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Instruments to assess the role of the clinical pharmacist: a systematic review
Systematic Reviews volume 11, Article number: 175 (2022)
The clinical pharmacist is an essential member of the healthcare team and plays an important role in health care in the primary care and the hospital setting. Knowledge regarding the instruments that evaluate the different activities of the clinical pharmacist, as well as the evaluation of the psychometric properties of these instruments, is necessary.
A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Scopus electronic databases without time and language restrictions. For the search strategy, the “pharmaceutical services,” “validity studies,” and “professional performance” domains were used. To assess the quality of the instruments, the five sources of validity evidence of contemporary psychometry were used, and the Joanna Briggs Institute’s standardized instrument was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. After screening 4096 articles, 32 studies were selected.
A total of 32 studies were included, and 32 instruments were identified to be used by pharmacists acting in various pharmaceutical practice scenarios. It was found that the available instruments were developed or adapted from others, with variation in the methods, constructs, dimensions, and domains, as well as the psychometric properties. Most of the instruments addressed community pharmacies, and evidence of content validity and internal structure was found most frequently. A standardized and validated instrument that comprehensively assessed the performance of the clinical pharmacist, addressing clinical activities, was not identified for all practice environments.
Without standardized and validated instruments specifics to assess the performance of the clinical pharmacist, it is hard to establish the main clinical activities performed by pharmacists in their pharmaceutical practice environments and to propose training actions to improve professional practice. Despite the large number of instruments available and considered validated by the authors, it is questioned to what extent the validity indicators presented in the different studies really show the validation status.
Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD 42018099912.
The role of the pharmacist has evolved in recent decades. There is a change in the drug supply profile, moving towards patient-centered care in order to solve pharmacotherapeutic problems and improve the quality of life of patients. Thus, the clinical pharmacist must perform activities aimed at promoting the rational use of drugs, besides identifying, solving, and preventing potential and real problems related to pharmacotherapy and other health technologies having their practice redefined to carry out actions that meet the needs of people, family, caregivers, and the community .
Studies have demonstrated the expansion of this clinical role worldwide. In some countries such as Australia , the USA , and Germany , pharmacies are places where individuals obtain counseling on the management of the disease, review of the use of medication, prescription interventions, smoking cessation services, screening in the management of chronic diseases, and treatment of minor diseases. With this expanding practice scope, pharmacists are being recognized as key components in individualized patient care and as part of health teams . In this sense, many researchers have developed instruments with the aim of evaluating this new role.
Evaluation instruments are useful and capable of presenting scientifically satisfactory results only when show robust evidence of validity. Despite the number of evaluation scales and instruments being developed, many are not validated and reproducible . Validity was defined as “the degree to which evidence and theory support interpretations of test scores linked to the proposed uses of the tests” . The evidence required for validity depends critically on the proposed interpretation of the scores and the properties of the test scores .
Considering this fact, this review aimed to identify and analyze the instruments that evaluate the role of the clinical pharmacist in different scenarios of pharmaceutical practice, as well as to assess the evidence of validity and the quality of the methodological procedures adopted.
This review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)  under the protocol number CRD 42,018,099,912. We report this review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines  (Additional file 1).
Search strategy and eligibility criteria
The articles were searched by two independent researchers in February 2020. The searches were performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases, without time and language restrictions. Two reviewers (MOC and DPCQ) independently performed the selection of articles through the databases. The search strategy consisted of a combination of different terms and keywords from the following three domains: (1) professional, (2) instruments, and (3) professional practice. The complete search strategy is presented in Additional file 2.
The inclusion of the articles considered studies that used instruments to evaluate the performance of the clinical pharmacist, and they were simultaneously as follows: (1) studies performed in different pharmaceutical practice environments, such as community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and outpatient pharmacies, (2) studies that evaluated the clinical activity of the pharmacist, and (3) studies with measures of validity and reliability. We excluded studies that (1) assessed other pharmaceutical activities, such as management, (2) evaluated patient satisfaction, (3) assessed the perception of other health professionals, and (4) used non-validated instruments.
Study selection and data extraction
The selection of studies was based on the results of the research in the Mendeley Reference Manager software, with the removal of duplicates. Two reviewers (MOC and DPCQ) independently performed the selection of articles by reading the titles and abstracts. The selected texts were read in their entirety based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and those articles that met the criteria were included in the study. Discrepancies between reviewers were carefully analyzed and resolved by a third reviewer (MN), who is a senior researcher.
Extraction of data was performed independently by the same reviewers (MOC and DPCQ) utilizing an Excel sheet. The collected information was as follows: (1) authors, (2) country, (3) study design, (4) language, (5) objectives of the study, (6) scenario, (7) measurement instrument, (8) sample, (9) instrument construct, (10) dimensions and domains, (11) sections, and (12) items, validity, and reliability.
Assessment of methodological quality
The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using standardized tools for critical evaluation of the Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI-MAStARI) . Included studies were appraised by two reviewers (MOC, DPCQ) using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Discrepancies between reviewers were carefully analyzed and resolved by a third reviewer (MN). This checklist contains the following items: (1) the sample was appropriate to address the target population, (2) criteria for inclusion in the sample clearly defined, (3) adequate sample size, (4) study subjects and the setting described in detail, (5) analysis conducted with sufficient coverage of the identified sample, (6) outcomes measured in a valid way, (7) objective and standard criteria for measurement, and (8) appropriate statistical analysis. The critical evaluation checklists used in this study were intended for analytical cross-sectional studies (Additional file 3). The risk of bias was classified as high when the studies reached up to 49% of the “yes” score; moderate when they reached 50 to 69% of the “yes” score, and low when the studies reached more than 70% of “yes” score .
Assessment of psychometric quality
The assessment of the psychometric quality of methodological studies was carried out using the script of contemporary field of the state-of-the-art of psychometry [7, 8, 13]. Included studies were appraised by two reviewers (MOC, DPCQ). Discrepancies between reviewers were carefully analyzed and resolved by a third reviewer (MN). The five sources of validity evidence based for instruments considered for analysis were as follows: (1) content, (2) response process, (3) internal structure, (4) relations to other variables, and (5) consequences. Thus, the quality of each instrument for each study was assessed separately. They were classified according to the proposed criteria of the Cochrane Back Review Group  as strong (consistent positive results from multiple studies with good methodological quality or one study with excellent methodological quality), moderate (consistent positive results from multiple studies with fair methodological quality or one study with good methodological quality), limited (positive results from a study with fair methodological quality), conflicting (conflicting results from individual studies), or unknown (results from studies with poor methodological quality with an unknown level of evidence).
The initial search results in 4096 records were identified in databases. Additional records were identified after reviewing reference lists with the inclusion of four studies. After removing 1018 duplicates, 3082 titles and abstract were reviewed, and 2909 articles were excluded. A total of 173 articles were included in full article review, and 32 publications were included in the final review (Fig. 1).
Characteristics of the studies
The characteristics of the 32 studies are presented in Additional file 4. The year of publication ranged from 1994 to 2018 [15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46], and the study published in 1994  was the first to be identified that used a questionnaire to investigate the involvement of community pharmacists in education and disease prevention activities. As for the language, 31 studies were published in English [15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46] and one in Spanish . The sample size ranged from 69 to 4696 pharmacists [15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46].
Regarding the country of publication, the instruments were developed in North America (11 studies: 6 in Canada and 5 in the USA), Asia (11 studies: 3 in Qatar, 1 in Pakistan, 1 in Jordan, 1 in Malaysia, 1 in China, 1 in Thailand, 1 in Saudi Arabia, 1 in Indonesia, and 1 in Kuwait), Europe (7 studies: 2 in the UK countries, 1 in Denmark, 1 in Belgium, 1 in Spain, 1 in Serbia, and 1 comprising several European countries), Africa (2 studies in Sudan), and Oceania (1 study in Australian countries).
As for the study type, 22 were classified as methodological and cross-sectional, 5 methodological studies, and 5 cross-sectional studies. In methodological and cross-sectional studies, the creation of the instruments came from literature review, literature review and/or based on documents (standards, laws), and literature review and experts and authors’ consensus. Concerning the methodological studies that developed new instruments, the authors used qualitative (interviews/focus group) and quantitative approaches. In the five cross-sectional studies, the instruments came from adapted versions of other existing instruments.
Characteristics of the instruments
The instruments are divided into “general” or “specific” according to the approached construct. Among the general instruments, ten instruments addressing pharmaceutical care [15, 17, 18, 20,21,22,23,24] were identified, and they evaluated the following: frequency in the identification and resolution of medication-related problems (assessment of the patient, monitoring of therapy, process documentation, and collaboration with other health professionals), attitudes in the practice of pharmaceutical care, and barriers to involvement in pharmaceutical care.
Regarding the specific instruments, they were divided into specific health/disease conditions (n = 9) and services/activities (n = 13). The instruments aimed at specific conditions evaluated the performance of the pharmacist for disease conditions [26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33] such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy/lactation, mental illness, smoking, and chronic diseases. In these instruments, the following issues were addressed: involvement in self-care services (counseling on therapies and diseases), dispensing activities, involvement in counseling in healthy living promotion, patient education, attitudes in providing services/activities, and the main barriers identified.
Regarding the specific instruments for services/activities [34,35,36,37, 39,40,41,42,43,44,45], the following were identified: instruments for education and health promotion, counseling in drug disposal, medication monitoring, reporting of adverse reactions, involvement in patient safety, acting on prescriptions, involvement in clinical research activities, drug therapy management service, pharmacotherapy follow-up service, immunization service, and oral health.
Regarding the location of practice, most of the studies were focused on pharmacists working in community pharmacies (n = 22). The others focused on hospital pharmacies (n = 4), different practice environments (n = 3), primary care pharmacies (n = 1), community and hospital pharmacies (n = 1), and community and outpatient pharmacies (n = 1).
In general, in relation to the structure, the instruments showed variations in the number of items (12 to 101 items). As for the sections, there was a variation between 2 and 6 sections, with 12 instruments not reporting the quantity, and regarding the domains and/or dimensions, only 13 instruments described and reported the quantities. Regarding validity, most studies presented information on content and internal structure.
Quality of psychometric properties of instruments
The instruments were assessed for the five sources of validity evidence, which correspond to the content, the response process, the internal structure, other variables, and the consequences. In the analysis, not all presented the sources of evidence described, and the one that presented the best evidence was the BPCS instrument, as shown in Table 1.
Methodological quality of the included studies
The studies were evaluated for methodological quality, as presented in Table 2. In the eight evaluated quality domains, eight studies met five or more quality criteria, and the others (n = 19) had less than five criteria assessed. The most common failed quality criterion by the studies was not having well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and not assessing confounding factors.
No other systematic review seeking to identify instruments to evaluate the performance of the clinical pharmacist in different pharmaceutical practice environments was found during this study. Thirty-two studies were included, and 32 instruments were identified to be used by pharmacists acting in various pharmaceutical practice scenarios. The instruments varied in terms of type (general and specific, according to the approached constructs), methods used (from literature review to mixed methods), and items, dimensions and domains, and psychometric properties (validity and reliability).
To our knowledge, there has been no instrument so far that assesses the role of clinical pharmacists in different environments of pharmaceutical practice. In this sense, there are some opportunities for future research, with the development of instruments that comprehensively assess the role of clinical pharmacists. Moreover, it can be applicable to all practice scenarios, and that it has standardized scales to compare studies.
A different approach was taken in this review compared to that in other studies, in which all instruments, regardless of the practice scenario, were analyzed. In another study, in which the objective was to evaluate instruments in clinical pharmaceutical practice, the authors Alshakrah, Steinke, and Lewis  limited the practice environment by selecting the instruments for the hospital environment. However, considering that clinical pharmacy covers not only hospital environments, our study sought to identify the tools for other environments, such as community and outpatient pharmacies.
In addition, the diversity of approaches to measuring pharmaceutical practice was broad for most analyzed criteria, particularly concerning the constructs and practice scenarios of interest for each study. This may be related to the different levels of knowledge and experience of pharmacists in each region of the country. This depends on the obtained training, additional qualifications in clinical pharmacy, and their individual fields of interest. For example, some pharmacists are active in the field of acute illness treatment, whereas others prefer to focus on chronic diseases, in addition to the different types of clinical services offered .
Regarding the construct, in the included studies, some instruments were aimed at evaluating the pharmaceutical performance in specific chronic diseases. Considering these instruments, studies that evaluated the performance of the pharmacist in the management of diabetes [25,26,27], cardiovascular diseases , and mental illnesses [29, 31] prevailed. In some cases, the country’s legislation emphasizes the necessity of involving pharmacists in the follow-up of chronic diseases .
Owing to this extensive approach, many of the instruments included were developed by the authors themselves as a secondary objective of the study. Therefore, 27 of them were classified as methodological and cross-sectional. In the analysis of the method, it was found that some authors did not describe the method, and others classified the studies only as cross-sectional. Considering that some of these studies developed instruments and followed criteria of validity and reliability, these were classified as methodological and cross-sectional.
For the development of these instruments, different methodologies were used, and the literature review with the adaptation of items from other studies was the most used type for the creation of the instruments’ items. Besides this technique, the literature review, combined with expert’s consensus techniques that were used for the development of some instruments in this study, was also reported in another review .
Some studies adapted validated instruments available in the literature, including the behavioral pharmaceutical care scale (BPCS), Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture (PSOPSC), and Diabetes Attitude Scale (DAS). The BPCS instrument  was the most extensively examined regarding the psychometric properties and the one offering more robust statistical results, being used and mentioned in many other studies. However, this instrument is to be applied only in the community pharmaceutical practice environment, which limits its use. The advantages of utilizing validated instruments include psychometric measures like validity and reliability, allowing the comparison of different studies. However, the limitations of the use of these instruments refer to the difficulties in finding an instrument for local use and meeting the proposed objectives. Furthermore, the adapted instruments did not follow the cross-cultural adaptation methodology.
Regarding the structure and the instruments dimension, the sample size in psychometric studies is based on the number of items in the instrument and aims to provide greater assurance in their analysis and quality [50, 51]. A sample of ten participants per item is considered acceptable, but there are studies that prove that twenty or more can significantly reduce error and inaccuracies in the solution of psychometric models, such as percentage of samples with correct factorial structure, average number of items classified incorrectly in the wrong factor, average error in eigenvalues, average error in factorial loads, the percentage of analyses that does not converge after 250 interactions, and percentage with Heywood cases .
The limitation in the sample requires that initial minimum parameters of adequacy, such as factorial loads, commonality, and the goodness-of-fit indexes, are greater than in studies with larger samples. In only two of the 32 articles analyzed, the ratio between the number of participants for each item of the instrument was greater than 20:1, and in five articles, the ratio was 10: 1. However, no study has reported whether the sample size was determined and whether this fact also guided the establishment of the minimum parameters model.
As for the reliability measure, most studies used Cronbach’s alpha with acceptable values within the established criteria. This coefficient depends on the magnitude of the correlation between the items and the number of items on the instrument . Many studies have criticized the use of alpha without considering the nature and distribution of the data and the sample size, especially in samples involving more than 1000 participants [54, 55]. The use of McDonald’s Omega and greatest lower bound is preferable when there is data asymmetry, even in small samples and where high alpha values do not necessarily mean greater reliability and quality of the scales or tests, because they can be the result of long scales with parallel and redundant items or generate a restriction in the construct under study [56, 57].
Also, of the 32 studies analyzed, three performed test–retest reliability and did not validate the instrument’s construct. Bertchold 2016  questions the use of the reliability term in the test–retest, reinforcing that Pearson’s correlation is a measure of association and not of reliability. Another way to clarify the reliability of an instrument and the possibility of guaranteeing its quality in different contexts is through invariance tests.
In this review, different instruments were identified to measure the performance of the clinical pharmacist, but several weaknesses were detected in the available instruments. According to the parameters and evidence criteria, few have undergone validation procedures with satisfactory results. Many authors refer to evidence from only one or two sources, such as reliability or correlation with the scores of another instrument, to support the validity of interpretations and, therefore, should be used with caution .
Concerning the methodological quality of the included cross-sectional studies, 55% of the studies had a high risk of bias. The JBI checklist addresses critical issues of internal and external validity that should be considered when assessing the validity of study prevalence data . Therefore, the high risk of bias in these studies allows us to have more consistent and reliable conclusions from the data obtained, with important implications for data comparison.
Despite the large number of instruments available and considered validated by the authors, it is questioned to what extent the validity indicators presented in the different studies really show the validation status. We would like to highlight a potential limitation which need to be considered by the readers. The choice of two databases may have restricted the selection of more articles. In the selected databases, some studies may not have been found, as they are not indexed in the databases. On the other hand, as a strong point, we highlight that this is the first systematic review which has comprehensively synthesized existing evidence of performance of the clinical pharmacist in different pharmaceutical practice environments. Moreover, this dimensional approach allowed for a holistic view and a comparison between different instruments that assess clinical pharmacist performance. Furthermore, broad search strategies were run, which ensured a large number of studies were identified in field of clinical pharmacy.
Thirty-two instruments which evaluated the role of the clinical pharmacist in different pharmaceutical practice scenarios, with weakness in the psychometric properties of the instruments and in the methodological quality of the studies. Also, a standardized and validated instrument that comprehensively assessed the performance of the clinical pharmacist, addressing clinical activities, was not identified for all practice environments. Thus, it is hard to establish the main clinical activities performed by pharmacists in their pharmaceutical practice environments and to propose training actions to improve professional practice.
Availability of data and materials
“All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article [and its supplementary information files].”
Behavioral pharmaceutical care scale
Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture
Diabetes Attitude Scale
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Trizano-Hermosilla I, Alvarado JM. Best alternatives to Cronbach’s alpha reliability in realistic conditions: congeneric and asymmetrical measurements. Front Psychol. 2016;7:769. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00769.
Panayides P, Walker MJ. Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale for Cypriot senior high school EFL students: the Rasch measurement approach. Eur J Psychol. 2013;9:493–516.
Berchtold A. Test–retest: agreement or reliability? Methodol Innov. 2016;9:205979911667287. https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799116672875.
Cook DA, Beckman TJ. Current concepts in validity and reliability for psychometric instruments: theory and application. Am J Med. 2006;119:166.e7-16 [PubMed].
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To the Federal University of Goiás and Federal Institute Goiano for their support.
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Chagas, M.O., de Mendonça Lima, T., Rebustini, F. et al. Instruments to assess the role of the clinical pharmacist: a systematic review. Syst Rev 11, 175 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-02031-1


text:
High quality aerial surveying for comprehensive data collection.
You, the farmer, have made a considerable investment in your orchard. An investment of time and money. You do your best to look after your investment. You fertilize, irrigate, prune and use pesticides when appropriate.
And yet it may happen that trees in the orchard may suffer from disease, pests or even inappropriate irrigation without you knowing, because these suboptimal conditions may be hard to detect. We can help. We proudly to introduce Bonavide’s aerial orchard view monitoring programme – easy-to-use and affordable tools to monitor the health status of your orchard.
Bonavide’s aerial orchard view monitoring programme serves as a tool to the farmer to assist in understanding its orchard. Bonavide provides drone imagery and the analysis thereof as well as selecting the best options in each case.
We are proud to offer low-cost orchard monitoring solutions tailored to your needs. Our reports are always up-to-date and present the situation on the land within three or less days. You can’t manage what you don’t know. Use Bonavide’s aerial orchard view monitoring programme and improve the management of your orchard. Contact us today for more information. Bonavide: Innovation that flies.
Allow For Regular Assesments

domain: agronomy


text:
WHITE PIGEON, MI -- Between 2001 and 2007, voters in White Pigeon Community Schools defeated six proposals for multimillion-bond issues to improve school facilities.
But in November 2007, district residents narrowly approved a tax increase: A 3-mill sinking fund that initially generated about $800,000 a year.
That tax is due is expire, and voters will decide May 8 whether to renew the millage for another five years.
The tax now generates about $1 million a year. If renewed, the revenues for the first year would go for infrastructure upgrades at Central Elementary, including new whiteboards, renovation of the school restrooms and a new driveway to improve safety, among other projects.
Slated for later years are upgrades at the junior/senior high school, including installation of new technology, infrastructure repairs and remodeling of the school's science labs.
District officials have stressed that the request on the May 8 ballot does not involve a tax increase and the money cannot be used for salaries or other school operations.
School officials also point out that White Pigeon's tax for capital projects is low compared to surrounding districts.
Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Absentee ballots can be obtained through an individual's city or township clerk. In addition, local election clerks are required to have their offices open this Saturday to distribute absentee ballots.
residents can see if they are registered to vote, find a location of
their voting precinct and get a copy of their ballot by looking online
The school district covers all or portions of White Pigeon, Sherman, Mottville, Florence and Constantine townships in St. Joseph County, and Mason and Porter townships in Cass County.Julie Mack is a reporter for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.org or 269-350-0277, or follow her on Twitter at Twitter.com/kzjuliemack For all posts by Julie Mack, click here.

domain: news


text:
how would you do this deal? - Posted by verbatim
Posted by verbatim on October 29, 2003 at 11:28:26:
Im trying to figure out how i would go about this. Please help:
If you had a seller who agreed to sell a free and clear property for $107,000 if I gave him $30,000 down.
He?d carry $77,000 at 7% interest, or about $700 a month for 15 years.
It needed $20,000 in repairs and would resell for $169,500 with owner financing after it?s fixed up. [or $153,636 is the ARV]
Before closing & loan costs thats 26k in equity if you retail @ 100% of arv, & 43k if you L/O it
How I would go about getting a loan for repairs and downpayment only,
since the seller has agreed to have their note in a second position behind any loans i get for repairs & the down?
I’ve talked to 1 ‘hard $’ company that said they loan on the purchase price & repairs up to 70% arv with 14% interest,
& they usually steer away from 2nd liens over 10K because if they foreclose the seller would loose their second lien.
And how would you do the deal?
Any assistance given would be greatly appreciated>

domain: economics


The Definition For Snap Action Switch
A miniature snap-action switch is a kind of switch with a very sensitive spring and magnetic travel. It has a small gap of contact and snaps action structure. It switches on and off by certain travel and force, is covered with a shell, and is equipped with an external lever. It is also named a sensitive switch for the small contact gap.
In electronics, we call it SM. But how is it operated?
The mechanical force will transfer by component, such as button, lever, roller, etc. When the force reaches the lever and the spring moves to the critical point, it has to produce snap action, so the end of the spring lever will quickly connect or cut off.
When the force is moved out, the spring will produce reversed force, transfer to the critical point, and suddenly produce reversed snap-action. The contact gap of the snap action switch is small, and the action travel is short; operation force is small, but with a snap, action for “on and off”.
Currently, the mechanical life of the snap action switch varies based on different requirements. The mechanical cycles range from 30 thousand to 10 million. Usually, life is 100 thousand, 200 thousand, 500 thousand, and 800 thousand cycles.
The spring is made of beryllium bronze, tin bronze, and stainless steel in the domestic market. Different brands and the materials to make spring are various. The price will be different for different materials, so the price of the snap action switch will also verify. Top snap action brands from the EU, America, and Japan are taking the leading role in the world. The materials of spring they select for the snap action switch are different.
Unionwell: A professional micro switch supplier
Unionwell is a professional snap action switch supplier, and we pursue to make the high-quality snap action switch with a new design; we would like to answer your questions and also welcome to login into our website:https://www.unionwellswitch.com/ for more options or send us an email on this address: email@example.com.


3) Dr. Dre – $40 million (Brentwood, California)
Dr. Dre is today a proud owner of Tom Brady-Gisele Bundchen’s $40 million mansion. That is a hefty chunk of change for the lavish digs on four acres located in Brentwood, California. The couple’s mansion has five bedrooms, a mote, nine bathrooms, a sauna, a gymnasium, an infinity pool and balconies. The mansion was listed for a staggering $50 million.


text:
Elevate your dabs with Golden Coast
Get some terpene flavoured goodness with this clear from Golden Coast. Boasting an average 97-99% THC content per syringe this stuff is no laughing matter.
The first thing you will notice about clear is its appearance! It looks different from any other concentrate on the market, and the texture is unique as it can be stirred very easily and has the consistency of honey; it sticks to everything it touches too!
These concentrates are actually a runny consistency because of the presence of terpenes. In its pure form, THC is not an opaque solid. It is actually more of a hard jelly or sap. The presence of terpenes in brings the consistency to a more liquid state.

domain: chemistry


text:
Retiring in Las Cruces, New Mexico is like finding a hidden treasure in the desert. With its warm climate, breathtaking natural beauty, and low cost of living, it's no wonder why many retirees are drawn to this vibrant community.
However, like any place, Las Cruces has its pros and cons. Limited healthcare options and a lack of cultural amenities are some factors to consider.
But with its close proximity to El Paso, retirees can easily access additional resources and attractions.
- Warm climate with over 350 days of sunshine annually
- Affordable cost of living, including lower housing costs and affordable dining options
- Limited access to healthcare facilities and specialists, leading to longer wait times and potential shortages
- Lack of cultural amenities compared to larger metropolitan areas, with limited options for art, museums, and theaters
One of the main advantages of retiring in Las Cruces, New Mexico is the consistently warm climate throughout the year. With over 350 days of sunshine annually, Las Cruces is a haven for those who prefer a warm and sunny retirement. The average high temperature in the summer months hovers around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and gardening. Even during the winter months, Las Cruces experiences mild temperatures, with average highs in the mid-60s. This means that retirees can enjoy the benefits of outdoor living all year round.
The warm climate in Las Cruces also has health benefits for retirees. The abundance of sunshine allows for an ample supply of Vitamin D, which is important for bone health and overall well-being. The dry climate can also be beneficial for those with respiratory issues, as it helps to alleviate symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Additionally, the warm weather encourages an active and healthy lifestyle, as retirees can engage in outdoor exercises and physical activities without the hindrance of cold temperatures or inclement weather.
Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Las Cruces, New Mexico is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The city is surrounded by scenic desert landscapes and stunning mountain views. Retirees can enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the desert, with picturesque sunsets and wide-open spaces. The majestic Organ Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, offering opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploring the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Scenic Desert Landscapes
The mesmerizing desert landscapes of Las Cruces, New Mexico offer retirees an awe-inspiring natural beauty to enjoy. With its stunning vistas and breathtaking sunsets, the scenic desert landscapes of Las Cruces provide a unique and captivating experience for those looking to retire in this area.
The city is surrounded by vast stretches of desert, dotted with majestic mountains and cacti, creating a picturesque backdrop for daily life. Retirees can take leisurely walks or hikes through the desert, immersing themselves in the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings.
The ever-changing colors of the desert, from vibrant oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples, offer a visual feast for the eyes. Additionally, the peacefulness and solitude of the desert can provide a sense of calm and relaxation, allowing retirees to fully embrace the beauty of nature.
Stunning Mountain Views
With its stunning mountain views, Las Cruces, New Mexico offers retirees a breathtaking natural beauty to enjoy. Nestled in the picturesque Mesilla Valley, this charming city is surrounded by majestic peaks, creating a captivating backdrop for residents to admire.
The Organ Mountains to the east, with their rugged and dramatic formations, provide a striking contrast to the desert landscape. As the sun sets, the mountains' hues transform, painting the sky with vibrant shades of orange and purple. Whether taking a leisurely stroll or sipping coffee on the porch, retirees can soak in the tranquility and serenity that these mountains provide.
The awe-inspiring vistas inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the wonders of nature, making Las Cruces an idyllic retirement destination for those seeking stunning mountain views.
Low Cost of Living
Retirees in Las Cruces, New Mexico can enjoy the affordability of everyday expenses, making the low cost of living a significant advantage. With a lower cost of living compared to many other retirement destinations in the United States, retirees can stretch their retirement savings further and live comfortably. Housing costs in Las Cruces are notably lower than the national average, whether one chooses to rent or buy a home. Additionally, utilities, groceries, and healthcare expenses in Las Cruces are also more affordable compared to the national average. This means that retirees can maintain a high quality of life without having to worry about their finances.
The low cost of living in Las Cruces allows retirees to have more disposable income for leisure activities and hobbies. They can take advantage of the numerous recreational opportunities that the area offers, such as hiking, golfing, and exploring the nearby national parks. Retirees can also indulge in the vibrant arts and culture scene in Las Cruces, which includes galleries, theaters, and music festivals.
Furthermore, the low cost of living allows retirees to afford dining out and enjoying the local cuisine without breaking the bank. Overall, the low cost of living in Las Cruces, New Mexico makes it an attractive retirement destination for those looking to make the most of their retirement savings while enjoying a high quality of life.
Limited Healthcare Options
Despite the limited healthcare options, retirees in Las Cruces, New Mexico must carefully consider their medical needs and access to healthcare services. While Las Cruces offers a variety of retirement amenities, including a low cost of living and pleasant weather, the availability and quality of healthcare options can be a concern for some retirees.
Las Cruces is a small city with a population of approximately 101,000 people. As a result, the number of healthcare facilities and specialists may be limited compared to larger cities. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and a potential shortage of certain medical services.
Furthermore, Las Cruces is located in a rural area, which can pose challenges for retirees seeking specialized medical care. For complex procedures or treatments, retirees may need to travel to larger cities like El Paso, Texas, which is about an hour's drive away.
However, Las Cruces does have a hospital and several primary care clinics that provide basic healthcare services. The city also has a strong community health center network, offering affordable healthcare options to low-income individuals and families.
Retirees considering Las Cruces as their retirement destination should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and determine if the limited options in the area align with their requirements. It's advisable to research the availability of specialists, access to emergency services, and the quality of healthcare facilities before making a final decision.
Lack of Cultural Amenities
Las Cruces, New Mexico, unfortunately, lacks in cultural amenities, which may disappoint retirees seeking a vibrant arts scene and a variety of cultural events. With limited options for art galleries, museums, and theaters, the city may not provide the cultural experiences that some retirees desire.
This lack of cultural amenities can be a downside for those looking to immerse themselves in a rich and diverse cultural environment during their retirement years.
Limited Arts Scene
In Las Cruces New Mexico, retirees may find limited access to cultural amenities. While the city offers a rich history and a vibrant community, it lacks a robust arts scene compared to larger metropolitan areas. Retirees who are seeking a diverse range of cultural activities such as museums, art galleries, and theater performances may find themselves disappointed.
Although Las Cruces does have a few art galleries and small theaters, the options may be limited and not as varied as retirees might expect. This can be a drawback for those who value a thriving arts and cultural scene as part of their retirement lifestyle.
However, it's worth noting that Las Cruces is located near larger cities like El Paso, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico, which offer more extensive cultural amenities and can be easily accessed for day trips or weekend getaways.
Few Cultural Events
Retirees in Las Cruces, New Mexico may experience a scarcity of cultural events and amenities. While the area offers a multitude of outdoor recreational activities and natural beauty, some retirees may find themselves longing for a more vibrant cultural scene.
Here are a few reasons why Las Cruces may have a lack of cultural amenities:
- Limited number of museums and art galleries, making it difficult for retirees to indulge in their love for arts and history.
- Few theaters and performance venues, resulting in a limited selection of live shows and concerts.
- Minimal presence of cultural festivals and events, leaving retirees with fewer opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture.
It's important for retirees considering Las Cruces as their retirement destination to weigh the benefits of the area's natural beauty against the potential lack of cultural events and amenities.
Vibrant Retirement Community
Many retirees find that Las Cruces, New Mexico offers a vibrant retirement community where they can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle. With its warm climate, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse range of recreational activities, Las Cruces provides retirees with numerous opportunities to stay engaged and socialize with like-minded individuals.
One of the main reasons why Las Cruces is known for its vibrant retirement community is the abundance of outdoor activities available. Retirees can explore the nearby Organ Mountains or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city's many golf courses. They can also take advantage of the city's extensive trail system, perfect for hiking, biking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll.
Additionally, Las Cruces boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, offering retirees the chance to immerse themselves in the community's rich heritage. The city hosts various art galleries, theaters, and museums, providing plenty of opportunities to appreciate local talent and learn about the region's history.
Moreover, Las Cruces is home to numerous retirement communities and active adult neighborhoods, where retirees can find like-minded individuals and participate in various social activities. These communities often offer amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and organized events, ensuring that retirees can maintain an active and vibrant lifestyle.
Close Proximity to El Paso
Las Cruces, New Mexico offers retirees the convenience of being just a short distance away from the bustling city of El Paso. This close proximity to El Paso brings a multitude of benefits for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in Las Cruces.
Here are three reasons why the close proximity to El Paso is a major advantage for retirees:
- Shopping and Entertainment: El Paso is a vibrant city with a wide range of shopping malls, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Retirees in Las Cruces can easily drive to El Paso to indulge in a day of shopping or catch a show at one of the many theaters.
- Healthcare Facilities: El Paso is home to several top-notch healthcare facilities, including renowned hospitals and specialized medical centers. This means that retirees in Las Cruces have access to quality healthcare services without having to travel far.
- International Airport: El Paso International Airport is conveniently located just a short drive from Las Cruces. This makes it easy for retirees to travel domestically or internationally, whether it's to visit family and friends or embark on exciting adventures.
The close proximity to El Paso allows retirees in Las Cruces to enjoy the best of both worlds – the peaceful charm of a smaller city and the amenities and conveniences of a larger metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Temperature in Las Cruces Throughout the Year?
The average temperature in Las Cruces throughout the year is pleasant, with warm summers and mild winters. It is an ideal climate for retirees who enjoy a comfortable year-round weather.
Are There Any Popular Hiking Trails or Outdoor Recreational Activities in the Area?
Las Cruces, New Mexico offers a variety of popular hiking trails and outdoor recreational activities. One interesting statistic is that the city has over 350 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
How Affordable Is Housing in Las Cruces Compared to Other Retirement Destinations?
Housing affordability in Las Cruces, compared to other retirement destinations, is a key consideration for retirees. Prices vary, but overall, Las Cruces offers a more affordable housing market, making it an attractive option for retirement.
What Healthcare Options Are Available in Las Cruces for Retirees?
In Las Cruces, retirees have access to a range of healthcare options. Hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical services cater to their needs. The city's healthcare system ensures retirees receive quality care and support.
Are There Any Cultural Events or Attractions in Las Cruces That Cater to Retirees?
There are cultural events and attractions in Las Cruces that cater to retirees. They can enjoy art galleries, museums, and music festivals. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene for retirees to explore and engage with.

domain: travel


Alpheton harpist and former supply teacher jailed for sexually assaulting schoolboy
A world-renowned harpist from Alpheton has been jailed for sexually assaulting a schoolboy in the 1980s.
Harpist Danielle Perrett, 59, and former Suffolk schoolteacher Richard Barton-Wood, 68, were found guilty of a combined total of 14 offences at Ipswich Crown Court on January 31, following a four-week trial.
Both defendants denied all the offences – which relate to a single victim – but were found guilty by a majority verdict following a day of jury deliberations.
They appeared at the court again on Tuesday, when they were each sentenced to four years nine months’ prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
Perrett, of Bridge Street, Alpheton, was convicted of six counts of indecent assault against a boy under 16, between 1983 and 1985.
Barton-Wood, of Church Street, Wymondham, was convicted of seven counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted indecent assault against a boy under 16 between 1982 and 1985.
The victim reported the assaults to police in January 2016 and the offenders were charged in May 2017.
Detective Inspector Claire Burgess said: “The victim has been incredibly brave in contacting us and reliving the horrors of the assaults he was subjected to and I personally want to thank him for working so openly and honestly with our detectives, on what has been a very complex investigation.”


text:
National Healthcare is Fast Approaching. Are you ready?
How are you going to afford it? We may be able to help. June 28, 2012 will go down in history as the day the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional. It does not matter which political party you support. It does not matter whether you agree with […]

domain: politics


text:
carlyle group/the (CG:NASDAQ GS)
Managing Director,The Carlyle Group LP
|Age||Total Calculated Compensation||This person is connected to 0 board members in 0 different organizations across 1 different industries.|
Mr. Han Chen serves as a Managing Director at The Carlyle Group. Mr. Chen joined Carlyle in 2004 as a Vice President. He focuses on real estate opportunities in China and is a part of the real assets fund segment. He serves as an Investment Manager of Finistere Ventures, LLC. Mr. Chen serves as also an Investment Manager at Finistere Partners, LLC. He joined Finistere Partners in 2005 and has a strong business discipline focused on the commercialization and funding of ...
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWPhone: 202-729-5626
Washington, District Of Columbia 20004
Board Members Memberships*There is no Board Members Memberships data available.
University of California
The University of Chicago
Graduate School of International Relations & Pacific Studies
University of International Relations Beijing
Annual Compensation*There is no Annual Compensation data available.
Stock Options*There is no Stock Options data available.
Total Compensation*There is no Total Compensation data available.
|Sean Michael Healey J.D.||Chairman and Chief Executive Officer|
Affiliated Managers Group Inc.
|Joseph A. Sullivan||Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Member of Finance Committee|
Legg Mason Inc.
|Alfred P. West Jr.||Chairman and Chief Executive Officer|
SEI Investments Co.
|Martin L. Flanagan CFA, CPA||Chief Executive Officer, President and Director|
|Lambertus J. H. Becht||Chairman, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Member of Remuneration & Nomination Committee|
|--||Compensation as of Fiscal Year 2014.|


*Nomination Of Candidates Ends December 18
The Federal High Court has announced that it will soon consider candidates for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court.
This is contained in a Notice titled “APPOINTMENT OF SIX (6) ADDITIONAL JUDGES FOR THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT BENCH” signed by the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Honourable Justice John T. Tsoho, and sighted by ASKLEGALPALACE.
It reads in part, “I write to inform Your Lordships, the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and President of the Nigerian Bar Association that the consideration of candidates for possible appointment as judges of the Federal High Court will soon commence.”
Addressees of the Notice include the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Presidents of the Court of Appeal and National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Attorney-General of the Federation, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Judges of the 36 states of the Federation including FCT, Presidents of the Customary Courts of Appeal of states and FCT and Grand Khadis of various States.
Hon. Justice Tsoho urged them to recommend qualified persons on or before December 18
The decision is in line with the NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the appointment of judicial officers of Superior Courts.
“I, therefore, invite Your Lordships, the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and President of the Nigerian Bar Association to kindly nominate suitably qualified persons for appointment to the Federal High Court Bench.
“Your recommendations should reach my Chambers, latest by the 18th December, 2020.” the Notice reads.


Russia’s Gazprom may have leveraged its dominant position by obtaining unrelated commitments on pipelines from its customers, as a condition of supplying gas to Bulgaria and Poland, says Margrethe Vestager.
Margrethe Vestager is the EU’s Commissioner for Competition. She spoke to EURACTIV’s Georgi Gotev and Sarantis Michalopoulos.
Why are there still EU countries with energy monopolies, and how does this affect energy cost?
We all benefit from competitive energy market conditions, because utilities try to become more efficient than their rivals, by keeping costs down and offering better services. Many different factors affect the price of energy, but typically prices are lower in countries that have competitive energy markets.
EU law aims to remove obstacles to competition in energy markets. The department of the European Commission I lead enforces these rules throughout the EU. In some EU countries, competition conditions are not good yet, and we need to work on that. However, we can only create the conditions for competition, not competition itself. That is the task of competitors.
What is the main challenge for the European Commission regarding Greece’s electricity market?
Competition in Greek electricity markets is very limited. This affects generation and wholesale supply, and also the supply that reaches end consumers, which is virtually a monopoly. This is bad news for consumers and for the economy. Clearly, there is a need to strengthen competition.
The Commission reached this conclusion in a 2008 decision, which concluded that PPC had quasi-exclusive access to lignite – the cheapest fuel in Greece – and called on Greece to extend access to competitors too. That decision is currently before the EU courts. In general, it is important for competition that Greece has the right regulatory framework and a strong and independent regulator.
Last year, the Commission informed Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) that the territorial restrictions on resale contained in BEH’s electricity supply contracts for the unregulated Bulgarian wholesale electricity market may breach EU antitrust rules. In a separate investigation, the Commission is investigating whether BEH’s gas supply subsidiary, Bulgargaz, and its gas infrastructure subsidiary, Bulgartransgaz, might be hindering competitors from accessing key gas infrastructure, in breach of EU antitrust rules. What is the status of these procedures?
In both cases we informed the companies of the objections raised against them and we are following our procedures – strictly, as we always do – before taking the next steps. Our objections in the electricity case were sent to BEH in August 2014. Currently, we are analysing the replies we have received. In the gas case, the Commission sent its objections to BEH, Bulgargaz and Bulgartransgaz in March 2015. All three companies now have the right to reply in writing and to request an oral hearing.
In June 2014, the Bulgarian energy regulator asked the Commission to investigate if renewable energy producers in Bulgaria are receiving excessive state aid. What is happening following this request?
The Commission received the concerns from the Energy Regulator that the support levels were set too high in the Bulgarian renewable support scheme. As the Bulgarian authorities did not notify the scheme, the Commission is currently collecting all the information it needs to assess whether the Bulgarian support scheme is in line with state aid rules.
Having said this, I would like to emphasise that the Commission supports the promotion of renewable energy generation and their integration in the market. However, we must ensure that such promotion does not result in overcompensation and undue negative effects on European energy markets.
Bulgaria has also sent a complaint to the Commission concerning possible unlawful state aid to two US-owned thermal power plants.
In this case, Bulgaria’s Energy Regulator had concerns that the long-term agreements for the purchase of electricity from two power plants were concluded at too high prices, which could be against state aid rules. We have contacted Bulgarian authorities to receive more information about the contracts.
The contracts were concluded a long time ago, and we understand they are being renegotiated. We have not reached any conclusion yet if state aid is involved. If it is, the Commission will make sure that the aid is compatible with the internal market and does not lead to undue distortions.
Anything else you would like to say regarding cases involving Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is one of the EU countries concerned by the Commission’s investigation of Gazprom’s possible abuse of dominance in the gas supply sector. Gazprom received a Statement of Objections expressing our concerns in April 2015.
The preliminary view is that Gazprom is implementing a strategy to partition several markets in Central and Eastern Europe by preventing its customers from reselling the gas cross-border. This has allowed Gazprom to charge unfair prices in certain member states, including Bulgaria. Gazprom may also have leveraged its dominant position by obtaining unrelated commitments on pipelines from its customers as a condition to supply gas to Bulgaria and Poland.
Recently, the Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, Natig Aliyev, expressed concerns about the European Commission’s delay to decide if the deal with DESFA is compatible with EU law. Will the deal go ahead?
The Commission opened an in-depth investigation in November 2014 to see whether the proposed acquisition of DESFA by SOCAR impedes competition on the Greek gas market. The deadline for the Commission to make a decision between the DESFA and SOCAR was suspended on 21 January, and has not been restarted yet. As part of our process, we have sent questions to SOCAR, and we are waiting for the company send us complete and full replies. This means that it is premature to speculate on the final outcome of the review at this stage.


text:
Auteur: Adler, Nanci & Selma Leydesdorff & Mary Chamberlain & Leyla Neyzi
Titel: Memories of mass repression
Sub titel: Narrating life stories in the aftermath of atrocity
`Memories of Mass Repression' presents the results of researchers working with the voices of witnesses. Its stories include the witnesses, victims and survivors; they also reflect the subjective experience of the study of such narratives. The contributors are particularly interested in ways in which memory is created and molded. The interactions of different, even conflicting, memories of other individuals and society as a whole are considered.In writing the history of genocide, "emotional" memory and "objective" research are interwoven and inseparable. It is as much the historian's task to decipher witness accounts, as it is to interpret traditional written sources. These sometimes antagonistic narratives of memory fashioned and mobilized within public and private arenas, together with the ensuing conflicts, paradoxes, and contradictions that they unleash, are all part of efforts to come to terms with what happened. Mining memory is the only way in which we can hope to arrive at a truer, and less biased, historical account of events. Memory is at some level selective. Most believers in political movements that turned out to be the opposite of what they promised confront such emotions. When given a proper forum, stories that are in opposition to dominant memories, or in conflict with our own memories, can effectively battle collective forgetting.
2009, 363 pag., Euro 47,95
Transaction Publishers, Somerset, ISBN 9781412808538
This page last updated on: 13-1-2015

domain: library


text:
Singer, Actress. Born in Millwood, New York. In 1983, Vanessa Williams made history by becoming the first African-American woman to be named Miss America. One year later, she was stripped of her crown after Penthouse magazine published nude photos of her, taken years before.The controversy was only a minor set-back to her career. Williams persevered and has gone on to enjoy considerable success as both an actress and a singer. Her albums include 1988’s The Right Stuff, the multi-platinum The Comfort Zone(1992) featuring the #1 single “Save the Best for Last,” and 1994’s The Sweetest Days, and they have earned her nine Grammy nominations. Williams recorded the Oscar-winning song “Colors of the Wind,” from the Disney hit Pochahontas in 1995. In 1998 she released The Greatest Hits: The First Ten Years.
Her acting career also flourished. In 1994-5, she starred in Kiss of the Spider Woman on Broadway to great critical acclaim. She also starred in the box office hits Eraser(1996), with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hoodlum(1997), with Laurence Fishburne, Soul Food(1997), and 1998’s Dance With Me. In 2003, Williams signed on to guest star in 10 episodes of the NBC crime drama Boomtown.
Williams is the daughter of two music teachers, Milton and Helen Williams, and she pursued a degree in musical theater at Syracuse University. In 1996 she divorced Ramon Hervey, with whom she has three children, Jillian, Melanie, and Devin. She married NBA player Rick Fox in 1999; the couple has a daughter, Sasha Gabriella Fox. Fox filed for divorce in 2004

domain: entertainment


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Apologise to Sowore, Dasuki, others over rights abuse, Frank tells Buhari
• Don’t judge president by DSS’s mistakes, says Bamidele
• Labour commends FG for release
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to apologise to Omoyele Sowore, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and other detained Nigerians for infringing on their rights.
In a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday, Frank applauded the senators of the United States of America (USA) and the American government for putting pressure on Nigerian government to release the duo.Thanking Nigerians, especially human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who fought for justice even with threats to their lives, he argued that but for the pressure by the USA government, Sowore would still be languishing in Directorate of State Services (DSS’s) detention.
Declaring that, “Truly the American government is the police of the world,” he charged the USA, European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and all lovers of democracy including Nigerians in the Diaspora to assert more pressure on the Nigerian government to release other political prisoners in the country.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s government has succeeded in oppressing its citizens, no more freedom of speech and the right to association. Just a few days ago, General Buhari and APC thugs beat Deji Adeyanju to stupor.“The activist was beaten up for protesting against the continued detention of Sowore, yet the ruling party had the nerves to accuse the opposition of masterminding the attack, indeed this government is not only clueless, but shameless,” he stated.
Besides, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights, Opeyemi Bamidele, has appealed to Nigerians not to capitalise on the mistakes of the DSS to pass unseemly comments that could diminish the President Buhari’s government’s respect for the judiciary. Bamidele said Dasuki and Sowore’s release from detention had neutralised the claim that the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led government, was muzzling the judiciary.
The representative of Ekiti Central Senatorial District stressed that their release further corroborated President Buhari’s belief in the judiciary and as a bastion of democracy and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, organised labour has commended the Federal Government for the release of Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA) and Sowore, a civil rights activist from detention.A member of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Executive Council (NEC), Comrade Issa Aremu, said in in a statement yesterday, that “It is remarkable that the DSS has finally complied with the court orders directing it to release some detainees notably convener of #RevolutionNow protest, Sowore and Dasuki.“With this singular move, it should be assumed that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has resumed duties as the country’s chief law officer,” he said.

domain: law


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Industry Focus | Banking & Finance
Lenders, lawmakers wrestle with foreclosure bills
Industry fighting laws that would make it harder to foreclose, easier to be sued
- Robert Celaschi, Correspondent
When it comes to helping out folks with mortgage troubles, there are several ideas that homeowners, bankers, mortgage brokers and politicians can support. And plenty of others prompt nothing but division.
Give extra foreclosure protection to people serving in the military? A bill is zipping through the state Legislature with no opposition. Make sure people involved in a short sale of their homes don’t get taxed on the forgiven debt? Ditto. Sustain a ban on charging borrowers in advance for loan-modifications? Green lights all the way.
Other legislation provokes some discord, such as charging a $25 tax every time a lender files a notice of default, or raising the fine on owners of foreclosed property if they don’t maintain it well.
And when it comes to making it harder for mortgage holders to foreclose and easier for borrowers to sue their lenders, the real estate and financial services industry have united their voices in a protest song.
Conformity and extension
A few bills on the fast track are primarily to get California laws in synch with their federal counterparts and are moving with no opposition.
Assembly bills 2475 and 2476 are responses to changes in the federal Service Members Civil Relief Act. Foreclosures on the homes of military members had been prohibited for three months following the period of military service. New federal rules extended that to nine months. Likewise, federal law has capped the interest rate on mortgages at 6 percent for military members during their service and for a year afterward.
On the civilian side, AB 2225 extends the law protecting consumers from being subject to state income tax for debt forgiven resulting from a short sale or loan modification.
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Our counselors are available to you 24/7 to answer any questions you have and help you find the the treatment program that fits your needs.
All calls completely confidential.1-877-433-4192
Somebody that is fighting addiction has more than likely attempted to quit many times on their own and even tried rehabilitation in the past without any luck at staying abstinent. These cycles of abstinence and relapse are extremely common, nevertheless it doesn't mean that there isn't hope and the person will likely be a drug addict for the rest of their lives. What it means is that the person probably didn't have access to the ideal rehabilitation choice, which will be the rehabilitation center in Midway Park which appropriately matched their degree of rehab need. You see, someone that is very dependent and enslaved by drugs or alcohol isn't going to flourish within a facility that doesn't accommodate total immersion in to the rehabilitation course of action. Anyone who has access to drugs or alcohol, or who isn't in treatment long enough to handle the causes of their habit is just setting themselves up for relapse in nearly all cases.
For this reason inpatient and residential alcohol and drug rehab centers in Midway Park, North Carolina will be the quality rehabilitation choices that ought to be thought of above all others, and long-term rehabilitation is the duration of care provided which has been proven to increase the risk for the best outcomes. So anyone looking for quality rehab in Midway Park may wish to consider these options above all others, no matter the expense or sacrifice. All things considered, the individual is actually in a life or death circumstance and the outcome hangs within the balance of whether they receive helpful treatment. So you don't have to wait until someone reaches rock bottom, loved ones can take action now with the help of treatment professionals in a drug treatment center in Midway Park to get the process started right away. So pick up the telephone and consult with a treatment professional now.
Land Demographics, Midway Park, NC.Area: 6.6399998664856 Sq. Miles
Midway Park Education DemographicsIn Elem School: 487 (35.65 %)
Household and Income Statistics in: Midway Park, NC.Households: 2,362 Households%: 100.00 %
Local drug and alcohol treatment in Midway Park, NC.:
Jacksonville CBOC Fayetteville VAMC is located at 241 Freedom Way Drive Midway Park, NC. 28544. This is an Outpatient Drug Rehab Program specializing in Co-Occurring Mental And Substance Abuse Disorders. They accept Self Payment, Medicaid, Medicare, Private Insurance, Military Insurance.
The phone number is 910-353-6406.

domain: medical


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ALL CLEAR: Officials confirm Norman ‘suspicious package’ not a threat
UPDATE: All clear. Officials have confirmed the “suspicious package” reported at Stubbeman Village near the OU dorms is not a threat.
9:55 AM: Everything is all clear at Stubbeman Village. The package was not dangerous.
9:46 AM: We have no new information at this time. Please continue to follow this page and we will keep you advised.
9:27 AM: Avoid the west side of Stubbeman Village in the student residential area. Suspicious package found. Nature of it is being determined. We will keep you advised.
9:18 AM: OUPD Alert – Suspicious package, West side Stubbeman Village, avoid area.
NORMAN, Okla. – Authorities are investigating a suspicious package reported near the OU dorms at Stubbeman Village.
Officials said the package in question was reported just after 9 a.m.
The bomb squad is on the way.
OU’s website is alerting students with a message on their website.
OUPD ALERT: Avoid the west side of Stubbman Village in the student residential area. Suspicious package found. Nature of it is being determined. We will keep you advised. 9:27 AM
Classes are continuing as scheduled at this time.


Kentucky and Kansas, the two winningest programs in college basketball, will play in the Big 12-SEC Challenge next season.
The game will be in historic Allen Fieldhouse on Jan. 30. UK has not played at Kansas since 2006, and has been there just once since 1990.
With 2,153 all-time victories, Kansas is second behind Kentucky's 2,178 wins in NCAA Division I men's basketball.
As is customary, Kentucky and Kansas are expected to be among the nation's best teams when they meet during the 2015-16 season. UK returns Alex Poythress, Tyler Ulis and Marcus Lee next season. They will join another highly touted recruiting class. Kansas returns the core of its 2015 Big 12 championship team. Both teams are among the top 10 in various preseason national rankings.
The meeting with Kansas adds to what was already a super slate of non-conference games for the 2015-16 season. Kentucky is slated to play Duke in Chicago in the Champions Classic; South Florida in Miami in the inaugural Hoophall Miami Invitational; at UCLA in the first game of a home-and-home series; Ohio State in Brooklyn, N.Y., in the CBS Sports Classic; and Louisville in Rupp Arena.
UK's full 2015-16 non-conference schedule has not been released.
The third annual Big 12-SEC Challenge will feature 10 games on Jan. 30.
All 10 of the Big 12's teams and 10 of the SEC's 14 member institutions will participate. Each of the 10 SEC teams in the 2016 Challenge also will play in the 2017 event.
Fourteen of the participating teams earned postseason berths in 2015, and nine of the 10 games will feature at least one team that participated in the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
The first two years of the challenge were played over several days in November and December, but the 2016 event will be consolidated to a single day in January. A bye in the league schedule for participating teams was created to accommodate the new format. The four SEC teams not participating will play conference games the same day. They are Alabama, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Missouri.
Eight of the 10 games will be televised on ESPN or ESPN2, and two games will air on ESPNU. All 10 games also will be available via WatchESPN. ESPN's College GameDay Covered by State Farm — the Saturday morning and evening road show that discusses the top storylines of the college basketball season — will originate from one of the Challenge games. The site has not been announced.


While the present was full, the future seems bright on the immediate area’s high school softball field.
That is the case as all but three of the total of eight players with Mooresville ties for All-State softball status has at least one more season of prep-level eligibility remaining.
Membership to the All-State teams within each of the state’s four classifications was announced earlier this week by the North Carolina Softball Coaches Association. Local-based products were among the ones assigned to fill positions on both the 4A class and 1A class crews.
Of the ones so selected to be so honored, one by far stands ahead of the crowd.
Mooresville freshman Ellie Goins, who served as an infielder –primarily at shortstop – as well as a designated hitter at times for the Blue Devils, has been saluted as the NCSCA’s 4A class Player of the Year.
Goins headlines a cast of five players named from Mooresville to also merit All-State attention. Also from the team’s roster, seniors Jentri Meadows and Mariah Pearson are reunited with junior class teammates Hailey Lane and Kali Morton.
Meanwhile, at the state’s 1A class level, the trio of Pine Lake Prep players senior Sarah Sweitzer and freshmen Reagin Luby and Ashley Marchitelli represent the Pride as All-State picks.
Goins stacked her stat sheet full during her first full season of varsity-level play. Primarily batting at the clean-up spot in the order, she connected at a .493 average while delivering 10 home runs and accounting for 35 runs batted in.
Goins also secured Player of the Year honors within the NCSCA’s District VII while additionally being named the Statesville Record & Landmark’s Softball Player of the Year to help headline the All-Iredell County squad.
Goins was also named to the All-I-Meck Conference team. She also most recently was accorded membership to the MaxPreps Freshman All-American Softball Team.
Mooresville’s Pearson was named to the All-State team as an outfielder, while classmate Meadows made the team as a catcher. From the junior class, Morton made the roster as a pitcher while Lane earned her stripes as an infielder.
Pine Lake’s Sweitzer received 1A All-State stature as an outfielder to cap her senior season. The Pride’s Luby was recognized as an All-State shortstop while fellow freshman Marchitelli was named as a third baseman.


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Training infantry by John F. Morrison.
This book is a reproduction of the original book published in 1914 and may have some imperfections such as marks or hand-written notes.
- Fort Leavenworth, Kan. : U.S. Cavalry Association
- NOOK Book
- File size:
- 210 KB
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domain: hobby


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Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Tuesday (July 6) discussed the key factors at play in the decision-making process for the selection of ministers.
The new cabinet is expected to be formed taking into consideration a lot of factors including adequate representation of castes, genders, regions, age, and education, etc.
Here are the key factors:
1. OBC community will be kept in mind during the cabinet expansion. Based on the information we have received, 25 leaders in the cabinet will be from OBC. According to the Mandal Commission report of 1980, the population of OBC stood at about 52 per cent of the total population of the country. In 2007, the National Sample Survey Organization had submitted a report saying the population of the OBC community was about 41 percent.
Thus, the OBC community is likely to get substantial representation in the new cabinet.
2. Dalit and tribal communities are also likely to get decent representation in the cabinet. The number of SC and ST leaders in the government is expected to increase to 10 each.
3. The expansion of the cabinet will be done in such a way that all the states and union territories of the country get proper representation.
4. The new cabinet is being touted as the youngest Council of Ministers in the country to date. After the expansion of the cabinet, the average age of the ministers in the government will be the lowest. This is also important because the youth constitute about 65 percent of the total population. Thus they are likely to get sufficient representation.
5. After the expansion, there will be the maximum number of educated leaders in the government. Former diplomats, doctors, and lawyers are likely to be appointed as ministers.
6. The new cabinet is likely to have the largest number of women in the history of independent India.
7. Leaders who have vast experience in state politics will also get a chance in the cabinet. For example, leaders who have been chief ministers or have held ministerial posts in state governments will be given a chance. The former Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, who has reached Delhi, is also expected to be appointed.
8. This will be the first time that the cabinet expansion will not be done on the basis of political pressure or lobbying.
Currently, there are 53 ministers in the cabinet. This number could be increased to 81. That is, the government can induct 28 new leaders into the cabinet. Who makes the cut will be known tomorrow.


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|Railway Station Name||Station Postcode||Station Code|
Hove is a popular UK Railway station.
Hove station postcode of UK Railway is BN3 6HW. Total number of characters in the station postcode of Hove ie. BN3 6HW is six. In this code first character is B, second character is N, third character is 3, fourth character is 6, fifth character is H and sixth character is W.
People who searched station postcode of Hove railway station, also searched station postcode of Lincoln Central, Limehouse, Lidlington, Lichfield Trent Valley, Lichfield City and Leytonstone High Road.
One can also visit this page to check Google map of Hove railway station which is displayed above. People querying below listed questions can find answer through this page.

domain: geography


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Steven Blank honored with emeritus status
Steven Blank, professor of agricultural and applied economics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university.
A member of the university community since 2012, Blank served as professor and head of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, providing leadership for the department’s teaching, research, extension, and outreach programs.
From 1990 to 2012, Blank was an Extension economist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of California, Davis, where he led a statewide education and applied research program in financial and risk management. He also developed a Cooperative Extension program throughout California. Blank taught classes as well as conducted research involving risk analysis, financial management, future and options markets, agriculture profitability, and business management.
He was a visiting associate professor at UC Davis from 1988 to 1990.
From 1996 to 2002, he was the assistant vice provost for academic personnel at the university and handled all aspects of academic recruitment and advancement; was an advisor for the vice provost; analyzed administrative policies and drafted new ones; developed and conducted special research projects, conferences and workshops involving personnel and planning issues; and executed special projects including personnel restructuring and faculty enhancement.
Prior to his work in California, Blank was an Extension economist at the associate professor level in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Arizona; associate professor in the Economics Department at South Dakota State University; a section head at the Bureau of Agricultural Economics in Canberra, Australia; and an assistant professor in the Agricultural Management Department at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Throughout his career, Blank has received numerous awards, including receiving the title of Fellow of the Western Agricultural Economics Association. He authored more than 300 publications, including four books. His most recent is titled, “The Economics of American Agriculture: Evolution and Global Development.”
Blank received his Ph.D. and a master’s degree from the University of Hawaii, his M.B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Stanislaus.


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The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert
U.S. House of Representatives
Office of the Speaker
H-232 Capitol Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Speaker Hastert:
The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) strongly opposes the President's proposed cuts in Medicare payments to clinical laboratories in his FY01 budget proposal. We believe these reductions are unwarranted and unsupported by any objective data. Further, the Administration and Congress recently agreed that the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA'97) cuts went too far and reduced the severity of those reductions on the health care community (laboratories were not included in that package). Yet the President's plan would impose new cuts on the laboratory sector.
Specifically, the President's budget plan would cut laboratory payments by $3.2 billion over the next five years by reestablishing a 20 percent beneficiary copayment for clinical laboratory services, cutting payments for four high volume laboratory tests by 30 percent and reducing the consumer price index (CPI) update by one percent for FY2003-FY2005 (once the current CPI freeze expires). In addition, the President recommends greater use of competitive bidding for Part B services, including laboratory testing. We believe these cuts are unjustifiable given that payments for clinical laboratory services has declined as a percentage of Part B outlays, from 2.7 percent in 1992 ($3.9 billion) to 1.6 percent in 1998 ($3.5 billion).
The Administration's proposal to adopt a copayment for laboratory services would not achieve its goal of streamlining the health care system or reducing test utilization. In fact, it would force laboratories to generate two bills for every patient, which will increase paperwork and costs. For example, the average clinical laboratory charge to Medicare was $9.66 in 1997. The copayment for this charge would be $1.93. However, it costs the laboratory between $3 and $5 to generate a bill. Thus, a laboratory would often lose money when billing the patient for the copayment. Also, it's important to note that the physician orders the laboratory test, not the patient. The introduction of a copayment, therefore, would have little or no effect on test utilization, since few patients will question their physicians' medical decisions. Congress has wisely chosen not to implement this provision on a number of occasions over the past decade. We urge you to do likewise this year.
In addition, the President is also recommending cutting payments for four commonly performed laboratory tests (these tests are used to diagnose thyroid disease and urinary tract infections, diagnose and monitor prostate cancer, and monitor diabetes) by 30 percent, which he claims are overpriced. We object to singling out individual laboratory tests for reductions. Instead, AACC believes the entire laboratory fee schedule should be recalculated, thereby ensure appropriate reimbursement for each tests-possibly increasing payments for some tests, while decreasing them for others. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is currently conducting a study, at the request of Congress, to determine what is the appropriate payment methodology for clinical laboratory services. We urge you to delay any action on this recommendation until the study is completed and its findings evaluated.
Also, the Administration is proposing to reduce the CPI update for clinical laboratories by one percent from FY2003-FY2005. This would be on top of BBA'97, which froze the CPI update for five years. This is simply not fair given that laboratory costs increase just as those of other private sector and public entities.
And finally, we are concerned that the Administration is recommending the adoption of competitive bidding for Part B services without waiting for the results of its own demonstration project in this area. AACC recommends that any discussions of competitive bidding for laboratory services await the completion of the laboratory demonstration project. Therefore, AACC urges you to oppose the President's recommendations to establish a laboratory copayment, reduce test and CPI payments and adopt a competitive bidding model during forthcoming budget debates.
By way of background, AACC is the principal association of professional laboratory scientists--including MDs, PhDs and medical technologists. AACC's members develop and use chemical concepts, procedures, techniques and instrumentation in health-related investigations and work in hospitals, independent laboratories and the diagnostics industry nationwide. The AACC's objectives are to further the public interest and educational activities and to help maintain high professional standards.
If you have any questions or we may be of any assistance, please call me at (919) 684-8724 or Vince Stine, Director, Government Affairs, at (202) 835-8721.
Frank A. Sedor, PhD President