text:
Although it totals only three hours in length, the SBS documentary series Struggle Street packs a punch. It has put social disadvantage on the map of modern-day Australia for free-to-air audiences, and sparked a discussion about the ethics of observational journalism. According to its critics, the program only confirms and reinforces some of the worst stereotypes attaching to the poor, and encourages a demarcation between a privileged audience guilty of “middle-class voyeurism”, and those whose misfortune is cruelly exploited for the sake of entertainment.
On closer inspection, however, many of the lives profiled in the series subvert and resist the trope of the hapless victim. Furthermore, the scenes of poverty in Struggle Street are a symptom, not a cause, of the demonisation and disenfranchisement of Australia’s poor. I believe that the program is largely effective in highlighting the commonalities between the members of supposed ‘mainstream society’ and its underclass. The importance of family is a key theme. We look to family to provide something of a buffer, and a sounding board, when life inevitably throws challenges our way (and are sometimes disappointed when these bonds don’t seem to count for much).
Like young Chris, we struggle to wake up on those frosty mornings when the imperative to go and earn a dollar has us crawling out of bed in the cold and dark. And we all have to hustle to get along. Not hustle in the sense of making a living via illegitimate means, but rather, the constant work involved in proving one’s employability, of jumping through a seemingly endless series of hoops often only for the reward of a short-term contract, coupled with the despair that bills won’t get paid when the work inevitably dries up. The predominance of insecure work under neoliberalism has made this constant low-level anxiety a reality for the working-class and the supposedly ‘educated middle-class’ alike.
As in society at large, mental illness touches every one of them in some way, although the co-morbidities stack up somewhat more ominously in the case of some Mt Druitt residents. Cheryl, for example, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, multiple personality disorder, borderline schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Her son Chris, however, is clear-eyed in his assessment of the handicap effect of his genes, and is wary of a dependence on drugs and alcohol. He is determined that these factors will not impair his efforts to live as a fully-functioning member of society.
Remarkably, many of the subjects of Struggle Street have internalised the rhetoric of ‘individual responsibility’ for the trajectory of their lives. This is surprising to see among those we expect to harbour a heightened awareness of the forces arrayed against them. “All my own fault”, claims young mum Erin: “when I was 15 I was hangin’ out with the wrong people, doing the wrong thing, wagging school…that’s why I learnt that nothing ever comes easy and if you want something you have to work for it”. Chris, who grew up in foster care, displays a keenness to lift himself out of the cycle of poverty: “I know I’ve got mental illness, but…I don’t believe it should entitle me to supplements or benefits”.
Even William, who is disenfranchised not only by his homelessness, but by the fact of his Aboriginality, reflects that, “Things are going pretty bad for me now. But they’re only going bad because of the way I’m making it go. If I want it to come good then I’ve got to step up a bit”. Yet he is realistic about the likely outcome of a lone individual taking out his rage on the system that oppresses him: “It’s killing me. Do I want to show it? No, I don’t want to f**king show it. If I really wanted to show how tired and f**king angered I was…I’d get the big house –free electricity and everything then – with 23-, 15-hour lockdowns”.
In fortuitous timing, the broadcast of Struggle Street happened to coincide with my immersion in the lives of some of Baltimore’s underclass. Written by the creators of The Wire, David Simon and Ed Burns, The Corner was published five years before the acclaimed HBO television series first aired, and is a 609-page epic that provided inspiration for many of the street-level characters in that series. Practising their “stand-around-and-watch journalism”, over the course of more than three years, Simon and Burns became acquainted with the rhythms and personalities of the open-air drug market at the corner of Mount and Fayette Streets in West Baltimore.
In both Struggle Street and The Corner, the major contours of life below the poverty line are the same. Both works speak of public housing grown decrepit, the decline of manufacturing and with it, the potential for reliable employment, and the alienating experience of dealing with welfare bureaucracies that are labyrinthine and seemingly obstinate. The subjects are regarded by society as passive victims of their disadvantage, or wilfully deviant, and often both at once. Many succumb to addiction; getting high is often the only reliable salve for the pain and despair of subsisting on the margins of an indifferent world. Creativity and lateral thinking are often required in order to make ends meet. The subjects of Struggle Street and The Corner are seen scavenging for scrap metal, with the goal of bringing in a few extra bucks. With the modest takings, Mt Druitt’s Ashley and Tony splurge on some sandwiches at the servo, whereas in the world of the Corner, Gary and his co-conspirators reward themselves with a ‘blast’.
As would be expected, however, there are also significant differences. The Corner follows its subjects over the course of a full year; Struggle Street has been packaged in a much more abbreviated, selectively-edited form, with free-to-air audiences in mind. The Corner, like The Wire after it, is set in the heart of one of the US’ biggest cities, and is an indictment of the deeply problematic “War on Drugs” law enforcement policy, which by the 1990s was entering its third decade. Most, if not all, of the characters are black, and must grapple additionally with entrenched racial disadvantage. The setting of Struggle Street, on the other hand, is present-day Mt Druitt, in the suburban sprawl of Western Sydney; there are no larger-than-life drug lords or heroic police.
In April of this year, 25-year-old black Baltimorean Freddie Gray became yet another victim of US police brutality. While the community took to the streets to express their grief and outrage at another senseless death, the incisiveness of David Simon’s social analysis was called into question, when he dismissed the protests as an “affront” to the young man’s memory. He wrote:
But now—in this moment—the anger and the selfishness and the brutality of those claiming the right to violence in Freddie Gray’s name needs to cease … If you can’t seek redress and demand reform without a brick in your hand, you risk losing this moment for all of us in Baltimore. Turn around. Go home. Please.
What was so refreshing about The Wire was that it rejected all of the well-worn tropes of television drama in favour of intricate storylines that gripped you as they made you think. Not only that, but it tackled the normally off-limits themes of class and race in modern-day America. Dave Zirin, once a staunch champion of The Wire’s “bracingly original political message”, wrote in The Nation:
The idea that David Simon, praised as someone with an ear to these Charm City streets like no one since H.L. Mencken, could look at what was happening in the Baltimore of 2015 and not see the social movements and organization beneath the anger, makes me wonder how much he truly “saw” when producing the show. That David Simon could tell people with bricks in their hand to “go home,” and have no direct words of condemnation for the violence displayed by the police made me remember my friend Dashon—from Baltimore—who told me he would never watch The Wire because he believed it to be “copaganda,” since it was created not only by Simon but by longtime Baltimore police officer Ed Burns.
Although The Wire arguably stands as some of the best television produced in recent history, the relative strength of The Corner as a piece of social commentary perhaps lies in its lack of an aggressively pro-police angle.
Commentators of a progressive political persuasion have been some of the most vocal critics of the particular slant taken by Struggle Street. They have suggested the program constitutes “class racism” and “middle-class voyeurism”. Struggle Street is on a par with parodies and reality TV, suggests Steven Threadgold on The Conversation, “denigrating the ‘undeserving poor’, scapegoating and even pathologising them as figures of loathing, while completely ignoring the harsh structural economic realities that create such poverty in the first place”. El Gibbs, writing for Overland, expresses a similar sentiment: “by looking at people in isolation from the structures that lead to poverty, Struggle Street misses the chance to challenge the idea that poverty is a personal failing rather than an outcome of policy and economic factors”.
Before the series went to air, the Mayor of Blacktown, Stephen Bali, dismissed Struggle Street as “publicly-funded poverty porn”. Bali has a vested interest in obscuring the harsh reality of the lives of some Mt Druitt residents, just as Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake didn’t hesitate to label those protesting police violence as “senseless thugs”. Ever mindful of public perceptions, both Bali and Rawlings-Blake are eager to imply that these are the actions of a deviant ‘other’ who are not representative of the citizens of their pleasant, orderly town.
(I’m reminded of the mayor of my hometown. The ‘flamboyant’ Darryn Lyons took the helm at a time when Geelong was reeling from massive job losses with the retreat of manufacturing from the region. Previous generations of Geelongites could be assured of a job in the local manufacturing industry upon leaving school at 14. There are now no substantial pathways for those newly-graduated from high school and tertiary education, and this is a state of affairs that threatens to become entrenched for generations to come. Lyons’ solution thus far has been to splurge on a giant, million-dollar floating Christmas tree for the waterfront, reasoning that the tourism dollar will somehow trickle down. What more could we expect than another piece of surface gimmickry from a mayor who was formerly a paparazzi. )
These criticisms of Struggle Street are legitimate insofar as they tap into concerns about the risk of exploiting and sensationalising the lives of the downtrodden for the sake of entertainment. However, as Sarah Attfield, writing for the blog Working Class Perspectives, points out, “In an ideal world, perhaps, poor and working-class people would produce their own documentaries, but poor and working-class people rarely have the resources to do that”.
And when it is the rich exploiting the reality TV genre to further their notoriety, where are the angry voices of the Left, demanding a context for the scenes of bloated wealth and extravagant frippery? Paris Hilton and the Kardashians are ‘famous for being famous’; their reputation is carried by nothing more substantial than an ostentatious public persona. We are supposed to laugh at their shameless vapidity, but not for one moment relate it to an economic system which makes such extremes of wealth possible.
In fact, it could be argued that Struggle Street’s focus on a small number of lives is both intentional and effective. An investigative-reportage, Four Corners-style program would be just another exercise in quoting the statistics, marshalling talking heads; an exercise in abstracting from the actual lived experience. No, that is not what we need.
The hardscrabble stories of what it takes to survive from one day to the next often make for uncomfortable viewing (or listening or reading), yet in their gritty detail, they lend a quotidian realism to the lives of the have-nots that a disembodied listing of the statistics could never achieve. For me, the victims of the Gillard government’s welfare reform were given a human face when Anwen Crawford, writing in Meanjin, profiled some of the single mothers affected. These women had been forced onto Newstart allowance and thereby, pushed further below the poverty line, when eligibility for the Parenting Payment was tightened in 2012.
A postgraduate-educated woman, with a daughter suffering from recurrent tonsillitis, had no choice but to put her school-aged child in an old pram and brave the pouring rain in search of some medicine to bring down her fever. A mother of four had fled with her children from an abusive partner, and was at one time, working seven days a week. That she could not even scrape together the coins for a cup of coffee every now and then struck a particularly poignant tone: “I can’t afford to buy a cup of coffee. I’d love to be able to buy a coffee.”
Context is essential, yes, but arguably, so is the ‘human dimension’; something that we, the audience, connect with, something that kicks us in the guts with a sudden flaring of empathy. Catching a glimmer of lives lived hand-to-mouth amongst all this supposed affluence might just provoke a questioning of some of our core assumptions. For those for whom these scenes of desperation are yet another illustration of the inexorable logic of some overarching apparatus, it raises our indignance and strengthens our resolve.
There is an underclass eking out an existence on the margins of our society that often does not conform to the neat categories of welfare bludger, criminal, hopeless addict. For however brief a time, Struggle Street and The Corner flick a light on an existence that is ordinarily so well-hidden.
As Simon and Burns eloquently put it,
Empathy demands that we recognise ourselves in the faces at Mount and Fayette, that we acknowledge the addictive impulse as something more than simple lawlessness, that we begin to see the corner as the last refuge of the truly disowned. Charity asks that we no longer begrudge the treasure already lost. And connectedness admits that between their world and ours, the distance, in human terms at least, is never as great as we make it seem.

domain: sociology


The prototype DH80 Puss Moth E-1 / G-AAHZ flew for the first time on 9 September 1929. This one-off aircraft had a flat-sided wooden fuselage, production aircraft, the DH80A, having a fabric-covered steel tube fuselage construction.
The Puss Moth was a high wing two seat light aircraft offering long range and cabin comfort. The seating arrangement allowed the carriage of a second passenger when desired. The wings could be folded back to reduce hangar space, a common feature of a number of light aircraft of the era. The type was immediately successful, achieving sales to private owners world-wide. In addition to the prototype, a total of 259 aircraft were manufactured at Stag Lane, with a further 25 constructed by de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd.
Long distance record-breaker
In the 1930s, the Puss Moth became a preferred mount for long-distance record-breaking pilots, the type being flown by famous names such as HJ ‘Bert’ Hinkler, CJ Melrose, the Master of Semphill, Jim and Amy Mollison (Amy Johnson) and others. Their flights ranged from London across the Atlantic and to South Africa; India; Japan; and Brazil.
A number of early production aircraft were lost in flying accidents, these being ultimately traced to wing flutter. The fleet were then modified with an additional bracing strut running from the front wing strut to the wing rear attachment point; a larger rudder was also fitted.
SpecificationsRole: Two or three seat long range private aircraft
|Powerplant||One 120 hp Gipsy II, or 130hp De Havilland Gipsy Major 1|
|Wing Span||36ft 9in|
|Maximum Weight||2,050 lb|
|Capacity||Pilot and two passengers|
|Maximum Speed||128 mph|
|Normal Cruising Speed||108 mph|
Five examples are listed in the CAA database, three of these G-AAZP, G-ABLS and G-FAVC (ex-CF-AVC) having current certificates of airworthiness in January 2013.
Museum examples include VH-UQB (ex-G-ABDW, the first Puss Moth to fly to Australia) at East Fortune, Scotland; I-FOGL Technical Museum, Milan; ‘CF-APK’ Hinkler Hall of Fame, Bundaberg, QLD; G-AEOA Shuttleworth Trust, Old Warden; CF-PEI, Canadian national Aircraft Collection, Ottawa.
+44 (0) 1252 383129


text:
The Benefits of Mulching in a Flower Garden
Proper mulching results in healthier, more attractive and, in some cases, better producing flower beds. Organic mulches, such as wood chips, pine needles or cocoa hulls, look best in most ornamental plantings and can provide more benefits than inorganic options, such as plastic or fabric. Proper application and maintenance further ensures the bed receives the maximum advantage from the mulch.
Mulch smothers weeds when used properly. A 3-inch mulch layer prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds in the soil, reducing the chances of germination. Any seedlings that survive often die before they breach the mulch layer. What few weeds do invade usually pull up easily because they aren't receiving enough sunlight to produce long anchoring roots. Organic mulches suppress up to 75 percent of weeds, according to Northcoast Gardening. Using a weed blocking fabric beneath an organic mulch layer can prevent nearly all weeds.
The top layer of garden soil can bake in the sun, especially during the hot, sunny weather. Frequent watering prevents this problem, but much of the moisture is lost to evaporation. Mulch slows down evaporative water loss and keeps more moisture in the soil near plant roots. A suitable layer can reduce irrigation needs so flower beds only require one or two deep waterings a week instead of daily watering. Since the top of the soil is protected, it doesn't develop a hard crust, which prevents moisture from soaking in when you do water or it rains.
Early spring applications of mulch can help keep the soil cool into summer, extending the season for flower varieties that prefer cooler soil. Applications after the soil warms helps maintain warm soil temperatures for heat-loving flowers. Mulch also insulates perennial plant roots during winter. It protects the roots from winter temperature fluctuations and light frosts that can kill more tender plants.
As mulch breaks down and decomposes it leeches nutrients into the soil. Usually old mulch isn't removed from the bed. Instead, a fresh layer is added on top when necessary so the old mulch can continue to feed the soil. You can till old mulch into annual beds before planting, if preferred, where it can improve the organic structure of the soil.
A well-mulched flower bed looks neater and more pulled together compared to one with bare soil. Mulch can fill in between newly planted flowers until they grow and spread over the bed on their own. The mulch also provides a demarcation between the flower bed and surrounding lawn areas. Edging sometimes is necessary to hold the mulch in place. The mulch also prevents soil from splashing up onto foliage and petals when you water, so the plants, instead of mud splatters, remain the focal point.
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

domain: agronomy


text:
Head to The O2 and discover your STAR WARS Identities
Explore the characters in this unique and interactive exhibition
The exhibition consists of over 200 props from the original films
Head to Chiquito in The O2 and enjoy a delicious two-course set menu meal with a cocktail each
MUST be booked and taken by 3 September 2017
This new STAR WARS exhibition at The O2 is perfect for two avid fans of the sci-fi film series. Learn about the characters of this famous film series which has been exciting audiences for almost 40 years. Discover more about the famous father and son duo, Luke and Anakin Skywalker as well as the rest of the film's characters in this unique exhibition. With over 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the original films to see, work together to create your own STAR WARS identities and check out insightful scientific content. After, or even before the exhibition tuck into a delicious two-course set menu meal with a cocktail each at Chiquito in The O2. Pick up your lightsabers, the journey into STAR WARS awaits!
Monday - Friday throughout the year excluding school and bank holidays. Book from 1 December 2016. MUST be booked and taken by 3 September 2017, when the exhibition closes.
Under 16's must be accompanied by a participating adult aged 18 or over. Both venues can accomodate wheelchair users.
The total experience lasts around three hours, STAR WARS Identities can be booked for 11.30am, 1.30pm or 2.30pm and lasts for one hour and 20 minutes. Chiquito can be booked from 12pm to 10pm and expect to be there for around one and a half hours.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so once confirmed a booking cannot be cancelled.

domain: entertainment


AvMap and UAV sign strategic alliance to develop a new line of professional avionic devices
27 July 2009- A European alliance that will combine Know-How and strengths of both companies to offer market leading solutions.
- The AvMap – UAV Alliance product line includes a new EFIS system for LSA and high performance aircrafts.
- Preview at EAA Air Venture in OshKosh 27th July – 2nd August 2009
Carrara, 20th July 2009 – AvMap, the only Italian player known in the international satellite navigation, and UAV navigation the spanish producer of Flight Control Systems (FCSs) for UAV and General Aviation announce at a strategic Alliance in the Avionics market.
UAV Navigation and AvMap will create a new line of co-branded professional avionic devices. This alliance allows AvMap and UAV navigation to combine resources and strengths of both companies to offer market leading professional solutions.
OshKosh AirVenture 2009:
Download the AvMap - UAV EFIS Presentation


text:
The backlog of low-income seniors in B.C. needing social-housing will not be met, despite a recent announcement by the provincial government to increase the number of subsidized housing units through B.C. Housing.
There are about 5,740 low-income seniors on B.C. Housing’s waiting list in the province, but the recent announcement will provide only 1,354 units specifically for seniors requiring subsidized housing.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
“This is a government that has ignored housing for a really long time, and as a result there are thousands of seniors and families in need,” said NDP housing critic David Eby. “Now that there are low-income seniors visibly living on the street, in an election year, they decided to act. But even assuming those numbers (the 1,354 units unveiled for seniors) are new, it’s just a fraction of seniors still on the wait list.”
Eby says Premier Christy Clark’s announcement to build nearly 2,900 affordable-housing units, which includes the 1,354 units for seniors, was misleading. He noted Postmedia News reported the numbers provided by the Liberals showed nearly one in 10 of the announced units aren’t new builds, and about one-third of all the units had been previously announced by the government.


When purchasing a machine, it is important to conduct an in depth research about the manufacturer and buy from an authorized dealer. Most machines are not cheap; therefore buying a good machine at a good price is a priority. Elliotts is one of the best machine manufactures in UK. They have supplied and installed machines for over 35 years placing them as experts in the industry. They have technically skilled sales staff that has all the knowledge about machines. With this knowledge, you can rely on recommendations given by the sales staff. In addition to providing excellent customer service and machines, Elliotts offers the lowest prices. Some of the machines supplied by Elliotts are; air source heat pumps, air compressors, welding equipment, garage machinery, cleaning equipment, generators among others.
Elliotts supplies 3 types of generators; silent portable generator, silent larger generators and other petrol engine generators. When purchasing a generator, the following considerations should be put into place; the use, noise level, fuel efficiency and run time, power output quality, portability, ease of starting, durability and quality of craftsmanship and service and support.
Elliotts stock and supply Honda generators. These are the best generators as they are fuel efficient and have a long run time. The silent generators do not make any noise at all making them ideal to be used everywhere. If you are looking for a generator for your caravan or boat, Elliotts advocates for Honda silent portable generators. There are two types of generators available in this category at Elliotts; Honda EU10i with 1KW output and Honda EU20i with 2KW output. LPG conversion kits for these two generators are also available. Elliotts also supplies a hard wearing and attractive tent for use with the portable generators.
In summary, if you are looking for generators or any other machinery, Elliotts is the company to visit. They have a showroom located in Bar Hill just outside Cambridge where you can view all their extensive products range. The specialists in the showroom are helpful and will answer all your questions, provide advice and recommendations and also show demonstrations.


Recently released open-world RPG Genshin Impact is reportedly on track to gross more than $100 million on all release platforms by the end of October.
The information comes via Niko Partners Analyst, Daniel Ahmad, who Tweeted,
“Based on preliminary data, Genshin Impact is on track to gross more than $100m across all platforms by the end of this month. The game is successful not just in its home market, but also in Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the US etc... Investment is paying off.”
Ahmad also shared that over 300 people worked on the game over a period of four years with a budget of around $100 million by developer Mihoyo. Ahmad continues, noting the success of Genshin Impact should server as a model for other Chinese studios,
“It certainly requires a ton of investment upfront, and is something MiHoYo could afford due to its success with Honkai Impact 3. It should act as a template for larger Chinese game studios to follow, and Western ones too tbh.”
You can check out our review in progress here.


text:
Next generation Honda City was recently spotted testing in India, suggesting that the popular C Segment sedan is slated to make its world premiere towards the end of this year. A Malaysian publication has come up with a speculative rendering of the new City based on the spy shots.
The prototype shows that the new model more or less retains its shape in profile but the front and rear fascias have been subjected to significant redesign. The rendering seems to have captured the changes with reasonable accuracy.
Lets start with the rear. The heavily contoured boot lid and split-LED taillights remind us of the Audi A3 sedan but the lighting signature is unique. The pronounced character lines on the sides do render the mid-size sedan a sporty appeal.
The front fascia will comply with Honda’s latest design philosophy which involves an edgy nose with massive chrome element, sleek LED headlamps, LED foglights and razor sharp chin. Overall, the 2020 Honda City would emerge to be more modern and sportier compared to its predecessor.
We expect the interior too to feature brand new design and color theme. It goes without saying that the latest Honda will feature state-of-the-art connectivity and infotainment features.
Underpinned by the improved version of the existing platform, we expect the 2020 City to be slightly larger (so far, the City has gotten bigger with every generation). Of course, a comprehensive safety kit will be standard and the body structure will be strong enough to pass the new BNVSAP (Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program).
Honda India has previously stated that it will upgrade both its petrol and diesel engines to BS-VI standards despite dwindling demand for diesel versions. The City’s existing 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol and i-DTEC diesel motors would be carried forward.
Currently, the petrol motor develops 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque while the oil burner is good for 100 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The petrol engine is available with a 5-MT or a CVT while the diesel engine comes with 6-MT. Honda is likely to introduce a mild-hybrid system with its petrol engine.
The 2020 Honda City will be launched in Thailand first. Launch date as per KeyAuto is Nov 2019. India launch is expected at the 2020 Auto Expo, in Feb 2020.

domain: news


text:
Steam Winters Sale 2017 is on and GTA V is part of the sale Image: Rocksatar
Gamers, better pay attention because the Steam Winter Sales 2017 is live. Valve's yearly sale comes bearing gifts to celebrate the festive season, with some tempting discounts on popular games like GTA 5, Tekken 7, CS:GO among tons of other titles.
The sale kicked off on Friday and is scheduled to run until January 4, 2018. So, if you are looking for a particular Steam game or trying to get something for these fun binge-gaming sessions during the festive season holidays, this is the best time to pull the trigger.
Here's a look at the best deals gamers should definitely not be missing out on:
1. GTA V (Down to Rs 1,174 from Rs 2,937)
The latest rendition of the action-adventure franchisee by Rockstar game has already turned out to be a cult classic and if you haven't played the masterpiece yet, this is your chance.
2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (Down to Rs 320 from Rs 479)
The classic multiplayer title has been a firm fan favourite both among casual and hardcore gamers. For the price, it's definitely a must-buy for any CS fresher looking to get into the game or even any veterans looking for a spare account.
3. Tekken 7 (Down to Rs 494 from Rs 989)
Another latest rendition of a cult-classic makes the list with the Tekken 7. The Tekken series is perhaps one of the most iconic fighting game franchisee alongside Mortal Combat. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals.
4. Middle-earth: Shadow of War
The sequel to 2014 release Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, continues the story based on JRR Tolkien's legendarium and continues the story-line in a time-frame between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The game boasts innovative gameplay elements and an engaging storyline. A must-have for any LOTR fan.
5. The Witcher 3 : Wild Hunt - Game of the Year Edition
CD Projekt's 2015 release is already highly regarded among action RPG fans. The GOTY edition includes the title along with its two expansion packs- Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, along with a brand new UI. With the bundle selling for almost 60% less, it's a great deal in the offing.
There are various deals ongoing on other popular titles like Portal 2, Fallout 4 GOTY edition, Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite, Hellblade, etc.


By Gabe Garcia
This Friday, the McDonough Museum of Art will host Alex Webb’s exhibit “La Calle,” with a public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Webb, an award-winning photographer, has ventured throughout Mexico City and surrounding areas to compile a series of photographs. “La Calle” brings together nearly 30 years of photography by Webb spanning 29 years. Webb frequently credits the landscapes and cityscapes of Mexico for prompting his shift to color photography. The exhibit will be on display until March 3.
Q1: What camera did you use to take all of these photographs in the exhibit?
A: Mostly a Leica Rangefinder.
A: The exhibition came out of my decision to do a book of some 30 years of photographing in Mexico. It seemed like the right time to bring this particular body of work out into the world.
Q3: How many other museums are showing your exhibit beside the McDonough Museum? Are there any outside of the U.S.?
A: The show opened at the Aperture Foundation in New York, and then went to the Etherton Gallery in Tucson. I’m not sure where else it will go in the U.S. over the next two years. Aperture is traveling the show, but eventually it will go to Mexico. I am told it would go to four museums in Mexico: tentatively the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico, Marco in Monterrey, The Tijuana Cultural Center and a new museum in Puebla. But I have not had confirmation of the date of the tour. The photographs will ultimately end up residing at the Televisa Foundation in Mexico City.
Q4: Who are the people in the photographs that were taken? Do you know any of their stories?
A: These photographs deal with elusive, often suggestive moments in the streets. Whatever “stories” there are in them lie embedded in the often complex and ambiguous photographs themselves. Each viewer, depending on who they are, potentially discovers different “stories” in these photographs.
Q5: Are you able to explain the significance behind the title of the exhibit?
A: The title refers to Octavio Paz’s noted poem, “The Street,” in which he invokes a kind of existential loneliness on the street. But equally importantly, the title emphasizes that these are photographs from the streets of Mexico. Street photography has a long and revered tradition in the history of photography — from Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson to Frank and Friedlander — and this work belongs to that tradition.
Q6: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you wish you could say to yourself when you first started out as a photographer?
A: Being a photographer is sometimes difficult. It can be lonely, often unrewarding regarding recognition, and financially uncertain. However, it has allowed me to explore the world visually on my own terms, creating books and exhibitions that I deeply believe in. I don’t know what else I could have done with my life that would have fulfilled me quite the same way.


Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned About Gear
Benefits Of GPS Vehicle Tracking Systems
The usage of technology in the current days has greatly impacted the security department, and their job made to look easier. Both the business and the personal vehicles are using GPS tracking device to monitor the performance of their vehicles, and in case of theft, it can be retrieved. Hence to make sure that the process of monitoring your vehicles when is on the road you should make sure that it has the GPS tracking device attached to your car.
If the vehicle has no tracking device it becomes very challenging to determine the actual position of the car when it is stolen but with the help of the GPS tracking system installed in your car to determine the location and to monitor the movement of the vehicle is simple and very easy. Currently, there are so many GPS tracking organizations that are credible by installing the GPS tracking device to vehicles and anything that you would like to monitor its movement. Having the GPS installed in your car you will be able to have the following advantages.
GPS trackers are designed to capture the data from the satellite and can be of great advantage when installed in your vehicles since you will be able to monitor its movement and speed. The GPS tracking device have the ability to send signals to the GPS satellite which will later on transmit it to the receiving device which can be your phone or computer. The process of locating and following the stolen car is made to be easier through the use of GPS tracking device since all it is required is to follow the GPS chip that is attached to the object in motion.
You have a great opportunity to get the mapping details on the locations and areas the vehicle has traveled since you will have the whole data. The information can be of great use when you want some references to the locations the vehicle have traveled since they will all be accessible with ease. You can be able to determine the amount of fuel that can be used by your vehicle since the GPS device will help you in calculating the mileage. Moreover, the GPS tracking device is convenient to business people who have the delivery services since they can determine the locations the delivery has been done.
You will be in control of how the driver conducts himself, and this will help you in rectifying their behaviors. Some of the behaviors of the drivers while on the roads shows some carelessness and there is need to monitor their conducts. Also, you will be assured of the vehicle safety since you can be able to track very fast when it get lost or stolen. For better services you need to have GPS tracking chip attached to your vehicle so that you can have an easy time monitoring its movement.


A Band Called Death2013
A Band Called Death (2013)
Critic Consensus: A Band Called Death is not only a fascinating portrait of a pioneering rock group, but also a tribute to family ties and perseverance in the face of hardship.
A Band Called Death Photos
Watch it now
News & Interviews for A Band Called Death
Critic Reviews for A Band Called Death
An especially pointed variation on one of music's most oft-told tales: A band formed ahead of its time sits in muffled obscurity while others reap the harvest of what it first planted.
Fortunately, Bobby and Dannis, the surviving brothers, prove genial company.
If the brothers seem a little drunk on their own myth, they're also genuinely humbled by the band's rediscovery and warmed by the fact that their kids have carried on the family tradition.
A Band Called Death shines the light on a previously unexplored corner of musical history and does it in an accessible, straightforward manner.
Death never got very far, and their story is a fascinating one, told beautifully by Jeff Howlett and Mark Christopher Covino.
Audience Reviews for A Band Called Death
There are no featured audience reviews yet. Click the link below to see what others say about A Band Called Death!
A Band Called Death Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.


SloPro - 1000fps Slow Motion Video
By Sand Mountain Studios
Open iTunes to buy and download apps.
The #1 Slow Motion Video App on iTunes
Shoot video at a high speed then play it back in sllloooooww motion. Just added--SUPER SLOW MOTION 1000FPS--it will blow your mind!
Featured by Gizmodo, MacWorld, Redmond Pie, Cult of Mac
Shoot, edit, and share videos in beautifully smooth slow motion without the hassle of transferring files.
Version 2.0 is a huge update--it adds fast motion, super slow, ghosting, optical flow, frame blending, exposure lock, sharing feed, and much more. Grab the free update and check it out!
ACTION SHOTS look way cooler in slow motion--try it and see.
RENDERLESS EDITING- edit in/out points, slow motion cues and speeds without waiting. This much freedom can only be found on the back of a good Harley. (fast speeds & effects still need editing)
EDIT WHILE SHOOTING- toggle slow motion while recording or do it after. You choose!
FAST MOTION- jump from slow to fast and vice versa for a fun feel.
SUPER SLOW- 500fps and 1000fps can now be simulated using optical flow. Check out the in-app tutorials for tips on getting the best results.
3 SLOW EFFECTS- optical flow, frame blending, and ghosting come standard.
HARDWARE ACCELERATION- effect rendering on the GPU happens 8x faster than on a desktop!
UNIVERSAL APP- now available for iPad
IN-APP SHARING- upload to Facebook and YouTube for free. Small upgrade fee for email, camera roll and iTunes. New option to export raw footage.
COMMUNITY FEED- upload videos to YouTube to share with other Slo Pros.
Check out our YouTube channel for tips and samples:
…or just get the app for free and try it.
NOTE: if you are getting an error about the microphone and a white screen instead of video this is due to new privacy settings in iOS7. Go to system settings -> Privacy -> Microphone and turn it on for SloPro.
What's New in Version 3.6
This app is killing me!
Okay, so this might sound a little weird, but I'm an editor on Vine (it sounds cringy, ik). Now, if you have/use Vine, it won't take you long to find at least one of these "edits". And naturally, any editor wants their edit to look cool by adding different transitions and effects. One of the most popular effects is Twixtor. Twixtor is very hard to do, but there are tutorials and people who have found shortcuts. This app is supposed to help. Everything was going well until I tried to add Optimal Flow to a video. It took FOREVER to load one little sliver. Not to mention that whenever I clicked out of the app while waiting, it would cancel. It's extremely annoying and tedious, and I don't have that much patience. At least tell me why this is happening! Please?!
I will say that if you have an IQ above that of an empty shoe box than this app is actually very easy to learn. Taking 15mins to play with it BEFORE you need it to film your kids game will go a LOOONG way. Also, to those who are expecting the world "for $4 I expect the level of control I get from a $200 pro level software that I use on my MacBook", please stop, you sound ridiculous! What do you expect when you order a mocha-choka-latte? Or should I even ask? It's a great app that does its one job perfectly.
I downloaded this app to try and find something that will allow me to video my golf swing in slow motion so I could see where my true faults were. Yes I can somewhat do the same thing with golf apps but hell this one is better by far because I can slow it down even more then the golf apps! Hands down the best slow motion app I have found, I have gotten more useful video in the last two min then I have In two weeks with other apps!
Customers Also Bought
- Category: Photo & Video
- Updated: Mar 17, 2016
- Version: 3.6
- Size: 9.3 MB
- Language: English
- Seller: Sand Mountain Studios, LLC
- © 2015 Sand Mountain Studios, LLC
Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Top In-App Purchases
- Pro Upgrade$3.99


text:
While many would think of this concept as juvenile, we’re here to tell you that it is trendy and inspiring instead. Hello Kitty is not just a cartoon; it is a whole cultural icon that has defined the childhood of many people. It is only right to want to bring a little bit of that childhood nostalgia in the space that you live now. So today, we will be sharing a comprehensive guide on how to create the ultimate Hello Kitty Dreamhouse in an elegant way.
The signature Hello Kitty color scheme is obviously a combination of pink and white, so that is what you should follow. While many would think that pink is a juvenile color, we assure you that it could be catered to in a sophisticated way. Just look at the brilliant way the designers have merged the baby pink color scheme with the white in-built design elements in the image below – it is certainly an excellent reference.
Lighting is always the most difficult aspect to tackle in any interiors, and more so in a Hello Kitty themed one. You cannot use too much gold accenting because it will look displaced over the pink and white color scheme. Instead, go for white fluorescent or LED lights in simple formations with pink cove lights hidden in feature areas like the Living Room.
In order to match your furniture to the Hello Kitty theme, you have to curate some particular pieces in the market. Since going for the actual Hello Kitty themed furniture would seem a bit juvenile, you should go for furniture in whites and light shades of pink. I has to have a contemporary vibe and be totally abstract in concept.
- The Hello Kitty logo
Of course you cannot design a Hello Kitty Dreamhouse without actually incorporating the iconic Kitty face at least once. You should have the face featured on a main wall or in small doses throughout the overall space.
- The Hello Kitty Paraphernalia
If you have some Hello Kitty paraphernalia then there is no better use for it than displaying it in your themed Dreamhouse. It could be a whole feature collection or small stuff in regular spaces – like the cloth partitions in the image below.
Sometimes, matching the right materials with a creative theme could be difficult, especially if you’re designing a Hello Kitty themed interior. For example, the pink laminate in the image below is an especially curated piece that must have been pretty difficult to get a hold off.
- Merging with function
Merging your Kitty theme with function, especially in a space like the kitchen is a challenging task. You have to find the right materials to feature the right aesthetic but design the space in a way that doesn’t get in the way of the actual function of the space.

domain: artistic


text: Guest: Dr. Andy Woods. Topic: 120 Generals write an open letter talking about election fraud during the 2020 election as well as America being compromised by Marxism. Brannon explains how the leadership of those that appeared and produced Absolute Proof, Scientific Proof and Absolute Interference has lead the way in encouraging many leaders to now come forward and join the chorus to save America. Topic: Andy Woods joins us to discuss the rocket being shot into Israel by Hamas. Topic: Hear the audio of a news report from Australia and SkyNews reporting on the brutal assault and arrest of a 71 year old evangelics in the UK for quoting the Bible on the issue of marriage. Topic: Jesuit and Marxist Pope Francis calls for the suspension of property rights. Topic: We take your calls.


text:
Garmonia Mohnatoe Chudo
Champion of Latvia, Lithuania & Estonia, Baltic Winner, 2xCACIB, RCACIB
Ch. Agassi Nadina x Ch.Agressia Mohnatoe Chudo
br. Vanyukova & Zaitchenko, ow. Slisere (Ventspils, Latvia).
3.08.03 Gracia born 10 puppies by Ch. Voodoo du Noble Nid (7 females and 3 males, 5 fawn and 5 black), more about Voodoo on web-site of kennel le Noble Nid
pedigree of the puppies

domain: pet


text:
To develop a constitutively active K+ leak channel using TREK-1 (TWIK-related potassium channel 1; TREK-M) that is resistant to compensatory down-regulation by second messenger cascades, and to validate the ability of TREK-M to silence hyperactive neurons using cultured hippocampal neurons. To test if adenoassociated viral (AAV) delivery of TREK-M could reduce the duration of status epilepticus and reduce neuronal death induced by lithium-pilocarpine administration.
Molecular cloning techniques were used to engineer novel vectors to deliver TREK–M via plasmids, lentivirus, and AAV using a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-enhanced GABRA4 promoter. Electrophysiology was used to characterize the activity and regulation of TREK–M in human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells, and the ability to reduce spontaneous activity in cultured hippocampal neurons. Adult male rats were injected bilaterally with self-complementary AAV particles composed of serotype 5 capsid into the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Lithium-pilocarpine was used to induce status epilepticus. Seizures were monitored using continuous video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. Neuronal death was measured using Fluoro-Jade C staining of para-formaldehyde-fixed brain slices.
TREK-M inhibited neuronal firing by hyperpolarizing the resting membrane potential and decreasing input resistance. AAV delivery of TREK-M decreased the duration of status epilepticus by 50%. Concomitantly it reduced neuronal death in areas targeted by the AAV injection.
These findings demonstrate that TREK-M can silence hyperexcitable neurons in the brain of epileptic rats and treat acute seizures. This study paves the way for an alternative gene therapy treatment of status epilepticus, and provides the rationale for studies of AAV-TREK-M’s effect on spontaneous seizures in chronic models of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Potassium currents; Gene therapy; Hippocampus; Status epilepticus; T-type calcium channel; Temporal lobe epilepsy
A core manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disconnection between physiological state and psychological or behavioral processes necessary to adequately respond to environmental demands. Patients with PTSD experience abnormal oscillations in autonomic states supporting either fight and flight behaviors or withdrawal, immobilization, and dissociation without an intervening “calm” state that would provide opportunities for positive social interactions. This defensive autonomic disposition is adaptive in dangerous and life threatening situations, but in the context of every-day life may lead to significant psychosocial distress and deteriorating social relationships. The perpetuation of these maladaptive autonomic responses may contribute to the development of comorbid mental health issues such as depression, loneliness, and hostility that further modify the nature of cardiovascular behavior in the context of internal and external stressors. Over time, changes in autonomic, endocrine, and immune function contribute to deteriorating health, which is potently expressed in brain dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. In this theoretical review paper, we present an overview of the literature on the chronic health effects of PTSD. We discuss the brain networks underlying PTSD in the context of autonomic efferent and afferent contributions and how disruption of these networks leads to poor health outcomes. Finally, we discuss treatment approaches based on our theoretical model of PTSD.
PTSD; aging; polyvagal theory; chronic stress; autonomic nervous system
We conducted a longitudinal analysis of 117 lymphedema patients in a filariasis-endemic area of Haiti during 1995–2008. No difference in lymphedema progression between those who received or did not receive mass drug administration (MDA) was found on measures of foot (P = 0.24), ankle (P = 0.87), or leg (P = 0.46) circumference; leg volume displacement (P = 0.09), lymphedema stage (P = 0.93), or frequency of adenolymphangitis (ADL) episodes (P = 0.57). Rates of ADL per year were greater after initiation of MDA among both groups (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, patients who received MDA reported improvement in four areas of lymphedema-related quality of life (P ≤ 0.01). Decreases in foot and ankle circumference and ADL episodes were observed during the 1995-1998 lymphedema management study (P ≤ 0.01). This study represents the first longitudinal, quantitative, leg-specific analysis examining the clinical effect of diethylcarbamazine on lymphedema progression and ADL episodes.
Expansions of more than 200 CGG repeats (full mutation) in the FMR1 gene give rise to fragile X syndrome (FXS) through a process that generally involves hypermethylation of the FMR1 promoter region and gene silencing, resulting in absence of expression of the encoded protein, FMRP. However, mosaicism with alleles differing in size and extent of methylation often exist within or between tissues of individuals with FXS. In the current work, CGG-repeat lengths and methylation status were assessed for eighteen individuals with FXS, including 13 mosaics, for which peripheral blood cells (PBMCs) and primary fibroblast cells were available. Our results show that for both PBMCs and fibroblasts, FMR1 mRNA and FMRP expression are directly correlated with the percent of methylation of the FMR1 allele. In addition, Full Scale IQ scores were inversely correlated with the percent methylation and positively correlated with higher FMRP expression. These latter results point toward a positive impact on cognition for full mutation mosaics with lower methylation compared to individuals with fully methylated, full mutation alleles. However, we did not observe a significant reduction in the number of seizures, nor in the severity of hyperactivity or autism spectrum disorder, among individuals with mosaic genotypes in the presentation of FXS. These observations suggest that low, but non-zero expression of FMRP may be sufficient to positively impact cognitive function in individuals with FXS, with methylation mosaicism (lowered methylation fraction) contributing to a more positive clinical outcome.
mosaicism; fragile X; FMR1; FMRP; methylation; premutation
Antibiotic selection is challenging in patients with severe β-lactam allergy due to declining reliability of alternate antibiotics. Organisms isolated from these patients may exhibit unique resistance phenotypes. The objective of this study was to determine which alternate antibiotics or combinations provide adequate empirical therapy for patients with β-lactam allergy who develop Gram-negative infections at our institution. We further sought to determine the effects of risk factors for drug resistance on empirical adequacy. A retrospective analysis was conducted for adult patients hospitalized from September 2009 to May 2010 who had a severe β-lactam allergy and a urine, blood, or respiratory culture positive for a Gram-negative organism and who met predefined criteria for infection. Patient characteristics, culture and susceptibility data, and predefined risk factors for antibiotic resistance were collected. Adequacies of β-lactam and alternate antibiotics were compared for all infections and selected subsets. The primary outcome was adequacy of each alternate antibiotic or combination for all infections. One hundred sixteen infections (40 pneumonias, 67 urinary tract infections, and 9 bacteremias) were identified. Single alternate agents were adequate less frequently than β-lactams and combination regimens. Only in cases without risk factors for resistance did single-agent regimens demonstrate acceptable adequacy rates; each factor conferred a doubling of risk for resistance. Resistance risk factors should be considered in selecting empirical antibiotics for Gram-negative pathogens in patients unable to take β-lactams due to severe allergy.
Zinc treatment shortens diarrhea episodes and can prevent future episodes. In rural Africa, most children with diarrhea are not brought to health facilities. In a village-randomized trial in rural Kenya, we assessed if zinc treatment might have a community-level preventive effect on diarrhea incidence if available at home versus only at health facilities.
We randomized 16 Kenyan villages (1,903 eligible children) to receive a 10-day course of zinc and two oral rehydration solution (ORS) sachets every two months at home and 17 villages (2,241 eligible children) to receive ORS at home, but zinc at the health–facility only. Children’s caretakers were educated in zinc/ORS use by village workers, both unblinded to intervention arm. We evaluated whether incidence of diarrhea and acute lower respiratory illness (ALRI) reported at biweekly home visits and presenting to clinic were lower in zinc villages, using poisson regression adjusting for baseline disease rates, distance to clinic, and children’s age.
There were no differences between village groups in diarrhea incidence either reported at the home or presenting to clinic. In zinc villages (1,440 children analyzed), 61.2% of diarrheal episodes were treated with zinc, compared to 5.4% in comparison villages (1,584 children analyzed, p<0.0001). There were no differences in ORS use between zinc (59.6%) and comparison villages (58.8%). Among children with fever or cough without diarrhea, zinc use was low (<0.5%). There was a lower incidence of reported ALRI in zinc villages (adjusted RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.46–0.99), but not presenting at clinic.
In this study, home zinc use to treat diarrhea did not decrease disease rates in the community. However, with proper training, availability of zinc at home could lead to more episodes of pediatric diarrhea being treated with zinc in parts of rural Africa where healthcare utilization is low.
Monocular occlusion has been posited to reduce activation of the contralateral hemisphere (“Sprague effect”), thus inducing a contralateral spatial bias (toward the viewing eye). Healthy right-handed participants bisected horizontal lines during monocular eye viewing. Although subjects tended to deviate away from the viewing eye, only left eye viewing deviated significantly right of midline. These results suggest that eye patching may induce an attentional compensation similar to hemianopic patients. Alternatively, increased activation of higher cortical regions mediating spatial attention in contralateral hemispace may be an adaptive response to decreased activation of its ipsilateral superior colliculus induced by contralateral eye patching.
monocular occlusion; eye patching; constrained monocular viewing; Sprague effect; attention; intention; line bisection; spatial neglect; hemianopia; rehabilitation
The human landing catch (HLC) has long been the gold standard for estimating malaria transmission by mosquitoes, but has come under scrutiny because of ethical concerns of exposing collectors to infectious bites. We estimated the incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in a cohort of 152 persons conducting HLCs and compared it with that of 147 non-collectors in western Kenya. Participants were presumptively cleared of malaria with Coartem™ (artemether-lumefantrine) and tested for malaria every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The HLC collections were conducted four nights per week for six weeks. Collectors were provided chemoprophylaxis with Malarone™ (atovaquone-proguanil) during the six weeks of HLC activities and one week after HLC activities were completed. The incidence of malaria was 96.6% lower in collectors than in non-collectors (hazard ratio = 0.034, P < 0.0001). Therefore, with proper prophylaxis, concern about increased risk of malaria among collectors should not be an impediment to conducting HLC studies.
In Kenya, HIV-1 viral load monitoring is commonly performed with the Cobas Amplicor using plasma specimens. Interest is growing in transitioning to real-time PCR (RT-PCR), such as the Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan (CAP/CTM), using dried blood spots (DBS). Before implementation, direct evaluation of the two assays using DBS field specimens is required. This study compares the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values (NPV and PPV, respectively), concordance, and agreement between HIV-1 viral load measurements using plasma and DBS specimens obtained from 512 HIV-1-infected pregnant females enrolled in the Kisumu Breastfeeding Study and tested with the Cobas Amplicor and CAP/CTM assays. The sensitivity and NPV of viral load detection in DBS specimens were higher with CAP/CTM (sensitivity, 100%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 99.1 to 100.0%; NPV, 100%; 95% CI, 59.0 to 100.0%) than the Cobas Amplicor (sensitivity, 96.6%; 95% CI, 94.3 to 98.1%; NPV, 58.8%; 95% CI, 40.7 to 75.4%). The PPVs were comparable between both assays when using DBS. The specificity of viral load detection in DBS specimens was lower with CAP/CTM (77.8%; 95% CI, 40.0 to 97.2%) than that of the Cobas Amplicor (95.2%; 95% CI, 76.2 to 99.9%). Good concordance and agreement were observed when paired plasma and DBS specimens were tested with both assays. Lower specificity with the CAP/CTM is likely due to proviral HIV-1 DNA amplification and lower detection limits with RT-PCR. However, the CAP/CTM has better sensitivity and higher throughput than the Cobas Amplicor. These findings suggest that DBS may be a suitable alternative to plasma when using RT-PCR, which could increase access to viral load monitoring in resource-limited settings.
♦ Background: Prophylactic gentamicin 0.1% cream has demonstrated efficacy in preventing both exit-site infection (ESI) and peritonitis attributable to gram-positive and gram-negative organisms; however, the effect of this practice on the gentamicin susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens isolated from such infections is unknown. We therefore examined the effect of a change in our prophylactic topical antibiotic exit-site protocol (from mupirocin 2% cream to gentamicin 0.1% cream) on infection rates and susceptibility patterns.
♦ Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study examined two periods of time: before and after the change in exit-site protocol. Each period was 30 months in duration, with a 2-month implementation period between, during which patient data were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and microbiology data were collected for each patient and episode of infection.
♦ Results: Overall, 377 patients were evaluated. In the mupirocin period (MUP), 145 infections occurred in 79 patients, and in the gentamicin period, 145 infections occurred in 93 patients. No significant effect was found either in overall episodes of infection (0.53 per year) or in episodes of peritonitis (0.429 vs 0.375 per year), but episodes of ESI increased significantly (0.098 vs 0.153 per year; p = 0.024; odds ratio: 1.55; 95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 2.28). Episodes of Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis increased by 38% (0.018 vs 0.025 per year), and episodes of S. aureus ESI increased significantly by 150% (0.022 vs 0.055 per year; p = 0.03; hazard ratio: 3.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 8.26). Episodes of pseudomonal peritonitis declined by 68% (0.022 vs 0.007 per year), and episodes of pseudomonal ESI increased by 150% (0.007 vs 0.018 per year). The gentamicin susceptibility for gram-positive isolates demonstrated no significant change; however, the gentamicin susceptibility for Enterobacteriaceae decreased by 12% and for Pseudomonas, by 14%.
♦ Conclusions: The significant increase in episodes of ESI and the decrease in susceptibility for both Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas isolates represent a concerning trend. Centers should examine trends in infection rates and in bacterial susceptibilities to determine the most appropriate agent for ESI prophylaxis.
Antibiotic cream; pathogen susceptibilities; peritonitis; exit-site infection
Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) was adopted as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Kenya in 2006. Monitoring drug efficacy at regular intervals is essential to prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of AL and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) were evaluated for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children aged six to 59 months in western Kenya.
From October 2010 to August 2011, children with fever or history of fever with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum mono-infection were enrolled in an in vivo efficacy trial in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The children were randomized to treatment with a three-day course of AL or DP and efficacy outcomes were measured at 28 and 42 days after treatment initiation.
A total of 137 children were enrolled in each treatment arm. There were no early treatment failures and all children except one had cleared parasites by day 3. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-uncorrected adequate clinical and parasitological response rate (ACPR) was 61% in the AL arm and 83% in the DP arm at day 28 (p = 0.001). PCR-corrected ACPR at day 28 was 97% in the AL group and 99% in the DP group, and it was 96% in both arms at day 42.
AL and DP remain efficacious for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria among children in western Kenya. The longer half-life of piperaquine relative to lumefantrine may provide a prophylactic effect, accounting for the lower rate of re-infection in the first 28 days after treatment in the DP arm.
We interviewed caretakers of 1,043 children < 5 years old in a baseline cross-sectional survey (April to May 2007) and > 20,000 children on five separate subsequent occasions (May of 2009 to December 31, 2010) to assess healthcare seeking patterns for diarrhea. Diarrhea prevalence during the preceding 2 weeks ranged from 26% at baseline to 4–11% during 2009–2010. Caretakers were less likely to seek healthcare outside the home for infants (versus older children) with diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.33, confidence interval [CI] = 0.12–0.87). Caretakers of children with reduced food intake (aOR = 3.42, CI = 1.37–8.53) and sunken eyes during their diarrheal episode were more likely to seek care outside home (aOR = 4.76, CI = 1.13–8.89). Caretakers with formal education were more likely to provide oral rehydration solution (aOR = 3.01, CI = 1.41–6.42) and visit a healthcare facility (aOR = 3.32, CI = 1.56–7.07). Studies calculating diarrheal incidence and healthcare seeking should account for seasonal trends. Improving caretakers' knowledge of home management could prevent severe diarrhea.
Worldwide, Shigella causes an estimated 160 million infections and >1 million deaths annually. However, limited incidence data are available from African urban slums. We investigated the epidemiology of shigellosis and drug susceptibility patterns within a densely populated urban settlement in Nairobi, Kenya through population-based surveillance.
Surveillance participants were interviewed in their homes every 2 weeks by community interviewers. Participants also had free access to a designated study clinic in the surveillance area where stool specimens were collected from patients with diarrhea (≥3 loose stools within 24 hours) or dysentery (≥1 stool with visible blood during previous 24 hours). We adjusted crude incidence rates for participants meeting stool collection criteria at household visits who reported visiting another clinic.
Shigella species were isolated from 224 (23%) of 976 stool specimens. The overall adjusted incidence rate was 408/100,000 person years of observation (PYO) with highest rates among adults 34–49 years old (1,575/100,000 PYO). Isolates were: Shigella flexneri (64%), S. dysenteriae (11%), S. sonnei (9%), and S. boydii (5%). Over 90% of all Shigella isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and sulfisoxazole. Additional resistance included nalidixic acid (3%), ciprofloxacin (1%) and ceftriaxone (1%).
More than 1 of every 200 persons experience shigellosis each year in this Kenyan urban slum, yielding rates similar to those in some Asian countries. Provision of safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene in urban slums are needed to reduce disease burden, in addition to development of effective Shigella vaccines.
Immunoglobulin (Ig) GM and KM allotypes, genetic markers of γ and κ chains, are associated with humoral immune responsiveness. Previous studies have shown the relationships between GM6-carrying haplotypes and susceptibility to malaria infection in children and adults; however, the role of the genetic markers in placental malaria (PM) infection and PM with HIV co-infection during pregnancy has not been investigated. We examined the relationship between the gene polymorphisms of Ig GM6 and KM allotypes and the risk of PM infection in pregnant women with known HIV status. DNA samples from 728 pregnant women were genotyped for GM6 and KM alleles using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Individual GM6 and KM genotypes and the combined GM6 and KM genotypes were assessed in relation to PM in HIV-1 negative and positive women, respectively. There was no significant effect of individual GM6 and KM genotypes on the risk of PM infection in HIV-1 negative and positive women. However, the combination of homozygosity for GM6(+) and KM3 was associated with decreased risk of PM (adjusted OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08–0.8; P = 0.019) in HIV-1 negative women while in HIV-1 positive women the combination of GM6(+/−) with either KM1-3 or KM1 was associated with increased risk of PM infection (adjusted OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.18–3.73; P = 0.011). Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) tests further showed an overall significant positive F(is) (indication of deficit in heterozygotes) for GM6 while there was no deviation for KM genotype frequency from HWE in the same population. These findings suggest that the combination of homozygous GM6(+) and KM3 may protect against PM in HIV-1 negative women while the HIV-1 positive women with heterozygous GM6(+/−) combined with KM1-3 or KM1 may be more susceptible to PM infection. The deficit in heterozygotes for GM6 further suggests that GM6 could be under selection likely by malaria infection.
Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a group of rare disorders characterized by ductopenia, the progressive destruction and disappearance of intrahepatic bile ducts leading to cholestasis. Described in association with medications, autoimmune disorders, cancer, transplantation, and infections, the specific mechanisms of disease are not known. To date, only 4 cases of VBDS have been reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. We report 2 additional cases of HIV-associated VBDS and review the features common to the HIV-associated cases. Presentation includes hyperbilirubinemia, normal liver imaging, and negative viral and autoimmune hepatitis studies. In HIV-infected subjects, VBDS occurred at a range of CD4+ T-cell counts, in some cases following initiation or change in antiretroviral therapy. Lymphoma was associated with two cases; nevirapine, antibiotics, and viral co-infection were suggested as etiologies in the other cases. In HIV-positive patients with progressive cholestasis, early identification of VBDS and referral for transplantation may improve outcomes.
Human immunodeficiency virus; Antiretroviral therapy; Vanishing bile duct syndrome; Ductopenia; Liver biopsy
Patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often develop post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This syndrome, defined and diagnosed by psychological and behavioral features, is associated with symptoms such as anxiety and anger with an increase of arousal and vigilance, as well as flashbacks and nightmares. Many of these features and symptoms observed in PTSD may be in part the result of altered autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in response to psychological and physical challenges. Brain imaging has documented that TBI often induces white matter damage to pathways associated with the anterior limb of the internal capsule and uncinate fasciculus. Since these white matter structures link neocortical networks with subcortical and limbic structures that regulate autonomic control centers, injury to these pathways may induce a loss of inhibitory control of the ANS. In this review, the autonomic features associated with PTSD are discussed in the context of traumatic brain injury. We posit that TBI induced damage to networks that regulate the ANS increase vulnerability to PTSD. The means by which the vulnerability can be measured and tested are also discussed.
emotion; autonomic nervous system; traumatic brain injury; post traumatic stress disorder; white matter; TBI; PTSD
Both insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) reduce malaria in high malaria transmission areas.1–3 The combined effect of these interventions is unknown. We conducted a non-randomized prospective cohort study to determine protective efficacy of IRS with ITNs (ITN + IRS) compared with ITNs alone (ITN only) in preventing Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia. At baseline, participants provided blood samples for malaria smears, were presumptively treated for malaria, and received ITNs. Blood smears were made monthly and at sick visits. In total, 1,804 participants were enrolled. Incidence of P. falciparum parasitemia in the ITN + IRS and ITN only groups was 18 and 44 infections per 100 persons-years at risk, respectively (unadjusted rate ratio = 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31–0.56). Adjusted protective efficacy of ITN + IRS compared with ITN only was 62% (95% CI = 0.50–0.72). The combination of IRS and ITN might be a feasible strategy to further reduce malaria transmission in areas of persistent perennial malaria transmission.
We report and explore changes in child mortality in a rural area of Kenya during 2003–2009, when major public health interventions were scaled-up. Mortality ratios and rates were calculated by using the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Demographic Surveillance System. Inpatient and outpatient morbidity and mortality, and verbal autopsy data were analyzed. Mortality ratios for children less than five years of age decreased from 241 to 137 deaths/1,000 live-births in 2003 and 2007 respectively. In 2008, they increased to 212 deaths/1,000 live-births. Mortality remained elevated during the first 8 months of 2009 compared with 2006 and 2007. Malaria and/or anemia accounted for the greatest increases in child mortality. Stock-outs of essential antimalarial drugs during a time of increased malaria transmission and disruption of services during civil unrest may have contributed to increased mortality in 2008–2009. To maintain gains in child survival, implementation of good policies and effective interventions must be complemented by reliable supply and access to clinical services and essential drugs.
Patients often demonstrate attentional and action-intentional biases in both the transverse and coronal planes. In addition, when making forelimb movements in the transverse plane, normal participants also have spatial and magnitude asymmetries, but forelimb spatial asymmetries have not been studied in coronal space. Thus, to learn if when normal people make vertical movements they have right–left spatial and magnitude biases, seventeen healthy, blindfolded volunteers had their hands (holding pens) placed vertically in their midsagittal plane, 10 inches apart, on pieces of paper positioned above, below, and at eye-level. Participants were asked to move their hands together vertically and meet in the middle. Participants demonstrated less angular deviation in the below-eye condition than in the other spatial conditions, when moving down than up, and with their right than left hand. Movements toward eye level from upper or lower space were also more accurate than movements in the other directions. Independent of hand, lines were longer with downward than upward movements and the right hand moved more distance than the left. These attentional-intentional asymmetries may be related to gravitational force, hand-hemispheric dominance, and spatial “where” asymmetries; however, the mechanisms accounting for these asymmetries must be ascertained by future research.
Intention; Attention; Hand asymmetry; Coronal plane; Hemispheric specialization; Motor control
We analyzed HIV testing rates, prevalence of undiagnosed HIV, and predictors of testing in the Kenya AIDS Indicator Survey (KAIS) 2007.
KAIS was a nationally representative sero-survey that included demographic and behavioral indicators and testing for HIV, HSV-2, syphilis, and CD4 cell counts in the population aged 15–64 years. We used gender-specific multivariable regression models to identify factors independently associated with HIV testing in sexually active persons.
Of 19,840 eligible persons, 80% consented to interviews and blood specimen collection. National HIV prevalence was 7.1% (95% CI 6.5–7.7). Among ever sexually active persons, 27.4% (95% CI 25.6–29.2) of men and 44.2% (95% CI 42.5–46.0) of women reported previous HIV testing. Among HIV-infected persons, 83.6% (95% CI 76.2–91.0) were unaware of their HIV infection. Among sexually active women aged 15–49 years, 48.7% (95% CI 46.8–50.6) had their last HIV test during antenatal care (ANC). In multivariable analyses, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for ever HIV testing in women ≥35 versus 15–19 years was 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1–0.3; p<0.0001). Other independent associations with ever HIV testing included urban residence (AOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.0; p = 0.0005, women only), highest wealth index versus the four lower quintiles combined (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3–2.5; p = 0.0006, men only), and an increasing testing trend with higher levels of education. Missed opportunities for testing were identified during general or pregnancy-specific contacts with health facilities; 89% of adults said they would participate in home-based HIV testing.
The vast majority of HIV-infected persons in Kenya are unaware of their HIV status, posing a major barrier to HIV prevention, care and treatment efforts. New approaches to HIV testing provision and education, including home-based testing, may increase coverage. Targeted interventions should involve sexually active men, sexually active women without access to ANC, and rural and disadvantaged populations.
High rates of typhoid fever in children in urban settings in Asia have led to focus on childhood immunization in Asian cities, but not in Africa, where data, mostly from rural areas, have shown low disease incidence. We set out to compare incidence of typhoid fever in a densely populated urban slum and a rural community in Kenya, hypothesizing higher rates in the urban area, given crowding and suboptimal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
During 2007-9, we conducted population-based surveillance in Kibera, an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, and in Lwak, a rural area in western Kenya. Participants had free access to study clinics; field workers visited their homes biweekly to collect information about acute illnesses. In clinic, blood cultures were processed from patients with fever or pneumonia. Crude and adjusted incidence rates were calculated.
In the urban site, the overall crude incidence of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) bacteremia was 247 cases per 100,000 person-years of observation (pyo) with highest rates in children 5–9 years old (596 per 100,000 pyo) and 2–4 years old (521 per 100,000 pyo). Crude overall incidence in Lwak was 29 cases per 100,000 pyo with low rates in children 2–4 and 5–9 years old (28 and 18 cases per 100,000 pyo, respectively). Adjusted incidence rates were highest in 2–4 year old urban children (2,243 per 100,000 pyo) which were >15-fold higher than rates in the rural site for the same age group. Nearly 75% of S. Typhi isolates were multi-drug resistant.
This systematic urban slum and rural comparison showed dramatically higher typhoid incidence among urban children <10 years old with rates similar to those from Asian urban slums. The findings have potential policy implications for use of typhoid vaccines in increasingly urban Africa.
There has been a relative absence of studies that have examined the neuropsychological profiles of potential lung transplant candidates. Neuropsychological data are presented for 134 patients with end-stage pulmonary disease who were being evaluated as potential candidates for lung transplantation. Neuropsychological test results indicated that a significantly greater proportion of the patients exhibited impaired performances on a number of Selective Reminding Test (SRT) tasks as compared to the expected population frequency distributions for these measures. The highest frequencies of impairment were observed on the SRT’s Immediate Free Recall (46.43%), Long-term Retrieval (41.67%), and Consistent Long-term Retrieval (51.19%) variables. On the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2)/Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A), patients’ mean clinical profile revealed elevations on Scales 1 (Hypochondriasis) and 3 (Conversion Hysteria). This profile indicated that they were experiencing an array of symptomatology ranging from somatic complaints to lethargy and fatigue, and that they may have been functioning at a reduced level of efficiency. Findings are discussed in light of patients’ end-stage pulmonary disease and factors possibly contributing to their neuropsychological test performances. Implications for clinical practice and future research are also provided.
Neuropsychology; Neurocognitive; Pulmonary disease; End-stage; Lung transplant
There has been much debate about the appropriate statistical methodology for the evaluation of malaria field studies and the challenges in interpreting data arising from these trials.
The present paper describes, for a pivotal phase III efficacy of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the methods of the statistical analysis and the rationale for their selection. The methods used to estimate efficacy of the primary course of vaccination, and of a booster dose, in preventing clinical episodes of uncomplicated and severe malaria, and to determine the duration of protection, are described. The interpretation of various measures of efficacy in terms of the potential public health impact of the vaccine is discussed.
The methodology selected to analyse the clinical trial must be scientifically sound, acceptable to regulatory authorities and meaningful to those responsible for malaria control and public health policy.

domain: medical


text:
Peter Moore Leaves EA to Head Soccer Club
- Author: Julie Sanders Feb 28, 2017,
Feb 28, 2017, 3:49
Moore holds American and British citizenship, and also spent two decades working for Reebok.
In a rather weird turn of events, EA boss and all-round entertaining industry figure Peter Moore will be taking on the role of CEO at Liverpool Football Club.
Peter Moore has been in the gaming industry for a long time.
According to a statement from LFC, Moore's new role kicks off in June, and he'll be moving back to his home city from the USA over the summer.
Moore is a Liverpool native, and has been a keen fan of Liverpool's football club for his entire life.
Moore's been at EA handling the interactive sports side of the company for the best part of a decade, with his job title changed in 2015 as the publishers shifted towards eSports. According to Liverpool Football Club, Moore's appointment completes a 10-month transition plan by FSG and finalizes the senior management structure at the club. EA CEO Andrew Wilson later confirmed the news on the company website, stating that "he is an unbelievable teammate...his deep appreciation for great games and the passionate players in our communities is unwavering". "It's what gets us up in the morning and drives us to do extraordinary things". "Peter led our sports business to some of its biggest moments as President of EA SPORTS". He's spent almost 10 years at EA being their Chief Operating Officer before becoming their chief competition officer last year.


text:
The Madras High Court today allowed Coca Cola and Pepsi to draw water from the Thamirabarani river in Tamil Nadu for their bottling plants.
In a relief for the Cola majors, the Madurai bench of the court gave them permission to draw water from the Thamirabarani river for their bottling plants in Tirunelveli district for manufacturing soft drinks besides packaged drinking water.
This was based on a PIL filed by D.A.Prabakar, secretary of Tirunelveli consumer association, claiming that the companies were using the river water for commercial purposes while the farmers were deprived of their livelihood.”The companies paid only 37.50 paise per 1,000 litres of water extracted and sold their beverages at a much higher cost”,said Prabakar.
Pronouncing the order on Thursday, the bench said the petitioner DA Prabhakar of Tirunelveli was earlier dealing with cases of South India bottling company, co-packer of Coca-cola, for nearly three years. Due to his unethical practice, his service was terminated.
The court had no hesitation to conclude that he had approached the court with mala fide intention and the PIL should not be allowed to be misused. The court dismissed both the petitions allowing the companies to draw water from the river.
President A M Vikrama Raja,Traders Federation in Tamil Nadu,declared drinks as ‘toxic’ for consumption. “People are aware of the adverse health effects of these drinks.”
“We will start a campaign among our members and the public against the foreign brands. From March 1, we will sell only domestic cold drink brands.”
“About 70 per cent of the,15 lakh, traders have decided to boycott the sales of Coke and Pepsi from today onwards for their toxic nature. Whatever you find on the shelves of the stores are leftover stocks and those not taken back by the distributing agencies,” he said.
Raja had then said that the youth and students who were part of that movement had extended their support to the cause of banning these soft drinks.
Reacting to the call to boycott products of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo India, the Indian Beverage Association said it was “deeply disappointed”.
“This is against the proven fundamentals of robust economic growth, and against the clarion call of Make in India,” it said.
Both Coca Cola and Pepsi have bottling units in Tamil Nadu.

domain: law


text:
Three people from an ambulance wreck over the weekend are recovering.
Bus went over the side of Highway 189 in the Twin Peaks area.
Family says an ambulance service is to blame for their loved one's death.
The McGRATH® Series 5 Video Laryngoscope is the first fully portable video laryngoscope designed for difficult airways.
Today's Featured Posts
EMS Airway Clinic
Discover why clinical studies are finding mechanical CPR just as effective as optimally-performed CPR.


text:
It’s a challenge to write various heroines. How to keep them different, interesting, and memorable? Dawn holds a special place in my heart since she has no voice. Writing her is a challenge, though not as much as I expected. While voiceless, she still has a distinct voice of her own, and she basically writes herself.
When it comes to Wintra, Cree’s sister and heroine in Highlander’s Captive (third book in Highlander Trilogy), I was surprised to discover that while she has a voice, and often speaks before thinking, there is a similarity between the two… they both live much in their thoughts, but for two distinct reasons… Dawn because she has no choice and Wintra because it’s her nature.
Now the question is… will they get along?
Hmmm… and how will Cree handle the two women?
Look for more of discovering Wintra and also Torr coming soon. And of course the infamous Cree!
Highlander’s Captive available fall 2013


text:
ATHENS – Divided over everything else, Greece’s ruling New Democracy Conservatives and major opposition SYRIZA Leftists are united in their stance against Italy’s incoming ultra-far right led coalition government.
Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni will be the country’s first Prime Minister and has rejected criticism that she’s Fascist despite her admiration for Benito Mussolini, who came to power 100 years ago.
Greece has seen the fall of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party whose leaders and dozens of members were jailed after being convicted of running a criminal gang, one over the murder of anti-Fascist hip-hop artist Pavlos Fyssas.
Speaking to EURACTIV Greece, ruling New Democracy Parliamentary Representative Christos Boukoros said that, “Naturally, the prevalence for the first time of a post-fascist political force in Europe’s third-largest economy is a cause for concern.”
Italy’s governments have a tendency to last as long as a snowman in the sunshine, however, and he pointed out that former Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s right-wing Northern League started as a separatist movement and ended up as a partner in Mario Draghi’s government.
Boukoros told the site that the real worry is why more Europeans are being driven to “extreme political choices,” with Sweden also electing a far-right government in a country that had been known for tolerance.
“It is time for Europe to start addressing the causes instead of commenting on the results as an impassive spectator,” said Boukoros.
Greece’s major opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance Secretary Rania Svingou, told the site that, “exactly one century after the ‘march to Rome’, the ghost of fascism has reappeared in the country that gave birth to it.”
She said that “in this difficult period for the future, the democratic, progressive forces in Europe have a historic responsibility. To fight with unity and determination a two-front struggle against the neo-fascist far-right, but also against the neoliberalism that feeds it.”
Greek Member of Parliament Pavlos Christides, who was spokesman for the center-left former PASOK-KINAL alliance, told the site that Meloni’s election should be troubling to the EU’s leaders.
He said the results showed a “resounding message that “the alliance of mainstream politicians with extreme forces is shaping new political conditions,” giving room for the extreme far-right to rise up.
Republicans in the United States rallied around her though, seeing a kind of cult figure like former President Donald Trump, whose minions are ready to die for a man most have never met, wanting an extremist firebrand.
Writing in the British newspaper The Guardian – which noted the love that Trumpies have for her – philosopher Lorenzo Marsili said that, “Those who brand the Brothers of Italy as fascists miss the point. Meloni’s party is not so much the heir to Benito Mussolini’s fascist movement as the first European copycat of the US Republican party.”


Welcome to the website of Thurne Parish Council.
This website has been designed to publish the information required under the recent Transparency Code For Smaller Authorities issued by the Government. Thurne Parish Council has complied in full for 2020/21 with its requirements under Annex A of the Transparency Code and links to all relevant published information is provided in tabular form here.
Thurne Parish Council meetings are held usually on the first or second Thursdays in January, March, May, July, September and November. Due to the Pandemic, there were no meetings of Thurne Parish Council held between Thursday 5th March 2020 and Thursday 20th May 2021.
A document was posted (click here) on 12th January 2021 summarising the actions undertaken by Thurne PC between March and December 2020 when the normal meetings of Thurne PC could not take place due to the Global Pandemic. Another document was posted (click here) on 21st May 2021 summarising the actions undertaken by Thurne PC between 1st January and 19th May 2021.
The Thurne Parish Annual Meeting and Thurne Parish Council AGM were held on Thursday 20th May 2021 – draft minutes have been published – see Noticeboard. The next Thurne PC meeting is now scheduled* for Thursday 29th July 2021 at Thurne Methodist Church – agenda will be published here a few days prior.
*Postponed from 8th July in the hope that Goverment Social Distancing restrictions will have been eased by then to allow the meeting to be held indoors.
Please follow the “Noticeboard” link in the main menu to see Notices, Agenda and Minutes of Thurne Parish Council Meetings.
Latest Noticeboard Posts
- July Thurne PC Meeting – date changeThe date of the next Thurne PC Meeting has been changed from 8th to 29th July 2021 in the hope that the Goverment restrictions on social distancing will have been eased sufficiently by then to allow the meeting to be… Read moreJuly Thurne PC Meeting – date change
- Minutes 20 May 2021 Thurne PC AGM
- Minutes 20 May 2021 Thurne Parish Annual Meeting


Energy-neutral in Open
Iconic in design and sustainability
With Open, we have created an iconic building – not just in relation to the architecture and materials but also in terms of sustainability. Besides being situated in beautiful green surroundings, the building is also green in terms of its energy efficiency. This is because its sustainable energy system ensures that Open generates almost as much energy as it uses. Open is fully equipped with energy-generating and energy-saving features, such as solar panels on the roof, insulating and reflective glass, heat/cold storage in the soil and LED lighting. All of these features lead to the lowest possible energy demand and energy consumption for your office.
Excellent performance based on
Open ranks high in terms of the sustainability of the building itself and its effect on the surroundings. Based on our requirements, the building has been awarded a BREEAM quality label for the sustainability factor. For us, this was one of the key issues when the office building was being realised. All points on which the building was assessed lead to a healthier and more productive working and living environment. Which is exactly what we want to achieve with Open.
Besides its green facade, Open has green roofs on the various levels, all playing their own unique part in water catchment and electricity generation. What makes Open extra special is its partly circular construction and management. Old materials are consciously recycled so that there is less waste, for example. Moreover, the food grown on the roof gardens is used as ingredients in the restaurant.
In short: Open is environmentally-friendly and very pleasant to work in.Back


text:
Owen Burke is back, this time featuring a hot collection of daddy and brother stories to spice up your listening pleasure! If you've listened to any of his audiobooks, you know why his gay brother stories are some of our hottest sellers…and if you haven't, the Family F--k Buddies 4 - Packs are the best way to find out!
If you are going to do family incest then go all the way and not use stepbrother/father
There are 4 very short stories in this book. The first one is about 2 step brothers and their step dad. The second one is about the seduction of one step brother by another step brother. The third one is about one step brother initiating another. And the final story is about two step brothers sharing a toy but not each other. My major complaints are that the firs story has too many repetitive phrasing, none have much of a context for the sex, and the narrator often reads too fast, thus making almost all of the stories sound perfunctory instead of hot and sexy.


text:
Showing Collections: 1 - 2 of 2
This collection is comprised of the maps from the Quaker collection.
Dates: 1770-1946, undated
Sansom Perot papers
This collection is comprised of the correspondence, financial records, and legal records of Sansom Perot Morris. The collection includes hand drawn maps of property, copies of Sansom Perot's will, loose financial documents, rent contracts, deeds, and correspondence.
- Pennsylvania 1
- Philadelphia (Pa.) 1
- Philadelphia (Pa.) -- History 1
- Quakers -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia 1
- correspondence 1
- deeds 1
- financial records 1 ∧ less
- Perot, Sansom 1

domain: library


text:
The Manitowoc Public Library is a forefront of the County! Having over 200,000 people walk through the MPL doors, the library is a huge resource for many residents and visitors.
Why do we Love Manitowoc County: Manitowoc County is such a unique and special place filled with caring individuals who truly have the community’s best interests at heart. Manitowoc Public Library is continually impressed by the support we receive from our community. It’s easy to see that Manitowoc values MPL, from the usage of our daily services and physical resources, to the enthusiastic attendance at our programming and events. On average, we have over 200,000 people walk through our doors on an annual basis! This doesn’t even take all of the additional online usage and outreach efforts into account. In addition, the community always shows up to back our fundraising efforts and is completely supportive of the new ideas we try at MPL.
Finally, who wouldn’t love the beautiful scenery Manitowoc County has to offer? We have a beautiful lakeshore and MPL is fortunate to have great views of both the Manitowoc River and Lake Michigan. This incredible natural asset affords us an incredible array of outdoor activities—great hiking, phenomenal biking, wonderful beaches, and, of course, our car ferry, the Badger. As a community, we must continue to strive to create an awareness of these great attributes for visitors to the lakeshore and for one another, as well. We have so much to offer—as a community and an institution—and we’re proud to be part of Manitowoc County.
Manitowoc County Positive Experience: A few months ago, an MPL staff member shared this story with me and it instantly became one of my favorites. It truly highlights our wonderful community and all it has to offer. It tells the story of a man who lived in Upper Michigan that tragically lost his wife approximately six months ago.
After a few months, he realized that he could no longer live in his current town of residence. It had become unbearable. Every time he stepped outside, someone asked him “How are you doing?” And there were simply too many reminders of his wife. So, he got in his car, and he started to drive. While driving south on I-43, he started to see signs for Manitowoc. While he had never heard of the city, he thought to himself “What the heck!” and pulled off at the Manitowoc exit. Driving around town, he decided that it looked pretty nice, so he decided to stay for a few days. During that stay, he frequently stopped in at the library. He loved that he could use the internet for free and stay connected with family. On one of these visits, he saw the flyer for a grief share program at Hope Church. He was still grieving for his wife, so he thought this might be a good opportunity for him to connect and decided to check it out. He became a regular at the grief share meetings and credits the library for helping connect him to this resource. As a result of these meetings and the friendly service he received at the library, this man decided to permanently relocate to Manitowoc. One of the reasons he decided to stay indefinitely in Manitowoc was MPL! We couldn’t be more proud.
It’s hard to pinpoint a single characteristic which we love about this community. As I mentioned above, there is so much Manitowoc County has to offer. MPL serves the role of providing educational resources to every demographic in our community regardless of age or background to meet their educational, recreational or cultural needs. As a result, MPL has the opportunity to connect with our residents and organizations in so many different ways. One characteristic which surfaces all the time is the community’s willingness to help and support our local non-profits. Our community is proud of these organizations, including MPL, YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Haven, and so many more. There is also a positive attitude towards collaboration in serving the greater needs of our community. This positive attitude and focus on collaboration is beneficial for all concerned parties: our organizations and ultimately, our community. We are proud to be part of this collaborative network.
We are excited about this Think. Love. Play. initiative in Manitowoc County. What a great opportunity to share all that Manitowoc has to offer to our residents and visitors. MPL is proud to be part of this.