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Custom Geek Wedding Rings
You don’t have to look very hard in the world to see how Geek Culture has gone from being a fringe subculture to a full-blown phenomenon, especially with all of the Custom Geek Wedding Rings available now. By all observations, there are more people attending comic book conventions dressed up in cosplay than ever. And just as with every other subculture, many different services and merchants have begun tailoring their products to meet the needs of the gamer and geek demographics. At Valeria Custom Jewelry, we are keenly aware of the latest trends as we make what people want, but can’t find at a retail store. We saw the Geek Wedding Rings wave coming early. Because of this, we created a suite of jewelry based on the geek culture.
This Men’s Batman Ring is the inverse of one of our most popular batman wedding rings. The black around the bat in our Men’s Batman Ring is made with enamel. Enamel is far more permanent than the oxidation used my most jewelers. It is only damaged by heat and solvents like acetone. But if you would like the bat left empty, that can be done as well.
In this Kryptonian Superman Wedding Ring, we started off with a swirling “S” to give it some motion. Most of our other Superman rings had the “S” made with enamel. Then we took the symbols from Superman’s new suit and put those on the base. Crawling up the sides of the ring to the “S” is some kryptonite from the superman’s suit. We know this is kind of personal and maybe not for everyone! So we created a few variations of this ring. See them HERE and HERE.
What is interesting is how fine jewelers who would have thumbed their noses at a Batman or Star Wars Ring are now making Custom Geek Wedding Rings. At the request of customers, an increasing number of high-end jewelry designers are taking the symbols and emblems from film and games and turning them into beautiful and sometimes quite ornate jewelry. From Batman to WOW to Harry Potter, fashion statement jewelry and Custom Geek Wedding Rings would have never been the same with the advent of CAD.
Custom Geek Wedding Rings – Not Just for Nerds Anymore
Here, we have combined two superhero logos into one. This way, you don’t have to pick your favorite!
This is one of our HORDE World of Warcraft Engagement Rings. We have 2. This one has a round center stone with the lion underneath, but we have it with a heart shape center stone and nothing beneath it.
Here is our Man of Steel Superman Wedding Band. It is simple. We just took the S, filled it with enamel, and channel set some diamonds. We can also make it with out the stones.
Our Harry Potter inspired Owl Engagement Ring is one of your favorite custom rings we have created. Supporting the halo and center stone are two owls. We can hand engrave the owls to give them a high level of detail and we can also add stones to the eyes of the owls.
This is one of your Star Wars Lightsaber Wedding Rings. We can take almost any lightsaber hilt you want and turn it into a wedding or engagement ring.
As you can see, it is possible to be inventive and creative with the use of emblems from their customer’s favorite games and movies. The aesthetics of classical jewelry design seem to combine well with the adapted fantasy themes and graphic art seen in of gamer culture.
Custom Geek Wedding Rings – No Theme Is Out Of Bounds
Our Rebel Alliance VS Empire Star Wars Wedding Ring is a play on another of our star wars wedding rings we created. You can see it HERE. This one features the rebel alliance and empire logos at odds with each other and we also have thrown in with a few of the shapes from princess Leia’s outfit in the the Return of the Jedi. However, other shapes can be used as long as they fit. It could also be possible to add stones to the outer rails if you wanted some color or sparkle.
This is our Star Wars Galactic Empire Wedding Ring. We have the logos going all the way around the ring, creating “pools” for the black enamel to be used around the entire ring. Otherwise, it would leak out.
This Batman engagement ring is not only elegant and stylish. And it was a fitting tribute to both the couple’s love of comics and her love of one of DC’s most iconic and most loved comic book villains. This was our first superhero engagement ring and we haven’t looked back since!
This is our Superman Batman Wedding Ring. We took the “Battle for the Cowl Batman” logo and added the Superman “S” to it. It looks pretty cool doesn’t it! We also have it without the stones, which can be made smaller. But we think it look so much better with stones. But hey..it isn’t our ring. We are here to create Custom Geek Wedding Rings that YOU want.
We didn’t forget about the ladies! Most of our rings can be tapered for a woman. Here is our Women’s Batman Wedding Ring with Diamond accents.
Custom Geek Wedding Rings – Give Us a Chance!
This is one of our White Gold Superman Wedding Ring designs. However, we can make it in a few different metals. In this one, we made the S with some swirling to give it motion. Most of our other superman rings had the S made with enamel. Then we took the symbols from superman’s new suit and put those on the base. We made this ring for a couple who wanted some kryptonese on the side, but we wanted to do something that clashed less with the background. So basically, we just thought the wishbone shape looked cool. If you have an idea for something else, we could make it with that.
The most interesting thing we’ve found about lovers of Geek Wedding Rings is how generally receptive customers have proven to be to the use of CAD/CAM renderings in advertising and presenting designs. Perhaps this is related to gamer culture’s being accustomed to looking at computer graphics.
Whatever it is, we are happy to create Geek Wedding Rings just for you. Whether it be a batman wedding ring, World of Warcraft Wedding Ring, or Star Wars Wedding Ring. We are positive we can create something you will love forever. And usually a competitive price compared to the chain stores. We know you have tons of choices when looking for Custom Geek Wedding Rings. However, we are confident that if given the chance, our design skill, value, and service will put us a notch above all the rest. Google us. We are all over the internet for making customers happy.
Not All Custom Geek Wedding Rings Are Created Equal
You might find rings that look like our Our Top Batman Wedding Rings for less on Ebay, Etsy, or Amazon. But rest assured they are made in Asia where quality is low on the list of priorities. If you want Geek Wedding Rings that will last, have it made in the USA!
Click HERE to learn more about custom pendants, view our portfolio, or to contact us about custom men’s rings. It can cost less than you think to have your very own custom wedding ring made just for you. Why settle for the lame and overpriced wedding bands from the chain stores when we can make Geek Wedding Rings showing your style and personality?


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On July 14, 2020, police reportedly arrested and brought criminal charges against thirteen students in retaliation for their participation in a protest at the National University.
Student protests at National University had begun more than a month earlier, with demands that the university reduce tuition fees as a result of educational time lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the university did take measures to cut tuition, students — organized under the title UNAS Gawat Darurat (UGD), which translates as National University Under Emergency — complained that the cuts were not universal, or sufficient. Following the protests, 31 students were reportedly placed under disciplinary investigation, leading the following months to expulsions of three students, suspensions of three more, and verbal warnings to another fifteen. (See report).
In response, thirteen members of the UGD alliance staged a protest in front of the National University campus. According to reports, the students sought to enter the campus, but were not permitted to do so by campus security, leading to shoving between protesters and officers. Students reportedly burned tires outside the gate as they spoke.
National University authorities reported all thirteen protesters to the South Jakarta Police, alleging they had threatened and committed violence against people and property. The students could face up to five years and six months in prison if convicted.
Additionally, the university imposed academic sanctions on eleven of the students: three were expelled, two were suspended, and six were given verbal warnings.
Scholars at Risk is concerned by the arrest of, and institutional retaliation against, students in apparent retaliation for the nonviolent exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and academic freedom — conduct that is expressly protected under international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Indonesia is a party. State authorities have an obligation to refrain from restricting or retaliating against expressive activity, so long as it is nonviolent and responsible. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, criminal and administrative actions intended to retaliate against expressive activity undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

domain: news


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Young star Nikita Waligwa has passed away from brain cancer.
The beautiful Ugandan actress passed away at the age of 15 after a prolonged battle with brain cancer. The teen played ‘Phiona Mutesi’ a friend to the main character ‘Gloria’ who was champion chess player; in ‘Queen of Katwe’. She suffered from a brain tumor that required treatment. According to the BBC, “she was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016 and Queen of Katwe director reportedly mobilized people to help fund her treatment in India, with Ugandan doctors quoted as saying they did not have the necessary equipment. She was given the all-clear in 2017 but last year was found to have another tumor.”
The news became public on Sunday, as Nikita’s school Gayaza High School tweeted about the unfortunate event.
Fare thee well Nikita Pearl Waligwa. You were a darling to many and we have lost you to brain tumor at such a tender age. Nikita was in S.3. Rest in Perfect Peace dear pic.twitter.com/ny8I9YAjsQ
— Gayaza High School (@gayazahigh) February 16, 2020
Co-star Lupita Nyong’o who acted alongside the young actress took to Instagram where she shared her condolences writing, ” It is with great sadness that I post about the passing of Nikita Waligwa, the sweet, warm, talented girl whom I worked with on the film, Queen Of Katwe. She played Gloria with such vibrancy. In her real life, she had the enormous challenge of battling brain cancer. ”
View this post on Instagram
It is with great sadness that I post about the passing of Nikita Waligwa, the sweet, warm, talented girl whom I worked with on the film, Queen Of Katwe. She played Gloria with such vibrancy. In her real life she had the enormous challenge of battling brain cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and community as they come to terms with having to say goodbye so soon. May she truly rest in peace. May it be well with her soul.
David Oyelowo also from the Queen of Katwe cast also described Nikita as “a ball of light.” Describing Nikita’s spirit he went on to add, “her battle with a brain tumor was humbling to witness.”
Disney production ‘Queen of Katwe’ was first released in September 2016. The Mira Nair-directed film has earned several awards including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Young Actor as well as the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Costume Design in 2017.

domain: celebrity


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Madame – Inspira
3. Hardened (with Deapmash)
Release Date: October 7th
Madame is the moniker of a young French producer named Louis Roche, and one can’t help but wonder what experiences this man has been through in his short life to make such punishing techno. “Inspira” will be his third release on BNR, and the EP delivers more of the dark and rough peak time DJ tools that have brought him major support in the past as well as breaking some new ground.
The title track “Inspira” drops with immediate effectiveness, alternating between a body moving electro breaks pattern and a straight 4/4 step, but it’s the pads that really make it stand out. Airy, rich, and utterly haunting in both timbre and melody, they demand an intoxicated frisson from the listener, whether chemically assisted or not. “Whisper” is tough stomper with a no-holds-barred snare roll buildup and continuing tension throughout this brutal track. To close, “Hardened” finds Madame joined by label mate Deapmash, who brings his more percussive focus to Madame’s hard techno sensibilities. The result is a ravey and utterly mad DJ tool that doesn’t let up it’s amphetamine-like hysteria.
Madame has a formula and sticks to it- but it’s a formula that’s incredibly effective, as reflected by the long list of A-list DJ’s from Gesaffelstein to Dave Clarke who have incorporated his tracks into their sets. Still, the “Inspira” EP doesn’t suggest stagnation from the producer. There’s expansion here into melody and texture not heard before, and a greater mastery of rhythm- and for a producer who’s age suggests he’s just getting started, “Inspira” marks the next step of a massive force in the making.

domain: artistic


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There is evidence that stress and glucocorticoids alter drug self-administration and mesolimbic dopamine (DA) activity in preclinical models. The primary purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that glucocorticoids are associated with psychostimulant reinforcement and DA release in humans. In total, 16 healthy adults, ages 18-27 years, underwent two consecutive 90-min PET studies with high specific activity [11C] raclopride. The first scan was preceded by intravenous saline, and the second by intravenous amphetamine (AMPH 0.3 mg/kg). DA release was defined as the percent change in raclopride binding between the placebo and AMPH scans. Measures of subjective drug effects, plasma cortisol, and growth hormone (GH) were obtained. Findings showed that cortisol levels were positively associated with AMPH-induced DA release in the left ventral striatum (LVS) and the dorsal putamen. Subjects with higher cortisol responses to AMPH also reported more positive subjective drug effects than subjects with lower cortisol responses; no association was observed between cortisol levels and negative drug effects. Higher ratings of positive drug effects were also associated with greater DA release in the LVS, dorsal putamen, and dorsal caudate. A general lack of relationship was observed between GH responses to AMPH and DA release or subjective drug responses. Our findings provide evidence of interrelationships between glucocorticoid levels, subjective responses to IV AMPH, and brain DA release in humans. The results are consistent with those of preclinical studies, suggesting that individual differences in HPA axis function may influence vulnerability to alcohol and drug dependence in humans.
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health

domain: psychology


How to Properly Adjust Swimming Pool pH
Maintaining the proper pH level in a swimming pool is essential for water clarity, swimmer comfort, and equipment longevity. The YouTube video offers a tutorial. In addition, here’s a guide on how to properly adjust swimming pool pH.
Adjust Swimming Pool pH
Begin by using a pool water testing kit to measure the current pH level. The ideal pH range for swimming pools is typically between 7.
2 and 7.6. If the pH level is outside the ideal range, determine whether it needs to be raised or lowered. pH levels below 7.2 are acidic, while levels above 7.6 are alkaline. If pH is too low, add a pH increaser such as sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate according to manufacturer instructions.
If pH is too high, add a pH reducer such as muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate following manufacturer guidelines. After adding pH-adjusting chemicals, allow the pool water to circulate for several hours to ensure proper mixing and distribution.
Re-test the water after a few hours to confirm that the pH level has reached the desired range. Repeat the process in small increments until you achieve the optimal pH level. To maintain proper pH levels, test the pool water regularly and make adjustments as needed. Ideally, you should test every week. Factors such as rainfall, bather load, and the use of pool chemicals can affect pH balance.


Lenovo Thinkplus XT65 Noise Reduction Half In-Ear Bluetooth 5.3 Earphones
■ Bluetooth 5.3 and stereo sound quality: Lenovo bluetooth headset bring you for a better music experience. compared to bluetooth 5.0, the 5.3 version features fast and stable signal transmission, clear sound quality without skips and distortion and low power consumption. at the same time, stereo headphones provides sound quality, the sound of immersive music scene surround sound, let you feel more realistic music!
■ IPX5 waterproof: sports Earbud design, internal nano coating protects the headphones from heavy rains or sweat throughout intense exercises; just enjoy your time when running, jogging, riding, hiking, fitness, or in the gym. keep your headphones in good working order, even if you are drenched sweats after a grueling workout.
■ Ergonomic earhook design: with lightweight and ergonomic design, Lenovo earhooks headset is a great combination of comfort and stability with ear hook and in ear fitting designed for strenuous workouts. lightweight and ergonomic design, customizable accessories with large, medium, and small size of gel eartips; soft silicon earhooks ensure comfortable and secure wear in even intense workout.
■ Easy to use: control buttons on the headphones so that you can play and pause music, adjust the volume, skip tracks, answer and end calls, and activate the voice control of your phone with one simple operation on the headphones. these headphones are compatible with most ios and android smartphones.


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Digitally Paint a Botanical Monogram Using Your iPad and Procreate App
Learn to use the Procreate App on your iPad to digitally paint a beautiful monogram with botanical elements. This class will be suitable for artists with beginner-level exposure to Procreate. We will review fundamental skills at a fairly quick pace before diving into our project.
2 total reviews for this teacher
2 reviews for this class
Completed by 10 learners
There are no upcoming classes.
learners per class
How does a “One-Time” class work?
Meets once at a scheduled time
Live video chat, recorded and monitored for safety and quality
Great for exploring new interests and different styles of teachers
How Outschool Works
There are no open spots for this class.
You can request another time or scroll down to find more classes like this.
We will be using the iPad, Procreate app, and Apple Pencil to digitally paint a botanical monogram. We will be learning the entire process step-by-step together while each learner will be creating their own unique artwork! They will choose their own letter to use as well as what colors, brushes, textures, and botanicals they want to paint. The goal of this class is to explore what we can do in Procreate and let go of perfectionism. There are no mistakes, only opportunities to discover...
Learners may want to spend more time after our class to continue to work on their project until they decide that they are 100% finished to their satisfaction. It is common practice for artists to come back to their artwork after a period of time away from it to assess, add more details, or make changes. We are covering a lot of skills in this class so they may use this knowledge to further create in Procreate outside of class time.
1) This is a Procreate app class that requires an iPadOS tablet 13.2 or later, with an Apple Pencil. The app is available on the App Store for $9.99. Please have the app installed and open for your learner before class begins. Make sure the tablet and pencil are fully charged. While you can draw with your finger, only the Apple Pencil will perform with the best pressure-sensitive properties. Another stylus brand may or may not work very well with this app. If you are unsure, please test in advance of the class. Please note, that your model of iPad will determine which Apple Pencil should be paired with it. If you are unsure, please contact Apple support. 2) I encourage students to have their Zoom class open on a second device, such as a computer, phone, or second iPad. It would be difficult to see the demonstrations and interact with the other students, while also trying to use the Procreate app, on the same iPad. 3) Please gather photos of plants, flowers, berries, ferns, fruits, and vegetables that they like with which to reference for drawing. These can be found online, in magazines, books, or even in photos from your own garden or neighborhood.
There are no assessments in this class, only encouragement!
55 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.
I recommend that students have photos of their favorite botanicals gathered before the class begins for drawing reference. This can include plants, branches, flowers, fruit, berries, and even vegetables!
🇺🇸Lives in the United States
2 total reviews
4 completed classes
Hello Outschool families! My name is Karen Dahlquist and I'm super excited to meet you! I'm passionate about design, art, literature, animals, and world geography. I have a Bachelor of Applied Design degree and am a working professional graphic...

domain: hobby


County settles with former reserve deputy for $55,000
Columbia County won't disclose the nature of a complaint from a former sheriff's office reserve deputy that led to an out-of-court settlement of $55,000.
Columbia County commissioners approved a settlement agreement with Kellie Smith, a former reserve deputy with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, on April 25 following an executive session meeting.
Settlement agreement documents indicate Smith, through an attorney, filed a tort claim notice with the county in February, indicating a lawsuit against the government agency could be forthcoming for "unlawful employment practices."
The nature of Smith's complaint is unclear, except to indicate that Smith was subjected to unlawful behavior while volunteering as a deputy sheriff.
A records request for a copy of the tort claim was denied by the county's attorney. Tort claim notices are considered public records, with few exceptions.
Karen Kane, the county's public information officer, said the county paid for a portion of the settlement, while the county's insurance provider paid the rest.
The settlement includes an agreement that Smith's volunteer status with CCSO will be terminated, and Smith "will not re-apply for volunteer duty in the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, or apply for employment with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office."
As of Tuesday, Smith was still listed as an active reserve deputy with the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, and even completed firearms qualification training on March 31, according to DPSST.
In the wake of the settlement agreement with Smith, Columbia County Sheriff's Sgt. Andy Moyer is currently on administrative leave from CCSO as an internal investigation takes place.
Moyer was placed on leave Tuesday, May 1, according to CCSO.
This marks the second in-house investigation into Moyer since last year.
Columbia County Sheriff Jeff Dickerson confirmed Wednesday that Smith made prior complaints that led to an internal investigation into Moyer's possible violations of CCSO policies and standards in March 2017 that eventually led to his demotion from undersheriff to jail sergeant.
It's unclear if the current investigation is also related to Smith's complaints, but Columbia County's legal counsel cited exceptions in Oregon public records law related to personnel discipline and investigations as reasons for not releasing the tort claim notices Smith filed.
Smith declined to comment on the legal complaint, citing a "gag order" stipulated in the settlement agreement.
Smith started volunteering with CCSO as a reserve in 2014, DPSST records indicate.
She also chairs the St. Helens School Board.
In exchange for a lump sum $55,000 payment, Smith agreed to indemnify the county and not file any claims or lawsuits in the future.


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at 38 Bishop Street, Darwin, 0820 Australia
2195 FB users likes Trader Jacks, set it to 5 position in Likes Rating for Darwin, Northern Territory in Cafe category
We are loving our Trader Jack's Iced Coffees! Great Coffee and Ice Cream topped off with Cream and a Sprinkling of Chocolate!
Today's Delicious Trader Jack's Salads! Roast Veg with Bocconcini, Quinoa and Feta, Chick Pea and Cauliflower and a Pear and Fennel.
Delicious selection of cakes available today to help you over that mid week slump!
We have a great selection of lunch options for you today! Salads, Rolls, Vegetarian Quiche with Danish Fetta and Teriyaki Pork Rice Paper Rolls all readily available. We also have an extensive all day breakfast and lunch menu, and for those sweet tooths ...lots of cakes too :) Dine in with us or take away on all options.
Starting to get hungry yet? Here is a selection of our tasty offerings today!
As always we have a great selection of Freshly Made Rolls and Sandwiches available today - as well as some pretty tasty treats too!
Just a lazy Dry Season Saturday @ Trader Jacks ... Don't forget we are closed Sunday and Monday this weekend....
Starting to think about lunch?! Here is a little selection of what we have to offer today featuring some of our popular latest options - Teriyaki Rice Paper Rolls and Chicken Caesar Wraps!
Get your start to the weekend groooove on
Here at Trader Jacks we love our Mum's so here's a shout out to all mums to come in for coffee and cake from 9.00am -10.30am Monday to Friday for just $7.00
A Lovely Mixture of Savory and Sweet Today!
You guys need to advertise that you're open on Sunday. The only alternative in the area is that other cafe.
We have Brand new addition to our Salad Selection Today: Italian Cannellini Bean Salad! Also on Special we have a Bacon and Mushroom Penne with Garlic Cream or A Smoked Salmon with Red Onion and Rocket Dish.
Introducing our Chocolate Mud Cake and Sticky Date! As is, or heated with a serve of Ice Cream or Cream!
It's almost Lunchtime! Today's Salad Selection Features; An Apple, Parmesan and Fennel, A Melon, Mint and Feta, A Cauliflower and Cherry Tomato Cous Cous, A Mediterranean and A Roasted Vegetable.
Yummy Treats To Have With That Coffee This Morning! Freshly Baked Banana Raisin Muffins And Vanilla Cinnamon Shortbread!
Our Salad Selection Today: Moroccan Cous Cous, Cauliflower, Cumin and Nigella Seeds with Raisins, Quinoa, Avocado and Tomato, Pumpkin and a Roast Vegetable and Feta.
Trader Jack’s Cafe is now in its 11th week of Trading! We have welcomed feedback from our customers since the beginning and are now excited to showcase our new menu, which features some of the old favourites and tasty new items too! We also now have a Specials Board where we can feature additional items throughout the week. The Trader Jack’s Team wants to thank our customers for their support to date and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Just a Selection of our Gourmet Rolls and Freshly Baked Frittatas Today!
Nothing beats that Friday feeling! Why not pop into us and treat yourself to one (or more!) of our lovely cakes today!
Buy any Salads or Meals and go into the draw for one of 2 x $50 BP Fuel Cards (can use at Puma)... ALL THIS WEEK. Winners drawn Saturday. Simply write your name and mobile number on the back of the receipt.

domain: food


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Zippy Agatha Okoth’s Oops Zippy! From The Diary of a Divorced Kenyan Woman launched at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi on June 5, 2019.
Dr Zippy Agatha Okoth or Zippy Okoth is many things. The academic is a lecturer of film and theatre arts at Kenyatta University, founder of the Lake International Pan African Film Festival amongst many other roles including singer, actress, and theatre-maker.
The seasoned theatre practitioner wrote and starred in a one-woman show on Valentine’s Day in 2018 called Stranger in my Bed from the Diary of a Divorced Woman. In the play, she portrayed the self-titled character Zippy, a young woman who falls in love with a dashing young military guy. While in fairy tales she would go on to live happily ever after, in her reality, her prince turns out to be a philandering, drunken and physically abusive partner. In the stunning two hour show, she showed the descent into despair until she hit rock bottom and finally found her way to being the successful professional that she is. It was one of the biggest hits in Kenyan theatre for 2018 winning the Best Production on Reproductive Health at the Sanaa Theatre Awards.
The enterprising Dr Zippy unveiled the play as a book at a launch event at the Kenya National Theatre on June 5, 2019. The event which was emceed by the writer included actress Lucy Oruta acting out a section of the book that left audience members chilled as to the pain the character in real and acting life had to go through.
The performance then led to the Simiyu Barasa moderated panel featuring academics Prof John Mugubi and Dr Fred Mbogo, medical doctor Dr Amakove Wala, clinical psychologist Dr Mwari Muthaura, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission’s Irene Soila. While the performance side of the evening was glossed over, it became a night where people discussed Gender Based Violence, the primary focus of the book. It was such an engaging evening that most people didn’t want to leave the auditorium milling around to get their books signed by the every smiling Dr Zippy.
So what is the blurb for the new book in the African literary community? It goes thus;
OOPS ZIPPY: The Diary of a Divorced Woman, is an account of the life of Zippy, a 25 year old performing artist, who falls in love with a young military man. It narrates their romantic love life that ended in an abusive marriage full of infidelity, physical abuse and finally trauma, following the loss of their son. After repeated physical and emotional abuse, Zippy walks out on the marriage when her husband beats her in the public glare of strangers.
She leaves the home they had built together and starts rebuilding her life from scratch. We see her struggles through separation and their attempts to reconcile, to conform to socio cultural stigma. We experience her journey through depression and her turning points. We feel her struggle through the divorce process and ultimately finding her strength to move on.
The book gives very clear accounts of her life, with pain, bitterness, and humour all intertwined. She narrates in a way that few would reveal of their personal lives and it is this openness that makes the book worth reading. It is therapy for the woman and empowerment for the man.
This book is about love, fear, stigma, loss, determination and the fight for survival. The book can pass for a fictitious story for those who do not know her, or it would be the longest monologue.
You can get a copy of the book at Nuria here.
All images in this post are courtesy of our friends at Sanaa Post.

domain: literature


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If You’re an Owner Operator Struggling With Taxes, We’re Here to Help
Truckers Help Our Economy Thrive. If You Owe Back Taxes or Struggle With Filing Every Year, We’re Here for You.
Being an independent owner-operator or carrier business owner comes with lots of freedom. You get to set your own hours, decide how your business should run, and choose how much money you can make.
But the independent truck driver’s life also has its challenges, and your tax obligations might be your biggest one.
If you owe taxes, are worried about how much you owe next year, or need assistance getting your financial affairs in order, look to the experts. Look to Instant Tax Solutions.
Tax Relief and Accounting Experts for Independent Truck Drivers
Instant Tax Solutions offers you a team of accounting and financial professionals ready to provide you with the assistance and relief you need.
We can help with:
- Getting you as many deductions for 1099 truck drivers as possible
- Estimating how much pre-payment you owe based on quarterly income
- Helping you reach an agreement with the IRS for owed back taxes
You wouldn’t expect us to hitch a trailer to our car and start hauling freight, so we don’t expect you to be able to handle tough tax challenges on your own. Let us lighten your load and provide you with the tax accounting and tax relief independent truck drivers need.
If You Owe the IRS Thousands in Back Taxes, Don’t Get Nervous. Get an Accountant!
Instant Tax Solutions has helped countless small business owners and independent contractors manage their tax debt while saving them thousands in monies owed.
Our tax experts have experience working with the IRS and state revenue services to structure agreements that work in everyone’s favor. The IRS is often willing to make agreements, including extensions, installments, or offers in compromise. We can potentially help you avoid fees and reduce the interest owed on past tax debts.
If you can handle a long haul on an interstate crowded with traffic and soaked by storm downpours, you can handle dealing with the taxes you owe. Let us help you work out an agreement, and dig yourself out of tax debt to become profitable once more!
Maximizing Your Deductions as a 1099 Trucking Business Owner
Many owner-operators feel blindsided by tax debt once it comes time to file their return. In most cases, they simply have not been aggressive enough about deducting their expenses.
Independent contractors must track their expenses and deduct as much as possible if they want to reduce their year-end tax burden come filing time.
Instant Tax Solutions can help owner-operators reduce their tax burden and, often, owe less in yearly taxes. In many instances, we are able to significantly reduce the amount owed by looking to common deductions for independent truck drivers.
On top of overlooked business expenses, you may also be leaving money on the table just from the way your business is structured. We can help you form an LLC, improve your accounting system, and take other steps to reduce the amount you must declare as income at the end of the tax year.
Independent Contractor Truckers, We’re Here to Help You!
You are a business owner, and you deserve to make as much money as possible. At the same time, you deserve to be able to focus on future opportunities, not past debts.
Instant Tax Solutions can help you manage your tax debt and structure your business for better future earnings and easier filing. Don’t wait around for tax season to reveal you owe thousands. Take charge of your business, your finances, and your livelihood with our assistance and expertise.
Is CDL training tax deductible?
Yes. Any cost related to obtaining your commercial driver’s license (CDL) or maintaining it can be reported as a business expense and deducted from your taxable income.
As a truck driver, what can I write off as deductions?
Any reasonable and necessary expense directly related to the operation and maintenance of your business can likely be deducted from your taxable income. Every situation is different, so the best way to determine write-offs for truck drivers is for them to speak to an experienced tax accounting firm.
Speaking generally, some of the most common write-offs include business cell phones, vehicle maintenance, and repairs, vehicle depreciation, logbooks, driver technology, some truck improvements, fees for licensing and regulatory compliance, vehicle/trailer leasing costs, flat-rate excise taxes, and occupational taxes, vehicle mileage, fuel expenses paid out of pocket, loan interest on equipment, and liability insurance premiums.
Is it illegal for me to not file my taxes?
You are required by federal law to file a tax return each year unless you earn an extremely low annual income. Independent contractors are treated as a business by state and federal regulatory agencies, and they are expected to file quarterly pre-payments for their estimated tax burden corresponding to the return to-be-file in the following year.
Can I write off per diem on my taxes?
Yes, so long as you are not an employee and are traveling away from your business’s home address, as listed on your tax return forms. Per diem rates are set as 80% of the current yearly allowable amount, which was $66 per day in 2019. Per diems can include allowances for meals, parking, tolls, and accommodations.
What is a tax home?
“Tax home” is the term used for the address listed as the location of your business on tax forms. This address can differ from your physical/residential home address, and in some cases may even lie in a different state. If you wish to establish a tax home address that is different than your residential address, first review the requirements with an experienced tax accounting agency for 1099 contractors.

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2 items from 2016
Vendian Entertainment has partnered with Wild Bunch and Nicolas Winding Refn’s Space Rocket on a multi-year first look deal. The horror thriller “Maniac Cop” will be the first project produced and financed.
The deal was announced Monday at the Cannes Film Festival with Wild Bunch repping international rights. The partnership will have a first option to provide financing for Space Rocket’s feature films for an international audience by Refn and other directors.
“Maniac Cop,” the first in a trilogy, is written by Ed Brubaker (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) and directed by John Hyams (“Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning”). It follows innocent people who are brutally murdered on the streets of Los Angeles by a uniformed police officer. As the death toll rises and Lapd attempts a cover up, one determined female cop sets out to reveal the truth.
- Dave McNary
“A movie with a fowl bite!”
When Luther (Carlton Williams, in his only role) was a young boy, he witnessed a group of rowdy locals egging on the local Geek (Tom Brittingham, also in his only role) to bite the head off a chicken. This combined with him getting his teeth accidentally knocked out by one of said locals in the ruckus leads young Luther to develop a taste for blood. Naturally, this turns him in to a bloodthirsty psycho and paves the way for a life of crime. After serving 20 years and thanks to prison board member Mrs. Butler (Karen Maurise, Dark Skies), a much older and balder Luther (Edward Terry, The Children) is set free. Armed with a set of homemade metal teeth, Luther »
- Mondo Squallido
2 items from 2016
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The White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps is an all-age organization which provides musical, visual, and colorguard education and performance. This performing group takes the sophistication of great music and combines it with the athleticism of military precision. It is a unique performing venue that provides an outlet to both performer and audience alike that can be found nowhere else. The White Sabers have a storied tradition beginning in 1928 that continues to grow today.
Come be a part of the tradition as the White Sabers continue their journey toward excellence in the drum corps world.


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Top latest Five interior painting grey Urban news
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Actor-singer Kenny Rogers, the smooth, Grammy-winning balladeer who spanned jazz, folk, country and pop and embraced his persona as 'The Gambler' on record and on TV died Friday night. He was 81.
The availability for the India market will be announced at a later date, said the company
His song The Box is the flavour of the season and is a surprising inclusion of a list of usual suspects
Clive Cussler dies at 88: A real-life thrill-seeker, his new novel is set to be released posthumously
Clive Cussler, the million-selling adventure writer and thrill-seeker who wove personal details and spectacular fantasies into his page-turning novels about underwater explorer Dirk Pitt, has died.
The team behind the film Thappad starring Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu is promoting a campaign against on-screen gender-based violence.
Galaxy Z Flip comes with accidental damage coverage, which includes one-time screen protection and a 24X7 dedicated call centre support
US scientists announced that they have created the first 3D atomic-scale map of the part of the novel coronavirus that attaches to and infects human cells.
The 37-year-old has been receiving a positive response for her work in the final season of American spy thriller series Homeland.
Parasite wins big!
Mercedes Benz V-Class Marco Polo features cutting-edge R&D and technology that's sure to blow your mind away
The collaboration is aimed at promoting joint research and development for multiple projects over a period of two years
The long road to Grammy gold.
Oscars 2020: Here's the complete list of nominations; Joker leads the race, The Irishman is a close second
The list of nominations for the 92nd annual Academy Awards are as follows:
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Glock pistols are excellent for concealed carry. Their low MSRP makes them easy to hide. Because of their steel sights, they are not undetectable on X-ray makers.
The low MSRP of Glock pistols makes them a popular choice amongst beginners and experienced shooters. The pistols have a low trigger pull, which is rather mushy and can cause shooters to pull the trigger and get less accurate shots. These pistols have a trigger connector that can be altered to make the trigger pull less mushy or to increase the weight of the pull. Although the trigger of a Glock handgun isn ‘t perfect, it ‘s still perfectly practical for self-defense and pastime shooting.
There are several Glock models to pick from, consisting of the Glock 42, Glock 43, and the Glock 43. The Glock 42 is not as slim as the Glock 43, but it is still a pocket-friendly gun.
In addition to their low MSRP, Glock handguns are also known for their sturdiness. They have high reliability and can stand up to abuse even in the most severe conditions. They also include a distinct cocking system that reduces the load on the recoil spring. On the other hand, most other striker-fired handguns rely on the recoil spring to cock the striker.
The Glock 19 handgun was initially produced in 1988. It has evolved into a number of generations ever since. The business ‘s quality-conscious mindset triggered it to make a number of variations of the model. Each new model enhanced the handgun and its features. The Glock Gen 4 and Gen 5 models have actually ended up being preferred with civilians and self-defense shooters alike. Are Cuts In A Glock Slide Safe.
The Baltimore Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Miami Police Department, and Maryland State Police are all known to utilize the Glock pistol. The Edmonton Police Service, Calgary Police Service, and Ottawa Police Service use Glock handguns for their patrols.
Glock produces 5 different designs of its subcompact pistols. These pistols come in a variety of sizes.
One of the benefits of owning a Glock is their easy concealability. Here are a couple of ideas to help you carry your Glock in an unobtrusive way.
Glock pistols come in lots of sizes and models. To find the best one for your needs, inspect out the Glock pistol contrast guide.
For those who desire to carry hidden, there are two popular Glock designs: the G43 and the G42. The Glock 43 is and has a slim profile 3.39 inches long.
Another terrific handgun for concealment is the Glock 48. This single-stack pistol is the perfect size to hide. Its little profile makes it easy to bring inside the waistband. Its single-stack design is likewise comfortable to carry, and the extended magazine has a pinky extension to make it much easier to conceal.
Small-sized weapons are much easier to hide than big weapons. A smaller sized grip, shorter sight radius, and less recoil make concealment much easier. It ‘s a big benefit, especially if you plan on hiding the weapon in a hidden bring scenario. In reality, lots of concealed-carry weapons are little adequate to be concealed with ease.
There are two kinds of Glocks: slim-line designs and long-slide models. The slim-profile G48 and G43x models are best for hidden carry. The slim frame and low-profile style make them easy to hide and are both striker-fired. For the most compact Glock, consider the G48. This compact pistol weighs just 18.7 ounces unloaded.
They have steel sights
When deciding between a polymer or steel sight for your Glock, there are several various factors to consider. Of all, metal sights are far more long lasting than polymer sights.
To solve this issue, Glock uses updated sights for its handgun models. Most Glock handguns come standard with inexpensive plastic sights, which are vulnerable to damage.
Another consideration is nighttime shooting. A night sight may be the finest choice if you ‘re going to use your Glock during the night. These sights are more noticeable and will help you in getting your target. The Meprolight Feet Bullseye is a popular night sight for Glocks, and it ‘s an excellent option if you ‘re a nighttime shooter.
Are Cuts In A Glock Slide Safe
While Glocks do have steel sights, you can also buy a pair of night sights. These sights have a matte finish and serrations that reduce glare. These sights are likewise durable and don ‘t requirement to be cleaned up with extreme solvents. In addition, they are simple to set up and are easy to utilize.
Fiber optic sights are another excellent choice for Glock pistols. These sights are simple to show the sight and align in any environment.
Depending on the model, Glocks have either low or high sights. For 9mm GLOCK handguns, they have a low sight, while the 10mm GLOCKs have high sights.
There are numerous Glock designs to pick from, consisting of the Glock 42, Glock 43, and the Glock 43. The Glock 42 is not as slim as the Glock 43, but it is still a pocket-friendly gun. To fix this issue, Glock offers updated sights for its pistol models. While Glocks do have steel sights, you can also acquire a pair of night sights. For 9mm GLOCK pistols, they have a low sight, while the 10mm GLOCKs have high sights. Are Cuts In A Glock Slide Safe.


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Hourglass And Other Poems
Please Sign Up to Read or Download "Hourglass And Other Poems" eBooks in PDF, EPUB, Tuebl and Mobi. Start your FREE month now! Click Download or Read Now button to sign up and download/read Hourglass And Other Poems books. Fast Download Speed ~100% Satisfaction Guarantee ~Commercial & Ad Free
📒Hourglass And Other Poems ✍ James L. Clark
✏Hourglass and Other Poems Book Summary : The poems in this collection have to do with the passing of time-its relentlessness, speed and events-and people facing sadness, humor, joy, social upheavals such as wars, inequities, corruption, goodness, apprehensions about life and death, love, hatred, dreams, disappointments, fears, injustices, blessings, sacrifice, sloth, industriousness, physical impairments/strengths, spirituality, God, worry, specific battles in various wars, elation, jealousy, greed, generosity, meanness, aging-in short, the everyday happenings/abstractions that, totaled, simply make life what it is for everyone, both individually and collectively. While the book includes both free verse and traditional poetry as defined consensually, most of the poems feature rhythm and rhyme, not the sing-song type of thing, but serious and consistent style presenting subjects in a manner conducive to reading them aloud and remembering. Though this is a departure from the styles mostly in vogue today, it features form that has withstood the testing of time while demanding more of the creator, just as in the case of classical music-perhaps an interesting change of pace for the reader.
📒Quicksand Through The Hourglass ✍ Dave Morice
✏Quicksand Through the Hourglass Book Summary :
📒The Hourglass ✍ Marsha Pilger
✏The Hourglass Book Summary :
📒Twilight Other Poems ✍ James Clark
✏TWILIGHT Other Poems Book Summary :
📒Below The Surface And Other Poems ✍ Sarah Lawson
✏Below the Surface and Other Poems Book Summary :
📒Tranquility Solitude And Other Poems ✍ Karen Lee Oliver
✏Tranquility Solitude and Other Poems Book Summary : Karen Lee Oliver was born in Poughkeepsie , New York on October 1,1959. She furthered a potential career in ballet by moving to N.Y.C. in 1973 where she studied on scholarship with American Ballet Th eater. Ms. Oliver graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a B.A. degree in English Literature Major/ Th eater Arts Major in 1981. She has since published three books with Xlibris: Pergola; 2002-2005, Tales From the Mirwood and Tranquility, Solitude and Other Poems in 2014. Selections: 1) THE LOTUS EATERS 2) THE MONKS OF WALLENSBURG 3) PICTURE IN THE SKIN 4) VESTIBULES OF TIME
📒Stolen Verses And Other Poems ✍ Óscar Hahn
✏Stolen Verses and Other Poems Book Summary : Presents a collection of poems, in English and the original Spanish, including "At Noon," "Meditation at Dusk," and "At the Nudist Beach of the Unconscious."
📒Turning The Hourglass ✍ Diane Fahey
✏Turning the Hourglass Book Summary : A new collection of poems, centred on themes of movement, settlement and displacement, and set in Australia, England and Europe. The poet's previous collections include TVoices from the Honeycomb' (1986) and TMetamorphoses' (1988).
📒Through The Hourglass ✍ John A. Calhoun
✏Through the Hourglass Book Summary : JOHN A. CALHOUN has been considering our world, and his role in it, for most of his adult life. Anyone who has met him, no matter how briefly, realizes that this is a man who has embraced life and all that our time here has to offer.Most are struck by his easy ways, his instant connection with everyone from the waitress at the local diner to a Congressman or cabinet Secretary. Clearly, it is the person in front of him who matters, not a title or position.Perhaps that is why his first ambition was to enter the clergy, to minister to the spiritual needs of his fellow man. Instead, Jack, as his friends know him, devoted his professional life to more earthbound pursuits, helping people turn their lives around. His insights into troubled youths, especially those who seek a semblance of family in gang life, are widely admired, as are his efforts to create an environment for those trying to change the world one person at a time.His accomplishments have been notable. A one-time U.S. commissioner of the Administration for Children, Youth and Families, he later spent twenty-plus years as the founding president of the National Crime Prevention Council.He could have written a book about his own impressive resume. Instead, he chose to chronicle the efforts of others in Hope Matters: The Untold Story of How Faith Works in America.Jack Calhoun has made a real impact on the lives of people around him. Yet few of us have any idea how carefully he has been observing, through a poet's eye, his life and the lives of those around him. The result is this delightful collection that spans over four decades. Jack Calhoun has made a real impact on the lives of people around him. Yet few of us have any idea how carefully he has been observing, through a poet's eye, his life and the lives of those around him. The result is this delightful collection that spans over four decades.In Through the Hourglass, there are poems from when he first met Ottilia, the woman who became his wife, the years of parenthood and now grandparenthood, as well as word-paintings of friends and characters he has encountered along the way.It s a precious gift. Consider it a keepsake that Calhoun has been long-planning to give us. For no matter what each poem is about, we can catch a glimpse of ourselves. It is an album of life's images which is, at once, touching and beautiful, while at the same time thought-provoking and inspirational. It should be savored and shared."
📒Hourglass Studies ✍ Krysia Jopek
✏Hourglass Studies Book Summary : Crisis Chronicles Press is very pleased to announce the publication of Krysia Jopek's stunning new poetry chapbook, Hourglass Studies, on 31 October 2017. "Krysia Jopek¿s poems in Hourglass Studies are not so much linear as Möbius: they twist back upon themselves in ways hauntingly familiar, while offering surrealistic flashes of the outré. Reading this book is like having your own Tarot cards read: you find yourself spellbound, immersed in questions and answers, hints and predictions, that all make sense in the end." ¿Dianne Borsenik, NightBallet Press publisher and author of Age of Aquarius, Collected Poems 1981-2016. Hourglass Studies is available for only $7 US from Crisis Chronicles Press, 3431 George Avenue, Parma, Ohio 44134. ISBN: 978-1-940996-45-5. Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5". Perfect bound. Cover design by Dale Houstman. 26 pages featuring 12 poems / studies.


Levees.org alerted and mobilized state legislators to support HB266 during the 2017 Spring Fiscal Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
HB266 – sponsored by Rep Patrick Connick, R-Marrero – would require term limits for members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority (SLFPA) Nominating Committee.
The campaign, supported throughout the session by Levees.org’s significant membership, was a success.
The Senate vote was 37-0 and the House vote was 97-0. Capping the victory, Levees.org founder Sandy Rosenthal was honored – along with the bill’s sponsor – to be invited by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Capitol Press Room for a special signing. This honor is offered only to proponents of significant legislation.
The rationale for the new legislation: Seven weeks after the levee breaches during Hurricane Katrina – with New Orleans still underwater – a small group of business people had a plan crafted and ready. Using full-page newspaper ads and media for purchase, the group quickly convinced a traumatized populace that it needed to reorganize the local levee boards.
In the chaotic environment of February 2006 – years before levee investigators concluded that the Army Corps of Engineers was responsible for the flooding – the Louisiana legislature approved the reorganization which would require levee board commissioners to oversee and directly influence the Army Corps. But in fact, the two new authorities – the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority (SLFPA) East and West have no authority to oversee or directly influence the corps.
What in fact did happen is the levee board reorganization took control of who gets to award lucrative contracts out of the governor’s hands and gave it to a small group of people. This small group is the SLFPA Nominating Committee and they have their positions for life. There are no term limits.
The reorganization allowed this small committee to – at the end of the day – decide who will spend upward of $60 million* of taxpayer dollars annually.
The following organizations and supporters joined Levees.org in its quest to convince the Louisiana legislature that this reorganization was not good governance.
Keith Twitchell, President, Committee for a Better New Orleans
Dawn Hebert, New Orleans East resident & candidate N.O. City Council District E
Stacy Head, New Orleans City Council Member-at-Large
Susan Guidry, New Orleans City Council Member, District A
Latoya Cantrell, New Orleans City Council Member, District B
Chip Badeaux, President, City Council of Thibodaux
Harry Shearer, actor producer New Orleans part time resident
Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association
William P Waiters, President, Holy Cross Neighborhood Association
Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana
Sandra T. Herman, Friends of LA Center for Women in Government & Business
Cyn Sarthou, Gulf Restoration Network
Len Bahr, author of LACoastPost
Lt General Russel Honore, Leader of the GreenARMY


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US: Zara opens new global concept store
Spanish fashion retailer Zara has opened its largest US store on New York City's Fifth Avenue, featuring a new store design that will be rolled out to most of the retailer's international locations.
The store, which opened yesterday (15 March), covers more than 3,000 square metres spread over three floors, and will employ 450 people.
Sustainability features like motion detectors to dim the lights and automatically adjusting thermostats, mean the shop will consume 30% less energy annually than a conventional Zara store, uses 70% less water and will emit less than 150 tonnes of CO2 a year.
On each of the three floors, the store is organised around two long corridors or "catwalks" that lead to intimate boutique-like spaces on each side, each of which showcases a specific collection.
And like other 5,500 stores operated by Inditex, new products will be delivered twice a week so that merchandise is constantly refreshed and collections can be tweaked to meet changing customers taste.
More than 1,000 product design and development personnel at Inditex receive ongoing feedback from group stores, helping them to respond rapidly to customer demand.
There are a number of reasons why apparel buyers continue to focus on the top 20 exporting countries, according to Mike Flanagan. With little room left to manoeuvre on price, sourcing decisions depend...
As information continues to emerge on the devastating fire that killed around 300 workers at a garment factory in Pakistan earlier this week, brands sourcing from the country are being urged to undert...
Inditex said that it plans to launch e-commerce operations for its Zara brand in Mainland China on Wednesday (5 September). ...
The clothing and footwear market in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia is expected to expand to EUR14bn in 2014, up from EUR13bn in 2011....
Top stories on just-style this week included a report on clothing brands seeking a forum to raise concerns with the government in Bangladesh, an article on how cooler weather boosted UK clothing sales...
Hong Kong-based clothing brand Esprit has seen its share price soar after announcing the appointment of Jose Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez as CEO and executive director....
Inditex has revealed plans to invest EUR150m (US$185m) in a new logistics platform in Guadalajara, Spain....
- Cotton supply chain transparency an ongoing issue
- What does supply chain mapping really mean?
- Supply chain takeaways from Sourcing at MAGIC
- No simple way to be sustainable, says SAC CEO
- Why voters don’t want more global supply chains
- Nike and Crystal Group "doing well by doing good"
- Li & Fung eyes supply chain speed in 3-year plan
- Cambodia’s focus on garment production also a risk
- C&A helps grow organic cotton production in China
- US Q2 in brief - G-III Apparel, A&F, Sears
- Too Many Standards
- Myanmar's Garment Sector in 2015 - now with updated members' directory
- Southeast Asia strategic sourcing review – a focus on Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar
- Under Armour, Inc. (UA) - Financial and Strategic SWOT Analysis Review
- Central America strategic sourcing review - a focus on Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras


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State of IoT 2022: The number of connected IoT devices growing 18% to 14.4 billion globally
IoT Analytics, this week published a 114-page report on the “State of the Internet of Things – Spring 2022 edition”.
State of IoT 2022: Connected IoT devices grow 18% worldwide to 14.4 billion
IoT Analytics released a 114-page report this week on “The State of the Internet of Things – Spring 2022 Edition.”
IoT Connectivity Market Update – May 2022
Chip shortages are slowing the recovery of the Internet of Things (IoT) market, according to our latest State of IoT-Spring 2022 report released in May 2022. The number of global IoT connections will grow by 8% to 12.2 billion active endpoints in 2021. , which represents significantly lower growth than in previous years.
Despite increasing demand for IoT solutions and positive sentiment in the IoT community, as well as in most IoT end markets, IoT Analytics expects the impact of the chip shortage on the number of connected IoT devices to persist beyond 2023. Other headwinds for IoT markets include the continued COVID-19 pandemic and general supply chain disruptions. The IoT market is expected to grow by 18% to 14.4 billion active connections by 2022. By 2025, as supply constraints ease and growth accelerates, there will be an estimated 27 billion connected IoT devices.
IoT in 2022: Current Market Mood
Current business sentiment for digital and IoT companies remains largely positive, even from the highs of Q4 2021. It is widely recognized that Covid-19 will have an overall positive impact on the rapid adoption of IoT technologies. Quotations from CEOs of IoT vendors and sentiment analysis from earnings confirm this. The highest sentiment is in companies that offer connectivity services (117 sentiment score), general software (115), cyber security (113), and cloud (113).
“Strong demand re-emerged in our end markets [in Q1 2022]. Overall, we continue to forecast favorable demand conditions to continue into the second half of this calendar year. – Phil Gallagher, Avnet CEO
“We see continued momentum in key IoT markets, including industrial, enterprise, energy, and first-tier, as more companies gather business-critical data from the network. COVID-19 is accelerating Industry 4.0.” – Phil Brace, CEO, Sierra Wireless
Regionally, North America (116) leads sentiment, with APAC (103) lagging behind, particularly in China, where new COVID-19 lockdowns are seen as the main threat to business growth in the region.


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Aquaflame Acrylic Flame Polishing system
Available from Abbeon Cal Inc.
Safe & Efficient Acrylic Flame Polishing without gas cylinder storage. A reliable, safe-operating solution for your acrylic edge polishing or micro-welding needs. The Aquaflame Systems 500, 800 and 1200 systems produce hydrogen and oxygen by the electrolysis of deionized water, in the ratio such that the hydrogen can be burnt in the oxygen. This produces a high energy heat source that is highly controllable and efficient. The only other by-product is water, making it truly efficient and environmentally safe.

domain: chemistry


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Each of following insurers who transact business in California are domiciled in California and have their principal place of business in Los Angeles, CA: Farmers Insurance Exchange (#R 201), Fire Insurance Exchange (#1267-4), Truck Insurance Exchange (#1199-9), Mid-Century Insurance Company (#1428-2), Civic Property and Casualty Company (#4241-6), Exact Property and Casualty Company (#4240-8), Neighborhood Spirit Property and Casualty Company (#4242-4).
Insurance may also be purchased through an agent. A tied agent, working exclusively with one insurer, represents the insurance company from whom the policyholder buys (while a free agent sells policies of various insurance companies). Just as there is a potential conflict of interest with a broker, an agent has a different type of conflict. Because agents work directly for the insurance company, if there is a claim the agent may advise the client to the benefit of the insurance company. Agents generally cannot offer as broad a range of selection compared to an insurance broker.

domain: economics


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Ole!! Meal prep made easy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 6 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 6 tablespoons herbed Greek yogurt
- 6 tablespoons shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until the turkey has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks; stir in chilli powder and cumin. Drain excess fat.
- Place romaine lettuce into sandwich bags.
- Place Greek yogurt and cheese into small container with lid
- Place turkey, romaine lettuce, herbed Greek yogurt, cheese and lime into meal prep containers.


The Ladycats (15-6, 5-0 in District 12-4A) won 25-19, 25-19, 25-13.
Whitehouse was led by Jordan Knight (10 digs, six kills, one block, 16 service points, eight aces), Christine Ford (two digs, nine assists, nine kills, block, 20 service points, four aces), Joanna Blake (three digs, 14 assists, two kills, eight points), Sadie Hilburn (four kills) and Katie Kidwell (four kills).
Whitehouse won the junior varsity match, 25-15, 25-14, but fell in freshman play, 20-25, 25-16, 10-25.
Whitehouse returns to action at home Friday against Henderson. Varsity action is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., and will be followed by the JV match.
Bullard 3, Brownsboro 0
Calli Miller paced Bullard (19-7, 1-0) with 12 kills, 13 aces and four digs. Ashley Davis added 10 kills, three aces and solo blocks.
Whitney Lust provided 36 assists and Allison Burton registered eight digs for Bullard.
Hillary Shaffer led the Bearettes (10-10, 0-1) with four aces, two blocks and three kills. Naomi Scott added an ace, a block and two kills, while Amber Strickland registered five assists and one ace.
Amye Scarbrough also had an ace for Brownsboro.
Both Bullard subvarsity teams defeated Brownsboro. The junior varsity won 25-21, 20-25, 25-16, while the freshmen were victorious, 25-18, 25-18.
Bullard is off Friday, but returns to play Tuesday in Van at 5 p.m. Brownsboro travels to Gilmer on Friday for a non-district match beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Van 3, Canton 0
Standouts for Van were Randi McClanahan (30 assists), Ashely Parish (6 digs), Caitlin Galloway (7 kills, 6 digs), Shannon Hullum (12 kills, 9 digs, 2 blocks) and Sarah Milewski (9 kills).
The Van junior varsity (25-14, 25-16) and freshman (26-24, 25-15) teams scored wins as well.
Athens 3, Chapel Hill 0
Athens (1-0 in district) won 25-18, 25-19, 25-14.
Standouts for Chapel Hill were Eboni Miller (6 kills, 11 digs) and Jasmine Gardner (5 kills, 8 digs).
Chapel Hill (7-12, 0-1) plays at Canton Tuesday.


text:
Fetal heart ultrasound, 2nd ed
Descriptif détaillé : Fetal heart ultrasound, 2nd ed
The fetal heart is considered to be the most important and difficult part of a fetal examination. This book aims not only to clarify and simplify the approach to this examination, but also to define what a normal fetal heart should be, and underline just why this organ remains one of the best warning signs for fetal pathology.
It will be useful to trainee and practicing ultrasonographers, ultrasound departments providing obstetric ultrasound services, and obstetricians, gynecologists, radiologists and midwives undertaking course in fetal ultrasonography.

domain: library


text:
No catches, no fine print just unadulterated book loving, with your favourite books saved to your own digital bookshelf.
New members get entered into our monthly draw to win £100 to spend in your local bookshop Plus lots lots more…Find out more
Browse audiobooks by Thomas Penn, listen to samples and when you're ready head over to Audiobooks.com where you can get 3 FREE audiobooks on us
Brought to you by Penguin. In early 1461, a teenage boy won a battle on a freezing morning in the Welsh marches, and claimed the crown of England. He was Edward IV, first king of the usurping house of York. The country, crippled by economic crisis, insurgency, and a corrupt and bankrupt government, was in need of a new hero. Charismatic, able and ruthlessly ambitious, Edward and his two younger brothers, George, Duke of Clarence, and Richard, Duke of Gloucester, became the figureheads of a spectacular ruling dynasty which laid the foundations for a renewal of English royal power. Yet a web of grudges and resentments grew between them, generating a destructive sequence of conspiracy, rebellion, deposition, usurpation and murder. The brutal end came on 22 August 1485 at Bosworth Field, with the death of the youngest brother, then Richard III, at the hands of a new usurper, Henry Tudor. The Brothers York is the story of three remarkable brothers, two of whom were crowned kings of England and the other an heir presumptive, whose fatal antagonism was fuelled by the mistrust and vendettas of the age that brought their family to power. The house of York should have been the dynasty that the Tudors became. Its tragedy was that it devoured itself.Show more
A fresh look at the endlessly fascinating Tudors'the dramatic and overlooked story of Henry VII and his founding of the Tudor Dynasty'filled with spies, plots, counter-plots, and an uneasy royal succession to Henry VIII. Near the turn of the sixteenth century, England had been ravaged for decades by conspiracy and civil war. Henry Tudor clambered to the top of the heap, a fugitive with a flimsy claim to England's crown who managed to win the throne and stay on it for twenty-four years. Although he built palaces, hosted magnificent jousts, and sent ambassadors across Europe, for many Henry VII remained a false king. But he had a crucial asset: his family'the queen and their children, the living embodiment of his hoped-for dynasty. Now, in what would be the crowning glory of his reign, his elder son would marry a great Spanish princess. Thomas Penn re-creates an England that is both familiar and very strange'a country medieval yet modern, in which honor and chivalry mingle with espionage, realpolitik, high finance, and corruption. It is the story of the transformation of a young, vulnerable boy, Prince Henry, into the aggressive teenager who would become Henry VIII, and of Catherine of Aragon, his future queen, as well as of Henry VII'controlling, avaricious, paranoid, with Machiavellian charm and will to power. Rich with incident and drama, filled with wonderfully drawn characters,'Winter King'is an unforgettable account of pageantry, intrigue, the thirst for glory, and the fraught, unstable birth of Tudor England. 'I feel I've been waiting to read this book a long time. It's a fluent and compelling account of the cost of founding the Tudor dynasty.''Hilary Mantel, Man Booker Prize'winning author of'Wolf HallShow more


text:
The cast of “Today" were all in period garb to shoot a video for a contest created by Elton John for his fans to make clips to his classic songs.
“The Tamron [Heart] Renate Fund” will aid victims of domestic abuse.
"I think that people hide these dark secrets from people they love,” Hall told Andy Cohen on Wednesday’s episode of “Watch What Happens Live.”
"Listen, Al Roker is one of the most sensible people you’ll ever meet."
Hall has revealed that she and the late singer shared a close relationship.
The guests included Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Carson Daly.
Walters was also a surprise guest at the event.
The 1992 Temple grad has the support she needs for approval.
The “Today” show anchors have for the first time addressed the reports of drama on the show.
An insider tells Page Six the pair have not been fired and are still with NBC, but had been expected to be moved into different roles.


Judy Camuso’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for 9 AM on January 30 by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee at the legislature. Following Judy’s hearing the committee will hear testimony on four legislative bills.
I expect Judy’s hearing may go on for a while because there are a lot of people very enthusiastic she’s going to be our new Fish and Wildlife Department Commissioner. And yes, it will be no surprise when she is unanimously endorsed by the IFW committee.
Because of my illness, ALS, it’s tough to get into Augusta and up to the committee room for hearings and work sessions, but my friend Tom Saviello has offered to drive me there on January 30 and get me up to the hearing room.
I’m enthusiastic about speaking for Judy, because I was a strong advocate for her appointment. I talked with Gov. Janet Mills several times about Judy and was delighted when Janet picked Judy to be our commissioner.
The four bills heard that day are:
LD 26, An act to provide complimentary lifetime hunting and fishing licenses to retired game wardens with 25 years of service, sponsored by Representative Theriault of China
LD 27, An act to allow the use of crossbows during the archery season on deer, also sponsored by Rep. Theriault
LD 33, An act to establish a Thanksgiving youth turkey hunting season, sponsored by Representative Tuell of East Machias
LD 56, An act to ban the use of personal watercraft on Lower Wilson Pond and Upper Wilson Pond, sponsored by Representative Stearns of Guilford


text:
I promised someone, (don't remember who) that I would post a picture of my last cross stitch piece. It is a ring bearer's pillow I made for my son's wedding. It was done on 32 count linen. There were 6 shades of blue in the ribbon. There was a satin ribbon attached about where the hearts are, so that the rings could be tied to the pillow. The back is satin and there is a heavy satin ruffle under the lace (because the lace was too floppy). I really love this piece andI am glad I made it but I nearly went blind doing it. It is the reason I don't do cross stitch anymore.
The last three Christmas F8 swap blocks are done and gone in the mail. I have to admit that I kind of lost my enthusiasm the last two weeks and I am glad my blocks are done.The very last block is for Donna in Ontario. I never did get any fabric from her, so she said to use some of my own. So that ought to confuse you when you look at these.........you might think I don't know coming from going.


text:
City Council President H. Keneth Powell and Mayor Glenn Dufek have agreed on one issue in the Seat 1 council race, and that is that neither agrees with the other about anything.
"The differences between Ken Powell and myself are about as great as the differences between Mondale and Reagan," said Dufek, a councilman for three years who was appointed mayor in January 1984 by the council majority.
"There's no question about it," said Powell. "We're on opposite sides."
Dominick Speziale, a stockbroker, is also running for Seat 1. But he isn't given much chance of upsetting either of the incumbents.
As a result, the Seat 1 race is shaping up as the key battle between the two divergent council philosophies.
Dufek, an engineer for Florida Power & Light Co., represents the council majority, which has used its public offices to promote personal beliefs on the issues of gun control and abortion. Powell, 57, a Realtor, has argued that those issues aren't germane to city business.
In the past year, Dufek, 37, president of the anti-abortion Life Education Center in Oakland Park, has been criticized by city residents and feminists for issuing two anti-abortion proclamations.
"Council members must be involved in social and moral issues," said Dufek, refusing to specifically state whether he would support an anti-abortion ordinance. "If it were in my power, I would outlaw all abortions across the nation."
This point of view is opposed by both of Dufek's opponents.
"The personal social and moral beliefs of council members should not become the financial burden of the taxpayers," said Powell. "Regardless of personal beliefs, certain abortions are legal and we take an oath to uphold the law."
"I just don't think the City Council should get involved in these social issues," said Speziale. "They do not have the right to abuse their offices by irresponsibly implying their beliefs are the beliefs of the majority."
Speziale, 29, hopes voters will be so upset with the council that they'll vote all the incumbents out.
"I believe the residents are tired of their city being regarded as the laughing stock of South Florida, and further believe the residents will opt to oust all the incumbents for just that reason," he said.
Oakland Park council Seat 1
OCCUPATION: Florida Power & Light Co. electrical engineer
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Served on the council before being appointed mayor in 1984. President of the Life Education Center; member of the Broward League of Cities and National Rifle Association.
(BU) Wants to increase the efficiency of city services while containing costs.
(BU) Will not state whether he would support or oppose a proposed ordinance regulating abortions within the city.
(BU) Encourages the additional development of single-family homes in the western part of Oakland Park.
(BU) If economically feasible, he supports reopening the city's wastewater treatment plant and withdrawal from the regional system.
QUOTE: I don't see why it's (the abortion issue) not a city issue. It can't get much more local than that.
H. KENETH POWELL
Oakland Park Council Seat 1
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Three-term council member. Vice president of the Broward League of Cities.
(BU) Would not support an abortion ban and wants to avoid council involvement in social and moral issues that cannot be legislated locally.
(BU) Wants to maintain services and establish council priorities to allow the city manager and department heads to implement those policies.
(BU) Believes it will be more cost-effective for the city to continue to use the county's regional wastewater treatment plant.
(BU) Supports construction of single-family homes, but said any move to rezone the western part of the city for more single-family development would likely get the city involved in a lawsuit.
QUOTE: I am not happy with the way the city is operated by the present council majority because our citizens expect and deserve better.
Oakland Park council Seat 1
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Attends council meetings.
(BU) Wants the council to avoid discussion of social or moral issues. Would not support an abortion ban.
(BU) Seeks to increase council productivity and encourage businesses to renovate in order to revitalize the city's appearance.
(BU) Would like to see the council fire City Attorney Tom Bush.
(BU) Would support the reopening of the city's wastewater treatment plant only if it would save money.
(BU) Wants to help Oakland Park regain the respect of surrounding communities.
QUOTE: The past resolution urging citizens to own handguns served no community purpose, and only resulted in creating publicity for the City Council at the expense of humiliation to the city and its residents.

domain: sociology


text:
In a new study, researchers validated a recently developed prognostic scoring system for use with patients with aggressive large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). In this analysis, the researchers found the tool to identify patients with high-risk disease before starting first-line treatment. The results of the study were reported in the journal Blood Advances.
The prognostic tool associates 2 risk factors: total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) > 220 cm3as determined by F18– fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG-PS) performance index ≥2. With the inclusion of these 2 risk factors, researchers had previously found the prognostic tool useful in identifying risk status in 301 elderly patients in the Phase 3 REMARC study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01122472) who had an aggressive LBCL.
In the current study, researchers evaluated the use of this prognostic tool in patients across 2 clinical trials and in real-world clinics. The clinical trials were the PETAL trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00554164) and the GOYA trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01287741). Patients of all ages with aggressive LBCL were included in these trial populations. The results were compared with those obtained using the International Prognostic Index (IPI).
There were 2174 patients included in this study, of which 510 were enrolled in the PETAL trial, 1315 were in the GOYA trial, and 349 were real-world clinic patients. The use of 3 risk categories showed significant discrimination in the results. The low-risk category was defined as having no risk factors, while the intermediate-risk category had 1 risk factor and the high-risk category had 2 risk factors.
Among patients included in PETAL, GOYA, and real-world populations, the presence of 2 risk factors was linked to a worse outcome than the absence of any risk factor. In patients in the PETAL trial, the presence of 2 risk factors, compared to the absence of risk factors, was associated with progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio [HR]3.32 (95% CI, 2.00-5.50; P P <.001 in the goya population similar results were observed for pfs ci>P P <.001 similarly for patients in the real-world series results were similar with risk factors both pfs ci>P P <.001 compared to risk factors.>
Additionally, the researchers reported that, compared to low-risk status, intermediate-risk status was associated with significantly worse outcomes. The researchers also determined that this prognostic model using TMTV and ECOG-PS scores performed better than IPI in some analyses.
The researchers concluded that “the combination of TMTV and ECOG-PS is a reliable tool that can be used as an adjunct to IPI with important clinical implications for the initial identification of aggressive LBCL patients that can be implemented in studies exploring the efficacy of new regimens directed at specific targets.
Disclosures: Some authors have disclosed affiliations or received funding from the pharmaceutical industry. Please refer to the original study for a full list of disclosures.
Thieblemont C, Chartier L, Duhrsen U, et al. A tumor volume and performance state model to predict pre-treatment outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Adv of blood. Published online August 31, 2022. doi:10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006923

domain: biology


text:
To be published on 20 July 2023
Joan, once a singing star of the 1940s and 1950s, now ekes out a lonely, impoverished existence – until a chance encounter promises a comeback concert and an album.
Her sister Kathleen is a successful medical researcher who has been offered the directorship of a prestige institute in Los Angeles in her retirement as she contemplates the recent break up with the love of her life.
In their old age, Joan and Kathleen draw closer together. Until a figure from Joan’s past threatens everything they’ve built. As the sisters excavate the lies that bound them together, a more profound truth threatens to drive them apart.
Set in three time frames, the novel unravels the sisters’ lives as choices past and present collide.
Praise for The Lie
I galloped through this beautifully written epic tale, unable to put it down. The Lie is full of tension and twists, but it’s also a poignant portrait of what it means to be a mother. We follow the plights of two sisters from WW2 until the 2000’s, very different women, both struggling to survive in a world that refuses or begrudges them power and agency because of their sex. The Lie is a fascinating look at women’s evolving role in history, and an emotional, heart-stopping read. Saskia Sarginson, author of The Twins
‘In The Lie, Mary Chamberlain expertly weaves together the different timelines, whilst simultaneously unpicking the nature of women’s relationships. Chamberlain is a brilliant storyteller and this tightly-plotted tale of tough choices and hard truths doesn’t disappoint.’ Sonia Velton, author of Blackberry and Wild Rose
No-one honours the hidden stories of women who’ve lived through wartime like Mary Chamberlain. The Lie is a testament to all those who’ve had to hide their truth – a compelling, poignant and heartfelt tale about the quiet devastation that is caused when the secrets of the past surface in the present. Lianne Dillsworth, author of Theatre of Marvels.
‘A gripping, absorbing mystery about the true meaning of family, and a fascinating exploration into the huge social changes that impacted ordinary lives, particularly those of women, during the 20th century.’ Sarah Day, author of Mussolini’s Island
‘Not only is The Lie a fascinating and deftly-written novel of sisterhood and secrets exploring women’s untold stories, but it’s the first book I’ve read in which Rick Astley is thanked in the Acknowledgements.’ Anna Mazzola, author of The Clockwork Girl
Praise for The Hidden:
‘A powerful and raw, elegantly written, character piece dealing with inhumanity and endurance, firmly grounded in real events.’ Herald
‘Recent novels such as The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society have taken the occupation as their subject, but none so potently as Mary Chamberlain’s The Hidden.’ Sunday Times
‘A heart-breaking yet hope-filled tale.’ Woman’s Own magazine
Praise for The Forgotten
‘The Forgotten is an utterly absorbing novel… The devastation of Berlin in 1945 is powerfully portrayed through the eyes of the women who are caught between the conquering forces, trying desperately to survive and to protect one another… The plot twists kept me riveted.’ — Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne
‘Beautifully crafted, elegantly written, with characters to root for – I loved this heart-stopping tale.’– Saskia Sarginson, author of The Bench
‘Mary Chamberlain has written another fine novel about lives shaped by the Second World War… a moving story of two people discovering the power of past trauma to intrude on the present.’– Sunday Times
‘Through a cast of memorable characters, [the novel] reveals the difficult choices faced by ordinary people, and their aftermath. A compelling work of fiction that’s grounded in real events.’ — Choice Magazine
‘Mary Chamberlain’s moving novel is a vivid and immersive exploration of the lasting impacts of war and how love can rise from the ashes.’– Woman’s Own
Praise for the international bestseller, The Dressmaker of Dachau
‘The Dressmaker of Dachau is a thrilling story, brilliantly told. I couldn’t put it down. Ada Vaughan is a character to fall in love with: utterly real, flawed and beguiling’ Saskia Sarginson, author of R&J pick, The Twins and Without You
‘I found myself completely swept up in this tale of love, ambition and vanity’ Juliet West, author of Before the Fall
‘A powerful and gripping tale of longings and dreams, and how a chance meeting that seems to offer the answers and more, instead comes with devastating consequences. It’s a story about what a person will do and can do under force.
The world before, during and after World War II is amazingly well-drawn. But it is the character of Ada Vaughan that lingers, her resolve, her passion and her flaws’ Cecilia Ekback
‘A book not to be missed’ Shropshire Star


text:
By Advait Moharir
The Ganga is the largest river basin system in India, flowing through 11 States and covering 26% of its area in terms of catchment. It supports around 43% of the population of the region and is a lifeline for agriculture across north Indian states, as it feeds many tributaries that flow through these areas.
However, the same Ganga suffers from unsustainable levels of pollution. The Modi Government made it one of its core aims to clean the Ganga and allocated a whopping 20,000 crore rupees for this purpose. It was followed up by a scheme called Namami Gange – a special action plan to achieve the aim of a clean Ganga by 2019. A look at the implementation of this project, however, reveals that it has been a failure on several accounts; but more tellingly, a review of government attempts to clean up Indian rivers reveals systemic roadblocks that prevent schemes such as this from being effectively realised.
The same old story
The first ever attempt was made in 1985 under the Ganga Action Plan (GAP). Phase 2 was launched in 1993, and it was expanded to include many other rivers. However, the problem here was a sheer lack of technical understanding. The dynamics of river morphology, which includes the energies of the river (i.e. its volume of
water and flow patterns) were not understood properly. Unscientific methods used in treating effluents were another issue. The effluents, mainly coming from refineries across Uttar Pradesh were of deteriorating quality and increasing quantity, therefore putting pressure on the already inefficient water management systems.
The story of the stuttering GAP is a story of a failure of collaborative institutional effort coupled with an inadequate understanding of root problems. While the failures of many government schemes are blamed on lack of funding, the case here is completely different. Exorbitant amounts of money have been poured in continuously by successive governments, including 974 crore rupees allocated by the union government in 2009. There is also no dearth of regulatory bodies such as the Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was established almost a decade ago in 2009. But while the structural mechanisms are in place and the projects look perfect on paper, actual groundwork on these initiatives remains deficient on several fronts.
Several problems, several solutions
Bureaucratic red-tape is a major contributing factor towards the ineffectiveness of several government schemes and a huge amount of time and money gets lost in such endeavours. Lack of monitoring procedures makes it worse, as seen in 2015 when the Government claimed that it had identified 764 grossly polluting industrial bodies, while the same bodies had already been identified by another body! By the end of 2014, the Supreme Court had to vest the National Green Tribunal (NGT) with full authority to shut down polluting industrial units. The Court’s statement is a clear diagnosis of why schemes have failed: “This is an institutional failure and your story is a complete story of failure, frustration and disaster. You need to stand up against the polluting units. It will take another 50 years if the task is left to you”
The Modi government needs to break this policy paralysis immediately. The solution lies in the problems identified by a consortium of IITs which was asked to create a basin management project by the government. It found that the biggest problem was the multiplicity of authorities involved in the implementation of these schemes, leading to problems of overlapping power and delays in decision making. Thus, the government needs to identify redundant bodies and dissolve them while empowering the necessary bodies with appropriate powers. Another issue is the lack of coordination with state governments.
The Ministry of Water Resources in conjunction with any other Ministries involved in the decision-making process must ensure that the centre and state governments work in tandem by ensuring symmetry of policies and continuous dialogue.
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text:
The esteemed author of the French Paradox, researcher Serge Renaud, PhD, has said, “There is no other drug that is so efficient at preventing heart disease as moderate intake of alcohol.” A corollary to the French Paradox is the “American Paradox.” We have spent billions in this country to match and surpass the French in health success. But we have failed miserably because our focus is on intervention rather than prevention and we have a persistent theme in this country that alcohol consumption of any kind is a dreaded and unwelcome threat to our well being. Our latest health escapade is reducing trans-fat, all the while ignoring the fact that our health is in the glass. We continue to support efforts to isolate the healthy components of wine so that we can achieve the benefits without actually drinking. A group of British scientists wrote in the respected medical journal, Lancet, “If wine is ever found to contain a constituent protective against cardiovascular disease, then we consider it almost a sacrilege that this constituent be isolated. The medicine is already in a highly palatable form.” They got that right.
Using recent research presentations at the 4th International Wine and Heart Health Summit in Napa Valley, California and culling pertinent scientific information on alcoholic beverages and health, I have attempted to simplify and summarize the current knowledge in a layman-friendly format. It is hoped that this critical review can provide further clarity and stimulate the dissemination of this valuable public health message.
For More Information:
Sponsor: North Berkeley Wine: www.northberkeleywine.com
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domain: medical