text:
Latest Senior Health News
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 31 (HealthDay News) -- Caring for a parent or relative in the same zip code can be hard enough, but long-distance caregiving, which is becoming more common in an increasingly mobile society, brings with it added burdens.
By 2012, an estimated 14 million Americans will be long-distance caregivers, so many that some even have new names: "seagulls" and "pigeons."
These terms refer to family members who alight for short periods of time, make a mess for local caregivers and fly out. What they don't take into account are the pain, isolation and hassles that long-distance caregivers are dealing with on their own.
Those include financial concerns, since many people are borrowing from savings to travel at a moment's notice or to arrange child care or pet sitting during their absence, as well as emotional issues such as guilt, worry and anxiety.
"We found that long-distance caregivers were much more anxious than local caregivers, who could see what was happening [on a more frequent basis]," said Mazanec, an assistant professor of nursing at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
"Long-distance caregivers end up feeling guilty. I deal with it on a daily basis," added Dr. Nasiya Ahmed, an assistant professor of geriatric and palliative medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Family caregiving has received a lot of attention recently, but not so much for those who have to do it at a distance.
"Here's this whole group of people out there that no one is helping and they're typically part of the sandwich generation, juggling their own families and careers," said Mazanec, who is also an advance practice oncology nurse at University Hospital's Case Medical Centers Seidman Cancer Center. "It's just a real challenge."
To start finding out what these challenges were, Mazanec and her colleagues interviewed 14 caregivers of parents with advanced cancer. The caregivers lived at least 100 miles from their ailing parents.
"Across the board, folks were pretty consistent in what they were telling us," said Mazanec, who is also an advance practice oncology nurse at University Hospital's Case Medical Center's Seidman Cancer Center, also in Cleveland. "The biggest concerns were that they didn't know what's going on and felt very disconnected. They felt very much out of the loop."
They also weren't sure when was the best time to visit -- at the time of surgery or beginning of chemo -- and when they did arrive were often shocked at the changes they saw in their mom or dad.
The far-away relatives tended to mistrust information they were getting second- or third-hand from siblings or other parents, feeling that these relatives might be trying to protect them.
That's when they started asking questions about what was being done and what more could be done, upsetting their sisters, brothers and other family members who were nearby and had already been over this ground, perhaps several times.
But Mazanec feels that health care providers can do much to ease the distress of these "seagulls" and "pigeons," and thus reduce much of the distress to all parties.
Perhaps most importantly, more avenues of communication need to be opened up, she said.
"With patient permission, there's no reason why we couldn't share information [with the long-distance caregivers]," Mazanec said. "They want to hear from us what is really happening and not to have it watered down. They can certainly seek out the health care team if the health care team hasn't sought them out. Call. Email. Let them know they're out there."
"There's no reason why they can't be active participants in the care," she added.
"Maybe if they can't provide hands-on care, they could contribute by sending meals once a week, to empower them to feel part of the care, to seek out the health care team, to get information about what's going on and to feel a little more connected," Mazanec said.
Social workers can often provide a list of local resources.
Ahmed advises long-distance family members to visit as often as they can and if family and financial obligations prevent that, to have someone -- maybe a neighbor -- check on their parent at least once a week to provide updates.
Although this study looked only at caregivers of cancer patients, Mazanec feels much of the information gleaned here would be useful for caregivers in all kinds of situations.
"Information is power, and knowing what's happening helps people feel [they have] a little more control over something they have little control over," Mazanec said. "Although physical hands-on caregiving is very exhausting, emotional caregiving is actually more distressing than the physical. There are ways to feel less guilty and like you're contributing."
Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.


Banishing gloom in every room, it's Bashful Sunshine Bunny! Gorgeously golden in custard yellow, this scrummy-soft scamp is so, so snuggly. Tickle those lovely lopsy ears, boop that pink nose and flop together on warm, lazy days. Everyone needs a boost of brightness!
SAFETY & CARE
Tested against and passed ASTM requirements.
Not recommended for children under 12 months due to fibre shedding.
Hand wash only; do not tumble dry, dry clean or iron. Not recommended to clean in a washing machine.


text:
Bentley Royal King Bed End
Add to wishlist
Low in stock
Product ID - 129724
Dimensions - H: 46cm x W: 190cm x D: 44cm
Luxurious soft velvet Bed End, featuring silver ring and silver buttons. Solid timber legs. Can also be used as a bench seat. Available in four colours: Black, Blue, Grey and Venice.

domain: design


text:
This is a fantastic video from NutritionFacts.org. This is an amazing website, and a reliable source of information about nutrition (expect a LOT more from this site).
In case you don’t have time to watch this, here’s the major points (comment below if you want the peer-reviewed article PMID for any of these points):
-The cholesterol from eating just one egg a day decreases life expectancy as much as smoking FIVE cigarettes a day!
-Fibre from 1 cup of oatmeal or a handful of nuts every day is as protective as 4 hours of jogging per week.
-The intake of cholesterol in animal products gives the shortest life expectancy, intake of fibre from plants gives the longest.
-The cholesterol levels of 50% of Heart Attack victims was within “normal” levels, i.e. the advise for “normal” is too high.
-A blood cholesterol level of 150mg/dl is the average for vegan diet, and cause full cessation of atherosclerotic plaques.
-Anti-cholesterol drugs increase memory loss, confusion and development of diabetes.
-All cancer rates are lower in vegans.
-Poultry consumption is the worst for cancer, 50gr chicken breast/day triples cancer risk.
-Heme iron in meat increases colorectal cancer risk.
-Vegan blood dramatically less hospitable to cancer growth.
-Cancer-promoting IgF1 levels drop after 11 days of vegan diet, Cancer-preventing IgF1-BP levels go up.
-Vegan men have higher testosterone levels!
-Profoundly lower Breast Cancer risk in postmenopausal women on vegan diet.
-Total meat consumption is associated with weight gain.
-AFTER CONTROLLING FOR CALORIES, decrease in meat consumption improves weight management.
-250 gr. meat/day gives a 422 gr gain extra compared to a diet with the same number of calories but less meat!
– Meat intake positively associates with weight gain, and this associate persists AFTER adjusting for total energy intake!
-Suicide and depression can be prevented with a plant based diet.
-After 2 weeks of a plant-based diet, mood scores improve.
-Vegetable intake improves teenage depression, social anxiety disorder, PMS, etc.
-Plants contain serotonin and dopamine which help to improve mood, relieve depression.
Take home message: drop the animal products, eat more plants!

domain: food


Ruby Bracket Modular
The Ruby Bracket Modular is a versatile and high-quality option for lighting up your space. This product is available with several LED modules, so you can choose the right option for your needs. With full analogue dimming, hybrid dimming, or PWM dimming, you can easily customize the light output to create the perfect ambiance. Additionally, the XLR3 in / out connectors make it easy to connect your DMX line and control the light output.
Extensive collection of spot fixtures.
The applications are numerous. Basically everywhere where a downlighter is not possible or wanted.
As the Ruby series is available in high lumen outputs, the fixture is very suitable for: theatres, concert halls, event centres, churches, and atriums of large office buildings.
The Powercon TRUE in/out power connectors make it possible to daisy-chain up to 6 units on a single power outlet.
With the XLR3 in / out connectors, you can easily connect your DMX line.
Direct DMX 512 control
> Full analogue dimming
> Hybrid dimming
> PWM dimming
RGBW and Tunable White variants available
|Type||Ruby Bracket Modular, Indoor surface mounted|
|Colour||White or black|
|Optics||16º | 49º | 63º|
|Light source||High Power LED|
|Light output||8500 lumen|
|LED colours||2700K | 3000K | 4000K|
|Power consumption||Max. 45 - 90 Watt|
|Power supply||80 ~ 264|
|Driver||Driver included | Driver internal|
|Dimming||DMX512 | DMX Analog dimmable | DMX Hybrid dimmable | PWM dimmable|
|Connection||Power: Neutrik Powercon TRUE. DMX: XLR3.|
|IP rating||IP 20|
|Accessories||Reflectors in several different beam angles and a Honeycomb louvre|
|Remarks||Neutrik Powercon TRUE chassis / DMX XLR3 chassis|


text:
If you’ve ever shopped for a battery you know 1) there’s a ton, and 2) they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Gel mat batteries are no different. Understanding the pros and cons of a gel battery is the best first step in determining if this type of battery is right for you.
What Is A Gel Battery?
Before you can determine the pros and cons of a gel battery and how they will affect you, it’s important to understand what exactly a gel battery is. A gel battery is very similar to a traditional lead-acid battery with the addition of silica to the electrolyte to create the gel like substance.
This thickening of the electrolyte means that gel batteries can be installed in a variety of positions and don’t emit as many fumes.
Pro Tip: This allows for gel batteries to be used in applications where ventilation is limited.
How Does It Work?
A gel battery (often referred to as a gel cell battery) is a lead-acid battery that is valve regulated. When the electrolyte is mixed with sulphuric acid and silica, it becomes a relatively stationary gel substance.
This gel mixture allows the battery to utilize the acid and electrolyte in the same way it would with a traditional lead-acid battery, just without the added maintenance.
– Maintenance Free: Because the batteries are comprised of gel instead of liquid, there is little to no maintenance to keep the battery working properly.
– No Leaks: Even though wet cell batteries are sealed in a plastic encasement there is still the chance that it will leak. Gel batteries are also sealed but with a valve that removes excess pressure. This means that between the gel substance and the removal of pressure, there is nowhere for the mixture to go.
– Install Them Anywhere: Gel batteries have the advantage of being able to be used in virtually any position, because they don’t leak and are generally maintenance free. This greatly increases the number of applications gel batteries can be used for.
– Minimal Risk: When damage occurs to a traditional lead-acid battery you are faced with a massive and dangerous clean up (not to mention the impact on anything the battery acid may come into contact with during the process). Gel batteries will not leak out if the casing becomes damaged, so there is a reduced risk of harm coming to the equipment and clean up hazards.
– Vibration Resistant: One of the biggest complaints with wet cell batteries is that they are very susceptible to extreme vibration and other impacts. Gel batteries absorb the impact and vibrations, making them great batteries for items such as four wheelers.
– No Fumes: Because these batteries are comprised of a gel substance there are minimal fumes created as a result of use. This means that there is a reduced need for ventilation which increases the potential applications gel batteries can be used for, as well as making them easier to charge anywhere.
– Resistant To Discharge Death: When using a wet cell battery it’s important that you don’t allow the battery to discharge too much. Otherwise, it will never recharge. Gel cell batteries aren’t that way. They are deep cycle batteries which means that they can discharge more and still be recharged like new.
– The Price: While the benefits of a gel battery are pretty hefty, so is the price tag. Many people looking to switch from wet cell to gel batteries see this as the biggest drawback.
– Charging Challenged: When charging your gel battery, you’ll want to plan on giving it extra time. Slow charging cycles are pretty common with these batteries, but you can’t walk away and leave it. Because it’s a gel instead of a liquid you’ll need to take it off the charger as soon as it’s complete. To leave it on could cause voids with the electrolyte which is irreversible damage.
– Heat Control: This is truly a drawback with most batteries and gel cell batteries are no exception. Heat is one of the fastest ways to cut the lifespan of your battery short. By controlling the batteries exposure to heat, you can lengthen the life cycle and keep your battery running like new.

domain: chemistry


It's your time to look good and feel good at your next event! Christy Lane's enthusiasm will make learning these #1 dances fun! Going solo? No problem! You will learn freestyle dancing and how to practice partner dances on your own. Video DVD Menu: Line Dancing (Electric Slide, Cha-Cha Slide, The Hustle), Freestyle Dancing (Solo and 60's Dances), Novelty Dances (Chicken Dance, Conga, Hand Jive, Macarena), Partner Dancing (Slow Dancing, Waltz, 2-Step, Salsa, Swing) and Group Dances (Cotton Eyed Joe, Hora). 45 mins. (2010) DVD-All-Region.
All CD/DVD are a FINAL SALE. NO refunds or exchanges.
This item will be sent in a separate shipment and will be downgraded to USPS Media Mail. No backorders accepted.


text:
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) – The Golden Globe Awards aren’t generally known for their seriousness, yet Sunday’s ceremony will go down in history as a powerful celebration of women.
Oprah Winfrey gave a movement-defining speech after she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award. She is the first black women to accept the honor, and said she hopes it has an impact on young girls.
Winfrey also addressed the sexual misconduct scandal roiling Hollywood and beyond, telling those watching “speaking your truth is the most powerful tool you all have.”
— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 8, 2018
Also at Sunday’s Globes ceremony, Natalie Portman threw shade at the all-male directing nominees – while presenting that award – and then Geena Davis did the same for the actors. Barbra Streisand scoffed at the bleak fact that 34 years after her win, she remains the only female director to have won a Golden Globe.
For once, everyone was listening to what the women of Hollywood had to say at the Globes, which saw big wins for female-led projects like “Big Little Lies” and “Lady Bird.”
The show of black was strong as promised at Sunday’s Golden Globes.
All major stars donned the color on the red carpet in Los Angeles. That included men who swapped out traditional white tuxedo shirts for black ones to join the protest led by Hollywood’s new Time’s Up movement against sexual misconduct and harassers everywhere.
(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

domain: celebrity


text:
WARNING! Many Countries Starting To See A New Surge In COVID-19 Cases Driven By The BA.4/ BA.5 Variants And Their Subvariants Despite Less Testing!
Countries spanning from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Brazil, UAE, Denmark etc are all beginning to witness a gradual surge in SARS-CoV-2 infections despite low testing rates and scientist are warning that the new surge driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 variant
including multiple sub-variants and third generation variants that they are spawning could lead to much more devastating surge this Northern hemisphere Summer compared to previous years.
Already in the United States, 134,095 new COVID-19 infections and 438 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours with almost 28,000 people hospitalized and 3016 individuals in ICU wards. Local scientist and physicians say that the actual figures could be as high as 5 to 6-fold as many counties and states have closed their free testing facilities coupled with the fact that current ATK or rapid antigen test kits are not the least reliable in picking up these new variants.
In the United Kingdom, 12,041 new COVID-19 infections and 89 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours with about 5012 people currently hospitalized for COVID-19.
Germany saw 92,344 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours and 112 COVID-19 related deaths and there are more than 37,515 people hospitalized for COVID-19. Australia had 30,960 new COVID-19 infections and 57 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Worst hit Taiwan saw 68,961 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours and 170 COVID-19 deaths with 31,408 individuals hospitalized.
Sadly, many people are being laxed about preventive measures and taking precautions as they have been led by stupid doctors and health authorities to assume that the BA.4 and BA.5 variants will only exhibit mild or asymptomatic conditions upon infection just like the previous Omicron variants.
Unfortunately, emerging data is showing that not only is the BA.4 and BA.5 variants and their subvariants more evasive from both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity but previous infections with the BA.1 or BA.2 variants will not protect one from getting infected again.
Furthermore, the new BA.4 and BA.5 variants are not only more pathogenic and fusogenic but they are able to utilize the TMPRSS2 protein more effectively for viral entry and also replicate faster in the lungs and other tissues.
In terms of Long COVID, these new variants are expected to cause more problems.
With most countries relaxing border controls and also preventive COVID-1 measures, this summer surge is expected to cause more casualties.
The Washington University’s IHME modelling platform predicts that another 695,000 individuals would die from now till the 1st of October 2022 from a optimistic perspective.
Thailand Medical News
is however more pessimistic and predicts that that more than 1.4 million people will die during this period including considering excess deaths due to COVID-19.
It should be also be noted that with so much mutations and changes to to the Mpro structures of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants and sub-variant, whatever known antivirals or compounds that could have been effective for the past variants, will no longer be effective to deal with these new variants, that includes everything spanning from remdesivir, paxlovid, molnupiravir, ivermectin, nigella sativa, quercetin, glycyrrhizin,
artemisinin, nitazoxanide etc.
Due to changes in the pathogenesis and the way the new variants affects the immune system, anti-inflammatory agents like fluvoxamine (Note fluvoxamine has no antiviral properties against the SARS-CoV-2 virus despite fake claims by certain charlatans), colchicine, melatonin etc will not work with these new variants.
Also expect more ARDs issues and the need for ventilators and oxygen supplies with these new cases.
For more on the BA.4 and BA.5 variants
, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News

domain: medical


My latest selection in the forty days of biography reading takes me into the life of a current world leader, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation. Seen as as staunch anti-American and anti-West, Putin’s rise and hold of power in Russia came about through interesting means, as recounted by Steven Lee Myers. Having lived and worked through the political metamorphosis of the USSR, Putin’s story is one that the reader will likely find captivating as well as frustrating, as Lee pulls no punches while offering a well-rounded piece, full of first-hand accounts and behind the scenes vignettes. How long Putin will hold the reins of power is anyone’s guess, though the recent inauguration of Donald Trump may have finally created a leader with whom Putin can co-exist happily. I mean, he did pave the way to rig the US election, didn’t he?
Born to meagre parents during the waning days of Stalin’s reign of terror, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin arrived after his siblings all perished. Raised to respect his father and love his mother, Putin soon found himself drawn to all things athletic, with a special fondness for judo. Putin’s love of this form of martial arts would prove symbolic in the decades to come, as its focus is to use the momentum from one’s opponent to win, rather than direct attack. Putin’s attention in school found him able to enter post-secondary with little hesitation, where his studies and physical acumen soon drew the attention of the KGB. Well-suited for the group, Putin was secretive and able to hold himself in check, entering training school on the outskirts of Moscow, where he would not reveal his identity while learning the art of deception and espionage. He was soon sent to East Germany with his wife and young family, where he took up a post in Dresden, learning the language and the culture in the mid-80s. Putin witnessed the declawing of the Soviet Bear and the disintegration of Communism in Germany first hand while in Dresden, as the dominoes began to fall and the region began falling into turmoil. Called back to Moscow, Putin brought his family back and waited to see what would come of his homeland and communism, the only ideology known to generations of Russians. When all hope seemed lost, Putin joined the FSB, the organization that rose from the KGB ashes, and sought to accept things as best he could. Catching the eye of Boris Yeltsin, the new Russian president and man who sought to steer the country out of the doldrums. Putin’s success grew exponentially when he abandoned the Russia of his childhood.
Lee attributes Putin’s first taste at political power to his choice to serve as deputy mayor of Petersburg, one of the largest cities in the country. Putin was able to shape policies and helped to create stability under a quasi-democratic system, something that many citizens could not yet properly understand. However, as with any new system, corruption was the only language spoken and Putin found himself in the middle of scandals as his boss sought to hold onto power however possible. Seeking to make more of a name for himself and still being touted as a man with potential, Putin headed to Moscow and worked alongside Yeltsin, eventually taking a role as head of the FSB, which led to a position on the National Security Council. Yeltsin was loved in the West, but had an iron fist as he ran the newly minted democratic Russia, tossing aside opposition and weak prime ministers who would not do his bidding. When Putin was given the chance at being PM in 1999, many saw his selection as the kiss of death. Putin accepted and tried to work alongside Yeltsin, as changes in the country continued to take effect. When Yeltsin’s health took a turn for the worse, fate would offer Putin the chance to rise up and assume the role of President of Russia, which began a taste of real power and something that he would never willingly cede, even when constitutionally guided.
Putin’s ascension to the Russian presidency brought him more power than he had ever had and, for a time, offered Russia a vibrant leader with fresh ideas. Seen as new blood for Russia, Putin was hailed by the world as a leader with whom others could work and under which democracy had a real chance. However, as Lee insinuates throughout the book, it was this elevation that turned Putin from the quiet man into the autocratic leader known today. Power surely corrupts and Putin did not take long to grip the reins of power tightly. Opposition, while praised in democracy, was all but silence or bullied into submission, be it within the Russian borders or on the world stage. Putin turned the country away from its democratic toddling and towards a return to the centralized power structure that kept Stalin as leader for so long. Critics were shunned, jailed or worse, and Putin sought to quell the criticism of world leaders by tossing out his own epithets. Infamous stories of poisonings and repressive acts to pull neighbouring countries in line were coloured only by Putin’s war with Chechen rebels, whose fight paralleled the radical muslim fighting that Bush 43 faced in his two illegal wars in Asia. Putin was prepared to paint himself as the protector of Russia, though drew up his own rules and form of democracy to fit his own needs. Perhaps a saving grace, Putin sought not to rewrite the constitution to fit his megalomania, but agreed to abide by the two-term limits as president, with his own little twist. In a game of bait and switch, Lee elucidates how Putin was able to bring Dmitri Medvedev up the ranks to run as president, then have himself chosen as Russian Prime Minister. While PM, Putin ran the show and left Medvedev to act as a figurehead. Lee offers numerous examples of Putin’s wrangling and eventual puppeteering as Medvedev willingly allowed his apparently underling run the show, only to orchestrate this own return to the presidency thereafter. Brilliantly executed, though baffling as he snubbed all this democratic, Putin mastered the art of appearing to follow the rules only to twist them to his favour. A return to power then allowed Putin to shove constitutional changes to the length of the presidential term through the Duma, allowing him six year terms and a tighter grip on all this Russian. This is where he stands now, with new elections expected in 2018, so far a foregone conclusion. New examples of suppression of critics emerge during this presidential resurrection, including Pussy Riot, a rock band whose scandalous songs saw them put on trial as the world watched. Putin proved drunk on power and would not accept guidance from anyone, only further isolating himself from his fellow leaders and increasingly from the public. However, as the apt reader and political scientist will realise, even with increasing dislike for the president, without a viable alternative, Putin’s reign as the new dictatorial tsar will not end, even if he must play another round of bait and switch to lead well into his eighth decade.
I am no expert in international politics, but it seems apparent, through all I know and from what Lee has presented so well in this book, that Putin sought to fill the vacuum left by communism with his own form of autocratic rule. Swinging the pendulum away from the ideological left to a deeply entrenched right-of-centre approach, Putin has been able to fill the minds of his citizens with the fear that was common during the Stalin era, where opposition disappeared as soon as it arose. Ice picks to the head have been replaced with polonium pellets in food and vicious attacks by Russian forces. Lee shows the disintegration of support by those world leaders who would have, at one time, been staunch allies (Bush 43, Chirac) and eventually became guarded or spoke out openly against the way Putin acted on the world scene. While Lee’s book appeared on newsstands before the 2016 US General Election, it is interesting that Russia (read: Putin) might have played a role in bringing The Great Xenophobe to power, which is currently stirring up Capitol Hill with allegations. Whatever comes of it, Putin has shown that he will not allow anyone to stand in his way when he wants something. He is apt to take it and worry about the consequences later. Troubling? Maybe a little for a country that is still reeling from decades of have its citizens unable to shape the political landscape.
Lee’s writing is so fluid and easy to comprehend that I am left to praise him for this piece. The biography is so full of information, though told in such a way that the reader is not overwhelmed. These attributes keep the reader wanting to learn more and delve deeper into the life of this world leader. The attention to detail that Lee provides is indicative of extensive research and thoughtful preparation, which keeps the reader informed and entertained at the same time. Vignettes flow together with ease and Putin’s persona grows with each building chapter. While it is hard not to inject bias into the writing, Lee does try to round out the narrative as best he can, though it is hard not to see the power intoxication that Putin develops. Any reader curious about this more elusive world leader need look no further than this piece, which offers much insight into where Russia is headed, with no real opposition that can quell the Putin superstructure. While criticism continues to mount within the country, until a formidable political opposition can present itself, Putin and his cronies will rule with an iron fist, needing no curtain to isolate themselves from the world.
Kudos, Mr. Myers for this brilliant piece. I can only hope that many will take the time to read this and see the monster behind the idyllic mask who has turned Russia on its head yet again.


At this stage in A$AP Rocky’s career, it’s virtually impossible to predict what his third studio album should sound like. The Harlem artist has transcended any semblance of a generic “rapper” title–having emerged quickly as runway fodder from the moment his debut Live. Love. A$AP arrived in 2011, so since then he’s straddled the line between musician and fashion icon. By 2013’s Long. Live. A$AP he was just finding his creative footing, still experimental but slowly bulking up his rolodex. And now we’re at what feels like the final installment of this trilogy, At. Long. Last. A$AP bka A.L.L.A.
Rocky held his official A.L.L.A. listening session yesterday evening in New York City’s Red Bull Studios in Chelsea. The two-floor venue was everything but secretive about the event, as the outside wall of Red Bull had a gigantic lightbox displaying the A.L.L.A. album cover–where Rocky is wearing the signature birthmark of his fallen friend-slash-manager A$AP Yams who passed away in January. Once granted access to the venue, however, it was the equivalent of an Illuminati meeting. Phones, laptops, and anything with a battery pulse were taken away, as a mini reception with hors d’oeuvres were served upstairs before everyone was ushered to the downstairs area for the official listening. Red Bull was naturally the beverage of choice, but the other two options were symbolically champagne and PBR, which is exactly where A$AP Rocky sits within the music industry. Sometimes flashy, sometimes hipster, Rocky is that artist who navigates through both worlds seamlessly. He arrived at Red Bull Studios around 10pm, apologizing for his hour tardiness, and stood behind two turntables and an iPhone ready to do this.
Continue reading on Billboard.


text:
School on the streets for Jakarta's kids
Every Sunday, about 100 of Jakarta's poorest kids join a class underneath a flyover of one of the city's highways. Indonesia correspondent Helen Brown joins them.
Source: ABC News | Duration: 59sec
Friday's FIFA presidential election is the first item on the agenda following the arrest of senior football executives on corruption charges.
ABC's Chris Uhlmann analyses the Government's motives on voting whether to allow same-sex marriage.
While the addition of 6,500 new words to a Scrabble dictionary has outraged some, it makes the lexicon relevant and contemporary according to wordsmith David Astle.

domain: news


text:
How long does Ambien stay in your system after you've quit taking it /answers/ambien-how-long-it-stays-in-system-drug-test-for-393765.html. Ask A Pharmacist: How long does Ambien stay in ones system after ingesting 1 10mg tablet? Answer: Hello and thank you for your question! Compared to many drugs, Ambien (Zolpidem) does not last very long in the body. In healthy. Also, individuals with a higher percentage of body fat will remove Ambien quickly A blood test is an invasive technique of detecting drugs in one's system.
Variables that influence how long Ambien stays in your system. Although we understand Types of Ambien Drug Tests (Zolpidem Detection). 1 Answer - Posted in: ambien, drug test - Answer: The half life of Ambien up on drug tests and how long does .5mg Valium stay in your body? Because of Ambien's quick absorption into the body, and short half life, it doesn't stay in the blood long.
Urine testing can detect Ambien for a few days after taking the medication, but for exposure further in the past, hair testing is the best way to detect Ambien. I had a saliva drug test that next morning and it came back as THC, stay in your system for at least a week or longer depending on how much.
While Ambien itself will not show up in a urine drugs test, it has been known to cause a You may need to show proof as to why you have that in your system. Though Ambien use will not likely be detectable on a basic drug screening, there are a variety of tests that can detect it. Testing urine can detect metabolites that are a kept weight off after phentermine of Ambien use This may remain detectable in urine for up to 72 hours after use.
Urine testing is the most common way to test for Ambien use.
© 2018 ekoservis-kuban.ru


text:
When real life couples get together in real life, it is an absolute treat for the fans. But when they actually get married and vow to be together till death do them part, it feels like a celebration like no other! Rarely do we see our favourite on-screen couples tie the knot and it feels nothing less of a fairytale. Kit Harington a.k.a. Jon Snow got married to Rose Leslie a.k.a. Ygritte had their nuptials yesterday and it was a royal wedding people wanted to be broadcasted live. The couple met on the sets of Game of Thrones and shared an on-screen romance which apparently turned to a real-life romance. Long story short, they are going to spend their life together! Let’s see what our favourite GOT stars wore to the wedding of the year:
Kit Harrington arrived in a taxi at his own wedding! All ready to take his girl away!
Rose Leslie arrived in the most beautiful bridal gown that certainly must have taken her groom’s breath away!
Maisie Williams and Sophie Williams are best friend goals! They color coordinated their outfits!
The Khaleesi went pink for Jon Snow!
Peter Dinklage looks dashing all suited up!
Ah! Our favourite Liam Cunningham chose the best tie color!
The boys of GOT! Who knew they looked so handsome in some well-worn clothes!
Oh, and here’s the couple after being announced man and wife!
No bloodshed during this one! What did you think of the wedding? Let us know in the comments below!


Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.
MG MGB Technical - MGB upgrade - good value??
Have been dipping into this site for some time now. I have a 67 mgb roadster which although the bodywork is excellent, the mechanicals need some tlc. I am considering various options, whther to go V8, VVC or upgrade a standard unit.
I have taken some advice and it has been suggested that the following would be suitable.
1800cc, lightened & balanced, mild road cam & Stage II head work with tubular manifold & sports exhaust. Electronic ignition, electric fan, K&N air filters and alternator.
Strip & rebuild gearbox. New clutch, hoses, water pump, spots coil, distributor.
Servo brakes & master cylinder, braided flexible hoses, Brembo discs & V* EBC pads.
Updraded front & rear bushes to PU and stiffer anti roll bar & mounts. Upgrade leaf springs. Change tyres to 185 70 R14s.
I plan to use the car for occasional long trips, over to France, blasts in the country etc. Needs to be driveable. No plans for racing/track days.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Have been quotes about 7.5k for all of this by Maidstone Sports Cars. Seems a bit steep but it is the first quote I have had.
|D J L Moore|
|if you don't want to do some racing you don't need to change all this stuff ?! you will lose the original aspect ... I would say (however my knowledge is modest) if you change for K&N air filters, alternator, manifold & exhaust, distributor, brakes (if they are crap)it's enough i would say to have a car starting first try and enough performance ... for a smaller price of course.. just a girl's advice though|
|As far as a V8 goes, you'd be far better buying one already converted, spending a little fixing it up and selling your current car. That could give you an excellent V8 for a lot less out of your pocket than £7.5k! A top notch X flow engine is about £3.5k, and that will give a lot more power than you currently would get from your changes. No way the rest of the work should be costing anything close to £4k IMHO. If I were you I'd consider calling Chris Betson at Octarine Services (google that will get to his website). He is very helpful with sound advice and good prices. |
Do you really need to do all this? It all seems a bit extreme and expensive!
|I D Cameron|
|It has been my experience that many of the mods we do create more maintenance issues than they solve. If you want a driver, and do not plan to beat the thing to death, then I would not do much to the trany or engine unless they are showing signs of old age. Changing the bits that hang on the engine may be a good idea. Keep your dizzy and get a pertronix ignitor.|
You do not mention carbs, but I have NEVER seen a set of matured SUs that did not need to be re-built due to throttle shaft wear. These go a long way in fixing low speed drivability issues.
Brakes and suspension are a good idea. Keep it soft if you want to cruise. The braided lines are wonderful. The rest is just bling and not worth the money for a street car.
7.5 thousand pounds amounts to around 20 thousand canadian. For that, you could buy the best MG in Canada and still ship it over to england. I now have Maidstone on my list of people I would not want to work wit.
|Hi there DJL Moore,|
My tuppence worth - my BGT (1973) is completely standard in all aspects, other than the airfilters are of the cheapo-pancake variety (work great - dont let anyone (esp a salesman) tell you otherwise!). Everything else is standard, but, and its an important but, it is all in good condition. so, my brakes are well serviced,suspension good nick, my carbs adjusted and balanced, and my timing set correctly, and the points plug leads etc are renewed annually - the result is a car which is more than able to cope with country road balsts one day and mundane motorway driving the next - it sits happy at 75mph on the motorway, plenty more leftover, just dont see the need myself. iuse it as my day to day driver, and enjoy every minute. so in essence, i would say get the standard running gear up to scratch first, and blow the spare money you have saved on something else, like drink, leather seats and carnuba wax (my own preference, in order), or then decide to do some clever stuff like a new polished and ported cylinder head or something fancy like that. these cars may not be fast cars as compared to todays sports cars, but they more than hold their own under the full range of driving conditions in my opinion. and this way you still have an MGB, as opposed to a shell with a new car underneath.
my, i have become extremely boring over the last 6 months since i bought the car - prior to this i would have said get a jet engine! thats how impressed i am with the way a 33 year old car drives and handles.
|Somebody thought you had deep pockets and jumped on the bandwagon. For the type of work you are doing by all means a recon engine with a Burgess head and just maybe a mild cam K&Ns etc but not much more. Make sure that the gearbox is OK if not fit a recon but make sure you install an overdrive if not yet fitted. Full brake overhaul to standard spec but fit a servo which will make the car easier to drive.|
Now, the man to speak to without any doubt is Chris Betson at Octarine Services who specialises in all things MG and will be better ploaced to advise that any of us. He can also carry out the work if you wish and to very high standards. Speak to him before you go any further.
I agree with Iain: the price you mentioned seems quite steep indeed! If you look around, you can see that £7.5k can buy you a very nice MGB or even a V8!
The current engine in my car could be described as a 'top notch xflow' engine and was built by Chris Betson. It produces heaps of power compared to the original unit, doesn't really consume more petrol if driven in the same manner and certainly didn't cost £7500. The address of his site is: http://www.octarine-services.co.uk , you can see the build process of my engine if you click on 'Alex's 1950cc crossflow engine'.
Chris offers different configurations and options, so you can get an engine that suits you, your driving style and possibly your wallet ;-)
|You mention rebuilding your gedarbox. If you are going to this amount of work, would not a 5 speed conversion not be a better idea?|
|In a single word NO. This opens up a whole new can of worms. Chris Betson is still best qualified to comment here but to me a 5 speed would spoil the whole MG driving experience. Third gear is a wonderful gear for village and country lanes where overdrive can be flicked in and out with the greatest of ease. Having to change from 4th to 3rd repeatedly to achieve this same thing would be an absolute pain in the butt. The same thing of course applies to 4th gear but not to the same extent as the very useful 3rd/3rd overdrive combination. Take this to its logical conclusion and you would be as well buying a Mazda MX 5|
|Really good to get so many different opinions on this. |
I will certainly talk to Octarine as a comparison. The total cost included 4 new tyres, s/steel boot rack and a few other bits & pieces. The posting would have been a bit too long to itemise absolutely everything lol.
Keep it coming, all very useful.
|D J L Moore|
|I am rebuilding my B completely and I have kept it pretty much stock for now. I did change the low compression pistons for the high compressions ones and also replaced the stock air filters with K&Ns since the originals are just plainly silly. Other small changes are losing the RBs and going to 15 inch 185 tyres. Other than that everything else has just been refurbished and rebuilt. I figure I will get the car going pretty much stock then start worrying about the go faster bits.|
I have a standard 1964 MGB which is a joy to drive.
The engine changed very little and the suspension
and brakes virtually not at all in 18 years of MGB production.
A standard 1967 car is probably seen as the the
most desirable spec.
The standard MGB engine is torquey and suits the car, so why change it especially at a high cost when a recon 1800 engine and gearbox would be little over £1000 plus fitting.
|R J Collier|
|DJL - I'm with the others, keep things as they are and make them work well. All of my money for restoring our 66 MGB went into making it reliable. It is now our everyday transportation vehicle and is taken on our annual trip from Seattle to Los Angles (about 2500 miles round trip). The car keeps up well with freeway traffic (70 - 80 mph) and the only problems we have ever encountered were flat tires (went to alloy wheels and not furtherer problems) and one failed fuel pump (permanently installed a back up pump so that if it happens again, I won't have to change the pump at the side of the road). The best approach is to keep it simple. Cheers - Dave|
|my car has got bigger vavles in the head. the rest is entirely stock and the noyl modification i would make over this is to raise the cruising gear as my engine will pull the car up and down any hill on the motorway, and on a slight throttle opening. I check timing, tappets and plugs every 2months. and always spend the time setting the timing up right. mine sits perfectly in the middle of where it should be. I rebuilt my own carbs.|
if i was doing what your doing, then i would be inclined to go for the peco exhaust, the same head as mine and perhaps bigger tyres
|Have the engine rebuilt with 1860cc, fit a stage2-head and a slightly hotter cam. If your gearbox is wek go the 5-speed-route. I transforms the driveability of the car enormously without spoiling the Mg-experience. I know, I fitted an LT77-box from an SD1 to my Mk1 in 1984 and have driven more than 100000 miles since them, problaby even 150.000.|
The currently used Ford-gearboxes are even better than the LLT77-unit and much easier to fit: I had to design and build the complete setup including bellhousing back in 1984 by myself!
On tyres: fir 185/70-15 on 5 or 5,5 inch wheels or go the 15" route and fit 185/65-15 on wires. Gives the car look much more stance and still looks absolutely period and correct!
Just my 2 Eurocents :-))
|I completely agree with Iain M on the 5 speed issue. 3rd/3rd OD is great. I just love flicking the switch on the dash rather than doing the gear stick. With the dash mounted switch (which your car should have as well) I can reach the switch without taking my hand from the steering wheel. Not sure if the stalk or gearstick mounted OD switch would be as convinient/fun. If you car has no OD currently then this should be addressed. A long trip to France would be a pain at the kind of 4th gear revs you'd be doing on the autoroute. You will need to decide whether to fit an OD unit or convert to 5 speed. It is one of those issues that tend to completely polarise opinion, with half saying they love the OD and half saying a Ford box is the way to go.|
|I D Cameron|
|Personally, I can't see it as progress to go from six speed to a five speed but I've never driven a 5-speed conversion so I accept I could be deluded. Even so, I do enjoy the change in expression of my more blasť friends when they realise they don't know how to drive my car. You won't get that with 5-speed.|
|A 5 speed conversion might be fine if you are doing big mileages on autobahns where gearchanging is fairly infrequent but for some of the undivided carriegeways and country lanes in the UK nothing beats the flexibility of the overdrive and the ease with which it can be flicked in and out and so reducing wear on the whole of the clutch system. Third gear and overdrive can jointly be used from as low as 10mph right up to near legal speed limits and without using a foot or taking a hand off the wheel. A 5 speed transmission would need maybe second gear, third and fourth to achieve this and the same back down again. I believe that those with 5 speed conversions are missing this great experience.|
Developments have taken place on the uogrades. Have had a good chat with Chris at Octarine, a guy who certainly knows his stuff, and is very keen to share his knowledge.
The plan is as follows:-
1868cc u/l engine, Piper 270 cam (tba) & Stage II head. Fully balanced inc flywheel, fuel pump, plugs etc
New SU carbs with larger needles and K&N filter
New standard exhaust & tubular manifold
Recon gearbox with o/d
Polybushes all round, uprated front roll bar
4 tyres - ? Avon SV3 195/70 R14
New discs and EBC greenstuff pads
I feel this will retain the original character of the car, won't break the bank, and will ensure it is fun to drive bith in our country lanes and on longer jaunts abroad.
|D J L Moore|
|We'll all be very keen to find out how this works out. Keep us informed.|
if you want somewhat tasty that rarly gives the kick, you must opt for a V8 conversion (SD1 or higher and Rover LT 77 or later gearbox, EFI or 4bbl carb).
The stage 2 1868 with all ballaned crankgear, lightend, bluprinted, fitted with Piper 285 lightend valve gear, lager valves and carbs, flat top pistons, flowed cylinder head, Peco big bore exhaust is a pretty thing to drive and I love my roadster very much, but when I want to have fun with the B, I have it driving my GTV8.
Can't compare it, it is like chalk and cheese. Try an eye on the side of the V8 Register. Drive a V8 for a test and you will know what you have missed in the past.
|DJL, that's a hot setup - very similar to what I run. Very reliable with enough hp to have some fun! And you know if Chris says its good, its good!|
|Seems a shame to change a MkI car that has lasted this long too dramatically. I think the K+Ns + manifold etc is about right. A bit better breathing , accurate timing and new plug leads etc nad the car will be fine. On the suspension a 3/4" front anti roll bar plus recon shocks and replace suspion bushes with new V8 ones etc will be all you need to get a car that ride and handle sreally well. The MGb has survived this long because it was a good car from the off.|
|As much as possible, with the exception being a few nuts and bolts, V8 bushings and 175/14 tires, I drove a "show car" 8000 miles in three weeks in last summer's searing heat of the Pacific Northwest..and everything in between--coast to coast. Exceeded 100 mph numerous times for long stretches. Ran all day long at 75 to 80mph. Not one single issue nor misfire. If the car is right, its right--even in stock form. |
|Paul in Maryland|
8000 miles in three weeks...Fantastic & some testimonial!!
Was this in a 42 year old 64B?
|R J Collier|
|Have given a lot of thought to the options and whilst it would be nice to retain the original spec exactly as it is, I dont want to treat the car as a museum piece. Frankly, improvements such as electronic ignition and the like would have eventually been added to the car had it been further developed by the manufacturer.|
Views seem to be fairly polarised between V8 and bog standard, and there is a view that says why change it at all if the changes dont turn the MG into a V8 muscle car.
That I think would completely change the character of the car, and whilst some have said you might as well buy an Mx5 or Honda S2000 I do think that is missing the point somewhat. If I wanted V8 performance I would probably go for a TVR or suchlike. I've owned much quicker cars, some fast Audis and a Lotus Elise. As a pre 72 there is no road tax to pay, and it only costs about £120 a year to insure for both of us (age 35 & 28) fully comp and unlimited mileage!!
The beauty of the MG is that is will not depreciate if looked after, the bodywork is absolutely prisine and again will not cost a lot to maintain if looked after. The main running gear and electrics will be pretty much new or reconditioned.
The MG is there for sunny days, and the improvements will help with a bit of extra oomph for overtaking, having fun in country lanes and keeping up with friends who have more modern cars.
|D J L Moore|
|I'm slowly working my way to getting my 71 GT to run as a reliable daily driver in well-kept fairly stock condition. Done a couple of reliability-focused upgrades, namely the fusebox, alternator and improved headlamp setup. Brakes are done, and I'm currently awaiting uprated shocks to arrive. V8 bushings, new coils and springs are next with hopefully 14" minilite-style wheels to top her off. If I had 7500, I'd get all my wishlist quickly done and then some!|
These cars are always a work in progress, particulalry as daily drivers. Of course you'll never get them as fast as a modern sports car, but do you want/need to? Well set up, there's plenty of juice for overtaking, and with speed limits, I'd FAR rather drive my MG with gusto than a $200,000 Astin Marton in 2nd gear. Yawn. I prefer to "drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow"! Always wanted to test out a GTV8 though....
|Great decision. I went through a similar process with my '67 Roaster and it's been transformed from an old and wheezy runner (back) into a sports car. You'll love it.|
As I said earlier I think it would be a shame to put a V8 in an early MGB, but I am not a concourse buff,and whilst I prefer to keep the standard look, I don't object to upgrades that make it more driveable.
Having said that, as Stan says the car was "right" from the start and there were very few "upgrades" to the suspension,steering, brakes etc etc in 18 years production and this back's Stans statement up.
Curtis is quite right,you can enjoy a standard MGB's performance and handling to the limit.You actually have to drive the car!!
On todays roads you could probably only use a quarter of a DB9's. Without the DB9's ABS & traction control etc the car would too powerful!!
Good luck on whatever option you take!
|R J Collier|
Correct,sir. Car#22909--built in 1963, '84, '91 and again in '02!
Mine's car 35408 April 64, ex USA rebuilt in UK 96,
But never gone 100mph in it or 8000m in three weeks,
that must be some rebuild!
|R J Collier|
This thread was discussed between 07/02/2006 and 09/02/2006
MG MGB Technical index
This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGB Technical BBS is active now.


text:
David Wallace Deuces, a top member of the Arab Money Gang Business and Inner Real Life CEO got involved in a car accident a day prior to his birthday.
From photos we’ve sighted shows his car was seriously damaged.
The social media influencer, AMG Deuces in a post has said he’s fine and unhurt even thou his accident was serious.
In his latest post on social media, he noted that his accident was terrible and he thanked God for saving his life. His car was damaged but he stated he’s going to fix it.
The Inner Real Life ceo wrote;
‘Happy birthday to me 🎁🎁❤😘….I had a terrible accident yesterday a day before my birthday but nothing happened to me just that my car got damaged and it’s up for repairs ,This shows how much God loves me ,I will always be grateful ❤🙏…God is great 🙏🎁🎁🎁🎁”
See his post below
Below is how terrible his accident was;


text:
Sugar-sweetened beverages are hurting everyone, and just about everyone is drinking too much of them.
But the largest meta-analysis of its kind just found that some people are more likely to overindulge than others: Young men in the Caribbean consumed more sugary drinks per capita than any other adults in the world, almost 3.5 servings per person each day, according to a report published in the scientific journal Plos One.
The finding comes on the heels of a June article in the journal Circulation that examined the public health impact of sugary drink consumption. The same team of researchers conducted both studies and reached a conclusion: Sugary drinks cause preventable deaths and disabilities in high-, middle- and low-income countries.
The Plos One meta-analysis looked at 196 surveys in 187 countries, each survey including sugar-sweetened beverage, milk and fruit juice intake among adults. It was the first study of such large scope, according to Gitanjali Singh, an assistant professor at Tufts University and the lead author of both studies.
The researchers found that Latin American and Caribbean residents consumed the most sugary beverages, defined in the survey as non-alcoholic drinks containing more than 50kcal per 8-ounce serving, including soda, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, pre-sweetened iced tea and homemade sugar-sweetened beverages.
South Asian countries consumed the fewest sugary beverages. Globally, men and younger adults aged 20 to 39 consumed more sugary drinks than older adults and women. The study didn’t include children or adolescents.
More sugary drinks mean more disease
In the study published in Circulation, the researchers attributed 184,000 worldwide deaths per year — from diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer — to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
“These beverages have an impact on health outcomes,” Singh said. “Consistent with the patterns of intake, the disease burdens were highest in Latin America and the Caribbean, and were highest in younger age groups, proportionally,” she added.
Lest we feel superior about our sugary drink consumption in the United States, note that the U.S. ranked 26th out of 187 countries for the most sugary beverages consumed, amounting to 1 serving per person, per day. That’s more than double the number of sweetened beverages that residents of the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia consume.
Extensive research shows that sugary drinks a major contributor to obesity in the United States. The obesity epidemic costs the country an estimated $190 billion per year, treating obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer, according to the Harvard School of Health.
Predictably, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are not fans of such research
In response to the publication of studies warning of the health dangers of soft drinks, such as obesity, Coca-Cola hired its own experts and funded its own studies. These Coca-Cola-funded studies have overwhelmingly produced results that reinforce the company’s message that lack of exercise, not sugary beverages, are to blame for the obesity epidemic.
Beverages studies with a financial conflict of interest — like those funded by Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and the American Beverage Association — were five times more likely to report that there was no correlation between soda consumption, weight gain and obesity than independent studies, according to a report published in the journal Plos Medicine in 2013.
‘Big Soda’ also influences local legislation
When local governments float legislation to curb America’s sweet tooth, it nearly always fails. That’s in large part because of the country’s powerful beverage lobby, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and the ABA — companies that stand to lose considerable profits if Americans eschew soda in favor of tap water.
— Lori (@TheResident)
September 22, 2012
New York and Chicago legislators both pushed for anti-soda legislation in recent years and failed. In 2012, when Chicago’s City Council proposed a soda tax, Coca-Cola intervened, donating $3 million to community centers in the city. It was an initiative in keeping with the company line that lack of exercise, not soda, is to blame for the country’s obesity crisis.
And in New York City in 2013, Pepsi did its part to halt then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s soda ban that prohibited businesses from selling sugar-sweetened beverages larger than 16 ounces. The soda giant plastered its trucks (like the one pictured above) with propaganda that framed the soda ban as a battle between Big Government and personal freedoms. The measure was struck down as unconstitutional by the state’s highest court the following year.
In California, a soda-tax bill failed in San Francisco in 2014, the same year that the nation’s first soda tax passed in nearby Berkeley. The succesful bill’s passage was not without opposition: The American Beverage Association raised $2.4 million to fight the bill in Berkeley, which has a population of only 116,000 residents. They raised $9.1 million to help kill the bill in San Francisco.
We should take a page from Mexico’s soda tax
In Mexico, where more than 32 percent of adults are obese, the rising disease burden from obesity-related illness prompted public health legislation in the form of a 10 percent tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. It went into effect in January 2014.
Although there was backlash against the tax at the time of implementation — critics, some of whom worked for the beverage industry, argued that the tax would hurt sugar-cane growers and poor Mexicans — the results so far have been largely positive.
Sales of sugar-sweetened beverages fell 6 percent in 2014, and 12 percent in the last half of the year, The Guardian reported. Among low-income households, the results were even more profound, with sales falling 9 percent over the course of the year and 17 percent in the later half of the year. Clearly, Mexico is doing something right.
These early results aren’t conclusive, in that fewer people buying soda doesn’t necessarily mean that obesity is decreasing. But for Singh, regional public health policies are a step toward lessening the world’s disease burden. “Our study provides a basis for informing targeted policy development,” she said. “Our work suggests that things like [Mexico’s soda tax] are needed.”
Also on HuffPost:

domain: health


text:
Excerpt from 100 Years of Buffalo Broadcasting
AHK (as he referred to himself) or Mr. Kirchhofer (as everyone else referred to him) was the man in charge of WBEN Radio before there was a WBEN Radio.
His influence was key in the News’ purchase of the station in 1930. From 1927 until his retirement in 1967, Kirchhofer ran and expanded a News Empire that included The Buffalo Evening News and added WBEN Radio in 1930, in 1936 added WEBR Radio (then a News property), WBEN-FM in 1946, and WBEN-TV in 1948.
Despite his founding of four broadcast outlets, Kirchhofer was first and foremost a newspaper man. After joining the Buffalo Evening News in 1915, he opened the News’ Washington Bureau, and became a familiar figure to Presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover, all the while being Buffalo’s eyes and ears in the nation’s capital.
Realizing the potential for radio beyond selling newspapers, Kirchhofer developed a staff of radio writers and newsmen for WBEN and put the station on top to stay for decades.
The FM and television stations developed under Kirchhofer were not only Buffalo’s first, but among the first in the nation.
Even as much of the broadcasting world reflected the changes in society through the 50s, 60s, and 70s, the staunch conservative content and dry delivery at the News Stations was a direct result of Kirchhofer’s editorial approach.
His News style book included a section titled, “avoid mentioning hideous creatures.” Rats and snakes became rodents and reptiles. Women weren’t “pregnant” but with child on the pages of The News, and “motherhood is not treated as a situation comedy.”
The approach made the News Stations “The Stations of Record” for generations.
Over the more than 15 years Bob Glacy spent at WGR Radio and later WGR-TV, he did just about everything from newscasts to disc jockey to hosting Ch.2’s TV Dance Party.
Later on WEBR, he hosted “Coffee Break” between 10 and noon from the fourth floor Civic Room of the downtown Sample Shop at 554 Main Street.
“Glacy will be seated in a glass studio shaped like a coffee-maker. Shoppers will be able to watch the broadcast and have coffee and rolls. Relaxed music will be geared to the housewife and home-bound office worker.”
This page is an excerpt from 100 Years of Buffalo Broadcasting by Steve Cichon
The original 436-page book is available along with Steve’s other books online at The Buffalo Stories Bookstore and from fine booksellers around Western New York.
©2020, 2021 Buffalo Stories LLC, staffannouncer.com, and Steve Cichon

domain: history


text:
“War Savings Stamps to Be Sold in Nation,” from the Watauga Democrat, November 22, 1917
Washington, Nov. 13—Plans were announced tonight by Secretary of the
Treasury McAdoo for a nation-wide campaign for the sale of $2,000,000,000 worth
of war savings certificates. He has created a war savings committee, of which
Frank A. Vanderlip, the noted New York financier and banker, is chairman, to
float these certificates, and the sales will begin on Monday, December 3.
Any person may invest amounts as small as 25 cents at a time at post offices
and other places were accredited persons will act as selling agents. After the
sales begin the certificates may be purchased at any time. At the average 1918
selling price such investments will yield 4 per cent compounded quarterly. The
certificates will be dated January 2, 1918, and will mature January 1, 1923. No
person may purchase at one time more than $100 worth or hold at one time more than
$1,000 worth of the certificates.


Request A Demo
The fintech industry has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in recent years, driven in part by the increasing use of APIs to enable seamless integration between financial institutions and other businesses. APIs have become a critical component of fintech innovation, enabling businesses to access and share financial data in real-time and develop new products and services that are tailored to the needs of their customers.
One of the most common ways that the fintech sector uses APIs is through open banking. Open banking refers to the practice of sharing financial data between different institutions and businesses, typically through APIs. Open banking APIs allow businesses to access data about a customer’s financial history, transactions, and other information, which can then be used to provide more personalized financial advice, credit assessments, and other services.
For example, a fintech company might use open banking APIs to access a customer’s transaction history and use this information to provide customized financial planning advice. By analyzing a customer’s spending habits and financial goals, the fintech company can provide tailored recommendations and help the customer achieve their financial objectives.
Another way that the fintech sector uses APIs is through the development of mobile banking apps. Many banks and financial institutions now offer mobile apps that enable customers to manage their accounts, transfer funds, and access other financial services on the go. These mobile apps typically rely on APIs to access financial data and perform transactions in real-time.
APIs also play a critical role in the development of online payment systems, such as PayPal and Stripe. These payment systems use APIs to enable businesses to accept payments online and integrate with other financial systems and applications. By using APIs, businesses can streamline the payment process and reduce the risk of fraud and errors.
The use of APIs has also led to the development of new financial products and services, such as robo-advisors and peer-to-peer lending platforms. Robo-advisors use APIs to access financial data and provide automated investment advice, while peer-to-peer lending platforms use APIs to connect borrowers with investors and facilitate loans without the need for a traditional financial institution.
One of the key advantages of using APIs in the fintech sector is that they enable businesses to access financial data in real-time, which can be used to make more informed decisions and provide more personalized services to customers. APIs also enable businesses to integrate with other systems and applications, which can reduce the need for manual data entry and streamline financial processes.
However, the use of APIs in the fintech sector also presents some challenges, particularly with regard to data security and privacy. Financial data is highly sensitive, and it’s critical for businesses to ensure that they are using APIs in compliance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations. Additionally, the use of APIs can increase the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks, which can have serious consequences for both businesses and their customers.
Ready To Start Monitoring?
Want to learn more? Check out our technical knowledge base, or our sector by sector data, or even our starters guide to the API economy. So sign up immediately, without a credit card and be running your first API call in minutes.


text:
(Howat 35, Mulvey 74)
Celtic took a step closer to lifting the first silverware of the 2017 season when they beat Spartans 2-1 in the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup semi-final on Sunday. Now, only Hibernian stand between the Hoops and the trophy, with the final looming on the horizon later this month.
The Celts sprang the first surprise of the weekend by announcing that they had re-signed last season’s top goal scorer, Suzanne Mulvey, and she had an immediate impact on her return to the club, scoring the semi-final winner just four minutes after coming on as a substitute, adding to Kirsty Howat’s first-half strike.
Celtic rang the changes from the previous weekend, introducing Ellis Dalgliesh and Maddie Fulton to the starting XI, with Kirsty Howat in the main striker’s role, and it was apparent that Howat was determined to take advantage of the confidence shown in her by playing with determination, aggression and no little skill in the opening phase of the match.
The Hoops enjoyed the majority of possession in the early exchanges, but were caught on the counter-attack after seven minutes. Former Celtic Academy player, Colette Cavanagh won possession and calmly placed the ball beyond the reach of Hoops keeper Megan Cunningham.
However, the early setback didn’t upset Celtic’s rhythm and they continued to press forward, creating a number of chances. A fierce drive from Howat was turned round the post by Spartans goalkeeper Rachel Harrison at full-stretch, and this was followed by strikes by Natalie Ross and Maddie Fulton.
And on 35 minutes, the Hoops got the goal that their play deserved. Fulton, making her first start of the season, played in Howat who finished well from close-range to level the scores.
The second-half continued in a similar vein, with Celtic maintaining their grip on the midfield, but chances were scarce. Spartans continued to play on the counter-attack at every opportunity, but Hoops’ keeper Cunningham dealt confidently with anything which came her way.
With 20 minute remaining, Hoops manager David Haley made a triple substitution, introducing Suzanne Mulvey, Sarah Ewens and Sarah Crilly to the fray, and the impact was almost immediate.
Within four minutes, Mulvey superbly timed a run into the penalty area to gather a precise pass from Kerry Montgomery and fire home a shot that evaded the Spartans keeper and ended up in the net to put the Hoops 2-1 ahead.
Heather Richards came close to extending Celtic’s lead with a superb shot that was well-saved, but the two goals were enough to give the Hoops the victory and a place in the League Cup final.
CELTIC: Cunningham, Poucel, Whyte, Clark, McFarlane, Dalgliesh (Richards), Ross, Montgomery, Fulton (Mulvey), Napier (Crilly), Howat (Ewens).
Subs Gibson, Hodges, Rafferty.
Reported by Celtic FC
Picture Celtic FC


text:
Britian's Corby Borough Council, found negligent in tackling environmental pollution that resulted in birth defects, has been ordered to pay families affected an initial £1.6 million.
A "statistically significant" cluster of children with defects to the hands and feet were born in the area between 1989 and 1999. Doctors previously noted that incidences of deformities in Corby were 10 times higher than a town with 60,000 should expect.
Lawyers said the Corby scandal was the biggest child poisoning case since thalidomide.
Mr Justice Akenhead had said: "There was an extended period between 1983 and August 1997 in which Corby Borough Council was extensively negligent in its control and management of the sites which they acquired from British Steel and otherwise used.
"Corby Borough Council is liable in public nuisance, negligence and breach of statutory duty, obviously subject to it being established in later proceedings by individual claimants that their particular conditions were actually caused by the defaults identified in this judgment."
Actually the council could face a bill of up to £10 million on top of the legal fees if the 16 complainants in the case, today aged between 11 and 22, win their individual legal battles for compensation. They will have to prove that their birth defects were a direct result of exposure to the toxic waste spread by the council's action. Mr Justice Akenhead already ruled that the council was not liable for a further two complainants because they were born after August 1997.
Campaigners said the ruling, following a 10-year legal battle, was the first in the world to find that airborne pollution could cause such birth defects.
The families are now expected to pursue claims for millions of pounds in compensation, either sharing damages or returning to court to make individual claims. It is thought up to 60 more families are ready to come forward to pursue claims against the council however.
Corby council is due to meet next Tuesday to decide whether it should appeal against the High Court judgement.
Following the ruling last month, Chris Mallender, the council chief executive, said: "We need time to reflect on this. We're not saying that we will appeal, we will not say we will not accept the judgment.
"We are not yet at the point of saying sorry because nobody yet is responsible."


text:
Lux Computer Desk with Hutch
Welcome to your new adjustable height desk! RISE UP is a premium quality bamboo, electric standing desk with two motors that are designed to optimize your posture while sitting or standing. Use this adjustable height desk to move from sitting to standing in seconds and store your favorite heights for 1-touch adjusting. The precision, laser-cut steel standing desk frame has dual motors for a smooth, quick, and quiet height adjustment. Uncaged Ergonomics has been making Rise Up for almost a...
- Top Material: Solid Wood
- Top Wood Species: Bamboo
- Base Material: Metal
- Height Adjustable: Yes
- Assembly Required: Yes
Basically, it all boils down to the type of finishes you use, in this case white panels for the walls, predominantly white furniture and furnishings with modern pieces, which you can build or purchase.
Plus, teak wood's natural oil also makes it highly resilient to the weather, so, if for you do not have the storage space to bring yours indoors during the winter months, you do not have to worry that it might rot or get damaged.


Located in Southern California, the Joshua Tree National Park is an American national park named after Yucca brevifolia (Joshua Trees) which are native to the Mojave Desert. The park, situated north of Palm Springs and bordering communities, is about 160 miles east of San Deigo between the Mojave and Colorado deserts.
Initially, the park was declared a national monument in 1936. However, in 1994, following the passing of the California Desert Protection Act by the U.S. Congress, it was appropriated as a national park. Below are some Joshua Tree National Park hiking trails to take the best hikes.
This trail situated at White Tank campground is a 0.5-mile hike that can be completed in 20 minutes. The Arch Rock Nature Trail has many beautiful rocks, which can be seen alongside the Yucca plant.
Taking a hike halfway through the trail, you will notice an arch that measures 30 feet in width. The arch rock forms a shade and is an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
The Bajada Trail is a 0.3-mile loop of 5 feet of elevation gain. It is situated off the Cottonwood Visitor Center in Joshua Tree National Park, close to Highway 10.
Located beyond the trail are captivating mountains which serve as a compelling background.
The Barker Dam Trail is famous for its numerous boulder piles at its southern end. Follow the trail to see the dam and desert plants, including creosote and many Joshua trees.
This trail is known to attract hikers, strollers, and rock climbers. It is a 1.1-mile loop with 50 feet of elevation gain. The dam is situated between the Wonderland of Rocks and the Green Valley.
Visit the Joshua Tree and the dam during the rainy season to see the dam filled with water. This is one of the reasons why the Badjada trail is on the top three best Joshua Tree hikes.
This trail lies between Boulevard Park and Keys View Road in the central part of the park. It is \a 0.4-mile trail with little elevation gain, distinctive rock formations, and several plants such as the Silver cholla cactus, Desert sage, and New Mexico thistle.
Also in the vicinity is a picnic area equipped with grills and picnic tables where tourists can have lunch and enjoy the unique scenery of the Joshua Tree trails. This trail is a short easy hike for all age groups as they enjoy the trail winds.
This is a 0.25-mile flat trail located 12 miles south of the park entrance. It covers 10 acres of land and is mostly covered by the Cholla cactus garden, also known as the Teddy bear cholla cacti.
The teddy bear cactus is sheathed in prickly spines and can be very uncomfortable for tourists who do not stick to the trail. You might want to visit in March or April to observe the spring bloom. Brochures with interpretive signs are available, providing tourists with information about the plants.
This is a must-see spot in the Joshua Tree National Park. The spring, the outcome of an earthquake, pushes out about 500 gallons of water daily to the surface. This spring also houses a desert tree known as Cottonwood.
Located close to the Cottonwood Spring Visitors Center, 7 miles from the southern entrance to the park, is the spring trail which is a 3-mile trail leading to the Mastodon Warren Peak Trail.
This trial provides fantastic views, two of which include the Winona Mill site and the Mastodon Mine. Hiking this trail allows you to learn about desert plants and wildlife while experiencing one of the easiest hikes in the Joshua Tree hiking trails.
Designed and built in 2013 by a group of students, the Discovery Trail in Joshua Tree National Park is situated 2.8-miles west of the Pinto Basin Road and 0.6-miles east of the Rocks Campground across Park Boulevard. The Discovery trial in the Joshua Tree National Park is a .7-mile loop that takes approximately 16 minutes to complete.
While hiking, you will come across descriptive signs explaining the geological process that led to the formation of the canyons and rock piles you encounter. This trail highlights features of interest to kids and adults, which means you’re guaranteed to have a great time hiking the excellent nature trails it features.
Known as the most spectacular hiking trail in the Joshua Tree National Park, the Hidden valley nature trail is a 2.6-mile spiral trail. Pointers along the trail help tourists identify the different plants and wildlife in the park.
The area has rocky landscapes great for climbing, though most tourists fancy observing the climbers as they clamber up the rocks. Within the vicinity is a picnic area located close to the parking lot, where tourists are free to relax under the shade provided by the Joshua Trees.
Also visible are the pines, oaks, yucca, juniper, and various species of cacti. You may catch a glimpse of wildlife along the hidden valley trail map.
Located in the northern region of Joshua Tree National Park, the Indian Cove Trail is a 0.6-mile loop trail with minimal elevation incorporated with steps as you proceed down the trail. It takes about 14 minutes to complete this trail.
As you experience one of the shortest hikes through one of the finest national parks, signs provide information about the desert plants and animals in the landscape. This trail has lots of rock formations, so come prepared for a steep climb.
The distance of the Keys View trail from the west entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park is a 30-minute drive. It is a 1.2-mile loop trail that takes 45 minutes to complete, making it one of the most extended Joshua Tree hikes on this list.
It is the starting point for a boy scout trail hike to Inspiration Peak. Its famous landmarks include the San Bernardino Mountains, Palm Springs, and the Coachella valley.
This short, 0.5-mile trail is situated near the Twentynine Palms at the Joshua Tree National Park Oasis Visitor Center. During fall, winter and spring, the trail is open to the public but is closed during summer by the national park service to allow the bighorn sheep uninterrupted access to surface water.
The trail provides a safe water spring, allowing plants and animals to thrive in the brutal climate. As you enjoy the Joshua Tree hikes, follow the signs and avoid wandering off into the desert oasis.
The Ryan Ranch Trail is a 1.1-mile trail close to the Twentynine Palms, which takes 23 minutes to complete in the Joshua Tree National Park. The Ryan Ranch Trailhead is easily reached from Park Boulevard.
The pristine ruins, which in 1936 became a national monument, are fascinating to all. Ryan Ranch Trail is highly recommended if you love history. It is essential to avoid disrupting the ruins to preserve them for generations.
This trail is a 1.8-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 120 feet, which takes about 30 minutes to complete The Skull Rock Nature Trail is located on Park Boulevard in the Joshua Tree National Park.
Its southwest end of the loop lies at the entrance of Jumbo Rocks campground. Placards aid in identifying plants and animals that make up the ecosystem.
Whichever area you choose to hike in, the Joshua Tree National Park, one thing is certain; you’ll fall in love with the beautiful desert scenery and everything else the region has to offer.


text:
Indonesia is about to execute two Australian men, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, for trafficking drugs. They were arrested in 2005 after a tip-off from the Australian police, and they were actually trying to get their heroin into Australia, not Indonesia. They were nevertheless arrested and tried in Indonesia, where drug smuggling is a capital offence, and it seems that they operated in a gang with seven others, now known as the 'Bali Nine'. Sukumaran and Chan were considered to be the ringleaders, and their death sentences have not been overturned; the rest are serving long prison sentences. The Australian government has been pleading with Indonesia not to kill them, but there doesn't seem to be any hope now. They will probably be shot to death in the next couple of weeks.
Killing someone who is at your mercy is always wrong. I accept that it might be necessary to kill someone who is about to kill somebody else in order to prevent them from going through with it, but even then it can't be considered a good thing - only a necessary one. With capital punishment, we're talking about a group of people sitting down and deciding to end a human life, to halt forever that person's experience of the universe. We're talking about deciding to kill a human being who isn't an immediate threat to others. And in the case of death penalties for drug smuggling - fairly common in Southeast Asian law - we're talking about killing a captive human being who isn't an immediate threat to others and who wasn't even an immediate threat to others in the first place.
It's not that I approve of drugs or smuggling illegal things to make some quick cash, and I certainly wouldn't advise injecting heroin into your body. But it seems to me that death should be a punishment only in the direst of circumstances, when there is no choice but to kill.
Killing humans is always wrong, even when it's necessary, and I'm far from convinced that killing drug smugglers is a necessity. I'm not particularly interested in justifying that with reference to an absolute foundation, primarily because I don't believe it really needs justifying (and also because I don't believe in absolute foundations), but if pressed I'd say that humans are some of the only sentient beings that we know of, beings capable of experiencing the universe and making sense of their surroundings. It shouldn't be a routine or legal thing to put a stop to a sentient being's experience, and to come together as a society and decide to kill a person - one of the few things capable of apprehending its own existence and the existence of other things - seems impossibly barbaric.
The death penalty doesn't work, either. Deterrence is no doubt an important aspect of policing and justice, but what matters there isn't the penalty itself - it's the likelihood of being caught. If you think you're certain to be caught, you won't commit the crime; if you think you have a good chance of getting away with it, a harsh punishment isn't going to stop you.
The death penalty has an uneven impact (if any) on crime rates: the USA, where several states still decide to kill captive human beings, has a murder rate several times that of Germany, where they don't do that. Meanwhile, Russia has double the murder rate of the USA despite not executing criminals, and Japan has a lower rate than Germany even though they hang people now and then.
The lesson there is that, in the absence of an effective system of justice, harsh penalties are worth very little. The terror of the punishment isn't the deterrent: the inevitability of it is. I suppose Chan et al came to the conclusion that their being caught wasn't particularly likely. If you want to deter people from killing other people (or, say, trafficking heroin through your country), the best way to do it is to ensure that the police force is reasonably well-paid, well-organised, and diligent in their pursuit of murderers or drug traffickers.
Even if you dispute this idea, you must at least acknowledge that it is possible to create a peaceful society with little violent crime without employing the death penalty - and since the death penalty involves people getting together and deciding to kill another person (a merciless and immoral thing to do), then I would say, and I hope you agree, that it would be a good idea to scrap it entirely, planet-wide.
I was happy when Jokowi was elected last year. I arrived in Jakarta in August just as the Indonesian courts were deciding in his favour in the vote-rigging trial. I saw him give speeches and discuss policy on the TV. All the expats I met in Indonesia, and most of the Indonesians, thought it was a good turn for the country: a President who wasn't troubled by allegations of corruption or cronyism and who came from outside the usual Indonesian political circles (to some extent). He seemed like a politically clean and democratic chap. Apparently, though, he's also somewhat bloodthirsty, given the number of executions that have taken place since he took power. Or perhaps he is merely populist: Indonesians overwhelmingly favour the death penalty.
So did British people in the 1960s, when capital punishment was abolished, and West Germans when it was abolished there, too. Liberal politicians who believed strongly in what they were doing abolished the practice of hanging captive human beings, and they bravely did this against public opinion. The British and German people were wrong to support execution back then, just as Indonesians, and the Indonesian government, are wrong to support it today. That's because, simply, killing a human being is always wrong.

domain: sociology


text:
French toast./Photo by Andrew Hoffecker
Keep up with news at the Delaware beaches by signing up for our FREE email newsletter here.
Milton is becoming a hot spot for new shops and restaurants on Delaware’s coast, including Good Morning Breakfast Nook, a casual breakfast and lunch eatery. The restaurant opened earlier this year in the Paynter’s Mill development, minutes off Route 1.
The restaurant is small, but my husband and I scored two seats at the counter around 10 a.m. on a Sunday.
The menu is traditional, with platters, sandwiches, omelets, pancakes and French toast for breakfast, plus soups and salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, burgers and paninis for lunch.
My husband spotted someone enjoying a plate of French toast nearby, so he immediately jumped on the opportunity to order his own. I opted to build my own omelet, which starts at just $6. While the restaurant was busy, we ended up waiting only 25 minutes for our food to arrive. And when it did, my turkey sausage, American cheese and spinach omelet arrived without the spinach.
But, the food was tasty and definitely affordable; my three-egg omelet was only $7.25 and my husband’s order of French toast—with a side of bacon and two eggs—rang in at $9.
The restaurant offers a special breakfast for $5 and lunch for $7 on Tuesdays for people ages 60 and up.
The restaurant will be open for dinner in a few weeks, according to owners Dina and Oscar Escamilla. But, for now, the restaurant is open every day from 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Good Morning Breakfast Nook
16394 Samuel Paynter’s Blvd., Milton
291-2857 • facebook.com/WishYourselfGoodMorning


text:
Joseph Cundall (1818-1875)
Photographers: Cundall, Downes & Co.
3 1/2 in. x 2 1/4 in. (89 mm x 58 mm)
© National Portrait Gallery London (NPG x25262).
Photographer and publisher Joseph Cundall adopts an informal pose, perched on the edge of a small table, and examining an unmounted print which he holds carefully be one corner, with one hand at the back to support it. Propped up on the table and on the floor are larger, mounted prints. Beside him are an elegant chair for his sitters, and a filigree screen for a backdrop. Here, unmistakably, is the proprietor of a photographic studio.
[Click on the image to enlarge it.]
Image reproduced by kind permission of the National Portrait Gallery; caption material and comment added by Jacqueline Banerjee

domain: artistic


Join us in Northernhay Gardens this summer to watch this musical movie phenomenon under the stars.
Bohemian Rhapsody (12A) is a foot stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Come and rock with us!
Food and drink will be available celebrating the best in local produce.
Please read the event information prior to attending any festival events, to ensure you get maximum enjoyment out of the festival.
8pm (doors 7.30)


text:
Bunnies Adrift tattoo
FINALLY got my "Bunnies Adrift" tattoo that I've wanted for years. This is a design that Elise drew sort of for me and was one of the first Argyle Whale designs ever. I wanted it since day one because it's just the most soothing & uplifting (HA) idea to me, hence the name of my blog, Anti-Gravity Bunny. I got this done by Ray at Good Mojo in Beverly and he was beyond cool, a seriously great artist to work with. It's one of the most welcoming tattoo shops I've ever been in and he did a great…
12 Inspiring Giraffe Tattoos
For some people giraffes are more than just a third grade book report topic. These elegantly lanky creatures represent peace, vision, determination, patience, and beauty. Their long bodies make for some truly remarkable ink. Here are some of our favorite giraffe tattoos for those of you who identify with the mysterious creatures and for those who think they're just pretty!


text: Hi Explorers!旬 is back! Be sure to visit our YouTube channel to watch the whole video. In this episode we visited the popular Kyushu style restaurant "Fuuri" located in downtown Sapporo's famous G-Dining building. Great all you can eat/ drink plan! Keep exploring!

domain: travel


MADISON, Wis. - A Beloit man received two years in prison for a heroin delivery, according to the state Department of Justice.
Paris Davis, 27, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing heroin, according to a statement.
On Feb. 14, Davis pleaded guilty to a count of delivering heroin in August last year.
The statement said the charge against Davis was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the Beloit Police Department, Rock County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Extra patrols added for spring party
- Shirtless female toddler on splash pad sparks debate
- Teacher confesses to sex with student in classroom
- Madison police find bullet in apartment on Russett Road
- Madison police investigate shots fired, crash
- Madison police investigating armed robbery at Oakcrest Tavern


text:
Qatar is known for its luxury, skyscrapers, and other ultramodern architecture in the Middle East. Doha, the capital of Qatar, has been emerging as a major wedding destination. With the rich Arabian culture, luxurious hospitality and exquisite venues, you could have the wedding you’re dreaming of.
Boasting some of the most breathtaking venues, Qatar has now opened its doors for your destination wedding.
Plan your destination wedding in Qatar with Vivaah Celebrations.

domain: geography


Microplastics Removal by IMS Efficient Compared To Other Methods
Several research works have proven that a waste treatment plant is essential to expel several emerging pollutants, including microplastics, into the environment. Among them, the fast-developing membrane technology is a potential treatment method for removing various pollutants in the wastewater treatment process.
For NH4+-N, COD, organic pollutants, bacteria, and antibiotic resistance genes, membrane technology works with a great removal rate. The integrated membrane system (IMS) technology for reusing reclaimed water has gained huge attention with the water resources shortage and water pollution.
Could the wastewater treatment plant avoid the microplastics from getting into the marine environment, and what is the outcome of microplastics in the IMS system used for water recovery?
The fate of microplastics in conventional activated sludge system (CAS) and IMS system in a coastal reclaimed water plant was systematically examined by Prof. Jian Lu and Dr. Ying Cai from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and their team members to answer the above-mentioned questions.
Their study found that the IMS system can stop most microplastics from entering the marine environment and transform the wastewater into renewable water, eventually reducing ocean pollution and resolving the water resources shortage. This study was published online in Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering in 2022.


text:
Airtel Africa, a telecommunications company operating in 14 African nations, has launched the Rwanda 4G smartphone in partnership with the Rwandan Government as part of the ConnectRwanda 2.0 program. Collaborating closely with the Rwandan government, Airtel Africa’s digital inclusion and empowerment initiative aims to provide over one million Rwandans with advanced high-speed LTE smartphones by 2024.
“We are delighted to be part of this transformative initiative that holds the promise of reshaping Rwanda’s digital landscape and giving more Rwandans reasons to dream,” said Segun Ogunsanya, Group CEO of Airtel Africa, in anticipation of the 2023 Mobile World Congress.
Mr. Ogunsanya emphasized that the introduction of this cost-effective smartphone would open up new possibilities in education, commerce, and connectivity, fostering economic development and creativity.
The smartphone is available for purchase at 20,000 Rwandan Francs (equivalent to approximately $16.5) along with a monthly fee of 1,000 Rwandan Francs (about $0.8), which translates to Ksh2,300. Subscribers will also enjoy 1GB of daily data and unlimited calls to any network in Rwanda, making connectivity more accessible than ever.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, represented by the Director General of Digital Transformation in the Ministry, Mr. Gordon Kalema, stated, “All government agencies have set a target for digitizing their operations by 2024. Therefore, this initiative aims to facilitate the achievement of that ambitious goal.”
He extended his congratulations to Airtel Africa for introducing the 4G smartphone deal and praised their belief in Rwanda and the government’s digitalization vision. He also expressed gratitude to Mr. Reed Hastings, the co-founder and Chairman of Netflix, for his generous support, which played a pivotal role in bringing this initiative to life.
Airtel and Rwanda: Fostering Tech-Driven Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a driving force behind transformative tech-driven initiatives worldwide. One remarkable example is the collaboration between Airtel Africa and the Rwandan government in launching an affordable 4G smartphone. This innovative approach underscores the importance of such partnerships in advancing technology and digital inclusion.
PPPs represent a fusion of public-sector resources and private-sector innovation. In the case of Airtel Africa and Rwanda, this collaboration has paved the way for increased access to advanced technology. By leveraging the expertise and resources of a private enterprise, the government can enhance its capacity to drive meaningful change. This partnership recognizes that technology has the power to catalyze broad-based development.
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to access information and services online is a fundamental requirement. Tech-driven initiatives, like the one in Rwanda, seek to bridge the digital divide. These initiatives encompass not only smartphones but also data plans and connectivity, enabling users to access essential resources, participate in online education, and engage in the digital economy.
The impact of PPPs in the tech sector extends beyond accessibility. The collaboration in Rwanda demonstrates that these partnerships can stimulate economic growth. By combining public sector commitment and private sector ingenuity, we witness the creation of solutions that address pressing issues while simultaneously driving economic activity.
The benefits go beyond economic gains. Such partnerships often lead to the creation of a technology ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship and local skills development. They create opportunities for digital literacy, job creation, and the growth of a thriving tech community in Rwanda.

domain: economics