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With the TWILIGHT panel over, and the screaming girls appeased, it was time for Comic-con to get back to fanboy business, this time in the form of 20th Century Fox’s AVATAR. This movie is easily one of the most anticipated of the year, if not the last 2 decades.
Back in the 1990s, James Cameron envisioned a film the centered around a completely CGI character. That film was to be AVATAR, but the technology wasn’t there to do it right, and it was shelved. Now it is 2009, and James Cameron has been in deep production on this movie, keeping it a tightly guarded secret. Little has been known about it, there has been no footage shown, and only a few production shots – not revealing at all – have made their way into ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY and onto the Internet. So imagine the joy of all in Hall H – and mine for that matter – when the man himself, James Cameron (introduced by the head of the studio Tom Rothman) announced that we would be seeing the first ever screened footage from the movie AVATAR. Not only that, there was going to be 25 minutes of it and in full 3-D. 25 minutes. I expected a trailer, maybe a scene, but this was better than I and everyone else could have possibly imagined!
The footage did not disappoint at all, in fact it exceeded expectations tenfold. It was composed of 7 significant scenes, all highlighting different aspects of the movie.
The first was a military briefing outlining the main crux of the movie that the Humans wanted to tap into the resources on the planet Pandora, but a race of beings impedes that plan. So a group of scientists led by Sigourney Weaver have engineered Avatars, to be operated via the subconscious of specific individuals, the main one being Sam Worthington, which leads me to scene 2 which consisted of him seeing his Avatar for the first time.
Scene 3 had his subconscious being linked to that Avatar, and upsetting the scientists by trying to do too much with it right off the bat. Scene 4 had the Avatars on the planet seeing the indigenous life – dinosaur-like, only more alien – for the first time, some of it friendly, others not so much.
Scene 5, Sam’s Avatar is in the crosshairs of Zoe Saldana’s crossbow (she is one of the race the military wants to get rid of). It looks like she’s going to shoot when a strange creature like a jellyfish lands on the arrow and she changes her mind.
This leads to scene 6 where that same character is introduced to Sam when she saves him from being killed by one of the aforementioned unfriendly creatures, and the 2 begin to bond via instant bickering.
The final scene had Sam now part of Zoe’s tribe, and learning their ways. He is to confront a winged creature, looking kind of like a pterodactyl, subdue it as it tries to kill him and wrangle it like it was a wild horse.
There is absolutely no way I can do this footage justice through words. This is a movie that must be seen – no felt – as vibrant colors leapt off the screen (even if it wasn’t in 3-D), the CGI the best I have ever seen and with the feeling and intensity of a Pixar movie - no wait, better - rather than some of the more cold offerings out of Hollywood, and not to mention, it’s original. There has been nothing like AVATAR in the history of motion pictures. Expect this movie to be a game changer.
The panel discussion included James Cameron, producer Jon Landau, Sigourney Weaver (who look absolutely fantastic), Stephen Lang and Zoe Saldana. Sam Worthington is on location shooting CLASH OF THE TITANS, but recorded a brief message for the Hall H crowd. As if his stock wasn’t high enough thanks to stealing TERMINATOR SALVATION from Christian Bale, but now he has this and word is his work on CLASH OF THE TITANS is also outstanding.
The only way that I can think of to end this post is to quote the first attendee who posed a question to the panel. He began with the statement “Mr. Cameron. Thank you for making something so exciting and original, and that isn’t a remake or a sequel.” Amen!

domain: entertainment


Narasimha Rao’s masterstroke was the appointment of Manmohan Singh. One of his closest aides later recalled to me that even as a cabinet minister, Rao always felt that a prime minister should
As the country completes 25 years of economic reforms, we recommend following books that give a glimpse of India’s journey after the historic economic reforms in 1991.
You can see them around you all the time. They cut across geography, gender, caste, class, community and religion. Almost all of them have tell-tale signs – they are young, generally between
Yashwant Sinha has a critical role in the story of India’s economic reforms. It was he who was at the helm when the economy was in the worst crisis, keeping the vigil before the dawn of t
If there is one person from the bureaucracy who has made the biggest contribution in planning and implementing the economic reforms, it has to be Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Commerce secretary at t
THE DIAGNOSIS ‘At the edge of precipice’ 2. The new Government, which assumed office barely a month ago, inherited an economy i
It was the former prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi, who first wanted to introduce economic reforms. In the pursuit of that, I saw Rajiv as someone who got himself into what I may call a
I was still in civil services when economic reforms were introduced in 1991. A more dramatic event around that time  was the demolition of Babri Masjid. In retrospect, one realises ho


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Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Living in Georgia, we don’t get a ton of cold weather, so when fall finally hits, we’re thrilled about soups! This loaded baked potato soup is my second favorite soup, because broccoli cheese is my absolute favorite. My husband would definitely say that my clam chowder is his favorite, but my hearty chili would be a close second. This recipe is enough for four, with absolutely no leftovers! When all five of our kiddos were home, I would triple the recipe to make sure that we had leftovers.
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds) – peeled, cubed, and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 1/2 cups milk whisked with 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of pre-packaged bacon)
- Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and then cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the milk and flour mixture into the soup, and stir in cheese and the bacon. Simmer, uncovered, 5-8 minutes, or until thick, stirring constantly.
- Recipe can be easily doubled or tripled. If you like softer potatoes you can cook a little longer in the first step.

domain: food


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The Arroyo Grande High boys water polo team lost its season opener against San Marcos 17-9 Thursday in Santa Barbara.
The Royals (1-0) jumped out to an 11-5 lead at halftime and outscored the visiting Eagles 6-4 in the second half.
Arroyo Grande’s Josh Smith, who scored 50 goals as a junior last season, picked up right where he left off by recording a team-high four goals during Thursday’s match. Jack Alexander scored three times, and Mikey Kullman scored twice for the Eagles (0-1). Senior goalkeeper Jared Swenson made seven saves.
San Luis Obispo 21, Morro Bay 4
Galen Penvenne had seven goals, and both Zander Rolth and Ian Quinn had four goals to lead the Tigers to the win in their season opener.
Quinn’s four goals all came in the third quarter on consecutive possessions. Ben Hurley added three more goals, and Andrew Maas had seven saves for San Luis Obispo.
Felippo Mairitzi had a pair of goals for the Pirates (0-2), and sophomore Levi Krull scored his first varsity goal.
Paso Robles 11, Cabrillo 6
Mitchell Iunker had four goals, and Wyatt Spencer and Garrett Wilson each added a pair in Paso Robles' season opener.
Iver Hansen notched 12 saves in goal for the Bearcats.

domain: news


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A Polish highway near the Ukrainian border. On a rainy April morning, a convoy of 12 olive-green army trucks appears. They're driving into Poland from Ukraine, flatbeds empty. "I saw them a week ago, they brought tanks to Ukraine," a taxi driver says. "Very big tanks."
Ukraine is going to need every one of those tanks in the coming weeks and months. At the moment, its leadership is putting the final touches on the much-awaited counteroffensive it announced months ago. It is hoped this will turn around the grueling trench warfare the country is currently locked in and drive Russia out of its occupied territories. It could be a decisive battle, a fight for liberation.
Fighting over Bakhmut to gain time
These days, visitors to Kyiv can witness the proverbial calm before the storm. Russian missile attacks such as those that killed nearly 20 people in the central Ukrainian city of Uman Friday have become rare. On the capital's well-tended streets, trees and flowers are blossoming, cafes bustling. The war seems far away. And yet, there are constant reminders everywhere: Signs calling civilians to volunteer or collect donations for the armed forces line the streets. Almost daily, coffins with prominent fallen soldiers are laid out on the Maidan, Kyiv's Independence Square.
A particularly high number of fighters are currently dying in Bakhmut. For months, the beleaguered city in the Donetsk region has been intensely fought over, and has now largely fallen into Russian hands. But Ukraine's armed forces have refused to back away. Heads of state and the military have explained that this is to protect other nearby cities. Still, Kyiv does not simply want to tie down Russian forces in Bakhmut, but also gain time to prepare its counteroffensive. This is why the Ukrainian armed forces have been sparing their reserves and accepting high casualties — precise casualty numbers are unknown.
Andriy and Maxim (names changed to protect their identities) also fought in Bakhmut. Now, they are back in Kyiv and can finally rest. "I really hope it was worth it," said Andriy when asked about the decision to hold Bakhmut, though he does not seem so certain it was. Maxim talks about Russia's superior number of fighters, Ukraine's ill preparation, and his unit's paltry gear. What do both of them hope to gain from the counteroffensive? "Finally some liberated territories," Maxim replied.
Why is Kyiv waiting?
The planned counteroffensive is a recurrent topic in the Ukrainian media but military representatives remain tight-lipped. When asked, they simply reply, "wait and see." There are many reasons for this approach. For one, the weapons expected from the West have not all been delivered yet. Since early 2023, Ukraine has received a lot of "heavy metal" from NATO, as it's called colloquially. They are receiving much of it for the first time: dozens of modern battle tanks and armored personnel carriers from German and British production, American Patriot air defense missile systems, Soviet fighter jets.
The digital news outlet Ukrainska Pravda estimates the army and the national guard have created at least 16 new brigades, encompassing about 50,000 fighters in total. These new units need time to prepare and familiarize themselves with their new weapons. An additional challenge is coordinating numerous formations for a major offensive. Until now, Ukraine has had little experience doing this. Professional circles in Kyiv say possible scenarios have been simulated on computers.
In addition, weather conditions are far from optimal. Rains have made many country roads impassable for heavy military equipment. And Ukrainian soldiers need to wait for thicker foliage to grow so they can use it for cover. It will still take a while for their surroundings to become dry enough and green enough.
Main thrust towards Crimea
One of the best-kept secrets at present is where, when, and how Ukraine plans to attack. There are expected to be at least two main directions of impact — in the fall of 2022, the army successfully pushed towards Kharkiv and Kherson.
In September 2022, in his only programmatic paper so far, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Lieutenant General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi offered only a rough sketch of how a Ukrainian counteroffensive might look. In the paper, he spoke of "several resolute, ideally simultaneous counterattacks." One strategically crucial target Zaluzhnyi mentioned was the Crimean peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. In Kyiv, all agree this is the main direction Ukraine should focus its efforts. But they are also expecting surprises and deceptive maneuvers. Many, however, doubt Ukraine has enough equipment and fighting power to regain the peninsula.
Others believe the main thrust will be directed towards the Zaporizhzhia region in southern Ukraine. From there, Ukrainian forces are expected to push towards the Crimean peninsula to cut Russian troops off from overland supply routes. This would be a great success for Kyiv, analysts say. But it will not be easy — Russia has built up multiple lines of defense. Also, unlike last year in Kharkiv and Kherson, Russia is now expected to respond with counterattacks of its own. That is one of the risks Ukraine will take with its expected counteroffensive.
Counteroffensive would not end war
Despite such concerns, the mood in Kyiv is cautiously optimistic. "This strike cannot fail. More territories will be liberated," one military expert said. "The question is: How much, and at what cost?" Andriy knows the cost, he's reminded of it every time he looks through the contact list in his phone. "Many comrades have fallen. I can't bring myself to delete their numbers."
It remains unclear what will happen after the counteroffensive. Many worry the West might pressure Ukraine to negotiate and make painful concessions if it fails to live up to expectations. Top military leaders have already rejected that scenario. "That's not going to happen," Andriy said. Like many in Kyiv, he is expecting a long war that won't end with the counteroffensive. Instead, he's hoping for more convoys from the West, with far more heavy military equipment.
This article was translated from German.

domain: politics


Fiber optic technology is one of the most exciting and most quickly-evolving technological fields today. While fiber optic cables have long been used for network infrastructure, they’re only just now becoming more available for home and business use. Here’s what you need to know about these cables as fiber to the home (FTTH) and fiber to the premises cables (FTTP) become more widespread.
What Does Fiber Optics Mean, Anyway?
Optical fibers transfer data using light as a medium, meaning your data literally travels at the speed of light! This is a major departure from other devices like Cat5e network cables or coaxial cables, which rely on electricity. In many ways, this makes fiber optics a safer technology as well as a faster one, since electrical fires, failures, and malfunctions resulted in about 53,600 home fires in 2008 alone. These caused 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.4 billion in damage. Frayed or damaged electrical cables are often a fire hazard.
Who Needs Fiber Optics?
Cat5e cables or Cat6 cables are generally sufficient for most home consumers when it comes to data transfer speeds. But people or businesses that require an especially large amount of bandwidth have common troubles with interference. They may also need to run cables over very long distances, which is why they may look to zipcord fiber optic cables instead.
What Kind of Cables Do I Need?
There are actually many different cable types for fiber optics. For the typical consumer, the most useful is zipcord fiber optic cable, which consists of two simplex cables webbed together. They can be used in tandem to keep the cables running together or can be pulled apart by hand for more bulk fiber optic cable to use wherever you need.
What Speeds Can I Get With Fiber Optics?
Compared to Cat 5e cables, which generally get a maximum 1Gbps speed, fiber optic cables can get up to 40Gbps, with less noise, interference, or signal loss. In other words, data is traveling at about 200,000 kilometers per second and getting better all the time with improved cabling technologies.
If you want to feel like you’re already living in the future, invest in some bulk fiber optic cables for all of your business network connections. The connections from fiber optic cables will have you feeling like you’re traveling at the speed of light.


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FAREWELL TO A CENTURY.; THE OLD ONE GONE, THE NEW BEGUN VARIED CELEBRATION IN THIS CITY THE GREAT HOLIDAY UNIVERSALLY OBSERVED A VAST AMOUNT OF FIREWORKS CONTRIBUTE TO THE JOLLIFICATION ONLY A FEW TRY TO ESCAPE THE NOISE.
The memorable day which marked a century of nationhood for the country came and went alike with tidings and tokens of rejoicing. It dawned upon the land. amid the peals of bells, the thundering voice of cannons, the waving of flags, and the acclaim of multitudes.

domain: literature


Sumant Renukarya 270002B42N Visits (5790)
Here is one of the queries that was put across to me (Sumant Renukarya) by one of our clients using IBM Rational Team Concert; a question that was a bit like a puzzle:
I hope this helps some of you avoid the time in researching which download to use when updating your AIX Apache Tomcat server!
Author: Sumant Renukarya
image credit: (c) Used with Permission, Apache Tomcat Foundation
kellypuffs 06000168YK Visits (5705)
Katur stopped by this afternoon to show off his new Redbook: Collaborative Application Lifecycle Management with IBM Rational Products, written in collaboration with other good peeps, several of which I've had the pleasure of working with. Katur Patel and Brianna Smith currently work in Rational Client Support.
It's 600+ pages of fun and excitement featuring Build Forge, ClearCase, ClearQuest, ReqPro, and introducing Rational Quality Manager, Rational Requirements Composer Rational Software Analyzer and Rational Team Concert.
From the back cover:
In this book, we provide a reference scenario and tool architectures for deploying the new IBM Rational products into an existing enterprise environment. We also provide a set of blueprints that define each of the key disciplines in the development life cycle to help you understand the domain and how the Rational products support the need of that discipline. Our primary focus is to highlight the value of CALM by providing a user view of the solution that is used to support a distributed enterprise development team that incorporates aspects of the "Agility-at-Scale" approach.
Get yours here - download a PDF or order your own hard copy.
AcdntlPoet 2700019V2G Visits (5634)
The IBM Smart Business Development and Test on the IBM Cloud is a dynamically provisioned and scaled runtime environment that provides everything needed to develop and test application code; more importantly, it is one that highlights IBM's software offerings. This includes tools to configure and manage the dynamic execution environment, an IDE that facilitates the direct use of the execution environment and build and test tools that can exploit the execution environment. Other areas might include SaaS solutions for collaboration and governance infrastructure and resource repositories for source and reusable assets. All of this, supported by an internet based user experience that enables collaboration and reuse.
Reduce costs, improve service delivery, enable business innovation -- with easy-to-deploy cloud computing solutions from IBM.
mquimby 060001FAVB Visits (5553)
What is IBM Education Assistant? IBM Education Assistant is a collection of multimedia educational modules designed to help you gain a better understanding of IBM software products and use them more effectively to meet your business requirements.
Take a tour of IBM Education Assistant
Find more great education modules here.
kellypuffs 06000168YK Visits (5550)
In the ClearQuest 7.1.2 and DOORS 9.3 releases earlier this year, the initial support of the Open Services Lifecycle Collaboration (OSLC) based integration between the two products was released. Using the GA versions of these products, users can create links between a requirement in DOORS and a change request in ClearQuest to enable traceability between the two records.
Two new ClearQuest packages are now available:
ClearQuest OSLCLinks version 1.1
By applying the Requ
You can find the package downloads and information about the ClearQuest Requ
photo credit: (cc) flickr user Yandle


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“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”
By Paul Boese
As I made the drive from Columbus to Tiffin for the next stop on my book signing for Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! my insides twirled and twisted with anticipation and apprehension.
Tiffin, Ohio is my place of origin, my growing up location- the space where I learned to walk and talk as well as ride a bike and drive a car. I was cultured to maneuver the back roads shared by tractors and combines and sought comfort in the fragrance of cow manure and the harvest of corn or soy beans. I knew the calm and reassurance of attending a one building school, Hopewell-Loudon therefore I graduated with most folks I shared Kindergarten memories.
On the other hand, it was also the scene of torment and distress throughout childhood and where as an adult I envisioned the face of my abuser/s ‘round every corner. Anxiety and uneasiness were part of every encounter as hyper-vigilance served as armor.
I’ve acknowledged shrill and valiantly; however that forgiveness is a powerful gesture. As a result of those actions toward once despised individuals, I embarked upon this event with affection, acceptance and approval preparing the homecoming proper for a queen.
Paper and Ink was host to the book signing equipped with a reporter from the local newspaper, the Advertiser Tribune. Being surrounded by family, childhood and college friends I possessed a protective covering although unnecessary as I have learned to embrace my past with the awareness it has made me the human being I am today. So I applaud all those people; good, bad or indifferent and extend a hand of thanks since my life is filled with magnificence and joy.
“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now!”


text: Synopsis As Introduced Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide medical assistance coverage for diabetes education provided by a certified diabetes education provider for children with Type 1 diabetes who are under the age of 18. Defines "certified diabetes education provider" to mean a professional who has undergone training and certification under conditions approved by the American Association of Diabetes Educators or a successor association of professionals. Defines "Type 1 diabetes" to have the same meaning ascribed to it by the American Diabetes Association or any successor association. Effective immediately.

domain: medical


Peter Woit has blogged about an oral history interview with theoretical physicist Sheldon Glashow published in 2020 by the American Institute of Physics. (They have a great oral history of physics series you should check out if you’re interested.) Woit zeroed in on a portion in which Glashow talks about his faltering friendship with Steven Weinberg and his issues with Abdus Salam’s nomination for the physics Nobel Prize.
Glashow, Weinberg and Salam together won this prize in 1979, for their work on the work on electroweak theory, which describes the behaviour of two fundamental forces, the electromagnetic force and the weak force. Glashow recalls that his and Weinberg’s friendship – having studied and worked together for many years – deteriorated in the 1970s, a time in which both scientists were aware that they were due a Nobel Prize. According to Glashow, however, Weinberg wanted the prize to be awarded only to himself and Salam.
This is presumably because of how the prize-winning work came to be: with Glashow’s mathematical-physical model published in 1960, Weinberg building on it seven years later, with Salam’s two relevant papers appeared a couple years after Glashow’s paper and a year after Weinberg’s. Glashow recalls that Salam’s work was not original, that each of his two papers respectively echoed findings already published in Glashow’s and Weinberg’s papers. Instead, Glashow continues, Salam received the Nobel Prize probably because he had encouraged his peers and his colleagues to nominate him a very large number of times and because he set up the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste.
Let me tell you that this impression, of Salam being undeserving from a contribution-to-physics point of view in Glashow’s telling, is very at odds with the impression of Salam based on reading letters and comments by Weinberg and Pervez Hoodbhoy and by the documentary Salam – The First ****** Nobel Laureate.
The topic of Salam being a Nobel laureate was never uncomplicated, to begin with: he was an Ahmadi Muslim who enjoyed the Pakistan government’s support until he didn’t, when he was forced to flee the country; his intentions with the ICTP – to give scholars from developing countries a way to study physics without having to contend with often-crippling resource constrains – were also nothing less than noble. Hoodbhoy has also written about the significance of Salam’s work as a physicist and the tragedy of his name and the memories of his contributions having been erased from all the prominent research centres in Pakistan.
Finally, one of Salam’s nominees for a Nobel Prize was the notable British physicist and Nobel laureate Paul A.M. Dirac, and it seems strange that Dirac would endorse Salam if he didn’t believe Salam’s work deserved it.
Bearing these facts in mind, Glashow’s contention appears to be limited to the originality of Salam’s work. But to my mind, even if Salam’s work was really derivative, it was at par with that of Glashow and Weinberg. More importantly, while I believe the Nobel Prizes deserve to be abrogated, the prize-giving committee did more good than it might have realised by including Salam among its winners: in the words of Weinberg, “Salam sacrificed a lot of possible scientific productivity by taking on that responsibility [to set up ICTP]. It’s a sacrifice I would not make.”
Glashow may not feel very well about Salam’s inclusion for the 1979 prize and the Nobel Prizes as we know are only happy to overlook anything other than the scientific work itself, but if the committee really screwed up, then they screwed up to do a good thing.
Then again, even though Glashow wasn’t alone (he was joined by Martinus J.G. Veltman on his opinions against Salam), the physicists’ community at large doesn’t share his views. Glashow also cites an infamous 2014 paper by Norman Dombey, in which Dombey concluded that Salam didn’t deserve his share of the prize, but the paper’s reputation itself is iffy at best. Ultimately, in fact, this is all just a pointless debate: there are just too many people who deserve a Nobel Prize but don’t win it while a deeper dive into the modern history of physics should reveal a near-constant stream of complaints against Nobel laureates and their work by their peers. It should be clear today that both winning a prize and not winning a prize ought to mean nothing to the practice of science.
The other remarkable thing about Glashow’s comments in the interview (as cited by Woit) is what I like to think of as the seemingly eternal relevance of Brian Keating’s change of mind. Brian Keating is an astrophysicist who was at the forefront of the infamous announcement that his team had discovered evidence of cosmic inflation, an epoch of the early universe in which it is believed to have expanded suddenly and greatly, in March 2014. There were many problems leading up to the announcement but there was little doubt at the time, and Keating also admitted later, that its rapidity was motivated by the temptation to secure a Nobel Prize.
Many journalists, scientists and others observers of the practice of science routinely and significantly underestimate the effect the Nobel Prizes exert on scientific research. The prospect of winning the prize for supposedly discovering evidence of cosmic inflation caused Keating et al. to not wait for additional, confirmatory data before making their announcement. When such data did arrive, from the Planck telescope collaboration, Keating et al. suffered for it with their reputation and prospects.
Similarly, Weinberg and Glashow fell out because, according to Glashow, Weinberg didn’t wish Glashow to give a talk in 1979 discussing possible alternatives to the work of Weinberg and Salam because Weinberg thought doing such a thing would undermine his and Salam’s chances of being awarded a Nobel Prize. Eventually it didn’t, but that’s beside the point: this little episode in history is as good an illustration as any of how the Nobel Prizes and their implied promises of laurels and prestige render otherwise smart scientists insecure, petty and elbows-out competitive – in exchange for sustaining an absurd and unjust picture of the scientific enterprise.
All of this goes obviously against the spirit of science, at least in an ideal sense.
Featured image: From left to right: Tom Kibble, Gerald Guralnik, Richard Hagen, François Englert and Robert Brout. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Sir Tom Kibble passed away on June 2, I learnt this morning with a bit of sadness that I’d missed the news. It’s hard to write about someone in a way that prompts others either to find out more about that person or, if they knew him or his work, to recall their memories of him when I myself would like only to do the former now. So let me quickly spell out why I think you should pay attention: Kibble was one of the six theorists who, in 1964, came up with the ABEGHHK’tH mechanism to explain how gauge bosons acquired mass. The ‘K’ in those letters stands for ‘Kibble’. However, we only remember that mechanism with the second ‘H’, which stands for Higgs; the other letters fell off for reasons not entirely clear – although convenience might’ve played a role. And while everyone refers to the mechanism as the Higgs mechanism, Peter Higgs, the man himself, continues to call it the ABEGHHK’tH mechanism.
Anyway, Kibble was known for three achievements. The first was to co-formulate – alongside Gerald Guralnik and Richard Hagen – the ABEGHHK’tH mechanism. It was validated in early 2013, earning only Higgs and ‘E’, François Englert, the Nobel Prize for physics that year. The second came in 1967, to explain how the mechanism accords the W and Z bosons, the carriers of the weak nuclear force, with mass but not the photons. The solution was crucial to validate the electroweak theory, and whose three conceivers (Sheldon Glashow, Abdus Salam and Steven Weinberg) won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1979. The third was the postulation of the Kibble-Żurek mechanism, which explains the formation of topological defects in the early universe by applying the principles of quantum mechanics to cosmological objects. This work was done alongside the Polish-American physicist Wojciech Żurek.
I spoke to Kibble once, only for a few minutes, at a conference at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, in December 2013 (at the same conference where I met George Sterman as well). This was five months after Fabiola Gianotti had made the famous announcement at CERN that the LHC had found a particle that looked like the Higgs boson. I’d asked Kibble what he made of the announcement, and where we’d go from here. He said, as I’m sure he would’ve a thousand times before, that it was very exciting to be proven right after 50 years; that it’d definitively closed one of the biggest knowledge gaps in modern theoretical particle physics; and that there was still work to be done by studying the Higgs boson for more clues about the nature of the universe. He had to rush; a TV crew was standing next to me, nudging me for some time with him. I was glad to see it was Puthiya Thalaimurai, a Tamil-language news channel, because it meant the ‘K’ had endured.
For many years, one of the world’s most powerful scopes, as in a microscope, was the Hadron-Elektron Ring Anlage (HERA) particle accelerator in Germany. Where scopes bounce electromagnetic radiation – like visible light – off surfaces to reveal information hidden to the naked eye, accelerators reveal hidden information by bombarding the target with energetic particles. At HERA, those particles were electrons accelerated to 27.5 GeV. At this energy, the particles can probe a distance of a few hundredths of a femtometer (earlier called fermi) – 2.5 million times better than the 0.1 nanometers that atomic force microscopy can achieve (of course, they’re used for different purposes).
The electrons were then collided head on against protons accelerated to 920 GeV.
Unlike protons, electrons aren’t made up of smaller particles and are considered elementary. Moreover, protons are approx. 2,000-times heavier than electrons. As a result, the high-energy collision is more an electron scattering off of a proton, but the way it happens is that the electron imparts some energy to the proton before scattering off (this is imagined as an electron emitting some energy as a photon, which is then absorbed by the proton). This is called deep inelastic scattering: ‘deep’ for high-energy; ‘inelastic’ because the proton absorbs some energy.
One of the most famous deep-inelastic scattering experiments was conducted in 1968 at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Centre. Then, the perturbed protons were observed to ’emit’ other particles – essentially hitherto undetected constituent particles that escaped their proton formation and formed other kinds of composite particles. The constituent particles were initially dubbed partons but later found to be quarks, anti-quarks (the matter/anti-matter particles) and gluons (the force-particles that held the quarks/anti-quarks together).
HERA was shut in June 2007. Five years later, the plans for a successor at least 100-times more sensitive than HERA were presented – in the form of the Large Hadron-electron Collider (LHeC). As the name indicates, it is proposed to be built adjoining the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) complex at CERN by 2025 – a timeframe based on when the high-luminosity phase of the LHC is set to begin (2024).
On December 15, physicists working on the LHC had announced new results obtained from the collider – two in particular stood out. One was a cause for great, yet possibly premature, excitement: a hint of a yet unknown particle weighing around 747 GeV. The other was cause for a bit of dismay: quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the theory that deals with the physics of quarks, anti-quarks and gluons, seemed flawless across a swath of energies. Some physicists were hoping it wouldn’t be so (because its flawlessness has come at the cost of being unable to explain some discoveries, like dark matter). Over the next decade, the LHC will push the energy frontier further to see – among other things – if QCD ‘breaks’, becoming unable to explain a possible new phenomenon.
Against this background, the LHeC is being pitched as the machine that could be dedicated to examining this breakpoint and some other others like it, and in more detail than the LHC is equipped to. One helpful factor is that when electrons are one kind of particles participating in a collision, physicists don’t have to worry about how the energy will be distributed among constituent particles since electrons don’t have any. Hadron collisions, on the other hand, have to deal with quarks, anti-quarks and gluons, and are tougher to analyse.
So, to accomplish this, the team behind the LHeC is considering installing a pill-shaped machine called the energy recovery linac (ERL), straddling the LHC ring (shown above), to produce a beam of electrons that’d then take on the accelerated protons from the main LHC ring – making up the ‘linac-ring LHeC’ design. A first suggestion to install the LHeC as a ring, to accelerate electrons, along the LHC ring was rejected because it would hamper experiments during construction. Anyway, the electrons will be accelerated to 60 GeV while the protons, to 7,000 GeV. The total wall-plug power to the ERL is being capped at 100 MW.
The ERL has a slightly different acceleration mechanism from the LHC, and doesn’t simply accelerate particles continuously around a ring. First, the electrons are accelerated through a radio-frequency field in a linear accelerator (linac – the straight section of the ERL) and then fed into a circular channel, crisscrossed by magnetic fields, curving into the rear end of the linac. The length of the circular channel is such that by the time the electrons travel along it, their phase has shifted by 180º (i.e. if their spin was oriented “up” at one end, it’d have become flipped to “down” by the time they reached the other). And when the out-of-phase electrons reenter the channel, they decelerate. Their kinetic energy is lost to the RF field, which intensifies and so provides a bigger kick to the new batch of particles being injected to the linac at just that moment. This way, the linacrecovers the kinetic energy from each circulation.
Such a mechanism is employed at all because the amount of energy lost in a form called synchrotron radiation increases drastically as the particle’s mass gets lower – when accelerated radially using bending magnetic fields.
Keeping in mind the need to explore new areas of physics – especially those associated with leptons (elementary particles of which electrons are a kind) and quarks/gluons (described by QCD) – the energy of the electrons coming out of the ERL is currently planned to be 60 GeV. They will be collided with accelerated protons by positioning the ERL tangential to the LHC ring. And at the moment of the collision, CERN’s scientists hope that they will be able to use the LHeC to study:
Predicted unification of the electromagnetic and weak forces (into an electroweak force): The electromagnetic force of nature is mediated by the particles called photons while the weak force, by particles called W and Z bosons. Whether the scientists will observe the unification of these forces, as some theories predict, is dependent on the quality of electron-proton collisions. Specifically, if the square of the momentum transferred between the particles can reach up to 8-9 TeV, the collider will have created an environment in which physicists will be able to probe for signs of an electroweak force at play.
Gluon saturation: To quote from an interview given by theoretical physicist Raju Venugopalan in January 2013: “We all know the nuclei are made of protons and neutrons, and those are each made of quarks and gluons. There were hints in data from the HERA collider in Germany and other experiments that the number of gluons increases dramatically as you accelerate particles to high energy. Nuclear physics theorists predicted that the ions accelerated to near the speed of light at the [Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider] would reach an upper limit of gluon concentration – a state of gluon saturation we call colour glass condensate.”
Higgs bosons: On July 4, 2012, Fabiola Gianotti, soon to be the next DG of CERN but then the spokesperson of the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, declared that physicists had found a Higgs boson. Widespread celebrations followed – while a technical nitpick remained: physicists only knew the particle resembled a Higgs boson and might not have been the real thing itself. Then, in March 2013, the particle was most likely identified as being a Higgs boson. And even then, one box remained to be checked: that it was the Higgs boson, not one of many kinds. For that, physicists have been waiting for more results from the upgraded LHC. But a machine like the LHeC would be able to produce a “few thousand” Higgs bosons a year, enabling physicists to study the elusive particle in more detail, confirm more of its properties – or, more excitingly, find that that’s not the case – and look for higher-energy versions of it.
A 2012 paper detailing the concept also notes that should the LHC find that signs of ‘new physics’ could exist beyond the default energy levels of the LHeC, scientists are bearing in mind the need for the electrons to be accelerated by the ERL to up to 140 GeV.
The unique opportunity presented by an electron-proton collider working in tandem with the LHC goes beyond the mammoth energies to a property called luminosity as well. It’s measured in inverse femtobarn per second, denoting the number of events occurring per 10-39 squared centimetres per second. For example, 10 fb-1 denotes 10 events occurring per 10-39 sq. cm s-1 – that’s 1040 events per sq. cm per second (The luminosity over a specific period of time, i.e. without the ‘per seconds’ in the unit, is called the integrated luminosity). At the LHeC, a luminosity of 1033 cm-2 s-1 is expected to be achieved and physicists hope that with some tweaks, it can be hiked by yet another order of magnitude. To compare: this is 100x what HERA achieved, providing an unprecedented scale at which to explore the effects of deep inelastic scattering, and 10x the LHC’s current luminosity.
It’s also 100x lower than that of the HL-LHC, which is the configuration of the LHC with which the ERL will be operating to make up the LHeC. And the LHeC’s lifetime will be the planned lifetime of the LHC, till the 2030s, about a decade. In the same period, if all goes well, a Chinese behemoth will have taken shape: the Circular Electron-Positron Collider (CEPC), with a circumference 2x that of the LHC. In its proton-proton collision configuration – paralleling the LHC’s – China claims it will reach energies of 70,000 GeV (as against the LHC’s current 14,000 GeV) and luminosity comparable to the HL-LHC. And when its electron-positron collision configuration, which the LHeC will be able to mimic, will be at its best, physicists reckon the CEPC will be able to produce 100,000 Higgs bosons a year.
As it happens, some groups at CERN are already drawing up plans, due to be presented in 2018, for a machine dwarfing even the CEPC. Meet the Future Circular Collider (FCC), by one account the “ultimate precision-physics machine” (and funnily named by another). To be fair, the FCC has been under consideration since about 2013 and independent of the CEPC. However, in sheer size, the FCC could swallow the CEPC – with an 80-100 km-long ring. It will also be able to accelerate protons to 50,000 GeV (by 2040), attain luminosities of 1035 cm-2 s-1, continue to work with the ERL, function as an electron-positron collider (video), and look for particles weighing up to 25,000 GeV (currently the heaviest known fundamental particle is the top quark, weighing 169-173 GeV).
And should it be approved and come online in the second half of the 2030s, there’s a good chance the world will be a different place, too: not just the CEPC – there will be (or will have been?) either the International Linear Collider (ILC) and Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) as well. ‘Either’ because they’re both linear accelerators with similar physical dimensions and planning to collide electrons with positrons, their antiparticles, to study QCD, the Higgs field and the prospects of higher dimensions, so only one of them might get built. And they will require a decade to be built, coming online in the late 2020s. The biggest difference between them is that the ILC will be able to reach collision energies of 1,000 GeV while the CLIC (whose idea was conceived at CERN), of 3,000 GeV.


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While many people love the convenience of having a car appear at your doorstep at the tap of a button, it appears that those days may be numbered. The popular transportation services Uber and Lyft are headed to the courtroom, thanks to unhappy drivers. The main issue seems to center around a debate on whether or not the drivers of these services are employees or simply independent contractors. We’ve talked in the past about Uber’s problems with the law, however this series of lawsuits may force the companies to alter their business model. The lawsuits were filed in the San Francisco Federal Court and are only relevant to California-based drivers, although the results of each class-action will be closely monitored by drivers across the United States.
A main concern of drivers for both services is the lower fares and skewed tipping system. This is forcing Uber and Lyft drivers to demand higher wages, yearly salary, and other benefits just as if they were employees. Drivers cite the fact that they pay for their own gas, any maintenance on the vehicle, car washes, and most importantly, car insurance. The thought of unionizing has been brought up, which admittedly would scare Uber and Lyft just as much as the lawsuits themselves. A lot of other issues need to be clarified with the driver/company relationship, such as paid taxes.
Curious to see how Uber’s incredibly successful business model worked from the inside, I actually tried to sign-up as an Uber driver. The process itself seemed simple enough, although I ran into some complications. For starters, Uber caters to Apple users (I have an Android Phone), and requires drivers with Google-powered phones to pay extra fees to have an Uber-specific iPhone. This was a main deterrent for me, as I would prefer no added fees and was interested in a “less commitment, more profit” service. Service fees and taxes aside, it all seemed like a feasible method for people to generate new income. Uber has found that with any success comes detractors, and unfortunately, legal trouble.

domain: economics


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Dating nude beach science of dating websites
Rumors from the '60s about a buried treasure from Sir Francis Drake gave the place its name, but no treasure was ever found. Park at the end of Cave Landing Road and look for the sign directing you to either the beach or the pirate cave.
Go the cave route for the best views, but note that the trail is kind of sketchy so be cautious when navigating your course.
For dinner, I recommend local favorites Rimel’s Rotisserie for the best chicken bowl of your life or the legendary Verde El Ranchero for savory fish tacos and margaritas.
Despite its numerous rocky caves perfect for smuggling contraband (or, more likely these days, getting ass-naked), Pirate's Cove doesn't actually have much of a piracy connection.
Once on the beach, you’ll notice it isn’t like the raucous Blacks Beach experience; it’s an older, mellower crowd.
Plan your day around the low tide, because sand is at a premium once the higher tides hit.
So, we're telling you where to look: here are all the best beaches to bare your ass in California, how to get to them, and everything you need to know once you're there.
Just keep your clothes on until you're sure you're in the right place.
You'll see a gate with a private property notice; stay away from that, and follow the pedestrian access to the left, heading for the grove of eucalyptus trees to follow the path to nudity.When going nude on California's beaches, there's often a wide chasm between expectation and reality -- but that's more of a "nude beach" thing than a California thing.You can't just drop trou and get an all-over tan at any old stretch of Golden State shoreline, and the select beaches where California does allow nude sunbathing are mostly (and not-so-coincidentally) in hard-to-reach and obscure locations.Red Rock beach ranks right up there as one of the Bay Area’s favorite local nude beaches, but not because it’s a quiet place with old folks.No, this beach is a naked fun zone; you’ve haven’t lived until you’ve climbed rocks or played frisbee games with all your bits swinging around like some '60s hippie.

domain: geography


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You’re probably aware of the immune system, but do you know how it defends your skin against harmful invaders? Enter innate immunity – the standout player in protecting your nutritional asset from harm.
How Your Innate Immune System Protects Your Skin from Harmful Invaders
Innate immunity is your physiological first line of defense, providing an immediate response to microbial intrusions.
It works hard behind the scenes with physical barriers, chemical mediators, and a variety of complex functional systems like complement activation and phagocytosis. Not to mention dendritic cells and natural killer cells that are primed to tackle pathogens before they take hold.
It’s no surprise then why understanding what strengthens or weakens our innate immunity is critical for preserving our skin’s wellbeing.
|Innate Immune Cell
|Role in Skin Health
|Ingest and destroy pathogens or debris; secrete cytokines; present antigens to adaptive immune cells
|Act as sentinels for infection or injury; promote wound healing; regulate inflammation
|Ingest and destroy pathogens or debris; release granules and extracellular traps
|Migrate to sites of inflammation; kill bacteria and fungi; contribute to pus formation
|Natural Killer Cell
|Recognize and kill infected cells or tumor cells by inducing apoptosis (cell death)
|Eliminate virus-infected cells or malignant melanocytes; secrete interferons or tumor necrosis factor
|Capture antigens from pathogens or tissues and present them to adaptive immune cells
|Migrate from skin to lymph nodes; shape adaptive immune response by influencing T cell differentiation
Innate Immunity Is Our Body’s Natural Shield
Our innate immunity shields us from harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses; however its work doesn’t stop there. In conjunction with inflammation processes occurring inside our bodies, which play a vital role in maintaining proper homeostasis by limiting the spread of infection and stimulating healing.
Overall, our innate immune system serves an essential purpose in supporting healthy looking skin on both surfaces and below the surface—a benefit we can all appreciate!
But ever-changing external circumstances can threaten skin integrity constantly—some of which even come from activities we do every day.
Things like using harsh skincare products loaded with irritants can disrupt protective barriers while weakening effective responses that protect against environmental stressors like UV exposure. That’s why knowing which lifestyle habits are best for skin health is key to supporting and strengthening normal defenses.
How Physical Barriers Keep Pathogens Out
Your body is equipped with the first line of defense against pathogens. Skin is a physical barrier that prevents bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes from entering and causing disease. Let’s look at how it works so we can better appreciate its amazing protective capabilities.
Epithelial Cells Keep Pathogens Out
The surface of your skin is made up of epithelial cells that form a tight junction to stop invaders from penetrating. These cells release antimicrobial peptides which kill or inhibit bacteria from entering the body.
Skin Sheds to Prevent Infection
On top of acting as a wall against bugs, skin also provides mechanical defense in the form of sweat and continual shedding to prevent bacteria and fungal growth on the skin’s surface. When you sweat or come into contact with water, these natural secretions rinse off many pathogenic organisms that attempt to take hold in your body’s outer layers.
Wound Healing Restores Skin Integrity When Injured
Even if pathogens manage to breach your epidermis through a wound or cut, your body will respond with another layer of defense – wound healing restores the protective function of your skin! When wounded, specialized proteins are released which work together to close any openings left behind by injuries by mobilizing cells from nearby areas towards the affected spot for rebuilding and protection.
Does Anything Compromise Skin Barrier Function?
There are several factors that can compromise the barrier function of your skin, such as aging which makes epidermal cell turnover slower and disrupts homeostasis within your skin’s environment; stressors in the environment, such as extreme weather conditions; and various types of skin diseases which soften cellular junctions leading to an easier penetration for pathogens into your body system.
Chemical Mediators: Alarm Signals for Optimal Skin Well-Being
Living organisms are equipped with an immune system that is activated when antigens such as bacteria, viruses or other pathogens enter the body. The innate immune system, also known as non-specific immunity, is part of this first line of defense and relies on physical barrier mechanisms such as skin (or mucosa) together with chemical mediators to trigger a defensive response. These chemical mediators are produced mostly by damaged tissues and innate immune cells to alert other immune cells to initiate an inflammatory response in order to fight potential threats.
How Cytokines Work: Modulating Different Types of Immune Cell Activity
Among these chemical mediators, cytokines stand out as one of the most important components. On one hand they regulate local and systemic adaptive immune responses, but they can also modulate disease activity through effects such as promoting wound healing and collagen synthesis while inducing angiogenesis when necessary.
Cytokines like interferon and interleukin have been reported to partially block ‘the alarm signals’ from external irritants and allergens thus helping maintain overall skin health in conditions like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Exploit Your Body’s Natural Pathways To Prevent Skin Damage During Aging Processes
By understanding how our bodies collaborate between its different subsystems (immune system), processes (inflammation) and molecules (cytokines), we learn more about our natural mechanisms for protecting against threatening agents and avoiding –or at least maintaining– skin damage during aging processes using anti aging topical products that allows us reclaim youthful vibrant skin, naturally leveraging powerful skins challenges.
These and all the benefits associated with their mobilization should not be underestimated when it comes to achieving desired results through safe treatments offered by holistic approaches like natural therapeutic options in cosmetic products.
Phagocytes – The Eating Machines of Your Innate Immune System
Your body protects you from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites with your innate immune system.
It’s made up of cells and molecules that can recognize and eliminate foreign substances, giving you a first line of defense.
One of the most important types of innate immune cells are phagocytes.
There are different kinds of phagocytes that perform different functions in your body.
There are two major types: macrophages and neutrophils.
Macrophages – The Sentinels of Your Tissues
They can patrol your skin, lungs, liver, spleen, brain, and other organs for signs of trouble.
When they encounter a pathogen or a damaged cell, they engulf it and digest it with their lysosomes.
They also secrete cytokines – chemical messengers that alert other immune cells to join the fight.
But macrophages are not just killers.
They also play a crucial role in activating your adaptive immune system – the part of your immunity that can remember specific antigens and produce antibodies against them.
Macrophages can present antigens – pieces of pathogens or debris – on their surface to T cells and B cells, which then mount a more specific and effective response against the invaders.
Macrophages are essential for keeping you healthy and preventing infections from spreading.
However, they can also contribute to inflammation and tissue damage if they become overactive or dysfunctional.
For example, macrophages have been implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.
Neutrophils – The Rapid Responders to Inflammation
At 55 to 70 percent of your body’s white blood cells, these important cells are the most plentiful in your system.
They are also one of the fastest-acting immune cells – they can reach an infected area within minutes after an injury or infection occurs.
Like macrophages, neutrophils can engulf and destroy pathogens or debris with their lysosomes.
But they also have other weapons at their disposal.
They can release granules containing antimicrobial agents such as defensins, proteases, and lysozyme that can kill microbes directly or disrupt their membranes.
They can also form extracellular traps (NETs) – webs of DNA and proteins that trap pathogens and prevent them from spreading further.
Neutrophils are vital for controlling acute infections and clearing out dead cells and debris from wounds or tissues.
However, they can also cause collateral damage to healthy cells and tissues if they release too many granules or NETs, or if they persist too long at an inflamed site.
For example, neutrophils have been associated with tissue injury and organ failure in sepsis, a life-threatening condition where infection triggers a systemic inflammatory response.
Factors That Affect Phagocyte Function or Number in Skin Diseases
Your skin is one of your main barriers against external threats, and it contains many phagocytes that help defend it from infection or injury. However, some factors can affect phagocyte function or number in skin diseases such as acne vulgaris or leprosy.
Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by several factors, including excess sebum production, clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth (especially Propionibacterium acnes), and inflammation,
They can also contribute to inflammation and scarring by releasing cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and matrix metalloproteinases. Some factors that can affect phagocyte function or number in acne vulgaris include:
- Hormonal changes: Androgens such as testosterone can stimulate sebum production and increase P. acnes colonization. They can also modulate macrophage function by enhancing their phagocytic activity but suppressing their antigen presentation ability
- Diet: Some dietary factors such as high glycemic load, dairy products, chocolate, and omega-6 fatty acids may worsen acne by increasing insulin levels, inflammation, sebum production, or P. acnes growth . Conversely, some nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids may improve acne by enhancing phagocyte function, reducing inflammation, or inhibiting P. acnes
- Stress: Psychological stress can impair phagocyte function by altering cortisol levels, catecholamines, and neuropeptides . Stress can also increase sebum production and inflammation by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a bacterium that mainly affects skin and peripheral nerves. Phagocytes play a key role in leprosy pathogenesis: on one hand, they help control M. leprae infection by ingesting and killing them with lysosomal enzymes; but on the other hand, they can also harbor M. leprae inside their cytoplasm for long periods of time without destroying them. Some factors that can affect phagocyte function or number in leprosy include:
- Genetic susceptibility: Some genes involved in innate immunity such as TLR2, NOD2, PARK2, LTA4H, and TNF-alpha have been associated with increased risk or protection from leprosy. These genes may influence how phagocytes recognize and respond to M . leprae antigens.
- Immune polarization: The type of immune response elicited by M. leprae infection determines the clinical spectrum of leprosy. A Th1-type response characterized by macrophage activation, cytokine production (IFN-gamma), and granuloma formation leads to tuberculoid leprosy – a mild form of disease with few lesions and low bacterial load. A Th2-type response characterized by antibody production (IgG), eosinophilia, and humoral immunity leads to lepromatous leprosy – a severe form of disease with numerous lesions and high bacterial load. Phagocytes are influenced by these immune polarizations: Th1-type cytokines enhance their microbicidal activity while Th2-type cytokines inhibit it.
- Drug resistance: Some strains of M. leprae have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as dapsone, rifampicin, or clofazimine . This reduces the efficacy of treatment and increases the chances of relapse or transmission. Drug resistance may affect phagocyte function by altering M. leprae metabolism or virulence factors.
Phagocytes are amazing cells that help you fight off infections or injuries by eating up pathogens or debris.
However, they can also cause problems if they become dysregulated or overwhelmed by certain factors. That’s why it’s important to take care of your skin health and consult your doctor if you have any skin issues.
Natural Killer Cells: The Killing Machines
Do you know that your body has a powerful army of killing machines that can fight off infections and cancers?
These are called natural killer (NK) cells, and they are a type of innate lymphoid cell that can recognize and kill infected cells or tumor cells by using perforins and granzymes to induce apoptosis (cell death).
But how do NK cells know which cells to kill and which ones to spare?
They use receptors on their surface to distinguish between normal cells (which express MHC class I molecules) and abnormal cells (which lack MHC class I molecules or express stress-induced ligands).
MHC class I molecules are like ID cards that tell NK cells that a cell is healthy and belongs to your body.
Stress-induced ligands are like distress signals that tell NK cells that a cell is under attack by viruses or tumors.
NK cells also secrete cytokines such as interferons or tumor necrosis factor to activate other immune cells or inhibit viral replication.
Cytokines are like chemical messengers that coordinate the immune response.Interferons help prevent viruses from spreading to other cells. Tumor necrosis factor helps destroy tumor blood vessels and induce inflammation.
But not all NK cells are created equal.
Some factors can modulate NK cell activity or number in skin diseases such as melanoma or viral warts.
For example, some cytokines can enhance or suppress NK cell function.
Some drugs can increase or decrease NK cell numbers.
Some genetic variations can affect NK cell receptor expression.
Why does this matter?
Because understanding how NK cells work can help us develop better treatments for skin diseases and other conditions that involve NK cells.
For example, we could use drugs that boost NK cell activity to fight off infections or cancers.
We could use drugs that block NK cell activity to prevent autoimmune reactions or transplant rejection.
But how do we know if these treatments work?
From melanoma to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis to vitiligo, alopecia areata to pemphigus vulgaris – researchers are actively exploring the role of NK cells in a wide range of skin diseases.
Dendritic Cells: The Bridge Builders
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized cells that can sense and capture antigens from pathogens or tissues and present them to adaptive immune cells. They act as messengers between the innate and adaptive immune systems.
DCs are present in tissues that are in contact with the external environment, such as skin, nose, lungs, stomach and intestines. When they encounter an antigen, they migrate from these peripheral tissues to lymph nodes where they interact with T cells, a type of adaptive lymphocyte.
DCs shape adaptive immune responses by influencing T cell differentiation into various subsets based on the nature of antigen and cytokine environment. These subsets include Th1,Th2,Th17,Treg,Tfh, each with different functions and roles in immunity.
What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?
Your body has two ways to protect you from germs and injuries. One is fast and general. The other is slow and specific.
The fast way is called innate immunity. It works against any foreign substance or injury. It includes your skin, mucus, inflammation, and white blood cells.
The slow way is called adaptive immunity. It works against recognized antigens. Antigens are molecules that trigger an immune response. Adaptive immunity includes antibodies and memory cells.
Antibodies are proteins that stick to antigens and mark them for destruction. Memory cells are white blood cells that remember antigens and respond faster if they encounter them again.
Adaptive immunity gives you long-term protection from diseases you have been exposed to before.
How does skin protect itself from infection?
Your skin is your first line of defense against germs and injuries. It does three things to protect you.
First, it forms a physical barrier that blocks pathogens from entering your body.
Second, it produces chemical mediators that warn other immune cells and start inflammation. Inflammation is a process that helps heal wounds and fight infections.
Third, it has immune cells that can attack or remove pathogens or infected cells. These include phagocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.
Phagocytes are white blood cells that swallow and digest pathogens. Natural killer cells are white blood cells that kill infected cells by making holes in them. Dendritic cells are white blood cells that present antigens to adaptive immune cells. Your skin works hard to keep you healthy and safe.
What are some common skin diseases that involve innate immunity?
Your skin is more than just a cover. It’s a shield that protects you from infections and diseases.
But sometimes, skin diseases can still occur.
Here are five common skin problems and how they happen.
- Acne: This happens when bacteria infect and inflame your hair follicles. You get pimples and blackheads that can hurt and scar.
- Psoriasis: This happens when your skin cells grow too fast and pile up. You get red, scaly patches that can itch and bleed.
- Atopic dermatitis: This happens when your skin barrier is weak and lets allergens in. You get dry, itchy skin and rashes.
- Lupus erythematosus: This happens when your immune system attacks your own cells and tissues. You get a butterfly-shaped rash on your face, among other problems.
- Melanoma: This happens when a mutation occurs in melanocytes, the cells that make pigment in your skin and hair. They grow out of control and escape natural killer cells, which are immune cells that destroy abnormal cells. This can lead to a deadly form of skin cancer.
What is the role of antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the innate immune system?
Antigen presenting cells (APCs) are a type of white blood cell that can capture and process foreign molecules, such as those from infectious diseases, and present them on their cell surface to activate other immune cells. APCs include macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells.
How do mast cells contribute to inflammation and allergic reactions?
Mast cells are tissue-resident cells that contain granules rich in histamine and heparin.They are located at the boundaries between tissues and the external environment, such as the skin and mucosal surfaces.
When mast cells encounter an allergen or a pathogen, they release their granules and other molecules that cause inflammation, vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction, mucus secretion, and recruitment of other immune cells.
How do infected cells alert the innate immune system to viral invasion?
Infected cells can produce interferons, which are proteins that interfere with viral replication and spread. Interferons also signal to neighboring cells to increase their antiviral defenses and to natural killer (NK) cells to eliminate infected cells.
Infected cells can also display viral antigens on their cell surface using major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, which can be recognized by NK cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Tips to Help Strengthen Your Skin’s Innate Immunity
Your skin is your shield. It protects you from germs, toxins, and stress.
And it has an innate immunity. It fights off threats before they harm you.
But your skin is not bulletproof. It needs a strong skin barrier.
The skin barrier keeps water in and irritants out. A weak skin barrier causes dryness, itching, inflammation, acne, or infections.
How do you strengthen your skin barrier and immunity?
Here are some tips:
- Use gentle cleansers.
- Don’t strip away your natural oils or disrupt your skin pH
- Apply moisturizers with ceramides.
- Ceramides are lipids that hold your skin barrier together6
- Wear sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection.
- Sun rays damage your DNA and immune system
- Use antioxidants.
- They reduce free radicals and oxidative stress that impair your immunity
- Take probiotics.
- They balance your gut and skin microbes that influence your immunity
These steps improve your skin health and appearance.
But if you want more, you may want to try some aesthetic treatments that revitalize your skin from within.
At SeeBeyond Beauty, we offer treatments that enhance your natural beauty and restore your youthful glow.
You can smooth out wrinkles, lift sagging skin, tighten pores, or contour your face or body.
Book a consultation with us today by calling 914-533-1802 or filling out our online form.
Don’t wait any longer. Your best self is waiting for you at SeeBeyond Beauty.


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This month, Czechs celebrate 20 years since the Velvet Revolution that overthrew the communist regime in their country. The fall of communism changed practically all aspects of life, including health care. Radio Prague finds out about the improvement and challenges of the Czech health care system two decades after the fall of communism.
The 1970s TV series, Hospital in the Suburbs, Communist Czechoslovakia’s version of Chicago Hope, pictured communist health care as modern and efficient.
But the reality was different. The country lagged behind the developed world in technology and materials and most people were left with crowded waiting rooms and rude doctors who would not take offence at the occasional bribe.
Prague’s Motol hospital is one of the largest medical facilities in Europe. It was built at about the same time when the hospital show was made, with nearly 4,000 beds. While communist officials boasted of the great results of Czechoslovak health care, for instance very low infant fatality rates, Czechs and Slovaks topped the international ladder in other areas, including cancer. The head of Motol’s gyno-oncology ward, professor Luboš Rob, says that Czechs now receive the same treatment as patients in western Europe and other developed countries.
“I think that these surgeries are now the same as in other European countries – in Western European countries, that is. Many departments have very good equipment, and I think that now in this field, it’s the same as in Western Europe.”
Professor Rob, who graduated in the 1970s, explains that the improvement since that time has been remarkable.
“When we started chemotherapy, especially with ovarian cancer, when we had 100 patients, 80 of them died. And I think we’ve had some good improvements because now, out of 100 cases, 60 of them die. That’s 20 percent less. I think that over the 20 years, it’s a relatively good result.”
Outside Motol hospital, I asked some of the patients about how they feel about the quality of health care today.
“I’m quite happy with the standard of health care. It depends a lot on what you need though, but I think I’m happy.”
“The changes have been great. My wife happens to be a patient here, she was operated on some two months ago, and it’s been great.”
“I’m getting good health care now. I’m a patient at oncology, and I’ m taken good care of. It’s much better here, it’s more orderly.”
Top quality health care was also available under the communist regime – though not for all. Just next to Motol hospital, the State Institute of National Health, or SANOPZ, was built between 1984 and 1988 for high-ranking communist officials. It is now called the Na Homolce hospital, and the head of the cardiology ward Petr Neužil, started working here just months before the Velvet Revolution.
“All the equipment was pretty modern and new and the system we had you couldn’t find anywhere else. But what you wouldn’t find here was a good level of medical care because here we didn’t have specialists. All specific procedures were done by doctors from other hospitals. So in this respect, it was absolutely different. You could get good meals, and good beer. And to be fair, we had a very good nursing system. Nurses were communicative and they were trained to be nice, and they were very professional.”
The end of privileged health care was one of the changes the hospital has seen since 1989. Dr. Neužil says that the quality of health care provided has also dramatically improved.
“What we changed in the last 20 years is we changed the level of our diagnostics and treatment. We not only changed the so-called communist health care system but even some standards we inherited from the Austrian Monarchy. The care was centralized in Prague with only a few exceptions. Nowadays, compared to 20 years ago, we have 13 cardiac centres providing high level care.”
But the changes came at a cost. Transforming the communist health care system has been one of the greatest challenges of the post-1989 era. In total, there have been 17 health ministers, more than any other governmental positions. With all the new technologies and other developments, it has been very difficult to keep the health budget balanced.
Last year, the former right-of-centre government launched an ambitious health care reform but only parts of it were actually put in practice, most notably health care fees. Czech patients now pay for each visit to the doctor, for hospital stays and also for each item on their drug prescriptions. This provoked some strong reactions. Josef Mrázek is from the Czech Patients’ Association.
”The biggest change has been that now we can get everything of top quality, such as medical products, equipment and so on, and also the salaries of physicians and nurses have improved. But there is a big danger now that our government tries to follow the example of the United States rather than that of the Scandinavian countries.”
Mr Mrázek believes that the reform was unnecessary, and only caters to the business interests of medical companies and pharmaceutical firms. In his view, the system worked before and could work just as well in the future.
“The project of [former PM] Mr Topolánek and [former health minister] Mr Julínek is to help businessmen to get more money from the health care system. They are big liars, I must say. In the last years, we couldn’t use some very expensive medical products on full scale, but we always used them whenever it was necessary for the patient. And so it can continue.”
But many would not agree with the Patients’ Association. Private care, particularly in Prague, is dynamically developing, providing top level care to those who can afford it. This is particularly true about dentists. Ladislav Česnek graduated in the spring of 1990, after he was a member of his medical school’s strike committee during the Velvet Revolution. Two years after graduation, dr. Česnek became the fourth private dentist in the country.
“When I first started, I was working with the insurance company. But I wasn’t able to provide quality care for their prices. What they paid back then was ridiculous; it didn’t even cover the costs, not mentioning any kind of reasonable profit. Their payments in the early 1990s were also delayed, up to six months sometimes. So I could not work under this system and I broke off from the insurance system and in 1993, I started working purely on a private basis.”
Another important aspect that has changed over the years is the attitude of medical staff to patients. The most popular character from the 1970s Hospital in the Suburbs TV show was dr. Štrosmajer, a funny man, but exceedingly grumpy and cynical to his patients. Professor Luboš Rob from Motol hospital again.
“It’s true that the improvement in communication with patients has been big, and if we look at the period of the last two decades, I think that now we have the Western standard. But in 1990, we had the Eastern standard.”
“I think that for this doctor, who for us was so great and hilarious, there would no place at any teaching or high quality hospital.”
Twenty years after the fall of communism, Czechs get very much the same health care as anywhere else in the developed world. But without serious reforms, particularly of its funding, that may soon change. Reforming the system therefore remains one of the most pressing issues for any government to come.


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Derek Downey, a certified permaculture designer and resident of Village Homes, will give an introductory talk on permaculture and the Village Homes design from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Village Homes Community Center, 2661 Portage Bay Ave. East.
Bill Mollison, the founder of permaculture, says, “Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single product system.”
Downey will cover the basics of permaculture design and techniques; provide a summary of the Village Homes development, including natural drainage and passive solar design; and share opportunities for learning and applying permaculture design to the Davis area.
He is working with a team of folks in Davis to turn water-guzzling lawns into “food forests” that save water, feed bees and other pollinators, build the soil and recycle rain and grey water.
A donation of $5 to $10 is suggested.

domain: design


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Watermelon is a delicious fruit that is chock-full of nutrients. Eating watermelon on an empty stomach can provide a variety of health benefits.
In this article, we will discuss the six benefits of eating watermelon on an empty stomach.
6 Benefits of Eating Watermelon on Empty Stomach
- Digestive Benefits
Watermelon is a great way to stimulate digestion and get your system moving first thing in the morning. The high water content of watermelon helps to hydrate and cleanse the digestive tract, while the fiber helps to regulate bowel movements.
Plus, the juicy fruit is a natural diuretic, meaning it helps the body flush out toxins and waste products. So if you’re looking for a healthy way to start your day, eating watermelon is a great option!
- Hydrates the Body
Eating watermelon on an empty stomach hydrates the body and helps flush out toxins. Because it’s mostly composed of water, eating watermelon first thing in the morning helps you stay hydrated and boosts your energy levels and immune system. It’s a great way to start your day!
- Weight Loss
Do you want to lose weight? Add watermelon to your diet!
It is very much believed that watermelon can help in weight loss, provided it’s eaten the right way.
Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit that contains a lot of fiber and water. Consuming watermelon on an empty stomach can help you lose weight because it makes you feel full and reduces your calorie intake for the day.
So one more reason you should add this delicious fruit to your breakfast or lunch today, you’ll be glad you did!
- Lowers Blood Pressure
Did you know that eating watermelon on an empty stomach can help to lower your blood pressure? It’s true! The lycopene found in watermelon has been shown to have anti-hypertensive effects, meaning it can help to prevent high blood pressure.
Lycopene is the red pigment found in watermelon and other vegetables such as tomatoes. Studies also show that lycopene may deduct the risk of prostate cancer.
So if you’re looking for a healthy way to lower your blood pressure, why not add watermelon to your diet? It’s a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
- Rich in Antioxidants
Did you know that watermelon is one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the world? That’s right! These powerful nutrients help to protect our cells from damage and inflammation, which can lead to a variety of health problems over time.
About Antioxidants in Human Physiology
When oxygen is metabolized, it produces unstable molecules known as “free radicals,” which steal electrons from other molecules, which may lead to the DNA and other cells being damaged.
The body can deal with some free radicals and requires them to function properly. However, the damage caused by an excess of free radicals may become irreversible over time and lead to certain diseases. “Too much of anything no good” as my people say.
Effects of Free Radicals
- Deterioration of the eye lens, which contributes to vision loss
- Inflammation of the joints (arthritis).
- Damage to nerve cells in the brain contributes to conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Acceleration of the aging process.
- Increased risk of coronary heart disease, since free radicals encourage low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to stick to artery walls.
- Certain cancers are triggered by damaged cell DNA.
Stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol, sunlight, pollution, and other factors can all speed up oxidation. As a result, we require antioxidants to counteract them. Nonetheless, I would give up smoking and alcohol. Not that I’m telling you how to live your life, but then again— as my people say; too much of everything…
Antioxidants and Free Radicals
Antioxidants, which are found in certain foods(Known as nutrient Antioxidants), may help to mitigate some of the damage caused by free radicals by neutralizing them. These include; vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the minerals copper, zinc, and selenium.
Other dietary food compounds, such as phytochemicals found in plants, are thought to have stronger antioxidant properties than vitamins or minerals. These are known as non-nutrient antioxidants, and they include phytochemicals (such as lycopene in tomatoes and anthocyanins found in cranberries).
One of the main antioxidants found in watermelon is lycopene. This compound is known for its cancer-fighting properties and has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your health, adding watermelon to your diet is a great place to start!
6. Boost Energy Levels
Watermelon is a great source of energy and can help boost your energy levels when eaten on an empty stomach. This is because it is a good source of natural sugar, which your body can easily convert into energy. Plus, the water content in watermelon helps to hydrate your body and keep you feeling energized.
Watermelon is a tasty fruit that is loaded with nutrients. Not only does it help to boost your metabolism, but it also helps to cleanse your system and flush out toxins. It is a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it can help to improve your overall health.


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Photo: Christian Hauge – Innovasjon Norge
Photo: Folgefonni Breførlag – Pål Hermansen
Photo: Folgefonni Breførlag – Desire Weststrate
Fjordand offer a guided day trip to Juklavass Glacier with bus and boat through Hardanger on the way to the Glacier. You will experience a blue Ice Hike with Folgefonni Breførarlag on Juklavass Glacier, which is an arm of the Folgefonna Glacier, Norway’s third largest glacier (225 km2). Here you will get a fairy tale experience on blue ice!
In the middle of the ice fall, we take a break with view over the North Sea and the Rosendal alps. The guides will tell you about the culture and the physical geography. At the end of the day, we walk back in the afternoon light with the fjord and mountains below us.
The tour requires that you are over 7-8 years of age and have a normal level of fitness. The whole tour takes 11,5 hours. The glacier hike is about 5-6 km and takes approx. 5-6 hours.
For more information, go to www.fjordand.com

domain: hobby


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Are you looking for the best Asian brides to be for your marriage ceremony? Many Asian girls are incredibly beautiful that they would catch the eye at any moment, no matter what one does. Their mystical passiveness and concealed indecisiveness are actually a shimmering spotlight and concern. Asian women regularly think that something is wrong with them, due to their traditional customs of family unit succession.
The normal Asian bride, for example , will greet her groom’s family group with a “nuama sai” — literally, “pleasure to you”. There is no hint whatsoever of who the “one” is normally that’s going to get married to the bride-to-be. There is, yet , a tradition in certain Asian countries where the bride’s loved ones hand over a bit of money, referred to as guage, towards the bride to be a “blessing out of heaven”. Guage is broken into three parts: a large amount for the dowry, a compact sum to get various bills like marital life clothes and an with family visit, and then a little sum to acquire presents just for the bride and groom. Clearly, there’s no way to calculate the complete value of guage, however you can be assured that really not small change – the wedding couple will definitely be pleased with the quantity they receive.
On the other hand, practically in most western and developed countries, brides are expected to choose their own spouse. There may be usually a clear-cut idea of the particular bride needs, and everyone is merely playing the parts consequently. In an Hard anodized cookware country exactly where marriage and dating require a lot more time and focus, women need a bit more place to make their own minds up and be in total control. That’s where an online online dating platform is available in very convenient.
A free Cookware email order brides to be dating internet site offers women a chance to find that special someone and never having to devote any of her own money. Your sweetheart doesn’t have to leave her home — at least, not primarily. The site will provide everything else she needs to begin and help in the “marriage decision” method.
There are a pair of ways in which a mail purchase Asian new bride website may help you find an ideal Hard anodized cookware woman to suit your needs. First, you’ll have the opportunity to search profiles of women in your target country. For anyone who is aiming to mix with users of different cultural groups, the site can help you discover like-minded females with whom you can strike up a dialogue and create some provides. You may also want to take advantage of the site to look for western girls, specifically individuals with access to selected ethnic areas in Asia. Females who live in countries such as Korea, Japan and Taiwan are especially common among western males. Some of them might be open to internet dating males from a different nation, and others basically prefer to get married to someone asian dating sites review from their individual race.
Last but not least, internet dating platforms allow you to search for Hard anodized cookware women based on numerous standards. For example , you could wish to consider how much cash you want to dedicate to an Cookware bride. Various other variables range from age (for men) and education (for women). Regardless of the it is you happen to be looking for, using these online dating platforms can help you identify the perfect Oriental woman.

domain: sociology


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Are you a business owner in Healesville (Victoria)? Protecting your business through each of its commercial arrangements can be achieved by specialist legal advice. LegalVision is a premium online legal service provider with professional commercial and corporate lawyers available.
Businesses will need legal advice when managing its commercial arrangements throughout its lifetime. Suppliers, employees and investors are all stakeholders that will use legal contracts to secure the relationship with your business. A lawyer from LegalVision can draft and review all your contracts for a fair and thorough agreement.
We have a wide variety of lawyers in many different fields. This includes Small Business, Banking and Finance, Franchise Law, Intellectual Property, Business Structure, Employment Law, Disputes and Litigation, Leasing, Online Business and Construction Law.
LegalVision’s lawyers are experienced professionals from Australia’s leading law firms. We have selected lawyers who have practiced for many years at leading national and global law firms. This gives them a practical, pragmatic and in-depth understanding of their area to help them advise small businesses as a fixed fee specialist.
Get in touch with a lawyer from LegalVision today about your business in Healesville. We can be reached by calling 1300 544 755.

domain: law


text: CLAYTON — Anxious homeowners questioned city engineer Rick Angrisani about a recent earth movement geotechnical monitoring report showing “there is a continuation of surface and subsurface movement” in the vicinity of Pebble Beach Drive.A landslide was discovered in the Presley-built development in 2005. Six large dewatering wells and four inclinometers were installed last year to monitor further movement. Since then, one of the meters has been broken by earth movement, Angrisani said. At the Oakhurst Geologic Hazard Abatement meeting Nov. 4, Angrisani said the new Stevens, Farrone & Bailey report is incomplete because of the loss of a meter and because the soil is drier than usual, but based on the available information, the earth has moved about an inch in the past four years. Whether that movement is only in the immediate location or if the whole area is moving as a block is undetermined at this time, but Angrisani plans to order another $3,000 report after winter rains, in the spring 2015.Homeowner Joe Legault asked, “Whose responsibility is it to maintain this?” He said he fears that winter rains could seep through the cracks to the soil below and exacerbate the problem.”The Oakhurst Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) will be paying the city of Clayton to crack seal about a half-dozen surface street cracks (1/2 to inches in width) only in various portions of upper Pebble Beach Drive,” City Manager Gary Napper said later. “The crack seal work is likely to occur this week or next week.”Another homeowner claimed he had a contract with a potential buyer who rescinded the offer when an engineer’s inspection cited cracks in the street and other evidence indicating earth movement.”On the ridge, I think the city has to get involved,” homeowner Juanita Jester said, claiming that she was not informed of the earth movement when she bought from the original owner.Councilman Howard Geller and others reminded the homeowners that the Oakhurst Geological Hazard Abatement Authority (OGHAA) was founded as a condition of development approval by the city of Clayton.The purpose of OGHAA is to collect an annual fee from all of the Oakhurst development homeowners to maintain a fund to help mitigate any potential earth movement problems.Every original homeowner was well-informed about it, and sellers and Realtors are legally required to inform all subsequent buyers before close of escrow, Geller explained.City Attorney Christopher Diaz suggested that the concerned property owners come into the city offices for a meeting where they could discuss the current issues. According to Angrisani, the cost of repairing the landslide would be in the millions. A homeowner’s geologic abatement fee increase was voted down, and with about $33,000 annually coming in to cover costs, the fund has been substantially diminished. Contact Dana Guzzetti at email@example.com or call 935-202-9292.


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Keeping a pet for your companionship is satisfying, but it can be hard work and sometimes tough as well. If you are well organized, do your research, and love your pet unconditionally, then you must take care of the pet in an unique way or you can also browse www.petsexpert.co.uk to have required things and accessories for your pet. Read below to get some tips for supporting your loved pets i.e. dog, cat, horses etc. to your family.
Good and Healthy Diet
- Be sure you know the diet and feeding schedule of your new pet. Get information from your veterinarian or the pet store and feed him/ her healthy and notorious diet.
- Introduce changes to food or feeding time gradually. Sudden food changes can be stressful for your pet.
- Feed your pets in a soft, protected place, so they feel benign and relaxed when they eat.
- Make sure your pet has amply of clean, fresh water.
- Water should be altered at least two times a day.
- Your pet needs a place to call home, whether that’s a tank, cage, cathouse or doghouse.
- If your dog or cat spends a lot of time outdoors, make sure shelter is presented at all times. Even if your pet spends most of the day outdoors, he should sleep indoors at night.
Exercise and Grooming
- Every pet needs plenty of exercise. Physical activity keeps them healthy, happy, and fit. Make sure you walk, run, hike, or play fetch with your pet every day. Not only is exercise good for your pet, but it’s good for you, too!
- If the pet prefers to live indoors and also love some quality playtime with you. This is a chance to have fun and get creative with cool pet toys.
- It’s a good idea to brush and comb your pets every day to get rid of loose or shedding hair.
- Poke around to check for fleas, ticks, leaves, and other things that might be tangled in your pet’s fur.

domain: pet


Bandlaguda Jagir is a village in Ranga Reddy District, Telangana. Recently the area was merged into Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). The area has a well-developed infrastructure with wide roads connecting to suburbs of Hyderabad.
Bandlaguda is located in the South West Zone of Hyderabad. It has good connectivity to the Outer Ring Road at Appa Junction, from where Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is just 20 km and Gachibowli Financial District is just 14 km. Some people prefer to buy a home in this area due to the pollution-free environment and away from the hustle-bustle of the city.
Many residential projects are constructed in this area. There are over 3000 residents living here now. And still, there are plans afoot to build residential projects by many reputed builders.
RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS FOR SALE:
There are houses with amenities such as lift, swimming pool, 24/7 security, indoor games, and so on available at a fair price for the buyer. The lush green vegetation in the surroundings of the area promotes eco-friendly atmosphere. The residential apartments include Vinay Harmony County Block 2, Narsimha IPH, SM Avenue and Empire Insignia.
TSRTC (Public Transport) is available here for commuting to all the places from Bandlaguda. The area is a good option for a working professional to buy a home. The nearby landmarks include Mohd Arif shopping complex, Glendale Academy, Medical stores, ATMs, Heritage Supermarket, Restaurants, Cinepolis, Fitness centers and more.
RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS PRICING
The first ever real estate property directory having 1208+ project units for sale at Bandlaguda Jagir. The buyer has the option to filter by subtypes, facing, occupancy (ready to move or under construction), budget and community type. It is an easy way to buy your dream home.
Apartments – Rs.18 lakhs to Rs. 1.15 crores
Independent Houses- Rs.28 lakhs to Rs. 90 lakhs
Villas – Rs. 91.8 lakhs to Rs. 2.39 crores
The peaceful environment along with the convenience of all available resources makes it a nice area to live. So, the buyers who want to avail the best home in Hyderabad would find the Bandlaguda Jagir area most suitable for a comfortable stay due to its ambience and fresh air.
By: Shailaja K
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Danvers High School Anti Discrimination ClubSenior Max Leete and sophomore Lil Montevecchi began the DHS Anti Discrimination Club this year to provide students a space to discuss social justice and racial equity issues and support each other's growth in becoming allies.
#WHYYOUMATTER#WHYYOUMATTER is a photovoice project designed to empower students and bring us together as a community. Danvers High School students and staff are all encouraged to participate.
Atlas and Athena mentoring program postponed until Spring 2021!Freshman athletes team up with upperclassman "Squad Leaders" to talk healthy habits and successful growth as a student athlete at DHS!
Who We Are
DanversCARES is a dynamic community partnership that supports youth and families in making healthy decisions. DanversCARES is a program of the town of Danvers, managed through the school department.