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Geert van Calster
Geert is an independent legal practitioner and academic. An alumnus of the College of Europe, Bruges (promotion Stefan Zweig), Prof van Calster is the Head of Leuven Law's department of European and international law. Geert is a visiting professor at Monash University (Melbourne) and at the China-EU School of Law in Beijing, and a visiting lecturer at King's College, London. He was previously i.a. a visiting lecturer at Oxford University. He was called to the Bar in 1999 after having worked as of counsel to a City law firm since 1995, and practices in the areas of Private international law /Conflict of Laws; WTO law; (EU) environmental law; and EU economic law.
‘Like Dassonville on steroids’. Bobek AG in Rheinland on personality v territoriality, the nature of EU harmonisation, and its links with (as well as historic roots of) conflict of laws and regulatory competition.
Posted in Conflict of Laws /Private international law on 29/07/2020
In advising on a territorial restriction in an insurance clause earlier this month, I studied the CJEU judgment in C-581/18 Rheinland, important for the (limitations to the) reach of Article 18 TFEU, the general non-discrimination requirement on the basis of nationality. Bobek AG had earlier opined, and the Court followed, that in the absence of harmonisation and in a scenario with no EU links, Article 18 TFEU is not engaged. I had missed the AG’s earlier opinion – forgive me if I am late to this party.
It is important to sketch the context: Bobek AG had summarised the facts as
A German patient received, in Germany, defective breast implants manufactured by Poly Implant Prothèse SA (‘PIP’), a French undertaking that is now insolvent. The patient seeks compensation before the German courts from Allianz IARD SA, the French insurer of PIP. In France, manufacturers of medical devices are under a statutory obligation to be insured against civil liability for harm suffered by third parties arising from their activities. That obligation led PIP to conclude an insurance contract with Allianz, which contained a territorial clause limiting the cover to damage caused on French territory only. Thus, PIP medical devices that were exported to another Member State and used there were not covered by the insurance contract.
In this context, the Oberlandesgericht Frankfurt am Main (Higher Regional Court, Frankfurt am Main, Germany) enquires whether the fact that PIP was insured by Allianz for damage caused by its medical devices on French territory only, to the exclusion of that potentially caused in other Member States, is compatible with Article 18 TFEU and the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of nationality contained therein.
This post is not on Article 18 TFEU. Rather, consider the excellent (and eloquent) discussion by Bobek AG at 109 ff. Does the imperative of equal protection of all European citizen-consumers, in the absence of EU harmonising law on the issue, preclude a national rule that, in effect, limits insurance cover to persons who undergo surgery on the territory of the Member State, thus indirectly limiting the cover to citizens of that Member State? Bobek AG emphatically and despite moral sympathy for the victims, says no. The alternative would be ‘like Dassonville on steroids’ (at 111), it would ‘turn regulatory competence within the internal market on its head’ (at 109).
Consider his link with conflict of laws at 114-115:
In other words, the fact that goods once came from another Member State is not a sufficient reason to suggest that any matter later concerning those goods is covered by EU law. If that logic were to be embraced, by a questionable interpretation of Article 18 TFEU, the movement of goods in Europe would become (once again) reminiscent of medieval legal particularism, [at footnote 78 he refers to the excellent work by my legal history colleague Randall Lesaffer] whereby each product would, like a person, carry its own laws with it. Goods would be like snails, carrying their homes with them in the form of the legislation of their country of origin, to be applicable to them from their production to their destruction.
Such a consequence would not only displace any (normal) territoriality in the application of laws, but would also generate conflicts of regulatory regimes between the Member States. Indeed, such an expansionist interpretation of Article 18 TFEU could make the legislation of any of the Member States potentially applicable on the same territory without any clear and objective criteria as to which legislation should prevail in a given dispute, with the victim being able to choose the most favourable legislation.’
Most delightful analysis.
Avonwick Holdings. The High Court awkwardly on locus damni, and on ‘more closely connected’ in Rome II.
Posted in Conflict of Laws /Private international law on 24/07/2020
In Avonwick Holdings Ltd v Azitio Holdings Ltd & Ors  EWHC 1844 (Comm), Picken J among quite a few other claims, at 146 ff discussed a suggested defrauding by misrepresentation of the best available market price for a bundle of stocks. Toss-up was between Ukranian law and English law and, it was suggested, was only relevant with respect to the issue of statute of limitation. Counsel for both parties agreed that the material differences between Ukranian and English law were minor.
They omitted, it seems, to discuss the relationship between statute of limitations and the carve-out in Rome II for procedural issues.
It was not in dispute…that the default applicable law under Article 4(1) is the law of Cyprus in that this was the country in which the event giving rise to the damage occurred since, although Avonwick was incorporated in the BVI and its entry into the Castlerose SPA was formally authorised in Ukraine, Avonwick’s directors were based in Cyprus and the steps necessary to transfer its shares in Castlerose to Azitio and Dargamo would, therefore, have been taken by those directors in Cyprus.
Here I am simply lost. A4(1) does not suggest locus delicti commissi (‘country in which the event giving rise to the damage occurred’) rather it instructs specifically to ignore that. Even if a locus damni consideration was at play, for purely economic loss as readers will know, there is considerable discussion on that exact location. How the judgment could have ended up identifying locus delicti commissi is a bit of a mystery.
At 153 then follows a discussion of a displacement of Cypriot law by virtue of A4(3)’s ‘manifestly more closely connected’ rule, including interesting analysis of any role which Article 12’s culpa in contrahendo provision might play.
For the reasons listed at 166 ff, the judge agrees that A4(3) applies to replace Cypriot law with Ukranian (not: English) law. Those reasons do seem to make sense – yet despite this, the A4(1) analysis should have been carried out properly.
(Handbook of) EU Private International Law, 2nd ed. 2016, Chapter 4, Heading 4.5.2.
CJEU in Novo Banco: confirms mere presence of a natural person’s core immovable asset (the ‘family home’) does not in itself determine COMI (in insolvency).
Posted in Conflict of Laws /Private international law on 22/07/2020
When I reviewed Szpunar AG’s opinion, I pointed out that the crux of this case is the determination of ‘centre of main interests’ in the context of natural persons not exercising an independent business or professional activity, who benefit from free movement. The CJEU has now held.
With respect to natural persons outside of a profession, the Insolvency Regulation 2015/848 (‘EIR 2015’) determines ‘(i)n the case of any other individual, the centre of main interests shall be presumed to be the place of the individual’s habitual residence in the absence of proof to the contrary. This presumption shall only apply if the habitual residence has not been moved to another Member State within the 6-month period prior to the request for the opening of insolvency proceedings.’
‘Habitual residence’ is not defined by the EIR 2015. The CJEU runs along the usual themes: need for predictability and autonomous interpretation; emphasis on the Regulation generally defining COMI as ‘the place where the debtor conducts the administration of his interests on a regular basis and is therefore ascertainable by third parties’ (at 19 and referring to recital 13 of the previous Regulation); among those third parties, the important position of (potential) creditors and whether they may ascertain said centre (at 21); to agree with the AG at 24 that
relevant criteria for determining the centre of the main interests of individuals not exercising an independent business or professional activity are those connected with their financial and economic situation which corresponds to the place where they conduct the administration of their economic interests or the majority of their revenue is earned and spent, or the place where the greater part of their assets is located.
Like the AG, the CJEU holds that the mere presence of a natural person’s one immovable asset (the ‘family home’, GAVC) in another Member State than that of habitual residence, in and of itself does not suffice to rebut COMI (at 28).
At 30, the Court specifically flags that COMI in effect represents the place of the ’cause’ of the insolvency, i.e. the place from where one’s assets are managed in a way which led the insolvent into the financial pickle:
In that regard, although the cause of the insolvency is not, as such, a relevant factor for determining the centre of the main interests of an individual not exercising an independent business or professional activity, it nevertheless falls to the referring court to take into consideration all objective factors, ascertainable by third parties, which are connected with that person’s financial and economic situation. In a case such as the one in the main proceedings, as was observed in paragraph 24 above, that insolvency situation is located in the place where the applicants in the main proceedings conduct the administration of their economic interests on a regular basis or the majority of their revenue is earned and spent, or the place where the greater part of their assets is located.
As in all other scenarios of rebuttal, the ascertainability in particular by (potential) creditors is key and is a factual consideration which the national courts have to make.
(Handbook of) EU private international law, 2nd ed. 2016, Chapter 5, Heading 5.6.1.
Posted in Conflict of Laws /Private international law on 21/07/2020
An overdue post on the Hungarian Supreme Court’s judgment 2020.3.72.a, finding an implied choice of law pro Hungarian law, made by a Serbian and Hungarian party to a contract for agency and business counseling. In the absence of choice of law, per Article 4 Rome I, applicable law would have been Serbian law. Yet the SC held that the conduct of the Serbian business party in the litigation, made for implicit choice of law.
Under Rome I, choice of law may be made and changed at any time during the course of the contract. Whether it can also be made by conduct of litigation is somewhat disputed. Arguments pro rely heavily on a parallel with impromptu choice of court in Brussels Ia, by submission. The Hungarian courts had assessed the merits of the case on the basis of Hungarian law, and the Serbian defendant had engaged in that discussion in a detailed, substantive statement of defence without any objections to Hungarian law being the lex contractus. This, the courts held and the SC agreed, meant parties had made an implied choice of law by their conduct. A change of heart by defendant upon appeal was a unilateral change of law, which cannot bind the parties.
Richard Schmidt sent me the judgment and has additional analysis here– on which I relied for I do not read Hungarian. Scholarship has engaged with the issue and this SC judgment will be highly relevant material for that discussion.
(Handbook of) European Private International Law, 2nd ed. 2016, Chapter 3, Heading 3.2.4.
Posted in Conflict of Laws /Private international law on 20/07/2020
Performing Right Society Ltd v Qatar Airways Group QCS  EWHC 1872 (Ch) concerns the infringement or not of copyright via Qatar Airways’ inflight entertainment system known as “Oryx One”. Holding on an application for a stay on grounds of forum non conveniens or alternatively on case management grounds, Birss J on Friday first of all noted the relevance of Lucasfilm Limited v Ainsworth  UKSC 39 that the English court can have jurisdiction over claims for infringement of copyright by non-UK acts and under non-UK law where there is a basis for in personam jurisdiction. Which there is because of the presence of the aircraft on the ground or in the territorial airspace of the UK – the airline was served at the London address of the UK branch (defendant, QATAR Airways Group Q.C.S.C. is not domiciled in the UK, I gather). Lucasfilm did not itself deal with forum non.
I flag this case for Birss J gives a good summary of the approach to forum non, building of course on Spiliada but also with reference to Vedanta, Okpabi etc., all reviewed on the blog. Note at 16-17 claimant’s and defendant’s alternative formulations of the Stage 1 cq 2 tests following Spiliada.
The defendant has summarised the test in Spiliada as follows:
“(1) Is there another available forum which is clearly and distinctly the natural forum, that is to say, the “forum with which the action has the most real and substantial connection”?
(2) If there is, is England nevertheless the appropriate forum, in particular because the court is not satisfied that substantial justice will be done in the alternative available forum?”
At: claimant’s rival formulation is:
“Stage 1: Qatar Airways bears the burden of satisfying the Court that the Qatari court is an available forum with competent jurisdiction to determine PRS’s claim and is clearly or distinctly a more appropriate forum than England for the trial of the issues. If it fails to satisfy the Court of these matters, a stay should be refused.
Stage 2: If the Court determines that the Qatari court is prima facie more appropriate, it must nevertheless refuse to grant a stay if PRS demonstrate that, in all the circumstances of the case, it would be unjust for it to be deprived of the right to trial in England.”
The distinctions may seem trivial. However they relate to, firstly, burden of proof and secondly, which factors need to be considered in which stage (and therefore, proven by whom). In particular, it is suggested that issues such as the location of witnesses arose at the first stage yet that at least aspects of the points which were debated about expert witnesses (of foreign law) arose at the second stage not the first.
Birss J ends up summarising Stage 1 as entailing the following headings:
i) the personal connections the parties have to the countries in question; ii) factual connections which the events relevant to the claim have with the countries; iii) applicable law; iv) factors affecting convenience or expense such as the location of witnesses or documents.
I will leave readers to digest the arguments under the various headings themselves, Birss J concludes that Qatar is not clearly a more appropriate forum and does not therefore consider Stage 2.
Readers will remember that the CJEU in Owusu objected to forum non on the basis of its unpredictability. Now, I am not one for arguing that following Spiliada and Vedanta, and given the authority rule to which common lawyers and judges are attuned, forum non be unpredictable. Neither can one posit however, seeing the intensity of the discussion here and in many other cases, that it is an entirely clear exercise.
Google and the jurisdictional reach of the Belgian DPA in right to be forgotten cases. Another piece misplaced in the puzzle?
Posted in Conflict of Laws /Private international law on 17/07/2020
Thank you Nathalie Smuha for first signalling the €600,000.00 fine which the Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA) issued on Tuesday against Google Belgium, together with a delisting order of uncertain reach (see below) and an order to amend the public’s complaint forms. The decision will eventually be back up here I am assume (at vanished yesterday) however I have copy here.
Nauta Dutilh’s Peter Craddock and Vincent Wellens have very good summary and analysis up already, and I am happy to refer. Let me add a few things of additional note:
- The one-stop shop principle of the GDPR must now be under severe strain. CNIL v Google already put it to the test and this Belgian decision further questions its operationalisation – without even without for the CJEU to answer the questions of the Brussels Court of Appeal in the Facebook case. At 31, the DPA refers to a letter which Google LLC had sent on 23 June 2020 (a few days therefore after the French decision) to the Irish DPA saying that it would no longer object to national DPAs exercising jurisdiction in right to be forgotten cases. Of note is that in ordinary litigation, deep-pocket claimants seeking mozaik jurisdiction seldom do that because it serves the general interest.
- Having said that, the Belgian DPA still had to establish jurisdiction against Google Belgium. Here, CJEU Google v Spain, Google v CNIL, and Wirtschaftsakademie led the DPA to take a ‘realistic’ /business plan approach (such as Jääskinen AG in Google Spain) rather than a legally pure approach: at 80 following extensive reference to CJEU authority, and to the effet utile of the GDPR, the DPA holds that it matters little whether the actual processing of the date takes places outside of the EU, by Google employees ex-EU, and that Google Belgium’s activities are supportive only. A Belgian resident’s right to be forgotten has been infringed; a Google entity is available there: that would seem to suffice.
- That left the issue of the territorial reach of the delisting request. The DPA arguably cuts a few corners on the Google Belgium issue; here, it is simply most vague: at 81 ff it refers to the jurisdictional decision in e-Date Advertising, that for infringement of privacy within Brussels Ia, the courts of the person’s centre of interests are best placed to hear the case in its entirety, holding this should be applied mutatis mutandis in GDPR cases and removal orders. It then holds at 85 that neither Google v CNIL nor Belgian law give it specific power to impose a worldwide delisting order, yet at 91 that an EU-wide delisting order would seem an effective means of redress, to end up in its final order (p.48-49) not identifying a territorial scope for delisting.
I am confused. I suspect I am not the only one.
(Handbook of) EU private international law, 2nd ed.2016, chapter 2, Heading 126.96.36.199.5.
The CJEU in Movic on enforcement of unfair trading practices and the less than abstract determination of ‘civil and commercial’.
I reviewed Szpunar AG’s Opinion in C-73/19 Belgische Staat v Movic BV et al here. The CJEU held this morning. At the time of posting an English version of the judgment was not yet available. The case at issue concerns enforcement of Belgium’s unfair trading act by the public authorities of the Member State. Movic BV of The Netherlands and the others defendants practices ticket touting: resale of tickets for leisure events.
The Court is more succinct than the AG in its analysis yet refers repeatedly to points made by Szpunar AG without itself therefore having to refer to so extensive an analysis.
The fact that a power was introduced by a law is not, in itself, decisive in order to conclude that the State acted in the exercise of State authority (at 52). Neither does the pursuit of the general interest automatically involve the exercise of public powers (at 53). With respect to the authorities’ powers of investigation, it would seem that the Court like the AG reads (at 57) C‑49/12 Sunico as meaning that to exclude proceedings from the scope of ‘civil and commercial matters’, it must be determined, in concreto, whether the public authority uses evidence which it has in its possession as a result of its public powers of investigation, hence putting it in a different position as a person governed by private law in analogous proceedings. Collecting evidence in the same way as a private person or a consumer association could, does not fall within that category (at 58).
Neither the request for penalty payments nor an application for an injunction makes the proceedings drop out off Brussels Ia: both instruments are available to private parties, too. That is not however the case for the observation of continued infringement by mere civil servant oath as opposed to bailiff certification. This, the Court holds like the AG, does amount to exercise of public authority (at 62) however (at 63) that element alone escapes BIA, it does not so taint the other part of the proceedings.
As I noted in my review of first Advocate General Szpunar’s Opinion, the need for highly factual considerations sits uneasily with the Regulation’s expressed DNA of predictability. However this squares with the CJEU case-law on ‘civil and commercial’.
(Handbook of) EU Private International Law, 2nd ed. 2016, Heading 2, Heading 2.2.
Bundeszentralamt Fur Steuern v Heis. On comity, staying proceedings, and the ‘public /private’ divide in international litigation.
Bundeszentralamt Fur Steuern (Being the Federal Central Tax Office of the Federal Republic of Germany) & Ors v Heis & Ors  EWHC 705 (Ch) was held in March 2019 bit only came unto BAILII recently and had not caught my attention before.
The primary question raised is whether appeals by the applicants, the German Federal Tax Office (“the GTA”) and by Deutsche Bank AG (“DB”) against the rejection by the Joint Special Administrators (“the Administrators”) of MF Global UK Limited (“MFGUK”) of their respective proofs of debt, to allow the underlying claim which forms the subject of the proof to be resolved by the specialist German tax or fiscal courts, which both the applicants (for different reasons) contend are the natural forum for the determination of the claims and the forum in which they can be resolved most efficiently.
The underlying issue concerns German withholding tax.
The GTA has at all times maintained that its claim should be determined in Germany by the German tax courts, per the UK-Germany double taxation Treaty, based on the OECD model convention (for those in the know: it is Article 28(6) which the GTA has suggested exclusively reserves its GTA Claim to the German Courts). However it felt compelled to submit a proof in MFGUK’s UK administration proceedings in order to preserve its rights.
Under German law, it is within the GTA’s power to give a decision on MFGUK’s objection to relvant Amended Tax Assessment Notices. If and when it did so, it would then be for MFGUK, if it wished to pursue the matter further, to file an appeal against that decision by the GTA with the Fiscal Court of Cologne. The Fiscal Court of Cologne is one of the 18 fiscal courts in Germany which are the courts of first instance for tax matters. That seems a natural course to take however here the GTA is caught in a conundrum: at 18: the GTA has not yet formally rejected MFGUK’s objection. This is because such objection would establish proceedings in Germany, and there is a procedural rule of German law that, in order to prevent parallel proceedings, a German court will automatically defer to the court first seized of a matter. Accordingly, it seems likely that if the GTA were to reject MFGUK’s objection before the Stay Application has been decided by the UK Court, on any appeal by MFGUK, the Fiscal Court of Cologne might as a matter of comity defer to this Court in order to avoid parallel proceedings.
At 57: Brussels Ia is not engaged for the case concerns both the insolvency and the tax exclusion of Articles 1.1 and 1.2.b. At 56 Hildyard J considers the issues under English rules on the power to stay, with a focus on the risk of irreconcilable judgments.
At 84 Hildyard J holds that the GTA read too much into A28(6) and that there is no exclusive jurisdiction, leaving the consideration of whether a stay might be attractive nevertheless (at 89 ff the issue is discussed whether German courts could at all entertain the claim). This leads to an assessment pretty much like a stay under Brussels Ia as ‘related’ (rather than: the same, to which lis alibi pendens applies) cases. Note at 87(6) the emphasis which the GTA places on the actual possibility of consolidating the cases – similar to the arguments used in BIa A33-34 cases such as Privatbank and later cases).
At 115 the impact of this case having public law impacts becomes clear: ‘It seems to me that, despite my hunch that there will also be considerable factual enquiry, and a factual determination of the particular circumstances may determine the result …, the legal issues at stake are not only plainly matters of German law, but controversial and complex issues of statutory construction of systemic importance and substantial public interest in terms of the legitimate interests of the public in the protection of its taxation system from what are alleged to be colourable schemes.’
And at 116, referring ia to VTB Capital v Nutritek, ‘the risk of inconsistent decisions in concurrent proceedings in different jurisdictions, is the more acute when in one of the jurisdictions the issue is a systemic one, or may be decided in a manner which has systemic consequences. Especially in such a context, there is a preference for a case to be heard by the courts of the country whose law applies.’ Reference to VTB is made in particular with resepect to the point that Gleichlauf (the application by a court of its own laws) is to be promoted in particular (at  in VTB per Lord Mance: “it is generally preferable, other things being equal, that a case should be tried in a country whose law applies. However, this factor is of particular force if issues of law are likely to be important and if there is evidence of relevant differences in the legal principles or rules applicable to such issues in the two countries in contention as the appropriate forum.’
At 117: ‘even if the factual centre of gravity may be London, the jurisdiction likely to be most affected by the result is Germany: and even if the US approach of ‘interest analysis’ is not determinative in this jurisdiction it does not seem to me to be an impermissible consideration.’
Held, at 121, there is here ‘a sufficiently “rare and compelling” reason for granting the stay sought by the GTA, provided that the German Fiscal Court are an available forum in which to determine the substance of the disputes.’ At 122 Hildyard J seeks assurances ‘insofar as the parties’ best endeavours can secure it, resolution of both the GTA Claim and the Later MFGUK Refund Claim as expeditiously as possible. That seems to me necessary in order to safeguard this jurisdictions’ insolvency processes and for the protection of the interests of the body of creditors as a whole.’
Then follows at 131 ff extensive analysis of the impact of this stay decision on the related case of Deutsche Bank, with at 190 a summary of the issues to be decided. Held at 218: ‘By careful selection of potentially dispositive issues, I consider that there is some prospect of that process enabling a determination without recourse to the intricacies of German tax law which are to be decided in the context of the GTA Claim; whereas an immediate stay guarantees a long delay before this court can determine the matter, based on presently hypothetical claims, after a long wait for non-binding guidance from the German court which may result from other cases to which DB is not a party.’ However at 219 the prospect of a stay after all is held out, should a quick resolution of those issues not be possible.
The Colouroz Investment et all Scheme of arrangement. Change to asymmetric choice of court issue left to sanction hearing.
Posted in Conflict of Laws /Private international law on 13/07/2020
In Colouroz Investment et al  EWHC 1864 (Ch.), Snowden J at 59 ff considers the classic issues (see ia Lecta Paper) on the jurisdictional consideration: no cover under the Insolvency Regulation; cover under Brussels Ia (future Brexit alert: ditto under Lugano) left hanging and assumed arguendo. At 62 Snowden J summarises the position excellently:
‘(T)he court has usually adopted the practice of assuming that Chapter II of the Recast Judgments Regulation applies to schemes of arrangement on the basis that the scheme proposal is to be regarded as a “dispute” concerning the variation of the existing relationship between the company and its creditors under which the company “sues” the scheme creditors as “defendants” seeking an order binding them to the scheme. If, on the basis of that underlying assumption, the court has jurisdiction over the scheme creditors pursuant to Chapter II of the Recast Judgment Regulation, then there is no need for the Court to determine whether that assumption is correct.
At 64: ‘Credit Agreements and the ICA (Intercreditor Agreement, GAVC) were originally governed by New York law and were subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New York Court. However, as a result of the amendments made on 2 June 2020 with the consent of the requisite majority of the lenders under the contractual amendment regime, the governing law and jurisdiction provisions have now been changed to English governing law and English exclusive jurisdiction.’ At 65: expert evidence on NY law suggests amendments made on 2 June 2020 are valid and binding as a matter of New York law.
This to my mind continues to be a fuzzy proposition under the Rome I Regulation: change of lex contractus by majority must beg the question on the relevant provisions under Rome I. As far as I am are, this hitherto has not been driven home by anyone at a sanction hearing however it is bound to turn up at some point.
At 66 Snowden J, who gives consent for the sanction hearing, announces that one issue that will have to be discussed there is that if the Schemes are sanctioned, the intention is to have the jurisdiction clauses then changed to asymmetric jurisdiction clauses, detailed in 21-23: lenders will be entitled to bring proceedings against the obligors in any jurisdiction although any proceedings brought by the obligors must be brought in England. At 66 in fine: ‘that question is not for decision at this convening hearing, but should be considered at the sanction hearing.’
That’s a discussion I shall look forward to with interest.
(Handbook of) EU Private International Law, 2nd edition 2016, Chapter 2, Chapter 5.

domain: law


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Can Zirconia Dental Crowns Crack?
A dental crown is an artificial tooth that is designed to cover a natural tooth. The purpose of a dental crown is to strengthen a natural tooth that needs repair but that does not have enough healthy tooth to fix with a dental filling. Dental crowns are an effective treatment for strengthening or repairing a fractured, cracked or broken natural tooth. Recently, zirconia dental crowns have become the most popular type of dental crown. This popularity is in part due to the fact that zirconia crowns are incredibly durable and can last for decades. But can zirconia crowns crack or fracture? Here is more information on the durability of zirconia dental crowns.
What is a Zirconia Crown?
Zirconia dental crowns are made from zirconia dioxide, which is a material that is a derivative of metal. Zirconia crowns were first used in dental technology in 2010 and their use has become increasingly popular since. The once popular porcelain dental crowns have a metal frame with porcelain covering on top. Zirconia crowns don’t need a metal frame for stability, which means they offer a more aesthetically pleasing result. Zirconia crowns are also more reliable because they are resistant to wear and more difficult to crack.
How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last?
Zirconia crowns are durable and incredibly strong. This strength means they are resistant to fractures. Many dental providers believe that zirconia crowns are the strongest non-metallic type of crown. On average a dental crown can be expected to last 10 years. With daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups a zirconia crown can last several decades.
Can Zirconia Crowns Crack?
One of the biggest benefits of zirconia is the strength of the material. However, zirconia crowns can still fracture. While it is unlikely, a zirconia crown can fracture if there are issues with the manufacturing or handling of the crown. Here are some common causes of zirconia crown factures:
- Poor design: If the wrong crown measurements are sent to the lab, it can cause fit issues later that may result in fracture. Another possible issue is when a lesser quality zirconia material is used to make the crown. Lastly, if the provider leaves sharp corners or edges on the natural tooth when they place the crown on top, it can create a point of contact or friction between the natural tooth and the crown.
- Poor material handling: Often fractures can result from poor material handling in the dental lab where the crown is being made. Additionally, the provider can cause a fracture with poor handling during installation by drilling on the crown while trying to adjust the fit.
- Poorly made crown: The most common reason a zirconia crown ends up fracturing is because it has been made too thin which has a big impact on its strength.
It is possible for zirconia crowns to fracture, but it is very rare. However, it is important that you find a dental provider that is skilled with dental restorations and uses a high quality lab for their dental crowns. If you are supposed to have a dental crown treatment, have a conversation with your provider today about zirconia dental crowns.

domain: medical


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In the past few years, the field of cell and gene therapy has witnessed major breakthroughs. It has become one of the hottest fields in the biotech industry, with the hope that it will eventually revolutionize the way we treat diseases and, ultimately, become a mainstream treatment option.
Cell therapy refers to the transfer of healthy or modified human cells to heal or replace damaged tissue or cells, while gene therapy refers to the modifying of genes or replacing of defect genes with healthy ones to treat, cure or prevent a disease or medical condition. Though distinct, the two are closely associated with each other and often considered one field.
Though still in their infancy, cell and gene therapies are developing at an explosive rate. There are currently hundreds of related programs in the clinic. This means that, over the next several years, many cell and gene therapies are likely to enter the market.
There are clearly good prospects for the future of cell and gene therapy, but the road ahead contains obstacles as well. These include a prolonged and dynamic R&D cycle, safety issues, and manufacturing cost and limitations. Only by addressing and overcoming these challenges can we unleash the full potential of cell and gene therapy to help patients in need.
Dr. David Chang, CEO of WuXi ATU, WuXi AppTec’s cell and gene therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), recently sat down with the WuXi AppTec Content Team to share his observations on cell and gene therapy’s current development and insights into the field’s path forward.
Prior to joining WuXi AppTec, Dr. Chang held senior positions at several leading companies, such as Celgene (acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2019) and Genentech. He also has extensive experience in the biotech and cell and gene therapy industries.
What’s the current state of cell and gene therapy globally?
Dr. Chang: Although the earliest research occurred decades ago, it is only in recent years that we have been able to bring effective therapies to the market.
The biggest and by far most famous breakthrough in cell therapy is of course CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Immunotherapy). In 2017, Novartis’ Kymriah, developed for the treatment of certain types of ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) patients, and Yescarta, developed by Gilead’s Kite Pharma for large B-cell lymphoma, were successively approved by FDA.
These approvals demonstrated the potential of such therapies for cancer treatment. Gene therapy has also been gaining momentum for a long time, and over the past five years several drugs have been approved by regulators in Europe and the U.S. to treat severe inherent genetic diseases caused by specific genetic mutations, such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and β-Mediterranean anemia.
These recent developments are a great encouragement to the industry— to drug developers, to investors, and of course they are tremendously encouraging to patients as well. Keep in mind that, for any new therapy, a breakthrough from zero to one is the hardest.
Given these successes, it’s no surprise that enthusiasm for cell and gene therapy has grown significantly lately, with many innovative companies being involved. The current pace of development is explosive. Hundreds of drugs are in the pipelines around the world, and many of them are already in the late clinical stage.
To what extent will these types of therapies change the future of medicine?
Dr. Chang: Cell and gene therapies have enabled people to effectively treat and even cure hitherto very difficult-to-treat cancers and rare genetic diseases, thus rewriting the life stories of many patients. I believe that they will become one of the mainstream treatments in the future.
Cell therapy has the potential to be one of the most important treatments in our fight against cancer. For example, current CAR-T therapies have proven effective in treating relapsed/refractory ALL. These specific CAR-T therapies can, in theory, be applied to treat a lot of other cancers, and there’s a lot of relevant research going on right now.
As for gene therapy, it has been applied to treat a wide range of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, eye diseases, nervous system diseases, metabolic diseases and solid tumors, in addition to long-standing efforts in genetic blood diseases such as sickle cell disease and hemophilia.
For cell and gene therapy to really take off, what challenges and problems need to be tackled?
Dr. Chang: The potential is huge, but the challenges should not be underestimated. To keep our forward momentum there are still a series of bottlenecks to overcome. The industry needs to continuously improve R&D pipeline and lifecycle management, optimize the relevant manufacturing and logistics processes, and reduce costs.
I personally believe the major bottleneck is not in R&D, but rather in manufacturing as well as in test and release. One of the major issues to consider in cell and gene therapy is how to scale out or up the manufacturing while reducing the cost at the same time.
So, what exactly are the manufacturing challenges for cell and gene therapy?
Dr. Chang: In gene therapy, there is a big gap in the production of non-replicable lentiviral vectors and AAV vectors. Depending on the genes of interest, production sometimes requires large-scale fermentations to meet a single patient’s treatment needs, making it commercially challenging or even infeasible. Therefore, yields and efficiency of virus vectors manufacturing are a major challenge for the whole industry.
Cell therapy also faces the limitations in commercial manufacturing. Autogenous cell therapy is an individualized treatment that activate, modify and expand the patient’s own immune cells, so a single batch is made for one patient only. This means that the manufacturing scale will never be as large as that of traditional small-molecule or biologics products, and thus is much more costly.
At the same time, cell therapy, especially allogeneic cell therapy, which utilizes donor cells, faces the challenge of graft-vs-host disease. It’s necessary to ensure that the modified cells transmitted back to the patient do not generate an immune response (similar to what happens with organ transplant rejection).
Finally, cell therapy faces strict requirements for timely and reliable transport of labile raw material and cell products, as well as complexity in product testing and release.
As an enabling platform for gene and cell therapy, what solutions and advantages does WuXi ATU have to address these challenges?
Dr. Chang: Through the establishment of an advanced therapies CDMO platform, we offer real one-stop service to our partners to help with their research, manufacturing, and test and release.
Most existing CAR-T manufacturing processes are not closed and thus require substantial open, manual manipulation under a biosafety hood, which may lead to errors, high costs, and risk of contamination. To specifically address these problems, WuXi ATU has recently introduced an advanced closed automated CAR-T platform in its base in Philadelphia to meet the manufacturing needs of our partners.
Relying on our two bases respectively in the US and China, we can not only meet the diverse manufacturing needs of customers from different regions, but also ensure the timeliness of transportation that CAR-T requires.
In gene therapy manufacturing, currently, we have established high-yield, highly scalable AAV and lentiviral platforms which can supply cost-effective and commercially feasible viral vectors in a timely manner.
WuXi ATU also has the capability to provide international standard oncolytic virus product development and manufacturing services to customers worldwide. In November, we signed a strategic partnership agreement with Gene Medicine, a Korean gene therapy biotech, to provide services covering oncolytic virus product development, manufacturing and clinical trials for its key programs.
In addition to the mainstream approaches of introducing genes into cells, we are also establishing more efficient and promising non-viral technologies such as electroporation, which utilizes electric fields to allow genes to pass through the cell membrane.
Most importantly, WuXi ATU also provides the integrated analytical method development and testing services to our manufacturing clients. With the complexity of testing and releasing advanced therapies products in a timely and reliable manner, this integrated testing and releasing service will greatly support our clients to supply their products to meet either clinical or commercial needs.
Through improving efficiency and reducing costs, we’ll support our clients to enhance the accessibility of cell and gene therapy – and help more of our partners’ innovative therapies to reach patients as broadly as possible as soon as possible.
The rapid development of cell and gene therapy has attracted a lot of outside attention. People have high expectations. From the perspective of someone on the inside, what do you see when you look at the near future?
Dr. Chang: There is no denying that cell and gene therapy still face challenges. Actually, every new therapy faces or faced a similar situation. Even regulators need to learn alongside industry. This process is both normal and necessary. I believe that in another five to ten years, with the accumulation of relevant knowledge and experience, the whole industry will become more mature, efficient and standardized.
I firmly believe that the future for cell and gene therapy is very bright, and WuXi ATU stands ready to join hands with global innovators to move it to the next stage.


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HANOVER TWP. - A Hanover Township man is accused of setting his pickup on fire and nearly burning down his mobile home with his girlfriend and four children inside.
State police were called to 301 Sunrise Drive, Lot 6, in Hanover just before 10 p.m. Monday on a report of a domestic incident and while en route were informed that Allan Gault, 44, had pulled out a gasoline can and was dousing his 1997 Dodge pickup. By the time troopers arrived, the truck was ablaze and threatening the nearby trailer, where Gault lives with Leslie Stimmel, no age given, and four juveniles.
Stimmel and the children were able to escape the trailer unharmed before Hanover and Hookstown fire departments arrived, police reported. Troopers said they found Gault at the scene with singed hair on his head, beard and arms.
According to court documents, Stimmel told police she and Gault had argued, and Gault left the trailer and returned with a gas can. He then emptied the can all over his truck, which was parked 3 to 5 feet from the trailer.
As Gault lit the fire, Stimmel told police, he taunted one of the boys inside the trailer with a racial epithet and tried to get him to come outside to fight. Gault then set the truck on fire and watched as the flames spread, melting siding and windows before firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze.
Gault was arraigned before Beaver Falls District Judge William Livingston on charges of arson, simple assault, ethnic intimidation, reckless endangerment, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief, harassment and disorderly conduct, and was ordered held in the Beaver County Jail on $20,000 bond. He remained in the jail on Tuesday afternoon.
In court documents, Gault said he would not seek legal representation for the case. "Nope, I'm pleading guilty," he wrote on the bail form.
Patrick O'Shea can be reached online at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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21 Herbal Teas and Supplements that Boost Metabolism and Improve Health
As early as the discovery of fire, mankind has heated up water in combination with whatever plant life they found in their environment to consume. Leaves, twigs, roots… whatever they could get their hands on. Over time they were able to establish which leaves helped with which ailment whether it be an upset stomach, difficulties with dreams or sleeping and even muscle aches and pains. Based on their surroundings, a plant could be identified, used and consumed as what we now know as tea. Today there are hundreds of known combinations of herbs, roots and other dietary supplements that can be made into tea in order to provide benefit for the body.
Tea is representative of humans and their relationship with nature. It evokes images of peace, calm and strength all at once. It is integral to the daily life of most Europeans, particularly in England.
In history, events like the Boston Tea party will be remembered forever as the political protest which wasted 342 whole chests of tea. Wars have been fought for far more, but that is how important tea was and still is in our culture.
As mankind advanced in other areas, tea also became popular in other countries as well. For example, green tea took off in China as it was primarily taken in as only a form of medicine.
Green and black teas are now emphasized in modern day to keep us awake, to strengthen our immune system. It can help with cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
Green tea, in particular is connected with several studies to lower blood sugar as well as increase antioxidants in the body. It can be used to prevent cells from becoming cancerous and helps to boost the metabolism so that your body can burn fat more effectively.
The proof is in the history of the evolution of tea. As mankind continues to develop its own relationship with herbal and natural remedies they have come to find that there are steady and simple solutions that can work just as well (and in some cases, better) than pharmaceuticals.
Of course, we aren’t saying to use tea instead of your prescribed medications. However, you’ll be happy to note that there are many tea combinations that can complement traditional medications in order to get your body to a healthier point, to aid with certain conditions and to promote mental health as well.
Why Should I Drink Herbal Teas?
There are hundreds, potentially thousands of different types of teas consumed all over the world. Each with their own health benefit and flavor. And most who drink tea tend to do it just for the comfort of it all, without even knowing how it is helping in behind the scenes. There is so much more to tea than just good flavor:
What Tea Can Do For You
— Epigallocatechin Gallate: This is found in herbal teas and helps specifically with cardiovascular disease to prevent heart attacks by opening up closed channels in the body.
— Fluorides: The good type of fluoride inside of most teas helps to calm teeth and gum issues and even helps to prevent cavities from happening!
— Antioxidants: Herbal Tea works as an important antioxidant in the body which combats oxidative stress as well as damage brought on by free radicals.
— Vitamin D: Many of us are Vitamin D deficient and this causes a whole host of health concerns such as depression, overeating, sedentary lifestyles.
Just One Cup Of Tea A Day Could Change All That For You!
It doesn’t take much for you to be able to feel the benefits of tea, but it does take some effort. One little cup here and there isn’t going to do it. However, drinking at least one full cup a day can work wonders. If you want to have additional benefits though, keep in mind that many tea combinations require you to take up to two or three cups per day. The good news is, all of that tea is good for you.
Health Benefits of Drinking Herbal Teas
Let’s take a look at some of the additional benefits that tea can provide beyond specific ailments. These benefits will come into play no matter what you make your tea with.
Since herbal teas are literally just water and herbs it is easy to make the connection between tea and hydration. Of course the more tea that you drink the easier it is to be hydrated! Most humans all over the world are dehydrated, but imagine if more of us could just drink more tea we would be far better off and much healthier.
Drinking multiple cups of tea per day (especially those kinds with low or no caffeine) can keep your cells hydrated, which can also reduce headaches, keep your skin clear and make your joints move better.
The compounds in standard green and black tea have compounds that help to reduce stress and help the body manage better when under stressful situations. If you know you are going to have a bad morning at work or have a busy meeting, it may be a good idea to reach for the tea rather than the coffee.
Full of Antioxidants:
Antioxidants have a wide range of beneficial effects on the body including anti-aging, reduction of damage from free radicals and smoother body processes. Antioxidants benefit almost every system within the body and also are good for digestion and specific conditions as well.
The more antioxidants that you get, the better. Routine tea drinking is a surefire way to load up as there are a number of antioxidants in standard teas. If you drink tea that has additional immunity supplements or that is mixed with fruit juice, you can get even more.
It is estimated that the Americans drink more than 50 BILLION gallons of soda per year. Replacing soda with tea can help you to reduce sugar intake, remove carbonation from your diet and removes corn syrup from your drinking habits.
It is estimated that the average American could cut out soda, replace it with tea or water in their diet and do nothing else, and still lose 20 pounds over the course of 6 months. The heavier you are and the more soda you drink, the more likely that you will see results. Of course, if you use a lot of sugar in your tea, you would reduce the effects but it is a simple step that can help support you in any current weight loss goals that you might have.
The 21 Best Herbal Teas To Choose From
While it is exceedingly difficult to try to choose from the literal thousands of teas available on the market today, we have done our best to pick the tried and true, best herbal teas out there. Each provides a different benefit for the body. Consider your own conditions and lifestyle and then pick the herbal teas that are most beneficial for you.
Each of these teas provide
Blackberry Leaves Tea
- Strengthens the immune system
- Relieves digestion and bowel trouble
- Improves memory and cognitive functions
In many areas of the Pacific Northwest blackberries are considered an invasive species, and even seen as a weed. But it is so much more than that!
Blackberry leaves tea not only provides a beautiful berry flavor but it doubles the flavonoids and the antioxidants you would find in other teas which makes it very good for you.
- Relieves cough and sinus trouble
- Helps with nausea and motion sickness
- Purges caffeine from the body
Many haven’t heard of the impressive and refreshing effects that Cardamom tea has on the digestive tract. These sweet white flowers and seeds are a common stomach tonic in both India and Guatemala. If you feel blocked up, nauseated, have general stomach pain or gas, cardamom tea calms all of the symptoms down. It also helps to lighten certain issues of the cardiovascular system and with a little honey can calm down coughs brought on by allergic reaction. If you are trying to let go of caffeine, cardamom makes the switch easier.
- Relaxes the mind and body
- Cures digestive ailments and diarrhea
- Relaxes the body to bring positive dreams
Chamomile tea brings to the mind images of bedtime. Many all over the world use it for its relaxing properties. When experiencing times of trauma or intense stress, chamomile relaxes you from the inside out. It also helps aid digestion caused by stress, which can be very difficult when one is having a hard time. During stressful times it is also difficult to sleep and that is chamomile primary function.
- Boosts the immune system
- Controls blood sugar for diabetics
- Strengthens the respiratory system
Cinnamon tea is a flavor packed beverage that is extremely easy to put together. Essentially you soak a cinnamon stick in boiling water and that spicy beverage will be ready to go in just a few minutes. Cinnamon tea helps the body fight against common viruses, such as the rhinovirus as well as pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. It helps to speed up the metabolism when you are trying to lose weight and makes the body stronger by improving the immune system. Another common benefit is blood sugar control. Those who suffer from diabetes would benefit from incorporating this tea into their daily life.
- Liver tonic and helps relieve withdrawal symptoms
- Antioxidant and improves immune system weakness
Not just weeds, research says: Dandelion Tea is stuffed full of nutrient rich vitamins and minerals. Many types of Dandelion Teas exist as a diuretic to redistribute fluids when there is a water retention concern in the body. It helps the liver to perform correctly and is often used as a detoxifier for when you want to clean your body from spending too much time drinking, taking too many chemical filled drugs or eating the wrong kind of food.
- Makes colds go away faster
- Prevents illnesses from taking hold
- Improves the immune system
When it comes to improving the immune system after the onset of a cold, Echinacea Tea has been the Go To tea for centuries. Not only does it help to prevent the onset of the rhinovirus, but if you do get infected, it helps the illness go away faster.
- Stimulates the mind and body
- Aids in severe digestive disruptions
- Relieves stomach pain
Ginger tea is commonly used as an energy booster after an extremely sedentary time frame. When you need to be alert after being sleep deprived or if you just need to move onto another project after a long day, you can take ginger tea to stimulate your mind. Ginger is similarly used with mint teas as an anti-inflammatory and ally of the digestive system. Research shows that it can also help those afflicted with various types of arthritis by taking down the swelling in the joints.
- Universal health remedy
- Lessens overall stress
- Lessens cancer cells
- Metabolizes cholesterol
- Lowers blood pressure
If you have never heard of Green Tea you are likely hiding under a rock somewhere.
Green Tea is the most widely known and used tea. It is a general tonic for multiple ailments. Many consider it entirely universal. Have a stomach ache? Drink Green Tea. Have a cold? Drink Green Tea. Have a stressful day? Make some Green Tea. This tea has been proven to lessen cancer cells forming in the body. It is an antioxidant. It helps the body metabolize food as well as lowers cholesterol and even lowers blood pressure. It is truly a Universal Tea. If you try nothing else tea related, go to the store and get yourself some green tea right now. You will NOT regret it!
- Clears out excess sodium
- Circulates and redistributes blood
- Helps heal matters of the heart
Hawthorn Tea is a little known tea which is developed out of essentially the entire hawthorn plant. From the berries which are red or blue depending on their age, to the flowers which are white, to the leaves which have five fingerlike furles. Hawthorn helps to cycle out unnecessary sodium, and relieves stress. This tea is underestimated mostly just because not many have heard of it, but is a powerful tonic particularly when it comes to heart health. And not only physically, it is also known to be an ally of the heart emotionally. In matters of the heart, Hawthorn tea provides a calming energy during stressful situations and helps blood circulate through the body.
Hibiscus Flower Tea
- Helps to lower blood pressur
- Relieves symptoms of severe panic attacks
- Regulates cholesterol levels in the body
Hibiscus can be found in tea mixes such as Zinger Tea and has a beautiful, light flavor which is slightly sweet. The tea is from the flowers themselves and not only is known to calm a person down, but actually lowers blood pressure. This is an excellent tea to take if you have hypertension, high cholesterol and other heart related concerns.
- Lessens symptoms of whooping cough
- Calms down bronchitis and pneumonia
- Brings relaxation to body and mind
Lavender is used in essential oils, cooking, poultices, cosmetic products, shampoos, perfumes. It is a universal smell that brings comfort and calmness to whoever is present. The purple flowers can be added to hot water and taken for any kind of issues of the respiratory system. So if you have asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis or pneumonia, you can drink this tea to relax the symptoms so that you can function. It also helps to bring down the overall body temperature and fevers.
Lemon Balm Tea
- Brings relief to heart burn
- Regulates mild to severe thyroid dysfunction
- Relieves gas and diarrhea
Lemon Balm is surprisingly related to the mint family. It grows in giant bushes wherever it is planted and smells similar to sweet lemonade. The leaves and flowers of this plant is used in tea to increase metabolism by controlling issues related to the thyroid and helps with stress overall. It is also known to calm down digestive troubles, such as gas or diarrhea.
- Aids in digestive tract trouble
- Brings refreshing flavor to Asian cooking
- Relieves digestive bloating
Countless Asian cooking recipes include lemongrass into their soups for additional flavor and to bring the healing properties of the herb into the soup itself similar as what would happen in teas. Because Citral is in Lemongrass, it is easier to digest the food being ingested, and the tea itself calms down all manner of intestinal discomfort.
Milk Thistle Tea
- Liver tonic and expels toxic build up
- Helps relieve addiction withdrawal symptoms
- Increases circulation
Milk Thistle tea isn’t well known in the general public but amongst medical practitioners it is known to be a cleanser of the body. It cleanses the liver and clears out excess toxins as well as makes it run more efficiently by producing more bile to improve digestion overall. If you are quitting smoking, or drinking, or taking pills, adding milk thistle tea to your daily regimen will make withdrawals much easier to deal with because it helps clean out the toxins faster.
- Immune system supporter
- Rebuilds the body’s deteriorated adrenal glands
- Relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Nettle Tea is chalked full of nutrients, yet many don’t understand its potent qualities because of its prickly nature. This plant is often considered just a weed which causes allergic reactions if you prick your finger. But like many natural medicine tools, the Earth provides what we need even if you might not think so at a glance. Taking the leaves of the plant and boiling them in hot water, creates a veritable kickboxer of health to support your immune system. Nettle tea helps to rebuild the adrenal glands which are wounded due to too much caffeine or not enough rest. It is also known to relieve the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and helps calm down painful coughing as a result of allergies or the common colds.
- Relieves nausea, vomiting and motion sickness
- Prevents allergic reactions from worsening
- Relieves chronic pain and pressure
Any mint tea is going to be helpful for your immune system and also as a calming stomach tonic, but peppermint tea specifically adds the extra punch needed for severe nausea, or vomiting. If you are going to travel at all via boat or ferry, having peppermint tea ready to go will calm down the effects of motion sickness as well as open up the respiratory system, preventing allergies from causing problems breathing. If you have chronic pain, having a glass of peppermint tea a day will relieve pressure in aching joints.
Red Clover Tea
- Relieves menopausal and menstrual cycle discomfort
- Calms down itchy skin due to PMS
- Increases good feelings overall
An ally to women’s health, Red Clover Tea has been used for centuries to comfort cramping during the menstrual cycle. It is a tonic for the pelvis, aids in having a relaxing night sleep and helps to reduce stress. Menopausal women use red clover tea as a way of relieving the symptoms of menopause overall. Red clover tea is made from the blossoms themselves which have been dried out and added to boiling water.
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces stress
- Powerful sleep aid and antioxidant
Rooibos Tea has a beautiful and rich flavor which is added often in combination with other herbs. But rooibos tea on its own is a powerful antioxidant which can clear up hundreds of different kinds of ailments. From lowering blood pressure, to reducing stress and helps us have a good night’s sleep.
Rose Hip Tea
- Boosts vitamin c intake into the body
- Provides foundational immune system support
- Brings relief to premenstrual pain
An ally for adrenal function as well as tissue health, rosehip tea is made from the actual bud of a rose plant. Making tinctures or infusions out of Rosehips will aid with women’s issues and is an excellent way to get Vitamin C into the body. It helps to strengthen the immune system and research shows that rose hip tea can be taken to relieve premenstrual frustrations.
Turmeric tea is a spicy and flavorful beverage enjoyed by millions all over the world. Research has shown it has associations with:
- Healing alzheimer’s direct from neuro receptors
- Clears plaque build up in the brain
- Reduces inflammation throughout the body
Turmeric is an Indian spice which is now being researched to cure Alzheimer’s disease. Studies are following along the elderly in certain villages in India to see how it is used, and often it is being seen ingested in a tea form, but can also be sprinkled over food This is why so often Indian food has a yellow coloring to it. Many use turmeric as a part of their curry to give the dish extra flavor and as a culture already know how good it is for the body.
While researching the health benefits of Turmeric Tea, the University of California’s researchers discovered that the use of curcumin (which is the active compound found in Turmeric) actually blocked the plaque buildup in the brain which is known to cause Alzheimer’s.
This was an amazing discover that brings hopes to millions all over the world! Turmeric tea is also known to reduce inflammation overall and to help reconnect or regrow the neural tissues in the brain.
Turmeric Tea can be ingested fresh, just by buying this spice in bulk and adding to boiling water with a strainer or can even be purchased already in tea form.
Making Turmeric tea for yourself at home:
1st – Boil up to four cups of water
2nd – Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground turmeric based on how spicy you want it and allow to cook on low for about 10 minutes.
3rd – Strain with some cheese cloth or a fine sieve into your favorite tea cup and add honey or lemon based on preference and voila! You will have turmeric tea!
You Can’t Spell Healthy Without “T”
There are so many more teas in this world that you can experiment with, but hopefully at this point you have a good starting off point to begin your weight loss/ metabolizing and health filled tea adventure.
If you try switching your coffee out for tea for just one week you will feel the benefits immediately and will never go back! If you have more healthy or metabolizing teas to share, please give us your tips! We want to know what you’ve tried!


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Social networks play an important role when choosing the destination of our next trip . In fact, the choices made by influencers often become an example and inspiration to plan vacations for those who follow their accounts and blogs.
Kayak has carried out a study on the most visited destinations by 200 influencers from all over Europe and has compiled a list of the preferred cities and countries to travel in 2018 . Paris is in the lead as the favorite city for foodies and fashionistas, but we tell you all the results of this report below.
Paris, New York and London
The ranking by cities preferred by European influencers catapults Paris (1), New York (2) and London (3) to the podium. They are the destinations most frequented by those who are fluent in social networks and they are cities with a lot of cultural offer and many things to see and do. And for photographing, of course, that at the end of what it is about is to show the trip on social networks.
This ranking differentiates between the cities preferred by foodies and fashionistas . In the case of the former, the list looks like this:
2.- New York
4.- Los Angeles
The so-called fashionistas prefer, on the other hand, the following destinations for 2018 :
2.- New York
5.- Los Angeles
How long can we fly?
As for the cheapest flights , the search engine highlights London, Copenhagen and Paris as the cities with the cheapest flights. Those who want a plane ticket to also cheap gastronomic destinations Copenhagen, Paris or Berlin will become a good choice. When it comes to crossing the pond or visiting other more distant cities, the trip becomes more expensive.
Top Ten of essential countries according to Spanish foodies and fashionistas
Spanish influencers also weigh in on this report. For lovers of gastronomic tourism, the countries that we cannot miss are:
5.- United States
8.- United Kingdom
On the other hand, for those who love fashion the list is as follows:
2.- United States
6.- United Kingdom
Thus, Spain is also in fourth position among the countries that the most foodie tourists yearn to visit in 2018. European countries are preferred by national influencers . Those who are more dedicated to the fashion world prefer the United States, Indonesia, Mexico or Japan in their top 10. Those who are more motivated by the gastronomic theme bet on Portugal, France and Italy, destinations always recognized for their excellent gastronomy.
The best time to travel
Spanish influencers choose summer (between June and September) as their favorite time to travel. Foodies like it better, however, to do it in winter .
How was this study carried out?
To carry out this study, the destinations have been chosen through the analysis of the Instagram profiles of more than 200 influencers from all over Europe . This study took place between August 1, 2016 and September 1, 2017.
Regarding the prices of the flights reviewed, these are searches carried out on Kayak between April 1, 2017 and October 20 of this year for trips between January 1, 2018 and March 31. Therefore, they may vary depending on the dates or availability of the same.
And to you, what do you think of these proposals? Would you like to travel to any of these destinations? Tell us which one is your favorite and why.

domain: travel


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She has been a Health Educator in the public school for 20 years. Amina earned her Black belt in WuShu Kung fu and was the Aerobic winner of Mrs. Maryland Amina also knows our health is not only what we see on the outside.
Amina was diagnosed with gestational diabetes which for very few becomes type 1. Managing this chronic condition can feel like taming a wild beast. This condition was part of the reason she started doing the Pilates movement system. Pilates has been the source of better blood sugar balance.This is why she became a certified Pilates trainer 16 years ago. Strength from the core are the physical muscles in the body stemming from mental focus of the mind. Joseph Pilates calls this ‘Contrology.’ The 5 principles of pilates begin. Pilates has been the source of better blood sugar balance. We may all have a challenge difficult to tame. Yours might be an addiction, weight, depression, arthritis, & etc.
It is hard to find balance amongst numerous demands of life. Having a coach & being a part of a team will help you make S.M.A.R.T goals. Learn to love the rigor every step of the way to tame that beast, find balance, achieve your goal with a resilient mental and physical Core.


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BioFlash delivers the day's life sciences headlines from New England's innovation economy.
Just as it did in 2011, Foundation Medicine has inked its fourth partnership this year. The Cambridge cancer diagnostics company’s latest partnership agreement is with AstraZeneca (AZN:LN), a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in London.
Together, the companies are working to identify alterations in cancer-related tumor genes that could potentially predict a person’s response or resistance to specific medicine.
In addition to its multi-year partnership agreement, Foundation Medicine has the right of first negotiation for the development of potential diagnostic products.
“AstraZeneca has a strong commitment to understanding the patient-to-patient variations that may impact the efficacy of therapeutic candidates,” Foundation CEO and President Michael J. Pellini said in a release. “We are helping companies like AstraZeneca achieve deeper insight into their programs and trials with our unique cancer expertise and our ability to provide genomic information that can impact clinical treatment decisions. Together, we expect to enable a more individualized, targeted approach to cancer drug development and clinical trials.”
Founded in 2010, Foundation was founded by founded by experts in genome technology, cancer biology and medical oncology from the Broad Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School and MIT an is backed by Third Rock Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Google Ventures, according to the company which secured $42.5 million in September and a total of $86 million in funding to date.
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It's potentially make or break for Interleukin as company secures $12M private placement. http://t.co/7aaWUL4WYw
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Matrix and Pilot House-backed Qualtre lands another round of funding. http://t.co/BnkvlmHTPB
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Matrix and Pilot House backed Qualtre lands another round of funding. http://t.co/BnkvlmHTPB
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Turkish Economy / Lira - Brief Update January 2022
The general consensus is that most, if not all packers, are purchasing raw material hand to mouth.
Turmoil in the Turkish economy has created uncertainty and lack of credibility in their currency.
When inflation topped 21% in November, President Erdogan pressed Turkeys central bank to cut interest rates by five percentage points to 14%. In response, Turks switched more deposits out of the Lira into Dollars and the Euro, fueling a currency crisis. The Lira fell from 8TL v $1 to 18TL v $1.
Erdogan’s solution, was to create a scheme that promises to compensate them for any losses if they tie up their money in Lira deposits for three months. But even if that succeeds in stabilising the Lira, it will not end Turkey’s problems, inflationary momentum, cheap credit and rises in the minimum wage will continue to lift Turkish prices. Inflation hit 36% recently, and if Erdogan’s currency scheme fails, the consequences could still be worse. Turkey’s taxpayers will be on the hook for bailing out its depositors.
Raw material itself is limited on the open market, with farmers and traders alike reluctant to sell.
Any material sold forward is speculative, therefore adding a premium to compensate for any further potential interest rate and or inflation rate rises.
The Lira is thought to sustain its strength throughout the coming months in-line with Erdogan’s scheme, by which time the central banks will start paying out the difference in deposits.
This is something the TMO are conscious of, are will more than likely announce a sales price in-line with this.
The TMO themselves are rumoured to hold somewhere between 10,000mt to 15,000mt of old crop and 50,000mt to 60,000mt of new crop.


text:
Music Noted in Brief; Olaker and Hester Offer Four Centuries of Music
By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN
Published: February 23, 1988
For a program entitled ''Cords and Strings'' at Weill Recital Hall on Sunday afternoon, Charlae Olaker and Daryl Hester presented music for soprano, lute and guitar that spanned four centuries. Ms. Olaker sang works by Campion, Handel, Britten, Villa-Lobos and others. She was terrific. Mr. Hester accompanied and performed selections for solo lute and guitar.
Ms. Olaker negotiated everything at least respectably, and most often with a tender, graceful touch - soft and lilting during the opening lnes of ''Abschied'' by Mauro Giuliani, touching and melancholic humming the start and close of the aria from ''Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5'' by Villa-Lobos, sparkling and secure in an aria from ''Rinaldo'' by Handel.
Mr. Hester transcribed the last for soprano and guitar, leaving for himself passages that posed him troubles. Throughout the concert Mr. Hester's playing stalled at knottier sections, and an occasional stiffness and tentativeness drained vitality from his interpretations. Nonetheless, he did nice things with the fluttering ''Campanas del Alba'' by E. Sainz de la Maza, and did nothing during the afternoon to diminish the strong impression made by Ms. Olaker's performance.

domain: artistic


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A. Brief overview of Uttarakhand’s cultural diversity
Uttarakhand, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, is a state blessed with immense natural beauty and cultural riches. The land’s diversity is reflected in its people, who belong to various ethnic groups like Rajputs, Brahmins, Shilpkars, and so on. Ancient pilgrimage sites dot Uttarakhand’s landscape alongside breathtaking mountain vistas. Given the remote, difficult terrain, different regions fostered their own distinct traditions, arts, dialects, cuisine and more over the centuries. The Hindu religion dominates, but strong folk influences also permeate local cultures. All these unique aspects of Uttarakhand’s living heritage come alive in its vibrant calendar of festivals and fairs.
B. Significance of festivals in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage
Festivals allow expression of the region’s diverse ethnic identities and traditional knowledge systems. Rituals, music, dance, crafts – all integral parts of intangible cultural heritage – are showcased innovatively during special occasions. Local deities are honored, bringing devotees together. Myths and legends are recounted, keeping folklore alive. The youth learn about their roots. Festivals thus act as crucial mediums to transmit cultural memory and community identity to future generations. They also promote the diversity that characterises Uttarakhand to visitors. In essence, festivals provide continuity between a glorified past and an evolving present.
II. Diwali Celebrations in Uttarakhand
A. Jyotiparva festival and its prominence
Diwali festivities begin in Uttarakhand with Jyotiparva, celebrated on Kartik Amavasya. Locals light earthen lamps or candles to commemorate Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana. The triumph of good over evil and light over darkness is marked. Jyotiparva is of special significance at sacred sites like Guptkashi, which linked to the Ramayana lore. Elaborate rituals, fairs and processions featuring regional art forms are observed.
B. Unique aspects of Budhi Diwali celebration
The day before Diwali is known as Budhi Diwali in Uttarakhand and involves unique traditions. Cow dung is plastered on walls and floors of homes and colored designs (ripu) made. This ancient ritual signifies purification and preparation to receive the Goddess Lakshmi. Locals also observe Safolon by lighting a bonfire of pine needles and dancing around it while singing folk songs.
C. Chaiti Mela during Navaratri at Kashipur
During the Navaratri celebrations in April, the Chaiti Mela unfolds annually at Kashipur. The fair sees over 200 stalls selling regional handicrafts and hosting cultural programs. But the prime attraction is the Ram Leela drama played out on brightly decorated platforms. These performances bring the crowds together through their devotional and entertainment value.
III. Fairs Dedicated to Deities
A. Chandrabadni fair in Tehri district
The Chandrabadni temple in Tehri district hosts an important annual fair in July/August to honor the patron goddess. Pilgrims chant hymns and bathe in the holy waters. The fair also provides a space for folk musicians called Jagariyas to perform their devotional songs through the night. With the scenic mountains as a backdrop, the Chandrabadni fair beautifully blends spirituality, nature and arts.
B. Chaupakhya Festival at Chaumi Devta Temple
The regional Kumaoni harvest festival called Chaupakhya takes place at Chaumi Devta temple in April. Locals celebrate the rains, offer prayers and make offerings to seek the deity’s blessings. The unique Chholiya folk dance is performed by men dressed as women. Chaupakhya exemplifies how festivals promote not just faith but also traditional music and dance forms.
C. Chhipla Jaat Yatra and its diverse elements
The annual Chhipla Jaat Yatra in August is dedicated to Golu Devta, worshipped across Kumaon. The elaborate 6-day procession departing from Champawat comprises decorated palanquins, mountain ponies, music and dancing. On reaching the Gwaldam temple, offerings are made amidst chanting. Blending spirituality, merriment, austerity and natural beauty, this journey reflects Uttarakhand’s composite culture.
IV. Temples and Devotional Celebrations
A. Dhaulinag Temple and its significance
The scenic hill shrine of Dhaulinag hosts the annual Phool Dei or Phuldeyi harvest festival in March. Locals decorate goat idols with flowers and join a vibrant procession up to the temple while singing and dancing. Offerings are made to Dhaulinag Devta followed by feasting. Phool Dei embodies the joys of spring, prosperity and community bonding.
B. Dudhiyal Devi Fair in Paunada village
Dudhiyal Devi, worshipped as a clan goddess, sees devotees converging at Her Paunada temple annually for a special Mela. They bring sacred water, coconuts and bells as offerings. Cultural programs are held alongside devotional rituals. The fair strengthens social bonds beyond religion by upholding local identity.
C. Ganga Dusshera and its sacred rituals
The ten-day Ganga Dusshera festival celebrates the holy Ganges river. On Dasami, colourful processions proceed to the ghats where devotees perform Ganga aarti and take dips, believing this absolves sins. Locals also create mini river shrines at home. The festivities honour the sustaining Mother Ganga, blending ecology and faith.
V. Trade Fairs and Regional Showcases
A. Gauchar Mela’s role in trade and cultural display
Gauchar hosts the largest fair (Mela) of Garhwal region annually in November. While trading of horses, wool and handicrafts occurs, the Mela also provides the stage for local performing arts. Musicians called Jagariyas sing folk stories. The local Pandav dance and Lasya dances related to Goddess Parvati provide cultural highlights.
B. Gauchar Fair’s impact on regional songs and dances
The annual Gauchar Fair sees swarms of vendors and entertainers gather to celebrate the harvest season. For folk musicians and dancers, it is an unparalleled opportunity to exhibit their talents. New forms and songs often arise carrying the Fair’s impact. The event thus significantly influences the evolution of regional culture.
C. Singtur Range’s Gendua Fair during Makar Sankranti
Singtur village located near Pithoragarh hosts the annual winter Gendua fair during Makar Sankranti. Tribes from nearby regions in Nepal and Tibet descend to trade wool, herbs and more. Locals in their traditional finery perform music and dances. As a peaceful congregation of diverse cultures, this fair upholds the spirit of unity.
VI. Unique Cultural Celebrations
A. Ghandiyal Mela in Tehri as an ancient celebration
The remote Tehri village of Ghandiyal witnesses devotees marching up to a sacred cave temple during the annual Ghandiyal Mela. The exact origins of this celebration, featuring singing and dancing all night long, remain unknown. But its distinctive character, mystic aura and continuity over centuries reflect Uttarakhand’s timeless and unique cultural traditions.
B. Guru Kaila Peer Fair’s historical and cultural significance
Located near the town of Kotabagh on the Pilibhit-Tanakpur highway, the annual Guru Kaila Peer Fair commemorates a revered Sufi saint. People of all faiths attend, offering floral chadors at the tomb. A cattle fair and cultural programs are also held. The occasion brings diverse communities together, reflecting Uttarakhand’s ethos of pluralism.
C. Kalika Fair (Bungkhal Mela) in Chaurikhal village
The remote Chaurikhal village hosts the annual Bungkhal Mela dedicated to Goddess Kalika on Kartik Poornima. Thousands converge for rituals and feast on traditional sweet lungri. They also participate in music and dance around bonfires along with circus-like events, making this an unique showcase of Uttarakhand’s syncretic and vibrant rural culture.
VII. Lesser-Known Festivals
A. Kalsin fair near Shyamlatal
Among Uttarakhand’s hyperlocal festivals is the annual Kalsin fair held near the scenic Shyamlatal. On the 14th day of Paush month, rural communities gather to worship Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Parshuram. Locals
also bathe in the holy lake and make offerings. While small in scale, such fairs uphold Uttarakhand’s living cultural mosaic by keeping folk traditions active at the grassroots.
B. Kamleshwar Fair and its religious importance
The remote Kamleshwar Mahadev temple near Uttarkashi hosts an annual fair in August that draws devotees from distant villages to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. Locals also take dips in the holy Bhagirathi river flowing nearby. Though a niche event, the fair’s continuity keeps regional pilgrimage practices and spiritual associations with sacred sites alive.
C. Kandali Festival and its historical roots
The Garhwali festival Kandali commemorates the change of season. Celebrated for centuries in August, it marks the start of the harvesting season. Locals offer flowers and food to their household deities, expressing gratitude. According to folklore, the festival signifies a victory by the Garhwali King Ajaypal over invaders in medieval times. Kandali thus exemplifies deep-rooted cultural histories.
VIII. Seasonal Festivals and Rituals
A. Khatarua – the autumn festival
Khatarua is an important autumn festival celebrated widely across Kumaon in September. People gather their agricultural tools and perform rituals praying for a good harvest season. The tools are cleaned and worshipped while folk dances are performed. Khatarua reflects the strong relationship between Uttarakhand’s agrarian lifestyles and culture.
B. Kot ki Mai Fair during Navratris
The temple complex of Kot ki Mai near Garjiya hosts an elaborate nine-day fair during Navratri in April. Locals offer prayers, coconuts and bells at the temple amidst chanting and music. On the last day, crowds carry palanquins with the idol to a nearby pond for immersion. The fair is deeply rooted in the region’s religious and agricultural traditions.
C. Kumaoni Holi’s musical and colorful traditions
Holi takes on its own local flavor in Kumaon as a three-stage festival spanning February and March. The initial Basant Panchami and Khadi Holi with bonfires are followed by the main Dulandi Holi. Besides the bursting of colors, Dulandi is marked by singing of traditional jhoda and chhopati folk songs.
IX. Makar Sankranti and Uttarayani
A. Makar Sankranti’s local name – Uttarayani
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Uttarakhand as Uttarayani, marking the start of the northward journey of the sun. People take dips in holy rivers, offer sweets and sesame seeds to deity statues in temples and observe other auspicious rituals on this day. Uttarayani’s unique festive flavor reflects astronomical significance intertwined with spirituality.
B. Uttarayani fair in various locations
Major Uttarayani fairs are held in sacred places like Gangotri and Badrinath. In Bageshwar, lakhs congregate at the Makteshwar and Tapkeshwar temples on the banks of River Saryu. Such fairs blend rituals, market trade and cultural programs into vibrant events that uphold Uttarakhand’s living heritage.
C. Bikhoti or Vishuvat Sankranti as a New Year celebration
Bikhoti, the Kumaoni New Year, coincides with Makar Sankranti. Festive rituals welcome the harvest season and offer gratitude for past blessings. People prepare local delicacies and exchange gifts and good wishes. Vishuvat Sankranti is another Kumaoni festival celebrating creation, akin to the cosmic New Year.
X. Nanda Devi Festival and Olgia
A. Nanda Devi Festival and its grandeur
The iconic Nanda Devi Festival celebrates mountain Goddess Nanda Devi who is deeply revered in Uttarakhand. Held in September, the grand procession to Homkund lake led by the erstwhile royals commemorates Nanda Devi’s journey to meet Lord Shiva. It integrates culture, adventure and conservation.
B. Olgia (Ghee Sankranti) as an important cultural festival
Olgia is among the biggest festivals of Johar valley in Pithoragarh district. Celebrated in August with songs, dances and processions, it marks the descent of Nanda Devi Raj Jat. Locals prepare special dishes and offer pure ghee. Olgia reflects deep devotion towards the revered mountain Goddess.
C. Purnagiri fair’s extended celebration after Holi
The prominent Purnagiri temple near Champawat hosts a vibrant annual fair in March-April. The event begins on Holi and extends almost a fortnight. Pilgrims take dips in holy tanks and trek up to the hilltop temple while being entertained by street performers. The festive atmosphere reflects Uttarakhand’s cultural facets.
A. Recap of the diversity of Uttarakhand’s cultural festivals
From major pilgrimage gatherings to remote village fairs, the festivals of Uttarakhand provide extraordinary windows into the state’s living heritage and diverse ethno-cultural mosaic. The traditions, rituals, arts, folklore and faith practices maintained through these celebrations enable regional identities and community bonds to thrive.
B. Importance of festivals in promoting tourism and cultural exchange
The fairs and festivals of Uttarakhand offer a powerful means of boosting cultural tourism and exchange. They allow visitors to immerse themselves locally while generating livelihoods. Promoting sustainable festivals can thus catalyze preservation and evolution of heritage arts, crafts and culture alongside economic benefits.


Friday, September 23, 2016
Linda Van Hoosen, Communications
Tradition, integrity, and great client relationships – these things make a company attractive to its clients. Olsson Associates goes beyond these important elements. Staying on top of and in front of technology are also essential to the success of our clients. Olsson’s Geotechnical group has added some new tools to increase its capacity to perform work firmwide. This investment will better serve our clients.
“Through these new systems, we’re able to provide better design and construction,” said Jeff Edson, team leader for the Western Regions Field Operations. “That translates to construction cost savings. These systems allow Olsson to better refine our design recommendations and our internal designs as well.”
The 24-channel seismic system allows our Geotechnical teams to go out and complete seismic surveys. They create seismic waves, typically by striking the ground with a sledge hammer, and the system collects the primary and secondary seismic wave information.
From there, the team analyzes and produces 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D modeling of the subsurface from the survey information.
“Olsson is able to create better seismic zone classifications on projects from this process,” Jeff said. “We can see any hidden voids or issues below grade that regular geotechnical drilling doesn’t catch. It also gives the geotechnical and structural engineers a better feel for the actual recommendations they are providing to our clients. This system could potentially provide huge construction cost savings by helping the structural design teams to adjust their designs to meet the site parameters.”
Thermal resistivity measures the ability of on-site soils or materials to absorb and dissipate heat. The instruments are capable of performing both lab and field thermal resistivity testing.
“When you have electrical transmission lines or heat/steam pipes below ground, this device assist in determining how materials will take on the heat from the lines. The device cycles through several series of test and provides our clients with a thermal property curve for the on-site materials,” Jeff said. “Measuring the thermal resistivity helps electrical, transmission and distribution designers figure out how to shield their lines or pipes.”
The thermal resistivity tool also allows Olsson to study how backfill materials will dissipate the heat traveling through the line so the pipe or the insulation doesn’t burn or become brittle and eventually damage the asset. Olsson engineers can design a system to take those heat properties and evenly distribute it through the design.
Another recent service we’ve added to our Field Operations team is roadway video survey. Olsson utilizes this system for pre- and post-construction surveys and the system provides the client a map of their project with the location of roadway conditions, signage and structures all geotagged that is reviewable on typical existing software systems.
“We videotape everything and geotag all the locations,” he said. “The system is connected to a GPS antenna so we can develop an interactive GIS map. We can also put the data into Google Earth so clients can click on the program and then click on the map and see the roadway, signage and structure conditions.”
These new services add to Olsson’s existing array of full-service geotechnical and testing capabilities. They increase the firm’s presence in completing geophysical surveys for clients. For more information about Olsson’s geotechnical field services, contact Jeff Edson at 303.237.2072.


The Rotary Club of Frisco has honored Firefighter/Paramedic Colby Brown, of the Frisco Fire Department, with the 1st Responders “Service Above Self” Award.
“Service Above Self.” To Rotarians, this is a motto to live by. But to the men and women serving Frisco in our police and fire departments, it is a way of life. This award is to recognize Frisco’s 1st Responders that best demonstrate “Service Above Self”. Each quarter, the Rotary Club of Frisco alternates awarding a deserving member of the Frisco Fire Department and Frisco Police Department. The recipient is identified by the Command Staff of the respective department, and other than having demonstrated “Service Above Self”, the qualifications and selection will be determined by that department.
Colby Brown is the type of firefighter that leads from the front and continually strives to improve himself and those around him. As a Frisco Firefighter, Colby sets a great example for both younger and older firefighters he is exposed to. He works hard, trains hard, and studies hard to become better.
Colby was the 2nd Frisco Firefighter to complete the rigorous Georgia Smoke Diver Program, a six-day, 60 hour intense program designed to expose firefighters to the extreme demands that may be placed on firefighters at any incident.
Colby is capable of working in any position in the Frisco Fire Department, from paramedic on an ambulance to acting officer on a fire engine. Additionally, Colby was named by his peers as the 2019 Frisco Fire Department Firefighter of the Year.
Frisco Fire Chief Mark Piland and Battalion Chief Cameron Kraemer assisted in the award presentation.
The Rotary Club of Frisco meets at noon on Thursdays at the Crest Infiniti event center on State Hwy 121. All are welcome to visit and learn more about serving your community both locally and globally.


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I have to think that the only reason this group didn’t make it bigger is because they were integrated. They sound quite a bit like other folk popularizers, with the exception of Eric Weissberg's fantastic banjo work. His playing is just about beyond anyone else in commercial folk music at the time. Also, their vocal harmonies are far more complex than other similar groups.
For example, on the opening track, “Swing Down,” the group blends beautifully with an arrangement somewhere between barbershop and gospel.
Their on-stage patter can be just as corny as another pop folk group (there may be a few exceptions).
The anecdote that Marshall Brickman tells before their sea shanty reveals the disconnect between the fascination with historical material during the folk revival and how this may seem quant and twee in this modern life. In the anecdote, Carey talks about sailing on a fishing vessel and shout singing rigging commands to the crew. "Hoist that line!" To which, the crew responds (in a Portuguese accent), “Why are you hollerin’? Start the engine and let’s go home.”
Their rendition of Woody Guthrie’s “Pastures of Plenty” sounds like a cowboy movie sound track, and not in a good way. Here the more complex vocal arrangements work against the song. While it gives depth to a gospel-adjacent arrangement, in this case it detracts from the starkness of the message. I don’t think anyone can touch the Cisco Houston version of this song. God, I love Cisco.
Brickman again takes the mic to tell the wholly invented story of the invention of the banjo. It’s a tale of an undaunted (“nary a daunt") inventor named Irving. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that interest in the banjo really takes off, so the story goes. Eric Weissberg then shows off his bluegrass picking technique. And I do mean show off. It’s an opportunity for his to display his chops, and he nails it.
The final two sing-along numbers are perfectly pitched. They elevate “Last Night I had the Strangest Dream,” the anti-war song, to a fever pitch just to bring it back down again to punctuate the simplicity of the lyrics.
The final gospel song is a real barn burner. The audience tries to clap along, bless them, but they just can’t seem to get on the groove. The group is unphased and they bring the heat to close out the show. The audience is left shouting for more.
While this group sounds quite a bit like other folk popularizers at times, they have a greater range. Weissberg’s work on the banjo, and the complex harmonies (while sometimes they fight the material) are at least interesting and diverse. Some of these popular folk groups would use and re-use the same vocal arrangements over and over. The Tarriers were clearly invested in trying something, even if it doesn’t always work.
Title: At “The Bitter End”
Artist: The Tarriers
Label: Decca DL 4342
Vocals, Acoustic Bass – Marshall Brickman
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Bob Carey, Clarence Cooper
Vocals, Banjo – Eric Weissberg