text:
What is a Government Security (G-Sec)?
A government security is a tradeable instrument issued by the central government or state governments. It acknowledges the government’s debt obligations.
Such securities are short term — called treasury bills — with original maturities of less than one year, or long term — called government bonds or dated securities — with original maturity of one year or more. In India, the central government issues both: treasury bills and bonds or dated securities, while state governments issue only bonds or dated securities, which are called the state development loans. Since they are issued by the government, they carry no risk of default, and hence, are called risk-free gilt-edged instruments.
Who are the players in the G-Secs market?
Major players in the G-Secs market include commercial banks and primary dealers besides institutional investors like insurance companies. PDs play an important role as market makers in G-Secs market. A market maker provides a firm two-way quotes in the market i.e. both buy and sell executable quotes for the concerned securities. Other participants include co-operative banks, regional rural banks, mutual funds, provident and pension funds. FPIs are allowed to participate in the G-Secs market within the quantitative limits prescribed from time to time. Corporates also buy or sell G-Secs to manage their overall portfolio.
Why are G-secs volatile?
G- Sec prices fluctuate sharply in the secondary markets. The price is determined by demand and supply of the securities. The price is influenced by the level and changes in interest rates in the economy and other macro-economic factors, such as, liquidity and inflation. Developments in other markets like money, foreign exchange, credit and capital markets also affect the price of the G-Secs. Further, developments in international bond markets, specifically the US Treasuries affect prices of G-Secs in India. Policy actions by RBI like change in repo rates, cash-reserve ratio and open-market operations also affect their prices.
How can investors buy G-secs?
Investors can buy G-secs directly through a few broking platforms or indirectly using the mutual fund route. Mutual funds are also more tax efficient as they offer indexation benefits if held for more than three years. On the other hand, interest received from a government security is taxable in the hands of the investor.
Online broking firm Zerodha enabled a digital platform for retail investors to buy G-secs with a minimum investment of ₹10,000. NSE India too launched NSE goBID which is an aggregator for buying and selling G-secs online and via an app for retail investors.
Though the Reserve Bank of India introduced the non-competitive segment in G-secs back in 2001 to enable retail investor participation and this was extended to treasury bills in 2016, but the segment hasn’t really gained popularity. Facilities offered by banks like IDBI Bank Ltd and Axis Bank Ltd also failed to kindle widespread interest from retail investors.
Retail investment in corporate bonds is not a new concept, but G-secs have been largely perceived as inaccessible for retail investors. This is because the process for buying these bonds was not simple. Most participants are institutional buyers with very large-sized bids which are unsuitable for retail demand.
In 2017, RBI notified that stock exchanges could act as aggregators for non-competitive bidding for retail investors to access G-secs. Even as the process is now getting simpler, awareness remains an issue.
Admittedly, bond investing is not an easy concept to grasp. Firstly, you must make a bid, which can sound daunting, but it just means applying for the bond and put the face value as your bid price, which is similar to investing in an equity initial offer.
G-SECs VERSUS FDs
Please note, these rates keep changing..Please cross check before investing!
Highest credit quality as bonds are issued by Government of India
Available for short and long tenures
Returns better than average return from FDs
Difficulty in mid-tenure exit due to lack of secondary market liquidity
Daily price change of the bond can be confusing if tracked
The bonds can’t be pledged unlike other financial securities
Fixed deposits cater to 5-10 years’ tenure but for anything more than that the choice is limited and long-term G-secs could fill the gap often hard to grasp for the average retail investor.
You will also come across term yield, which may confuse you. If all you are looking for is safety and regular income, then ignore the term yield. Just look at the bond’s coupon or interest rate, which is what you will get annually and hold the bond till it matures. At maturity, you will get the face value you paid and any remaining interest payout.
The other difficulty is exiting before the bond matures. What if you need the money now? Technically, you can sell the bond in the secondary market or via stock exchanges just like you sell shares. However, there is very little demand for these bonds and there may be no buyers when you plan to sell. Zerodha has said it will act as the market maker and buy bonds which investors want to sell in the secondary market.
Then, you can’t pledge G-secs for taking a loan.
While these hiccups may cause discomfort, G-secs are ideal for long-term allocation.
The bonds are issued by the government, making them the safest investment if you are concerned about losing your money. If you are comfortable investing in National Savings Certificates or Public Provident Fund, then investing in G-secs should not be a concern.
Short-term rates for G-secs can fluctuate, but the benefit may be more visible when you consider locking into long-term, 10- 30-year G-secs.
Another benefit of investing in G-secs is they offer various investing tenures. You can invest for your short-term, 3-6-month requirement in 91-day or 181-day treasury bills or you can choose the 10-year G-sec for your long-term debt allocation.
Lastly, it’s a low-cost affair. Zerodha charges ₹6 per ₹10,000 trade and NSE doesn’t charge anything. You will have to, however, pay for the demat charges.
On both Zerodha and NSE platforms, the registration process is simple and can be done online if you have a demat account. Once bought, the bonds will be stored in your demat account. For the NSE goBID platform, you must choose your broker with whom you are registered to facilitate this transaction. Your personal details and PAN number will also be required.
You can also use G-sec funds, known as gilt funds. There are long- and short-term gilt funds and those which invest in 10-year G-secs only. While investing through the MF route gives you better liquidity if you are unsure about the tenure, the fund can invest in a collection of G-secs with varying maturities. For example, a long-term G-sec will be able to invest in 10-year and 30-year G-secs. Since MFs have to declare the price or NAV every day, you may find a lot of fluctuation in daily value. While this may not impact your long-term return, it can make you anxious in the interim. Costwise too the direct option works better.
While your medium-term—5-8 years—debt allocation may be better served by other small savings schemes, G-secs are a god option for long-term allocation of 10 years and more. Whether you pick a fund or choose to go direct, investing in G-secs for your debt allocation is now an option that you can consider seriously.


Distributor/label: Season Of Mist
Toxik Harmst : Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboard
VulgR (aka Aymer) : Guitar
1 Satan Postmortem
4 Lubie Satanique Dépravée
5 Apocalypse sur Symphonie
7 999 Torture aposida
I must say the album cover is horrendous. It kinda symbolises what to expect though; A sloppy attempt to do something that probably wants to symbolise a huge middlefinger in your face, but really just leaves the impression that this nowhere near being a serious attempt to go anywhere with this record and the music it contains.
The musical content leaves the listener thinking that seven songs are being thrown in your face while the artist behind is either laughing sarcastically cause you picked it up and actually listened to it or even worse – they actually think this is going somewhere. It´s not. This is a musical playground where only the band can find any of this interesting.
There is no depth, no point and no reason to give this album a chance. I get it, you dig Satan and want to be avant-garde and let loose…but keep it in the rehearsal room.


text:
Supported throughout with an original Pater Noster countermelody, this tender adaptation of this beloved hymn features a gorgeous optional cello obbligato and a flowing piano accompaniment. Simple Latin
Limited ranges, repeated sections, and creative choral arranging ensure success with this Victor Johnson favorite. This longtime bestseller features percussion parts for sticks, shaker, bongo or African
Your men will enjoy learning and performing this accessible arrangement of the favorite spiritual. Precise articulation of the text, dynamics, and rhythmic figures will make your students better singers.
For mixed, treble, and tenor-bass choirs, these transcriptions of this famous Schubert song offer the perfect material for teaching free, bel canto-style singing, German diction, and "arch and taper"
Attributed to the Franco-Flemish Renaissance composer Jacob Arcadelt, this a cappella work for men's voices will be a joy to rehearse and perform. Not difficult, this is excellent serious literature for
Rarely, if ever, have the words and music of this folk song been so beautifully merged that both love and despair are both heard and felt. A wonderful baritone solo opens and closes the piece, and the
Arranged for tenor-bass ensembles, this important selection from the standard choral repertoire can be experienced and enjoyed by a new audience. True to Pitoni's original, Leavitt preserves the classic
Tenor-Bass choirs will sound fantastic with this vigorous sea chantey. It offers a rousing chorus, tongue-in-cheek humor and well-crafted vocal and piano parts.
This item is temporarily unavailable from the supplier though we still may have stock. Add to cart to check availability.

domain: entertainment


text:
Cine Latino: The 1st Latin American Film Festival runs on December 6-10 at Shang Cineplex Cinema 4, Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong. The event features a wide selection of films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.
Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are distributed 30 minutes before every screening time.
El Hijo de la Novia (Son of the Bride)
Duration: 124 min
Director: Juan José Campanella
Cast: Ricardo Darín, Héctor Alterio, Norma Aleandro, Natalia Verbeke, Eduardo Blanco,Gimena Nóbile, Claudia Fontán, David Masajnik, Atilio Pozzobon, Salo Pasik
Genre: Drama, Comedy
At age 42, Rafael Belvedere is having a crisis. He’s overwhelmed by his responsibilities. He has achieved success, but continues to live in his father’s shadow. Just when Rafael feels most alone, a series of unexpected events lead him to reevaluate his life. A minor heart attack forces him to slow down and a reunion with Juan Carlos, a childhood friend, helps Rafael to reconstruct his past and look at the present in new ways.
Esperando la Carroza (Waiting for the Hearse)
Director: Alejandro Doria
Cast: Antonio Gasalla, China Zorrilla, Luis Brandoni, Julio De Grazia, Betiana Blum,Juan Manuel Tenuta, Mónica Villa, Cecilia Rossetto, Enrique Pinti, Andrea Tenuta,Darío Grandinetti, Lidia Catalano, Juan Acosta, Miguel Ángel Porro, Clotilde Borella
Genre: Dark Comedy
It tells a story about Mamá Cora, a woman in her eighties, her son’s wife wants her out of the house as she is driving her mad. Mamá Cora tries to help unfortunately everything she does, she does it wrong. The family goes through lots of troubles trying to solve what to do with Mamá Cora. While all this happens, a confusion makes the family believe she dies.
Cidade de Deus (City of God )
Duration: 129 min
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Cast: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Phellipe Haagensen, Douglas Silva,Seu Jorge, Jonathan Haagensen, Matheus Nachtergaele, Jefechander Suplino,Alice Braga, Emerson Gomes, Luis Otávio, Babu Santana, Gero Camilo
Genre:Drama, True story
Cidade de Deus (City of God) is a housing project built in the 1960’s. During the early 80’s became one of the most dangerous places in Rio de Janeiro. The tale tells the stories of many characters whose lives sometimes intersect. However, all is seen through the eyes of Busca-Pé, a poor black youth too frail and scared to become an outlaw but also to smart to be content with underpaid, menial jobs. He grows up in a very violent environment but Busca-Pé soon discovers that he can see reality differently than others. His redemption is that he’s been given an artist’s point of view as a keen-eyed photographer.
2 Filhos de Francisco (2 Sons of Francisco)
Director: Breno Silveira
Cast: Angelo Antônio, Dira Paes, Márcio Kieling, Thiago Mendonça, Paloma Duarte
It tells the rags-to-riches story of two poor rural boys who grew up to become one of Brazil’s biggest sertanejo (the national “country” music) singers, Zeze di Camargo & Luciano.
Director: Marcelo Ferrari
Cast: Francisco Reyes, Berta Lasala, Paulina Gálvez, Gabriela Medina, Héctor Noguera,Consuelo Holzapfel, Alejandro Trejo, Mariana Loyola
A story of a workers’ uprising that took place in what was, at the time, the largest coal mine in the world. The quest to improve conditions both spiritual and material begins in the heart of one courageous man. But while the bosses plan the expansion of their vast empire, the workers experience an awakening, and begin to demand change.
Sofía y el Terco (Sofia and the Stubborn)
Duration: 74 min
Director: Andrés Burgos
Cast: Carmen Maura, Gustavo Angarita, Julián Arango
Sofia and her husband live in a small village in the Colombian countryside. Their life has just been a long repetition of facts for years. They grew and married here, and they know everybody in the village. She has an old dream: she wants to go to the sea whereas she has always known nothing but mountains. But Gustavo always has good reasons to delay the trip. He cannot let his grocery; his employee cannot get by himself.
El Comienzo del Tiempo (The Beginning of Time)
Director: Bernardo Arellano
Cast: Antonio Pérez Carbajal, Bertha Olivia Ramírez, Francisco Barreiro, José Sefami
Antonio and Bertha are an elderly couple in their 90’s who find themselves in deep trouble when pensions are suspended due to a social and financial crisis in their country. Given they haven’t seen their two children for many years, the couple is confronted with the need to survive on their own and must face the hard reality of selling their belongings and peddling tamales on the street or turn to crime. The lives of the elderly couple change when their son Jonas and grandson Paco, absent for more than ten years unexpectedly reappear in their lives.
6 Cortos Mexicanos (6 Mexican Short Films)
Porcelana (Porcelain) a struggle between childhood fantasy and reality, Carreteras (Roads) a two-day romance between Abril and Carmela, Mirar atras (Looking back) a confrontation of a ghost of Cecilia’s aunt and the tragic memories that shaped her life. O ser un elefante (Being an elephant) an 8 minute film where Ivan becomes obsessed with the personality of elephants, who they say, never forgets. Papalotes rosas is a narrative of two small girls in a pink world see a little more of reality while their father figure falls apart. A spoken portrait of the world of cinema in a Morelia of the past is Aun nos queda el recuerdo (We still remember).
Porcelana (Porcelein) – year: 2013 –Director: Betzabé García – Genre: Drama – Duration: 12 min
Carreteras (Roads) – Year: 2013 – Director: Denisse Quintero – Genre: Drama – Duration: 10 min
Mirar Atras (Looking Back) – Year: 2013 – Director: Mafer Galindo – Genre: Drama – Duration: 10 min
O Ser Un Elefante (Being an Elephant) – Year: 2013 – Director: Ulises Pérez Mancilla – Genre: Drama – Duration: 8 min
Papalotes Rosas – Year: 2013 – Director: Rebeca Bonola – Genre: Drama – Duration: 13min
Aun nos queda el recuerdo (We still remember) – Year: 2013 – Director: Mariano Rentería – Duration: 18 min
El Chance (The Chance)
Duration: 90 min
Director: Abner Benaim
Cast: Francisco Gattorno, Isabella Santo Domingo, Aida Morales, Rosa Isabel Lorenzo,Maria Alejandra Palacios, Maria Cristina Palacios, Juan David Valdez Lauri
Genre: Comedy, Drama
This hilarious comedy tells the story of Toña and Paquita, the housekeepers for the aristocratic González-Dubois family. These domestic employees have been mistreated for quite some time and they are tired of their situation. So when the family plans a shopping trip to Miami, the maids have a plan of their own; to take control of the mansion. Unexpectedly, they will also discover a family secret.
Director: Marcel Rasquin
Cast: Fernando Moreno, Eliú Armas, Alí Rondón, Marcela Cirón, Gonzalo Cubero,Beto Benites, Gabriel Rojas
Daniel is an exceptional striker and Julio is the captain of his team. Both are brothers of parenting and play soccer in their small barrio “La Ceniza”. Daniel wishes with all his strength to play at the professional level while keeping the family in Julio with dirty money. The opportunity of their lives comes when a talent scout invites to a test in the famous team of the city the “Caracas FC.” Then a tragedy shakes and they must decide, and kicked a field of land, which is more important: the union of the family, the taste of revenge or the dream of their lives.
Duration: 93 min
Director: Alejandro García Wiedemann
Cast: Gonzalo Camacho, Lourdes Valera, Michelle García, Marialejandra Martín,Erich Wildpred, Dimas González, Basilio Álvarez, Sindy Lazo, Andre Ramiro,Daniela Bascopé, Eduardo Gadea, Tania Sarabia, Ramiro Meneses, Norma Nivia,Adriana Deff
Genre: Family Drama
Grandfather Renato, who is running out of time and knows it, teaches his six year old granddaughter Carlota the importance of simple things, the value of friendship and respect towards the views of other people. His daughters decided to send him in a hospital, against his will and his youngest son. But with the help of his granddaughter, he plans to escape and sail from Venezuela to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, as he once promised his deceased wife.

domain: artistic


Road danger reduction
It is a sad reality that up and down the country, roads around schools have become plagued with a surge of traffic concentrated over a 50 minute period at drop off and pick up times. School run related traffic accounts for a quarter of cars on the road and adds 254,000 vehicles a day in London alone. This results in increased risks of collisions with vulnerable road users and other motorists, unlawful parking, traffic jams, road rage. People on foot and cycling are left with the feeling that roads are no place for them, this has long implications for everyone especially children.
Statistics from the Department of Transport reveal that 14% of children killed on Great Britain’s roads in 2018 were between the morning school run (7-9am) and 23% after school between 3-5pm. A report from insurer Admiral shows a 43% fall of road collisions during the holidays at school run time.
For the past 30 years, children have been progressively removed from the roads which have been abandoned to motor vehicles. This created a vicious circle: traffic makes the roads unsafe so parents will drive their children everywhere.
It’s time to create a virtuous circle by supporting families to switch to active travel to school and by making it clear that motor vehicles have no place outside school gates.


text:
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups ice water
5 1/2 cups thinly sliced potatoes
1/2 cup diced rutabagas
1/2 pounds ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground beef
pound lean ground pork
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoons monosodium glutamate
1 cube beef boullion
cup hot water
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl.
Cut shortening. Make a well in the center of the
mixture, and quickly stir in ice cold water. Form
dough into a ball. Set aside.
- Dissolve the boullion cube in the hot water.
Combine uncooked vegetables, uncooked meats, salt,
pepper, monosodium glutamate, and boullion.
- Roll out pastry dough into 6"x8" rectangles.
Place about 1 1/2 cups of filling in the center
of each rectangle. Bring 6" sides together
and seal. Cut a slit in the top of each pasty. Place
on a dull, not black, baking pan.
- Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 C) for 45

domain: food


text:
A disused bowls club has been transformed following a £60,000 renovation.
Friends of Albany Park are hoping to recreate a community feel in the area after officially opening their new community hub.
The group applied for money from then Enfield Residents Priority Fund at Enfield Council and have seen their dreams for the derelict building become a reality.
Group chairman Gina Needs told the Enfield Independent the area had lost its sense of community.
She said: “When I came here 25 years ago there was a great community spirit but now it's broken, People are afraid to even make eye contact let alone talk to one another.
“But we did see a willingness from people round here to get behind our plan and we had more than 250 signatures of support from residents.”
The hub, which will also be a cafe, is run by volunteers and will also be open for forums and groups.
Ms Needs added: “We want to have that community feel back and this is a great opportunity for everyone round here.
“We are always in need of volunteers to help run the place. Hopefully we can all pull together to organise many fun projects at the park.”
Speaking at the opening, Councillor Yasemin Brett, who is responsible for community organisations, said: “Thanks to the priority fund this excellent scheme has finally been completed. I would like to congratulate Gina Needs and the Friends of Albany Park for their tireless dedication in getting this unique community facility off the ground.
“£5.5 million has been spent on priority fund projects since its inception, and this new hub is going to be a huge success.”
Councillor Chris Bond, Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Enfield is one of London’s greenest boroughs, and Enfield Council is always looking for new ways to get people into our beautiful parks to enjoy the surroundings and make use of the facilities.
“We have 123 parks and open spaces, playgrounds, sports facilities, historical sites, a nature reserve and much more, and we would love people to come and find out about them all.
“The Albany Community Hub will ensure that even more people will now come to Albany Park, and I was delighted to open this fantastic new community space with Cllr Brett.”

domain: news


text:
Group by: Item Type | No Grouping
Jump to: Article
Number of items: 2.
Amutha, R. and Josiah, J.J.M. and Adriel Jebin, J. and Jagannathan, P. and Sheela, B. (2010) Chromium hexacyanoferrate as a cathode material in microbial fuel cells. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 40. pp. 1985-1990. ISSN 0021-891X
Salome, J.P. and Amutha, R. and Jagannathan, P. and Joshiah, J.J.M. and Sheela, B. and Yegnaraman, V. (2009) Electrochemical assay of the nitrate and nitrite reductase activities of Rhizobium japonicum. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 24 (12). pp. 3487-3491.

domain: chemistry


text:
Rebecca is professionally trained to be an educator focusing on practical life experiences for students through Special Education, Business Education, and Instructional Technology. In the fall of 2007, Rebecca was elected to Upper St. Clair School District School Board.
She began Ballroom Dancing in March 2008. By October 2008, she had entered her first Dance competition in Miami, Florida. Since then she has competed in American Rhythm and Smooth categories. In addition, she enjoys Argentine Tango and West Coast Swing.
In her own words: Learning to Ballroom Dance has been transformative for me. It is a great form of physical exercise for me. I have joined a worldwide community of dancers. Wherever I travel, I can find a dance event. I have gained a new confidence in myself.
Joanna is a Salt Lake City, Utah native who relocated to Pittsburgh in 2011 after graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and History of Art. Joanna has worked for multiple museums as an art administrator and educator such as the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (Santa Fe, NM), Wexner Center for the Arts (Columbus, OH) and OSU Urban Arts Space (Columbus, OH).
Joanna is delighted to engage in work that combines her background in arts administration with her passion for dance as the Assistant Director of Yes, You Can Dance! She has been happily dancing since the age of four and finds dance to be a powerful form of therapy for all people. While her background lies in Modern Dance and Ballet, Joanna has also studied Ballroom styles including Salsa and Argentine Tango.
When she’s not dancing or working as an arts advocate, Joanna enjoys taking Bikram Yoga classes, thrift store shopping, and eating artisinal cheeses (you can also find Joanna working as a cheese monger for Whole Foods Market.)


text:
Lemax Christmas Villages & Accessories
Add something unique to your Christmas decorations with a festive wonderland from Lemax. Whether you are looking to add to your existing wonderland, or wanting to start from scratch, we have something for everyone. Create your own winter village and choose from a wide range of lighted buildings, table pieces, figurines and accessories. Wanting to give it a go but not sure where to start? Take a look at our guide to building your very own Lemax world this Christmas, here.

domain: hobby


text:
While living in Tel Aviv as a member of Israel’s famous Batsheva Dance Company, mesmerizing artist Shamel Pitts began creating his own work, including a solo called ‘Black Box – Little Black Book of RED’. The first part of what would become Pitts’ three-part “Black Series” explored his personal journey and black identity through his signature strong, silky movement and powerful poetry.
When Pitts returned to his native Brooklyn in 2016, he continued his exploration of beauty and blackness in an electrical work called “Black Velvet – Architectures and Archetypes,” created with collaborators he gathered for his multidisciplinary company, Tribe. The third work in the series, “Black Hole – Trilogy and Triathlon,” will premiere in New York at New York Live Arts, where it will be performed Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM. Drawing on the aesthetics, philosophy, technology and politics of Afrofuturism, “Black Hole” features Marcella Lewis and Tushrik Fredericks dancing alongside Pitts to an original soundscape surrounded by striking visual design. Tickets are $25 and available at newyorklivearts.org.
It’s no secret that vinyl albums are back: sales hit a 30-year high in 2021, after surging for more than a decade. Record Store Day, now a global initiative by independent sellers to increase sales through special releases and artist performances, has happily started (and reinforced) this trend since its first edition in 2008.
Record Store Day returns on Saturday. Exclusive to this year is an album of unreleased material by folk singer Karen Dalton, who passed away in 1993 and was the subject of an acclaimed documentary last year; a remastered and expanded version of Stevie Nicks’ “Bella Donna”; a compilation of Patti Smith put together by record store employees from across the country; and a previously unreleased live album by Charles Mingus. Taylor Swift, designated as the event’s global ambassador, will be offering a special seven inch of “The Lakes,” a bonus track from her 2020 album “Folklore.” Information on participating record stores — including dozens in and around New York — and the full list of releases are available at recordstoreday.com.
Songs of a dreamer
When he turned 18, Tony Valdovinos wanted nothing more than to join the Marine Corps and serve the United States, only to find that he was undocumented and had to find other ways to effect the change he wanted to see. Directed by Michael Barnard, “¡Americano!” follows Valdovinos (played by Sean Ewing) as he recovers from his heartbreak and becomes a voice for Dreamers seeking representation in government.
With an eclectic score by composer Carrie Rodriguez, which blends indie rock with Latino music genres to delightful effect, the vibrant biographical musical features a prodigious ensemble composed of mostly Latino actors, who tell a story as urgent as it is entertaining. Originally slated to premiere in 2020, “¡Americano!” is finally on display at New World Stages through June 19. Tickets start at $49 and are available through americanothemusical.com.
As one of the most venerable (and visible) American chamber music groups of the past half-century, the Kronos Quartet could certainly get away with playing just its hits. But it’s clear that the current line-up doesn’t need that. In two concerts over a single weekend in North Adams, Massachusetts, last summer, the ensemble combined new items from Jlin and Jacob Garchik with premieres from veteran collaborators such as Terry Riley.
For Kronos’ next date in New York — Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at Carnegie’s Zankel Hall — you can see that same appetite for repertoire expansion. (Tickets start at $65.) Here, the quartet will give the world premiere of a work by Aleksandra Vrebalov, “ilektrikés rímes,” and the New York premiere of “music by yourself,” by the composer inti figgis-vizueta. And since there’s nothing wrong with looking back every now and then, Kronos will also be playing George Crumb’s “Black Angels” – a highlight of the deep discography. The work of Crumb, a famous American avant-garde response to Vietnam, is combined on this program with the more recent “My Lai” Suite by Jonathan Berger and Harriet Scott Chessman.
SETH COLTER WALLS
For the good of the world
This weekend children are learning about the birds and the bees. However, the instruction has nothing to do with sex education and everything to do with Earth Day, which falls on Friday this year and heralds a host of environmental-themed festivals.
Rockefeller Center presents its free Spring Sunday from 2-5pm outside in its plaza. (Online registration is required.) David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, will lead a walk through the Channel Gardens, demonstrating how to create habitats for bees and hummingbirds and offering an entertaining quiz, Everything You Think You Can Do to know about bees is wrong. NYC Parks’ GreenThumb will help young participants create small gardens to take home with them. They can also design an ecological bookmark; meet Roxy the Owl, a costumed human; and take illustrated notes with the Climate Museum to urge Congress to protect our planet. The Rock and Roll Playhouse provides live music about nature.
Other festivities include the New York Botanical Garden’s Earth Day Weekend Celebration and two Saturday events: BAMkids SpringFest at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the B’Earth Day Bash at the Audubon Center in Prospect Park. (Information is online.) For more options, visit nycgovparks.org.


text:
Derby County are still looking for new investment despite taking a loan from MSD UK Holdings Limited, an investment group linked to American billionaire businessman Michael Dell.
Details of the loan were confirmed via Companies House earlier this week.
The amount has not been revealed although reports that the figure is £30m appear wide of the mark, DerbyshireLive understands.
Derby had a mortgage of £15m on Pride Park Stadium which was settled when Mel Morris bought the club outright in September 2015.
Derby County daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox
Why should you sign up?
In our daily Derby County bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans.
How do you sign up?
It's easy and only takes seconds.
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up.
And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here.
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to.
We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest Derby County news.
The club has now taken out a loan that, we understand, effectively replaces that mortgage and is believed to be for the same amount, and Morris has granted the security for the loan against the stadium (which is in his ownership) while the club looks to finalise investment.
Morris has for two years now made no secret of the fact he has been looking for new investment.
Talks have been ongoing with various parties regarding a range of possible financial arrangements, and talks remain ongoing.
US-based MSD Capital - owned by Dell - emerged as a potential investor in March and previously there had been talks with Henry Gabay, who is CEO of the Duet Group.
MSD UK Holdings Limited are no stranger to loaning money to football clubs with the same company having helped Southampton and League One Sunderland.
This is a tough time for the majority of football clubs post COVID-19 and many have been seeking financial assistance to help them through the turmoil created by the coronavirus pandemic.
The cost of Derby being forced to play behind closed doors since early March due to the coronavirus pandemic has been laid bare by a new report for Business Rescue Expert.
It is estimated that some clubs in the Championship lost more than £6m as a result of having to play without spectators.
Leeds United top the list at £6.9m in missed revenue, followed by the Rams (£5.9m) and Fulham (£5.1m).
Nottingham Forest (£5m) and Huddersfield Town (£4.4m) help make up a combined £80m in lost revenue in the Championship.


text:
Bryan - Main Library
For children ages 6 months - 5. Fun activities with music. For more information contact Vickie Zippay at 419-636-6734 x223.
The Life Size Games program at Bryan Main Library has been rescheduled to Friday, February 02 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Teens, ages 10 to 15, are invited to compete in all the games you love, but Life Size! You will be the game piece in popular games such as Hungry Hippos, Checkers, and Jenga! Participants will also get to enjoy a Pizza Party! Pizza and refreshments will be provided by the library. This program is free to the public. The library will not be able to take phone calls during the program. All parental arrangements should be made prior to the event.
You are cordially invited to enjoy a “Victoria” Tea at the Bryan Main Library on Saturday, January 06 at 11:00 am. Hosted by Williams County Public Library and WGTE, participants will take part in a traditional Victorian tea and get a behind the scenes look at the popular PBS British drama series, “Victoria”. Victorian dress is encouraged, but not required. The Bryan Main Library is located at 107 East High Street. If you would like to attend the “Victoria” Tea please RSVP by calling Ajay Johnson at 419-636-6734 ext. 221.


text:
|Naturaw range of Arawia spinosa|
Arawia spinosa, commonwy known as deviw's wawking stick, is a woody species of pwant in de genus Arawia, famiwy Arawiaceae, native to eastern Norf America. The various names refer to de viciouswy sharp, spiny stems, petiowes, and even weaf midribs. It has awso been known as Angewica-tree.
This species is sometimes cawwed Hercuwes' cwub, prickwy ash, or prickwy ewder, common names it shares wif de unrewated Zandoxywum cwava-hercuwis. For dis reason, Arawia spinosa is sometimes confused wif dat species and mistakenwy cawwed de toodache tree, but it does not have de medicinaw properties of Zandoxywum cwava-hercuwis.
Arawia spinosa is occasionawwy cuwtivated for its exotic, tropicaw appearance, having warge wacy compound weaves. It is cwosewy rewated to de Asian species Arawia ewata, a more commonwy cuwtivated species wif which it is easiwy confused.
Arawia spinosa is an aromatic spiny deciduous shrub or smaww tree growing 2–8 m (6.6–26.2 ft) taww, wif a simpwe or occasionawwy branched stem wif very warge bipinnate weaves 70–120 cm (28–47 in) wong. The trunks are up to 15–20 cm (5.9–7.9 in) in diameter, wif de pwants umbrewwa-wike in habit wif open crowns. The young stems are stout and dickwy covered wif sharp spines. The pwants generawwy grow in cwusters of branchwess trunks, awdough stout wide-spreading branches are occasionawwy produced.
The fwowers are creamy-white, individuawwy smaww (about 5 mm or 0.2 in across) but produced in warge composite panicwes 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wong; fwowering is in de wate summer. The fruit is a purpwish-bwack berry 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) in diameter, ripening in de faww. The roots are dick and fweshy.
The doubwy or tripwy compound weaves are de wargest of any temperate tree in de continentaw United States, often about a meter (dree feet) wong and 60 cm (two feet) wide, wif weafwets about 5–8 cm (2.0–3.1 in) wong. The petiowes are prickwy, wif swowwen bases. In de autumn de weaves turn to a pecuwiar bronze red touched wif yewwow which makes de tree conspicuous and attractive.
The habit of growf and generaw appearance of Arawia spinosa and rewated tree-forming Arawia species are uniqwe. It is usuawwy found as a group of unbranched stems, rising to de height of 3.5–6 m (11–20 ft), which bear upon deir summits a crowded cwuster of doubwy or tripwy compound weaves, dus giving to each stem a certain tropicaw pawm-wike appearance. In de souf it is said to reach de height of 15 m (49 ft), stiww retaining its pawm-wike aspect. However, furder norf, de swender, swaying, pawm-wike appearance is most characteristic of younger pwants dat have not been damaged by winter storms.
- Bark: Light brown, divided into rounded broken ridges. Branchwets one-hawf to two-dirds of an inch in diameter, armed wif stout, straight or curved, scattered prickwes and nearwy encircwed by narrow weaf scars. At first wight yewwow brown, shining and dotted, water wight brown, uh-hah-hah-hah.
- Wood: Brown wif yewwow streaks; wight, soft, brittwe, cwose-grained.
- Winter buds: Terminaw bud chestnut brown, one-hawf to dree-fourds of an inch wong, conicaw, bwunt; axiwwary buds fwattened, trianguwar, one-fourf of an inch in wengf.
- Leaves: Cwustered at de end of de branches, compound, bi- and tri-pinnate, dree to four feet wong, two and a hawf feet broad. The pinnae are uneqwawwy pinnate, having five or six pairs of weafwets and a wong stawked terminaw weafwet; dese weafwets are often demsewves pinnate. The wast weafwets are ovate, two to dree inches wong, wedge-shaped or rounded at base, serrate or dentate, acute; midrib and primary veins prominent. They come out of de bud a bronze green, shining, somewhat hairy; when fuww grown are dark green above, pawe beneaf; midribs freqwentwy furnished wif prickwes. Petiowes stout, wight brown, eighteen to twenty inches in wengf, cwasping, armed wif prickwes. Stipuwes acute, one-hawf inch wong.
- Fwowers: Juwy, August. Perfect or powygamomonoecious, cream white, borne in many-fwowered umbews arranged in compound panicwes, forming a terminaw racemose cwuster, dree to four feet in wengf which rises, sowitary or two or dree togeder, above de spreading weaves. Bracts and bractwets wanceowate, acute, persistent.
- Cawyx: Cawyx tube coherent wif de ovary, minutewy five-tooded.
- Corowwa: Petaws five, white, inserted on margin of de disk, acute, swightwy infwexed at de apex, imbricate in bud.
- Stamens: Five, inserted on margin of de disk, awternate wif de petaws; fiwaments dread-wike; anders obwong, attached on de back, introrse, two-cewwed; cewws opening wongitudinawwy.
- Pistiw: Ovary inferior, five-cewwed; stywes five, connivent; stigmas capitate.
- Fruit: Berry-wike drupe, gwobuwar, bwack, one-fourf of an inch wong, five-angwed, crowned wif de bwackened stywes. Fwesh din, dark.
Distribution and habitat
Arawia spinosa is widespread in de eastern United States, ranging from New York to Fworida awong de Atwantic coast, and westward to Ohio, Iwwinois, and Texas. It prefers a deep moist soiw. The pwants typicawwy grow in de forest understory or at de edges of forests, often forming cwonaw dickets by sprouting from de roots.
This tree was admired by de Iroqwois because of its usefuwness, and for its rarity. The Iroqwois wouwd take de sapwings of de tree and pwant dem near deir viwwages and on iswands, so dat animaws wouwdn't eat de vawuabwe fruit. The fruit was used in many of de natives' foods. The women wouwd take de fwowers and put dem in deir hair because of de wemony smeww. The fwowers couwd awso be traded for money.
In de past, botanists attributed occurrences of Arawia norf of Marywand and Dewaware in de Middwe Atwantic states to introductions of Arawia spinosa from areas to de souf. However some of dese occurrences are now known to be of Arawia ewata (Japanese Angewica-tree), a rewated Asian species dat is invasive in de area. A. spinosa and A. ewata are difficuwt to distinguish in de fiewd, weading to confusion, uh-hah-hah-hah. In at weast one wocawity, in Phiwadewphia, A. ewata is dispwacing A. spinosa, wif as yet unknown impacts on de wocaw ecowogy.
The young weaves can be eaten if gadered before de prickwes harden, uh-hah-hah-hah. They are den chopped finewy and cooked as a poderb.
Arawia spinosa was introduced into cuwtivation in 1688 and is stiww grown for its decorative fowiage, prickwy stems, warge showy fwower panicwes [cwusters], and distinctive faww cowor. These pwants are swow growing, tough and durabwe, do weww in urban settings, but bear numerous prickwes on deir stems, petiowes, and weafwets. These pwants can be propagated from seeds or root cuttings.
Earwy American settwers used de pwant for its awweged properties of curing toodaches.
In a waboratory study, extracts from de pwant, used as a medicine during de American Civiw War, showed antimicrobiaw activity against muwtidrug-resistant bacteria associated wif wound infections.
- IUCN SSC Gwobaw Tree Speciawist Group.; Botanic Gardens Conservation Internationaw (BGCI). (2020). "Arawia spinosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T152911024A152911026. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T152911024A152911026.en. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- Keewer, Harriet L. (1900). Our Native Trees and How to Identify Them. New York: Charwes Scribner's Sons. pp. 165–168.
- Kristina Connor. "Arawia spinosa" (PDF). Wiwdwand Shrubs of de United States and its Territories: Thamnic Descriptions, Generaw Technicaw Report IITF-WB-1, Edited by John K. Francis. Internationaw Institute of Tropicaw Forestry. Retrieved 2008-08-24.
- "Mistaken Identity? Invasive Pwants and Their Native Look-Awikes, and Identification Guide for de Mid-Atwantic" (PDF). Dewaware State University. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
- Poor, Janet Meakin, and Nancy P. Brewster. 1994. Pwants dat merit attention Vow 2, Shrubs. Portwand, OR: Timber Press. ISBN 0-88192-347-8 Page 34.
- Littwe, Ewbert L. (1980). The Audubon Society Fiewd Guide to Norf American Trees: Eastern Region. New York: Knopf. p. 612. ISBN 0-394-50760-6.
- "Civiw War Pwant Medicines Inhibit Muwtidrug-Resistant Wound Bacteria". 2019-05-28.
|Wikimedia Commons has media rewated to Arawia spinosa.|

domain: biology


In 2006, Indiana added a consumer-driven health plan to the benefit options offered to state employees, and 4 percent chose to. This year, 94 percent did. Then in 2008, the state used a consumer-driven model called the Health Indiana Plan for low-income Hoosiers not eligible for Medicaid. In both of these choice plans, consumers are given health care bank accounts. Money they don’t spend rolls over and draws interest.
“The idea behind consumer-driven health plans,” the Weekly Standard reminds us, “is that people are careful shoppers when paying for services piecemeal but tend to overuse what seems to be free — think of an open buffet. Making every consumer of health care cost-conscious will spread market discipline throughout the system, the thinking goes, and contain prices more successfully than commands from on high.”
A choice plan isn’t a magic bullet for all health care ills, but the results here are encouraging enough to continue the experiment. Overuse of emergency rooms and specialists has declined, use of generic drugs has risen, the state’s cost for insuring its workers has been reduced. Most significantly, participants have accumulated in their personal Health Savings Accounts combined reserves of nearly $60 million. “That’s $60 million worth of health security for the future,” the Weekly Standard says.
If we’re smart enough to elect legislators who will kill Obamacare, that experiment will continue. If Obamacare survives, it remains unclear whether the Healthy Indiana Plan can. The state got a one-year waiver (it sought three) to use HIP as the vehicle for the increased Medicare spending required by the federal plan. But the rules of Obamacare are so complicated and vast no one knows for sure if the waiver means anything.


To ensure comfort and proper ventilation in the restaurant, air conditioning units in optimum condition play a vital role. It will improve the air quality in your restaurant and dilute harmful particles into the air.
Mostly the issues related to the HVAC system goes unnoticed until it quits altogether. So, you should notice the signs indicating the upgrade of your HVAC system. If you keep an eye on the unit and upgrade them on a timely basis, your customers will not face any discomfort while unleashing their favourite food in your restaurant.
Benefits Of Air Conditioning Unit With Optimum Healthcare In Your Restaurant
The high-quality air con will improve ventilation and air filtration. It will perfectly control the temperature in the kitchen. Also, the cool air makes the environment more comfortable to work in. You can strike a balance between comfortable air temperatures and lower bills. Air circulation and ventilation give guests peace of mind and comfort by filtering out airborne contaminants like viruses and mold. Moreover, proper exhaust reduces unpleasant smells coming from the kitchen and overwhelming guests while dining.
Hence, you should ensure that they are in good working condition. But they are often overlooked. Ofcourse, missing warning signs would lead to discomfort dining. Also, the restaurant staff will not be able to work at their full capacity. However, you may also put your customers and employees in danger due to poor ventilation.
It goes without saying that you should consult with experts like CW Service Pros before upgrading your HVAC system, as they will suggest the right-fit system for your restaurants. Also, they will guide you about warranty and maintenance plans to maintain the health care of the air conditioning unit . It will also help to increase the longevity of the unit.
Let your air conditioning unit in the restaurant work without any hiccups. Watch the warning signs indicating the upgrade of the HVAC system, and then call HVAC Fort Collins for HVAC replacement instantly
9 Signs Indicating The Upgrade Of The HVAC
When you notice any of these warning signs, don’t take it for granted. If you put off the prompt action, it will lead to further adversities and health hazards. So, without any ado, read on the reasons to make improvements in your restaurant’s air conditioning unit.
Break Down Of The Unit
If your restaurant’s air conditioning unit is not keeping the place cool as it used to be or has stopped working completely, it is a sign of something more massive than just mechanical issues. When the pilot light is not working, the air in the unit is depressurized. You can’t ignore such situations, as it indicates a critical health care problem of the air conditioning unit.
Mechanical Damage In The System
If anything wrong happens to the air vents, ducts, cooling system, furnace, or other parts of the HVAC system, delay in repair can increase the cost or complete breakdown of the system before maturity. However, morden air conditioning units need expertise to check the health care and repair the turbulence. So, DIY techniques can enhance the problems by not fixing it right the first time. Thus, you should rely on professionals to address any such issues in the HVAC system.
Improper Drafting By Chimneys
When you notice any of the following
- Chimneys are reliving air inside the restaurant
- Emergency alarm turned off
- Constant complaints of headaches from staff.
The backdraft coming from chimneys is dangerous for restaurants and staff. Depressurization of air in your property is the major culprit of improper drafting. You need to take prompt action when you notice these issues, as backdrafts will release toxic gases inside the restaurant instead of throwing outside.
Issue Of Negative Air Pressure
When there is a negative air pressure in your restaurant, the doors will not open easily. You will face difficulties in doing the same. Also, you will notice drafts. However, you can fix this issue with air conditioning maintenance or replacement services.
Uneven Temperature Settings
Do you experience improper cooling in your restaurant? If yes, definitely, the issue is in an HVAC system. You need to call professionals for a health care checkup of the air conditioning unit.
Heavy Smoke In The Kitchen & Increased Grease Build-Up
Are you experiencing more smoke in the restaurant’s kitchen than usual? Does your kitchen’s ceiling and walls have more build up Grease? There may be an issue in the exhaust and air con unit. Don’t delay in professional inspection as it can impact your cook’s safety and health. Call emergency pros as early as possible to ensure a safe working environment in your restaurant.
High Humidity & Wetness
Having humidity in London is not usual. However, if the level of humidity is constantly increasing in your restaurant, surely your air con system is no more efficient. You need to call an air conditioning repair specialist to look into the matter and do the needful.
High Utility Bills
Ofcourse, an inefficient air conditioning system will work harder to keep the restaurant cool. So, the energy utility bills will be high. But if there is a massive change without any extra change, you need to know the root of the problem. The reasons can be multiple – leakage in air ducts, ineffective insulation, or improper sealing of windows. Consult with professionals to inspect ductwork and insulation. They will rightly fix the issue and lower the operational cost.
Filthy Smells Where You Don’t Want Them
Some food aromas are common in the kitchen. However, they mostly come from the kitchen only. If your dining room has such smells, it is a sign of improper ventilation. Your guests will not have comfortable dining due to this. Your exhaust is malfunctioning, or you are not getting enough makeup air in the dining area.
Is It The Time To Replace Or Upgrade HVAC Systems In A Restaurant?
When you notice any telltale signs, investing in upgrading the HVAC system is your answer. Yes, you should replace the HVAC unit with the help of a company who has demonstrated expertise in Restaurant Air Conditioning To HVAC design. It will help to improve the performance of the overall system.
About The Author
Nail is a Marketing Manager of an aircon company in London. Our air conditioning expert Company Provides air conditioning solutions. Get in touch with Nail to discuss your air conditioning requirements
Social Profile About Aircon-Company.


text:
2010 Mercedes Benz E Class Estate
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
Mercedes-Benz is introduction the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Land as another extremely classifiable phallus of the E-Class kinfolk. Comparable the Saloon and Coupé, the Demesne, which is useable now, combines unequalled innovation with leaders in refuge, solace, lineament and practicality. The new E-Class marks the unveiling of a act of technological innovations which no former car in the humankind therein class is capable to crack – from somnolence espial to reflexive pinch braking when an fortuity is accepted as impending, and from Adaptative Highbeam Help to the Fighting Hood. Course the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Land likewise features all these innovations. Summation air respite with self-levelling at the ass as touchstone and unequalled new loading compartment direction features.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Demesne is seen as the primogenitor of the bounty life-style demesne section more 30 age ago. Since the establish of the beginning Mercedes-Benz E-Class Demesne in 1977, more one billion customers sustain ascertained their exuberance for this virtually pragmatic way of drive a Mercedes sumptuousness car. This achiever chronicle is set to be continued by the one-fifth propagation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Land – pursual abreast the successful launching of the Taphouse. Lone introduced in Europein leap 2009, the E‑Year Bar had already achieved universal mart leading in its section by May 2009. About 40,000 new E-Class models bear now been delivered to customers.
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
The functioning of the Pub and Putsché in the 2009 AutoBild Pattern Awards shows how good the hit lines of the E-Class deliver been standard: more 100,000 readers of this German motoring publishing late voted the four-door example the nearly beautiful car in the man, and gave the two-door modelling low spot in the Takeoveré/Cab class.
Design: new Mercedes hallmarks combined with E-Class styling features
The new E-Class Acres instantly makes an acrobatic and virtual, but besides effortlessly ranking and condom effect. Its classifiable excogitation fiber is based on the new Mercedes panache, which had its unveiling in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and is now besides delineated in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. One of its main features is the interplay between concave and taut surfaces, which are delimited by dynamic edges and structured contours.
The side view reveals many new elements, leaving no doubt about the identity of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. The B- and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity. This leads to a taut arch leading from the filigree A-pillar to the dramatic roof line and the downward-tapering D-pillar, all resting on the athletic shoulder line of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the centre but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side aspect. This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheel.
When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers took care to give expression to the high practicality of the new model. They did this by emphasising horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design, and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design is a major recognition factor for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. This is the largest estate car in the premium segment, and it makes no secret of the fact.
Practicality: top marks for load capacity and ease of operation
One particularly special feature of the load compartment management system is the option of opening the standard-fit EASY-PACK tailgate automatically by using the ignition key or pressing the handle if the car needs to be loaded from behind. The innovative “quickfold” system enables the rear seat backrests to be folded down from the load compartment. Neither the head restraints nor the rear-seat cushions need to be adjusted beforehand in order to be able to do this. The two backrest sections are unlocked and folded down by a cable pull, creating a level loading surface. As another useful feature, either the left or right backrest sections, or both together, can be folded down. This enables the rear seat unit to be used by passengers even when long and bulky items are being carried. The backrest sections can also be unlocked and folded down from the side.
It is now also much easier to use the combined luggage compartment cover and retaining net, which is attached at beltline level for the first time, making it far simpler to install and remove in various positions.
With a load capacity of up to 1950 litres, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (length/width/ height: 4895/1854/1471 millimetres) sets the standard in its class. Apart from the load compartment capacity itself, other dimensions of great practical importance – such as the rear aperture, load compartment sill and maximum load compartment length – demonstrate the expertise of Mercedes-Benz when it comes to estate car engineering.
It is not only in the load compartment that the generous dimensions of the preceding model have been improved even further in many respects. Two examples in the interior illustrate this: the elbow width in the rear has been increased by 50 millimetres to 1505 millimetres. Rear headroom with the large tilting/sliding sunroof installed has also improved by 50 millimetres to 1010 millimetres, and is almost as generous as in versions with no sunroof (1012 mm).
An exemplary load management system is specified as standard. For example, the automatically opening and closing EASY-PACK tailgate with automatic raising of the load compartment cover, or the EASY-PACK folding load compartment floor. The latter considerably increases the usable height of the load compartment. It can be folded up and secured in various positions. Standard equipment also includes the EASY-PACK load compartment cover with a load securing net. When extended, the load compartment cover can be hooked into electrically powered carriers on the D-pillars. When the tailgate is opened, the load compartment cover is automatically raised to allow unobstructed loading and unloading. The optional folding bench seat for the load compartment is also unique in this vehicle segment.
Safety: nine airbags as standard, plus innovative driver assistance systems
Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its leadership in safety even further with the new E-Class. Around one dozen new or modified driver assistance systems help to prevent road accidents or at least reduce the severity of the impact. These include the standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and the optional PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is able to initiate partial and full emergency braking autonomously. For the first time, PRE-SAFE® is also able to use only the information received from the short-range sensors in the front bumper to tension the front seat belts at the last moment before an accident recognised as unavoidable, thereby reducing the loads exerted on the driver and front passenger during the crash.
With nine airbags fitted as standard, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. The airbags, which can deploy in a matter of milliseconds in the event of an accident, include two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A-pillar to the C‑pillar during a side impact. Pelvisbags for the front occupants are also included for the first time. These reduce the loads acting on the torso and pelvic area during a lateral collision.
Sidebags for the rear seat passengers can also be installed as optional extras. As a further safety innovation, Mercedes-Benz also offers optional, self-adaptive belt force limiters for the rear. These adjust to the size and weight of the passengers, and also become available for the Saloon with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate.
Suspension: automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard
Outstanding comfort on long journeys in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is ensured by the newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard. The likewise standard self-levelling rear suspension sees to it that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate’s suspension setup has also been adapted to suit the modified body geometry, with slightly stiffer shock absorber settings and torsion bar stabilisers, making the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate just as agile as the Saloon without having to make compromises in terms of road roar and tyre vibration characteristics.
Engines: considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions
The fuel consumption and emissions of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate have been considerably reduced by new engines and numerous optimisation measures (aerodynamics, weight, energy management, reduced resistances). One prime example is the E 250 CDI with an output of 150 kW and a peak torque of 500 Nm, whose fuel consumption is only 5.7 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 150 g per km.
The engine line-up available for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate at launch comprises five units developing between 125 kW/170 hp and 285 kW/388 hp. Though with a lower displacement, the new and modified engines generate more output than their predecessors, while impressing with fuel consumption figures that were previously only found in the compact class. This was made possible by numerous innovations, for example spray-guided direct injection for the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model. The four-cylinder CDI engines partly owe their exceptional status to newly developed piezo injectors and two-stage turbocharging. All the powerplants meet the requirements of the EU5 emission standard. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate can be ordered now. All of the engines available at launch, the accompanying transmissions installed as standard and the basic prices at a glance:
The following additional models are available from the first quarter of 2010 onwards:

domain: design


text:
Bacterial conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is caused by bacteria infecting the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually identifiable from thick discharge from the eye. Other symptoms include eye redness, swollen or red eyelids, and mild eye pain.
Bacterial conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes and may spread from one eye to the other if the healthy eye becomes contaminated. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually clears up without treatment in 1-2 weeks, but antibiotics can be prescribed if infection is severe or if the patient would like immediate treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with topical eye drops or ointment, and an antibiotic pill by mouth may also be prescribed to help with eyelid inflammation. Although bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and easily spreadable, a patient being treated will no longer be contagious 12-24 hours after starting treatment.
If you believe that you have bacterial conjunctivitis, call our office at (859) 278-9486, and we will get you on the schedule as soon as possible.

domain: medical


text:
Ethereal Seattle sludge band, described as occupying the enigmatic abyss between groove-laden sludge, post-hardcore and psychedelic shoegaze, HE WHOSE OX IS GORED release their brand new “Paralyzer” seven-inch via Chain Letter Collective and the band’s own label Void Assault Records on June 16th 2017.
Recorded by renowned producer Jack Endino (Soundgarden, Nirvana, L7, High On Fire, Zeke etc.) at Avast! Recording Studio (Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Earth, Supersuckers etc.), “Paralyzer” was recorded as part of a Converse Rubber Tracks session and includes two previously released tracks — “Buried Twice” and “Void Assault” from the band’s critically-lauded Rumors EP — remixed by their cohorts in Seattle’s Newaxeyes.
Great stuff a most enjoyable listen – short sharp and to the point, full of energy and intent and Lisa Mungo is in fine voice – more on Sonic Attack 215
Listen to HE WHOSE OX IS GORED at their Bandcamp page HERE.


Christmas has come early at the Leeds Grand Theatre with the remarkable return of Northern Ballet and their enchanting production of The Nutcracker. David Nixon OBE creates a magical masterpiece with incredible movement encapsulating the original music, showcasing Tchaikovsky’s use of his symphonic skills in the unfolding of the drama. This then providing great inspiration for generations of choreographers and musical directors alike including John Pryce-Jones who holds this piece together beautifully.
It’s the night before Christmas and Clara (Rachel Gillespie) is presented with the Nutcracker doll from her Uncle Drosselmeyer (Mlindi Kulashe) who then becomes the architect of her magical adventure. As the Edwards family and friends celebrate the arrival of Christmas with a lavish party, the children enjoy playing games and watching in amazement the life size dancing dolls brought for the entertainment. As the Nutcracker doll is accidentally broken Uncle Drosselmeyer puts it back together and the upset Clara places the doll underneath the Christmas tree before bed.
And so, the battle commences as the Nutcracker comes to life bringing his trusted army to face the Mouse King (Joseph Taylor) and show Clara the magical kingdom within. The Nutcracker Prince (Ashley Dixon) leads the journey with a showcase of friends including the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy (Minju Kang), all giving fantastically flawless performances you can’t take your eyes off!
This truly is a beautiful piece of ballet and mystical production for all ages bursting with the undeniable essence of Christmas. I always love the idea of being lost in the music and mesmerised by what I see in front of me and this definitely delivers on both counts. If ballet isn’t your thing and you’d like to delve into the world of dance for one night, then this is for you. Who can’t give in to a festive children’s tale with classic music you will have heard in many other places, the Christmas film Home Alone for one. Unleash your inner child and be amazed with this perfect Christmas treat!


text:
Hayley williams dating bandmate who is marcus schenkenberg dating
" It's not that I don't enjoy writing, but these assignments give me such a strange and creeping anxiety.
However, her parents divorced while she was just 15 years of age.
Hayley is the frontwoman of the American rock and punk band, Paramore.
Hayley William was born as Hayley Nicole William on December 27, 1988, in Mississippi and moved to Tennessee at the age of 15.
You Tube: Paramore- Hayley MTV Tour of her Crib Additionally, she owns a beautiful house worth thousands.
Hayley has spent quite a money on decorating her house and collecting Barbie dolls.

domain: celebrity


text:
Most Memorable Hunt - My most memorable hunt would have to be my trip to Saskatchewan chasing Whitetail Deer. My family has been going to this one outfitter in Northern Saskatchewan for years now and I had always been in school or working. A couple of years ago, I finally got my chance to go see if I could wait it out and get a nice buck. We finally get there and get set up at the camp, which was very nice in a use the generator for lights kind of way (I loved it). On the first morning, I am so worried that I’m going to forget my shells or warm clothing that I forget my lunch in the camp. This didn’t hit me until lunch when I couldn’t wait to devour my sandwich. I saw a lot of wildlife so it wasn’t so bad. On the second day, I ride in the bed of a rhino for 45 kilometers to get to my stand. Let me tell you, that is ONE COLD RIDE. I sit in the stand until 3:30 watching a beautiful 8 point, and then the ruler of the roost walks down the road right beside me. This was the first time I’ve ever known that this was a shooter as soon as I saw him. He ended up weighing 285 pounds and had 14 points including a split kicker and a drop tine!
Favorite Game To Eat - Lightly fried, deer cube steak in brown onion gravy with caramelized onions and mashed potatoes
Favorite Game To Chase - I would love to say that it is Whitetail Deer but the Biologist in me really loves trying to keep the population of Feral Pigs down. I love watching deer all day, but ground checking an invasive species is my cup of tea.
Good Luck, Good Hunting, and always donate your extra game
Brian “Mo” Mosley
Most Memorable Hunt - It's hard for me to choose one of my hunts, but this past Spring I had the chance to help my son harvest his first wild turkey on the opening day of the Kansas Youth Season. He made a perfect shot with the crossbow, and couldn't have been more excited. It was a great father/son moment!
Favorite Game To Eat - Garlic Quail. Take butterflied, boneless quail breasts, sprinkle minced garlic inside and season inside and out with salt & pepper. Sauté in olive oil until browned on both sides. Enjoy!
Favorite Game To Chase -That's tough because I love it all! But in Kansas there is nothing like chasing mature whitetail bucks during the rut.
Most Memorable Hunt - I had the opportunity to hunt for a long period of consecutive days several years ago. There was an old wily buck on the property I hunt, and there hadn’t been a trailcam pic of him in daylight in over two years, and he didn’t ever seem to fall into any pattern. After weeks of scouting, hours of time in the field, passing up shots at countless other very nice bucks, I was finally able to harvest that old, heavy-horned, whitetail. Not once did I bust him or spook him out of the area. That’s a good feeling; to get the “ghost” that you were chasing. I learned more about deer and deer patterns over those two months than I have learned in over 25 years. It doesn’t get any more memorable than that.
Favorite Game To Eat - Native brook trout - skin on, with just some salt and pepper. Cooked over a campfire with your friends, when you’re really, really hungry.
Favorite Game To Chase- Uhhh, what’s in season? It’s really difficult to pick just one. But, if I must, I choose whitetail with a bow and arrow. A big ole, wily buck that knows just how to stay out of sight and out of range can be the most frustrating thing you could ever imagine. It can also be the most rewarding. That’s why we do it. Oh, and they taste great too!
Get Out There!
Most Memorable Hunt - While every hunt is memorable to me, I would have to say that the most memorable was our most recent hunt. My 7 year old daughter, Camden, drew a 2-day youth rifle hunt on Indian land near our hometown. Upon learning that she had received this opportunity, she was extremely excited and asked that her Uncle Jayden accompany us on the hunt as well. We spent two days in a few different places on this unfamiliar land with hopes to get Camden her first deer. After no luck, and only a few hours remaining, we decided to take our chances and move our blind near the water source in the area, about 50 yards away. Shortly after relocating the blind, a nice doe came in for a drink of water, and presented Camden with a shot. Using her .223 rifle, she was able to make a perfect shot on the doe. We watched her run uphill, and started on the blood trail. Camden spotted the first sign of blood, and held on tight to the leaf. She started trailing instinctively and followed the blood to where we ended up finding her first kill, around 100 yards away. As soon as we found her, my daughter’s first words were “Can we skin her now?” We loaded her up on the Mule, and Camden requested that she ride in the back with the doe on the way back to the ranger’s station. Once at the station, we hung her up and Camden and I cleaned, skinned and quartered her first deer together. On the ride home, she called all of our family and demanded they meet us at home to enjoy her first back strap together on the grill. This is definitely a hunt that I will cherish forever!
Favorite Game To Eat -Venison is by far, my favorite game to eat. I don’t think there is anything that beats a fresh back strap thrown on the grill, but my family particularly enjoys chicken fried venison. To start, slice your back strap in steak portions. Salt and pepper each piece of steak and set aside. Combine 3-4 eggs and 1 cup milk in a small dish and mix together until the eggs are blended well with the milk. Create your flour mixture with 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon each seasoning salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Dip the prepared steak in the flour mixture, coating well. Dip the steak into the egg mixture, then again in the flour mixture. Lay the steak on a plate until all the steak has been dipped. Fill a large skillet half way up with oil and heat to a medium heat. Add the steak a few pieces at a time, and turn when the edges are a golden brown. It just takes a few minutes on each side. That’s all! Easy, huh?
Favorite Game To Chase - Whitetail deer or turkey (especially during the spring)
Get Out There,
Most Memorable Hunt - Would have to be my first bull elk with a bow. Just hearing a bull screaming in my face was enough to make the hunt memorable, but harvesting an elk with a bow was a huge accomplishment for me.
Favorite Game To Eat - Wild turkey breast. Cut that beast into cubes, pour some olive oil over it, roll it in your favorite seasoning and deep fry for about 5 minutes. Best turkey nuggets you'll ever eat!
Favorite Game To Chase - I enjoy whitetail because I feel like they are the most challenging mentally. I turkey will give ya fits, a bull elk might challenge your conditioning, but no animal in my mind is as elusive as a mature whitetail buck.
Most Memorable Hunt - My most memorable hunt to date is of the day I shot my first doe while hunting with my fiancé in Ohio. We were sitting in a buddy stand when five doe came walking in towards our buddy stand. My fiancé pointed out two does that were alright to shoot. I pick out the doe I wanted to take, aimed and fired. She went down and my eyes immediately flooding with tears. Knowing that I would most likely cry my fiancé, Tom, made sure to catch the whole thing on video. The tears only lasted a moment and soon turned into excitement. I was so proud of myself and I couldn’t wait to share the news with my dad. It was a great experience, one I will never forget.
Favorite Game To Eat - My favorite wild game is venison. I have so many great recipes for preparing it, but my venison meatloaf with morel mushrooms is my favorite. This recipe takes meatloaf to a whole new level. The earthy taste of the morel mushroom combined with the flavor of venison goes perfectly together. I am getting hungry just thinking about it.
Favorite Game To Chase - Whitetail during archery season is my favorite game to hunt. I am new to archery, but I quickly fell in love with it, and I look forward to all my future archery hunts.
Get out there,
Most Memorable hunt - There are so many hunts that I could write about, but the one that stands out to most to me is this one. I took my 4.5 year old daughter out on her first hunt. We went dove hunting, it was the greatest moment ever. I had my daughter decked out in camo standing by my side. After the hunt she grabbed my face and said “Daddy, thanks for taking me, I love you..” No animal can ever compare to that moment
Favorite Game To Eat - Come on man, you’re talking to a wild game chef, I’m supposed to pick just one? Okay, if I have to pick just one I would pick… Elk backstrap, Grilled Med-rare seasoned with simple cracked pepper and sea salt, then topped with fire grilled garlic butter & herbs. All sitting atop a mountain of fresh mashed potatoes.
Favorite Game To Chase - Chasing Mule Deer through sage brush with your bow compares to nothing else. Sitting high on the peak glassing down looking for that rack peeking out from behind the shrub… yup has to be my favorite.
Jeremiah Doughty - From Field to Plate!
Most Memorable Hunt - Going on Colorado elk hunting trips with my dad in 2004 and 2007. We hunted public land and camped in a tent for a week on the mountain. I hunted hard by his side and watched over his shoulder as he shot a bull elk each year. I can't wait to return after I graduate college!
Favorite Game To Eat - Elk meat!
Favorite Game To Chase - It depends on the season!
Get Out There,
Most Memorable Hunt - My most memorable hunt would have to be the Flextone World Turkey Hunting Championship in 2016.
For three days our team competed against the top 46 teams in the country, mostly consisting of well known TV Personalities and straight up turkey hunting legends like the Turkey Man himself Eddie Salter. After the first two days with three big toms on the ground, we were on the leader board in 5th place. As the final day was upon us, we just couldn't connect with a very wise old stud of a bird we had appropriately nicknamed "Bada**" after our first encounter with him during scouting day. We watched as our rank fell down the leader board in the final hours, but we were able to secure 10th place! The hunts were heart pounding, close quartered and everything you love about a good spring gobbler hunt. The people, atmosphere, FOOD, and stories that were told around camp made for the most memorable hunt of my career. It was everything I love about hunting. Adventure, challenge, anticipation, comradery, sportsmanship. It just don't get no better than that!
Favorite Game To Eat - My favorite game to eat hands down is pan fish. From as early as I can remember, my great grandmother lived in a little cottage on Chautauqua Lake in upstate New York. I think we all have that family member we all naturally click with, and that was us. She was my favorite person in the world. Back to the fish- my job when we went to visit was to catch as many perch and sunfish I could before I ran out of worms. Which I picked out of the earth myself that morning. She would clean them, and fry them up for breakfast, along with her homemade pancakes. I know it sounds gross, and you're not the first person that has had that reaction. But trust me, it.is.amazing. Fish and Pancakes absolutely drenched in maple syrup for breakfast. Maybe I like it so much because it reminds me of those memories. When I fix it for breakfast now, I swear I can still smell that lake in the morning air.
Favorite Game To Chase - Turkeys Turkeys Turkeys. Growing up my Grandfather was the fall turkey legend in my eyes. This naturally got me turned on to running Pennsylvania Easterns. Waiting for that fresh tracking snow in the fall, finding a flock, bustin em up and calling them back together was the most fun I think I'd ever had. That was until I shot my first spring gobbler. I have become a man obsessed, its probably pretty unhealthy to be honest. There's just something about scouting, and picking the bird you want to go after. They are all different in their own ways, they all have their quirks. There have been birds that have literally kept me up all night. I know you turkey hunters are laughing because you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.....I hope. Figuring that Tom out, and finally outsmarting him just long enough to get a shot off is the most exciting, and emotional thing to me. Like I said.....obsessed.
Get Out There,
My most memorable hunt - In 2015 when I harvested my biggest sika deer to date. My dad was about a hundred yards away and we both seen the deer come out of the frag grass giving me a 20 yard shot. It was awesome to track the deer and recover it together.
My favorite game to eat and prepare - sika deer. Just like mini-elk. Meat has a sweet taste and is delicious. It's a must to try out.
My favorite game to chase - I'm going to have to go with a big mature whitetail. I love living in the woods during the rut from sun up to sun down. You never know when the big boy will show up.
Good luck and happy hunting !


Brittney Griner, two-time Olympic gold medalist and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, pled guilty to criminal charges in Russian court on July 15th. Griner was originally arrested February 17, 2022 at an airport near Moscow after her luggage was found containing cartridges of cannabis oil. She has since then been held in detention with criminal charges; she would face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
What’s happened to Griner since her guilty plea? As the world awaits the results of her next hearing on July 26th, here is the latest information about her situation.
Who is Brittney Griner?
Brittney Griner has played on the USA’s 2016 and 2021 Women’s Olympic Basketball team and is a star player for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury team. Like many other WNBA players, the basketball star also plays overseas during the United States’ off season; Griner plays for Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg team, making her a valued player both stateside as well as in Russia.
Brittney Griner's Cannabis Charges: Detained In Russia
In February, Brittney Griner was stopped at an airport outside of Moscow after her luggage was found carrying, “two cartridges for personal use, which contained 0.252 grams and 0.45 grams of hash oil, totaling 0.702 grams” said the prosecutor, according to a reporter for Russia’s state news company (TASS) who was inside the courtroom.
In 2006, the Russian legislation was amended to clearly state that possession of under 6 grams of cannabis is not a criminal offense– rather individuals possessing under 6 grams are either fined 500 rubles ($87.72 USD) or detained for 15 days.
Rather than facing a fine or the short detention as she should be, Griner is facing criminal charges and has spent multiple months detained in a Russian prison, awaiting her trial for, “large-scale transportation of drugs,” according to The New York Times, which could result in up to ten years in prison.
Brittney Griner Pled Guilty: What Does That Mean?
Last Friday, July 15th, Griner pled guilty to the charges of possessing cannabis. "I'd like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," said Griner in court, followed by an ask to give her testimony at a later date. She claimed she packed hastily on her way to Russia to play for the UMMC Ekaterinburg basketball team, and for that reason the vaporizer cartridges were in her bag.
Her defense team also provided multiple documents to prove her lack of intentionality. First, her lawyer Maria Blagovolina claimed that an attending physician on behalf of the Arizona Department of Health “gave Brittney recommendations for the use of medical cannabis” to cope with pain, bringing paperwork to prove it. Her defense team also brought in the tests she took “as part of an anti-doping check, which didn’t detect any prohibited substances in her system,” according to ESPN.
Pleading guilty in Russian court does not automatically terminate the trial, rather it can be understood as more of a tactical ploy. According to CBS News and in discussion with William Pomeranz–an expert on Russian Law– the move to plead guilty was a smart one: “Less than 1 percent of defendants are acquitted in Russian criminal cases,” he said– the hope, instead, being for a lesser sentence.
U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Elizabeth Rood stated that “the tremendous amount of respect and admiration both in the US and here in Russia… not only for [Griner’s] professional achievements but for her character and integrity” immediately became clear after the hearings last week. Since the guilty plea, the trial will focus on her “good character and athletic prowess,” allowing for the possibility of a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Washington.
Is a Prisoner Exchange with Russia Plausible?
The possibility of an exchange, though, has led to discussions on who the Russians would demand in exchange for Griner. In April of this year, a pilot sentenced to 20 years in 2011 for drug smuggling was exchanged for a US Marine who had been held for the last three years charged with assaulting two police officers. According to TIME magazine, a known Russian arms dealer nicknamed “Merchant of Death,” Viktor Bout, could be up next in a prisoner exchange.
Bout was sentenced to 25 years for “conspiring to sell weapons to a terrorist organization” in 2011; the judge who sentenced him has stated, according to the TIME article, that the 25-year sentence she was required by statue to give Bout was too harsh for his crime and that the 10 years he’s served has essentially forced him to sever all ties to any contract he may have had. However, trading Griner for Bout does not look favorably upon the U.S.: their infractions are evidently nowhere near equal. This is where the addition of Paul Whelan– former U.S, security executive held for espionage in Russia since 2018– could even things out.
Russia, however, has claimed that there will be no prisoner swap until a verdict is reached.
Both Griner and Whelan have been labeled as “wrongfully detained” by the U.S. State Department; Russian officials have commented that this blatantly undermines Russian law. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova attested that the fact that the U.S. has begun to decriminalize cannabis recreationally or medicinally in certain parts of the country has “no bearing” on the Griner case in Russia. Zakharova says that Griner’s guilty plea “should be commensurate with our Russian, local laws, and not with those adopted in” certain areas in the U.S. where medicinal and/or recreational use of cannabis legalized.
Zakharova has also commented on the discussion of a prisoner swap, stating that it is “premature to discuss any options for [Griner’s] return home” and that U.S. officials should “abandon futile attempts to put pressure on us.” Griner’s case has been treated with unusual secrecy; journalists have received limited access to the hearings– Russian officials have stated that the publicity around her trial has not helped her case for a prisoner swap.
What Has President Biden Done For Brittney Griner?
This July 4th, a handwritten letter was delivered to President Biden from Brittney Griner, where she wrote that celebrating “freedom means something completely different to me this year.” A few days later, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called Griner’s wife Cherelle to assure her they are doing everything possible to get her wife home. The President also directed his national security team to “remain in regular contact” with Cherelle and the rest of the families of Americans detained abroad.
On Thursday July 21st, the U.S. Senate introduced a bipartisan bill to help Griner as well as other detainees overseas. The resolution calls for the U.S. to push for Griner’s release in every encounter with the Russian government, demands that Russia provide consular access to Griner during her detention, provides increased support for the families of the detainees currently being held in Russia, and lastly, demands that Russia respect Griner’s basic human rights. Written and spearheaded by Arizona Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), it was co-sponsored by 27 Senators from both parties, including Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
Two days earlier, Biden issued an executive order with the intention of “increasing the flow of information to families of Americans detained abroad” as well as beginning to “impose sanctions on the criminals, terrorists or government officials who hold them captive.” The State Department has also decided to add an additional “risk indicator to country-specific travel advisories;” the indicator ‘D’ will be applied to countries where there is a higher risk of detention (countries where this indicator will be added include: Russia, Burma, Venezuela, China, Iran, and North Korea).
It’s unclear whether the public outrage and support for BG will encourage the U.S. to put pressure on Russia to come to an exchange deal, or if the “undermining” of Russian law will make the Russian Federation dig their heels in and keep Griner (and Whelan, and other American detainees) detained longer than is truly justified.
There are numerous factors going into Griner’s detention. To put it simply, it most likely does not help that she was arrested a week before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and since then, Russia has faced serious backlash from the rest of the Western block for its military advance. Supporters also worry that Griner will not receive a fair trial in a country where members of the LGBTQIA+ community have notoriously been discriminated against, as Griner is an openly gay Black woman.
Professional basketball player Stephen Curry hosted ESPN’s yearly award show, where he and many other notable athletes called for Griner’s release. The WNBA has also been showing support for Griner throughout the beginning of their season; players have been wearing shirts with her jersey number, 42, and fans are adorned in shirts with “We are BG,” “Free Brittney Griner,” and her jersey number written on them.
Her next hearing is scheduled for July 26th.
To add your voice and help bring Brittney Griner home, visit wearebg.org. For tips on contacting the Biden Administration, the WNBA, or the nonprofit Athletes for Impact, click here.
Find Out More On Social
Featured image: Brittney Griner on her way to court in Russia; screengrab via ABC News.


text:
Jhumpa Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies
by Ramlal Agarwal
Jhumpa Lahiri's 'Interpreter of Maladies: -
Stories of Expatriate Experience
Jhumpa Lahiri, born of Bengali parents in England and brought up in America, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for her debut collection of short stories “Interpreter of Maladies”, the New Yorker Prize for Best First Book, the "PEN/ Hemingway Award, a National Humanities Medal in 2015 and was shortlisted for Los Angeles Times Award and was hailed by reviewers across the board as a writer of uncommon elegance and poise.
The collection’s “piece de resistance” is its title story. The word the interpreter evokes the roles of philosophers, or doctors, psychologists or poets or critics etc. However, Jhumpa Lahiri’s Mr Kapasi is none of the above but a translator. He translates the maladies of Gujarati patients to a doctor who does not understand Gujarati. Moreover, he is also a Secondary school teacher besides being a tourist guide.
While taking the Das family on a tour to Konark, he is drawn towards Mrs Das. He tells her that he is an interpreter. This impresses Mrs. Das and she begins to show interest in him. She romanticizes that Mr. Kapasi turned incomprehensible into comprehensible and finds an opportunity to reveal a secret that was pricking her conscience and nagging her all the time, in the hope that Mr. Kapasi would suggest a resolution of her problem.
On the way back, they halt at a tea stall where they are surrounded by monkeys. Though the children, Ronny and Tina are thrilled by them but are also scared of them, Bobby begins to play with them. Mr. Kapasi says that Bobby seems to be a very brave boy but Mrs. Das says that he is not Mr. Das’s son Mr. Kapasi becomes curious and wants to know how it was. So Mrs. Das tells him that Mr. Das invited a Panjabi friend in America to stay with him for a few days. One day, when they were together, the man touched her inappropriately to which she did not object. Immediately the man seized her and made love, and Bobby was conceived. Nobody knew the secret but she wants to know what she must do. Mr. Kapasi is baffled and unable to suggest a way out. When pressed, he asks her whether she felt pain or guilt. Mrs. Das glared at him and was about to say something but was withheld by some consideration. She opens her car and takes out a bag of puffed rice, some of which slipped through her fingers and monkeys started following her. Bobby too is attacked by them. Somehow Mr. Das rescues him and they head for the hotel.
Mr. Kapasi realizes that he has become non-existent for the Das family. The story conveys very effectively that what appears is not what is real. It appears that the Das family is happily settled in that prosperous country though it simmers with discord and unhappiness. Mr. Kapasi thinks that he has the attention of Mrs. Das but is sadly deceived.
However, another story When Mr. Pirzada came to Dine and has an altogether different message to convey. Like the title story it also deals with an Indian couple comfortably settled in Boston. Mr. Pirzada, a Pakistani from East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh, gets a scholarship to study the foliage in New England. His scholarship being very meagre, he manages his stay frugally. Lilia's father invites him for dinner and they become friends and watch news of their countries. Mr. Pirzada brings Lilia toffies and one day he brings a plastic bag filled with cinnamon hearts, which Lilia keeps in her bed-room. Mr. Pirzada tells the family that he has seven daughters and is concerned about their safety because of raging civil war and war between India and Pakistan. He tells them that he has stopped getting letters from home. This upsets Lilia. Before going to bed, she starts eating chocolate, allows it to soften in the mouth and prays for the safety of the girls. She does not rinse the mouth for fear that it would wash out the prayer. Lilia's father, mother and Mr.Pirzada get around the phone as if they are not three but one. When Mr. Pirzada returned home, Lilia's father became anxious about his and his daughter’s safety. He was relieved, when, at long last, he received a letter from Mr. Pirzada that he and his daughters were safe. Lilia took a sigh of relief and threw away the box of cinnamon hearts, as there was no longer any need to offer prayers.
This story is in sharp contrast with the title story in which the characters are restless, agilated and unstable whereas in this story they stick together notwithstanding the differences of race, religion and countries.
Another story "The Last and Final Continent" is free from tensions. It is a story of survival and fulfilment. It is a story of a man, who after initial hardships, finds love, affection and a comfortable home of his own. The stories in this collection are a kaleidoscope of sharply different themes and traits. However, they are strung together by a common thread of American experience of Indians in America. This is also the theme Bharati Mukherjee and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala are also fascinated with.
However, these writers deal with it in their own unique style. Bharati Mukherjee's heroine finds it difficult to deal with the violence implicit in the highly dynamic society of America. She is unable to cope with the violent death of her husband and love-affairs of her children and she longs for the placid and stable relationships in Indian society. She turns back Ruth Jhabvala depicts the cultural differences of the Americans and Indians and how they grate on their nerves. Jhumpa Lahiri in her first novel 'The Namesake' deals with characters who take their expatriate experience in their stride and opt for a multinational, multicultural world, without borders. In her short stories, she steers clear of cultural confrontation. She deals with characters and situations where there is no confrontation though she points out the cultural differences without a comment. All these points of views contribute to our understanding of globalization. ***

domain: literature


text:
News Unlocking the Path to Turkish Adventure: Obtaining a Turkish Visa for US Citizens
Unlocking the Path to Turkish Adventure: Obtaining a Turkish Visa for US Citizens
Turkey, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, has become an increasingly popular destination for US citizens seeking a unique travel experience. Before embarking on your Turkish adventure, it is crucial to understand the process of obtaining a Turkish visa. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the various types of Turkish visas available to US citizens, the application process, and essential requirements, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Types of Turkish Visas
a. Tourist Visa: If you plan to visit Turkey for tourism purposes, a Tourist Visa is the most common choice. It allows you to explore the country's enchanting landmarks, indulge in its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. b. Business Visa: For US citizens engaging in business-related activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating contracts in Turkey, a Business Visa is required. It grants a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. c. Student Visa: If you are a US citizen seeking to pursue an academic program or participate in an exchange program in Turkey, a Student Visa is necessary. This visa allows you to study and reside in Turkey for the duration of your educational program.
a. Online Application: To initiate the visa application process, visit the official website of the Turkish Consulate or Embassy in the United States. Complete the online application form, providing accurate and up-to-date information regarding your travel plans, personal details, and purpose of visit. b. Supporting Documents: Along with your application, you will need to submit the following supporting documents:
Valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity beyond your intended stay in Turkey.
Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets or itinerary.
Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or an invitation from a Turkish host.
Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in Turkey, such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter.
Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. For example, a business invitation letter, acceptance letter from a Turkish educational institution, or proof of employment.
c. Consular Appointment: Once you have completed the online application and gathered all the necessary documents, schedule an appointment with the Turkish Consulate or Embassy nearest to your place of residence. During the appointment, submit your application and supporting documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometric data, such as fingerprints. Visa Processing and Collection
a. Processing Time: The processing time for a Turkish visa can vary. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing. b. Passport Return: After the visa application has been processed, you will be notified to collect your passport. Depending on the consulate or embassy, you can choose to collect it in person or have it returned to you via mail. Additional Tips and Considerations
a. Validity and Multiple Entries: Ensure that your passport has enough validity and blank pages to accommodate the visa. Turkish visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry, so plan your travel accordingly. b. Health Insurance: Consider obtaining comprehensive travel health insurance to cover any unforeseen medical expenses during your stay in Turkey. c. Registering Your Stay: If you plan to stay in Turkey for an extended period, it is advisable to register your presence with the local authorities, especially if you are residing in rented accommodation.
Scroll Down for Comments and Reactions

domain: travel