Perhaps the most shocking aspect about Elbow’s Mercury triumph last night is that it’s not shocking at all.
Yes, indeed, you’ll find no disgruntled reaction from this keyboard, for The Seldom Seen Kid is a work of undeniable lyrical beauty, instrumental power and emotional richness.
Three elements central to all great records, and the Bury bunch’s fourth record has it in spades.
Weeks ago when we offered 12 alternative choices for the Prize; XFM DJ John Hillcock rightly argued that Elbow deserved being on any list irrespective of exposure and coverage and I chipped in in agreement, for along with Laura Marling and Burial – these were exceptional nominees equally worthy of lifting the prize – that Elbow did, made it even more satisfactory (and somewhat surprising given the Mercury’s want for throwing up the unpredictable; M People anyone?) given their unfathomable outsider status which has loomed over their career since day one.
The decision to pick Elbow almost serves as an industry double-bluff. For Burial and Marling fulfil the leftfield zeitgeist – a move sometimes associated with the Mercury, while Elbow merely represent – albeit on the surface – just another band. But Elbow have never been just another band.
Indeed, last night’s win only serves to highlight the quite stupefying question as to why Elbow haven’t lifted the Prize in earlier years, such is their almost unparalleled consistency in their white-men-with-guitars field.
Perhaps, herein lies the answer. Elbow haven’t ever been just grumpy Northerners with guitars. And never have they played the swaggering, gobby upstarts in keeping with other North West hotshots.
Elbow have always been a band where substance far outweighs style. Trend certainly isn’t in their varied vocabulary. And as for Cool Lists – ha!
No, the band have never played up to stereotypes, if anything they’ve subverted the mould, with chief Elbower Guy Garvey consciously accentuating his lyrical prowess with every record; no ‘high/sky/why/fly’ rhyming duffness in his songbook.
Garvey’s lyrics paint a myriad of stories, characters and situations; many of them dark and profoundly furrowed of brow but containing enough wry smiles and kitchen sink laughs to always touch the soul and connect both with the head and heart.
And musically, they’ve never been afraid to experiment, fervently refusing to pigeonhole themselves – indeed second single Power Blue from 2001’s Asleep In The Back featured a bleak sax solo amid gothic ambience more associated with the cracked drones of Talk Talk than the scraping the barrel left overs from the decline of Britpop which smeared the then indie landscape.
Push forward seven years, and this attention to detail – both in language and sound – has culminated in their greatest achievement yet – The Seldom Seen Kid; (A Getintothis LP of the Week back in April) a work which unravels like a classic novel and grows in resonance with each repeat spin.
A record which is a fitting winner of this year’s Mercury and one which if you’ve yet to invest in, deserves your immediate and undivided attention.
One Day Like This at Glastonbury 2008.


text:
Bream Creek, Copping & Kellevie Roll of HonourPrint Page
An honour roll commemorates the residents of Bream Creek, Copping and Kellevie Roll who served in World War One. It lists 46 names. The honour roll was unveiled in the hall at the opening of the Bream Creek Show in 1918.
The Hon. James Murdoch unveiled a memorial tablet which had been erected in the hall, on the 24th April 1918. The inscription on which was as follows:-"Roll of Honour to residents of Bream Creek, Copping, and Kellevie, who enlisted for active service in the Great War, 1914-19 followed by a list of names in three columns. Mr. Murdoch said that he esteemed it a great honour and a great privilege to be asked to unveil that roll of honour. From that district 34 young men had gone to the front, of whom four had laid down their lives for the Empire.
The Mercury (Hobart) 25th April 1918.
|Address:||Marion Bay Road, Copping Hall, Copping, 7174|
|GPS Coordinates:||Lat: -42.819466|
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
|Monument Type:||Honour Roll|
|Actual Event STart Date:||04-August-1914|
|Actual Event End Date:||28-June-1919|
Roll of Honour
Residents of Bream Creek, Copping & Kellevie -
who enlisted for active service in the Great War
[ Names ]
Killed in action
[ Names ]
Note : the “Tasmanian War Memorials Data Base” , compiled by Fred Thornett which is located at the State Library of Tasmania, contains a comprehensive listing of the names on this monument.

domain: geography


text:
DOWNLOAD: Teresajenee – The Storm (prod by Blackspade)
St. Louis’ talented vocalist, Teresajenee continues to fly under the radar. And it’s such a shame too, especially considering that there’s a serious lack of dope female R&B singers out right now. We’ve been shining the Couch-Light on Teresajenee for quite some time, so I was pretty stoked to finally get some new music from her. But instead of going on and on about how talented and unique she is (and how her music seems to be getting better and better) – I’m just going recommend that you peep her music NOW and hear for yourself.

domain: entertainment


text:
Carson City Attractions
The Carson Station is your golf headquarters. Whether you are two persons looking for a one-night getaway or a golf group of 100, the Station will always give you special attention. Every golf package is individually tailored to fit your needs with deluxe rooms, tee times, and/or group banquets. Learn More »
Following the discovery of rich silver and gold deposits in Virginia City, it soon became apparent that something beside freight wagons was needed to carry the ore from the mines to the mills along the Carson River for refining. Additionally, a better transportation system was needed to bring lumber from the Lake Tahoe region to Virginia City, where it could be used to timber the underground mines and feed the mining furnaces. Learn More »
Carson City sits in the center of one of the most scenic and historic areas in the country, making it the perfect starting point for sightseeing.
The habitat of the Eastern Sierra must have been a welcome refuge for explorers Kit Carson and John C. Fremont as they rode into Eagle Valley during their 1840s quest to map the West. Learn More »


text:
KOCHI: The 17th edition of the Miss South India beauty contest came to an emphatic end as Nikita Thomas, hailing from Kerala was crowned at the event held at Hotel Le-Meridien, Coimbatore.
The beauty pageant promoted by Manappuram Finance Limited as prime partner was hosted by Pegasus in association with Rotary Club of Coimbatore Texcity. Tarini Kalingarayar from Tamil Nadu and Deepa Thomas from Kerala was the first and second runner up respectively. Last year winner Lakshmi Menon crowned Nikita Thomas. V P Nandakumar, CEO of Manappuram Finance handed over the prizes to first and second runners up.
24 beautiful women from five south Indian states competed for the coveted title. The grooming session for this competition, which had the prime rounds such as designer saree, red cocktail and black gown rounds, commenced from January 30 in SAJ Earth Resort convention centre, Kochi. A session handled by prominent personalities in the modelling sector aimed to impart the knowledge about yoga, meditation, personality development, beauty care, catwalk, photo shoot and talent search to the contestants.
Eminent personalities from the film and fashion sectors such as Uma Riyas Khan, Siddhaanth Surryavanshi, Toshma Biju, Kuriyachan and Alesia Raut were part of the judging panel. Cash prizes worth `one lakh was given to the winner and the first runner-up was given `60,000. The second runner up received `40,000. In addition, the winners were crowned with the golden crowns designed by Parakkat Jewellers.
The judging panel also selected the regional title winners and the sub-title winners like Miss Queen Andhra, Miss Queen Karnataka, Miss Queen Kerala, Miss Queen Telangana, Miss Tamil Nadu, Miss Beautiful Hair, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Beautiful Skin, Miss Beautiful Face, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Miss Congeniality, Miss Personality, Miss Cat walk, Miss Perfect Ten, Miss Talent, Miss Photogenic, Miss Viewers’ Choice, Miss Social Media, Miss Fitness, Miss ‘Humaneness.’
The contestants have been selected through foolproof audition sessions organised in Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad. DQUE watches, SAJ Earth resort and convention centre, Josco Jewellers and UT World.in were the co-partners of the event.

domain: celebrity


MONROVIA, Liberia -- Liberia has lifted a moratorium on the mining, sale and export of diamonds that had been in place for six years. "As of Monday, people can start applying for mining, selling and broker licenses," Deputy Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy Minister Kpandeh Fayia said Saturday. Liberia's diamonds came under U.N. sanctions in 2001, when ex-President Charles Taylor's government was accused of using revenues from the stones to fuel war in neighboring Sierra Leone. In an effort to show compliance, the Liberian government placed a moratorium on all mining activities. The U.N. lifted its sanctions in April, citing efforts by Liberia's current government to ensure regulation of the industry.


text:
Following on from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Brentford Fc at Griffin Park, Bolton Wanderers will be hoping for a return to winning ways against promotion outsiders Ipswich Town.
A win for Bolton could see them rise as high as 19th, whilst a loss could see them drop back into the bottom three should results go against them. Ipswich will be hoping for a win, as three points could push them to within a point of the play-off places.
Wanderers haven’t beaten Ipswich since 2002, when Fredi Bobic scored a famous hat trick in a 4-1 win to secure Bolton’s position in the Premier League. Ipswich would end up going down that season.
Town manager Mick McCarthy has only won once in his nine visits to The Macron, which was a 2-1 win whilst manager of Ipswich back in December 2012. He’s drawn four, lost four.
A goal for Wanderers today would be a rarity, as Bolton have failed to score in five of the last six meetings between the two sides.
Games against Ipswich aren’t without famous moments. Frank Worthington scored the best Wanderers goal ever against them in 1979, Barry Knight screwed Bolton in 2000, whilst Fredi Bobic’s crowning glory came in 2002. Wanderers even salvaged a draw in the 97th minute a couple of years ago.
Karl Henry could return to the side after training this week. If not, expect Everton loanee Harry Charsley to make his home debut from the start.
For Ipswich, Jordan Spence is suspended. Bartosz Bialkowski and Cole Skuse could return, whilst new signings Cameron Carter-Vickers and Stephen Gleeson are expected to make their debuts.
Bolton Wanderers - LWLWWL
Ipswich Town - WLDLLW
Wanderers are favourites for the win with odds of 13/10. An away win comes in at 2/1, with a draw at 12/5.
With both teams needing the points, I think this one might be a draw. 1-1.

domain: news


text:
By Multiple Contributors
The choice first elaborates at the composition of the soil, chemical equilibria, and floor interplay among the soil sturdy part and the soil resolution. issues contain houses of the liquid layer adjoining to the cast section, impression of the interplay among stable and liquid part on soil houses, reactions regarding the move of protons and/or electrons, calculation of equilibrium constants from thermodynamic facts, stable section elements, and fuel section. The manuscript then takes a glance on the adsorption of cations and anions via soil, universal solubility equilibria in soils, and shipping and accumulation of soluble soil elements. Discussions specialize in solute displacement in soil, delivery with and within the liquid part, iron oxides and hydroxides, carbonate equilibria, anion exclusion at negatively charged surfaces, and hugely selective adsorption of cations through soil.
The textual content ponders at the pollutants of soil, saline and sodic soils, and chemical equilibria and soil formation, together with weathering and soil minerals, opposite weathering, sodication of soils upon irrigation, chemical points of the reclamation of saline and sodic soils, and popularity and prediction of soil pollution.
The choice is a worthy resource of information for researchers desirous to learn soil chemistry.
Read Online or Download Basic Elements: Basic Elements Pt. A (Developments in Soil Science) PDF
Best botany books
This can be a thorough research of photosynthetic mechanisms from cells to leaves, crown, and cover. The authors query even if photosynthetic diversifications ensue basically on the metabolic and biochemical point or via adjustments in constitution and shape, or either. The textual content is going directly to study the relative significance of genes that keep an eye on metabolic and light-weight reactions, and the constitution, association, and orientation of photosynthesis.
Edited via J. A. Callow and supported via a world Editorial Board, Advances in Botanical study publishes in-depth and updated studies on quite a lot of themes in plant sciences. presently in its forty first quantity, the sequence includes a wide selection of experiences through famous specialists on all facets of plant genetics, biochemistry, telephone biology, molecular biology, body structure and ecology.
This ebook presents a high-quality clinical foundation for researchers, practitioners and scholars drawn to the applying of genetic ideas to tropical wooded area ecology and administration. It offers a concise evaluation of genetic version, evolutionary approaches and the human effect on wooded area genetic assets within the tropics.
The sedge kin, Cyperaceae, is the 3rd greatest kin of monocotyledonous crops. they're of vital fiscal value, specifically between rural groups within the tropics, the place sedges are intensively used. the area record of Cyperaceae is a special source that lists all validly released names of sedges, offering the resource in their e-book and indication of which names are at present accredited and that are synonyms.
- Vegetation Ecology
- Why Does the World Stay Green?: Nutrition and Survival of Plant-eaters
- Drug Development: Molecular Targets for GI Diseases
- Sulphur in Agroecosystems (Nutrients in Ecosystems)
Additional resources for Basic Elements: Basic Elements Pt. A (Developments in Soil Science)

domain: agronomy


Smart traffic management technology can be used effectively to address traffic issues, improve transport efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas.
A new study from Juniper Research has predicted that global savings in CO2 emissions from smart traffic management systems will be 205 MMT (Million Metric Tons) by 2027 – a growth of 41%, up from just 145.7 MMT in 2022. The analysts have claimed that this figure is equivalent to almost twice the CO2 emissions arising from UK domestic transport in 2019.
Reducing congestion through optimized traffic control will be the main influencing factor. Smart traffic management uses digital technologies to manage traffic based on real-time data to reduce congestion and minimize emissions.
The research identified environmental benefits from smart traffic management systems as being highly compelling, including significant reductions in congestion and emission associated with traffic, and prioritizing greener transport modes. The report also identified smart interactions as driving reductions, with hours of time spent in traffic set to decrease by 36 hours on average per annum per motorist globally by 2027.
The report forecasts that investment in smart intersections will reach $10.2 billion by 2027, rising from $5.7 billion in 2022. It anticipates that smart intersection vendors will focus on improving connectivity between road vehicles and the local road network ecosystem, mirroring government smart city initiatives. Juniper Research recommended that providers of such technology take advantage of the low-latency capabilities of 5G, combined with machine learning algorithms, to enable network adjustments to be made in real-time and improve traffic flow.
In addition, the research – Smart Traffic Management: Use Cases, Regional Analysis & Marketing Forecasts 2022-2027 – argues cybersecurity must be considered during the implementation of smart traffic systems to maximize public support, negating concerns about data collection and storage. The authors say smart management systems must be prioritized for cybersecurity implementation, to protect user data, which is transmitted at every stage of the process. Given the potential for cyberattacks to disrupt infrastructure through denial of service, robust cybersecurity strategies are essential to prevent threats to the integrity of the road infrastructure.


The Innsbruck Physics Research Center organizes the Innsbruck Physics Colloquium always on Tuesdays at 17:15 in lecture hall A during the semester. If not stated otherwise the lectures will take place as hybrid lecture. Please take note that the 3G rule applies for the HS A.
Occasionally the colloquium will be preceded by a Doctoralprogramme Atoms, Light, and Molecules Pre-Talk at 16.30.
The main lecture will be “The beginning of gravitational wave astronomy: current state and future” and the speaker is Nobel-Prize laureate Rainer Weiss from the MIT and the LIGO collaboration. For more details click here.
Time and location: At 17:15 in lecture hall A on Tuesday, Oct. 19th 2021 and online:
The full program of the physics colloquium, as of now, can be found on https://www.uibk.ac.at/sp-physik/colloquium/


A common misunderstanding among homeowners is that ceiling fans actually reduce the temperature in a room and allow lower air conditioning settings as a way to save on electricity costs. In reality, in the summer a ceiling fan with blades rotating counter-clockwise creates what is called a "wind-chill" effect by evaporating moisture on our skin.
On a hot and humid summer day, this "wind chill" effect can make the room feel at least seven degrees cooler so that you can avoid jogging the air-con even though the genuine room temperatures is in the mid-eighties.You can also browse here to get the details about the ceiling fan and how we can save money.
In the wintertime months, the area can actually be produced warmer by spinning the ceiling enthusiast rotor blades clockwise and forcing heated air from the roof into the living area. This warmer air gives you to modify your thermostat so the heating system operates less, saving cash on heat costs.
Consider the actual fact that ceiling enthusiasts use significantly less than one hundred w to use which results in about a cent one hour while central air-con melts away to five thousand w which means just as much as thirty-nine cents one hour.
Most traditional roof lovers (with a light) uses around 3 to 4 hundred kWh per 12 months which results in about twenty to twenty-five us dollars per year. Using ENERGY Celebrity rated ceiling admirers will certainly reduce that electricity utilization to around a hundred twenty kWh per 12 months, which means about ten us dollars.


At [B]RIGHT, we illuminate data-informed digital solutions to help your brand succeed in an increasingly complex marketing landscape. Which means we help brands grow based on data, research, and a hefty dose of proven processes, tactics, and channel-specific strategies.
We take the guesswork out of your marketing strategy.
The Stories You Have to Read:
District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez ruled that Apple Inc. may not restrict developers from using external links that direct users to third-party payment services outside of their apps on the iOS platform. This is a considerable win for developers, but Apple Inc. may still have a chance to appeal the ruling.
The ruling as it stands reads, “Apple Inc., and its officers, agents, servants, employees and any person in active concert or participation with them (“Apple”), are hereby permanently restrained and enjoined from prohibiting developers from (i) including in their apps and their metadata buttons, external links and other calls to action that direct consumers to purchasing mechanisms, in addition to In-App purchasing and (ii) communicating with customers through points of contact obtained voluntarily from customers through account registration obtained within the app.”
From a financial perspective, the portion of Apple’s revenue derived from transaction processing—payment services required of users for any in-app purchases—is likely to take a significant hit. This redistribution of revenue to developers and other payment services could also fuel the creator economy and further boost social platform investment in creators. This change is set to take effect December 9, unless the ruling is overturned following an appeal.
Facebook has paused the development of an Instagram app for kids amid rising concerns from parent groups and lawmakers. The new version of the popular image-sharing app would be intended for preteens, with restricted content and better parental controls than those on the existing Instagram app. Children often find ways to get around the age restrictions to sign up for these social media platforms, so the logic is to provide a more suitable option that would deter kids from using the flagship app.
Lawmakers and parents are concerned about the irreversible mental health effects that the photo-sharing platform may have on children, especially with regard to body image. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, said they are pausing their development to listen to these concerns and do more to demonstrate the value a kids’ version of the ad-free platform will have for both parents and kids. Mosseri also mentioned that other social media platforms already have kids’ versions of their flagship apps, including YouTube and newcomer TikTok. There is a senate hearing on the subject scheduled for October.
TikTok is increasing its e-commerce appeal by trying to position itself as a product hub and shopping destination in time for the upcoming 2021 holiday season. The platform has provided more revenue potential for content creators and brand partnerships that may increase advertising activity on the platform, as they are developing their unique blend of “Community Commerce,” or creator-driven word-of-mouth marketing.
TikTok touts that its platform offers marketers the ability to maximize engagement with their products through entertainment. TikTok studies claim that around a third of people want commerce to be more entertaining. Another way the platform could be useful to marketers is their hyper-relevant “For You” page, which uses the algorithm to recommend content based on user engagement rather than followed user accounts’ content. This allows the platform to provide relevant content deep within a niche to fuel discovery. The platform has also streamlined the purchasing funnel by facilitating product discovery, engagement, and purchase all without leaving the app.
Last winter, Pinterest published its Predictions report, highlighting 30 trends that would take hold in 2021. The platform claims that 80% of those predicted trends have indeed gained traction throughout the year. This demonstrates how beneficial this report can be for brands in search of resources that can better position them for success. Pinner activity may be able to inform brand strategies through predicted new habits, behavioral shifts, and rising user interest in specific niches or aesthetics.
Most internet trends last about six months before fading out. But with Pinterest, trends are sustained for more than 20% longer, which means that content from creators and brands have a longer lifespan on the platform. Pinterest has also become an important tool for product discovery and buying during the pandemic, and Pinterest has improved that experience with expanded product tag options and Idea Pins that tie into video consumption trends.
The pandemic has caused shoppers to change their purchasing habits drastically, and brands have been adapting and finding new ways to convert browsers into purchasers on their e-commerce channels. According to a recent study by Stackla, 83% of consumers want brands to provide more authentic shopping experiences, and 70% want personalized shopping experiences online.
The survey of more than 2,000 consumers also found that only 19% of consumers find brand-created content to be authentic, and only 10% found influencer content to be authentic. Nearly 60% of responses found UGC to be the most authentic, with 80% also saying that UGC has highly impacted their purchasing decisions when shopping online.
Industry Dive has published an article outlining key business innovation trends that arose during the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, during the pandemic many brands were forced to expedite innovations that may have already been on their improvement lists, a few of those being online purchasing, store pickup, curbside service, in-store touchless technology, and more self-checkouts. These innovations were adopted swiftly by the big-box retailers that were deemed essential and allowed to continue operations during lockdowns.
Companies need to be agile and innovative, both in physical stores and on e-commerce sites. An adaptable online presence is crucial and can be best achieved by partnering with vendors that can handle the technical investments and maintain and update systems at scale. Not all online orders are simply mobile site purchases; brands need to have multiple avenues to purchase and to facilitate customer interactions through virtual chats, phone calls, video consults, and virtual demonstrations. Providing a personalized customer experience continues to be an important innovation, but businesses are being forced to get even more creative. The labor shortage is making companies focus more on digital shelf labels to reduce the need for manual tag updates, freeing up employees to focus on customer experience.
To summarize, Industry Dive recommends that businesses large and small start innovating in a few key areas:
Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) update is impacting advertising effectiveness and reporting on Facebook. The key areas affected are the platform's ability to retarget users following specific interactions with an ad or website and the ability to track when a conversion has been completed. Some retargeting and conversion tracking may still be active, as the number of iOS users opting out of tracking is only a portion of the global device share. Reportedly, 60% of Apple users have opted out to date.
Facebook is working toward implementing new systems for estimating conversions based on system learnings to account for the approximate 15% of underreported conversions coming from iOS consumers. As Facebook continues to find ways to work around the tracking change, they have released a list of tips for advertisers to mitigate the impact of the ATT update on performance:
Thanks for reading this month's marketing and tech-related news. We found these articles insightful and helpful in navigating the changing marketing landscape and hope they are of value to you too.
Until next time.
Seth Slone | Digital PM


text:
I used that vocal track that’s been floating around the net from Van Halen’s Running with the Devil and remade the music with renoise 2, it’s still a work in progress but I can’t believe how close it sounds to the original so far:
I don’t see much point in replicating the original. Why not create something original with the track?
But I guess if you are doing it for the challenge, then… Good work.
now all you need is a digitized sounding “running with the devil” … perhaps talkbox shoved through buffer override
Yeah it’s just for fun man. Just to see how close I can get to the original. thanks.
@byte-smasher: Yeah! It is lacking that
Thats very cool and quite impressive.
Though the basedrum and snare sounded a bit weak, but perhaps they do that in the original too?

domain: artistic


text:
“I believe so strongly in this work because all children deserve people in their lives who see the best in them, and are willing to stand up for them even in their most challenging moments.”
Stephanie Klitsch, JD
Assistant Director of Individual Advocacy
Stephanie Klitsch has been a staff attorney at Council for Children’s Rights since 2012. Originally from upstate New York, she earned a B.S. from Cornell University in 2007, and her J.D. from Stanford Law School in 2012. Prior to law school, she taught 8th grade science with Teach for America in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In 2015, she was named Outstanding Young Attorney of the Year by the National Association of Counsel for Children (“NACC”). When not advocating for children in foster care with special education needs, Stephanie relishes her time with her husband and two young sons.
In early March 2020, Council for Children’s Rights’ Individual Advocacy Team was gearing up for our next “New Volunteer Training” for the Special Education Advocacy for Kids (SpEAK) Volunteer Program. We were finalizing the training materials, contacting the planned attendees with last minute details, and polishing our presentations, excited about sharing the material and getting to know our new volunteers.
The SpEAK Volunteer Program
Our students are children in the custody of Mecklenburg County’s Department of Social Services (DSS) who receive, or are in need of, special education services. Of the students in foster care with special education needs, our students are among the most vulnerable. The SpEAK Volunteer Program only serves students who do not have anyone able, willing, or appropriate to make special education decisions for them. Our SpEAK Volunteers take on a crucial role that parents of students with special education needs normally assume – making decisions about educational services.
SpEAK Volunteers get to know their assigned student, as well as their DSS caseworker, Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteer, foster parent or placement provider, and other important individuals in the student’s life. They attend school meetings and court hearings on behalf of the student, ensuring the student’s educational needs are being met.
While this may seem overwhelming for those unfamiliar with foster care or special education, we have designed a program accessible to volunteers with no prior experience. Our team of attorneys recruit, train, and supervise volunteers so they can confidently advocate for their assigned student.
The Need Continues, Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic
While it has felt like many things around us have come to a halt, the needs of our students have not. Schools and families across the country are struggling with how to adequately serve students with disabilities during this time of remote learning. This challenge is magnified for our students in foster care who already face instability, but the SpEAK Volunteer Program is hard at work on their behalf. For example, our volunteers are: checking in on students; making sure students have access to critical technology, support, and supervision; communicating regularly with students’ teachers; and participating in IEP meetings. Our volunteers are strategizing about how to minimize the negative impact of the lost educational time on students’ academic progress. Importantly, they are also keeping a close eye on students’ mental health needs, as this time of uncertainty can be particularly triggering for students who have already had a life full of trauma.
The SpEAK Volunteer Program continues to receive new referrals for students in need. We need new volunteers to be able to serve these students and protect their educational rights.
Introducing Our New Virtual SpEAK Volunteer Program Training
We are excited to announce that we have created a virtual, on-demand version of our SpEAK Volunteer Program training. Instead of a full-day in-person training, we have broken the training down into 8 sections (around 30-60 minutes each) that new volunteers can view at their convenience and from the comfort of their home. We have built in a way for participants to ask questions and provide feedback as they move through the sections of the training, eliciting communication and connectedness between our new volunteers and our attorneys.
While we miss the energy and excitement that comes from being in the same room with volunteers, we know that the most important thing we can do right now is make sure the students in our community receive the educational services and support they need, especially during this challenging time.
Please help us spread the word about our new virtual training. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the SpEAK Volunteer Program, please email IAT@cfcrights.org or call me at 704-943-9622. I cannot wait to speak with you.

domain: sociology


text:
Two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) slumped during the swearing-in parade for the 2022 batch ‘A’ stream 1 corps members in Dutse, Jigawa on Tuesday.
According to NAN, the corps members, who were participating in the parade, were immediately rushed to the camp clinic by the medical team.
Aishatu Adamu, NYSC coordinator, who spoke about the incident, attributed it to “extreme stress.”
Aishatu said the affected corps members recovered immediately after they were treated by the medical team.
Earlier, Shuiabu Ibrahim, director-general (DG) of the NYSC, urged corps members to shun cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
Ibrahim, who was represented by Aishatu, also advised the corps members to promote national unity, peace and harmony in their places of primary assignments.
“I urge you to avoid using the social media for spreading fake news, fueling hatred and other negative purposes,” he said.
The NYSC DG also enjoined corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities for self-employment offered through scheme skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development (SADE) programme.
He commended Aisha Buhari for her humanitarian gesture towards the scheme, while urging other stakeholders to do same.
“May I appeal for the support of all stakeholders for the success of our health initiative for rural dwellers, which is aimed at providing easier access to free and qualitative health care, especially for the indigent,” he added.
“I implore them to take a cue from the first lady by donating well-equipped ambulances for the operation of NYSC mobile clinics as well as other essential equipment and drugs.
“This will facilitate conduct of our medical outreaches, thus boosting the provision of quality medical services to rural dwellers.”
Copyright 2023 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle


Palestinian authorities have condemned the planned construction of new housing units in East Jerusalem as an “Israeli colonial dare,” encouraged by Washington’s controversial recognition of the Holy City as Israel’s capital.
On Sunday, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates denounced the plan to construct 300 new housing units in the occupied part of Jerusalem. The plan is “part of Israel’s colonial and expansionist projects implemented by the Israeli government encouraged by the latest announcement of US President Donald Trump’s to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,” the ministry said. Israel’s Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Galant allegedly advocated for the scheme.
The Palestinian ministry said the “Israeli colonial dare” would not have happened was it not for Trump’s controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem “as the capital of the occupying power.” The statement added that Palestinian authorities would hold the American president and his administration personally responsible “for any crimes” that might stem from Israel’s “expansionist” move.
The alleged “aggressive” settlement plans under the so-called Greater Jerusalem bill have also been condemned by the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Department of Jerusalem Affairs. It noted that the construction project aims to fragment the “geographical and demographic unity” of Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian WAFA news agency.


text:
Circuit Training 42: The Aristocratic Paul Provenza
There are aren't too many comics who've come through the Manhattan Improv then the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts - possibly just Paul Provenza. The Bronx-born comic made his stand-up debut as a teenager at the famous New York institution, came here for a year to polish his acting chops, then headed back for a high-profile (if rather fraught) stint on the beloved US dramady Northern Exposure.
He's probably best known in the UK for the splendidly scatological documentary The Aristocrats, made with Penn & Teller's Penn Jillette, and has continued the chatting-to-comics success back home with revealing Showtime gabfest The Green Room. Right now, though, he's returning to London with live sensation Set List, which is taking improv to nut-shrivelling new levels...
Set List was one of the most talked about shows at this year's Edinburgh Fringe - how did it come about?
It's the brainchild of writer/performer/evil genius Troy Conrad. He started doing the live show in Los Angeles and asked me to be part of a lineup one evening, and as soon as I heard the concept I knew it was going to be something extraordinary. I immediately fell in love with the challenge of flying by the seat of my pants, having only my talents, instinct and experience to rely on.
After that first time doing Set List I begged Troy to allow myself and my producing partner [former Universal Comedy VP] Barbara Romen to team up to develop the concept further. In 2012 we're bringing it to the San Francisco, Chicago, Montreal and Melbourne Comedy Festivals and back to the Fringe, to a larger venue at The Caves.
London next though. What makes it so exciting?
For comedians, it's like an Olympic event, some kind of life-and-death challenge for their comic minds. These experienced, successful professionals are out of their comfort zones every second onstage, in front of a live audience. The fear and tension is palpable as even the most solid pros can't be sure they can survive the challenge.
So how does it work exactly?
Comedy pros are handed an original, never-before-seen set list of topics just as they walk on stage, to instantly improvise a spontaneous ten-minute stand-up set. The items on each list are carefully crafted by Troy Conrad, with contributions from other pros who just can't help thinking up ideas after doing the show themselves.
They're designed to be full of comic possibilities, but with few if any obvious entry points, or with so many different entry points it's impossible to predict which way any comedian will go with it. Comedians instinctively feel 'there's comedy in there - somewhere' but have to figure out how to mine it, polish it and carve it into a work of comic art, all at the same time, and on the spot.
Each new set list is projected onscreen so the audience can follow along as the comics squirm and sweat and hope to come up with something inspired.
[This video shows the likes of Jimmy Carr and Richard Herring performing at a Set List gig...]
Onto your own career: were you surprised how big an impact The Aristrocrats made?
Actually, we weren't at all surprised. Penn Jillette and I both knew that people always have and always will love a good, dirty joke. It's just a fact. And the Aristocrats joke is far from the best or dirtiest joke we've ever heard. So unlike some of the press or industry insiders who talked about how outrageous the movie is, we kinda felt like it was not that big a deal, and people aren't as pure-as-the-driven-snow as some would like us to believe. We always felt that there was a big audience that would enjoy the movie and the more subtle ideas behind it.
What surprised us was that it got distributed in the first place, let alone by a major company. We expected we'd have a small, cultish little word-of-mouth audience that would grow over time as people told each other about it. We had no idea we'd end up on the cover of Entertainment Weekly or being described in the New York Times as "a painstaking work of penetrating scholarship" and ending up being discussed at film schools. We were very surprised that our dopey little dirty joke movie was actually being taken seriously.
Did any comics take offence that you revealed that in-joke to the world?
I can say proudly that no comics were harmed during the making of that movie. It's an 'inside joke', sure, but the joke and its place in the comedy world was never anything precious to anybody. We shone a very bright light on a tiny little piece of sub-cultural minutia, so it seems like it's something bigger than it is in reality in that world. We didn't violate any Comedian's Code of Ethics or anything. "Comedian's Code of Ethics" - remind me to use that in a Set List some time.
It's not like there's some 'Comedy Illuminati' that's going to hunt us down because we revealed some great secret. So far. But every single comedian in the film has said they were really proud to be a part of it-even though, as Paul Reiser said after a screening, "If I ever thought for a second this stupid movie would actually be seen by anybody, I might have combed my hair."
How do you look back on your Northern Exposure experience now? Was it a bit of a poisoned chalice?
Before I shot a single foot of film on Northern Exposure I was already almost universally despised by the show's hardcore fans. There was such affection for the show and the characters, and I was this... intruder. And it seemed that many fans were under the bizarre impression that I must somehow be responsible for Rob Morrow [who played lead character Joel Fleischman] leaving the show in first place.
I had just gotten onto the internet and joined the 21st century at the time, and I made the mistake of rooting around and seeing all this unprovoked ire directed towards me. And not having yet learned that anything one reads on the internet must be immediately ignored, I actually started writing to some of those people and explaining that I was just an actor who got hired for a job, and the only reason it was this particular job was because Rob Morrow, who they loved so much, apparently didn't give a shit about them at all and left the show, so go get mad at him, not me!
So do you regret doing it?
After all is said and done, I enjoyed every second of my time on that show. It was a great cast - I still hang with John Corbett [aka DJ/dude Chris Stevens], who I actually got onstage to do stand-up one night (that's a whole 'nother story) - terrific writing, and a job I looked forward to going to every day. It was pretty much in its last season and the series had run its course by the time I came on, but still to this day I am apparently the official 'cancellation scapegoat' for one of American TV's all time landmark programmes. But hey, the cheques cleared.
Do you prefer interviewing to acting these days - chatting with buddies rather than being ordered around?
I actually don't believe I'm ever interviewing anybody. I really do approach it all as a kind of jam session with other comics more than any kind of interview. I don't generally care where the conversation goes as long as it's interesting, and I rarely have any agenda. I prefer the chaos and the surprising places that always takes me.
Acting, when done well, is really that too at its core. Transcendent acting moments are ones where you find yourself just behaving rather than executing some idea or thinking about what you're doing. So free-forming with different comedians is really a great acting exercise as much as it is a hilarious night of spontaneous comedy.
Are UK and US comics very different, having worked with both over the years?
I've been blown away seeing how the British comedy artists have taken the uniquely American form of stand-up comedy - it's as uniquely American in origins as jazz is, borne of the immigrant experience and then transformed by Lenny Bruce into something other than escapist entertainment - and run with it to outpace its origins in so many ways.
I love the sense of artistry that's prominent here among comedians - something that remains only in a small percentage of the best of working comedians in the States. I have many theories as to why that's so, but a wide swath of the UK comedy scene has a passion for the artistry of comedy - and original, unique voices. UK comedians far more regularly push themselves farther and challenge themselves more creatively and fearlessly than tends to happen in the States.
I'd love to see The Green Room on UK TV - what's the most interesting revelation you've prised out of a comic on there?
Cajoling - or was it badgering - Garry Shandling to open up about his Buddhist view of life and finally getting him to share a very private thought or two, just as we were wrapping it all up. Eddie Izzard talking about how his comedy chops could help him in his political aspirations, and Jimmy Carr demonstrating which comedy tools might be a bad idea to use in parliament. Patrice O'Neal talking about how badly he thinks his career has gone, and Roseanne Barr and Bob Saget practically turning into his therapists.
Jim Jeffries pushing Paul Mooney on racial issues in a way no American comic would have the balls to do. Doug Stanhope attempting to take Janeane Garofalo to task for some material she'd done, only to discover Janeane is a much tougher cookie than he thought. Tim Minchin improvising a music score to a conversation between the rest of us, the refrain being about how comedy is 'brain cum'. The list could go on and on.
Would a TV version of Set List work, or is it a bit risky for broadcasters and comics?
It's absolutely risky for comedians - but that's exactly why so many can't wait to do it. They became comedians precisely because it's a risky thing to do in life! As for broadcasters, well, networks generally believe the audience doesn't like surprises or can't understand the unfamiliar, which is a big part of why we get so little true innovation in comedy on TV.
Of course, they'd probably like to play it safe and give out the topics in advance, but if that is a prerequisite, we'll simply walk away; no further questions. We're not interested in playing it safe just to get Set List on TV. The essence of Set List is that no one gets anything in advance, period.
It's about how comedians get to the funny, so it's essential that we're with them from the moment they start that process, not hours of comedy writing after that moment. And while it seems like you'd get more guaranteed funny by giving them their set lists in advance, you sacrifice the far more powerfully funny, lightning-in-a-bottle moments that only come from true surprise-surprise for the comic as much as for the audience.
There's more than enough polished stand-up on TV already.
Since I started doing The Green Room I've experienced first hand how far viewers enjoy delving beyond written material into the nitty gritty of what makes comics tick. None of Green Room is scripted or planned, there's no agenda to the conversations, yet the laughs loom large because it's fast and furious minds working in the moment.
With Set List, the audience is on the edge of their seats, cheering the comics on to flashes of comic brilliance. They know the degree of difficulty involved as soon as the set list items are projected for them, and they really do prefer to see the tightrope walker succeed rather than watch a gruesome death. Their energy spurs comics on to one sort of unpredictable success or another. Not to mention the fact that, since its inception, the wide range of talent the show has attracted reads like a broadcaster's wish-list.
So what are the most memorable Set List performances you've seen?
In the UK, it's rare to see a bad performance what with the astute wordsmithery and improv skills that run rampant amongst British comics. Dave Gorman directed an entire set at a camera-snapping heckler in the audience - using every ludicrous premise on the list as he put the guy in his place. As always with Set List the audience was rooting for the comic and, clearly, the heckler wished he'd never said a word.
Greg Proops (pictured) has made me believe in alchemy watching him make his way through countless Set Lists. He takes each one on a journey that whiplashes from brilliant moment to brilliant moment every time he does the show. One night Phill Jupitus decided out of nowhere to build his entire Set List around Greg Proops as the main character in every bit he created from his list - even weaving in some of the bits Proops had created earlier on in his own set. It was a stroke of brilliance no comic had ever thought of before.
We'll have a piano on hand at The Soho Theatre on December 9, when Tim Minchin makes his Set List debut...
Set List is on at London's Soho Theatre on the 1-2, 8-10 December at 11.30pm. Visit www.sohotheatre.com for details.
Si Hawkins has been interviewing comedians since Russell Brand was a little-known MTV presenter. He also edits the front end of a popular music magazine and pontificates about football for anyone who'll put up with him. He's @SiHawkins on Twitter.
Sky has struck a long-term deal with the producers of sports-based panel show A League Of Their Own. Read
Holli Dempsey, who plays Vicky in Derek, talks about her role. Is she like her character in real life? Read
Series 3 of John Dredge's critically acclaimed surreal sketch show podcast is now here. Check it out. Listen
Roisin Conaty introduces GameFace, her Channel 4 sitcom pilot about a woman muddling through life. Read
A look at Fancy Meeting You Here, the roving comedy show in which stand-ups offer free museum tours. Read
New TV shows to look out for this week include Warren United, Derek, Trying Again and GameFace. Read
Miranda Hart is reportedly being lined-up to host a new version of classic BBC show The Generation Game. Read
Spy and Green Wing star Darren Boyd will play a midwife in The Delivery Man, a new sitcom pilot for ITV. Read
This week's episode of Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast has stories from guest Josie Long. Listen
Katherine Parkinson, Ralf Little and Stephen Tompkinson are to star in a brand new sitcom pilot for ITV. Read
Six episodes of Channel 4's police-based comedy drama Babylon are now being filmed in London. Read
A snapped heel, torn cruciate and broken relationship - 2014 has been turbulent for Marcus Brigstocke. Read
Julia Davis has written and is starring in a new pilot about a breakfast TV host, called Morning Has Broken. Read
Dom Joly is reportedly having another go at taking his prank show Trigger Happy TV to America. Read
Ross Noble Freewheeling, the improvised comedy series which sees Ross Noble travelling the UK, is to return. Read
Frankie Boyle is amongst the stars talking part in a read-through for Wildlife, a new sitcom pilot. Read
A podcast in which Chris Addison talks about his career, and how they made the new sitcom Trying Again. Listen
Jason Lewis introduces Sniggers With Attitude, the sketch show he has made for TV channel London Live. Read
BFBS Radio, the British armed forces broadcaster, is launching Damn the Torpedoes!, a new sketch show. Read
The BBC has ordered a second series of Michael McIntyre's chat show. He will return to BBC1 later this year. Read
Channel 4 has launched three more mini-series on the internet under its Comedy Blaps branding. Read
Al Murray has announced a new Pub Landlord UK tour titled One Man, One Guvnor: 20 years at the lager top. Read
Russell Kane is to host Vidiots, a panel show pilot in which comedians compete over viral video clips. Read
The Udderbelly Festival is back on London's Southbank until the 13th July. Lots of comedy on offer. Read
Comedian Doc Brown will be offering free mentorship and career guidance via the Noise Festival website. Info
Channel Dave has signed up Jason Manford to provide the voiceover for three football-based specials. Read
Photos from ITV's new drama focusing on Tommy Cooper. The comic is portrayed by David Threlfall. View
BBC Two is to make a four-part comedy series based on Nurse, Paul Whitehouse's Radio 4 show. Read
'Bile merchant' Nathaniel Tapley has written this to explain why he's doing a Margaret Thatcher seance. Read
We take a look at the definitive box set of Terry Jones and Michael Palin's historical documentary spoof. Read
Archie Maddocks and Paul Revill won at Bath Comedy Festival's 2014 New Act of the Year competition. Read
In this interview, top sitcom writer Bob Larbey - who died last week - talks about writing comedy. Read
Check out some of the interesting facts from Steve Best's photo book from the comedy circuit. View
The IT Crowd leads the comedy-related nominations for the 2014 BAFTA TV awards. See the full list here: Read
Bob Larbey, the prolific sitcom writer and creator of shows including The Good Life, has died aged 79. Read
Stand-up comedian and actor Greg Davies is a very funny man indeed. Check out this great interview. Listen
Comedy Central is creating a website featuring 'funny videos, lists, quizzes and articles featuring celebs'. Read
Alan Partridge will return with a feature film sequel, as well as a new series and Coast-like special on Sky. Read
Monty Python have published their brand new music track The Silly Walks Song. See the video here: Watch
Shaun The Sheep is coming to the big screen in 2015. Here's the first trailer for the film - it's funny. Watch
Bridget Christie and John Finnemore are amongst the comedy nominees for the Radio Academy Awards. Read
Men Behaving Badly writer Simon Nye is working on Private Parts, a new sitcom project set in a hotel. Read
The first look at David Threlfall playing Tommy Cooper in the new ITV drama. It's a rather good impression? Watch
Hear Dawn French appearing as The Vicar Of Dibley, as she delivers Radio 4's Thought For The Day. Listen
Jason Donovan is to provide his voice to Boj, a new animated comedy series for the CBeebies channel. Read
The trailer for the Mrs Brown's Boys movie. Agnes has to fight to save her market stall. Out in June. Watch
Miranda Hart has signed up to star in a big movie. She will appear in a film by Bridesmaids' Paul Feig. Read
Sky TV has denied the reports that Ruth Jones' comedy drama Stella will end after the next series. Read
Production is underway on the second series of Psycobitches, the excellent Sky Arts sketch show. Read


text:
I like the watercolor background! Very nice!
Thank you very much Leo! The last time I painted in watercolor 10 years ago. This contest is so inspired me to remember that wonderful feeling watercolors :)))
maybe the colors could be a little bit different ;)
These are great ELINA!
Thank you very mcuh Holly!
nice colors! :]]
elegant and feminine :))
THANK YOU VERY MUCH ALL FOR SUPPORT!!!!

domain: hobby


text:
Category Archives: Award Shows
Kane Brown Dominates CBS Spring with 2023 “CMT Music Awards” and “Fire Country”
2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Nominees List
As the 2023 GRAMMYs approach, it’s finally time to reveal the nominees The 2023 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 65th GRAMMY Awards, will air live on Sunday, Feb. 5, from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, and it will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET / 5-8:30 p.m. PT+. The special ceremony’s broadcast time, hosts, presenters, and performers will be announced soon.
Dan + Shay And Cyndi Lauper To Perform And Present At The 65th GRAMMY Award Nominations
DAN + SHAY and CYNDI LAUPER are set to perform and help present at the 65th Annual GRAMMY AWARD nominations livestream TOMORROW (11/15) at 9a (PT)/12p (ET) live from the GRAMMY MUSEUM. They join previously announced presenters, including Country artist JIMMIE ALLEN, “CBS MORNINGS” anchors NATE BURLESON and GAYLE KING, MACHINE GUN KELLY and more (NET NEWS 11/10).
2022 CMA Award Performances
2022 CMA Award Winners – Complete List & Acceptance Speeches
65th Grammy Award Nominees To Be Named On November 15
Alan Jackson Honored with CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
Tune-In Alert: ACM Honors to Air on Fox Tuesday 8/7c
2022 CMA Award Nominees : Full List
Lainey Wilson Tops The CMA Award Nominees List With 6 Nominations; Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton And Shane McAnally Land 5 Nominations The COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION has unveiled its nominees for the 56TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS, led by first-time nominee LAINEY WILSON with six nominations. Other top nominees include ASHLEY MCBRYDE, CARLY PEARCE, CHRIS STAPLETON and Songwriter/Producer SHANE MCANALLY with five nominations each. Snagging four nominations were CODY JOHNSON and Songwriter/Producer JOSH OSBORNE. LUKE COMBS, HARDY, MIRANDA LAMBERT, MIDLAND and CARRIE UNDERWOOD had three nominations apiece.


text:
These were inspired by a dish that I had years ago at Oliveto restaurant in Oakland when Paul Bertolli was in charge of the kitchen there. He served something similar to this at one of the tomato dinners that we enjoyed there. I've taken the dish in my own direction.
2 large beefsteak tomatoes
8 thin slices prosciutto
butter and/or olive oil
fresh ground black pepper
slivered fresh basil leaves
Remove the stems from the tomatoes and core them if desired. Cut the shoulders and the bottoms off of the tomatoes and then cut the tomatoes in half horizontally into two thick slices each. Lay a slice of prosciutto out on a work surface and top it with a tomato slice and pull the ends of the prosciutto slice over the top of the tomato slice. Lay out another slice of prosciutto and flip the half wrapped tomato slice over onto the second slice of prosciutto and pull the ends of the second prosciutto slice over the top of the tomato so that the tomato is completely encased in prosciutto. Set the slice aside and wrap the rest of the tomato slices in the remaining prosciutto in the same way.
Warm 2 plates in a 200ºF oven.
Heat a skillet that is large enough to hold all four tomato slices over medium high heat with a 2 or 3 tablespoons of butter and/or olive oil. When the pan is quite hot but before the butter burns, add the tomato slices to the pan and quickly sear them on both sides. Remove the tomato slices to the hot plates before the tomatoes get soft. Turn the heat off and deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar and pour the hot juices over the warm tomatoes. Grind some fresh black pepper over all and sprinkle with the slivered basil leaves. I don't season this dish with salt because the prosciutto is already quite salty. Serve immediately.
Serves 2 as a main course or 4 as an appetizer.
About This Blog
This is, as the title indicates, my kitchen notebook (the header is actually a scanned image of the cover of a notebook that I started using about 25 years ago and the background is a stained page from that book). I am not a professional recipe writer. If you try any recipe here, please keep that in mind, these recipes have not been tested by an independent tester. The "recipes" are often not even really recipes but rather a list of ingredients that I've noted after preparing a dish on the fly that I thought came out well. Perhaps I've also added some instructions, but I rarely keep accurate track of what I've done in terms of time or temperature, I've just noted to the best of my memory (feeble) what I did.
Please feel free to take some inspiration from here, but on the other hand, please give credit where it is due. I also welcome any constructive comments that you might have if you are inspired to try a recipe. Questions are welcome, but keep in mind that I may not remember specifics. The dishes do evolve over time...
Thank you and enjoy!

domain: food


No More Excuses – take more Drink Free Days
Drinkaware’s new Drink Free Days campaign is encouraging the nation to consider the different ‘excuses’ we can make when drinking alcohol.
We’re exploring ways to improve support for people struggling with their alcohol consumption through their loved ones, and we need your help.
By taking part in our survey, you can enter a prize draw where two £100 vouchers are up for grabs as a token of appreciation for your time.
'No More Excuses' highlights the major benefits of taking more Drink Free Days each week, it reveals the worrying drinking habits that developed over the lockdown period, as well as health risks to those drinking more than the official guidelines of 14 units a week.
Research reveals that many people drank more alcohol during the lockdown1,2, giving reasons such as drinking out of boredom, having more time to drink and drinking because they felt anxious. Those who said they drank more also displayed worrying drinking habits, such as drinking on more days than they would usually, drinking earlier in the day and drinking to cope with stress.
Drinkaware is concerned that these habits could become ingrained over the long-term, with many more people at increased risk of health harms from drinking.
The ‘No More Excuses’ campaign encourages people to see how their drinking compares against the rest of the UK, to highlight any harmful drinking habits that have developed during lockdown.
Taking more Drink Free Days is a great way for people to reduce the amount they are drinking.
The more alcohol people drink, the greater their risk of developing a number of serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as seven types of cancer. By targeting those most at risk of health harms from drinking, the campaign encourages them to reduce the amount they drink to reduce their risk of alcohol-related health harms.
Our primary audience remains midlife drinkers aged 45-64 who are drinking routinely in the home and over the low risk drinking guidelines. In addition, this campaign will target drinkers aged from 35, because our research tells us that younger adults drank more over lockdown. The campaign also targets people in areas such as the North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber and South West. These are areas of the UK where adults were drinking more over lockdown and are at a higher risk of harm from alcohol.
Supporting the campaign will help us to reach more people to encourage them to take more Drink Free Days and reduce their risk of health harms from drinking.
If you would like to support the campaign and download all campaign assets, please contact Drinkaware via firstname.lastname@example.org


text:
Super Grain Recognition Technology - Super Bid
Stage of adaption :
Post Harvest Stage
SuperGRT is an innovative technology to assess the quality of the dry agri commodities like Rice and Wheat using image processing and artificial intelligence technology. Through this application, photographs of grain samples can be assessed to deliver the physical quality characteristics of the sample like average length, average width, broken percentage, colour consistency etc. The quality characteristics of this particular sample are then matched with the standard characteristics of different grades of marketable products pre-defined by SuperZop as standard samples. Through the comparison with the standard grades it predicts the grade of grains and ensures it is procured and sold at the right price.
This SuperGRT technology will be integrated with our procurement platform SuperBid. Farmer Producer Organization (FPOs) and Farmers will be able to list their products on the platform and this technology will be able to assess the quality of the product instantly and at scale.
This technology solves the main challenge of quality assessment on the go in online procurement of Agriculture commodities. With the help of this technology, FPOs and farmers can get their product assessed instantly, without any equipment and from any location by just taking the picture of the produce. This will help providing market access to FPOs and farmers along with providing quality based remuneration.
Acquired more than 100 customers
We are currently using this technology for assessment of incoming quality of agriculture commodities in our warehouse. This technology is integrated with SuperBid, the marketplace procurement platform of SuperZop, which has listed more than 100 mills/processors/FPOs on the platform.
Technology Not Protected
Target users of this technology will be FPOs and farmers who will list their products on SuperBid platform to sell their produce and SuperGRT will provide independent assessment of the quality thus determining the price of the product as per quality.
As this uses mobile phone camera images and does not require any additional equipment, this is scalable at large scale and will provide market access to millions of farmers. With the huge penetration of camera based smart mobile phones across the county, all the farmers from across the remote location can upload their produce on this platform and can get instant results on quality characteristics.
We will be requiring huge data set of agriculture products to increase the accuracy of the application. However, with our innovative technology of converting videos to images, we can quickly get lakhs of images in limited time.
The unit cost of the license will be nominal as we would want to build the product on mass scale. The operating cost of the product will be zero.
This technology will help in doing the quality assessment of agriculture products at scale and with almost zero cost. This will help in transforming the current way of quality assessment in agriculture sector. Also, this will help the farmers in selling their produce to large number of users through the online platforms.

domain: economics


text:
For electronic reserves…
Homewood Patrons may access electronic reserves from: Eisenhower Course Readings
SAIS Patrons may access electronic reserves from their course pages in Blackboard
Welch Patrons may access electronic reserves from: Welch E-Reserves
Patrons with questions regarding access to electronic reserves should email or speak to their home library.
1. Asian affairs Journal/Newspaper , Print in English
Libraries Service CenterDS 1.R6 c. 1Multiple Items
2. Before European hegemony: the world system A.D. 1250-1350 Book , Print in English
3. The book of Ser Marco Polo Book , Print in English , French1920 .
Libraries Service CenterG370.P77 1986 c. 1Multiple Items
4. Did Marco Polo go to China? Book , Print in English1995 .
5. Marco Polo and the discovery of the world Book , Print in English1999 ."After many years in Asia, Marco Polo wrote one of the most influential books of the past millennium. No mere travel account, Polo's Book is a work that played a key role in the development of European overseas expansion. In this book, historian John Larner explores for the first…
6. Marco Polo and the encounter of east and west Book , Print in English2008 ."Few figures from history evoke such vivid Orlentallst associations as Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant, explorer. and writer whose accounts of the 'Far East' sparked literary and cultural imaginations. The essays in Marco Polo and the Encounter of East and West challenge what…
7. Marco Polo's book Book , Print in English1992 .
8. Travels, A.D. 1325-1354 Book , Print in English1958 .
Eisenhower B LevelG 161.H2 ser.2 v.110 117 141 178 c. 1 | Floor mapMultiple Items
George Peabody Library, Non-Circ910.8 H156 2d ser. v.110,117 c. 1Multiple Items
9. The witness and the other world: exotic European travel writing, 400-1600 Book , Print in English1988 .
10. Writing with sources: a guide for students Book , Online in English2017 .The role of sources. Sources of what? ; citing reliable sources ; Citing sources reliably ; Why cite? -- Integrating sources. Ways of bringing a source in ; Three basic principles ; Rules for quoting ; Quoting blocks ; Using discursive notes…


A hearing will be conducted tomorrow morning in an Atlanta administrative court hearing a complaint filed by several Georgia citizens that Barack Obama is ineligible to appear on the state's presidential election ballot because he's not a natural born citizen, but neither Obama nor his attorney plan to attend despite an order issued by Judge Michael Malihi commanding their appearance. Instead, Obama's attorney fired a letter off to the state's Secretary of State condemning the administrative law judge's decision to go forward with the hearing. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports:
Democrats, including the attorney representing President Barack Obama, have made a last-minute decision to boycott the Thursday hearing to consider a “birther” effort to remove Obama from the March 6 presidential primary ballot.
“They can tilt at windmills on their own,” said state Democratic spokesman Eric Gray on Wednesday night.
Last week, in a surprise ruling, a Georgia state administrative judge declined to quash a subpoena directing Obama to attend a hearing Thursday at the Fulton County courthouse on a challenge to strike him from the Georgia ballot this fall on claims he is not a natural born U.S. citizen.
Among tomorrow’s no-shows will be Michael Jablonski, the Atlanta attorney serving as counsel to Obama. He’s written a letter to Secretary of State Brian Kemp, a Republican, asking him to intervene and bring the circus to a halt.
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp responded to Jablonski's last minute letter demanding the hearing be cancelled with a firm warning: Participate in the hearing or ignore it at your own peril. Here's his response:
“As you are aware, OSAH Rule 616-1-2-.17 cited in your letter only applies to parties to a hearing. As the referring agency, the Secretary of State’s Office is not a party to the candidate challenge hearings scheduled for tomorrow. To the extent a request to withdraw the case referral is procedurally available, I do not believe such a request would be judicious given the hearing is set for tomorrow morning.”
He continued, “I expect the administrative law judge to report his findings to me after his full consideration of the evidence and law. Upon receipt of the report, I will fully and fairly review the entire record and initial decision of the administrative law judge.”
He also had a warning about the costs of simply not showing up for a court hearing.
“Anything you and your client place in the record in response to the challenge will be beneficial to my review of the initial decision; however, if you and your client choose to suspend your participation in the OSAH proceedings, please understand that you do so at your own peril.”UPDATE: Today's hearing is being streamed live courtesy of Article II SuperPac. Click here to watch.
UPDATE II: Judge Michael Malihi concluded the evidentiary part of the hearing this morning. Attorneys for the complainants presented evidence that Obama's father, Barack Obama, Sr., was never a U.S. citizen, and offered evidence of the applicable law for determining a person's natural born citizenship status during the first half of the hearing. In the second half, California attorney Orly Taitz offered witnesses and evidence to support her contention that Obama is using a social security number that was never issued to him, that the birth certificate the White House posted online last April was a forgery, that he had used other aliases, including Soetoro, and that he had been identified as an Indonesian citizen presumably adopted by his step father, an Indonesian citizen. A certified fraud examiner and two document imaging experts testified as to their conclusions concerning Obama's alleged fraudulent use of another person's social security number and a forged Hawaiian birth certificate. A retired immigration and customs official with the U.S government testified that his research of the passport and immigration records of his parents and Obama's Hawaiian birth certificate rose to the level that would warrant a further investigation of Obama for potential document and immigration fraud. Nobody representing Obama was present for the hearing to rebut or object to any of the evidence that was offered. One of the blogs following the case closely claims Judge Malihi called the complainants attorneys into his chambers prior to the hearing to advise them of his intention to enter a default judgment against Obama because of his and his attorneys' absence from today's hearing. According to the blogger, the attorneys requested that they first be able to get their evidence they wished to offer into the record, which he agreed to do.
The American Thinker's Cindy Simpson has provided this listing of the evidence entered into the official record yesterday, in addition to the testimony of witnesses:
P2. Affidavit of Senior Deportation Officer with the Department of Homeland Security John Sampson, showing that Obama is using Connecticut SSN 042-68-4425
p3. Affidavit of Adobe Illustrator expert Felicito Papa, showing Obama's alleged true and correct copy of his birth certificate to be a computer generated forgery
P4. Affidavit of witness Linda Jordan, attesting to the fact, that SSN 042-68-4425, used by Obama, does not pass E-Verify
p6. Selective service certificate showing Obama using SSN 042-68-4425 and official printout from Social Security Number Verification Services, showing that 042-68-4425 was never issued to Barack Obama, attached e-mail from Colonel Gregory Hollister
p7. Affidavit of Adobe Illustrator expert Felicito Papa, showing that Obama is using CT SSN 042-68-4425 on his 2009 tax returns
p9. Hawaiian birth certificate 61-00637 of Susan Nordyke, born a few hours after Obama in Kapiolani Hospital, looks completely different from alleged copy of birth certificate of Obama
p10. Passport records of Stanley Ann Dunham Obama, mother of Barack Obama, showing Obama listed in her passport under the name Barack Obama Soebarkah, attached affidavit by Chris Strunk, recipient of Obama's passport records under FOIA
p11. Barack Obama's Indonesian school registration card #203, date accepted January 1, 1968, released by the Associated Press in Indonesia, showing him using last name Soetoro and listing citizenship -Indonesia....
Amicus Brief. Mr. Leo Donofrio, Esq.


text:
Start With: Semisweet Chocolate
Sweeten up your valentine with one of these simple, no-bake treats.
Chocolate-Dipped Potato ChipsYou will need:
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
24 ridged potato chips
½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
Partially dip each potato chip in the chocolate and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with the salt. Refrigerate until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
Next: Marshmallow Fudge
Most Popular Galleries
“Do you have any good quinoa recipes to share? If you’re not used to cooking with quinoa, think of it as healthier alternative to rice. While doing some healthy eating research, I found this article...”
A thing of beauty should be a joy forever—or at least until five o’clock. Here’s how to stretch the life of your makeup, hair, manicure, perfume—and more.
Even if you didn’t go to Coachella this year, you can still don a flower h...
from The Nest Blog » house & home
For the first time ever, researchers at Northwestern University have analyzed t...
Considering a new coat of paint? We like the way you think - in fact, it's ...
from POPSUGAR Home
Turns out the chicken nuggets being served in one of the nation's largest p...
from Tastepartner on The Huffington Post
from HuffPost Home - The Huffington Post
Ive said it before, and Ill say it again: Curtains are the hardest home decor i...


Quality Ws, surprising depth for A-10
Favorite: This isn't shaping up to be the walkover I thought it might be: Richmond, Charlotte, Rhode Island and Temple all have legit arguments to claim favorite honors in the league. But based on talent, I'm sticking with my preseason guns and calling on Dayton. The Flyers have everything they need to win the league -- depth, talent and experience -- and have proved worthy with wins over Georgia Tech and Old Dominion.
Most surprising team: Charlotte. After finishing 11-20 last season, ...
Read full story


MC Hammer is blasting police for alleged racial profiling after being arrested on suspicion of obstruction and resisting an officer.
Late Thursday, the performer was arrested following an incident at a shopping center in Dublin, California.
He was booked at Santa Rita Jail and released.
On Saturday, Hammer gave his version of events on Twitter, claiming that it began when the officer — whom he refers to as a “chubby elvis looking dude” — tapped on his car window and asked, “Are you on parole or probation?”
“While I was handing him my ID he reached in my car and tried to pull me out the car but forgot he was on a steady donut diet,” tweeted Hammer, adding, “It was comical to me until he pulled out his guns, blew his whistle and yelled for help (MallCop)!!!”
He continued, “But make no mistake he’s dangerous. Only thing more dangerous than a scared man with a gun, is a scared man with an agenda, a gun and a badge. I was cited for obstruction smh.”
Hammer went on to write, “You have to know me to understand I was laughing when he was grunting and pulling on me… I had just left the weight room.”
“I will now answer his question, contrary to his personal beliefs, all people of color are not on parole or probation fat boy!!!” he declared.
Later, Hammer wrote, “Instead of being bitter, I’m taking the opportunity to make this a ‘teachable moment’ and ‘eye opener’ for my many friends & colleagues.”
Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!
Like us on Facebook!


Syracuse, NY – SecureIt Tactical Inc., the global leader in military weapons storage and armory design, and the only company to build a gun storage system that meets the rigorous standards of the U.S. military for the consumer firearm market, has announced a new partnership with Precision Rifle Network (PRN).
“We are extremely fortunate to partner with well-respected people and brands like the Precision Rifle Network, to not only bring great value to our customers but the industry at large,” said Chris Panebianco, Chief Marketing Officer at SecureIt. “PRN’s dedication to the firearms industry is extremely evident, and we’re looking forward to working together to educate the market and do some amazing things!”
PRN is an organization that focuses on long-range precision shooting for competitors, hunters, and operators. This partnership will marry premium firearms and shooting content with a deeper awareness about proper gun storage.
“Precision Rifle Network is very excited to be partnering with SecureIt!” said Joel Wise, Owner at Precision Rifle Network. “The people and the products are high quality. SecureIt cares about safety and responsible firearms ownership, which lines up perfectly with PRN.”
This partnership will also give PRN customers a 10% discount on all SecureIt products. To learn more about SecureIt’s customizable gun storage solutions visit www.secureitgunstorage.com and for more information about Precision Rifle Network visit https://precisionriflenetwork.com/.
About SecureIt Tactical Inc.
SecureIt Tactical Inc. is disrupting the firearm storage industry, changing the way America thinks about gun storage, safety, and home defense. Founded in 2001 as a Department of Defense contractor, SecureIt is now the global leader in military weapons storage and armory design, and the only company to build a gun storage system that meets the rigorous standards of the U.S. military for the consumer firearm market.
While traditional gun storage companies have lost touch with the core fundamental principle to secure firearms, SecureIt has spent more than two decades perfecting a line of innovative, customizable firearm storage systems and accessories. The company has also developed, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Special Forces, patented CradleGrid™ technology that gives gunowners the flexibility and freedom to design the system that works best for them.
SecureIt is headquartered in Syracuse, NY with a growing employee base and distribution centers across the country. To learn more about SecureIt’s consumer and military weapon storage systems, visit www.secureitgunstorage.com.
About Precision Rifle Network
Precision Rifle Network is all about long range precision shooting for competitors, hunters, and operators. To learn more about the company visit https://precisionriflenetwork.com/ and find all of their firearms educational content on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/precisionriflenetwork.


Getting the good stuff and avoiding the bad: How is EPA regulating industrial nanoscale materials to achieve environmental benefits?
(US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC)
You must log in to view the full proceedings.Login
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulates the manufacture and use of industrial chemicals to control potential unreasonable risks to human health and the environment, while also promoting new technologies that have the potential to address environmental challenges. Nanoscale materials are a technological platform to achieve these benefits, provided the implications are appropriately managed. However, identifying the implications and avoiding additional unintended consequences is challenging, because many of the models that have served to identify concerns in previous decades of chemicals management no longer hold for nanoscale materials. At the same time, there are tangible environmental benefits to be realized. Hence, maximizing the benefits while avoiding the down sides is tricky at best, and requires judicious choices to utilize the old models, while, where necessary, developing new ones. Central to achieving this balance is an approach that measures the implications and benefits of nanoscale materials throughout their life cycles and institutes policies to foster continuous improvements. To those ends, the Agency has multiple interacting initiatives and programs on nanotechnology to coordinate research, develop testing, collect data, and evaluate results. By considering the overall picture, the Agency is able to prioritize filling data gaps and developing new technologies. Specific case studies will examine how these different programs interact, how the long-term foundations of economic and environmental sustainability of nanotechnology are being achieved, and where future opportunities may lay.


PlayStation Vita owners will be able to play the new Genso Suikoden game.
Please release this in Europe. Even if its just a download release.
you pmean please release it physical and if you have time do a second hand download release The only way the game or most games make money is with physical
N4G is a community of gamers posting and discussing the latest game news. It’s part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today’s pop culture.


Two years ago, the city upzoned a big vacant lot at 158-15 Union Turnpike, in the Hillcrest section of eastern Queens. Now a four-story, mixed-use rental building is under construction on the property between Parsons Boulevard and 160th Street, and YIMBY has renderings of the project.
Although the building will only reach 40 feet into the air, it will fill nearly half of the 90,000-square-foot development site. Its 51 apartments will be stacked on top of 8,500 square feet of retail. And the apartments will be spread across 44,772 square feet of residential space, creating nicely sized units averaging 877 square feet.
The first floor will be devoted to retail and a 35-car garage (which is required by the lower density zoning here). Then each of the upper floors will hold 17 units.
This car-dependent part of Queens is mostly zoned to allow one- and two-family homes. When the City Council voted to rezone the Union Turnpike site, they bumped the zoning up to R5D, a district that allows four-story residential buildings with plenty of parking. However, most of the surrounding neighborhoods – including wealthy Jamaica Estates – were downzoned to ward off new development in 2006.
Angelo and Anthony Ng of Architects Studio are designing the development. The developer is Shalom Zirkiev, doing business as a Flushing-based LLC.
The renderings show a fairly unassuming, grey and tan brick facade. But the new apartments will be much nicer than the most of the neighborhood’s aging housing stock, offering large windows and glassy balconies in some units. They’ll likely cater to students at nearby St. John’s University, and possibly to the area’s growing Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and Filipino immigrant communities.


text:
Score & Parts
Liebesleid (Love's Sorrow) was performed very often by Kreisler himself as an encore at his concerts. It is one of Kreisler's most beloved violin works.
- 2 Fl, Ob, CA, 2 Bsn, Timp, Harp, Solo Vln, Strings
- 4 min.
- Set of Parts:
- Includes Strings count 184.108.40.206.3
- Product Type:
- Score and Parts


text:
The Flag of Childhood
Poems From the Middle EastBook - 2002
A collection of poetry from Middle Eastern and North African countries.
Publisher: New York : Aladdin Paperbacks, 2002
Edition: 1st Aladdin Paperbacks ed
Characteristics: 99 p. ; 20 cm
Alternative Title: Poems from the Middle East

domain: library


text:
Time to buy the banks?
Banks were put through the ringer in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2008. Not only did the main players’ share prices collapse, a seemingly constant flurry of alleged rate fixing and misselling of products began. Bank bashing became a national pastime.
Almost a decade on, there are signs that this once dominant sector of the FTSE 100 is back with a vengeance. Is it time to invest in the UK banking sector again?
A few points to think about
You must first consider a few issues that could impact the sector. After the Brexit result, banks may have grave trouble exporting their financial services throughout Europe, one of the largest single markets in the world.
Conversely, another distraction from investing in UK banks is the tsunami of regulation coming from the EU which can lead to higher costs of doing business.
Against this backdrop, any investment into the banking sector needs to come with decent rewards to mitigate the risks. It’s no wonder banks are like marmite for many people; you either love them or hate them.
Another point to remember is that legacy claims for mis-selling products like mortgage-backed securities and payment protection insurance are still in play. Many banks have already shelled out billions of pounds in fines and there could still be a final wave of payments to make.
Furthermore, banks are intrinsically linked to the health of the economy. Paul Jackson, head of multi-asset at exchange traded funds provider Source ETF, says the performance of banks ‘is usually not good when the economy and property markets weaken’.
Growing credit concerns
Finally, you must consider the impact of rising inflation and growing consumer dependence on credit to fund lifestyles. That is a very important issue, although some experts believe the market might be overly pessimistic.
‘UK domestic banks have underperformed since the Brexit referendum, in part because investors worry about the risk of bad debt write-offs on UK consumer credit loans as rising inflation erodes real incomes,’ says Morgan Stanley.
‘We think these fears may be too bearish and the market is likely to be positively surprised by the asset quality of major UK banks.’ It backs up this statement with four key points:
1 Employment is still likely to grow and so the unemployment rate increases should be moderate
2 Interest rates are likely to remain low and affordability metrics are benign
3 Tighter credit standards than pre-crisis give banks some protection from risk
4 A considerable proportion of consumer debt is sitting outside the major banks
Indeed, the Bank of England’s regulatory body (the PRA) is putting pressure on banks with regards to lending. That could take the heat of consumer credit growth, leading to higher profit margins and cushion the banks from rising impairment charges, says Morgan Stanley.
Banks have been asked to review their underwriting standards and provide information by September so the PRA can decide if further steps are needed to rein in risky lending.
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 66.56p
Lloyds reinstated its dividend policy in 2014 and the level of payment has been growing ever since. It even announced an extra dividend payment in February this year after reporting its largest profit in a decade.
It paid 3.05p per share for the 2016 financial year, including the recent 0.5p special dividend. That equates to a 4.6% historic dividend yield based on the current share price.
The bank is forecast to pay 4.5p for the 2017 financial year, taking the yield to a prospective 6.8%. The dividend is then forecast to pay 5p in 2018, implying a 7.5% yield.
Lloyds has a healthy common equity tier one (CET1) ratio of 13%, well above the level set by regulators to prevent a repeat of the financial crisis.
The tier one ratio is a measure of a bank’s core equity capital compared with its total risk-weighted assets.
In plain English, it is the size of a bank’s cash reserves against its loans, adjusted to account for the riskier assets in the portfolio such as unsecured lending. It is a cushion that should protect against potential losses should there be another serious economic downturn.
Rob James, who co-manages the Old Mutual Global Investors UK Alpha Fund (GB0032544065), says Lloyds is a simple story. ‘It started paying dividends then special dividends,’ he explains.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley are particularly bullish on Lloyds, with their forecast 2018 impairment charges (in banking terms usually a loan default) around 30% below the consensus view.
They view Lloyds’ valuation as ‘appealing’ as its stock trades on a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.7-times, a 25% discount to the European banking sector.
Lloyds recently bought MBNA’s credit card business for £1.9bn. The deal will increase its net interest margin (NIM), the difference between income from lending and the cost of funding. It is a key indicator of a bank’s profitability.
Before the deal it stood at a respectable 2.8%, following the acquisition the figure is set to increase to 2.9%.
Jamie Clark, co-manager of the Liontrust Macro Equity Fund (GB00B8H9GB86), thinks Lloyds is ‘under pressure in a fiercely competitive UK mortgage market, overly geared to a UK consumer that is feeling the pinch of inflation and static real wages, and its dividends may disappoint’.
A note by Morgan Stanley shows that since Lloyds bought MBNA it has the highest amount of UK consumer credit at £42.8bn.
Investment bank Berenberg also says Lloyds had one of the highest loss rates in each UK lending category in the Bank of England’s 2016 stress tests.
Lloyds is a great stock for those seeking income. Buy.
HSBC (HSBA) 725.4p
Two years ago there were worries whether HSBC could maintain its dividend. These fears have dissipated and the bank continues to pay attract cash sums to its shareholders.
The dividend yield is currently 5.8% based on historic and forecast data. Analysts expect HSBC’s dividend payment to stay flat for the foreseeable future. However, some analysts believe the company could generate significant amount of surplus cash over the next three years, raising the potential for special dividends down the line.
Liontrust’s Clark says: ‘This March we bought into HSBC, marking the first time we had owned shares in one of the big UK incumbent high street banks for five years.’
He says HSBC has engaged in a series of non-core asset disposals, which have boosted its regulatory capital and raises the prospect of higher dividends.
The disposal of its loss-making Brazilian operations alone reduced its risk weighted assets by $37bn and boosted its CET1 ratio by around 0.65%. It now stands at around 13.6%.
HSBC’s global reach also aids the bank and not just by reducing its exposure to Brexit related fallout. With US interest rates on the rise, HSBC’s operations in that location are set to benefit from a higher NIM.
Old Mutual’s James says HSBC puts its surplus cash into two-year US treasuries that currently yield around 0.5%. If the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to 1% that would in turn increase the bank’s profitability. James is among the experts who believe the bank will return any surplus cash in the form of dividends.
Investec analyst Ian Gordon says the bank has seen a sharp decline in its NIM over the last 10 years, moving from 3.1% to 1.6%. ‘That’s a function of a run-off of high margin low quality business such as household in the US coupled with the low interest rate environment,’ he explains.
The analyst believes returns have been structurally weak and below a 10% return on equity target which he doesn’t expect the bank to reach before 2020.
Given HSBC’s Asia exposure, it could be hurt by any economic slowdown in China.
The bank trades on a premium price-to-book ratio of 1.3-times so some investors may consider the stock to be fully valued.
The dividend is very attractive, so buy the shares for income.
Barclays (BARC) 206.9p
Despite Barclays cutting its dividend by more than half earlier this year, some analysts believe there are still good reasons to invest in the bank.
For example, Barclays has largely disposed of its Africa business which has boosted its CET1 by 0.73%, now forecast to be 12.6% for 2017.
David Smith, who runs Henderson High Income Trust (HHI) investment trust, says: ‘Barclays’ retail division has good market share and is producing good returns. Barclaycard is one of the best returning credit card businesses globally.’
Barclays is among the cheapest of UK incumbents, with a price-to-book ratio of just 0.7. This means that you’re paying less than the value of the assets of the bank (which are plentiful).
The bank is well ahead of its restructuring target to reduce its non-core risk-weighted assets from £110bn identified in 2014. It has already brought these assets down to around £25bn.
The investment banking division, long seen as a drag on the business, is showing signs of improvement. The hire of chief executive Jes Staley, former boss of best-in-class JP Morgan’s investment bank, is widely viewed as a good move.
Barclays’ dividend is forecast to start growing again in the 2018 financial year, putting the yield in the 4% territory.
Barclays has taken two reputational hits this year alone. Jes Staley attempted to unearth the identity of a whistle blower in April which led to a regulatory investigation.
The bank is also facing potential charges by the Serious Fraud Office relating to a 2008 emergency fund raising of £7bn. The bank is potentially looking at two charges; conspiring to commit fraud and unlawful financial assistance.
Furthermore, Barclays is in a dispute with the US Department of Justice (DoJ) over mis-selling mortgage-backed securities during the financial crisis. The claim was brought by the DoJ last year and could potentially cost the bank billions of pounds in fines.
Barclays’ disposal of its Africa business makes this stock more appealing due to its increase in regulatory capital. Its retail and Barclaycard businesses are performing well and its investment banking issues are being addressed. However, we are uncomfortable with the threat of significant fines, meaning this is not a stock which we would want to own at present. One to watch.
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) 259.1p
Berenberg regards Royal Bank of Scotland’s strategy of growing lower risk lending and cutting costs as superior to its rivals. For this reason it regards Royal Bank of Scotland’s core earnings as more sustainable.
Dividends are forecast to resume in 2018, circa 3% yield.
Its CET1 capital ratio is also forecast to improve this year, from 13.4% to 13.9%, according to Investec.
Royal Bank of Scotland has been loss making for nine consecutive years and isn’t expected to make a profit until at least 2018. It also currently doesn’t pay a dividend, unlike its peer group.
Investec’s Gordon says that ‘unresolved conduct issues continue to dog the bank’. It incurred £7.76bn in exceptional items last year.
RBS is last in the queue to resolve legacy mortgage-backed securities with the DoJ which could potentially hit the bank for billions of pounds in fines.
Avoid. Despite its decent core business performance, there are still too many risks when it comes to possible fines that mean the bank may not return to profitability for some time.
The Challenger Banks
Ian Gordon at Investec believes there is more value in the challenger bank section of the sector rather than the FTSE 100 stalwarts.
He says: ‘challenger banks are materially mispriced based on a mistaken view that they are vulnerable to a slowdown where the opposite is true as they have far greater lending buffers and minimal unsecured exposure’. He adds: ‘As they are small players in niche or large markets they can continue to grow even as markets slow.’
Virgin Money (VM.) 291.6p
One of the larger, more mainstream challenger banks with a market cap in excess of £1.3bn. It trades on forecast earnings for 2017 of just 8-times. This is predicted to drop to what Gordon describes as ‘fairly absurd’ 5.8-times in 2019.
Aldermore (ALD) 220.8p
The bank is involved in mainstream activities such as mortgage lending. It has a respectable NIM of 3.5%, bettering some of its FTSE 100 peers.
Shailesh Raikundlia, an analyst at Panmure Gordon, includes Aldermore in his firm’s conviction list for 2017 with a 285p price target.
‘At current valuations we continue to believe Aldermore remains significantly undervalued despite current worries regarding the UK economic outlook,’ he says. The stock currently trades on 7.5 times forecast earnings for 2017.
Onesavings Bank (OSB) 372.4p
The bank is a specialist lender and retail savings group with a reputation for being big in buy-to-let.
OneSavings had a return on equity figure of 34.6% in 2016. This is expected to drop to 26.7% for 2017, which is still an attractive figure.