Edgecombe County Sheriff James Knight says Cedrick Devon Williams, 19, also of Pinetops, has been charged with first-degree murder.
Investigators say an altercation broke out on the dance floor during a birthday party. The dispute continued outside, with shots being fired.
Hill was fatally wounded.
Investigators searched several hours for a suspect, who learned of the search and turned himself in.
Williams is being held without bond and will likely make his first court appearance on Wednesday.
No one has said what led to the argument.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


Although the Czech government finally backed away from banning CBD products earlier this year, a proposed law would subject these products to strict restrictions. The government bill amending in particular Law No. 167/1998 Coll., on addictive substances, aims to considerably limit this more or less free sale of kratom and CBD.
Definition of 2 substances
The proposed legislation separates “psychomodulatory substances” from “psychoactive substances.”
CBD is considered a psychomodulatory substance, that is, a substance that modifies or modulates the central nervous system. These substances present a low risk of negative effects on health or society and are not included in international drug lists, their regulation being left to the discretion of States.
In December 2020, the European Commission ruled that CBD was not a narcotic drug and could sometimes be classified as a food if it met the relevant provisions of EU food law. The decision also stated that CBD products should benefit from the same free movement of goods between and among member states as other legal products.
Kratom is considered a psychoactive substance within the meaning of the proposed measure, i.e. a substance “whose risks to health cannot be excluded on the basis of current scientific knowledge”. However, it is not considered a drug in international conventions.
The list of substances that will be subject to sales restrictions are established by government regulations. The government is introducing this method of regulation in order to be able to respond quickly and effectively to any new psychoactive substances appearing on the market. According to Minister Bartoš, this is an “innovative and functional regulation for this group of substances”.
More regulations on CBD
CBD is sold almost everywhere in the Czech Republic and in all its forms. After the Ministry of Health announced its intention to completely ban CBD products last April, the Czech government reversed course and finally decided to establish clear rules for their control and sale.
The first changes came under an amendment passed in July regarding synthetic psychoactive products such as HHC and delta-8 THC, which are made from hemp-derived CBD. This legislation limited the sale of these products to people over 18 years of age under the supervision of a seller, and prohibited sales in vending machines as well as all advertising.
Other specific rules in the proposed measure relate to CBD and kratom:
- Sales are limited to specialist stores and retailers must register with the government and pay a tax of around 5,000 euros
- Products must undergo laboratory tests and obtain certificates indicating the concentration of active substances
- Stores that carry the products must display signs indicating that consumers under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter.
- Physical points of sale and online stores must separate substances from other products they offer
- The packaging must indicate whether the products are “psychomodulator” or “psychoactive”, and the substances must be identified by name, subtype and form; the recommended dosage should also be indicated
- Gifts and samples cannot be distributed
The new regulation would also introduce several prohibitions such as:
- Sales through vending machines will be prohibited
- Advertising for CBD will be banned
- E-stores will have to verify the age of their customers
- Online stores will be banned from cross-border sales
- It will be strictly prohibited to use customers’ personal data for purposes other than the delivery of purchased goods.
- Export will only be possible under permit regime


text:
ISLAMABAD – Chairman National Accountability Bureau Justice Retired Javed Iqbal says the eradication of corruption from the country is a collective duty of everyone.
Addressing federal secretaries in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said presently there is supremacy of law and constitution in the country and bureaucracy should not accept any political pressure.
Chairman NAB said we have to work in the larger interest of people and the country. He said NAB is working on the policy “Accountability for All” without any discrimination and no injustice will be done with anyone.
Justice Retired Javed Iqbal said that bureaucracy is playing an active and significant role in the progress and development of the country.

domain: sociology


text:
Danish isolates of Shewanella algae constituted by whole-cell protein profiling a very homogeneous group, and no clear distinction was seen between strains from the marine environment and strains of clinical origin. Although variation between all strains was observed by ribotyping and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis, no clonal relationship between infective strains was found. From several patients, clonally identical strains of S. algae were reisolated up to 8 months after the primary isolation, indicating that the same strain may be able to maintain the infection.
|Journal||Applied and Environmental Microbiology|
|Publication status||Published - 2000|

domain: literature


text:
A local woman won over $700,000 playing slots at Ellis Island Casino & Brewery on Saturday, according to…
Denny's has announced it will offer unlimited "mooncakes" for one day only on Aug. 21 in honor of the total solar eclipse.
There will soon be another White Castle location in the Las Vegas valley.
Metro Diner, a restaurant offering classic comfort food with flair, will open its third Southern Nevada location, at 249 North…
Using LED drum sticks and long-exposure photography, drummers like Bill Ward from Black Sabbath and Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers are…
A limited number of tickets have just been released for the previously sold out Lady Gaga show tonight at T-Mobile arena.
One of the most popular singers on the 1980s, Rick Springfield, is performing for free in Downtown Las Vegas this weekend.
The very first Hopped Taco Throwdown is happening this weekend at the headquarters for Zappos on Stewart Avenue.
Dozens of people experienced the first-ever “Sound Check” silent rave inside a Las Vegas Monorail train Friday night.
Las Vegas is known for many things, including headliner entertainment, fancy restaurants, high-end stores and luxurious accommodations.…
Sometimes things just get crazy at Britney Spears' shows in Las Vegas.
List of solar eclipse viewing parties in Nevada on Aug. 21, 2017.
Solar eclipse fever is gripping the nation and Krispy Kreme is getting in on the action.
Frozen custard is believed to have originated on Coney Island in New York state in 1919. National Frozen Custard Day is celebrated on Aug. 8.
Einstein Bros. Bagels is on a mission to make social media a happier place.
All locations of Firehouse Subs are giving away medium subs to customers who donated an unopened, 24-pack of bottled water on Aug. 5.
Looking for somewhere to celebrate International Beer Day on Aug. 4 in Las Vegas?
If you are near the Rio over the next few days and you see some rather different-looking people, there's a reason for that. The annual…
Just when you thought it was safe to turn on SyFy again, "Sharknado" is back.
McGregor will host four post-fight parties at XS Nightclub and Encore Beach Club at Night through 2019.
The Las Vegas Rainbow Company Youth Theatre is holding auditions for its Student Ensemble and its first fall show, "The…
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is offering families four nights at the theater with their Family Shows Package, which starts at $49.
Those who don't have time to see every performance of the Las Vegas Philharmonic this season can still see up to six shows with…
The Who has kicked off its Las Vegas residency.
The Killers will be hitting the road in North America in early 2018 for their first full Killers tour since 2013.

domain: news


Medical Device Qualified Supplier Directory
Eldon James Corp Company Profile
Qualifications: ISO 13485, ISO 9001, Supplier to Medical Manufacturers, Exhibitor in at least 2 MD&M and/or MEDTEC shows
Markets Supplied: North America, Europe, Worldwide
Manufacturers of Standard and Custom Hose Fittings and Plastic Tubing
Founded in 1987, Eldon James manufactures a wide range of standard and custom products including PVC FREE medical grade tubing, fittings and quick disconnect fittings. We provide tubing,fittings and assemblies for medical applications such as antimicrobial tubing and fittings, bioprocess tubing, peristaltic pump tubing, heat formed tubing, biomedical fittings, clamps and other custom products for the medical, biomedical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.
Responding to the medical industry’s growing concerns over the health issues associated with PVC and their demand for alternatives in tubing applications where flexibility is required, Eldon James has developed TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) tubing that has proven to be an excellent alternative to PVC. The properties of TPE include high flexibility, extremely low permeability and 100% organic emissions when incinerated, which make it ideal for IV gas sample lines and other medical applications. Eldon James is one of the only manufacturers in the United States that manufactures, assembles and packages PVC-Free tubing and fittings in a single clean room environment.
Cleanroom and Antimicrobial Products
EJ BioMed, a division of Eldon James, operates a cleanroom facility that focuses on the manufacture of products designed for the life sciences, bioprocess, biomedical, pharmaceutical and similar critical-use applications. Our antimicrobal protected tubing and fittings inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds, fungi, and other microbes through the release of silver (Ag) ions. Unlike organic based antimicrobial agents found in antibacterial soaps, silver is an inorganic metal ion that has not been shown to contribute to the creation of 'super bugs' like those resulting from the overuse of antibiotics.
Our antimicrobal protected tubing and fittings inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds, fungi, and other microbes through the release of silver (Ag) ions. Unlike organic based antimicrobial agents found in antibacterial soaps, silver is an inorganic metal ion that has not been shown to contribute to the creation of 'super bugs' like those resulting from the overuse of antibiotics.
The antimicrobial tubing and fittings along with other medical grade tubing and fittings, including TPE (a safe and effective alternative to PVC tubing), are manufactured with the option of full assembly in the same cleanroom environment.
To learn more about Eldon James, please visit the Eldon James Company Video
Biomedical - Pharmaceutical Fittings
• Port plates
• Swivel disconnect fittings
• Color-code clips
• Miniature junctions
Tubing & Clamps
• FlexeneTM tubing
• TPE tubing – thermoplastic elastomer
• Metric tubing and hose
• Antimicrobial tubing
• Bioprocess tubing
• Peristaltic pump tubing
• Heat formed tubing
• Oetiker clamps
Y & Cross Fittings
- Y connectors and crosses
- Miniature fittings
- 316L stainless steel
- Adaptors & bulkheads
- Panel mounts and threaded
- Garden hose connectors
- Reduction & straight couplers
- Stainless steel couplers
- 316L stainless steel
- 316L stainless steel
Pipe Nipples & Insert Plugs
- Pipe nipples—conversion nipples
- Insert plugs—threaded plugs
Eldon James offers a broad range of materials suited for a variety of applications. Whether you're looking for something basic and affordable or a custom solution, Eldon James has the capabilities you’re looking for.
We feature Materials that are:
Animal Derivative free
- USP Class VI
- BPA Free
Begin by checking the Chemical Resistance charts These charts provide a general reference for establishing compatibility between our plastic materials and various chemicals. Note: the charts are for reference only - we strongly recommend testing to a standard that takes into account the actual chemical concentrations and environmental conditions specific to your application. Please contact us for free testing samples.
Eldon James operates a 3rd party certified cleanroom. The ISO Class 8 environment guarantees the cleanest and safest products possible. We frequently operate our cleanroom around-the-clock to get products to customers faster.
Eldon James materials and processes have been purposefully chosen to minimize the pollution caused during their life-cycle. We don’t manufacture any PVC, a material whose production can negatively affect water and air quality. During PVC’s useful life it will leach Phalates (and sometimes BPA and lead), and most damaging of all, it releases high levels of dioxins when disposed. We’ve worked hard to develop a full line of replacement resins that are eco-friendly, cost effective, and high quality.
Eldon James has a history of working with other manufacturers and designers to facilitate speed-to-market. The company shares its expertise and manufacturing experience with organizations that are interested in developing relationships beneficial to both parties. In addition; molding or extrusion, based on a customer's requirements, is often possible when quantity requirements are sufficient to offset tooling costs.
Eldon James offers state-of-the-art, technical assembly services. Please contact Customer Support for information about custom fabrication capabilities and lead times
Adherence to standards set forth by the ISO 9001-2008 Quality Management System underscores Eldon James dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. The ISO 9001 Quality System is a standard recognized worldwide.
To insure accuracy, quality control instruments are calibrated at the start of each production day. Regular measurements are taken as parts come from the molding machines, allowing for machine performance monitoring during the run cycle of each job.
- Antimicrobial protected Ag fittings (AG): Available in Nylon, Kynar, Polypropylene & HDPE. Incorporates natural silver ion protection to guard against microbial colonization
- TPE – themoplastic elastomer a safe and effective alternative to PVC
- Natural Kynar(NK): Temperature Range -80 °F to 226 °F • Pressure 260 psi @ 70 °F. NK material can be autoclaved to 285 °F (140 °C) and meets USP Class VI requirements.
- CrystalVu(CVU): A clear transparent polyolefin alternative to polycarbonate containing no Bisphenol-A (BPA) - will not deform at temperatures to 180 °C (356 °F). Autoclavable plus gamma and EtO Sterilization compatibility - USP Class VI, EU 2002/72/EC.
- High Density Polyethylene(HDPE)
- Nylon- Natural (NN) & Medical (MN)
- Animal Derivative Free Polypropylene(PP)
We are happy to serve you and work with you on standard and custom applications for antimicrobial tubing and fittings, bioprocess tubing, peristaltic pump tubing, heat formed tubing, biomedical fittings, clamps and other custom products for the medical, biomedical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.
For more information contact Eldon James Corp


text:
Bleeding Cool is reporting that a Serbian musician had been offered to write the opening tune for the new film and accidentally spilled the beans on the title.
Here's the piece from Bilc Online:
At one of the many concerts the musician held in France during the Cannes Film Festival, the producers and the director of the next Bond film were in the audience, who were staggered by what they had heard and on the spot offered Jelena a chance to write the opening score for the new James Bond film, entitled Carte Blanche.
Doing some research on Wikipedia, you find that Carte Blanche is the latest James Bond novel written by Jefferey Deaver that came out in May (on the 25th, 2011).
The synopsis and plot breakdown for the novel feels reminiscent of Goldfinger, though the Bond villain is obsessed with death, not gold. It starts with a train derailment and leads Bond across the world from England to Dubai and then South Africa. Severan Hydt seems to have plans to kill lots of people, possibly inside the UK and he does so under the cover of his waste disposal company.
Miss Moneypenny is in the book, as well as as a new character of Indian descent taking over the role of Q.
Felix Leiter (played in this latest Bond iteration by Jeffrey Wright) also makes an appearance in the book.
The story sounds as though it has a lot of twists and turns, but will it be the next Bond film? It's anyone's guess. Though, this is the first time they've "rebooted" the character in the novelizations. Bond in this book was born in 1979 and was a veteran of Afghanistan.
One interesting connection to the film and the story in the book: The latest James Bond installment is being directed by Sam Mendes. Mary Goodnight, a character in the novel and a secretary to the 00 section is described in the book as a 21 year old Kate Winslet look alike. Kate Winslet is Sam Mendes' ex-wife.
It's interesting speculation. According to IMDb, Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem are signed to the movie (though I've heard such reports elsewhere in the news, too). Ralph Fiennes would be a great choice for a character in the book named Percy Osborne-Smith. According to Wikipedia:
Percy Osborne-Smith: An agent with Division Three, an offshoot of MI5. Osborne-Smith likes to be the one leading investigations so that he may take the credit for a successful operation. His ambitions lead him to shut down central London at the height of a security conference, ignoring intelligence from Bond that suggests the attack will take place in York.
And let's face it, Javier Bardem would make a great villain for James Bond no matter how he's described in the book.


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Executive officers of the Hartford Police Union have recommended that union members vote today to reject what the union president has termed the city's "take-it-or-leave-it in-your-face" contract proposal.
The two-year police union contract expires June 30. The union is holding a vote on the contract from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.
The city's proposal marks the end of months of negotiations that fizzled soon after the union's informational picket outside a Civic Center event April 22. If the union votes against the contract, the issue will likely be forced into binding arbitration.
The city proposal to be voted on today calls for no increase in salaries over the next two years and co- pay of medical insurance. It is estimated to save the city about $1.7 million over two years.
Union President Dennis M. O'Brien said he was willing to accept those conditions, provided the city support a change in officers' work schedules, allow the union to review a new performance appraisal system before it is put in place, and tie performance evaluations to promotions.
"One of my main objectives was to get a better day-off schedule," O'Brien said.
City officials said they were taken aback by what they described as O'Brien's sudden about-face. He had left city negotiators believing they had achieved common ground, said City Manager Saundra Kee Borges.
"I certainly was under that impression," she said. "Needless to say, I was very disappointed to learn that that wasn't the case."
City council Majority Leader John B. O'Connell was blunt.
"In my opnion, the union's making a big mistake," O'Connell said. "They're going to lose a lot of political capital with members of the council."
The union has sought a new work schedule that will guarantee police officers two days off after a five-day work week, and then three days off after the next five days they work, O'Brien said. Officers currently work five days and then have two days off.
In return, the union offered not to charge the city for officers' attendance at neighborhood meetings or training classes on their days off, the union president said; the city did not support the change.
Under the city's proposal, the department would start a new performance appraisal system modeled after an evaluation system currently in place for new recruits during their one-year probationary period. The new appraisals for sworn officers would not affect promotions and would be implemented immediately once the contract was ratified.
O'Brien called the evaluation system currently in place for recruits on probation a "sham," saying some field training officers in the past evaluated recruits who never worked under them. That's why, O'Brien said, the union wanted some oversight of any new performance appraisal system.

domain: politics


Since the collapse of the recent special session, many have called any attempt to get state lawmakers to fix Louisiana’s fiscal problems “Groundhog Day.” It’s a reference to the movie in which a misanthropic character played by Bill Murray keeps waking up in Punxsutawney on Feb. 2 until he finally gets his act together.
With lawmakers going back into session a mere week after the special session’s acrimonious implosion, it appears the latest Bayou State Groundhog Day is March 12. This time, however, legislators will be constitutionally barred from considering revenue-raising bills, at least until they convene for yet another Groundhog Day - um, I mean special session - in late May or early June.
How many Groundhog Days can Louisiana voters stand?
[content-1] [jump] A lot, apparently. I’ve seen this legislative movie many times. The plot line never changes. The annual session that begins this week is the second act in a three-act script. The first act was the special session, the failure of which was predetermined by House Republicans. As several of their own members have admitted, many of them didn’t really want to solve the state’s fiscal problems because they feared it would somehow make Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, look good.
That logic, if one could call it that, makes one wonder how some of them got past the fifth grade. For the benefit of our lawmakers, let’s go over this one more time: If legislators solve Louisiana’s structural deficits, they (not necessarily the governor) will look good. Conversely, when legislators fail to address the deficit, they (not the governor) look bad.
[content-4] Constitutionally, the governor can only propose budgets and taxes. Lawmakers must actually provide for the state’s fiscal stability. Edwards has suggested several ways to make revenues match the cost of vital services such as public hospitals and universities, and the popular TOPS college scholarship program. For their part, a majority of our lawmakers stubbornly refuse to fix what most of them broke under former Gov. Bobby Jindal’s “leadership and crisis” tenure. Edwards thus had to propose a “doomsday” budget that’s nearly $1 billion short.
As Act 2 unfolds, we’ll see lots of teeth-gnashing among those who will feel the impact of draconian cuts - and equal though far less sincere amounts of grandstanding by the “cut our way to prosperity” crowd - from a budget (if one is adopted) that few can stomach. That will set the stage for the third act: the next special session.
The climax of this story will come in the final hours of that special session, when House Republicans and members of the Legislative Black Caucus square off in a game of budgetary chicken. The GOP will want a sales tax-based solution, while the Caucus will favor an income tax-heavy fix.
That’s the same standoff that sucked the air out of the last special session, which is why it will feel like Groundhog Day all over again.
In the movie version, Bill Murray’s character eventually turned his life around. Too bad our legislators can’t learn to do likewise for Louisiana. The rest of us are tired of constantly waking up to the same dreary mess.


text:
Celebrating every bit of their marriage, newly-weds Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas look adorable together and their new Instagram video is a proof!
Nick, in awe of his beautiful wife, shared a lovely video of PeeCee on Instagram, watching hit holiday movie 'Elf' for the first time.
In the video, the 'Quantico' star's eyes are glued to the screen and she can be seen singing along the beats of the music 'Santa Clause Is Coming to Town.' Having the best time of her life, Priyanka was mesmerised by the movie, covering her mouth and grabbing Nick's arm at one point.
'Her first time watching Elf,' he captioned the Instagram video.
The screening comes nearly after a week of their wedding at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
On December 1, they exchanged vows as per Christian traditions and on December 2 they tied the knot as per Hindu wedding rituals....

domain: entertainment


text:
We are developing bio-hybrid platforms whichintegrate the sensing capabilities of insectswith robots, to create ultra-sensitive sensingrobots.
We are interested in identifying and understanding the cell-cell interaction is homeostasis and disease throughout the NVU.
We are interested in developing the next generation Organs-on-a-Chip to enable better understanding of human physiology and drug development.
We are interested in developing tools that allowus to improve the life quality of patients wholost their ability to sense, by creating self-powered integrated electronics.
We are interested in developing novel approaches combining 3D printing, 4D materials for the study of physiology and regeneration of tissues.
We are interested in unveiling the etiology and effects of TBI

domain: medical


text: Basically, I started taking lessons at Arthur Murray to get some exercise and have fun. After all, who doesn’t like dancing and music! I guess I’m hooked since after 7 years I’m still here ! From the minute I was met at the door by the friendly staff, I felt comfortable. Through the patience and encouragement of the knowledgeable, patient instructors, I have learned new dances and feel more comfortable on the dance floor, which is huge by the way! I take advantage of the group classes and parties, which are a great way to practice. Even if you’re single, there’s always someone to dance with and you don’t need to be at a certain level to attend. Arthur Murray is a fun place to learn a new skill, escape from the day’s stresses and meet friendly people!

domain: artistic


Deputy Vice Chancellor International
We are happy to announce that Connect Culture is now a community group. We are based in Coventry and Warwickshire and we are working on getting Coventry and Warwickshire more accessible and inclusive. We are also looking at helping others find travel solutions with other organisations and agencies which are already set up. Members of the steering group of the community group are Bee Choo Yew-Booth, Emma Round, Frieda Van de Poll, Eleanor Lisney, Justina Walls, Sarah Rennie and Yvonne Rolston. Here, when we say an building an inclusive world, we would like to mean specifically but not exclusively, disabled and non disabled people. We all have multiple identities with families, friends and communities and increasingly we are cosmopolitan beings, we enjoy and share different and separate cultures. Connect culture seeks to build bridges, make accessible places and information to people who need it - which is also affordable.
Previously: Deputy Vice Chancellor, International Coventry University Worldwide Universities Network CEO HEFCE Head of Research Policy Cambridge University Hospitals Trust Ass Director, Research NHS Business Manager Barclays de Zoete Wedd (BZW) Corporate Finance Executive LEK Partnership Consultant


text:
In College Football on Friday – the Atlantic Coast Conference member Virginia Cavaliers are at the Big Ten’s Maryland Terrapins.
The start of the season for the Cavaliers has been a disaster so far. The Cavaliers got smoked by Tennessee in their opener in Nashville, then came home and fell to James Madison. The Cavaliers start their conference slate next week against North Carolina State.
For Maryland, they are 2-0 on the season with wins at home over Towson and Charlotte. In the two wins, the Terrapins scored 38 points each game.
The Maryland Terrapins are big favorites in this game. The Terrapins come into the game listed at -14, with a total of 50.5.
Cavaliers’ Struggles Are Real
The Virginia Cavaliers have some big-time struggles they are going through in 2023. A season ago, the Cavaliers were not super strong and still lost Brennan Armstrong to North Carolina State. Now, the Cavaliers not only are working on a new quarterback but also have some major catching up to do on the defensive side.
The loss on Saturday was a crushing one. The Cavaliers led the game in the final minute, but James Madison spoiled the day with a touchdown with 55 seconds remaining. Virginia comes into this game ranked 127th in College Football, allowing 42.5 points per game.
Anthony Colandrea has been the guy taking over behind center for the Cavaliers. He has thrown for just 389 yards and two touchdowns through the first two games. Malik Washington has been the go-to guy thus far, with nine receptions and a touchdown. Perris Jones is the lead candidate in the backfield but has just 50 yards on 17 carries.
Terrapins Welcome Old Face to Town
These programs are familiar with each other. They both used to compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference before Maryland elected to move to the Big Ten. Despite that, it’s been a while since these two teams have seen each other.
The last time the Cavaliers and Terrapins played was ten years ago. On October 12th, 2013, the Maryland Terrapins beat the Virginia Cavaliers 27-26.
Taulia Tagovailoa returns as the signal caller for Maryland. In the season-opening win over Towson, he accounted for four first-half touchdowns. On the season now, he has four passing touchdowns and nearly 550 yards throwing. Corey Dyches has been his top target in 2023. Dyches has 12 receptions, 139 yards, and a touchdown.
The big story offensively has been Roman Hemby. Hemby averages 110 yards per game on the ground and has two touchdowns. The Terrapins offense is 33rd in College Football,m averaging more than 204 yards per game on the ground.
The Terrapins will look to 3-0 before a road trip to East Lansing next weekend to take on the Michigan State Spartans. Maryland is at Ohio State on October 7th.
Maryland Smacks Virginia
The Maryland Terrapins have gotten off to a quick start this season. Scoring 38 points per game and allowing 13. Look for that to be what they do in this game as well. Virginia simply cannot move the ball enough to keep up with the Terrapins here.
If Virginia’s defense was better, they may be able to cover in a low-scoring game, but even that has been a struggle. Take the Maryland Terrapins to win and cover. Betting Maryland -14 is the way to go. The Terrapins win this game 38-13.
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text:
Chinese students know more science facts than U.S. students but aren't any better at applying them to solve problems, a new study says.
On average, Chinese students receive five years of physics training compared to one year for U.S. students, but they both scored the same - a C - when it comes to scientific reasoning, said lead author Lei Bao, a professor of physics at Ohio State University.
The study, in the journal Science, was released today.
"We all have this notion that if students take more science classes, they will naturally become better reasoners," said Kathy Koenig, a co-author and physics professor at Wright State University.
"The study shows that's not so."
The researchers looked at standardized tests scores given to freshmen at three Chinese universities and four U.S. universities, including Ohio State and Wright State.
On average, Chinese students scored 90 percent in concepts and facts while American students scored 50 percent. Both, however, scored an average 75 percent in reasoning.
The authors and other college physics teachers decry traditional lecture and memorization.
Bao and Koenig say the education systems in both countries come up short on teaching students how to think critically and to learn such things as correlations and deductive reasoning.
Both are need to make advances in science, math and engineering, they said..
Edward Redish, a physics professor at the University of Maryland, said students must be active in order to gain intuition and reasoning.
"It's not what the teacher does that matters, but what the student does."


text:
PLEASE NOTE: Midwest Magic is the largest magic shop in the world.
Unlike many of our competitors, we do not list items on our site
(unless noted, and with very rare exception)
that we do not have on hand and available for shipment!
Here's something your audience has never before seen, and it will blow them away! Mind reading? Spirit communication? Telekinesis? Wow! Being able to read your spectator's thoughts by picking their chosen card is quite an amazing
Imagine this: you're at a friend's party and you reach into an ice chest and pull out a soda. You show everyone the full can - the top, bottom, and sides. You then tell them about a game of "soda can roulette" you used to play in
POWER OF LOVE
The Power of Love is an effect designed to be performed for a COUPLE. Spectators mix HEART cards with "trouble cards." Cards are turned face up and face down as they are mixed. At the conclusion, the HEARTS are the only cards reversed - LOVE
Product Image Gallery:
This item has not been reviewed yet. Be the first to write a review!

domain: hobby


The Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, hosted at UNF, is a fast-growing, dynamic international partnership bringing together hundreds of different organizations including governments, UN agencies, private companies, civil society organizations, and many others. We convene, connect, and catalyze action to address the problems of poor data use, access, quality, and production, and to work with stakeholders to fully harness the new opportunities of the data revolution in the service of sustainable development. We aim to link and align action, capacities, and resources across geographies, sectors, and data communities.
The Operations Associate supports GPSDD by assisting with grants and contracts processes and providing logistical support to the Secretariat. Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations, the Associate will help ensure that GPSDD is meeting all UNF and funder requirements as it implements its activities. Working closely with the Operations Officer, the Associate will be integral to ensuring that internal and external events are successful by helping to arrange travel and logistics.
Grants and Contracts Support:
- Manage information in Salesforce on GPSDD grants and contracts
- Conduct due diligence checks for all partners, grantees, and contractors
- Assist with other compliance processes
- Maintain filing systems for all grants and contracts documents
- Follow up with grantees and contractors on outstanding deliverables and invoices
- Assist with the procurement process
- Draft simple contracts
- Review contractor invoices and bills for accuracy, prepare payment requests and work with the Budget and Finance teams to process payments
- Arrange meeting logistics and manage logistics during meetings (scheduling people, conference rooms and video/teleconferences, greeting guests, note taking, catering, cleanup)
- Assist in making travel arrangements for Secretariat and event participants (including preparing travel authorizations/letters of invitation, booking transportation, and lodging, and preparing travel reimbursements)
- Provide on-site event support at various events (domestic and international)
- Prepare expense and credit card reports
- Assist with timekeeping processes, including tracking Secretariat vacations and absences
- Manage team-wide communications and file management tools
- Draft and edit internal and external correspondence, when requested
- Maintain other GPSDD databases
- Analyze logistical and financial data to use in future budgeting and planning
- Other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree required
- One to three years of administrative experience
- Strong attention to detail and demonstrated excellence working in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong professional interpersonal skills and diplomacy; the ability to interact with people from diverse, multi-cultural backgrounds
- French language proficiency required, both written and spoken
- Ability to work independently as well as a member of a team
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally several weeks out of the year as COVID-19 pandemic conditions allow
- Previous experience with contracts preferred
- Previous experience with events management preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite to include Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Interest, knowledge or experience in international affairs or data for development
- This role is based in Washington D.C.
- This position will have a skill assessment as part of the interview process
- Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy
- Ability to work under pressure and handle stress
Benefits & Compensation
For full-time, benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:
- a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- flexible spending accounts
- 403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
- group term and supplemental life insurance
- short-term disability
- long-term disability
- health club discounts
- commuter subsidy
- back-up care
- employee assistance program
Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.
The United Nations Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative-action employer. The United Nations Foundation provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.


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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MoFARI) has debunked claims that the Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah popularly known as NAM1 holds a service passport.
The Ministry’s statement is in reaction to a media report.
“The Ministry’s attention has been drawn to a publication on Ghanaweb suggesting that the Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah (popularly known as NAM1) holds a Service Passport.
The Ministry wishes to state categorically that, the Passport Office has not issued any Service Passport to the person in question,” parts of the release noted.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, such publication is ‘blatantly false’ and should be disregarded.
According to them, “Checks from our system indicate that NAM 1 only holds an ordinary passport, which was issued in Accra, by the Passport Office.”
- Review e-levy rate to 0.5% with ¢300 daily threshold – Minority tells government
- Government’s ban on use of V8s in Accra, a mere sloganeering – Dr Theo Acheampong
- MPs converge at Volta Serene Hotel for post-budget workshop
- One arrested, others on the run after allegedly murdering police officer
- After 5 years of repackaging, Skuuls Reunion returns today at El Wak Stadium
- Photos and videos: HITZ FM Skuuls Reunion underway at El Wak Sports Stadium
- Indonesian woman’s body found inside python, say reports
- Government must be commended for reducing e-levy rate – John Kumah
- Sights and sounds: ‘Jama’ session, exciting skaters kick-start Hitz Old Skuuls Reunion
- Ghana is not serious about social progression and inclusivity – Prof. Bokpin
- Kuami Eugene, Eno Barony and Keche climax HITZ Skuuls Reunion’s return
- British Council urges student’s under IAU Programme to become good entrepreneurs
- LUV FM’s morning show team distributes about 1,000 pieces of sanitary pads to needy girls
- Photos and videos: Artistes thrill patrons at HITZ Skuuls Reunion
- Mbappe scores twice as France reach knockout stage
- Messi scores in vital Argentina win over Mexico
- Tullow Ghana reaffirms commitment to grow indigenous capacities
- Ghana’s 2023 Budget: A Missed Opportunity
- I hope Afriyie Barnieh will be used in one of the games at the World Cup – Hearts of Oak General Manager
- VP Bawumia launches $450m Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Project
- Gov’t promises more support to Ghana Police
- BoG pegs cedi depreciation to dollar at 54%
- Ghana’s reserves fall to 2.9 months of import cover in October 2022; trade surplus hits $1.87bn
- Average lending rate hits 31.40% in October 2022 – BoG
- Lynx Entertainment unveils kids sensation Afrapa


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In business, your image is everything. Ernestas has extensive experience working in corporate photography in the fashion and entertainment world. He understands budgets, timelines – and most importantly, the importance of a great image.
Ernestas Photo is available for all your corporate photography needs, from product imagery to team images and special events.
Contact us for more information.


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Desire + Effort = Results
Ok, so you have finally made the decision that it is time to make some changes in your life. You know that the only way things are going to get better for you financially, spiritually and physically is if you sit up and take action. You know you have to put forth the effort in order to reap the rewards.
So how exactly are you going to implement these changes? You are going to have a "plan of action".
A plan of action is crucial to your success. Without a plan it is merely a thought. When you add your thoughts to paper coupled with a desire to see them become realities and proceed to do everything possible to fulfill that desire you have a template for success.
A simple equation to use when creating a plan of action from your template is: Desire + Effort = Results.
Step 1: Write the goal down
Step 2: List all steps to achieve the goal
Now that you know what your specific desire is, list the ways in which you plan on achieving optimum results. How do I plan to lose these 20 pounds? What do I have to do each day in order to achieve my goal? What do I personally need to do to see this plan come to fruition?
Set up a schedule outlining each step that needs to be taken daily to achieve weekly goals. Be specific. Create a daily "to do" list. At the end of the week you will be able to see how much you were able to accomplish.
Step 3: Commit to the plan
Make a commitment to yourself to "Work the Plan". Stay focused on the positive. List all the reasons why you will be able to achieve your objective. Utilize the strengths you possess that will help you to complete your plan.
Know your weaknesses and make a concerted effort to overcome them. Incorporate both your strengths and weakness into your plan of action. Know what you are capable of and know what your shortcomings are. We all fall short of our goals.
One way to stay motivated is to have your own personal reward system in place. Know what each reward will be for each accomplishment that you have fulfilled throughout your plan. With every desired result you achieve there should be a reward for having done so. An incentive plan customized to your wants and desires always helps you stay focused on the end result. You can maximize your chance of success at tasks you have set for yourself by maximizing your focus, and concentrating on the goal.
What's your plan of action ?
How bad do you want it?
What are you willing to do to get it?
Jennifer McDaniel is a well being strategist, ICF accredited professional coach. She has 25+ years of experience as a professional speaker, corporate trainer and a learning development leader in the beauty, health and wellness space.Read More
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domain: psychology


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When you get the copyright registered whilst United States Copyright Office with the Library of Congress, you are making a legal document, a record, of the details of the particular document you have formulated and are claiming the rights on it. Registration of your project is not a requirement; you don’t have it to reserve your rights. If you may get your copyright registered, anyway, it may entitle you to most benefits.
When you register your copyright, should take advantage of things like establishing a public record to your copyright claim. It will skip the process Procedure for Registration of Copyright in India Online you, a great infringement suit is only able be filed problem if the registration is in order. If you file within a certain time period, there is a right to statutory damages and hips and not just actual damages and profits. On the surface of this, the registration of the copyright allows the creator and official who owns the copyright to record the registration and you are entitled to certain protections resistant to the importation of duplicates.
Registration may be created at any time, so you can get a copyright registration immediately after finishing, five months, five years, or 50 years from now. If function becomes published, you no longer to get added registration, though you can if you hopes to. With these benefits, it might be worthwhile to one to get your projects copyrighted. These are generally benefits that you’d get if you were to copyright your along with the Copyright Office, depending on your registration and function that you undergo be copyrighted.
If you are an artist, a musician, a writer or any other creator of creative projects, you might consider going ahead and getting your work copyrighted. This is very true if you’re making a living from your work. Anyone do, you’ll be entitled to more money if they should ever have to vacation at court over someone infringing on your copyright. It might take some time to go through the process, however in the end many times it worth them.

domain: library


A new Netflix documentary sees Sylvester Stallone delve deep into his difficult childhood and how his life changed practically overnight. The iconic filmmaker and screen star has shared revelations about his challenging past, growing up in New York and Maryland as well as his Hollywood career aspirations. Now 77, Sylvester gives refreshingly honest interviews in the documentary in which he admits he definitely has “regrets”.
The star goes into detail about how his life changed almost overnight when ‘Rocky’ was released in 1976. But he’s also very critical about some of his most well-known projects, talking about how some didn’t work as well as others commercially.
Directed by Thom Zimney, the film also includes interviews with Sylvester’s co-stars like Quentin Tarantino, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Talia Shire and Henry Winkler. But most intriguingly are the revelations Sylvester reveals during the documentary, including the origins of his signature crooked smile and slurred speech. The star said it’s because he suffered partial facial paralysis from nerve damage at birth.
He explained that his mother, despite being nine months pregnant, continued to take the bus. She went to labour on the bus and was luckily carried off onto a charity ward, where Sylvester was then born.
He said: “And that’s where I was brought into the world via this accident which kind of paralyzed all the nerves on the side of my mouth. So I was born with this snarl.” Stallone also went into detail about his violent childhood and how his father, Frank Stallone Sr. inspired many of his movie characters.
“My father was Rambo, in reality,” Stallone said, making it clear that Frank Stallone inspired his John Rambo character. “I was raised by a very physical father,” he added. “Nothing was ever settled verbally. It was usually a physical ultimatum.”
Stallone goes on to explain that he “was no stranger to serious pain” and that he and his brother faced violence growing up. He gave one example of when his father grabbed his 13-year-old son off a horse in the middle of a polo match, and added that his mother, Jackie, was “pretty bad too”.
The star said the toughness he had to develop in his childhood ended up informing his philosophy. Stallone said, “I think it just became, ‘I’m not gonna break.’”
Stallone also opens up about how his father was jealous of his success. Fellow filmmaker John Herzfeld is interviewed in the film, and he recalls when Frank Stallone Sr played a character who shoots and kills Stallone’s character and he seemed to enjoy it “a little too much”.
The documentary also has a segment dedicated to Stallone’s late son, Sage, who died at age 36 from coronary artery disease. The documentary includes footage of Stallone on the red carpet with his son and he says: “There’s a line in the movie, ‘I’m so glad he’s born because now I can live through your eyes.’ That, I think, is what fathers look to their children for. It’s an extension of, a slice of immortality. As long as he’s alive, your memory will always be alive, that you did something right. I mean, you hope for that.”
In other news – Ashanti throws Nelly a surprise 49th birthday party
Ashanti went above and beyond for Nelly’s 49th birthday celebration. The “Foolish” singer, 43, threw her boyfriend a surprise birthday party at Frost Bistro & Bar in Atlanta on Thursday, and PEOPLE has the exclusive info and photos from the intimate bash, which featured fellow stars, family members and lots of karaoke.
Nelly’s friends Rasheeda and Kirk Frost (who were in attendance) held the gathering at their restaurant, which was decorated by Ayuna Glitz Events with blue, white and gold balloons, lights, flowers and wrapped windows, doors and tables displaying photos of the “Hot in Herre” rapper and Ashanti. Read More


Nina Rachel Shapiro Gordon is an American rock singer. Co-founder of the band Veruca Salt, Gordon pioneered and revived Bangles inspired pop-rock for the mid-'90s grunge generation. She quickly became known for her instantly infectious power-pop hooks and melodies, writing Veruca Salt hits "Seether" and "Volcano Girls". Since leaving Veruca Salt in 1998, she has released the successful solo album Tonight and the Rest of My Life, written songs for Fefe Dobson and Courtney Jaye, and released her second solo album, Bleeding Heart Graffiti, on August 8, 2006.
The band released an orange 7" single for the song "Seether". "Seether" was a bratty, distorted alt-rocker about an angry and misunderstood woman. Compared to the rest of Veruca Salt's material, "Seether" was very pop, so much so that Gordon said that when she wrote it, she did not think the rest of the band would like it. They sent "Seether" to radio, as it was the most radio-friendly song they had written and the reaction was unexpectedly positive. Unfortunately, the album was not complete and they found themselves rushing to complete it, before "Seether" lost its radio momentum. It ended up peaking at #8 on the Modern Rock charts.
American Thighs was released through Minty Fresh Records on September 27, 1994 and re-released November 8, 1994 by Geffen Records after the label signed the band after an intense label bidding war. The album peaked on the Billboard Top 200 at 69 and was eventually certified Gold. The follow-up single to "Seether", "All Hail Me", failed to chart on the Modern Rock Charts, and the last single from the album, "Number One Blind", written by Gordon, did better than the previous single, peaking at #20 on the Modern Rock charts, but nowhere near as well as "Seether". Gordon and Post were unhappy with the song's video, and it was pulled after airing fewer than five times on MTV's 120 Minutes.
The band released an EP in 1996 titled Blow It Out Your Ass It's Veruca Salt to tide fans over until their next album. It was produced by Steve Albini (PJ Harvey, Nirvana) and contains the Gordon-penned "Shimmer Like a Girl" and "New York Mining Disaster 1996".
Eight Arms to Hold You, which was released February 11, 1997 on Geffen Records, proved to be a difficult and dividing album. Some fans of American Thighs were disappointed by the polished, hard-rock and distinctively Bob Rock production, in comparison to the laid back, indie buzz-bin vibe of American Thighs. The new album garnered mixed reviews from music critics as well. Band members have since admitted that this album was difficult for the band, and the recording process was extremely tense. However, Eight Arms to Hold You sold well due to the success of the first single, "Volcano Girls", written by Gordon. It was a catchy, power-pop tantrum that matched "Seether"'s success, peaking at #8 on the Modern Rock charts. The album, however, didn't have longevity, and despite peaking higher (Billboard Top 200 at 55) than American Thighs, sales dropped off drastically when the second single, "Shutterbug", failed to chart, despite a high budget video and Saturday Night Live performance, as well as other promotion. Three more singles were sent to radio ("The Morning Sad", "Straight" and "Benjamin") but none of them did well enough to warrant a video. However, the Gordon-penned "'Benjamin" was released internationally as the third and last commercial single from the album despite having no video and no promotion. "Benjamin" also failed to chart.
Nina Gordon left Veruca Salt in early 1998 amid rumors of stolen boyfriends and physical altercations with bandmate Louise Post. Post kept the Veruca Salt name, despite being the only remaining original member, and eventually released Resolver in 2000, the first Gordon-less Veruca Salt album.
Soon after leaving the band, Gordon demoed solo material in Boston with friends Kay Hanley and Michael Eisenstein from the band Letters to Cleo. In 1998 she sang on James Iha's solo album Let It Come Down on the song "Beauty". Shortly after she began recording with Eight Arms producer Bob Rock. The album, now titled Tonight and the Rest of My Life, was finished in early 1999 and was set to be released by Outpost Records, owned by Geffen Records, in August 1999. However, not all went smoothy, as Outpost Records was eaten up by the Geffen Records/Interscope Records merger and Gordon was left without a label.
Gordon wasn't label-less for long, however, as she was signed to Warner Bros. Records a few months later. Originally scheduled to be released in January 2000, Tonight was finally released June 27, 2000. The first single, also titled "Tonight and the Rest of My Life", did well on radio and has since been included in commercials for hit movies such as Chocolat and The Notebook. The second single "Now I Can Die", didn't do as well, and the third radio-only single "2003" actually performed better despite having little promotion and no video.
Gordon toured with David Gray as an opening act, and did a headlining tour with Palo Alto.
Tonight and the Rest of My Life peaked at a disappointing 123 on the Billboard Top 200. However, it floated around the mid-100s for months, and has sold close to 300,000 copies to date in the U.S. and 50,000 in Japan.
After Nina Gordon finished promoting Tonight and the Rest of My Life in late 2001, she took a break and began writing material for her second solo album. However, she didn't get into the studio again until late 2003. Reasons for this two year delay are uncertain, but Gordon says it was because she wanted to write a lot of great material. To tide fans over, Gordon released B-side material from Tonight on her website and a demo for a song called "The Time Comes", which was featured in the independent movie, Stealing Innocence.
Gordon began recording her second album with Ethan Johns in late 2003, and via her website stated she was excited with the direction the album was going, even though it was very, very mellow and sad. Gordon finished recording with Johns in early 2004 and stated that she had named it Even the Sunbeams, but little more about the album was ever revealed. A few months later, Gordon admitted she was unhappy with the album and she wasn't going to release it. The only song that surfaced from this recording session was "Lighter on the Moon", which was available on Nina's MySpace site. In April 2006, Gordon stated in the Chicago Reader, "It's a really sad and really slow record. I guess that’s how I was feeling at the time, but when I sorta snapped out of that, I thought, 'I don’t know that I want this to be the album I put out next.' It’s really a lovely record, but it didn't have the spirit of the records I've made in the past.
During this time, Gordon was performing at Largo in Los Angeles, for "Bring the Rock" nights, covering songs by N.W.A., Skid Row, Backstreet Boys and Phil Collins, as well as many others. Her cover of N.W.A.'s "Straight Outta Compton" gained her popularity on Internet music blogs. She also wrote a song with Fefe Dobson titled "Get You Off" for Dobson's album Sunday Love (on which Gordon also sang back-up), as well as a song for Courtney Jaye's album Traveling Light titled "This Is the Day", which she wrote with boyfriend Jeff Russo.
The lead single from Bleeding Heart Graffiti, "Kiss Me 'Til It Bleeds", was supposed to hit radio June 12, but ended up being delayed until mid-July. There was a "physical" promotional single for "Kiss Me 'Til It Bleeds" and it contained the Bleeding Heart Graffiti album track "Don't Let Me Down", as well as Nina's previous hit single, "Tonight and the Rest of My Life". Almost all radio stations received digital copies of the single rather than physical CD singles, however. There is no video for "Kiss Me 'Til It Bleeds" or plans for a video at all.
|2000||Tonight and the Rest of My Life|
|2004||Even the Sunbeams (Unreleased)|
|2006||Bleeding Heart Graffiti|
|1996||Blow It Out Your Ass It's Veruca Salt|
|1997||Eight Arms to Hold You|
|2000||"Tonight and the Rest of My Life"|
|2001||"Now I Can Die"|
|2001||2003 (Promo Only)|
|2006||"Kiss Me 'Til It Bleeds"|
|1995||"Number One Blind"|
|1997||"The Morning Sad" (Promo Only)|


Dallas-based Dolphin Blue launched NaturalHealthyBedroom.com last April.
March 21, 2017
It’s where we spend from six to 10 hours a day. But we should wake up to the fact that our bedrooms aren't the healthiest rooms in our homes, says a Dallas-based eco-retailer.
Mike LaBuda, chief operating officer at Dolphin Blue, said they decided to launch the site because they saw the need for non-toxic and healthy products for the bedroom.
Organic cotton pillows from NaturalHealthyBedroom.com.
“Since we all spend a great deal of time in our bedrooms every day, it is important that we are not breathing in harsh chemicals and toxic substances while we are in there,” LaBuda said.
For example not only do folks lie on a mattress all night, but they also snuggle up in bed linens and lay their face on a pillow while breathing in the gases from the materials.
“Most mattresses contain chemical flame retardants that can disrupt hormone levels and cause other health issues while many pillows and linens are made with materials that contain toxic substances,” LaBuda said. “[NaturalHealthyBedroom] mattresses contain natural flame retardants, like organic wool, and are made with organic cotton. Our linens, pillows and other bedding are made with organic cotton and are pesticide free.”
Before ever creating the company, LaBuda gathered research about the products the company now offers.
“Our research shows that the market for organic bedding, pillows and mattresses is growing because consumers, like us, are realizing that the mattresses, linens and pillows we are buying for ourselves and our families contain chemicals and materials that are toxic to our health,” LaBuda explained. “The thought of our loved ones breathing in the harmful chemicals all night is scary and is prompting many people to find alternative products that are made the right way.”
100-percent organic cotton duvet from NaturalHealthyBedroom.com.
Natural Healthy Bedroom offers Global Organic Textile Standard-certified organic mattresses made with organic cotton, organic wool batting and Global Organic Latex Standard-certified organic latex. The company also sells organic pillows made from organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex and other organic materials. Most of the mattresses, pillows and mattress pads have the Green Guard Certification, which is a third-party testing program for chemical emissions into indoor air. For folks with allergies, the company sells organic allergy encasements, duvets and crib mattresses and everything is made in the USA.
“Natural Healthy Bedroom believes in supporting our local and national economy by selling the finest organic bedding products available,” LaBuda said. “Natural Healthy Bedroom does not compromise when we select the products to sell on our website.”
With prices ranging from $29 for an Organic Waterproof Pad to organic mattresses starting at $1,199, LaBuda said the company does surprisingly well with the Dorm Room Set for teens heading off to college.
As an added bonus for Green Source DFW readers, NaturalHealthyBedroom.com is offering a coupon code NHB15 to use at checkout to get 15 percent off your order.
“Our certified organic pillows are also a hit with people starting to make the switch from their conventional pillows to a healthier alternative,” he said.
With a possible storefront in the future, currently NaturalHealthyBedroom.com is operated from the Dolphin Blue office in Dallas. Customers find the healthy sleep solution most commonly though newsletters, social media, organic outreach, advertisements and face-to-face and come from all walks of life.
“The most common aspect of our customers is they realize the importance of having a healthy bedroom and a healthy life not only for themselves but for their families.” LaBuda said. “NaturalHealthyBedroom.com has done well and traffic to our site is increasing so we are very excited.”
As an added bonus for Green Source DFW readers, NaturalHealthyBedroom.com is offering a coupon code NHB15 to use at checkout to get 15 percent off your order. Offer expires April 30, 2017.


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If you experience itchy feet and toes, you may have what is referred to as athlete’s foot. This condition is caused by a fungus, and it thrives in moist environments, such as the inside of shoes and socks. Common places for this contagious condition to spread include public pools and showers, and it’s suggested to wear appropriate shoes while in these areas. Affected skin may appear to be dry, red, and cracked, which can lead to severe itching and may potentially cause discharge to ooze from affected areas. Proper treatment can consist of using an anti-fungal powder after thoroughly washing and drying the feet, especially between the toes. Consult with a podiatrist for additional information about athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Livingston Foot Care Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
- Thoroughly washing and drying feet
- Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
- Using shower shoes in public showers
- Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
- Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
- Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in North Bellmore, NY. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.


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“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
With Spring in the air, golfers are streaming to courses to improve their games, contribute to fundraisers or just to be outside. The most avid golfers, even after a bad day, return again and again with the hope of shaving off strokes, sinking a long putt, or making a hole-in-one. Golf is often called the “gentleman’s sport” with its own language, rules, customs and etiquette. Whether you understand what entices others to the game or not, the five golf principles below offer leadership lessons.
Play with Integrity. Many say that golf is a sport of integrity because several rules of the game are visible only to the golfer. Golfers keep their own score, figure their own handicap, call penalties, determine what is in or out of bounds, etc. Without referees or umpires, golfers, like leaders, have a choice. When a golfer finds her ball in an unplayable lie, she can call the penalty or move her ball when no one is looking. Leaders of integrity do the right thing even when no one is looking.
Let Go of Mistakes. Unless a player has purchased mulligans (free shot) in a charity or best ball tournament, each stroke counts. A common beginner mistake is taking one’s eye off the ball with a resulting shank or miss. Golfers who move on from a bad shot and let go of their mistake are more likely to recover on the next shot or hole. Similarly, leaders who focus on what went wrong may jeopardize opportunities in the future. Leaders must learn from errors, keep their team’s attention on what is critical in the moment, and focus on the bigger picture and desired end results.
Face Fears. Golf courses are filled with obstacles. Sand traps, water hazards and the rough potentially create psychological fears and barriers. Rather than looking at the end game–the pin and hole–many golfers fixate on avoiding the obstacles. Their fear of hitting a poor shot, looking foolish, or losing a ball, creates emotional or psychological stress. The best golfers, and leaders, have a strong “inner game” and acknowledge a fear and tackle it head-on. In practice, they focus on mastering the shots and situations that make them nervous or afraid. Some hit balls from a sand trap, visit the driving range or hit from tall grass until the fear is replaced with confidence. Leaders, too, learn to face the fears that might prevent them from making progress when they challenge the status quo, schedule difficult conversations, negotiate contracts or take on new responsibilities.
Continue to Learn. PGA professionals are excellent golfers and are seldom satisfied with their game. They continually analyze their play and seek advice. Even the best hire their own coaches, get pointers from other professionals and watch video playback, all to shave a few strokes off a round. They realize that even when in their prime, they need to refine their strengths and eliminate bad habits. Just as some golfers are better at the short game and others the long game, leaders have strengths and weaknesses. It is important to seek advice and look for ways to refine their skills and learn and grow new capabilities.
Focus on What They Can Control. Golf is a game of skill and luck. No matter how well one plays, someone else might play better. No matter how solid you swing, your ball may bounce into a terrible lie. With golf, as in leadership, it is best to focus on things you can influence and control rather than on the last shot. The most successful golfers and leaders use energy to think and work on what they can change. Even after a “lucky bounce,” golfers and leaders need a strategy and plan for what to do next to stay competitive.
While the game of golf can seem frustrating, these lessons for golfers and leaders demonstrate that there are no shortcuts to winning. Golf and leadership require integrity, practice, strategy and execution. And, the best golfers and leaders remember to have fun!
For more information for how your team can engage our golf pros to learn about leadership, please contact: Becky Ripley, Innolect’s Excursion Learning℠ Practice Leader, at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Special Tribute: Ed Sehl
Ed Sehl, our friend, colleague and golf professional, passed away earlier this year. He was a man of great faith, integrity and presence. He taught PGA and PGM Apprentices at Universities around the country as well as designed, facilitated and coached during Innolect’s Excursion Learning℠ Golf Events. We miss him…


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CITY HALL -- The wildlife biologist hired by the city to cut Staten Island's deer herd can either be one of the most proficient buck killers or their savior, depending on what his clients want.
And Mayor Bill de Blasio would really, really prefer that Anthony DeNicola didn't kill any Staten Island deer.
"It's not even the mayor -- it's society in general," DeNicola said. "The public's not at the point where it's like rats in the alley and you can put poison bait boxes out and you don't care what happens to them."
The city Parks Department will pay White Buffalo and DeNicola $2 million this year to perform hundreds of vasectomies on Staten Island bucks as a way to curb the borough's out-of-control deer population.
This might be his toughest assignment yet.
"There are cities that have this problem that don't know how to move forward because they're caught between wanting to do something now and not wanting to use lethal methods," Sarah Aucoin, Chief of Wildlife and Education at Parks, said a few weeks ago. "We're going to be advancing the understanding of how to do this in an urban environment."
An unrestrained and expanding deer herd can harm parks and private property, spread tick-borne illness and wander into roads more often, increasing the risk for deadly vehicle collisions.
The city believes Staten Island's herd is expanding mostly through reproduction, not migration onto the Island. Sterilizing males instead of females is meant to be faster, cheaper and more humane.
DeNicola also recommended the city sterilize males because Staten Island's geography limits interactions deer have with humans. Female deer are more skittish than solitary bucks because they learn from traveling in small herds.
A 2014 aerial survey found 763 deer in Staten Island's parkland, though some ecologists believe there may be more than 1,000 here now. The city surveyed the entire borough earlier this year, but have not yet released the results.
DeNicola will begin his own survey on Friday, walking the borough for 12 hours every day for the next two weeks to map places where deer may roam. Vasectomies would begin in time for this fall's rutting season.
The plan is expected to eventually reduce the borough herd 10 to 30 percent.
Despite the city's confidence in DeNicola's approach, several wildlife experts are skeptical.
Some think the plan won't work because the city is ignoring basic deer biology and conventional herd management practices. A few of DeNicola's colleagues called the proposal "really stupid" and "incredibly foolish."
DeNicola has been frustrated by the criticism.
"It's easy to say, 'Just kill them,'" he said.
Hunting is illegal in New York City. More than 50 tons of tainted meat would have to be disposed if the deer were caught and euthanized. Any traps might be vandalized by animal rights activists, who have also urinated on bait in past efforts outside the city.
And that's not to mention the mayor's own distaste for lethal controls.
De Blasio maintains a delicate relationship with animal rights activists. His support of a ban on horse carriages -- a politically disastrous effort that fell flat earlier this year -- is part of a sprawling federal investigation.
Deer also can't be transported between counties -- though the city brought one to Staten Island from Brooklyn last year.
So DeNicola will manipulate deer fertility, only permitted by the state as part of scientific research. The city's three-year vasectomy study is nearly unprecedented in scope and method.
The city thinks a couple hundred bucks call Staten Island home -- they usually make up 40 percent of any deer population. DeNicola wants to get to at least 90 percent of them.
The biggest adult bucks that mate with the most does would be sterilized first this fall, followed later on by the smaller, younger and less popular males.
Unlike after DeNicola's own vasectomy, the deer won't know they've been snipped.
"People will think like humans," DeNicola said. "But deer can't process what happened under the anesthesia to go, well, jeez, I'm not going to bother breeding anymore."
That logic is key to DeNicola's plans: The biggest deer will still believe they're fertile and "buck-block" others from breeding with does.
DeNicola and his team plan to lure the deer to spots across Staten Island using up to $30,000 in whole kernel corn bait.
Bucks would be hit with a tranquilizer dart and driven, unconscious, to one of several parks facilities that would be prepped for the 15-minute surgery. The deer would be released back into parks less than an hour after being shot.
Most of the work would be done at night.
'CONTEXT IS EVERYTHING'
DeNicola will soon submit the plan for approval to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, which regulates wildlife.
The upcoming study set off a flurry of discussion among deer experts across the country. Academics and bureaucrats debated the plan's viability, as well as de Blasio campaign contributions connected to an animal rights group that supports the approach.
Last week, DeNicola emailed dozens of them to defend the plan, going through the scientific and political reasons that vasectomies were the best way forward.
"Stop for one second and think about MANAGING DEER IN NEW YORK CITY; context is everything. Remember all the drama around the handful of turkeys that were removed from the City a few years ago," DeNicola wrote, referring to problems with the East Shore's wild fowl. "That would be nothing compared to trying to kill deer island-wide on Staten Island."
The above article was corrected to reflect that DeNicola and his team plan to lure the deer to spots across Staten Island using up to $30,000 in whole kernel corn bait, not $300,000 worth.


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Amazing things can happen in silence. It is in this space that the real you shines through. You gain clarity. The answers that have eluded you become clear as day. You make the amazing realization that you are not your thoughts and feelings, that you are pure consciousness and these are entities that are constantly passing by in various forms.
Ah, the wisdom of silence. Unfortunately, this silent time can make us very uncomfortable. We do anything we can to avoid it, to not pay attention to the things that come up when there is nothing but us and our thoughts. Meditation is one of the most beneficial practices I have ever adopted, yet one of the hardest and even after practicing for years, I still have my moments when I find it extremely difficult and agitating to sit with my thoughts in a silent space. So, I get the difficulty. But, having reaped the rewards I have, I cannot recommend anything more wholeheartedly. Even if you do not adopt a formal meditation practice, make that time to sit in silence, anywhere you can get it.
We get so caught up in everyday living and the raging river of thoughts that rush through our head on a constant basis. We have all this stuff on our minds, especially when it comes to relationships, but we are rarely ever engaging in any sort of deliberate thought. It is like we are on auto-pilot from the minute we wake up to the minute we fall asleep. Taking that time to be in silence allows us to connect to our higher self, that part of us that just knows what we want and what we need to do. We are disconnected from our true selves in so many ways and silence helps restore this broken relationship we have with ourselves.
So many of us struggle with dissatisfaction with our lives and relationships, unwanted emotions and myriad other issues and we suffer needlessly. The keys to a better love life and life in general are deceptively simple, the difficult part is making the effort to implement them. Silence is one of these simple, yet incredibly powerful tools. Allow yourself to reap the benefits of the wisdom of silence. In it, you will find everything you need.
Source yahoo shine


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‘We want greener logistics in European ports’
MAGPIE has the ambition to force a breakthrough in the supply and use of green energy carriers in transportation from, to and within ports. New technology is also being developed to make transportation more sustainable and to monitor it.
Reyer Will, Project Manager of the European MAGPIE project, explains what MAGPIE stands for and what its ambitions are.
‘MAGPIE stands for sMArt Green Ports as Integrated Efficient multimodal hubs,’ Reyer explains. ‘With a total of 40 companies, knowledge institutions and other ports, we are developing 10 demonstration projects. These are aimed at four energy carriers that we believe have a future: green hydrogen, electricity, ammonia and bio-fuels. We are also looking at the logistics and, for example, the electricity network that goes with them.’ In addition to these demos, the MAGPIE project also provides smart tools. Ultimately, the end result is a roadmap for emission-free and fully digitalised ports by 2050.
In May last year, the consortium received almost a 25-million subsidy from the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. On 1 October, the five-year project officially got underway and all teams were formed and formalised. On 10 March this year, the kick-off event takes place in Rotterdam. You can read more about this on the new MAGPIE website.
Reyer concludes with conviction: ‘It is a wonderful and challenging project in which we as the Port Authority can really make a difference with all our knowledge, our network and our experience. Together with the other ports and all our partners, we are working on a future-proof port. I also think it is with great pleasure that this project will give substance to our strategy in the field of energy transition and digitalisation.
As a port authority, we are committed to sustainability, digitalisation and innovation. This is how we make the port and trade flows even more efficient. We want to ensure a cleaner port and contribute to a healthy and greener environment for everyone, now and in the future. We do this by working together with the business community in the port and the government to create a future-proof port. A port where companies can flourish and provide income and jobs now and in the future. And all that with the least possible impact on the climate and nature.

domain: economics


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Victoria Beckham Loves This Vegan, Non-Toxic, and Cruelty-Free Skincare Brand
She may be more widely known for her affinity for fashion (she does helm a fashion label, after all), but it's no secret that the matriarch of the Beckham family is also a bonafide beauty enthusiast. Not only did she launch a capsule collection with Estée Lauder way back when, but she regularly posts updates on her own skincare routine on Instagram (if you don't follow her, do so immediately).
Today she posted a brand new beauty update, giving her cool 24.2 million followers a look at the latest products she's incorporating into her at-home skincare routine. They all belong to the same vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic brand. Keep scrolling to see which one it is.
The brand is none other than OSEA Malibu, a line of non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free skincare staples which is headquartered in Malibu, California (as the name implies). The brand is known for formulating all of its products with seaweed, which is harvested on the shores of Patagonia—you know, the area of land located all the way down on the southern tip of South America?
Seaweed and/or algae is a buzzy skincare ingredient throughout the beauty industry thanks to its vitamin, mineral, amino acid, antioxidant and essential fatty acid content. According to the brand, this translates to better skin in that it diminishes signs of aging, blemishes, and redness, along with boosting hydration, firmness, and radiance. It sounds a little bit like a miracle ingredient, no? According to Beckham, it works. That is, if her past recommendations are any indication.

domain: celebrity


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READY – FIRE – AIM
That’s my motto. If I spent too much time aiming, I might miss the opportunity, so I often just “GO FOR IT” and wonder why the heck I did that AFTER the fact. A few weeks ago I ordered a Salt Lamp from Puritan’s Pride. It arrived today and I immediately took it out of it’s box and plugged it in to one of the USB ports on my computer.
Isn’t a Salt Lamp all NEW-AGE and stuff? Why would I plug it into my computer? And why oh why would I buy a Salt Lamp when I have NO IDEA what it’s used for?
Because I thought it was pretty
Now I have this beautiful glowing lamp made from Himalayan salt AKA halite (commonly known as rock salt). I know that I sometimes do things in a backward manner, and this is one of them. I bought the lamp knowing that it was supposed to do something “GOOD” for me, but without doing any research, I ordered it. So, in my usually skewed way, I’m going to learn what I can NOW.
My lazy research
I know that I have a very knowledgeable group of friends and acquaintances on facebook, and if I had no clue, one of them would. It turns out that there are quite a few of my friends who use salt lamps.
Next I turned to the manufacturer
Keeping a Crystal Salt lamp next to your computer helps counter EMF pollution organically, because these ancient crystals resonate at a frequency nearly identical to our bodies’.
Each Solay Himalayan Salt Crystal lamp is hand-chiseled to preserve its primordial energy and maximize its therapeutic benefits, and is mounted on wooden base and features a LED light so you never need bulbs; simply plug into your computer’s USB port for power!
That’s not good enough for me
Not that I need a reason to have this beautiful lamp glowing next to my computer, but…I want to know more. So I dug deeper and learned.
How do Salt Lamps help?
The salt attracts moisture in the air. Since salt is a natural anti-bacterial, it supposedly kills the mold spores that are attached to the moisture in the air. As it works it releases negative ions that bind to the positive ions in the air (dust, smells, etc.) and they drop to the ground from the weight, rather than stay airborne for you to breathe.
- You never have to replace the salt lamp, it will last longer than YOU do (you will have to replace the bulb).
- Forget cleaning them…they clean the air, so they STAY clean (no dusting necessary).
- Leave them on all day and night to do their job (whoo hoo, it looks like it’s candle lit and oh so romantic).
Do I sit and just wait to feel good?
Right now it’s just a pretty light on my table and if that’s all that it does, I’m okay with it. Hey, I’m sitting here anyway.
Want to try one for yourself?
I found mine here: Salt Lamp on sale for under $16.00
If you know more about Salt Lamps, I’d LOVE to know about them. Feel free to leave what you know in the comments below.
This post was sponsored by Puritan’s Pride as part of my ambassadorship with them. I choose what I want to write about, and I love digging up and learning new things. All opinions are strictly my own.

domain: chemistry


Apparently The Edge Daily’s reporter had misinterpreted UMW Toyota Motor’s Managing Director David Chen’s statements at the Kuala Lumpur International Automotive Conference last week.
There is no plan to manufacture any Toyota models in Malaysia. Toyota is just designating Malaysia as one of it’s regional production centers for certain models. Toyota currently uses Thailand as it’s passenger car and pick-up truck center and Indonesia for MPVs and SUVs. Malaysia will be the production center for some models, but only for assembly and the first would be the van that is being exported.
Perhaps there was some confusion with terms like manufacturing and assembling. This is the problem with mainstream news sources that are not automotive news-focused, most of the time their journalists do not have a full understanding on how the industry works, and the jargon involved.
UMW Toyota to manufacture cars locally
Source: Chips Yap


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After 5 years of chronic knee pain, countless visits to various joint specialists, orthopedists, and physical therapists, Dr. James Kinderknecht at HSS finally cracked the code.
Maybe the problem wasn’t in my knee.
While reviewing my history, Dr. Kinderknecht noticed a curious pattern. Whenever my knee pain was at its worst, so unrelenting I could hardly walk down the street, I also felt a sharp, deep pain in my hip. On exam, he observed that while my knee appeared totally fine, certain movements to my hip produced excruciating pain. An x-ray and subsequent MRI confirmed a diagnosis of hip impingement (FAI) and a labral tear. It was hard to believe, but Dr. Kinderknecht assured me that fixing the hip would, in turn, fix the knee.
I was referred to Dr. Anil Ranawat, who, after examining my hip and my long history of unsuccessful PT and cortisone injections, recommended arthroscopic surgery. He explained the kinetic link between the hip and knee, and reiterated Dr. Kinderknecht’s belief that fixing the hip – and reconditioning the muscles around that joint – would ultimately resolve the knee pain. He and his team took excellent care. His PA, MaryClaire, was responsive to every possible question one could have, both pre-op and post-op.
But it was HSS physical therapists Alex Shafiro and Sarah McClean who truly got me back on my feet. PT after hip arthroscopy is no picnic. But Alex coached me through it, encouraging me through the inevitable setbacks, cautioning me from adding too much, too soon, and keeping my eyes on the long-term prize. Sarah worked magic in pool therapy, giving me the confidence to move in the water in ways I couldn’t yet on land.
Six months later, I celebrated my graduation from PT by hiking 6 miles and 2,000 vertical feet in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.


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Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is like a high-quality, made-for-TV movie that you watch as a kid on Cartoon Network. It had the perfect blend of adventure, nostalgia, and hokey acting to remind me a lot of the original Pokémon television series that I grew up watching. Just like the game series it’s based on, Detective Pikachu takes place in a world inhabited by Pokémon (if you didn’t know … Continue reading Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Review
Laika has begun to establish themselves as the crowned kings of stop-motion animation, and for good reason. Their debut film Coraline has garnered a considerable fanbase over time, and the Tim Burton style visuals pair nicely with its complex and eerie story. Coraline was soon followed by numerous other hits like ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, and most recently Kubo and the Two Strings. Laika has successfully dabbled in a … Continue reading Missing Link Review
Who knew that one of DC’s most entertaining and thought-provoking movies would be Shazam!, the first in the series to not really take itself all that seriously. With their current track record, I certainly didn’t predict this outcome, so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy my time watching the movie. Shazam! follows the story of 14-year-old Billy Batson (Asher Angel and Zachary Levi), an orphaned boy … Continue reading Shazam! Review
Today I’ve decided to take a retrospective look at Disney’s 1985 redheaded stepchild The Black Cauldron. This fantasy flick was a box-office bomb that almost bankrupt the company, in part because of its record-breaking budget of 44 million. Nobody went to see this movie when it was released, and most who did were highly disappointed. The movie garnered Disney’s first PG rating, lacked any whimsical … Continue reading Disney’s The Black Cauldron (1985) Review
The Great Mouse Detective is one of the first Disney movies I can ever recall watching as a kid, viewing it on VHS at my grandmother’s house on many occasions. Made at the tail end of a less successful period for Disney animation, The Great Mouse Detective managed to be quite prosperous despite the recent failures of The Black Cauldron. This went on to set … Continue reading Disney’s The Great Mouse Detective (1986) Review
At last, M. Night Shyamalan’s dramatic conclusion to his superhero trilogy, Glass, has arrived. And while I was dissatisfied with Split, I had good faith that Glass would turn out significantly better. Glass brings superhero David Dunn (known as The Overseer and played by Bruce Willis) to a final confrontation with the villains Kevin Crumb (The Beast played by James McAvoy) and Elijah Price (Mr. … Continue reading Glass Review
I, like many, found the Michael Bay Transformers movies increasingly unbearable to watch. The first film started out as a so-so guilty pleasure. The second dropped off completely and was boring and racist. The rest were history. As fate would have it, another Transformers movie was produced less than a year after The Last Knight; a film that would act as a prequel to Bay’s entire franchise, … Continue reading Bumblebee Review: A Solid B!


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…Senate asks EFCC to go after CBN, NNPC officials
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again changed its rules on foreign exchange allocations for manufacturers and travellers in a bid to ease scarcity and ensure enough liquidity.
In the new rules released yesterday, the bank is providing, with immediate effect, direct additional funding to banks to meet the needs of Nigerians for Personal and Business Travel, Medical needs, and school fees.
The CBN expects such retail transactions to be settled at a rate not exceeding 20 percent above the interbank market rate (nearly 366/$1).
The new policy also stopped prioritising manufacturing above other sectors in the allocation or utilisation of the forex.
It added that even though the manufacturing sector would remain the CBN’s strong priority, it will no longer impose allocation/utilisation rules on commercial banks.
Previously, the CBN had directed banks to be allocating 60 percent of the forex to the manufacturing sector, the process that starves other sectors of the needed forex. Nigerian economy has been hit by the scarcity of forex due to the fall in price of crude oil in the international market, leaving virtually all the sectors of the economy contracted in the last two quarters of 2016.
Industries like electricity, pharmaceutical, property, automobile, printing and services that mostly rely on the imported raw materials have suffered heavy consequences, as their operation cost overshot by about 200 percent in some instances.
At the parallel market yesterday the naira fell to 515/$1 even as traders are uncertain about the effectiveness of the new policy.
Shehu Aliyu, a trader in Abuja, said the new rule if implemented would slow down the rate of naira depreciation.
He, however, expressed doubt about its implementation saying that they had witnessed many of such policies in the past by the apex bank, which had been frustrated by the same people in the banking sector.
The Executive Secretary of the National Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (NASMEs), Eke Ubiji, told the Daily Trust that the new policy in the eyes of manufacturers is like “moving from frying pan to fire.”
Ubiji said the policy will “kill” the manufacturing sector and reverse gains achieved since the 60 per cent forex allocation to manufacturers was introduced.
He said those criticising the proportion of forex allocated to manufacturers should consider what necessitated the policy in the first place, which was the importation of machinery for manufacturing purposes.
“Most manufacturers import their machineries from abroad,” Ubuji said. “They need foreign exchange to import. That was why the policy was put in place,” he said.
He said the reversal of the policy will not only hurt manufacturers but would also have adverse effect on the economy and Nigerians in general.
At the 14th Daily Trust Dialogue held recently in Abuja, the Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside, tackled the CBN for its “failed” policies on foreign exchange.
Peterside said the disparity in the proportions of forex access allowed by the apex bank for manufacturers and other operators in other sectors of the economy was partly responsibility for forex crisis in the economy.
“The directive to banks to allocate 60 per cent of forex to manufacturers that account for only 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product has exacerbated an already bad supply situation. 40 per cent is too small to accommodate the rest of the economy and so all other sectors have been crippled, including the service sector, which accounts for over 50 per cent of the GDP,” the bank executive had said.
“In order to further increase the availability of foreign exchange to all end-users, the CBN has decided to significantly reduce the tenor of its forward sales from the current maximum cycle of 180 days, to no more than 60 days from the date of transaction,” the CBN said.
“In order to further ease the burden of travelers and ensure that transactions are settled at much more competitive exchange rates, the CBN hereby directs all banks to open FX retail outlets at major airports as soon as logistics permit,” it added.

domain: finance


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May 25, 2010 — As Carbon Expo 2010 opens this week in Cologne, Germany, carbon traders face an uncertain future and lower prices, with a new global climate change agreement still up in the air.
But countries in sub-Saharan Africa remain optimistic that preserving and rejuvenating their forests, among other climate-friendly efforts, will someday bring revenues as well as environmental and other quality-of-life benefits.
In the highlands south of Mount Kenya, for instance, a small-scale tree-planting project operated by the Green Belt Movement is helping local people increase their food supply, and build skills and incomes while replenishing forests lost over time to illegal logging.
Under a 2006 agreement with the World Bank’s BioCarbon Fund, the project could eventually sell 375,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emission reductions by 2017, with the possibility of selling an additional 150,000 tons.
In the world of carbon finance, though, that amount isn’t large. The base of 375,000 tons of CO2e is about equivalent to the emissions from 68,181 cars in the United States over a year, using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates for the average vehicle (about 5.5 metric tons of CO2e) in 2004.
But the effort is an important test of whether larger-scale projects would yield greater financial rewards while promoting low-carbon growth, say World Bank experts.
“Africa’s land use challenges are so big—we must think of carbon finance as more than an experiment and begin using the carbon instruments as a reliable resource for Africa, looking closely at how we can best collaborate with partners so carbon finance becomes a transformational tool for Africa,” says Inger Andersen, the Bank’s Director of Sustainable Development for Africa.
‘No More Cutting’
The Kenya project is one of several in Africa testing the capacity of local groups to comply with the complicated rules governing projects that sell carbon offsets under the Kyoto Protocol of the current climate change regime.
Deforestation is increasing in Kenya, as it is throughout Africa. Only 2% of Kenya is covered by forest, according to the Green Belt Movement led by 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai. Yet, maintaining and rejuvenating forests is the main way Africa can contribute to climate change mitigation and participate in the carbon market.