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I have been a fan of Marvel comics my whole life, in fact I have over 300 comics including some very rare ones indeed. I love pinball and always try to find a machine (hard in London sometimes) so Marvel Pinball is the perfect game for me. One of the cornerstones of the Marvel franchise has always been the Fantastic Four, so it makes perfect sense to release a new downloadable table dedicated entirely to them.
This is pinball so there is no story, however, you can say there is the story of good vs. evil in the Marvel universe. The Fantastic Four table is beautiful to look at and play. The controls are very simple, L1 and R1 are your flippers with the X button used for ball launching. The physics of the ball are perfect, feeling as heavy as a real ball does and bouncing around fluidly with perfect animations.
Since this is a Fantastic Four table, we have all the main protagonists for the comics. The cast includes: The Thing, Mr Fantastic, the Invisible Woman and the Human Torch, Dr Doom and Galactus. The level of detail in the table is staggering as every light, ramp and railing is designed with loving care. The flashing lights add to the feel of this table and I have to say, I love how it looks.
There are missions to take part in where you can fight against Dr Doom and Galactus and these are initiated when the ball goes up the right ramp or down the right hole. I’m thinking the designers must have been fans to put so much detial in, as the table itself gleams and looks very nice. I also like the fact that I can see the whole table and the screen does not move up when the ball goes up, which is a very annoying design choice on some non-ZEN tables. Here, even though there is so much going on you never loose sight of the ball and you always have a high level of control.
The music for this table is also unique and very super-hero-like. The Fantastic Four track is typically fast paced and cool. The ball pinging around the table sounds as it should and the noises of the flippers and ramps all add to the realism of this pinball sim. Even the voice acting of the characters is very good with believable tones used and nice dialogue inserted.
The fun does not stop at the level of single player either. There is an online mode where you challenge other players over the PlayStation Network to beat their high scores for each table. However, there are some seriously good players out there that will rack up scores of 20 million routinely. There is even the option of playing with your friends, and on this table, as the others, there are trophies to win and unlock. I really think everything that needed to be in this game is present.
Overall, Zen Studios have provided gamers with a brilliant pinball game with a Marvel twist. Everything is pleasing about this game and I cannot fault it at all. I may be slightly bias given my love of Marvel, but as a pinball sim this has no competition. The graphics are silky and bright, the gameplay is easy and satisfying (and very addictive), the sounds are as they should be and the online mode adds a lot. If you love the Fantastic Four then this DLC is available for download now from the PSN, so go get it. Pinball perfection is hard to achieve but Marvel pinball is it.
REVIEW CODE: A complimentary Sony Playstation 3 code was provided to Brash Games for this review. Please send all review code enquiries to firstname.lastname@example.org.
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Tonight I was browsing an 1897 book entitled, “A New Astronomy” , by David P. Todd. I admire a lot of the old drawings and illustrations from the period and have a habit of clipping the ones that strike my fancy. Sort of like the scrapbooks from my younger days.
This is the Front Plate, a solar eclipse painting, which looks as if it takes place in Holland. I think it is striking. It’s claimed to be close to the real color observed. No date was given for the event. (Click to enlarge)
I also found a couple of drawings illustrating how to locate the Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes. These charts illustrate using two star patterns I have not seen in any modern texts.
Clear Sky - Rich

domain: hobby


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Mom and went outside today to practice some obedience training out in the heat, which is not my favorite. I do not like the heat but she says I better get used to it because where I'm going in another month, is going to be a lot hotter. Back to the place I was born...Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. in Palmetto, Florida.
Mom took some really good pictures of me while I was wearing the harness. I have really grown up to be a very handsome boy if I do say so myself! Want to see?
Hope you enjoy the pictures.


Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, during his weekly Monday morning appearance on the Dennis & Callahan show, lamented his team's lack of execution and consistency in Sunday's sloppy 23-16 victory over the Jaguars.
"It wasn't our best game," Brady said. "We've got to do a better job. We've got some pretty important weeks of football ahead, and that's when we really need to play our best. We just came out and got behind early, something you never really want to do on the road, and didn't really do too much to help our cause. That started really from the beginning of the game all the way to the end of the game. I wish we would have played better. We didn't. We're going to try to figure out how we can play better and hopefully go in there and improve this week."
Brady said the team had a good week of practice leading up to the game, making the slow start more frustrating.
"It was probably our best week," he said...
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (via Twitter), the Celtics will sign forward Jarvis Varnado of Sioux Falls in the NBA D-League on Monday. The 6-foot-9 Varnado, a 2010 second-round pick of the Heat who spent two years playing overseas, is averaging 14.0 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.4 blocks per game while logging 30 minutes a night for Sioux City. The 24-year-old played college basketball at Mississippi State, where he set an NCAA Division 1 record for most career blocked shots.
For more Celtics coverage, visit weei.com/celtics.
Next Sunday's game between the Patriots and Dolphins has been flexed from a 1 p.m. start to 4:25, the league announced Sunday evening. The move will allow the Patriots (11-4) to sit and watch the 1 p.m. contest between the Texans and Colts -- if Indy knocks off Houston and New England beats Miami (7-8), the Patriots will get a first-round bye.
For more Patriots news, check out weei.com/patriots.
The Patriots will head into the final week of the season with a chance to win one of two first-round byes, and still are alive for the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
The Patriots survived an ugly performance in Jacksonville and beat the Jaguars, 23-16, to improve to 11-4 on the season. The Texans fell to 12-3 with a home loss to the surging 9-6 Vikings. The Broncos easily handled the Browns in Denver to match Houston at 12-3.
As a result, the Patriots can win the No. 1 seed next week with a win over the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium, a Denver loss at home to Kansas City and a Texans loss to the Colts in Indianapolis. That would give the Patriots, Broncos and Texans all records of 12-4 record, and the Patriots beat both teams in their head-to-head meetings.
The Patriots can still win a first-round bye if they beat Miami, and the Broncos or Texans lose, giving the Patriots the No. 2 seed. If the...
An angry Tom Brady blasted his own performance and that of his teammates in Sunday's sloppy 23-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brady was just 24-of-41 for 267 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Patriots quarterback was sacked three times and took nine hits as the Patriots offense had trouble all day finding rhythm.
"We played pretty terrible out there," Brady said. "It came down to the wire and our defense made some plays. That was a bad 60 minutes of football. We got out-competed out there, out-fought. We were lucky to win.
"We started slow, couldn't do anything offensively, couldn't make any plays. They made plenty of plays and we were lucky to be in it at halftime. [We] didn't really do anything in the second half, in the run game or pass game. So, just a poor effort overall."
The Patriots quarterback was intercepted twice in the first half, and was upset at an incompletion to Brandon...
Pete talks with The Senator, Phil Perry about the Patriots trading for Dwayne Allen, ruling out a return to New England for Martellus Bennett. They also talk about the potential future of Patriots backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo and some of the big names in NFL free agency
Pete, Thornton and Price give their final thoughts and predictions for the Super Bowl.
Gabe calls the boys to handicap one of the biggest gambling days of the year - Super Bowl 51! Gabe has all the point spread info down and gets to all of the major prop bets that interest him.
Kirk, Gerry, and Alex Reimer discuss whether or not Isaiah Thomas will win a title in Boston.
Gerry, Kirk, and Trenni react to the Celtics loss against the Suns.
The NBA trade rumor mill is beginning to swirl as the deadline approaches and Picard is ready to go! He talks about the possibility of Jimmy Butler coming to Boston, why Isaiah Thomas is not getting enough respect and the future of the Celtics.
Rob Bradford is joined by Drew Pomeranz, the Red Sox pitcher who so many are wondering if he will be able to live up the value placed on him by the Red Sox when trading away top pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza last July. Pomeranz goes into detail regarding his injury last season, the stem cell treatment he underwent in the offseason, and how he thinks things stand heading into the 2017 campaign.
Rob Bradford is joined by Tom Caron, the man responsible for guiding the ship when it comes to Red Sox pregame and postgame shows, along with various other important duties with the New England Sports Network, including offering the play-by-play for both TV and radio throughout spring training. Tom and Rob discuss a variety of topics, such as nickname conundrums, radio vs. television, criticizing the team, behind-the-scenes for the broadcasts and where the industry is going.
Rob Bradford is joined by two-time All-Star outfielder Carlos Quentin, who is attempting a comeback with the Red Sox this spring. Quentin's path back to baseball involves almost quitting the game less than a year ago, losing 40 pounds and trying to sell himself to general managers all over Major League Baseball. Quentin explains his journey, which has led him to the back fields at JetBlue Park.
Hour 4. After Kraft’s comments at the owners meeting, the guys discuss how long Brady will play for. Gerry hates Lavar Ball. Reimer had a crazy time in Germany.
Hour 3. Kirk announces the K&C trip to Washington, D.C. Alex continues his battle against Kirk and Gerry on the Iowa State terrorist assignment. Kirk is sick of sporty promos.
Hour 2. Kirk responds to Keefe’s shot at him. Alex says America is to blame for 9/11 in Headlines. Alex says the U.S. should let as many people in as possible.
HOUR 4 - How many big-games does Tuukka Rask have to miss before guys like Bergeron and Marchand call him out for it? Also, Belichick skips the coach's breakfast, the Raiders are headed to Las Vegas, Kirk rips "The Baseball Show" and Dale, Holley and Keefe rip the Whiner Line.
HOUR 3 - LaVar Ball joined ESPN's "First Take" again on Monday, and brought his NBA-bound son, Lonzo, with him. Unlike his father, Lonzo says all the right things, and is good at basketball. The guys also discuss Lonzo Ball's poor performance against Kentucky, and wonder if that will affect his draft status or his general perception by fans. Also, Dino is selling that house we heard so much about, at Miromar Lakes.
HOUR 2 - The Celtics are tied with Cleveland for 1st place in the East (although Cleveland has 2 games in hand) and are poised for a top 3 pick in the draft. "FiveThirtyEight" says the Celtics have a better chance than the Cavs of winning a championship. Also, the guys discuss Devin Booker's 70 point game, and how some of the Celtics players were chirping him about it.
We finish the show with the best sound clips of the day.
People are unsure if Tuukka can be trusted in net in these big spots coming up and if the Celtics even stand a chance against Cleveland so Dale, Holley, and Keefe discuss.
Dale, Holley, and Keefe sort through Robert Kraft's comments at the owners' meeting regarding key Patriots players.
Kirk Minihane, future radio hall of famer, sits down with current radio hall of famer Howie Carr. Kirk and Howie talk about Howie's latest book Kennedy Babylon. If you like famous people engaging in sex scandals, hard drug taking, and murder this is the podcast for you. Its a fascinating look at Boston's most famous family and the problems that took the family down.
Kirk Minihane, host and overlord of the morning show, brings Gerry Callahan and producers Chris and Ken into the studio to hear his show proposal. Kirk is thinking about making some changes to the morning show and wants to hear his crew's opinion.
SI's Richard Deitsch returns to the podcast to talk with Kirk about the K&C casting couch, how ESPN wimps out when they are called out for slander, what's going on with Bill Simmons, and the rise of podcasting.
Christian Fauria and Dr Gill go over the difficulties of staying healthy through the long grind of the playoffs in the NBA and in the NHL.
Ken Laird and Chris Curtis recap an Evan Drellich revival edition of the K&C Show on a Monday
Ben, Russ, and Alex discuss the USMNT victory over Honduras, Christian Pulisic's development for club and country, and Bastian Schweinsteiger's move to the Chicago Fire.
Hour 1. Evan Drellich makes his casting couch return. Over the weekend, Michael Che affirmed that he believes Boston is “the most racist city” he has ever been to.More from this show
Hour 2. Evan Drellich defends Michael Che, saying that it’s possible to say Boston is racist if you are black. Gerry and Kirk battle with Drellich, defending the city against Michael Che’s allegations. In headlines, the guys revisit the Maison family.More from this show
Hour 4. Joe Sullivan didn’t want to appear on K&C. Instead, he appeared on Brand X. Drellich thinks working the beat is just as hard as when Gerry did it. Gerry likes Fences.More from this show
Hour 3. Drellich thinks Trump is a pathological liar while Gerry thinks Trump doesn’t lie as much as Obama. Kirk is sick of show promos and says K&C will no longer participate. Drellich says everyone did steroids just like everyone deflates balls.More from this show
Kirk Minihane, future radio hall of famer, sits down with current radio hall of famer Howie Carr. Kirk and Howie talk about Howie's latest book Kennedy Babylon. If you like famous people engaging in sex scandals, hard drug taking, and murder this is the podcast for you. Its a fascinating look at Boston's most famous family and the problems that took the family down.More from this show


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Want to feel lighter, calmer and be a lover of life? Then make the positive shift to lift your mood and life by joining today!
Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.
- Helen Keller
Your membership empowers your transformation to health, happiness calm & contentment. Each month you will have access to:
A masterclass that is specifically designed to help you maintain flexibility, postural alignment, range of motion and promote a healthy spine and lower back. This calming class is a breath-focused, all-levels (chairs too), ageless yoga class. This will not be your typical fast-paced yoga class at your local fitness center or studio. Life moves fast enough give yourself the opportunity to breathe and be fully present in the moment.
An in-depth exploration of the chakra system and how these 7 wheels of energy can benefit your health. You will learn mental, physical and meditational practices to activate a new chakra each month.
Monthly Intentions are tools for your toolbox in life that can be applied throughout your day - no extra time needed. Learn simple techniques to shift from fear to a more compassionate mentality towards yourself, life and others.
Gain access to exclusive members-only information on the why’s and how’s of healthier ways to nourish the body. Learn useful tips on beginning a plant-based diet that is rich in nutrients, giving a healthy heart, lower blood pressure, controlling diabetes and prevention of cancer. All of our recipes for health are approved by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Print out healthy and tasty recipe cards monthly!
Incorporate positive psychology into your life. The mind/body connection is very powerful in prevention of disease. Disease begins in the mind and physically manifests into the body. Each month learn new ways your mind can be your ally in life. Applying these techniques will assist your transformation with behavior modification and reducing psychological aging.
These are once a month personal challenges for you to cultivate positive compassion of our actions towards self, others, and your practical way of living yoga.
This is a very powerful way to integrate the teachings into your daily life.
These are offers as a "seed" of your self-transformation that will grow within you through your lifetime.
Enrich your mind, expand your perceptions, and have fun, through a fun photography guessing game.
Each month, an abstract photo will be featured on the website to our members.
I encourage you to think outside the box
Each month you will learn fresh ways to incorporate self-care, meditation, guided relaxation into your daily life combatting stress and pressure and feel refreshed and pleasurable.
You will also gain access to monthly morning & evening mantras, journaling prompts and other ways of living a healthy and happy life!
Investment is only $20 per year - you are worthy & deserving!
Hear What People Are Saying
"Coach Whitney brings so much to our program!
With her leadership, the players are introduced to Yoga!
With great knowledge and a compassionate and caring attitude, Coach Whitney takes our players to an inner journey where they learn a lot about themselves. The lessons our players learn under Coach Whitney’s guidance, will help them throughout their lives.”
Thanks for all you do Whitney.
Head Coach Women's Tennis 1985-2019
Winner of 21 Big South Conference Championships
"Whitney influences as our yoga instructor-
Physically she has built more flexibility in my players, improved their balance while increasing their strength and help them recovery from muscle pain. Mentally Whitney has given them a more positive attitude about life and taught them to look at situations on and off the course differently. She has taught them breathing techniques to improve performance and given them the ability to meditate with ease while growing a love for yoga and themselves!"
Jodi K. Wendt
Head Coach Women’s Golf 2006-2019
Class A LPGA
Whitney has been a part of the Rebound Behavioral Health staff for the past 4 years. The patients look forward to the 60-minute class two times a week on a consistent basis. With most patients never having the ability to attend yoga classes on their own, her class gives them validation that recovery can be achieved through a holistic approach. Whitney provides adaptations to fit each patient’s physical needs, which makes her class welcoming and comfortable for all. These yoga classes have been proven to increase mood and self-esteem, as well as decreasing anxiety and worry. Our partial hospitalization program would not be complete without these yoga classes. Below are personal quotes patients have provided:
“I am consistently impressed and inspired by the program Whitney has provided. The impact she has had on my life is transforming. Her ability to cover all aspects of human nature and mindfulness is quite astonishing. I will keep it all with me as I continue on my journey.”
“I have gained so much from yoga here. Whitney does a fantastic job balancing the need for calming poses, to release anxiety, and poses designed for emotional release. She does a wonderful job leading thoughtful meditation and has converted many who were once weary of yoga. It has been a pleasure sharing her practice.”
“As a Recreational Therapist, I have been lucky enough to work alongside Whitney Carter for the past 4 years at Rebound Behavioral Health. Whitney conducts 5 weekly yoga sessions for our inpatient substance abuse and psychiatric patient population.
Whitney is consistently prompt, organized and always well prepared for each session despite the volatile, and often unpredictable, environment of behavioral health. Her classes run smoothly, with focus and patience, a clear reflection of her experience as a yoga instructor. Whitney's enjoyment of the practice of yoga is apparent in her instruction. She makes things fresh and fun for our patients in a natural manner that inspires them to achieve the spiritual and physical benefits of her yoga session. She is clear in her instructions, giving individual attention and support when needed, to accommodate the varied levels of practice. She connects with our patients while offering a balanced, safe and achievable sequence that allows them a full yoga experience despite being institutionalized.
Whitney is an enthusiastic and supportive instructor while maintaining a professionalism appropriate to the behavioral health field. She is the most humble, genuine, loving and dedicated yoga practitioner that I have met in my 2 2 years of being a Recreational Therapist.
Whitney is one of those rare people you will meet in life that you will never forget. I know that the yoga sessions that she provides to our patients is an unforgettable yoga experience for each and every one.”
Allison Marshall, CTRS
Rebound Behavioral Health
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist

domain: psychology


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A Chinese funding agency has a new constitution, supporting better selection. Will it spread?
A new constitution implemented earlier this month by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) shows a penchant for transparent and accountable governance. Those who drafted it say it will establish norms and a code of conduct to regulate the foundation's work in a democratic fashion, to establish management based on the law, and to ensure the effective use of funds. It is aimed, as senior NSFC policy-maker Liu Zuoyi put it, at “utilizing overseas brainpower and encouraging overseas scientists to participate in China's basic research” in a “rigorous way”.
To draft the constitution, the NSFC studied about 20 legislative documents worldwide, such as the Australian Research Council Act. According to Liu, the constitution guarantees the fairness of funding opportunities by setting out “standards in selecting experts for peer and panel reviews” and “requirements for the management of programmes and results”. Failure in such endeavours has been a long-standing complaint of scientists in China and those thinking of returning to the country.
This is all well and good, but the NSFC already has a reputation for fair funding. Scientists' main complaint with its grants has been that the money is too small to pack a punch. In 2004, it handed out 2.8 billion yuan (US$340 million), a 25% rise over 2003 but still only 1.3% of China's total research and development spending. This money was spread over some 8,300 projects.
Nevertheless, this is a positive step that could make China seem a more comfortable place for the returning scientists on whom the country rests so much of its hopes. But the NSFC's constitution also points to deep problems in other parts of the Chinese funding system. Its impact depends on how well it can inspire other organizations — in particular the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which account for the lion's share of research funding and hence hold the corresponding responsibility for China's scientific future — to take steps to improve the fair and effective deployment of their money. Will such organizations take up the challenge and follow the NSFC's lead?
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New accountability in China. Nature 434, 1053 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/4341053b

domain: news


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December 21 2014 Latest news:
Anger over a contentious tourism tax is threatening to boil over as the campaign calling for a fresh vote picks up pace.
A Norwich shopping district has been handed a pre-Christmas boost after an independent cinema committed its future to the area.
Unemployment in East Anglia increased by 1,000 in the three months to October, official figures have revealed.
The boss of Group Lotus has unveiled bold plans to steer the sports car manufacturer back to profitability within the next three years.
Unemployment in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire fell again in the last month, though the overall regional figure for the last three months rose slightly, new figures have revealed.

domain: economics


What’s Quickly? It’s where readers sound off on the issues of the day. Have a quote, question or quip? Call Quickly at 312-222-2426 or email email@example.com.
Why would our government give Kodak a $765 million loan to allow the struggling film company to get into the generic pharmaceutical business? Is it because Donald Trump owns Kodak stock?
Just like that, the gun-toting, 2nd Amendment, “Don’t Tread On Me” crowd, was OK with unmarked, camouflaged “special police” gassing, beating, and detaining U.S. citizens exercising their First Amendment rights.
When all of this settles down, you will see just how many of Trump’s White supremacists, and Boogaloos, invaded these protests and created the violence. That was his plan all along, to cause a civil war.
I didn’t take Driver’s Ed or my driving test in Porter County, so I need someone to help me out here: at what point did they teach all the drivers in Porter County to accelerate up to stop signs and red lights, and totally disregard pedestrian crossings? I’m curious.
I wonder if Lake County Parks ever plans on fixing the bike path where it passes under Broadway: it’s been flooded and impassable all spring. Maybe I’ll just do it myself and send them a bill. My services start at $10,000.
According to researchers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati and the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings Network in Ohio, the closing of schools in March across the United States, reduced the COVID-19 infection rate by 1 million, and saved more than 40,000 from dying from the virus.
Watching the President, the GOP, the Attorney General and Fox News lie and corrupt our institutions and their followers every single day, I sure hope that there will be serious payback for them when this administration is over.
Barack Obama saved America from the Bush recession and economic crisis. Joe Biden will save America from the Trump recession, failed economic crisis, AND failed handling of the coronavirus. Always the same people.
Up until now, I have been skipping reading most of Quickly because it gets really old reading the same cry-baby-poor-loser comments for the past 3 1/2 years. I believe this is because the Fake News so convinced their minions that Hilary was going to win in a landslide that they still can’t believe it all this time later. But did they learn? No, because here comes the Fake News again with their polls showing Sleepy Joe leading by double digits. I guess the leftists never learned the saying, “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” Come November 4, I think the heads on all liberals will explode when it happens again, and I can’t wait to watch!
Steven Calabresi, the co-founder of The Federalist Society, wrote an op-ed saying that Trump’s suggestion for delaying the 2020 election is grounds for impeachment. The Federalist Society is a conservative nonprofit that describes itself as a group of conservatives interested in the current state of legal order. Calabresi voted for Trump in 2016 and opposed his impeachment.
So Trump thinks the next election will be the most crooked in history. JUST HOW DO YOU THINK HE BECAME PRESIDENT? Putin must not be a crook.
Well, Republicans, you wanted small government and here it is. The worst economic downturn on record due to GOP inaction in the face of a pandemic, unemployment payments and a moratorium on evictions will expire because the Republicans in the Senate refuse to do their jobs. They’re actually going on vacation instead of passing relief legislation! Millions will suffer, and many will die. Hope you’re happy.
No self-respecting politician would lie and manipulate the public, just to retain his power and line his friend’s pockets. But here it is 2020, and this is what we are dealing with. It has always been happening, but not this blatantly and not to this extent.
The Trump Administration has made several COVID-19 Stimulus offers that the Democrats have rejected. Trump want $1.75 billion in this stimulus for funding for a new FBI building right next to his Trump Hotel. He wants that secured so that another hotel, and competition for him is not put on that lot. That does not belong in this stimulus bill.
Trump is trying to do everything in his power to make sure that people can’t safely vote by mail during this pandemic. The only reason for that, is because manipulating voting machines is his only chance to win.


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Next stage of offender employment programme
Social Development Minister Anne Tolley and Corrections Minister Judith Collins have announced the launch of the second stage of a new $15.3 million initiative to help offenders prepare for, find and stay in employment and reduce reoffending.
The Salvation Army and Workwise will work with the offenders from ten weeks before until twelve months after their release to give them the support they need to develop the necessary skills to find and maintain a job, while also increasing support for employers to take on offenders.
200 prisoners each year for the next three years at Rolleston, Christchurch Men’s and Christchurch Women’s prisons will be provided with education and training, financial advice, health services and housing support.
“Supporting prisoners into employment allows them and their families to lead successful lives rather than returning to crime,” says Mrs Tolley.
“It also reduces the burden on the benefit system and on taxpayers. Eighty per cent of offenders are still on a benefit 12 months after they leave prison, so it makes sense to give them the help they need.”
Ms Collins says that the initiative is part of a wider programme of work by Corrections.
“Research shows that participation in education, training and employment can significantly reduce the risk of re-offending following release from prison, which is the prime goal of the department, resulting in safer communities and fewer victims of crime.
“Corrections is committed to increasing the level of literacy, education and employment training for prisoners and offenders and as a result, more people will have the skills and experience employers require,” says Ms Collins.
The first stage of the programme, delivered by Work and Income case managers and professionals, got under way last month at seven prisons – in Northland, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, Rimutaka, Arohata, Auckland Men’s and Auckland Women’s prisons.
The offender employment scheme is part of a $111.5 million package announced in Budget 2016 to support more New Zealanders to get off benefits and gain sustainable employment.

domain: law


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"Eminent domain, when it comes to jobs, roads, the public good, I think it's a wonderful thing," Trump told Fox News' Bret Baier.
“You're not taking property. … You're paying a fortune for that property,” he said of the process, adding that homeowners can be paid “four, five, six, ten times” their property’s value.
Trump, a real estate mogul, noted that he’s dealt with eminent domain a lot in building developments in New York City. He said the idea that people are forced to sell homes they don’t really want to give up is a myth.
"Most of the time, they just want money,” the businessman said. “These people can go buy a house now that's five times bigger and in a better location."
Of course, with eminent domain the only thing the property owner is entitled to is fair market value. Trump is not being honest when he says homeowner is going to receive several times over the value of the property if the property is taken via eminent domain.


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World-class comedy comes to Steamboat next week
On Tuesday, Jan. 18, find comedic relief at Strings Music Festival as the Second City tour comes through town.
The Chicago-based comedy enterprise first opened its doors in the late 1950s, sparking a comedy revolution in the United States. Alumni of the organization — including Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi and many more — launched the theater into the international spotlight as they started their own successful careers.
In 1976, Second City created “SCTV,” which has been hailed as one of the greatest sketch comedy series of all time.
The two-time Emmy winning series featured an all-star cast made up of some of comedy’s biggest names, including Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Rick Moranis and more. In addition to live performances on its Chicago stages, Second City Touring Companies perform revues and original productions across the country and abroad.
Tuesday’s show in Steamboat will be a cast of five of Second City’s up and coming performers showcasing a mix of written satirical sketches — as you might see on “Saturday Night Live” — and improvisational comedy. The sketches are from both the theater’s archives, as well as new sketches that cast members have written themselves.
Cast member Leila Gorstein recalled always “making stuff up” as a child.
“I come from a very loud family who is constantly talking all the time,” Gorstein said. “I was always making up scenes or pretending to be a different character, and my parents would yell at me in the car for what they called ‘mouth garbage.’”
But that served Gorstein well as she joined The Second City in 2014, taking classes and exploring their program offerings.
She performed on a cruise ship with the organization in 2017, and when she returned to dry land, she was added to the touring company as an understudy, eventually becoming a full-time cast member.
The sketches in the show, Gorstein said, are all relevant topics and include hilarious commentary on subject matter that everyone has been through.
“Some of the sketches are from archive material from the last 60 years of The Second City main stage shows,” Gorstein said. “Some have been performed by Tina Fey, Steve Carell — all the greats.”
The show will be sprinkled with improv, as well, allowing the audience to take a more active role in the performance.
“I think improv is so fun because you have to immediately have an emotional response and connect with the other people in the show,” Gorstein said. “Also, you never know what will come out of it — and the audience doesn’t know either — so it’s like an inside joke with the audience.”
For Gorstein, sharing a laugh is sharing a connection.
“I love comedy because I think it’s a release for both the actors on stage and for the audience,” she said. “I think so much of laughter is just relief. For me, it’s so much fun because in a live performance, you’re getting to have a true connection with the audience on a human level and all laugh together.”
What: The Second City presents ‘The Absolute Best Friggin’ Time of Your Life’
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18
Where: Strings Music Pavilion, 900 Strings Road
Info: Tickets start at $35; purchase online at StringsMusicFestival.com. Masks required inside the Pavilion
Sophie Dingle is a contributing writer for the Steamboat Pilot & Today. She can be reached through the editor.
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domain: artistic


text:
Fans far and wide join in as NBA's Golden State shared its version of the "Despicable Me 2" hit this week -- and the Grammy-award-winning producer retweeted it Friday.
( T. Charles Erickson )
Review: 'Satchmo' goes behind Louis Armstrong's happy facade
The solo show 'Satchmo' by Terry Teachout depicts jazz legend Louis Armstrong reflecting on his bittersweet life and music; it plays at American Conservatory Theater through Feb. 7
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
George Harrison's estate upset with Donald Trump for using song
George Harrison’s people angry at Trump campaign for using 'Here Comes the Sun’ for Ivanka Trump’s entrance music.


Posts with tag "KatharineHepburn"
- Posted Oct 27th 2009 at 12:10 PM by Sam Brand
Wondering why 'Har Mar Superstar,' 'Hot Mormon Muffins,' and 'Club Bounce' are surging in Google Trends? We can shed some light on the mystery. Google Trends provides the hottest keywords of the hour. Though the results change frequently, at any given time the list offers a snapshot of what's hot in the world of entertainment news. Here's what's steamin' today......
Popeater Hot Topics
- Jennifer Garner: My Favorite Role Is 'Mommy'
- Five Things You Need to Know About Connor Franta
- Revenge Star Shares Secrets from the Set
- Star Trek fans 'Spock' Canadian $5 bill to honor late Leonard Nimoy
- Kelly Clarkson finally nabs a duet partner: Jimmy Fallon
- ?NBC Nightly News' wins February sweep despite Brian Williams suspension
- Inside David and Victoria Beckham's Night Out With Tom Cruise, Guy Ritchie, Kate Walsh and More
- Conrad Hilton to Plead Guilty to Simple Assault for In-Flight Meltdown
- Jane the Virgin Star Gina Rodriguez Wants to Play a Superhero: "Let's Be Real, I Could Kick Some Ass"


text:
There are some basic needs of man in due course of life and those are of housing, clothing and the very important education. But not always people have sufficient money that can make people avail of the satisfaction of the needs. Government of US has effective plans for the people who need money to fulfill the demands of their life. Loan is available for all the purpose but this also true that the additional charges those are needed to be met are high.
When anybody is living alone it becomes fun and no tension for housing bugs. But with the increase of family members the need for a proper dwelling arises. The rented apartments are not for happy living with different types of problems cropping up every now and then. So an own house is what every body dreams of. But the savings may not be sufficient to make the dream come true.
You may apply for housing loans but have you thought of the alternative of the housing grants that government may provide. Government housing grants helps you for the purchase of the house you are deciding upon. You can use the grant for down payment of the house purchased. You can even use the money so that you can pay the amount of mortgage for your house.
Grant money is available for repair work of your house also.Grants is the concept that is still not known by large number of people. In particular case of government grants it is still to be known clearly by many people. This is just because you won’t find the government publicizing the grants that they make available to the common people. Grant money is the money that comes as a great substitute for loans and you can assume the money to be free as you don’t need to pay it back.
But this does not mean that you can claim for the money at any time.
Proper documentation and cause is needed for the money top be allowed. Grants are of many types. You can apply for more than one category of grants at the same time. Housing grant is a kind of personal grant that is needed for getting your own house. Among many advantages of grants one is that the money will not be considered while calculating tax.
You become eligible for the grant money provided you are an American citizen. Besides these government is also drawing up and initializing programs like the ‘Supportive Housing Program’ by the help of which many homeless poor people can get their own piece if land and home to live in. With the help of such likewise programs many homeless people can dream of living in proper places.
Is it Possible to get Grant Money from Government?

domain: finance


How would you like to save hundreds every year on your utility bills?
You can with the tips you will find in…Everyday Energy Tips
In Everyday Energy Tips you will learn:
How to find energy leaks in your home
Low cost ways to seal your windows against energy loss
How your landscaping can save you money
How to determine if you have enough insulation and where to add insulation for the most savings.
And many more money saving tips…
The trick to getting the most savings is to use a whole house approach, from the roof, walls, and insulation that enclose it to the appliances and lights inside, using the simple and practical tips you will find in Everyday Energy Tips.
This 21 page PDF ebook comes with Private Label Rights
Retail Price: $17.00
Our Price: $1.00


BILLINGS — Mother's Day will begin with mostly cloudy skies before turning partly cloudy late in the day. Temperatures will warm into the low to mid 60s across a large part of the area. The eastern plains may experience some lingering showers, particularly during the first half of Sunday.
By Monday, mostly sunny skies will prevail across the region and high temperatures will warm into the low to mid 70s. Locations near the mountains have a chance of seeing a few isolated showers or thunderstorms Tuesday through Thursday.
A weak cold front will slide south from Canada on Wednesday bringing an increased chance for afternoon thunderstorms, particular across south central Montana and northern Wyoming.
Warmer and drier conditions will return to the area by Friday with high temperatures into the upper 70s and lower 80s. High temperatures on Saturday and Sunday will push into the lower 80s with mostly sunny skies.


text:
Carlton Woods to host 2014 US Junior Amateur Championship
The United States Golf Association announced June 10 the Jack Nicklaus Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands will host the 2014 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
“The USGA is excited to bring the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship to The Club at Carlton Woods, returning this championship to the state of Texas for the first time since 2001,” said USGA Vice President Thomas J. O’Toole Jr. in a press release.
“The Jack Nicklaus Course will be a tough examination for the players and will help determine the best junior golfer in the United States.”
The event will be from July 21-26, 2014 and will be the third USGA championship held at The Club at Carlton Woods since opening in 2001.
“For a relatively new club like this, it just gives us tremendous credentials in the gold world,” said Bill Langley, the club’s vice president and managing director. “It’s the best young golfers in the world under the age of 18. You’re seeing the next class of PGA golfers.”
Langley said he considers this the fifth major event hosted by the USGA after the US Open, the US Amateur, the Senior Amateure and the Ladies Amateur.
“Our next step is to host one of those events,” Langley said.
The Jack Nicklaus Course hosted the USGA Women’s State Team Championship in 2007, while the club’s Fazio Course hosted the 2007 USGA Men’s State Team Championship.
The club has also hosted championship qualifying rounds, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Mid-Amateur, and the club was the site for the Texas State Amateur in 2004.
Langley believes hosting major events speaks volumes not only about the course, but about The Woodlands. He said the community has 135 holes of golf and has hosted other major events such as the Shell Houston Open and the Insperity Championship.
“It puts The Woodlands on par with any community in America in term of the golf we have to offer,” he said.
The U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, first played in 1948, is open to male amateurs who have not reached their 18th birthday by the end of the championship and have a USGA Handicap Index no higher than 6.4.
Tiger Woods and Johnny Miller are among U.S. Junior Amateur champions.
The 2012 tournament has been onging from Monday through Friday at The Golf Club of New England in Stratham, N.H.
For more information, go to www.usga.org.


text:
Dense retrievers encode queries and documents and map them in an embedding space using pre-trained language models. These embeddings need to be high-dimensional to fit training signals and guarantee the retrieval effectiveness of dense retrievers. However, these high-dimensional embeddings lead to larger index storage and higher retrieval latency. To reduce the embedding dimensions of dense retrieval, this paper proposes a Conditional Autoencoder (ConAE) to compress the high-dimensional embeddings to maintain the same embedding distribution and better recover the ranking features. Our experiments show that ConAE is effective in compressing embeddings by achieving comparable ranking performance with its teacher model and making the retrieval system more efficient. Our further analyses show that ConAE can alleviate the redundancy of the embeddings of dense retrieval with only one linear layer. All codes of this work are available at https://github.com/NEUIR/ConAE.
Question answering on knowledge bases (KBQA) poses a unique challenge for semantic parsing research due to two intertwined challenges: large search space and ambiguities in schema linking. Conventional ranking-based KBQA models, which rely on a candidate enumeration step to reduce the search space, struggle with flexibility in predicting complicated queries and have impractical running time. In this paper, we present ArcaneQA, a novel generation-based model that addresses both the large search space and the schema linking challenges in a unified framework with two mutually boosting ingredients: dynamic program induction for tackling the large search space and dynamic contextualized encoding for schema linking. Experimental results on multiple popular KBQA datasets demonstrate the highly competitive performance of ArcaneQA in both effectiveness and efficiency.
A trending paradigm for multiple-choice question answering (MCQA) is using a text-to-text framework. By unifying data in different tasks into a single text-to-text format, it trains a generative encoder-decoder model which is both powerful and universal. However, a side effect of twisting a generation target to fit the classification nature of MCQA is the under-utilization of the decoder and the knowledge that can be decoded. To exploit the generation capability and underlying knowledge of a pre-trained encoder-decoder model, in this paper, we propose a generation-enhanced MCQA model named GenMC. It generates a clue from the question and then leverages the clue to enhance a reader for MCQA. It outperforms text-to-text models on multiple MCQA datasets.
Knowledge bases (KBs) and text often contain complementary knowledge: KBs store structured knowledge that can support long range reasoning, while text stores more comprehensive and timely knowledge in an unstructured way. Separately embedding the individual knowledge sources into vector spaces has demonstrated tremendous successes in encoding the respective knowledge, but how to jointly embed and reason with both knowledge sources to fully leverage the complementary information is still largely an open problem. We conduct a large-scale, systematic investigation of aligning KB and text embeddings for joint reasoning. We set up a novel evaluation framework with two evaluation tasks, few-shot link prediction and analogical reasoning, and evaluate an array of KB-text embedding alignment methods. We also demonstrate how such alignment can infuse textual information into KB embeddings for more accurate link prediction on emerging entities and events, using COVID-19 as a case study.

domain: literature


text:
Premiere: Dixia Sirong - Yohji
We’ve been sitting on this one since the start of the year but it’s been impossible not to give it a few outings. It comes from French duo Dixia Sirong, who are based out in Singapore, as they return with the Di Er EP, their second offering for Chez Damier‘s Inner Balance.
It follows on from the Di Yi EP, a meditative 4-tracker which had ‘Winnie’ as the jewel in its crown, and continues more or less in the same vein, though opting for a slightly broader, and warmer, sound palette. After a tempered, ethereal opening, ‘Yohji’ develops into an eyes-down, dubbed-out subterranean groove that’s as much spiritual as it is physical.
A bit of trivia for you: Jorge Caiado, the man behind Lisbon record shop-turned-label Carpet & Snares, had a hand in their first EP as executive producer. We’ll be premiering a track from his brilliant new record next month.
Dixia Sirong – Yohji is out on Inner Balance on Feb 23rd via Juno.


text:
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites vary in shape, size and colour depending on the person’s reaction to the saliva that is injected. Some have no reaction and others may experience severe allergic reactions which can lead to large blisters, welts, (and in bad cases) permanent scaring. For most, inflammation, irritation and itchiness are common reactions. Bed bug bites can take up to 2 weeks to appear on your skin and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. This is sometimes a problem for travellers who cannot identify where they got bitten due to their mobile sleeping habits which makes identification of the source that much harder.
Bed bugs are known to bite many times in the same area of your body. Unlike mosquito bites that have no feeding pattern, bed bug feed in rows (usually rows of 3 - breakfast, lunch and supper), which is why some people can find clusters of bites in a similar area.
Because bed bugs don't like climbing on their hosts as they feed; they usually feed on the edge of exposed skin that rests on the mattress or pillow.
Do not assume that bites are automatically bed bug bites. Similar bites can be caused by mosquitos, midges, fleas and lice. Lots of people misdiagnose the presence of bed bugs and pay alot of money for unnecessary extermination.
If unsure, bed bug monitors and traps are a low cost solution
How to treat bed bug bites?
For quick home relief try applying toothpaste or apple cider vinegar on bites. If you have time, go to your local pharmacy and find yourself some hydrocortisone cream and apply a thin layer on the bites, this will reduce the itch and the possibility of scaring. For serious cases when itching is so unbearable you can't sleep , consult a pharmacist about using a anti-histime like Benadryl, this will help reduce the reaction of bites. Should none of these solutions work after a few weeks, consult your family doctor.

domain: biology


text:
Many people ask us, “how long do dental implants last?” Many patients who are seeking a dentist in Houston are looking to fix serious dental problems or replace missing teeth. When it comes to tooth replacement nothing comes close to the natural feel and look, feel and function of your own teeth like dental implants—and there are many reasons why.
They Are A 1:1 Replacement For Your Missing Teeth
Any Houston dentist will tell you, that the innovation of modern dental implants is one of the most industry-changing inventions in dental history. Dental implants allow a patient to replace damaged teeth without intruding or damaging the remaining healthy teeth. Since the implants are an exact fit to the missing tooth it minimizes any disturbance to the teeth surrounding it and does not change bite or oral functions. Unlike dentures and bridges, there is no abrasion, no gap, and no crowding of the other teeth.
It’s A Relatively Painless Procedure
Of course, anything with surgery sounds painful, especially when it involves a titanium screw inserted into your jawbone. However, due to modern medicine, we are able to sedate patients as well as numb the implant area with a local anesthetic so you don’t feel a thing. Our rate of success is very high, post-op discomfort is very minimal, and it is a quick recovery. Naturally, each patient will have their own unique experience and the number of implants needed can make the procedure more complex—but generally, it is a very smooth procedure. Most patients that come to CDG for dental implants normally return to work within a day or two with no issues and a simple OTC pain reliever.
It Improves Your Physical And Emotional Health
When you lose a tooth or have severely damaged teeth, it can take a physical and emotional toll on you. Physically, it can make you change your diet, prevent you from getting nutrients and cause pain when eating anything. Emotionally, it can make you feel insecure, prevent you from being sociable, and make you not want to smile. We tend to take our smile for granted and how much it means to us until it is broken. With dentures, there is the constant tiptoeing around certain foods since dentures can’t handle it as well as worrying about them falling out in a social setting. Dental implants give you the freedom to live your life just as you did before—no limits, no rules, no restrictions. Because dental implants look exactly like natural teeth, you will be able to smile with confidence and nobody will know you have implants but you.
They Are Incredibly Durable
Even though it is preferable to never have missing teeth, one of the upshots of having dental implants is never having to fret about cavities. Of course, we don’t mean you can slack on your oral hygiene—particles can still get stuck in between implants and cause bacteria that lead to gum disease. You still need to be pro-active with your oral routine. Brush regularly, floss and use mouthwash just as often as you would with natural teeth. Not only does it prevent serious diseases, but it keeps people from avoiding you due to bad breath! That being said, implants are crafted from pure, medical grade titanium so with proper care they should easily last a lifetime.
Implants Strengthen Your Jaw
When you lose teeth you lose bone strength in your jaw as well because there is no root to stimulate the bone. However, when replacing your teeth with dental implants, it makes a huge difference and actually strengthens your jawbone. The reason for this is the implant actually bonds to the jawbone just like a natural tooth—essentially becoming one with your jawbone. This helps you maintain alignment, facial structure, and bite.
Implants Protect Remaining Teeth
When you are only missing a couple of teeth or so, often a bridge will be an option. However, when you place a bridge between healthy teeth, the supports of the bridge grind the healthy teeth down over time. So, in a sense, you end up “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” and end up damaging healthy teeth. Since dental implants are implanted and supported by the jawbone like natural teeth, they don’t hurt your remaining teeth, in fact—they keep healthy teeth from shifting, which happens with dental bridges.
Dental Implants Are A Permanent Solution To A Temporary Problem
We’ve gone over the benefits of dental implants to really drive home the point that dental implants are one of the best restorations when a patient has missing teeth. Implants can be used in conjunction with dentures, crowns, and dental bridges in Houston. These restorations will be supported by dental implants for several years and potentially a lifetime if they are taken care of properly.
If patients take care of their overall and oral health, as well as their implants, then dental implants can last for a lifetime. Dentists will give patients a list of instructions following the implant procedure and how to care for their implants in the following years.
So just to recap— to ensure that the dental implant procedure is successful and that dental implants last for several decades—patients should keep their teeth and gums in great health. If a patient’s overall health and oral health are positive, then the implant fusion to the jawbone should last for a lifetime. Patients should maintain their oral care routine and follow a healthy diet to ensure their dental implants will stay strong.
Don’t Risk Your Smile To Just Any Dentist
Dental implants surgery is a complex procedure that while relatively painless and with little to no downtime—should absolutely be performed by an implant specialist with a seasoned track record of successful procedures.
At CDG, you get the best of the best with Dr. Hanna who has performed multitudes of dental implant procedures including the All-On-4® full-mouth reconstruction process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and put your smile in good hands!

domain: medical


text:
Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa ReviewsResort And Spa
This property, originally built in 1996, was formerly known as the Gala Playacar, and is still labeled as such on some dated hotel maps. It is the most southern property on the Playacar strip, next to the Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal resort; this means there is a nice section of beach to the south of the resort that is not fronting any hotels or cluttered with lounge chairs.... more The Sandos Playacar Resort & Spa is comprised of three sections laid out vertically in a long, skinny rectangle perpendicular to the beach: Sandos Beach, two four-story buildings closest to the Caribbean Sea and adjacent to the activity pool; Sandos Haciendas, 16 two-story buildings each with its own pool and each housing 10 guest rooms; and Sandos Riviera, which is the biggest and newest section, debuting in April 2008 and farthest from the beach, but with the largest rooms with the most modern amenities.
On the Sandos Hotels & Resorts website the Sandos Playacar Riviera is listed as a totally separate hotel from the Sandos Playacar Beach (together comprising the Sandos Playacar Resort & Spa). But guests of the Sandos Playacar Riviera and the Sandos Playacar Beach share all of the same facilities, including check-in lobby, pools, kids' club, spa and restaurants.
In fact, when my group of 14 (three generations of family!) stayed at the resort in December 2008, we booked rooms in the least-expensive, convenient-to-the-ocean Beach section. When we arrived, we were "upgraded" to the Riviera section - without having been asked. We did not view this as an upgrade because the Riviera section is a good 10-minute walk to the beach. We spent one night in our Riviera rooms, and then were able to stay in Beach rooms - which we loved even if they were older, smaller and not as nicely decorated - for the duration of our week's stay.
My advice: Make it very clear when you are booking your reservations which style of accommodations you want at this 860-room property. (See Digs for Kids below.) Also note that there is a totally different Sandos property north of Playa del Carmen called the Sandos Caracol Beach.
Our Editor Loves
- All-inclusive rates
- Preserved Mayan ruins on the property
- Waterfront location and white sandy beach
- All Inclusive
- Water Sports
- Children's Program
- Connecting Rooms
- Game Room
- Kids' Pool
- Kids'/Theme Meals
- Laundry Service
- Onsite Dining
We had a wonderful time and experience at the Sandos Playacar in Mexico. There were three families in our group(six adults and 7 children). The resort was beautiful and clean. There were many restaurants with wonderful food and...Read full review
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RoomsRoom configurations in the three different sections of the resort are varied. But the most ideal rooms for families feature two double beds and a pull-out sofa, which allows for two adults and up to three children in one room. These "junior suites" can be found in the new Riviera section.
Again, the newest Riviera section is furthest from the activity pool and the beach with balconies overlooking the "quiet" pool or the jungle. The junior suites here are spacious, with huge bathrooms with double sinks, separate shower and commode areas, and two-person Jacuzzi tub, plus a flat-screen television. The decor is modern and sophisticated with dark wood and warm beige accents.
Junior suites in the middle Hacienda section can also accommodate five guests (two adults and three children) with two double beds and a pull-out sofa bed. While some of the junior suites here have been updated to reflect the new modern decor and amenities of the Riviera section, most resemble the decor in the older Beach section (see below). One nifty thing about the quiet Hacienda section is that each of the 16 free-standing buildings has its own small, private, four-foot-deep pool and deck area with table and chairs. The Hacienda section features a lot of greenery, from the many shrubs and bushes to the rolling green lawn.
The standard Beach rooms are smaller than the Riviera rooms. Although some of the room configurations here have two double beds and one day bed/couch that together could technically accommodate two adults and three children, the official word is that they are limited to two adults and two children. The decor in our royal-blue and yellow room could be described as "Caribbean floral." The bathroom with shower only was not near as spacious as the bathrooms in the new Riviera rooms.
All resort rooms have a stocked mini-fridge, air-conditioning, balcony or terrace, in-room safe and hair dryer. Irons and ironing boards are only included in the Riviera section; you can ask for one to be delivered to your room. Complimentary cribs are available on request; there are no bedrails.

domain: travel


AACRAO recognizes and honors the sacrifices these men and women have made and its members are proud to assist them and meet their educational needs. Veterans and students on active military duty and their
families face special circumstances and challenges.Changes in federal statute and executive actions have greatly promoted the expansion of services toward veterans and their families. Since the Post-9/11 GI Bill was passed in 2009, close to 1 million veterans, service members, and eligible dependents have taken advantage of the educational benefits available to them. With the passage of more recent legislation, such as the Forever GI Bill in 2017 and the Isakson Roe and THRIVE Acts in 2021, there will be significant changes to military education benefits over the coming years.
AACRAO recently hosted a webinar to discuss the implementation of veteran legislation passed in December 2020, also known as the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act. This law will have a transformative effect on the mission of Education Service to provide ready access to, and timely and accurate delivery of, education benefits to Veterans, Service members, and their families, as well as further enable the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to empower GI Bill beneficiaries to achieve their vocational and career goals.
Other recent legislation introduced in both the House and Senate include important provisions to help ensure veterans can continue to receive their education benefits as well as technical corrections to the legislation passed last year.
Veterans Reporting & Support Work Group Guide
AACRAO (Nov 2019)
Oversight of State Approving Agency Program Monitoring for Post-9/11 GI Bill Students
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Dec 2018)
Postsecondary Non-Completion Among Veterans: Contributing Factors and Implications Veterans Education Success (Nov 2018)
Interested in participating in DoD's Tuition Assistance (TA) Program?
Sign an MOU
Acts & Regulations
Loans & Benefits
Institution Training Resources
Legislation aims to give students additional protections under the GI Bill, but some provisions could be problematic for institutions.
Legislation aims to improve the Post-9/11 GI Bill and protect student veterans and their families from predatory schools, but some provisions could be problematic for institutions.
Dept. of Veterans Affairs cancels contract with state agency that approves colleges to receive GI Bill funds after a lengthy dispute over how to regulate for-profit and out-of-state schools.
Veterans' groups work to address for-profit colleges' recruitment of student veterans in the forthcoming Higher Education Act reauthorization.
White House directs Education Dept. to more expeditiously forgive the student loan debt of veterans with severe disabilities, a move Secretary Betsy DeVos had resisted for months.
The VA is currently working to implement a Forever GI Bill provision that dictated a shift in how the monthly housing allowance for recipients is calculated.
Chamber approves legislation with provision to more closely scrutinize some for-profit colleges that enroll servicemembers, considers a slew of other veterans education-related bills.
AACRAO is listed in support of measure to reinstate 85/15 rule and expand the definition of federal sources to include VA, DOD education benefits to require for-profit colleges to bring in more revenue from non-federal sources.
Letter calls on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos calling to automatically cancel disabled veterans' student debt.
Lawmakers to discuss ways to protect students, veterans, and taxpayers from predatory, low-quality institutions of higher education.


Sharon Van Etten
Are We There
JagjaguwarFile next to: Angel Olsen, Lower Dens, Cat Power
Experiencing Sharon Van Etten's evolution is like watching a singular lily blossom from a beautiful bud. After two albums of waifish folk, she delivered a riff-packed rocker in 2012, Tramp, that surprised fans with its strength. Some of those fans may be put off by the quieter nature of Are We There, but this CD has the majestic resonance of a 1970s Laura Nyro album. The vinyl version even comes in heavy gatefold cardboard evocative of mid-'70s joint-rolling. Keyboards dominate here, with horns and subtle strings and help from members of Shearwater and Lower Dens. It would be easy to overproduce an album like this, but Are We There is finely crafted with a careful touch. It's a challenge not to cry when listening to a song like "Afraid of Nothing," and that's a sure sign of a masterpiece. — Loring Wirbel
Guided by Voices
File next to: The Who, Sebadoh, The Replacements
Since Guided by Voices' recent Denver appearance heavily referenced the 20th anniversary of the seminal Bee Thousand album, it's easy to forget how hyper-prolific the band has been since reuniting. It's released six albums in 30 months, along with EPs and solo albums by founder Robert Pollard. Is there a method in such overachieving? Yes, in subtle ways. Many diehard fans love the recent Motivational Jumpsuit's signature riffs and fragmented rhythms. But Cool Planet has a stick-to-the-ribs chunkiness, with fascinating songs like "Authoritarian Zoo," and plenty of vocal participation from guitarist Tobin Sprout. It's easy to wish Pollard would opt for more editing while halving his release schedule. But then, that wouldn't be Guided by Voices. — Loring Wirbel
File next to: Keane, Muse, Tired Pony
When a band becomes such an institution that its new album release warrants an NBC special, it's an easy target for ridicule. But in all fairness, Chris Martin can sometimes lead Coldplay into a spontaneous space. Unfortunately, few of those tendencies are present in Ghost Stories. Martin deserves credit for confronting his "conscious uncoupling" from Gwyneth Paltrow, but the arrangements and production tricks here mask thin lyrics and music. The closest we get to a riff is the deep organ growl in "Ink." When Eno produced 2011's Mylo Xyloto, the flat result made some wonder if he'd lost his touch. But Martin and Coldplay are the real problem, one that might be solved with a single-take unplugged and unpolished album that could keep some fun in the foreground. — Loring Wirbel
This show at Stargazers with the Charlie Milo Trio will be broadcast live on local…
This is awesome! Excited about the new music and adventures for his year!
Thanks so much!!!


STO-RE 24R - Natural Resource Specialist Position Classification
Scientific/Tech Off R24 - Res Union
GEU Work Options
Prince George, BC V2N4P7 CA (Primary)Salary Range
$73,855.42 - $84,134.34 annually Close Date
6/7/2023 Job Type
Regular Full Time Temporary End Date Ministry/Organization
BC Public Service -> Ministry of Forests Ministry Branch / Division
FrontCounter BC Job Summary An excellent opportunity to apply your natural resource expertise
FrontCounter BC provides a range of services to the public and to other government agencies involved in utilizing and managing Crown land and natural resources. FrontCounter BC assists clients by coordinating access to tenures, permits, licences, Crown land sales and grants for all the natural resource sector agencies. It is a single window service for businesses and individual citizens seeking information and/or authorizations to utilize Crown natural resources.
The Natural Resource Specialist (NRS) provides front line service, based on full knowledge of various natural resource agency and other agency's legislation, regulations, policies and procedures to clients of the provincial government's natural resource agencies. In this role, the NRS evaluates complex applications and prepares the application report package for further review and decision. In offices without a Senior Natural Resource Specialist, this position may also be required to be the team lead for the program, provide supervision, advanced expertise, project management and leadership within the FrontCounter BC office.
A career with the Ministry of Forests offers an exceptional opportunity to undertake a variety of challenging and rewarding roles, while supporting a healthy work/life balance. Explore the opportunities and value working with our team can offer you: Why work for the Ministry of Forests .Job Requirements:
- A Bachelor's Degree in a Natural Resource Management related field and a minimum of two (2) years of related experience in a resource management related field; or,
- A Technical Diploma in a related field and a minimum of four (4) years of related experience; or,
- An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.
- Experience supervising and/or providing functional supervision to staff.
- Must maintain at least a British Columbia Class 5 Driver's Licence or equivalent.
For questions regarding this position, please contact email@example.com
.About this Position:
This position is located in Prince George, BC.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to 3 days at home per week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.
This position is also posted as a Licensed Science Officer (Other) 2 via Requisition 100664 .
An eligibility list may be established.Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact firstname.lastname@example.org
The BC Public Service is an award winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits , great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers .
This exciting opportunity is based in the bustling city of Prince George - the largest city in Northern BC. As close as you'll be to the amenities, art, culture and history of the city, outdoor enthusiasts can easily enjoy year round activities. Summertime offers up hiking, mountain biking, caving, fishing, camping, and golfing. Bright snow-filled winters lend themselves to skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or even dogsledding. The people of Northern BC have a unique understanding of what it's like to live and work in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world - they understand the phrase 'Super, Natural British Columbia' in a way few others can. Visit the website Living & Working in Northern BC to learn more.How to Apply:
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Government Sales and Marketing


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Indian Space Association Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Be the Voice of Country’s Space Sector
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched Indian Area Affiliation (ISpA), an trade physique aspiring to be the voice of the nation’s house sector, and underlined his dispensation”s dedication to reforms, saying the nation by no means had a extra decisive authorities.
PM Modi cited the federal government’s success in privatising loss-making public airline Air India to claim that this reveals its dedication and seriousness.
He stated the federal government’s coverage in regards to the public sector is that sectors the place it isn’t wanted ought to be opened to personal enterprises.
The prime minister referred to the opening of a number of sectors from house to defence to personal gamers, and asserted that his authorities has saved nationwide curiosity as properly the wants of various stakeholders in thoughts.
He stated India is seeing reforms on such a large scale as a result of its imaginative and prescient is obvious, which is about having an ”Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
Prime Minister Modi stated India is among the many few international locations which has end-to-end expertise within the house sector.
As a companion, the federal government helps trade, younger innovators, start-ups, and can proceed doing so, he added.
He stated his authorities’s method to reforms within the house sector relies on the 4 pillars; permitting the non-public sector freedom of innovation, authorities taking part in the enabler’s position, making ready kids for the longer term and envisioning the sector as a useful resource to assist the widespread man”s growth.
The ISpA will undertake coverage advocacy and interact with all stakeholders within the Indian house area, together with the federal government and its businesses, the federal government has stated.
Echoing the prime minister’s imaginative and prescient of ”Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, the ISpA will assist in making India self-reliant, technologically superior and a number one participant within the house enviornment, it added.
The ISpA is represented by main residence grown and international firms with superior capabilities in house and satellite tv for pc applied sciences.
Its founding members embrace Larson & Toubro, Nelco (Tata Group), OneWeb, Bharti Airtel, Mapmyindia, Walchandnagar Industries, and Ananth Expertise Restricted.
Different core members embrace Godrej, Hughes India, Azista-BST Aerospace Non-public Restricted, BEL, Centum Electronics, and Maxar India.


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Fairy Letter Breakfast Set
- In Stock
- Despatched within 3-5 days
- FREE DELIVERY for orders over £40.00
Know a little girl who dreams of fairies when she speaks and imagines them when she awakes? If she lives and breathes fairies, give her this sweet Fairy Letter Breakfast Set, and she can eat with them, too. This charming three-piece breakfast collection features pieces made from beautiful bone china. Each piece will be customised with the first letter of the little girl's name. The name is written in an oversized character that is pink with white polka dots. Adorable fairies peek in on the scene in the design featured on each piece, and magenta stars complete the look of the set.
The Fairy Letter Breakfast Set includes a plate that measures 20.5cm in diameter x 1.5cm in depth. The included bowl perfectly complements the look of the plate and measures 16cm diameter x 4.5cm in depth. Last but not least is a handled fairy mug that is 7cm in diameter x 8.5cm in height
- Be the first to review this product


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Building consents for new homes in New Zealand fell slightly in July, down 0.7% compared with a year ago and following a 1.3% in June, the latest data shows.
The fall was driven by the number of consented apartments, townhouses, and retirement units, according to the figures published by Statistics New Zealand and a fall for multi-unit dwellings was partly offset by an increase for detached houses.
Indeed the number of building consents for detached homes increased by 8.5% in July which more than reversed a 4% fall in June.
The larges fall overall was in the Auckland region with 313 fewer new homes consented compared with July 2016, a decline of 29% and this was driven by decreases in apartments and townhouses.
The report points out that Auckland’s numbers are quite volatile because almost half the homes consented are in multi-unit projects. On average, the region currently consents over 800 new homes a month.
Otago region had the largest rise from July 2016, with 114 more homes consented, up 68% t to 282 in July 2017, driven by a spike for apartments in Queenstown.
Meanwhile, regulations governing the education and training of real estate agents in New Zealand have been updated to reflect new qualifications aimed at providing more consistent training and education for agents.
There have also been improved licensing introduced and a better complaints procedure with all the changes coming into force from 15 September 2017.
‘The regulations governing real estate agents need to keep pace with changes in industry training and education. These changes will ensure that the graduates of the new qualifications will be able to apply to the Real Estate Agents Authority for a real estate agent’s licence,’ said Associate Justice Minister Mark Mitchell.
Article by propertywire


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Zhongshan City Nyyin Electrical Co., Ltd. boasts a proud history of innovation and focuses on delivering exceptional multi blender and soup maker. We have been one of the most competitive suppliers. The soup maker blender series has become a hot product of Nyyin Electrical. Nyyin Electrical multi blender and soup maker are designed by experienced and creative designers using the advanced design concept. Made of BPA free glass, the jar is non-toxic to hold food or liquid. This Nyyin Electrical branded product has won high attention and praise from its customers. The jar capacity of the product can be customized.
our company is dedicated to making we the first domestic manufacturer. Get price!

domain: design


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One thing I just think ought to be pointed out for those who don’t follow the market that closely – the Vix, the most widely followed measure of volatility, hasn’t seen a print above 20 in almost six months.
This is remarkable given all the “headline risk” we’ve been warned about now that China and Europe are undergoing a double decker, mutually-reinforced economic collapse and the fiscal cliff threatens to blow up all of our houses and jobs.
When they write the chapter on 2012, they’ll be remiss in not mentioning the things Mario Draghi had done this spring and summer and unfatten the tail risk.For more on this, read:
Markets are much calmer in the face of possible recession than they are in the face of possible Lehman II. And it shows in the buying (or lack there of) of put protection:
(BTW, now that I’ve posted this, expect a Vix spike to 30…)


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Join us for our second very special annual culinary tour in Calabria called Calabrian Table Tour.
An exclusive culinary adventure meeting chefs, cooks and locals of Calabria.
We will take you on a journey into the hidden villages of the mountainous Pollino to the coastal areas of Vibo Valentia to visit our favorite towns and villages, many of which you would never find in a guide book.
This exclusive tour has been put together by Tania Pascuzzi of In Italy Tours and Cherrye Moore a travel writer and Calabrian travel consultant and runs just twice in 2013.
Tour 1 from 02-09 June 2013
Tour 2 from 13-20 October 2013
For prices and what is included follow this link
Read a full tour synopsis
Day 1: FOLK MUSIC FEAST
Check into our mountain chalet with a dramatic backdrop of Pollino’s swooping hills and mountains. In the early evening we will transfer to a nearby farm where we will meet Nicola who will welcome us to their 16th century farm and show us the Convent of Colloretto. After our tour we will join Caterina in her kitchen and enjoy our first hands-on cooking class.
Day 2: CALABRIA'S ALBANIAN INFLUENCES
Explore the heart and soul of Pollino’s Albanian culture. Visit a local village, where the Albanian heritage still thrives and meet a local nun who will show us the ancient trade of weaving traditional cloth into Albanian costumes. For lunch, we will feast on Albanian dishes that feature the sweet paprika that is commonly used in these villages.
Day 3: HIKE AND HARVEST
We will spend the morning on a mild walking excursion through the Pollino Mountains where we will have the opportunity to hunt for mushrooms, chestnuts and wild berries that are typical of this mountains. We will step back in time and stop for a picnic breakfast 'a sacco', complete with local bread, frittata, salamis, local cheeses and wine, all set with a backdrop of pine trees and mountain views.
Day 4: POLLINO, POLENTA AND PRESERVES
Full day, hands-on cooking class with Adriana. We will enjoy the rest of this festive day by eating our creations al fresco with Adriana and her family.
Day 5: CHIC CALABRIAN CUISINE WITH CATERINA
Head to the aquamarine waters of Calabria’s west coast and the coastal village of Pizzo Calabro. Guided walking tour of this 14th Century fisherman’s village and We will dine on an exclusive seafood lunch with Caterina, an up-and-coming chef who prepares innovative, prize-winning recipes. After lunch, we will have an exclusive visit to a local gelato maker where we will learn about the production of the famous Tartufo di Pizzo gelato.
Day 6: RUSTIC COOKING IN CARIA
After breakfast, we will travel into the green hills of Caria for a day of rustic cooking. There we will meet two local signoras who will teach us how to make a type of homemade bread, pignata, slow-cooked butter beans famous in this area and 'fileja', the signature pasta of the province of Vibo Valentia.
Day 7: PREPARING PESCE WITH PASQUALE
A vibrant morning at a local food market. After lunch we will travel to Santa Domenica where we will spend an unforgettable afternoon cooking fresh seafood dishes in the private home of chef Pascquale and farewell dinner with Pasquale on his terrace overlooking the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Day 8: GOODBYE
I highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to visit the region of Calabria and experience its beautiful scenery, warm, generous people and delectable regional cuisine. Cherrye, Tania and Andrea went above and beyond to make sure our small group experienced as much as they could possibly squeeze in to one week

domain: food


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12 hrs ago
Cornish takes home two Player of the Week honours
TORONTO Jon Cornish, Taylor Reed and Terrell Sinkfield were named the Canadian Football League Players of the Week for Week 12 of the 2014 Canadian Football League season. The three players were chosen by a panel of judges including: former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.
Sun Sep 14, 2014
Texas A&M vs. SMU Complete Game Preview
The Texas A&M football team is 3-0 and ranked No. 6 in the country in the latest AP poll .
Sat Sep 13, 2014
The Baltimore Sun
Navy trip to Texas State is part of recruiting strategy
Many might wonder why Navy is traveling to the relatively remote town of San Marcos to play a fledgling Football Bowl Subdivision program in Texas State. It might seem odd on the surface, but you can believe that athletic director Chet Gladchuk and head coach Ken Niumatalolo did not just pick this school out of a hat.
Mon Sep 08, 2014
Dallas Morning News
SMU's June Jones resigns; Tom Mason to lead Mustangs against Texas A&M
THE BEST OF SMU FOOTBALL COACH JUNE JONES: SMU quarterback Kyle Padron , head coach June Jones, linebacker Youri Yenga , and offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum, Jr. pose for a portrait at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas on Aug. 18, 2010. SportsDay's Bill Nichols reports that June Jones, the head coach of the SMU Mustangs football team, will step down.
Sports Media 101
New York Giants Will Workout WR Darius Johnson This Week: Report
Giants 101 provides 24/7 obsessive sports coverage of the New York Giants as a part of Sports Media 101 . For news, op/ed, game reviews, team updates and even rumors you will find all of it on Giants 101.
Sat Sep 06, 2014
Dallas Morning News
SMU's deer-in-headlights look in loss to North Texas has coach frustrated, A.D. not talking
North Texas celebrated the renewal of its series with SMU by delivering a humiliating loss to the cross-town rival. While North Texas showed dramatic improvement from its opening loss to Texas, the Mustangs looked as mystified by the game of football as they did in week one's 45-0 loss to Baylor.
Mon Sep 01, 2014
Dallas Morning News
Ex-Coppell coach Joe McBride questions SMU's recruiting efforts in Dallas-area
SMU head coach June Jones calls a formation during the SMU Mustangs football practice on campus in Dallas on Thursday, August 22, 2013.
Sun Aug 31, 2014
The defending Big 12 Conference champions kick off the 2014 season on Sunday night, as the 10th-ranked Baylor Bears play host to the SMU Mustangs.
Mustang maven? Steer yourself straight to Mustang-The First 50 Years DVD set
Lee Iacocca did not "invent" the original Ford Mustang, but since he convinced Henry Ford II to let it be built, even after the Edsel's failure had humiliated Dearborn, he might as well have.
Tue Aug 26, 2014
The Voodoo Five Scouting Report: SMU
You can always count on June Jones's SMU teams to be interesting, but will they be any good in 2014? And how will USF match up with them? When SMU coach and run-and-shoot enthusiast June Jones brought in Hal Mumme, the father of the Air Raid, as an offensive coordinator last year, people expected fireworks.
Fri Aug 22, 2014
NCAA Football Preview - SMU Mustangs
They were an offensive juggernaut, as is the norm when June Jones is calling the shots, and put up big point totals all year.
Tue Aug 19, 2014
The Monroe Monitor & Valley News
Fast Eddy: Local drift racer aims for top spot in sport - Monroe Monitor
Eddy Gonzalez, 28, only started drift racing a year ago. But so much has he taken to the sport that he's rebuilt his life around it, and this weekend he will get his first chance to compete against top area drivers.
Mon Aug 18, 2014
The Miami Herald
Margus Hunt emerging on Bengals line
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Margus Hunt works against New York Jets tight end Zach Sudfeld in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Cincinnati.


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Those who know me or attend my writing workshops know that I'm a huge fan of planning. Whether it's a novel, a career, a project, I love to take the time and plan out the activities in advance.
So as I await feedback from my beta readers on the Ross 128 ms, I'm planning for more activities: the book promotion tour, marketing materials, workshops, writing a non-fiction how-to book, and developing story ideas for my next novel. On top of this, there's the ongoing relationship with Tellwell, my chosen publishing vehicle for Ross 128, and the learning curve involved in that.
Planning for a successful writing career comes down to planning an ongoing series of successful activities. It's about putting in the time, battling through Seth Godin's "dip", or paying your dues if you're old school. If you're contemplating a career in writing because you think writers are all living like Margaret Atwood or Stephen King, remember they didn't get there overnight. It requires a lot of planning and action, one step at a time, to get there.


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ISLAMABAD: The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on National Health Services, Dr Faisal Sultan, on Thursday said the Chinese made Covid-19 vaccine, Sinopharm, was not recommended for the people above 60 years of age.
Talking to reporters here after inaugurating three initiatives including the National Health Laboratory (NHL), the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Secretariat, and the Transformation and Excellence Center for Health (TECH) aimed at strengthening the country’s public health system, he said that based on the findings of expert committee’s preliminary analysis of Sinopharm data, the government has recommended the vaccine be licensed for people aged 18-60, at this stage. “At this stage, the committee has not recommended the vaccine for people older than 60,” he added.
Dr Sultan said this was not an “unusual” scenario.
“When new medicines come, such things happen and the basis is whether that [age group of the] population or people with certain conditions were included in the research for it. When we get more data, perhaps it will be used for people above 60 as well.”
He said the government was working on health sector reforms agenda to make positive changes in the service delivery system to serve the masses, adding, the NHL would be helpful in strengthening the diseases diagnostic and response system in the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021


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Militants have briefly seized a strategic port city on the eastern African coast, pushing foreign contractors to flee and creating chaos unseen for a long time.
When militants attacked Palma, a gas-rich port town, in northern Mozambique on Wednesday, the eastern African nation’s government almost stopped functioning. The government gave no statement until Sunday.
“The real question now is how the hell this was allowed to happen? How was this even possible. It’s clear that the insurgents have got better intelligence than the government,” said an anonymous source, who leads a South Africa-based private security firm, operating in Palma and the nearby areas.
Dozens of people were killed, said Omar Saranga, spokesman for the Mozambique Defense and Security Forces, on Sunday. It seems a number of deaths occurred during a rescue operation of trapped foreign workers in a hotel in Palma.
Daesh claims responsibility for the attacks. The terror group briefly took over the control of the port city, where foreign companies like France’s Total operate to conduct oil exploration efforts and other businesses. Wednesday's incident showed that the armed group still exists and has the capacity to capture territories like Palma.
"Several witnesses told Human Rights Watch that they saw bodies on the streets and residents fleeing after the Al Shabab fighters fired indiscriminately at people and buildings," the rights group said in a statement last week.
Al Shabab has no direct connection with the Somali group, carrying the same name. While the US believes Al Shabab has connections with Daesh, International Crisis Group (ICG) research does not find “especially close links”.
Failed rescue operation
According to sources, after the deadly attacks, there was a rescue operation to get both foreign and local workers out of the town. Around 180 people, including foreign workers, had been trapped in a hotel for three days under the siege of militants. Most foreign workers were from Britain, France and South Africa.
Sources could not say whether the Mozambique government forces or private military contractors were conducting the rescue operation. Companies like Total rely heavily on private military contractors to provide security to their business operations in places like Mozambique.
Sources say that 17 vehicles left Palma on Friday to reach a Total natural gas project facility on the Afungi Peninsula, but only seven of them could reach safety. Some of those cars came under the Daesh attack. Several people were reportedly killed.
There is no reliable information on what happened to the other ten vehicles and their riders. At least 50 people were unaccounted for, sources say. They fear the number could increase.
Like the land rescue operation, locals and foreign workers who were targeted could not be brought to safety by sea as Daesh-linked militants allegedly opened fire on vessels, preventing them from picking up people from the coastline.
But some were lucky. About 120 foreign workers, and some others, managed to reach a nearby port from where they were brought to safety by a ferry. They were taken to Pemba, a port which is 200 kilometres away from Palma.
Expecting no help from either the Mozambique government or private military contractors, tens of thousands of locals from Palma took to the roads to get away from the violence, walking about 50 kilometres to reach a safe zone.
Some accounts suggest that the town was partly secured by private security contractors like Dyck Advisory Group (DAG). Amnesty International has recently accused DAG of killing civilians.
History of attacks
The latest bloody attack has drawn attention to Mozambique, a country that has suffered from militant attacks in recent years. Most have been carried out by Al Shabab, an extremist group.
Armed attacks have left hundreds of thousands of people displaced and at least 2,000 dead. Half of these people are civilians, according to the UN. Al Shabab controls much of Mocimboa da Praia, a port town 80 kilometres away from Palma. Both towns were located in Cabo Delgado province, a gas-rich region, where Al Shabab began forming its own network several years ago.
A lot of Cabo Delgado residents have been frustrated by poverty and unemployment, while foreign companies like Total, ExxonMobil and five other international firms, continue to operate in Mozambique. France's Total has invested in the $20 billion gas project in Cabo Delgado, and Palma was its chief base in the province.
In 2017, Al Shabab’s first armed attack came after some poverty-stricken fishermen and petty traders of Cabo Delgado reportedly joined the group after years of frustration and disillusionment with the government, according to a report written by International Crisis Group (ICG).
The same year police abuse of local miners in Montepuez, located in Cabo Delgado, came to the fore. The miners were arrested on the grounds that they were mining without permits near a ruby mine controlled by the British company, Gemfields. The victims joined the ranks of Al Shabab later on, according to ICG research.
Most of the attackers in the recent Palma episode came from Cabo Delgado while others belonged to neighbouring Tanzania.
“This insurrection has grown from a well-armed group of bandits to [launching] a very well planned and coordinated attack. They have been very effective [and pose] quite a serious threat now,” said Lionel Dyck, the director of DAG.
Mozambique had been colonised by Portugal for more than four centuries. The country gained its independence in 1975.

domain: politics


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Added May 18, 2013
Chicago, United ...
A friend and I bought giant men’s shirts from walmart and turned them in to dresses to wear to see the new startrek movie.
I blogged about it here.
Trousers, blazers, and blouses in cool neutrals have model-off-duty style.
Create unique and on-trend swimwear with the BurdaStyle Swimsuit Sloper!
Member Project of the Week
Carlotta-Stermaria's ruffled dress is ready for wedding season.
Sewing & Techniques
Our popular swimsuit sloper is now available in PLUS size!
Chat sewing inspiration with the instructor behind our mood board and fashion design course!
You must allow our "request for permission" request to login to Burdastyle with Facebook.


The Drink Tank with Adam Spiegel, Owner and Head Distiller of Sonoma County Distilling Co.
A native of San Francisco who grew up visiting wine country with his parents, Adam Spiegel talks to Drink Tank host Gibson Thomas, publisher and editor of Edible Marin & Wine Country. After losing his tech job in the economic downturn of 2008, he says he knew his next job needed to be creating something he could touch and feel. See how he became a distiller, and why he chose to make brown spirits, in particular.
Adam has a clear sense of the storied history of the spirits he and his team produce, and the responsibility of staying true to the craft while continuously experimenting with new ingredients and methods.
Hear why he believes his three West of Kentucky Bourbons embody California terroir (think smoked California Cherrywood), and his thoughts on shunning GMO ingredients in his spirits.
Opened in 2010, Sonoma County Distilling Co. was one of the first 200 distilleries in the United States. Today there are over 1,300.