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When considering adding a new pet to your family, a high priority must be placed on budgeting for the cost and upkeep of the animal. When coming across the adorable French Bulldog breed, you may be asking yourself “How much does a purebred French Bulldog cost?” The true cost is not entirely straight forward but can range depending on a few factors.
Before jumping into cost numbers and averages, it is important to note that there are multiple variables that can affect the price of a purebred French Bulldog.
The age of the French Bulldog can have a major role in the cost. Puppies that are too young to be taken away from the parent (usually around 8 weeks) will be more expensive than an older one. Be aware that puppies are a much bigger commitment and require additional vet appointments, potty training, and specialized food and supplies.
Pedigree and Breeder
Dog show or conformation puppies from experienced, professional breeders may cost more than a pet-quality puppy who will not be used in shows. Pet quality is not lower quality, it just means that the puppy will not be used for dog shows or other activities that require a greater level of quality. Search for a reputable breeder who provides factual health and genetic clearances for both parents.
Like many animals, the appearance and coat color of a French Bulldog can affect the price. Popular coat colors such as fawn and brindle will often have a higher price tag than less common colors and patterns.
Most breeders will have a preference on the gender they breed. Females are usually more sought after so they can command a higher price range.
The cost of a purebred French Bulldog can range, depending on the listing, from as little as $1200 to as much as $7000 for a top quality, registered dog. The average cost for a French Bulldog is somewhere around $3000-$5000, depending on the breeder, the age and the coat color. Rare colors or markings can also drive the price up. Additionally, you must also factor in the ongoing costs of food, supplies, vet visits, and other health expenses, as well as the cost of spaying or neutering.
When purchasing a new purebred French Bulldog, pricing can widely vary based off of multiple factors. Age, pedigree, breeder, color and gender all play a role in the price that you will be looking at. Generally, a purebred French Bulldog will cost you somewhere between $3000-$5000 and routine care and upkeep should be taken into consideration when budgeting for your family pet. It is important to find a reputable breeder who will provide health and genetic clearances of both parents and educate you on the details associated with the breed.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you and the amount of love you have to give and receive when welcoming your new family member.
Related Info And Products:
- How Much Do Purebred French Bulldogs Cost?
- How Much Are Purebred French Bulldogs?
- How Much Is A Purebred French Bulldog?
- How Much Does French Bulldog Puppy Cost?
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- How Much Do French Bulldogs Typically Cost?

domain: economics


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GLO 2000 Single Oval
A contemporary, height adjustable issues / help desk, featuring a cantilevered meeting end.
GLO 2000 Single Oval offers a generous worktop with a designated meeting end on one side and a ‘closed’ end on the other, to allow the positioning of shared services in between.
Position two together, or pair with our CASH/EFTPOS Module or BOOKFLO Book Returns Module, for a dynamic circulation area.
- Seated to standing touch-button height adjustment.
- A cantilevered meeting end to work alongside customers, seated or standing.
- A stylish acrylic disc fitted to each end, in your choice of colour.
- Robust brake castors for easy mobility.
- Mount our easy access desktop PIXEL Power and USB outlets.
- Add one of our Monitor Arm designs to free up your desktop.
- Make your help stations easy to find with our SIGN Pole.
- Choose from a stunning range of colours and finishes.

domain: design


This Tanto friction folding knife is handled in a bright yellow micarta. It has bright blue G10 liners and a yellow G10 backspacer.
The blade is made of AEB-L stainless Steel and supports a full flat grind to a razor edge.
It has an overall length of 6.3″, 5″ closed and has a 2.7″ cutting edge. The knife has multiple grinds, giving a sharp chisel edge that is good for piercing.


Minecraft It was originally released in 2011 for PC and mobile platforms. Since then, it has exploded in popularity and has become one of the most played games to date. That is why the game was also made available on more gaming platforms including PlayStation.
The first arrival of Minecraft to the iconic series of consoles manufactured by Sony took place in 2013. The game was available for PS3 during December of that year. It was followed by the transition from Minecraft to PS4 in 2014 and to the now-defunct PlayStation Vita, also in the same year.
But today, the latest console release from Sony is the PS5. Since its debut at the end of 2020, the demand has been high almost all over the world. And it has grown bigger and bigger over time, especially with the chipset shortage becoming the main cause of the current PS5 shortage. The production of these pieces was greatly affected when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Still, some fans managed to secure their unit of the coveted console. And Minecraft could be one of the games that you might be interested in playing on the PS5. But there is still no PS5 version of the game at the moment, despite its continued popularity. There’s no PS4 next-gen update yet, though there’s still a way to test it out on the newer version of the console.
PS5 has backwards compatibility in which you can play PS4 games on it. But some features of the PS4 version will not work when you play on the PS5 with backwards compatibility. It’s better than nothing, though, and that’s the most you can do until there’s a legitimate PS5 version of Minecraft.
There are several ways to play Minecraft on PS5. One of them is to directly put the physical disc of the PS4 version of Minecraft if you have it. It is also the normal way to play on the old console. Simply follow the steps that will appear on the screen.
Another way is to buy the digital version of the game through the PlayStation Store. You can do this regardless of whether you have a PS4 drive. Simply head over to the PlayStation Store website by opening it on your device, be it via PS4 console, PC or mobile. Search for Minecraft and buy it in the usual way. However, there is a chance that the demo version of the game may be the only option available. Sign in to your PSN account on your PS5 and search for the game. And finally, download it.
Lastly, you can transfer the digital version of Minecraft from your PS4 to PS5 over a Wi-Fi connection. Sign in to your PS4 with your PSN account that you use on your PS5. Then make sure to update your software to its latest version. Once done, go to “Settings” and select “System”. Find “System Software”, followed by “Data Transfer”, to connect your PS4 and PS5 over the Internet.
Select “Continue” and once the “Prepare for data transfer” option appears, press and hold the power button on your PS4 until you hear a beep. Then go to your PS5 and choose Minecraft when the data transfer option appears. Choose “Select Transfer” and the process will begin immediately.
As we have mentioned in The Truth NewsHere are the best options to play Minecraft on PS5 right now until an official version is released. Again, it’s better than nothing, even if some of the shapes can get a little tricky at some point.
Follow us on Google News, Facebook and Twitter to stay informed with today’s news!


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A Timothy/Alfalfa blend refers to a mixture of Timothy hay and Alfalfa hay, two types of forage commonly fed to horses. This blend is often preferred by horse owners and trainers due to its specific nutritional benefits.
For Wholesale Orders :
A Timothy/Alfalfa blend refers to a mixture of Timothy hay and Alfalfa hay, two types of forage commonly fed to horses. This blend is often preferred by horse owners and trainers due to its specific nutritional benefits. Here’s why a Timothy/Alfalfa blend is considered good for horses:
1. Balanced Nutritional Profile: Timothy hay and Alfalfa hay have complementary nutritional profiles, making the blend beneficial for horses. Timothy hay is high in fiber and lower in protein and calcium, while Alfalfa hay is higher in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. The combination of these two hays provides a more balanced and complete diet for horses.
2. Energy and Protein: Alfalfa hay is known for its higher protein content, which can help meet the increased protein requirements of growing horses, lactating mares, and horses in intense training or performance. The protein in Alfalfa hay supports muscle development, repair, and overall energy levels.
3. Essential Minerals: Alfalfa hay is also rich in calcium, which is important for healthy bone and teeth development in horses. The blend can be beneficial for growing horses or those that require additional calcium in their diet.
4. Digestive Health: Timothy hay is high in fiber, which aids in proper digestion and gut health. The fiber content of Timothy hay helps prevent digestive issues like colic and promotes regular bowel movements in horses.
5. Hydration and Palatability: The blend of Timothy and Alfalfa hay can encourage horses to consume more water due to its higher moisture content. This can help maintain hydration levels, especially in horses that may be picky drinkers. Additionally, the combination of these hays often results in a more palatable feed, encouraging horses to eat well and maintain a healthy appetite.
It’s important to note that the specific needs of horses may vary based on their age, activity level, and overall health. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help determine the ideal ratio of Timothy and Alfalfa in the blend, as well as the appropriate amount to feed based on the individual horse’s requirements.

domain: pet


Against the backdrop of agrarian reform, climate change and ongoing deforestation, the goal of SES-AMAZON is to build a framework to help regional policymakers make optimal choices between different rural development options. In particular we aim to generate new insights into how social ecological systems (SES) function in the Amazon region, trying to analyze how to better adapt UN-REDD mechanisms to the observed actions of stakeholders and the dynamics of SES. The project has a strong quantitative and methodological focus, applying a SES perspective that integrates natural and social sciences to quantify and compare actor-specific trade-offs in the Brazilian Amazon (5,5 mill.Km2).
We will combine in a GIS environment new graph-based spatial approaches with recently available socio-economic databases at the census scale, using a complex networks perspective. Regionally adapted landscape configuration metrics obtained from remote-sensing maps will be used as indicators of ecosystem services provision. Spatially-explicit modeling will provide insights on the functioning of Amazonian SES under different governance settings. Although the SES analysis will be performed at the Brazilian Amazon scale, four REDD projects will be selected as case studies to analyze the degree of adaptation of REDD schemes to Amazonian SES dynamics.


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9:28am PT by Rick Porter
'Downton Abbey' Alum Heads to UCP's 'Brave New World'
The series adaptation of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World has found its third lead.
Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) will star opposite Alden Ehrenreich and Harry Lloyd in the UCP/Amblin TV series, which received a straight-to-series order from USA in February.
Findlay will play Lenina Crowne, a worker at the Beta Plus Hatchery who has started to question her place in the strict social order of the New World. She and Bernard Marx (Lloyd, Counterpart), per UCP's logline, "have only ever known a rigid social order, a perfect pharmaceutical called Soma, and a culture of instant gratification and ubiquitous sex. Curious to explore life beyond the strictures of their society, the two New Worlders embark on a vacation to the Savage Lands, where they become embroiled in a harrowing and violent rebellion. Bernard and Lenina are rescued by John the Savage (Ehrenreich), who escapes with them back to New London. John’s arrival in the New World soon threatens to disrupt its utopian harmony, leaving Bernard and Lenina to grapple with the repercussions. The three become entwined in a fraught relationship that awakens them to the dangers of their own conditioning."
Brave New World has taken a long path to the screen. It was initially developed at Syfy back in 2015, with Les Bohem (Syfy's Taken) attached to write. Grant Morrison and Brian Taylor replaced Bohem in 2016. The version that earned a series pickup has David Wiener (Homecoming) as writer and showrunner, working alongside Morrison and Taylor.
Published in 1932, Brave New World is considered a classic, with Modern Library naming it among the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
Wiener, Morrison, Amblin's Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey and Owen Harris (Black Mirror: San Junipero), who's directing the first episode, are executive producers of the series. Taylor is an EP on the first episode.
Findlay, whose credits also include Harlots, is repped by WME, Management 360 and Troika.

domain: artistic


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3: Riko Smalls – 6’0″, 200, R-Fr.
Doubtless, there could be a pessimistic view of the Virginia quarterback situation. The three players in the race for the starting job include two guys who did not complete a pass last season, and one who threw half as many touchdowns as he did interceptions.
The optimistic view is that, well, maybe one of those guys could be pretty good. Jameel Sewell has already led UVa to a nine-win season, Vic Hall is arguably the best high school quarterback to ever play in the state of Virginia, and returning starter Marc Verica has only decision-making issues standing in the way of being at least a serviceable starter.
The bottom line is that, like last year at this time, there are three quarterbacks who could take the first snap of the season, and Al Groh has offered nary a clue as to who it could be.
Well, maybe a little clue. Hall was elected as one of Virginia’s representatives at ACC Football Kickoff, and as one player pointed out, second-team players usually don’t get picked for that event.
When this point was raised to Groh, he indeed made a concession, albeit a small one: “I think it’s fair to say that [Hall] will take the first snap [in training camp].”
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domain: news


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Chlobo Ladies Gypsy Dreamer Serenity Earrings
A stylish pair of half-hoop earrings from ChloBo’s Gypsy Dreamer collection crafted from sterling silver and plated in sumptuous rose gold. The hoop itself features spiked detail and each earring has a delicate cross hanging from the centre. A great pair of earrings that will suit any occasion.
- Rose Gold Plated
- Hoop Earrings
- Official ChloBo Packaging
Product Reference: REST329


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|Reviews for World's Finest III: Game, Set, Rematch!|
| hilian chapter 1 . 4/29/2012
Woah! I really liked the way you wrote Kon ; u ; I prefer him than then 'new' Conner, gosh I feel kinda stupid commenting such old fic but still I liked it ; u ;
| nequam-tenshi chapter 1 . 8/23/2010
Good sequal to the other two.
| asm613 chapter 1 . 2/24/2007
all your stories are good. and i can't just keep saying that over and over after every one i read. how about you are AWESOME!
| Rosadina chapter 1 . 10/31/2005
This is a great continuation to the series. It's going in my c2.

domain: literature


text: Camellia is still where he was the last time – the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River. The only thing different is that he has wandered a bit further west into MacDonald Park in Chesapeake. He is still flying back and forth across Military Highway (Route 13). As of this map at 1:00pm today June 26 he was on the Elizabeth River in the MacDonald Park neighborhood. Can’t tell if he was flying or sitting – white data point. Click on map to enlarge.

domain: geography


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Man raises paltry ransom for kidnapped young wife but things are never ever as they seem.
For an enhanced browsing experience, get the IMDb app on your smartphone or tablet.
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Four Good Days star Mila Kunis wants you to watch the "heartbreaking" documentary series "Cheer" on Netflix. Learn why she's obsessed with the tales of these amazing athletes.

domain: entertainment


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David Duke, the white nationalist and former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, has put out a bizarre eight-minute web video endorsing Councilman Charles Barron, the controversial Brooklyn Democrat best known for his questionable statements about Jews and his fondness for dictators, in his bid for Congress:
Barron and his opponent, Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, are both African American and have been competing vigorously for the support of working class blacks in their district.
"The endorsement is clearly bizarre," Jeffries told me in a phone interview. "It wasn’t even clear to me that [Duke] was still around until he parachuted into this race. David Duke is correct that I am a strong supporter of Israel. Unfortunately, he got the Uncle Tom part wrong."
Barron has seen his stock rise in recent days as labor has waded in on his behalf, but Jeffries backers might be able to make hay of this -- election day fliers, anyone? -- and regain control of the race.
TODAY IN SLATE
Here’s Where We Stand With Ebola
Even experienced international disaster responders are shocked at how bad it’s gotten.
It Is Very, Very Stupid to Compare Hope Solo to Ray Rice
The U.S. Is So, So Far Behind Europe on Clean Energy
Even if You Don’t Like Batman, You Might Like Gotham
Friends Was the Last Purely Pleasurable Sitcom
This Whimsical Driverless Car Imagines Transportation in 2059
Meet the New Bosses
How the Republicans would run the Senate.


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We are launching Folioscope, an app that makes it possible for anyone to draw and share terrific animations in no time.
If you know us for a long time, you may remember Dink
, one of our first app launched in 2011. Folioscope is basically the worthy successor to Dink. It does the same, but a thousand times better. We started from scratch and redesigned everything in order to create the perfect casual app for drawing and sharing animations.
Folioscope features a set of very simple drawing tools: a pen, an eraser, a color bucket and a palette of only 6 colors (black, white, red, green, blue, yellow).
But drawing an animation is a very different art from drawing a static image. In fact, an animation is a sequence of static images (or frames) that slightly differ from each other. By displaying the frames in rapid succession, we create the illusion of a continuous motion.
In Folioscope, we provide smart tools and functionalities that make it easy to draw the many frames of an animation. For example, the onion skinning displays the previous frames so that it is easy to position a moving object. The skimming bar is useful to have a controlled look at the animation. Folioscope is full of functionalities that simplify the process of drawing an animated cartoon.
The main idea was to make users focus on the animation itself rather than on the drawing of over-detailed pictures, which are often too hard to animate.
As there is no interest in creating a beautiful animation if no one can watch it, we developed a dedicated social network in Folioscope, called folioscope.co
. Users can share their best creations with the community, follow other users, get useful feedback and participate in themed contests to improve their skills.
Folioscope is designed to work perfectly with a finger, on both iPad and iPhone. But it works great with Apple Pencil too. And it is compatible with 3D Touch.
The app is available for free on the App Store. There is no In-App purchases. We display a few ads on folioscope.co.
It is available in 14 languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Chinese (both Traditional and Simplified), Japanese, Thai, Korean, Russian, Turkish and Arabic. Download the Press KitDownload on the App Store


Brandon Goodwin starting for Atlanta Sunday in place of injured Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks guard Brandon Goodwin is in the lineup Sunday in the team's game against the Charlotte Hornets.
Goodwin has been coming off the bench lately, but that's changing against Terry Rozier and the Hornets. Trae Young is sitting due to a calf injury, and Goodwin will now enter the lineup.
In 34 games this season, Goodwin has averaged 4.0 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 8.3 FanDuel points.
- Houston's Danuel House (ankle) questionable for Wednesday May 11th, 2021
- Torrey Craig coming off the bench for Suns on Tuesday May 11th, 2021
- Chimezie Metu starting for Kings on Tuesday in place of injured Marvin Bagley (leg) May 11th, 2021
- Dallas' Dwight Powell ejected on Tuesday May 11th, 2021
- Marvin Bagley (leg) out for Kings on Tuesday May 11th, 2021
- Jae Crowder starting for Suns on Tuesday, Torrey Craig coming off the bench May 11th, 2021
- Atlanta's Kevin Huerter starting for injured Tony Snell on Monday May 10th, 2021
- De'Andre Hunter (knee) available for Hawks Monday May 10th, 2021
- Atlanta's Tony Snell (Achilles) ruled out for Monday's game against Wizards May 10th, 2021
- Hawks' De'Andre Hunter (knee) questionable for Monday May 9th, 2021
- Tony Snell (Achilles) questionable for Atlanta on Monday May 9th, 2021
- Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) cleared for Hawks against Suns May 5th, 2021


About The All-American Rejects
High school friends Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter formed the All-American Rejects in their hometown of Stillwater, Okla. By 2000, they had recorded a few demos that showcased their brand of scrappy, stylish guitar-pop. They self-released their debut album in 2000 and were immediately courted by major labels looking to bring their radio-ready power pop to the masses. The track "Swing, Swing" became the Rejects' first major hit. For their sophomore album, 2005's Move Along, the group polished things up even more and raked in another hit with "Dirty Little Secret." They kept the successes coming with 2007's When the World Comes Down, featuring Top 10 hit, "Gives You Hell."


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Meg Cabot is the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, many of which have been bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, has sold over five million copies worldwide, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. Meg now divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband. Be sure to check out Meg's websites, http://www.megcabot.com.
Pat Cadigan (1953 -)Pat Cadigan was born in Schenectady, NY, and grew up in Fitchburg, MA. Attending the University of Massachusetts on a scholarship, she eventually transferred to the University of Kansas where she received her degree. Since embarking on her career as a fiction writer in 1987, her Hugo and Nebula Award-nominated short stories have appeared in such magazines as Omni, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine as well as numerous anthologies. Her first collection, Patterns, was honoured the Locus Award in 1990, and she won the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1992 and 1995 for her novels Synners and Fools. Pat Cadigan moved to the UK in 1996 and now lives in London.
Related Titles: Great Diabetic Desserts and Great International Diabetic Desserts
Olivia Caffrey trained at the Samuel Beckett Centre of Trinity College, Dublin, and has since worked on stage in several Dublin and London threatres. She appeared in Ballykissangel and was a regular in Playing the Field on television, and her films include The Matchmaker and Oliver Twist alongside Richard Dreyfuss. She featured in a 'Play of the Week' for Radio 4, but this is her first audiobook. Nevertheless, she demonstrates a great ability to create and differentiate characters in just a phrase or two.
James M. Cain
James M. Cain was born in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1892. Having served in the US Army in World War 1, he became a journalist in Baltimore and New York in the 1920's. He later worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood. Cain died in 1977
Fiona Cairns Ltd began on Fiona's kitchen table 25 years ago, when Kishore Patel - Fiona's husband and now MD of the company - spotted the potential of his wife¿s beautifully crafted handmade cakes. Kishore and Fiona have built the company up to be an established premium brand and this year they had the honour of being chosen to make the official wedding cake for Prince William and Catherine Middleton. A Fiona Cairns cake is both classic and cutting edge and Fiona and her dedicated team pride themselves on being creative; their designs are constantly changing,to reflect current fashions and trends. Fiona also gets a lot of the inspiration by keeping in touch with her customers and visiting the department stores to gather ideas. Her love of flowers also has a strong influence and she regularly uses sugar roses, hydrangeas and berries to decorate her vintage cakes, which have a pretty, traditional look. Fiona Cairns cakes are available at Waitrose, Selfridges, Harrods, Sainsbury's and Bon Marche Paris.Visit the website for more information www.fionacairns.com. Join on Fiona Cairns on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fionacairnscakes, follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/fionacairns and on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/fionacairnsltd.
Salvatore Calabrese is the acclaimed Bar Manager at the Lanesborough Hotel in London. He was awarded the title of Campari Bartender of the Year 1993 and is holder of both the Chevalerie du Verre Galant de Cognac 1993 and the Chevalier l¿Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne 1992. Author of the best-selling Classic Cocktails, Salvatore Calabrese is a popular guest on television lifestyle programs and his opinion is sought after by both radio and print media. He currently resides in London.
Gideon Calder is Lecturer in Philosophy at Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning
Anna Caltabiano was born in British colonial Hong Kong and educated in Mandarin Chinese schools before moving to Palo Alto, California; the mecca of futurism. She lives down the street from Facebook in the town where its founders reside, along with the pioneers of Google and Apple.
Ian Cameron , pseudonym of Donald Payne who also writes as James Vance Marshall
Christian Cameron is a writer and military historian. He participates in re-enacting and experimental archaeology, teaches armoured fighting and historical swordsmanship, and takes his vacations with his family visiting battlefields, castles and cathedrals. He lives in Toronto and is busy writing his next novel.
Kenneth Cameron is the author of three novels featuring Denton, THE FRIGHTENED MAN, THE BOHEMIAN GIRL and THE SECOND WOMAN as well as of plays staged in Britain and the US, and the award-winning Africa on Film: Beyond Black and White. He lives part of the year in northern New York State and part in the southern US.
Miles Cameron is a fantasy novelist who currently lives in Toronto, Canada. He is a military veteran and has a degree in Medieval History. His debut novel (The Red Knight), first in The Traitor Son novels, was one of the most acclaimed fantasy debuts of 2012 and nominated for the David Gemmell Morningstar award. It is followed by The Fell Sword, published in 2014.He also writes highly acclaimed historical fiction under the name Christian Cameron.You can learn more at www.christiancameronauthor.com, or by following @Phokion1 on twitter.
Alastair Campbell graduated from Chelsea School of Art and was co-founder of the design group QED. In 1984 he wrote The Designer¿s Handbook, and in 1991 The MacDesigner¿s Handbook, both of which have become classics of their genre.
John W. Campbell
Born in New Jersey in 1910, John W. Campbell studied physics at MIT and then Duke University. Although a prolific early pulp writer - he made his first sale while still in his teens and was a recognised name in the genre by the time he was 21 - it was as an editor that he is best remembered. In 1937 he was appointed editor of Astounding Stories (now Analog), and over the next few decades would have an enormous influence on the field. He continued as editor of Astounding until his death in 1971.
Jack Canfield is the cocreator and coauthor of the CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL series which has sold over 1 million copies. He is also known as one of the teachers featured in the hit movie and bestselling book THE SECRET. Jack and his wife, Inga live with their children in California, USA.
Karel Capek (1890-1938) was one of the most important Czech writers of the twentieth century and a major voice in early European science fiction. His work traversed many genres, and his most famous play, R.U.R., introduced the word 'robot' into popular usage. He died on Christmas Day 1938.
Jacqueline Carey is the bestselling and award-winning author of the critically acclaimed Kushiel's Legacy series of historical fantasy novels and The Sundering epic fantasy duology. Her desire to write professionally emerged as a driving passion whilst she was living in London and working in a bookshop. She lives in West Michigan, and you can learn more by visiting her website: www.jacquelinecarey.com
Lisa Carey is the author of The Mermaids Singing, In the Country of the Young, Love in the Asylum and Every Visible Thing. She lived in Ireland for five years and now resides in Portland, Maine, with her husband and their son.
Linda Carey, writing as A.J. Lake, authored the Darkest Age fantasy trilogy. She has also written for TV, most notably for the German animation series Meadowlands, on which she shared the duties of lead writer. With her husband, Mike, and daughter, Louise, she is the author of The City of Silk and Steel and The House of War and Witness.


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Weeding Out the 'Unfit' Unborn
New Threats From an Old Ideology
TORONTO, NOV. 13, 2005 (Zenit) - A growing demand for "perfect children" is leading to the elimination of unborn babies with health problems. The Globe and Mail newspaper reported Oct. 28 that the number of children born with cystic fibrosis has fallen sharply in recent years.
According to research published in the Journal of Pediatrics, currently 1 in 3,608 babies born in Canada suffer from cystic fibrosis, compared with 1 in 2,714 before a genetic test for this disease existed. "Our hypothesis," Mary Corey, a senior scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, told the Globe and Mail, "is that pregnancies are being terminated."
The article also noted that testing is set to increase notably. Officials in Ontario are planning to test for 21 metabolic conditions, compared with the two screening tests it now conducts.
Genetic screening is also on the rise in Britain. The London-based Telegraph newspaper reported July 11 that a method of screening embryos for hemophilia has been developed.
British doctors at the Clinical Sciences Center in Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's Hospital have developed a form of pre-implantation diagnosis to test embryos conceived through in vitro fertilization for hemophilia. Previously, embryos could not be tested for hemophilia until they were in the womb, by means of amniocentesis.
And on Aug. 19 the Times reported that a clinic in London had been given permission by the government to screen embryos for a gene that can give rise to retinoblastoma, a form of tumors in the eye. The article noted that the permission broke new ground, because retinoblastoma is rarely fatal. In fact, 95% of cases can normally be successfully treated.
The Times reported that groups defending the rights of embryos criticized the approval. The groups argued that it would lead to the destruction of embryos that might be perfectly healthy, along with others that could go on with a high chance of a normal life once their tumor were treated.
The license to conduct the screening went to Paul Serhal, of University College Hospital. Last year he became the first doctor in Britain permitted to screen embryos for a gene that causes bowel cancer.
A duty to screen
In Australia, meanwhile, controversy over the use of genetic screening to eliminate babies broke out when a bioethicist argued that parents have a moral obligation to use this technology to bear "the best child possible."
The Age newspaper reported June 5 on the comments made by Melbourne-born Julian Savulescu. He is now the head of Oxford University's Uehiro Center for Practical Ethics and is also an ethicist at Melbourne's Murdoch Children's Research Institute.
Savulescu was in Melbourne for the annual dinner of the Australian Society for Medical Research, where he was awarded its medal for 2005.
He also argued in favor of using screening to test for desirable character traits. "I think we've got a reason for using (tests) not just to screen out diseases, but in looking at the kind of characteristics our children are likely to have," he told the Age. He said that traits such as empathy, sympathy and fair-mindedness could create more moral people.
Criticism of Savulescu came from Robert Sparrow, of Monash University's Center for Human Bioethics. In comments published in the Adelaide Advertiser on June 15, Sparrow pointed out that widespread use of screening could lead the way to "eugenics by market forces."
"There'll be large pressure on parents to have perfect babies where what counts as a perfect baby is determined by majority opinion," Sparrow said. "Parents will pretty quickly work out for themselves that unless they have the nice, intelligent, tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed child, their child is going to be less successful in society than other children."
As well, if the birth of children with disabilities becomes perceived as reflecting a choice of the parents, social attitudes could change and become less tolerant toward the disabled.
Support for eugenics has a long history. One of the most influential advocates in modern times was the founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger. A 2005 book, "Margaret Sanger's Eugenic Legacy: The Control of Female Fertility," examined her role and the influence it still has.
The carefully researched book, with 75 pages of notes and bibliography, argues that Sanger (1883-1966) had "a genuine commitment to the eugenic ideology."
Sanger's achievements, observes author Angela Franks, has led many feminists to see her "as a paragon of female achievement against an oppressive order." Many feminists also consider her as a bringer of freedom, the freedom to control female fertility, Franks states.
Yet, Franks queries how ...
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Climate change, rice production, and migration in Vietnamese households
This paper analyses the relationship between climate and migration in rural households in Vietnam.
We propose an instrumental variable approach that controls for the potential endogeneity between crop production and migration using monthly minimum temperatures in the growing season as an instrument of rice production. Results show that the rise in minimum temperature during the core month of the growing season (i.e. June) does cause a reduction in rice production which, in turn, has a positive impact on people’s propensity to migrate.
This finding is robust to the use of different estimators and plausible violations to exogeneity of the instrument.

domain: agronomy


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Did you know Doughnut Vault is one Chicago's top tourist attractions? So you probably wouldn't expect them to have a 100 square foot store front to sell their hand crafted treats, right? This discovery sparked my interest in this little company that led me to redesign everything from their logo, to coffee cups and even creating a brand standards manual.
I spent 15 weeks working with Doughnut Vault's brand for a semester rebranding project. I wanted to create an identity for them that was recognizable and could be expanded as the company grows. The process began with preliminary research about the company's history and current identity. What I found was they pride themselves on the simplicity and authenticity of their brand. I used this as the foundation of my creative process as I explored design solutions.
The first, and probably the most important, component of the brand I explore was the logo. The current logo is very simple and does not give much insight into the brand, other than its name. In my research I discovered the name "Doughnut Vault" originated from the architectural elements on the companies original Franklin St. location. I looked into the architectural structure of these vaults and found that they emulated the same curved shape as a doughnut. I decided to explore how the doughnut, or rather half of a doughnut could be used to reflect the architectural style of these vaults.
After establishing the style direction of the logo, I began to play with how the type could interact with the mark. I liked the idea of the type in relation to the mark creating the shape of the vault somewhat organically. But I struggled to find a typeface that could do this and still fit the style of the mark. Eventually, I stumbled upon a typeface that I felt was most reflective of the brand and was able to settle on a final logo design.
After the logo was solidified, it was time to start applying it. I started by creating a stationery system including: business cards, letter head and envelopes. The stationery was where the addition of the sprinkle pattern was introduced. From there, I developed a series of collateral items including: uniforms, packaging, souvenirs and more. With these different applications, I was able to explore how the logo could be used as separate elements as well as discovered other visual elements to use throughout the brand.
My favorite part of this project, was creating the style guide. The guide consists of 30 pages of guidelines and examples of how to use the logo, typography and overall revised brand. It also features photography from the original Doughnut Vault location. The final guide was printed as an 8" by 8" full color booklet and displays the new Doughnut Vault brand in all its glory.


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My wife and I live in a cottage at the beach in the quiet town of Aliki, Paros, Cyclades, Greece. We have taken a trip to many various other Greek islands and to a couple of places on the major land and Peloponese such as Delphi and also Naplion. Over the years we have had many site visitors and guests so we understand that each vacationer has their own sort and expectations. So the information listed below is either rather common or oriented towards our particular preferences. You can write to us with our web site for solution to your certain traveling questions. First off due to the financial situation in Greece and all the worldwide media coverage: Do not stress; more than happy! It is really easy to stay clear of any demonstrations in central Athens and when you get to the islands or rural communities you would certainly never ever know they existed. Strikes, however, are a somewhat various matter. They can be hard to avoid yet the key is to look at your specific trip or ferryboat, trip or whatever. Numerous still take place also when the information headings claim everything is closed. Greece has actually never been an area for precision and also precision.
The most typical inquiry that we are asked about zakynthos underwater caves travel includes ferryboat schedules. Ferries undergo a terrific much more variables than trains, for instance, so they are viewed as undependable. To me, rather, it is simply part of the Greek island experience to be more kicked back and also forgiving of the uncertainties triggered by wind, water, vacations and also labor strikes. It is really easy to island jump, however it does cost a great deal of time and a little loan. It does no excellent to micro-manage from afar. Normally the period’s timetables are not complete up until a pair weeks prior to the season starts. So we extremely recommend no development reservations except your very first and last nights. For approximately day ferryboat routes and timetables my favorite site is Greek Travel Pages.
Most international trips land at Athens it is a criminal activity against humanity ahead to Greece and not visit the Acropolis. Yet there are numerous trips during the summertime season to Crete Iraklion, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Corfu and so on. All have ferryboat service to various other islands however neighborhood trips are only between Athens. By the way, there are no reasonably priced resorts anywhere near the Athens airport, but it matters not because there are dedicated reveal busses to Athens, Pireaus and also Rafina– along with a suv train and also a Metro line. Either keep in downtown Athens or away from the port in Piraeus. The Athens Metro is superb with very fascinating stations, lots of showing antiquities dug deep into throughout their building.


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Over the course of this weekend I had been invited to share an afternoon with many enthusiastic gardeners as a panelist on a Gardens Question Time. This was not with the BBC Radio 4 programme but rather a more local affair. The Panelists including a well respected florist, Head Gardener from one of the Cotswolds leading gardens and chairing the event was a BBC Producer and host of a well loved Gardening programme. Sat in a huge marquee looking over a broad lake we enjoyed a varied number of questions, from pest and disease on a lady's Cape Gooseberry to recommendations for plants to grow on an exposed steep bank with very shallow soil.
After the question time we spent time chatting more informally with the gardens who had all attended, I must say the marquee was heaving with people, largely due to the fact that this was an exclusive event for the Untied Kingdom's largest group of garden centre's Gardening Club and it was great to talk to so many people with such varied interests with gardening.
I have to confess to being on somewhat of a high over the weekend as on Friday an envelope landed in our office announcing we had won an International Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice. After the sheer shock and lots of chatter between myself and couple of people in the office, I sat down to read the letter slightly more throughly.
As you may know this year I designed a garden at Chelsea Flower Show for Bradstone. As part of the garden I also designed a product we called the Crevice Nesting Portico. Intended for use on housing and light industrial building projects the portico was designed to replace a standard portico with one which also made provision for nesting sites within the fabric of the building. Many smaller birds in the United Kingdom such as House Sparrow,Passer domesticus, actively nest in building, normally in the crevices around the building'd roof or if it is very old behind climbing plants where ever architectural detail allows. The portico was design classically with recesses' the entire length which are the average width and depth of a House Sparrow's nest. The prototype of the portico was used in the Chelsea Garden and well received by both the media and trade.
In November I shall be off to the House's of Parliament in London to accept the award, which I was rather thrilled and surprised to receive.


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Bosch and PSA Peugeot Citroën presented two prototype vehicles that use the Optimal Energy Consumption and Recovery (OpEneR) system at the International Environmentally Responsible Car Show (RIVE) in Alès, France. OpEneR is a European research project designed to increase the range of future hybrid and electric vehicles by optimizing energy management.
Launched in 2011, OpEneR uses data from onboard sensors and telematics to optimize cooperation between a vehicle’s electric drivetrain and its regenerative braking system. Software algorithms merge data from a wide range of sources to provide guidance through dashboard displays, allowing drivers to adapt their route and driving style to achieve the best energy efficiency.
The two prototypes, built on a Peugeot 3008 platform, use several new drivetrain technologies, including:
- an electric powertrain based on two e-machines that deliver four-wheel drive.
- a new-generation stop/start system that enables freewheeling.
- Bosch’s ESP electronic stability program, which recovers energy when braking; and iBooster, which creates more vacuum-free brake pressure.


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The pre important questions
A King was in perpetual enquiry, about three most important questions of utmost important to him in his life. “What is the most important time, the most important person and the most important work to do?” He proclaimed in his Kingdom, “Anyone who can answer these three questions to King’s satisfaction will be richly rewarded.” He called a conference of the learned and holy persons but he was not satisfied with the answers of anyone. One said, “The most important time which is auspicious, to begin any action or to do anything which is important is to be determined by consultation with astrologers’ experts.” Other said, “It depends on the nature of the work and your interest and dedication to it.” The third person said, “The most important person to listen to and follow is one who is learned and holy.” The fourth said, “The most important person is obviously one who brings maximum advantage and profit to you.”
The most important work to occupy, most of them said, “The work which is most profitable and enjoyable to you.” The King was not happy with any answer though they could be scholarly, holy and insightful. There was something lacking which made this answers somewhat superficial and swallow.
In his earnest search for meaningful and true answers, he came to know of a sage who lived in a hut, flanking a forest on the border of his kingdom. When he went to meet the Hermit. he worked on a small farm and spent the rest of this time in meditating and teaching. When the king came to the place where Harmit lived, he found him busy preparing a bed, a field for sowing flowers fruits, vegetables and cereals. The rains had just showered to make the earth soft and moist. Harmit was busy to complete his job before sunset. He was covered with sweat and dust. He was working fast with his spade. When he saw the King, he respectfully led him inside his hut, made him sit and told him to wait as he was busy. The King was in a hurry to get his questions answered and he repeated them a few times. Harmit’s reply was the same, “wait… I’m busy with my farm work which is urgent….and I will join you after it is over. You may get the answers by just waiting and watching!”
Hermit went out to work on his farm. Soon the bed was ready for sowing, he started pointing his seeds when the king was still waiting after his job was over he came to king and he started planting the seeds, king was watching…. He had got the answer to his question, what is the best time to work and what is the most important work?” He got the answer as he observed Hermit, “The best time to do the work, to begin and do the work is now.” And the most important work to do is the work and duty and task you are involved in, Here and Now!
Suddenly, an aged looking man with bleeding wounds and moaning with pain came inside the hut where king was seated. The man knew the Harmit and had come to take shelter as he was been chased by King’s bodyguard who had hunted him..…”I was assigned by the King’s rival to kill him but was caught by the bodyguards who stabbed me with sword I somehow escaped and ran for a shelter….and here I’m bleeding to death!” The Harmit entrusted the man to the King, with some herbal ointment, cotton and bandage. The king luckily knew how to dress a wound as he himself had done it after being wounded in battles. Without judging whether he was friend or foe, he got busy dressing up his wounds and stopping his bleeding.The three slept in the hut happily. The Harnit’s work of sowing seeds was finished and it was raining.
The man who was assigned to kill the king was much better due to the dressing by the King. His bleeding had stopped and he was ready to go home for further treatment. The Hermit looked at the King meaningfully and said, “I’m sure, Oh! King you have got the answer to your third question… the most important person is the person before you and the work is to serve and nurse him without judgment weather is a friend or foe! The King had got the answerers to his three questions, the most important time, the most important person and the most important work. He bowed down to the Hermit and left for his castle determined to put this answers in practice to work in Here-Now and served and empower the persons around in his Kingdom. The King was transformed.


Alex Salmond’s drive towards a “renewables revolution” is trampling over local democracy and creating growing anger towards Holyrood, it has been claimed.
A string of protest groups has sprung up across Dumfries and Galloway following plans to “carpet” the region with wind farms. Campaigners are angry at the SNP for overturning local council decisions to reject developments that many local people believe are scarring the countryside.
Government approval for a rash of renewables schemes is likely to be a key issue in next month’s council elections. Antipathy towards the developments was highlighted recently when Mr Salmond was jeered at a public meeting in Stranraer as he outlined the Scottish Government’s renewables strategy.
Conservative council leader Ivor Hyslop said: “It does feel a wee bit galling that you go through this process of saying, ‘Well actually we don’t think that’s appropriate for our area’. Then somebody turns round and says, ‘Well tough, you’re getting it’.
“There is concern that the local voice isn’t being heard – and it is down to the national policy.”
Controversial developments earmarked for Dumfries and Galloway have included a 23-turbine development at Blackcraig, which was signed off by outgoing minister Jim Mather at the tail end of the last Parliament, after a seven-year battle.
Last month, another 18-turbine development at Carscreugh was put through by the SNP government, despite having been rejected by the Conservative/Liberal Democrat/Independent administration on the council.
Hundreds of turbines now pepper the landscape across the region, prompting the emergence of a string of protest groups including GLARE (Galloway Landscape And Renewable Energy).
Co-ordinator Alison Chapman said: “People think there’s a huge democratic deficit. Local people have said no and the government, which pretends all the time they’re on the side of the working person, is destroying the very thing that makes people come to Scotland.
“The most likely impact is that people will lose trust and confidence in the ability of the local council to do anything. If what they do in the interests of the local community is simply overturned by central government in Edinburgh, there will be as much antipathy towards Edinburgh as there is towards any other capital.”
Outgoing senior Liberal Democrat Michael Dickie, who represented Annandale North and whose party are major windfarm supporters, says some areas need greater protection.
“There are an enormous number in Dumfries and Galloway and others being proposed,” he said.
“There’s a proliferation and there must a point where the area is being spoiled.”
Labour’s Ronnie Nicholson says the party is not against renewable energy. But he added: “We are against the carpeting of Dumfries and Galloway. There’s a proliferation of them here.”
He added: “We see it as a centralised agenda – they’re out of touch with what is going on here.”
The council area covers a massive rural land-mass, stretching 100 miles from Langholm to Stranraer.
Other issues likely to dominate are the state of local roads, with upgrades the A75 road between Dumfries and Stranraer.
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MA State Senator and Winthrop resident Joseph Boncore joins Ron for his first interview as Senator.
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Local law enforcement, elected officials, civic leaders, people in recovery, and those who have lost loved ones to the opioid epedemic, join CASA on the lawn of Winthrop Town Hall to rally support and stand against th...
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domain: sociology


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I am sharing this secret recipe with you all. The reason it is a secret is because my sister and I agree that these are the best brownies we have ever eaten. I mean like totally addicting, slap your momma and sell your children to get more of these brownies. Also, these brownies make you look like you’re the best baker in the world.
But I am a giver, so here goes.
For the Caramel Sauce:
Start by making the caramel sauce, in a medium sauce pan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Swirl the pan carefully to mix. Cook until the sugar mixture is at 345 degrees using a candy thermometer to measure the temperature or until it is caramel colored, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Remove from heat and add ½ c. of heavy cream and then 1 t. of fleur de sel. Be careful because it can bubble up and burn. Next add ¼ c. of sour cream. Set aside to cool.
For the Brownies:
Butter the sides and bottom of his glass or metal 9 by 13 inch pan. Line the bottom with the sheet of parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt and cocoa powder, I had a hard time finding the dark unsweetened cocoa powder but my dear sweet sister brought me some… thank you.
Place 11 oz. of dark chocolate coarsely chopped
and 1 c. of butter in the top of a double boiler, stirring until the mixture is fully melted. Turn off the heat but keep the bowl over the water to keep it warm.
Add the sugars and whisk until the sugar has melted. Remove from the double boiler and allow to come to room temperature.
Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, add three eggs, whisking to combine.
Add vanilla, mixing gently.
Lighlty add the flour mixture and fold into the chocolate, until the dry ingredients are just mixed in. The important thing with brownies, muffins, cakes, etc is not to over mix.. it becomes a brick.
Pour half the brownie mix into your prepared pan, making smooth with a spatula.
Drizzle ¾ c. of the caramel sauce over the brownie mixture, and then spread with an offset spatula. Do not let the caramel touch the edges or it will burn.
Top with other half of the brownie mix and smooth to cover the caramel.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out a few moist crumbs.
Remove the brownies from the oven and sprinkle 1 ½ t fleur de sel and 1 t. of coarse salt.
Cool completely before serving.
These are crazy good.. you will love them. I am joining Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum, she has lovely food and so many wonderful contributors any Show and Tell at My Romantic Home.
Caramel Salted Brownie
1 c. sugar
2 T. light corn syrup
½ c. heavy cream
1 t. fleur de sel
¼ c. sour cream
For the Brownie:
1 ¼ c. flour
1 t. salt
2 T. dark unsweetened cocoa powder
11 oz. of dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped
1 c. butter
1 ½ c. sugar
½ c. brown sugar, lightly packed
5 large eggs, at room temperature
2 t. vanilla
1 ½ t. of fleur de sel
1 t. coarse salt

domain: food


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Aydin Zahedivash; The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School< Jessica Chambers, MD; Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Beth Miller, MD, MACP; Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Multicentric Castleman Disease (MCD) is a systemic disease characterized by angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia often associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We demonstrate a case of idiopathic MCD and hypothesize that the etiology may be due to immune dysregulation triggered by uncontrolled diabetes mellitus rather than the common viral coinfections.
A 33-year-old man with history of hypertension, asthma, and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with wheezing for 1 month with only mild improvement when using his albuterol inhaler. He reported night sweats and productive cough with brown and green sputum and occasional bloody streaks for one month accompanied by a 100-pound weight loss over the past year. He denied tobacco use, sick contacts, recent viral illness, and recent travel. He is a carpenter by trade and has no pets. The physical examination showed vital signs that were within normal limits, moderate expiratory wheezing throughout lung fields, and painless submental, bilateral submandibular, bilateral femoral, bilateral axillary, and left epitrochlear lymphadenopathies, averaging 2-3 cm in size with no hepatosplenomegaly. A chest x-ray showed bilateral reticulonodular infiltrates, but no consolidation. Routine bacterial, AFB, and fungal cultures were negative as were HHV8 and HIV viral serologies. Glucose level on admission was 685 mg/dL and his HbA1C was greater than 14%.
The patient had significant improvement in his wheezing after receiving an empiric course with azithromycin-ceftriaxone and was able to walk for 5-10 minutes without shortness of breath. However, physical exam revealed only a mild regression of the diffuse lymphadenopathy and chest x-ray showed only mild regression of the bilateral reticulonodular infiltrates. The patient underwent a femoral lymph node biopsy given the persistent lymphadenopathy and radiological findings. Pathology results revealed Castleman Disease, vascular/hyaline type.
This patient's case demonstrates an unusual presentation of MCD, considering the younger age of diagnosis and the absence of the common viral coinfections present in over 50% of cases. Cases of MCD without HHV8 and HIV coinfection are generally deemed to be idiopathic . In addition to its association with HHV8 and HIV however, MCD has been associated more broadly with immune dysregulation . Pertinent to this patient, it has been seen that hyperglycemia can alter various aspects of the immune response, in some cases interrupting antigen recognition pathways which can lead to a proinflammatory state , predisposing to MCD . Additionally, the increased angiogenesis in chronic states of hyperglycemia further predisposes patients to MCD. This patient's young age in conjunction with uncontrolled blood glucose levels point to a possible link between MCD and the immune system dysregulation seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, providing motivation for further investigation of the association in patients with a younger age at diagnosis.
 Fajgenbaum, D. C., van Rhee, F., & Nabel, C. S. (2014). HHV-8-negative, idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: novel insights into biology, pathogenesis, and therapy. Blood, blood-2013.
 Bianchi, M. M., Narváez, J., Santo, P., Ríos-Rodriguez, V., de la Fuente, D., Roig-Vilaseca, D., & Nolla, J. M. (2009). Multicentric Castleman's disease mimicking adult-onset Still's disease. Joint Bone Spine, 76(3), 304-307.
 Ilyas, R., Wallis, R., Soilleux, E. J., Townsend, P., Zehnder, D., Tan, B. K., ... & Mitchell, D. A. (2011). High glucose disrupts oligosaccharide recognition function via competitive inhibition: a potential mechanism for immune dysregulation in diabetes mellitus. Immunobiology, 216(1), 126-131.

domain: medical


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David InterContinental, Tel Aviv
Tel: 972 3 795 1111
Concierge.com's insider take:
The splashiest luxury hotel in Tel Aviv, which opened in 1998, lies a bit outside the city center and is a favorite of corporate travelers because of its massive conference facilities and elaborate business center. Still, it managed to lure Madonna when she came to visit Israel in the fall of 2004. Perhaps what caught her eye was the hotel's large outdoor pool deck (which morphs into a hip lounge on balmy summer nights) or the location (just across from the beach). Its 555 units include just about every imaginable room configuration, from standard rooms to apartmentlike royal and presidential suites.

domain: travel


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Quick Trick: Content-Aware Fill
PDF Version : https://bit.ly/3SLuyWj
We all have those photos that just don’t… quite… make us happy… but the memory is important. I have a lot of photos from my two visits to Ireland where the subject is ancient and meaningful, but the trappings of modern life just intrude. Cars, signs. poles, wires, you know what I mean. If they’re in the photo it’s because I couldn’t get the image without including them. Here’s how I make them disappear.
Okay, so the wire in this photo isn’t really that bad. But it bothers me enough that I’m going to eliminate it. These thatched cottages in Adare, County Kerry, have been there for at least a couple hundred years, long before electricity and cable TV. In the past, I would have used a combination of Spot Healing and Clone Stamping to hide it, but not any more!
First, I’m going to make a mask for it using the Pencil Tool. Since it’s essentially a straight line, that’ll work well. I chose a hard, round brush a bit wider than the wire.
This mask needs to go on a new blank layer so that its’ edges can be Selected in the next step. So I plopped down a new layer.
Next, I put the tip of my pencil down at one end of the visible wire and clicked.
Then, holding down the SHIFT key, I put the tip of the pencil down at the other end and clicked again.
By clicking on the mask/red line Layer Thumbnail (the little image that shows what’s on the layer), I’ve told Elements I want the edges of the line Selected. That turns on the marching ants. Then I clicked Select>Modify>Expand so I can be positive I’ve gotten ALL of the stuff I want gone covered.
It doesn’t need to be expanded much. 5 pixels for this is enough. That’ll move the marching ants away from the original selection by 5 pixels in each direction.
This step is optional, but I feel like it’s needed here because of the straight, sharp line. The edges could be visible in the finished image and I’d rather they not. Select>Feather or CTRL/CMD>ALT/OPT>D will open a new option menu.
The edges just need a touch of softening so a Feather Radius of 5 pixels is likely enough.
Now, prepare to be amazed! Make sure your photo layer is active – not the mask layer – and click Edit>Fill Selection…
Choose Content-Aware from the Fill Layer options menu. Content-Aware Fill was introduced in Elements 13, so if you’re using an earlier version, it won’t show up for you in the options. Sorry…
The image speaks for itself.
To turn off the marching ants, click Select>Deselect or CTRL/CMD>D. And it’s done!!
I took the original photo in May 2014, but now, it could be any year.
I’ll just show you another quick way to eliminate distractions before we go. It’s thought this castle was built around 1216 on the shore of Lough Leane, near Killarney, County Kerry by an Anglo-Norman named Roche. Over the last couple of centuries it’s fallen to ruin. And those signs have GOT to go!!
This time I used the Lasso Tool to draw a rough circle around the sign and post. As long as the line you create with it crosses itself you’ll be able to “close the loop” and have a specific Selection. Don’t be too fussy, because it doesn’t matter!! (**You won’t have a red line around your loop. I did that to make it easier to see where I’ve got my marching ants.**) Then again, Edit>Fill Selection…
And choose Content-Aware again.
A really close look will tell you Elements has Cloned the shrub to the left of the Selection to fill the space, but the average eye won’t notice.
The owners of the property has tried to make the “historical marker” thing blend in with its surroundings, but it’s a fail for me. So let’s disappear it too.
Back to Content-Aware.
Hmm. Elements has Cloned part of the fence post and it looks dumb. It’s outta there!
I made a new, smaller selection to capture only the offending fence post and Filled it with Content-Aware and now it’s perfect!
Now that I’ve started, I’m hooked! I’ll be spiffing up a LOT of photos, and getting much better results, in the coming days.
Anybody jumping into the Scrap-a-Thon? Since my son has finally recovered from his injury, life is back to normal for us and I should be able to take part. So excited!! See you on the weekend with the Designer Spotlight.
Wow, Jan — that is amazing! It seems so much simpler than using the clone stamp or the spot healing tool; which can often look splotchy. I am definitely going to give this a try — thanks so much!!
Thank you so much! This looks so much simpler than what I’ve tried before and given up on!
Right?!! When I stumbled on those Facebook reels and saw this, I was dumbfounded. How have I gone 10 YEARS without knowing about this???
Love this technique! Can’t wait to give it a try. Thanks.
Thanks, Jan, I’m definitely gonna try this. Now if only I could really disappear the electric/cable lines outside my house. They ruin my sunset view every night!
I totally forgot about this feature in PSE! Thanks for the reminder. I tried it right away on an old photo with a person who walked into far background and it worked pretty well. I just had to finish it up with the clone stamp brush a bit.
I have an idea for a tutorial that folks might enjoy. I once did this technique using one of the tutorials by Cheryl at MyCorner (formerly Hummie’s World). It involved adding a blended blue layer on top of the whole page to give it a sort of antique look. I was skeptical, but ended up liking my page better with it than without. (I think that technique might be the general idea behind the interesting look of the designs of Jennifer Fehr at Sweet Shoppe, but I have no way of knowing her process.) I might still have my before and after pages if you’re interesting in seeing them to decide if it’s worth pursuing or not. (forum username: lulutoo)


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With Elon Musk’s announced purchase of Twitter for about $44 billion, the stranglehold of the world’s billionaires on the world’s media outlets has tightened. Cases in point: Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post; Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Mark Zuckerberg still exert a massive amount of influence on the companies they founded, and Michael Bloomberg controls the Bloomberg Media Group.
Is there any remedy for the relentless march of the billionaires toward global media domination?
The short answer is yes, but to understand how the proposed solution works, it would help to first take a step back to understand the context in which this discussion is taking place.
Twitter was built to be an open, inclusive arena for free speech for everyone around the world. However, like the other businesses and media companies mentioned above, it is still a Web2-based centralized platform. It generates income by serving targeted ads to users based on their data and selling consumer data to other service providers. No matter how you dissect it, there is a conflict there. How can Twitter claim to be a bastion of free speech, when its primary source of income is monetizing that speech – user data – while maintaining centralized control over what people can say, who can say it and what the public sees on the platform.
In a recent TED talk, Musk discussed some of the issues he sees with Twitter and how he plans to address them. The solutions he proposed practically oozed the Web3 ethos, without him explicitly saying that Twitter needed to transition to a Web3 model. He effectively stated that Twitter needs transparency, immutability and, if he were to succeed (he has), decentralized ownership if at all possible – all core components of the open, user-owned Web3 internet.
Now that Mr. Musk effectively owns Twitter, one can assume that he can nudge the company toward that direction. If it is to go there, it will eventually have to overcome the conflicting philosophies of having a decentralized platform that empowers individuals, while surreptitiously using those individuals for big data profits.
There is a better way to drive truly decentralized ownership of large platforms such as Twitter while empowering individuals and eliminating the problems of censorship and overreach. The cryptocurrency and blockchain industry is littered with good ideas and projects, many of which can easily be scaled up to effectively solve these issues. But what of the existential conflict at the heart of the business? The answer lies at the very core of Web3, where – according to the Web3 Foundation – the very first tenet is “an internet where…users own their data, not corporations.”
There it is: Step one of addressing this issue. Will this be a tough sell in the Twitter board room? Probably. Like with the other problems, is Web3 already producing projects that demonstrate how this can be done properly? Absolutely.
Projects like Cirus are closing the gap between users and their data, and showing how including the user in the value equation won’t break the business model of the internet. In fact, the very idea of users owning their data brings brands and users closer together in a non-adversarial way. The end result is better data, more efficiency, and more value for all parties involved. The greasy, behind-the-scenes nature of Web2 big-data business models will prove to be inefficient and clunky by comparison.
Cirus’ Web Extension allows users to own, and start earning from their own data. It is the first in a lineup of tools designed to arm users with the most comprehensive and valuable version of their data-asset. That asset then becomes the user’s access point into other Web3 services and ecosystems. This solution is philosophically in line with the rest of Musk’s “kind of Web3” plans for Twitter and it solves the inconsistency at the heart of the platform.
That same dilemma exists within most of the major Web2 big-data driven platforms. An elegant way to pivot away from the “we’re taking your data while you’re distracted” business model is needed. In this way, Cirus can be the conduit for Web2-based platforms and corporations to transition into Web3. With it, they will gain the benefits of transparency, individual empowerment, democratized access to earning opportunities, and the network effects that will accrue in different ecosystems built around Web3 models.
While many corporations are still on the fence about taking the plunge into Web3 (and understandably so, since they do not want to relinquish their centralized control of their platforms and ecosystems), forward-thinking business leaders such as Elon Musk are making it clear that the current model is simply unsustainable and the Internet, perhaps sooner than later, must pivot to the decentralized Web3….even if he’s just casually spending $44 Billion, rather than saying it directly.
The last piece, the elephant in the room, is who will own the user data. With Web3 you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Platforms will have to find a way to truly include the user in the value equation. Cirus is at the forefront of this transition and invites everyone to join the revolution by visiting https://cirusfoundation.com/.


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Abhimanyu Vannemreddy secures wild card berth for junior French Open
Abhimanyu Vannemreddy overcame stiff challenge from Hikaru Shiraishi to book a wild card berth for main event of the junior French Opentennis Updated: May 29, 2017 18:11 IST
Abhimanyu Vannemreddy, 17, struggled but finally managed to beat Japanese opponent Hikaru Shiraishi in three sets 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, to win the Rendezvous Roland Garros title and also secure a wild card berth to the main event on Saturday.
Vannemreddy, trained by former Indian Davis Cupper Vishal Uppal, was quick off the blocks in the first set and broke his Japanese opponent Hikaru Shiraishi in the first game itself. Holding his serve Abhimanyu Vennamreddy soon opened up a 4-nil lead before Shiraishi reduced the margin.
Breaking his opponent twice, Vannemreddy closed the first set easy 6-1. Shiraishi, meanwhile, was struggling to cope with the heat and suffered a nose bleed. But despite being a set down, Shiraishi showed great tenacity and managed to comeback in the second set waging a valiant battle.
Despite being 2-4 down with Abhimanyu Vannemreddy breaking his serve in the sixth game, Shiraishi fought his way back into the match to force the tie into the third set. Nursing a nose bleed, Shiraishi changed tactics using drop shots to put pressure back on Vannemreddy.
Shiraishi broke Vannemreddy in the seventh and ninth games to bring the match to an even keel. However, in the third set, Vannemreddy once again exerted pressure and managed to open up a 4-0 advantage breaking his opponent twice in the second and the fourth games.
At 5-1 and serving for the match Vannemreddy had to yet again endure a late charge before finally sealing the set 6-1.
“I hope, I can keep going and winning more matches. This is just a beginning for me and it’s a huge opportunity. I never came to Europe and this is first time. I am happy,” Abhimanyu said after the win.
Coach Vivek Satyajit deputed by AITA, was happy with the result. “He played calm and kept his cool. He kept to game plan and didn’t lose his concentration. His opponent played well but I am happy that Abhimanyu stuck to his plan and deserves to win,” Vivek said.
First Published: May 27, 2017 21:48 IST

domain: sports


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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Governor Michael J. Dunleavy will make the members of the Alaska National Guard available for call up by President Donald J. Trump if he requests military assistance at the Southern border.
The governor made the commitment in a press release issued by administration press secretary Matt Shuckerow.
"Today I notified the White House that Alaska and our National Guard – if called upon – stand ready to support the national security crisis on the U.S. Southern Border,” Dunleavy said.
Dunleavy added that while the "southern border may seem far away and distant, the crisis is real and a potential threat to every American, including Alaskans."
"I look forward to our Congressional delegation, and Alaskans, joining me in support of the President’s mission to secure our borders,” Dunleavy said.


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Adderall: A combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (both central nervous system stimulants). It has a notably calming and “focusing” effect on patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly children.
Addiction: A chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use despite negative consequences and by long-lasting changes in the brain.
Amphetamine: A stimulant drug with effects similar to cocaine.
Anabolic/androgenic steroids: Male hormones, principally testosterone, that are partially responsible for the tremendous developmental changes that occur during puberty and adolescence. Male hormones can accelerate growth of muscle, bone, and red blood cells; decrease body fat; enhance neural conduction (anabolic effects); and produce changes in primary and secondary sexual characteristics (androgenic effects).
Analgesics: A group of medications that reduce pain.
Anesthetic: An agent that causes insensitivity to pain and is used for surgeries and other medical procedures.
Barbiturate: A type of central nervous system (CNS) depressant often prescribed to promote sleep.
Bath salts: An emerging family of drugs containing one or more synthetic chemicals related to cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant found naturally in the khat plant
Benzodiazepine: A type of CNS depressant often prescribed to relieve anxiety. Valium® and Xanax® are among the most widely prescribed benzodiazepine medications.
Brainstem: The lower portion of the brain. Major functions located in the brainstem include those necessary for survival, e.g., breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and arousal.
Buprenorphine: Medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2002 for the treatment of opioid addiction.
Cannabidiol: A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may be useful in reducing pain and inflammation and in controlling epileptic seizures.
Cannabinoid receptor: The receptor in the brain that recognizes and binds cannabinoids that are produced in the brain (anandamide) or outside the body (for example, THC and cannabidiol).
Cannabinoids: Chemicals that bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. They are found naturally in the brain (anandamide) and are also chemicals found in marijuana (for example, THC and CBD). They are involved in a variety of mental and physical processes, including memory, thinking, concentration, movement, pain regulation, food intake, and reward.
Cannabis: The botanical name for the plant that produces marijuana.
Carcinogen: A substance that may cause cancer.
Cardiovascular system: The heart and blood vessels.
Central nervous system (CNS): The brain and spinal cord.
Cerebellum: A portion of the brain that helps regulate posture, balance, and coordination.
Cerebral cortex: Region of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions, including language, reasoning, decisionmaking, and judgment.
Cerebral hemispheres: The two specialized halves of the brain. In right-handed people, the left hemisphere is specialized for speech, writing, language, and calculation; the right hemisphere is specialized for spatial abilities, face recognition, and some aspects of music perception and production.
Cerebrum: The upper part of the brain consisting of the left and right hemispheres.
CNS depressants: A class of drugs (also called sedatives and tranquilizers) that slow CNS function; some are used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders (includes barbiturates and benzodiazepines).
Coca: The plant, Erythroxylon, from which cocaine is derived. Also refers to the leaves of this plant.
Cocaine: A highly addictive stimulant drug derived from the coca plant that produces profound feelings of pleasure.
Cognitive-behavioral treatments: A set of treatments that focus on modifying thinking, motivation, coping mechanisms, and/or choices made by people.
Comorbidity: When two disorders or illnesses occur in the same person, they are called comorbid. Drug addiction and other mental illnesses are often comorbid. Also referred to as co-occurring disorders.
Crack: Slang term for a smokeable form of cocaine.
Craving: A powerful, often overwhelming desire for drugs.
Dependence: A physiological state that can occur with regular drug use and results in withdrawal symptoms when drug use is abruptly discontinued.
Depressants: Drugs that relieve anxiety and promote sleep. Depressants include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.
Detoxification: A process that enables the body to rid itself of a drug. Medically assisted detoxification may be needed to help manage an individual’s withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification alone is not treatment but is often the first step in a drug treatment program.
Dopamine: A brain chemical, classified as a neurotransmitter, found in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and pleasure.
Drug: A chemical compound or substance that can alter the structure and function of the body. Psychoactive drugs affect the function of the brain.
Drug abuse: The repeated use of illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of legal drugs to produce pleasure, alleviate stress, and/or alter or avoid reality.
Drugged driving: Driving a vehicle while impaired due to the lingering, intoxicating effects of recent drug use.
Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, MDMA): A mood- and perception-altering drug that is chemically similar to hallucinogens and stimulants.
Endogenous: Something produced by the brain or other parts of the body.
Forebrain: The largest division of the brain, which includes the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. It is credited with the highest cognitive functions.
Hallucinations: Perceptions of something (such as an image or a sound) that does not exist in the real world. Hallucinations usually arise from a disorder of the nervous system or as an effect of a hallucinogenic drug, such as LSD.
Hallucinogens: A diverse group of drugs that alter perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. Hallucinogenic drugs include LSD, mescaline, PCP, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
Heroin: A synthetic opioid related to morphine. It is more potent than morphine and is highly addictive.
Hippocampus: An area of the brain crucial for learning and memory.
Hypothalamus: A part of the brain that controls many bodily functions, including feeding, drinking, body temperature regulation, and the release of many hormones.
Ingest: Take food or other substances into the body through the mouth.
Inhalant: Any drug administered by breathing in its vapors. Inhalants are commonly organic solvents, such as glue and paint thinner, or anesthetic gases, such as nitrous oxide.
Inhalation: Taking air or a substance into the lungs by breathing it in through the nose or mouth. Nicotine in tobacco smoke enters the body by inhalation.
Injection: Taking a substance into the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, blood vessels, or body cavities - usually by means of a needle.
Injection drug use: Taking drugs directly into blood vessels using a hypodermic needle and syringe. Also called intravenous drug use.
Limbic system: Area of the brain that is involved with feelings, emotions, and motivations. It is also important for learning and memory.
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide): A hallucinogenic drug that acts on the serotonin receptor.
Marijuana: A psychoactive drug, usually smoked but sometimes vaporized or ingested, that is typically made from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the female cannabis plant. The main psychoactive ingredient is THC.
Medication: A drug that is used to treat an illness or disease according to established medical guidelines. If the medication contains one or more controlled substances, it must be prescribed by a licensed physician.
Methadone: A long-acting synthetic opioid medication that is effective in treating pain and opioid addiction.
Methamphetamine: An addictive, potent stimulant drug that is part of the larger class of amphetamines.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin®/Concerta®): A CNS stimulant that has effects similar to, but more potent than, caffeine and less potent than amphetamines. It has a notably calming and “focusing” effect on patients with ADHD, particularly children.
Neuron (nerve cell): A unique type of cell found in the brain and throughout the body that specializes in the transmission and processing of information.
Neurotransmitter: A chemical produced by neurons to carry messages to adjacent neurons.
Nicotine: The addictive drug in tobacco. Nicotine activates a specific type of acetylcholine receptor.
Nitrous oxide: A medical anesthetic gas, often used in dentistry, that is also called “laughing gas.” It is abused as an inhalant found in whipped cream dispensers.
Noradrenaline: A neurotransmitter that is made in the brain and influences, among other things, the function of the heart.
Nucleus accumbens: A part of the brain reward system, located in the limbic system, that processes information related to motivation and reward. Nearly all addictive drugs act directly or indirectly on the nucleus accumbens to reinforce drug taking.
Opioids (or opiates): Controlled substances most often prescribed for the management of pain. They are natural or synthetic chemicals similar to morphine that work by mimicking the actions of enkephalin and endorphin (endogenous opioids or pain-relieving chemicals produced in the body).
Pre-frontal cortex: Located in the frontal lobe (one of the four divisions of each cerebral hemisphere) of the brain. This area is important for decisionmaking, planning, and judgment.
Prescription drug abuse: The use of a medication by someone other than for whom it is prescribed, in ways or amounts other than intended by a doctor, or for the experience or feeling it causes.
Propofol: A common type of anesthetic used for surgery.
Psychedelic drug: A drug that distorts perception, thought, and feeling. This term is typically used to refer to drugs with hallucinogenic effects like those of LSD.
Psychoactive: Having a specific effect on the brain.
Psychotherapeutics: Therapeutic drugs that have an effect on brain function; some are used to treat psychiatric disorders. They include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, CNS depressants, stimulants, and opioids.
Relapse: In drug addiction, relapse is the resumption of drug use after an attempt to stop taking it. Relapse is a common occurrence in many chronic disorders, including addiction, that require frequent behavioral and/or pharmacologic adjustments to be treated effectively.
Reward: The process that reinforces behavior or increases its likelihood of recurrence. It is mediated, at least in part, by the release of dopamine into the nucleus accumbens. Human subjects report that reward is associated with feelings of pleasure.
Reward system (or brain reward system): A brain circuit that, when activated, reinforces behaviors. The circuit includes the dopamine-containing neurons of the ventral tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, and part of the prefrontal cortex.
Route of administration: The way a drug is taken into the body. Drugs are most commonly taken by eating, drinking, inhaling, injecting, snorting, or smoking.
Rush: A surge of pleasure (euphoria) that rapidly follows the administration of some drugs.
Salvia: An herb in the mint family native to southern Mexico that is used to produce hallucinogenic experiences.
Sedatives: Drugs that promote sleep, suppress anxiety, and relax muscles; the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) classification includes benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other types of CNS depressants.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that regulates many functions, including mood, appetite, and sensory perception.
Spice/K2: Dried plant material containing synthetic (or designer) cannabinoid compounds that produce mind-altering effects as well as other compounds that vary from product to product.
Stimulants: A class of drugs that elevates mood, increases feelings of well-being, and increases energy and alertness. Some stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, produce euphoria and are powerfully rewarding. Other stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin® and Concerta®) or Adderall® (a mix of amphetamine salts), are often prescribed to treat ADHD.
Tetrahydrocannabinol: See “THC.”
Thalamus: The key relay station for sensory information flowing to the cortex, which is located deep within the brain. It filters important messages out from the background noise, produced by the many signals entering the brain.
THC: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, which acts on the brain to produce marijuana’s psychoactive effects.
Tobacco: A plant widely cultivated for its leaves, which are used primarily for smoking; the tabacum species is the major source of tobacco products.
Tolerance: A condition in which higher doses of a drug are required to produce the same effect achieved during initial use, which often leads to dependence.
Tranquilizers: Drugs prescribed to promote sleep or reduce anxiety; the NSDUH classification includes benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other types of CNS depressants.
Ventral tegmental area: The group of dopamine-containing neurons that make up a key part of the brain reward system. This region is part of the brain reward pathways that also include the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex.
Withdrawal: Symptoms that occur after regular use of a drug has been abruptly reduced or stopped. Symptom severity depends on the type of drug, the dosage, and how long and how frequently it has been taken.
References: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

domain: psychology


In an 8-0 decision, the Supreme Court recently foreclosed the possibility of plaintiffs bringing federal common law public nuisance claims against those who allegedly contribute to global warming by emitting carbon dioxide. Am. Elec. Power Co. v. Conn., No. 10-174, 6/20/11.
Two groups of plaintiffs (eight States, New York City and three nonprofit land trusts) brought suit against five major electric power companies operating various fossil-fuel fired power plants. The plaintiffs argued that the companies’ carbon dioxide emissions “created a ‘substantial and unreasonable interference with public rights’ in violation of federal common law interstate nuisance, or, in the alterative, of state tort law.” The complaints sought an injunction requiring each defendant to “cap its carbon dioxide emissions and then reduce them by a specified percentage each year for at least a decade.”
After the plaintiffs filed their suits in 2004, the Supreme Court held in Massachusetts v. EPA, 549 U.S. 497 (2007), that the Clean Air Act authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate carbon-dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases. Subsequently, the EPA began a rulemaking under process § 111 of the Clear Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7411) to set limits on greenhouse gas emissions from new, modified, and existing fossil fuel-fired power plants. The EPA has committed to issuing a proposed rule by July 2011, and a final rule by May 2012.
The district court dismissed the plaintiffs’ suits on the basis that they presented non-justiciable political questions. The Second Circuit reversed, holding that the plaintiffs had stated a claim under the “federal common law of nuisance” and concluded that the plaintiffs could maintain their suits until the EPA actually exercised its regulatory authority.
The Supreme Court unanimously reversed. In an opinion authored by Justice Ginsburg, the Court held that the Clean Air Act “displace[d] any federal common law right to seek abatement of carbon-dioxide emissions from fossil-fuel fired power plants.” The Court rejected the Second Circuit’s reasoning that the plaintiffs’ claims are not displaced until the EPA actually regulates emissions from the defendants’ power plants. The Court concluded that the “relevant question for purposes of displacement is ‘whether the field has been occupied, not whether it has been occupied in a particular manner.’” Thus, when Congress delegated to the EPA authority to regulate greenhouse gases emitted from power plants, the plaintiffs’ federal common law claims were displaced. The Court further noted that the EPA was better equipped than federal judges to be the “primary regulator of greenhouse gas emissions” because federal judges “lack the scientific, economic, and technological resources” of an expert agency such as the EPA. While the Court held that the plaintiffs’ federal common law public nuisance claims had been displaced by the Clean Air Act, it remanded the case to the Second Circuit to determine whether the Clean Air Act preempts the plaintiffs’ claims under state nuisance law.
Justices Alito and Thomas, two of the dissenters in Massachusetts v. EPA, concurred in judgment, stating that they agreed with the Court’s analysis “on the assumption” that the Court’s interpretation of the Clear Air Act in Massachusetts is correct.
The decision is a clear victory for public utilities seeking to limit their exposure to extensive— and expensive—litigation over their alleged contributions to global warming.