was described to them as a LSD trip for the over-50s – “Look, See & Decide” on a new place to live. They were supposed to tour Australia, but they said they couldn’t get past Goolwa because of the river and the incredibly-rich wooden boat heritage.
Mind you, Greg admitted he hated his father’s Couta boat with its carvel planks and said he would never buy a wooden boat, but when they saw Pauline they fell in love with the boat and the family link, splendor and history that goes with her.
Pauline was launched in Mannum, where Joshua Clausen left it there for years until 1957 when he sold it to members of the Paterson family. They almost sank Pauline taking her out through the Murray Mouth enroute to the SA Yacht Squadron at Port Adelaide.
Greg and Jannean had Pauline trucked back to Goolwa. “We spent almost six months working on her in the work pen and on the slip, painting and basically doing a full restoration,” Greg said. “The interior did not change much, but the exterior has basically had a complete re-fit.”
Jannean said they were extremely careful not to compromise the boat in any way when they added rear outside seating. Pauline did numerous trips to Kangaroo Island, but because she would be mainly used on the Murray River one of the huge fuel tanks was removed and the necessary EPA conversions were made.
The timber work is sensational; Jarrah bottom and sides, Huon pine top sides, Queensland spotted Beech on the decks and Queensland Beech throughout the cabin.
Pauline has a 10 ft beam and 3ft 4 in draft. There are twin 60hp diesel Perkins engines, allowing her to cruise about 6 knots. She has a public address system, a sign from her halcyon days with the squadron.
There was a third engine to run the seemingly excessive refrigeration, and with a wry grin Greg said Pauline was noted for her entertaining. The slide out bar and the google cocktail glasses were a dead giveaway, and occasionally we see traces of a visit by friends who form their Red Rudder Club which visits superb places like the Coorong and Clayton Bay.
Above everything, Greg and Jannean said they have been overwhelmed by the character of Goolwa and its people, and especially the heritage linked with the wooden boats that line the banks and create a cruise through time.
“Perhaps some people who are not involved in wooden boats may just take it for granted what they have down here,” Greg said. “They don’t realise a lot of these boats are getting to the end of their life.
“A lot have needed to become composite craft with fiberglass, and some have replaced the old bottoms of the boats with new materials.”
Jannean said the people who are involved in wooden boats here are extremely passionate. “It is with you forever,” she said.
Pauline won her section for boats over 10 metres at the 2013 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival, and already she is being prepared for the 2015 event in February.