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Synopses & Reviews
This astonishing book by the Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez chronicles the 1990 kidnappings of ten Colombian men and women--all but one a journalist--by the Medellín drug boss Pablo Escobar. The carefully orchestrated abductions were Escobar's attempt to extort from the government its assurance that he, and other narcotics traffickers, would not be extradited to the United States if they were to surrender.
From the highest corridors of government to the domain of the ruthless drug cartels, we watch the unfolding of a bizarre drama replete with fascinating characters: César Gaviria, the nation's cool and secretive president; Diana Turbay, a famous television journalist and magazine editor; three indomitable women who are imprisoned for miserable months in a small room with a light perpetually on; an eighty-two-year-old priest with a mission to bring the regime and the cartel to the negotiating table; and Escobar himself, the legendary drug baron who changes his bodyguards daily and maintains a private zoo with giraffes and hippos from Africa.
All of this takes place in a country where presidential candidates and cabinet officers are routinely assassinated; where police go into the Medellín slums to murder boys they think may be working for Escobar; but where brave and honest citizens are trying desperately to make democracy survive.
An international best-seller, News of a Kidnapping combines journalistic tenacity with the breathtaking language and perception that distinguish the writings of Gabriel García Márquez. It draws us into a world that, like some phantasmagorical setting in a great García Márquez novel, we can scarcely believe exists--but that continually shocks us with its cold, hard reality.
About the Author
Gabriel García Márquez was born in Aracataca, Colombia, in 1928. He attended the University of Bogotá and later worked as a reporter for the Colombian newspaper El Espectador and as a foreign correspondent in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Caracas, and New York. He is the author of many novels and collections of stories--including No One Writes to the Colonel and Other Stories, One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Autumn of the Patriarch, Innocent Eréndira and Other Stories, In Evil Hour, Leaf Storm and Other Stories, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Love in the Time of Cholera, The General in His Labyrinth, Strange Pilgrims, and Of Love and Other Demons. García Márquez was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. He lives in Mexico City and Bogotá.
Edith Grossman is the award-winning translator of major works by many of Latin America's most important writers, including Gabriel García Márquez and Alvaro Mutis. Born in Philadelphia, she attended the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California at Berkeley before receiving her Ph.D. from New York University. Ms. Grossman is the author of The Antipoetry of Nicanor Parra and of many articles and book reviews. She lives in New York City.


The commission created after the scandal Volkswagen diesel engines rigged to try to restore confidence has delivered an opposite post Friday, not excluding that no other software manufacturers use “cheats”.
in its final report compiling the tests of 86 vehicles taken at random, and of which AFP obtained a copy, this independent commission also noted “numerous exceedances” of the selected thresholds, elements that had filtered in points stage.
But the commission says some vehicles have “significant differences” in conditions of approval and called for new tests “to assess whether they should not be withdrawal of their registration certificate. “
the works, which were based on tests conducted by UTAC-Ceram organization, aimed” to make all the transparency practices of automotive industry and restore consumer confidence, “said Segolene Royal, Minister of the Environment who installed the commission.
While Volkswagen has confessed in September 2015 have installed on diesel vehicles software engine management intended to deceive the certification tests by temporarily reducing emissions, other manufacturers whose forbidden to use this device prohibited by the European and American regulations.
But experts noted in their report that “it was not possible to have access to all the embedded software, and therefore no software analysis was done.”
“the commission can therefore not rule definitively on the presence or absence of software + cheaters + in the tested vehicles, “they add.
Even without access to these programs, tests have” identified a significant number of anomalies “, whether or CO2 emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), vis-à-vis the thresholds that the Commission had set.
Segolene Royal has promised in a statement to go “to the end of the implementation of the report. It is a matter of trust. Manufacturers will be in front of their responsibility because air pollution is a serious problem, we can not procrastinate or joke. “
The Volkswagen case had an impact on the whole automotive industry , highlighting the sometimes significant differences between the emission standards in certification tests and those in actual use.
decried for their obsolescence, current European standards, say NEDC , will be replaced in 2017 by a new Protocol (WLTP), supposed to be more relevant
-. Poor students –
UTAC-Ceram has tested 86 vehicles (85 diesel and petrol, for reference) in three ways “in conditions slightly different from those of the approval to lure, and so detect” a fraudulent device. each time, it added a tolerance threshold.
of the 85 vehicles, about a third (24 to 28), were left “anomaly” vis-à-vis the NOx limits, according to the three tests. An even greater phenomenon CO2 (measured in two tests), 39 and 47 vehicles exceeded the thresholds.
Among the “bad students” during the first test of the NOx in car certified “Euro 6″, the latest standard, include the Fiat 500X, the Renault Talisman and Nissan Qashqai.
We find the Fiat bottom of the league for the first Euro 6 CO2 test. The Volvo V40 and the Skoda Fabia precede it.
The commission, which interviewed 11 manufacturers models “anomaly,” said opposition having been the argument that the pollution control systems could see their limited effectiveness to avoid a deterioration of the mechanical components, which allows also the law.
But it seems that in some cases, these measures are triggered “long before the physical limits are actually met by the systems used, “according to the report.
Among the groups in question, Renault said in April that it would reduce NOx emissions via technical developments in plant this summer, before switching . forward towards a more efficient diesel pollution control technology
in a joint statement, France Nature Environment and Climate Action Network doubted the good faith of the builders: “it is almost impossible to determine the reasons actual techniques that have motivated manufacturers to manipulate the action of pollution control systems. “
the two associations also regretted that the auto makers plans to bring the actual emissions from their vehicles European standards “are insufficient to remedy a very damaging situation for public health and the environment.”
st / emi / fpo / bw
isinNL0010877643FIAT CHRYSLER CAR
07/29/2016 8:08:41 p.m. – Paris, July 29, 2016 (AFP) – AFP © 2016


Since acquiring Motorola for $13 billion last May, Google has been expected to launch a Motorola smartphone running stock Android, but the most recent Google-branded Nexus 4 device was made in partnership with LG.
Motorola’s design chief Jim Wicks tells PC Mag, though, that Google and Motorola have been working closely during that time on multiple devices running stock Android with less overlay that we should expect later this year.
Google CEO Larry Page just wrapped up his opening comments during the company’s Q4 2013 earnings call taking place right now. While noting that “managing our supply better” is a priority (see Nexus 4 supply constraints), Page also hinted at some possible upcoming Motorola smartphone features. Page said Motorola is working on the following two areas: better batteries and impact-resistant designs.
I am excited about the business. In today’s multi screen world, the opportunities are endless. Think about your device. Battery life is a huge issue. You shouldn’t have to worry about constantly recharging your phone. When you drop your phone, it shouldn’t go splat. Everything should be a ton faster and easier. There’s real potential to invent new and better experiences.
Page also said Motorola’s new CEO, Dennis Woodside, has a built a “world-class team” that is currently exploring these new opportunities: Read more
Verizon Wireless began to roll out updates today for a slew of its devices. Motorola’s Droid RAZR, RAZR Maxx, and XOOM LTE users are witnessing a mass update to version 6.12.73 that includes improved data stability on hotspot, V CAST app preloaded, and more. Both versions of Motorola’s XYBOARD tablet are also experiencing an update today. The update “1.6.0M_279″ is almost the same, except for a stylus improvements that affect the 10.1 version. Like always, if you are not seeing the update, simply go to “Settings>About phone>System” to push them through.
The answer to the question of “what would happen if you slapped a keyboard on the back of a Droid Razor” just showed up for a brief moment on Verizon’s DroidDoes website. The Droid 4 “only” has a 4-inch screen compared to the RAZR’s 4.3″ but pretty much everything else lines up the same. Perhaps more importantly, yes, that is a 5 row keyboard (4 rows is for suckers) and of course the speedy LTE comes along too. DOES below. Read more
On hardware alone, this is probably my favorite Android device so far. It is incredibly thin but also much more sturdy than the typical Galaxy handset. Somehow, however, it manages to be just as light. Compared to HTC’s latest offerings (including the monstrous Beats Rezound that I am also testing now – see pictures) and frankly Motorola’s previous Droid Bionic, Droid X, this thing is in a totally different class.
Droid Bionic (right) is thicker at its thinnest point than the RAZR at its thickest
And about that Bionic. Pity the people who bought that device in the previous months knowing that Amazon sells the Droid RAZR for $111 on launch with $100 gift card for tethering. Effectively, that is the best Android phone you can have for $11… Read more


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Oregon Native. Working with clients in the Greater Portland Metro Area for over 13 years. Assisting with Real Estate Needs of Sellers, First Time Home Buyers, Investors, Foreclosures, Short Sales, and Timber. Investing in Property is One of the Biggest Investments that you will make. Assisting clients every step of the way to help ensure an investment that meets each persons unique needs in an ever changing market. Background including lending and rentals offers a well rounded perspective of Real Estate Transactions and Investments. Familiarity with Portland Districts and Outlining Areas assists with helping clients navigate areas that suit their livability needs. As Portland Metro continues to grow, Shauna works diligently to stay educated on the vastly changing landscape from the Mountains to the Coast. Five Star Professional Award Winner.

domain: geography


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((OPEN)) I sit at the piano in the foyer with Max. He's been teaching me piano for almost a year now and I've picked up quite a bit of Chopin and Glen Gould.
(RP) Vampires Will Never Hurt You
Love all the beauty in the world
Mackenzie Foy on Pinternet
"Ability will never catch up with the demand for it."
MacKenzie Foy will portray Renesmee
Mackenzie Foy, born on November 10, 2000
mackenzie foy 2014 pics | Mackenzie Foy lors de l'avant-première du film Interstellar le 26 ...
Makeup and hair

domain: artistic


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I would know Genshin impact was a popular game. I also knew there were a ton of active and greedy gamers who can’t get enough of the free online role-playing game. Little did I know though that it was so popular that it pushed Discord to its limits and forced the developers to start a second server for everyone.
Some time ago, Genshin Impacts official Discord server met an astonishing 800,000 users. But with that milestone came a problem: that seems to be the limit for a Discord server. So on July 28th
The new server is called “Genshin Impact tavern“. To date, this second server has already reached nearly 140,000 users. At this rate, it’s not unlikely that the developers will have to launch a third Discord server in the future or convince the people who run Discord to give them more space for users looking for a place to hang out with others Genshin
Discord has seen a huge surge in popularity over the past few years. In the past year, a lot of players switched to Discord as well to keep in touch with friends and family during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Likewise, online games on various platforms have seen a huge surge in active players over the past year or so when people tried to stay home and stay safe during pandemic lockdowns around the world.
G / O Media can receive a commission
If you are part of this new “Genshin impact Tavern “Discord server, I’d recommend joining sooner rather than later. It is very possible that this second server will also peak one day. I also wonder how many people who are part of the original server are also joining the new server? Seems like a jerk, but then again, if you want to keep in touch with the wider community I could see people double-dip.
In other Genshin impact news: I actually started playing the game after trying when it came out and giving up on it. I am having fun with it. I will keep you all informed of this important story.
Leave a Reply

domain: game


Cleaning and disinfection of air handling units and air ducts must be carried out at intervals!
Today, almost all industrial, commercial and entertainment facilities and office buildings all operate a ventilation system to provide the fresh air needs of their colleagues and customers, the right temperature and humidity, and also their overall comfort.
Filters are installed in these devices to filter out entering air and exhaust air. thus protecting the heat exchangers, electric motors, sensors located in the air handling unit, which can cause serious heat loss and insulation problems, thus significantly increasing operating costs.
However, from the fresh air intake opening to the filters and from the exhaust air anemostat (in the building) to the filters, unfiltered air flows through the air ducts.
So there may be various dirt on the surface of the air ducts.
These contamination usually come in powder form, which is the breeding ground of fungi and bacteria, or when the contamination comes from kitchen, greasy technology, an extremely dangerous, flammable layer is placed on the ducts surface.
These air ducts should therefore be cleaned and disinfected at intervals, preventing hygiene and fire protection problems.


The UK’s competition authority has proposed streamlining its procedure for investigating markets for competition concerns – less than a year after it concluded reviews of the country’s energy and retail banking sectors.
Brazil’s competition enforcer has issued a preliminary opinion that the proposed merger between two of the biggest private education companies in Brazil could lead to reduced competition in the market.
Latvia’s competition authority yesterday urged municipal governments to modify their waste management policies, after finding over half them were simultaneously regulating and participating in the waste management market.
A Manhattan federal judge last week dismissed several requests made by plaintiffs pursuing damages for Libor manipulation, but did allow them to add new allegations to support their claim of a relationship between the benchmark and a derivative.
We’re reporting from the Delaware federal courthouse in downtown Wilmington this morning, as the Department of Justice faces off against the top-flight litigators hired to defend the merger of two companies that dispose of radioactive waste. Watch for coverage of opening statements in the GCR briefing this afternoon. In other news, Libor plaintiffs have been grudgingly granted one point on which to re-plead; Becton Dickinson is buying Bard but could have an old opponent reviewing the deal; and third-party presidential candidates are still arguing that their exclusion from debates is an antitrust problem.
Claudio Donato Monge and Marco López Volio
Daniel Pino Arroba and Paulette Ocampo
Alejandra Palacios Prieto
Paloma Alcántara and Fernando Carreño
Davit Akman, Ian Macdonald and François Baril
Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Satyen Dhana, Christine Graham and Jacqueline Vallat
CMS Cameron McKenna (London)


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- NM State volleyball team dominates doubleheader at the Redbird Classic, winning all six sets played
- Starr Williams breaks her own career-high single-match hitting percentage
- Upcoming match against the Saint Louis Billikens to conclude the Redbird Classic
In a dominating performance, the NM State Aggies volleyball team won both matches in the Redbird Classic doubleheader. They defeated the Illinois State Redbirds and the Miami RedHawks, improving their record to 5-2. The Aggies set new season highs in team hitting percentage in both matches and swept their opponents in straight sets. The team showcased their offensive power, outscoring their opponents 150-104 throughout the day. Starr Williams had an exceptional performance, breaking several records and leading the Aggies to victory. Next, they will face the Saint Louis Billikens to conclude the Redbird Classic.

domain: sports


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Название: The Logic of Information Structures
Автор: Wansing H.
This monograph gives a logical treatment of two central aspects of the concept of information, namely information processing and information structure. The structure of information is treated as a topic in model theory, while information processing is seen as an aspect of proof theory. A wide spectrum of substructural subsystems of intuitionistic propositional logic and of Nelson's constructive logic with strong negation is investigated. In particular, the problems of cut-elimination, functional completeness, and coding of proofs with lambda-terms are handled. Finally, an interpretation of these systems in terms of states of information and operations over these states is presented.


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Board of Directors Visit to Galana Kulalu Model Farm
As part of their induction, the Authority’s Board of Directors visited Galana Kulalu Model farm on August 3, 2021. They were pleased with the progress of works in the model farm and the Chairman emphasized that the future of food security in Kenya can be realized through irrigated agriculture.
The second phase of Galana Kulalu is currently 30% complete and the remaining percentage expected to be complete within the contract period.
Currently, production activities are ongoing with maize being the main crop and bananas, mangoes, cotton, cashew nuts, citrus, palm and pineapples under trial. The trials are meant to provide data on performance of different crops to be shared to private players once the farm is opened to investors. This will help them invest wisely based on existing data from the trials.

domain: agronomy


Letter from Oldham Council informing residents of Diggle about the forthcoming improvements to the Carriageway on Huddersfield Road.
Re: Huddersfield Road, Diggle / Carriageway Works
We shall shortly be carrying out the reconstruction of the carriageway outside your property. The Highways Services Division of the Council will carry out the work.
Due to the nature of the work some disruption will be inevitable, although I will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.
The planing out and resurfacing works will be carried out on site on Sunday 1st March and Sunday 8th March 2015.
I would appreciate if you can arrange for your vehicle, if any, to be parked away from the area between the hours of 6:00am and 4:00pm on both Sundays so the works can completed with minimum disruption. Access will be maintained wherever possible.
Should you have any problems regarding operations on site please contact the Assistant Operations Manager for the works Mr Geoff Roberts on 0161 770 3326 or firstname.lastname@example.org
The Council is constantly striving to prove its services to its customers and I am sure you will welcome the improvements the works will bring to the area over the coming weeks.


Paranoid conservative backlash to the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmation of equal marriage rights continues in most entertaining fashion, with state Rep. Nino Vitale joining the fun this week with a proposed Ohio Pastor Protection Act.
In his first go at being primary sponsor for any bill, the freshman Republican from Urbana asked colleagues if they’d be interested in co-sponsoring the act in an email Tuesday.
At least his constituents now know the type of issue that blows his skirt up: redundantly re-legislating the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights.
“I will soon be introducing legislation that will protect Ohio pastors, clergy, and ministers and the property associated with the religious organization,” Vitale wrote, ignoring the fact that such protection already exists and has never been seriously threatened except in the fevered imaginations of conservatives like Vitale.
“This protection will allow these individuals to exercise religious liberty and only perform ceremonies if they are in line with their deeply held religious beliefs.” Which, of course, is already the case.
The muse of tautological statutory law visited Vitale after the Texas legislature passed its own Pastor Protection Act Tuesday. And the representative of Ohio’s 85th House District was also duly impressed by similar proposals in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Alabama.
Oh how it’s been the dearest wish of my heart that the Ohio state legislature would more often imitate the priorities of Alabama.
“Ohio’s pastors and church organizations should not be forced to violate their conscience,” Vitale wrote, and never you mind the fact that we aren’t. “I believe it is time for us to protect these servants of God in the State of Ohio.”
Being a licensed minister myself, registered with the Ohio Secretary of State to solemnize marriage, I certainly appreciate Vitale’s kind gesture. And I must say what a fine and nice thing it is now, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court, not only to be able to consecrate marriages in my home state, but also to be able to get married myself.
Entertained as I might be by Rep. Vitale’s proposal to reinvent the wheel, as it were, it’s always been my belief that Mssrs. Madison and Jefferson already did a damn fine job on religious freedom back in the 18th Century.
David DeWitt is a writer and man of sport and leisure based out of Athens, Ohio. He has also written for Government Executive online, the National Journal’s Hotline, and The New York Observer’s Politicker.com. He can be found on Twitter @TheRevDeWitt.
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In BC it’s the law that parents need to use child car seats or booster seats for children under nine years old or 145 cm (4'9") tall and yet not every household can afford a new seat. That’s why BCAA has donated over 14,000 child car seats since 2013 through our BCAA Community Child Car Seat Program in partnership with United Way British Columbia (UWBC). We donate child car seats to community agencies that work with parents and caregivers who may not have access to new, safe and unexpired child car seats. The result: we’re saving lives as more BC parents protect their most precious passengers from accidents and injuries.
Also, as part of our equity and inclusion journey, in 2021 we took a close look at the evaluation criteria of our program to ensure we prioritized donations to underrepresented and multi-barriered groups/individuals. With the support of UWBC, we implemented an annual needs assessment to support community agencies that serve BIPOC, newcomers, and people made vulnerable by systems. Our foundational partnership with UWBC will continue as this partnership enables us to ensure that we have a province wide reach and are truly reaching those in greatest need.
In an effort to continue reaching more underrepresented groups in BC, we expanded the program to support S.U.C.C.E.S.S., a Canadian social services organization focused on settlement services and programs for refugees and newcomers.
Our child car seat safety website offers a wealth of car seat information including how-to videos, fact sheets and printable checklists to help parents and caregivers use child car seats and booster seats correctly and safely.
Here are a few key safety tips from our BCAA Child Passenger Safety Educators:
- Research and understand how to choose the correct seat for your child’s age and size
- Read your vehicle owner’s manual and always follow the child car seat manufacturer’s instructions
- Learn how to correctly install your child car seat and secure your child in it before you need to hit the road
- Practice, practice, practice!
Are you interested in providing child passenger safety training or education within your organization, to your clients or the public? Learn more about our Child Passenger Safety Educator course.


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At a City presentation for investors on Tuesday 18 June, Tesco outlined some of its medium-term growth ambitions, putting a strong emphasis on its ongoing cost efficiencies and how these gains might be reinvested into the business. With Tesco looking to complete Dave Lewis’ 2016 business turnaround plan, several new initiatives were set out to define the next three years for the company.
A new premium store concept
Tesco announced the possibility it might trial ‘Finest’ stores that would carry only its premium private label – seen as a riposte to M&S Food and Little Waitrose high-end convenience stores. The new stores are likely to be in Central London and other affluent, high-traffic zones, focusing almost exclusively on meal missions. Tesco is not expected to launch the format soon, but rather assesses the concept for the medium-to-long run.
A glimpse of the possible Finest convenience format. (Source: Tesco CMD Presentation)
Strong focus on small box
Tesco also stated it still sees headroom for further franchised growth for its One Stop proximity banner, with around 100 mentioned as an initial target. Leveraging Booker’s existing experience with symbol groups, One Stop expansion is likely to continue in the coming years.
Tesco aims to leverage its Booker acquisition to build its influence in the small-box sphere, with plans to boost sales from the current GBP6 billion by at least GBP2.5 billion in the near term. B2B clients can expect a new online ordering platform powered by Tesco’s strong experience in the channel, and a suite of extra services like finance and telecoms offers.
Activating the Booker acquisition to deliver improved returns. (Source: Tesco CMD Presentation)
Outside the UK, Tesco also has dramatic plans for convenience growth in Thailand, where it believes it has room to add an extra 750 c-stores, shifting its commercial focus away from cash & carries to small-box. One new venture is a new agreement with a Vietnamese retailer to sell Tesco’s private label ranges in that market.
Rethinking Jack’s proposition
Tesco was less bullish about its Jack’s discount format, with no plans revealed for further expansion beyond the nine outlets already operational. It did highlight the latest opening, a concept that appears more of a cash & carry than a standard discounter, potentially flagging a future direction for the chain.
Inspired by Carrefour Brazil's Atacadão model - new thinking around the Jack's concept. (Source: Tesco CMD Presentation)
Tech investments boost back-end agility and efficiency
Finally, a new partnership with robotics specialist Takeoff will see the introduction of mini DCs in store warehouses that will speed up online order processing and make deliveries more efficient. This new micro-fulfilment capability will rely on automation, and is expected to boost performance for online delivery, as well as in-store logistics. One reason this is being brought into play now, it was revealed, was that Tesco has now achieved profitability in eCommerce, presumably following the shedding of the Tesco Direct operation in May 2018. This means online is now better placed to move forward and evolve as a key part of a wider omnichannel strategy.
Efficiency gains through technology are uppermost in Tesco’s thinking, with a goal of all self-scanning transactions being cashless within two years and cashless self-service checkouts across the entire UK estate inside five years. That said, Tesco remains cautious with its capex, diligently assessing the ROI of in-store technologies.
Kantar’s Point of View
- By 2020, Tesco is looking to complete CEO Dave Lewis’ business transformation plan set out in 2016. The business needs a new strategic direction, this time focusing more on growth than stabilisation. Tesco has fixed the basics and can now focus strongly on leading the UK grocery with new tech solutions, testing a new value offer, and strengthening its brand and quality perception.
- Tesco will continue to focus on delivering profitable growth, rather than same-store sales growth. Going forward, cost savings will be the real engine behind the future growth as Tesco will continue to be diligent with conserving cash. This vision has consequences for suppliers, too: supplier optimisation, especially for private label ranges, is the top priority under Project Reset.
- The purchasing alliance with Carrefour, creating a data-driven ecosystem through its Clubcard scheme, and Booker integration across channels are unique opportunities for Tesco in the UK market. For brand suppliers, it is essential to reassess what is changing, what will change and what will remain unchanged in their relationship to Tesco as a key account the next 1-3 years period.
- Tesco’s plans are future-looking and realistic. It has resonated strongly with investors, once again positioning the grocer as not only the market leader by market share, but also in terms of new initiatives and vision. Although the range resets and simplification of promotional activities are likely to continue as a part of ‘business as usual’, Tesco is eager to start new conversations with brand suppliers, especially around shopper activation, value diversification, and inventory management.
- Tesco is currently the most profitable retailer in the market, and very likely to hit all its KPIs set for 2020, including cash flow and profit margin. This gives confidence to the management to invest in new ventures and partnerships that will make Tesco even more responsive to shopper trends.
- Tesco is seeking brand suppliers that would be open and agile enough to support its various initiatives at their test phase. Similar to Jack’s evolution from pure discounter store to a hybrid cash & carry/value store over the months, Kantar expects the putative Finest stores to be shaped and reshaped over the next 12 months. Similarly, suppliers should expect changes to the One Stop proposition going forward, as Tesco is likely to boost the food-for-now/food-for-later offer to capture new missions.
Tesco, along with Carrefour and Auchan, was a focus of the recent Kantar virtual event: Managing Transformation in Key Accounts. To learn more about this event and purchase a recording, click here.

domain: finance


A sniper has gunned down an Islamic State fighter from 2.14 miles away in the longest confirmed kill shot ever.
To put that in perspective, the distance the shot travelled was similar to that between Big Ben at Westminster and The Shard skyscraper at London Bridge.
The Canadian Joint Task Force 2 member was atop a high-rise tower in Iraq when he pulled off the incredible feat.
He was using a McMillan TAC-50 rifle to reach the terrorist 11,319 feet, or 3450 metres, away.
The distance was so far the weapon was fired 10 seconds before the target was hit.
The shot was said to have been independently verified by video camera and other data.
A military insider told the Globe and Mail : “This is an incredible feat.
“The shot in question actually disrupted a Daesh (Islamic State) attack on Iraqi security forces.
“Instead of dropping a bomb that could potentially kill civilians in the area, it is a very precise application of force and because it was so far way, the bad guys didn’t have a clue what was happening.”
The previous record was by Brit shooter Craig Harrison, the website said.
Using a 338 Lapua Magnum rifle at a range of 8,120 feet (1.54 miles), he killed a Taliban soldier in 2009.
The secretive JTF2 special forces are training Kurdish forces while tasked with counter-terrorism, sniper operations and hostage rescue.


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This story appeared in Bank Digest.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, under the auspices of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, have approved the publication for public comment of proposed revisions to the Regulatory Capital Reporting for Institutions Subject to the Advanced Capital Adequacy Framework (FFIEC 101). The FFIEC 101 is currently an approved information collection for each agency and is completed only by banking organizations subject to the advanced approaches risk-based capital rule, which generally applies to banking organizations with $250 billion or more in total consolidated assets or $10 billion or more in on-balance sheet foreign exposures.
The agencies are inviting comment on a proposal to remove two items from FFIEC 101 Schedule B. Comments must be submitted by May 1, 2017.

domain: economics


Alteração - Atendimento do Repositório Institucionalclique aqui para acessar a portaria
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
|metadata.artigo.dc.title:||The use of conventional strain gauges evaluation for measurements of residual stresses in welded joints|
|metadata.artigo.dc.creator:||Magalhães, Ricardo Rodrigues|
Vieira Júnior, Alberto Borges
Barra, Sérgio Rodrigues
Finite element method
Medidores de tensão
Método do elemento finito
|metadata.artigo.dc.identifier.citation:||MAGALHÃES, R. R.; VIEIRA JÚNIOR, A. B.; BARRA, S. R. The use of conventional strain gauges evaluation for measurements of residual stresses in welded joints. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, v. 36, p. 173-180, 2014.|
|metadata.artigo.dc.description.abstract:||Residual stresses (RS) can reach significant values in a welded joint, committing the quality of the parts since they affect their resistance to fatigue causing cracks and corrosion under stress. The use of strain gauges positioned in specific zones of welded parts, as a way of mapping the RS values from the welding processes, has a great technological interest. The method proposed in this paper defines strategic positions for strain gauges along ASTM A36 steel plates in butt-welded joints using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Helped by a signal conditioner, RS values were collected and registered after welding process. The results are the readings of RS imposed by the welding operation, taking into account thermal process effects and the material properties. Experimental results were compared with numerical analysis, via Finite Element Method which showed the potential use of strain gauges for measuring RS from the welding process.|
|Appears in Collections:||DEG - Artigos publicados em periódicos|
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AKD ModbusTCP MT.MOVE
Can I Use MT.MOVE to control motor by ModbusTCP?
Submitted by victorymorn Sat, 10/05/2019 - 05:28
Quick answer is yes.
Write into the register 544 the number of the motion task you like to execute. Here the helplink to the MT.Move command:
Here also the link to the AKD Modbus landing page covering all the topics and example realted to the AKD drive and Modbus communication.
Submitted by Martin Rupf Sun, 10/06/2019 - 23:01


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Paddle Pickup Sets off from the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port – Collecting Plastic as they Paddle their Kayaks
When: Monday 28 May 10am
What: In a world first, an all-female team set off from the museum on a 150 mile (240km) long kayak journey to raise awareness of plastic pollution. Their trip between the Canal & River Trust’s two national museums starts in Ellesmere Port and passes the National Waterways Museum, Gloucester on Thursday 14 June before finishing at Sharpness.
The route takes them along inland waterways, where they will have to negotiate100 locks. As they paddle they will pick up plastic litter, and investigate ways of recycling it – from creating jewelry to making
Where: The National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, South Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW
Who: Full time adventurer Erin Bastian and conservation manager Clare Osborn will be joined by Chester-based Lucy Ashley and 14 other women along the route.
Why: The issue of plastic pollution is now firmly on the agenda but the team are keen to stress that not all plastic is bad. It is the avoidable plastics that are used in the ‘throw away’ culture that need to be talked about. By making the journey, on kayaks made by Fathoms Free and Palm Equipment from plastic collected from the sea, the team want to highlight the issue.
At the same time they are doing something about it themselves - by picking up plastic in the water around them on the way. In a previous trip (from Bristol to London) they collected over 3,200 pieces of plastic. They anticipate picking up much more on this trip.
Canal & River Trust Head of Museums Graham Boxer explains why this issue is important to the charity:
“Our inland waterways are a source of enjoyable & healthy activities for many thousands of people, whether in boats, walking, cycling, fishing or just being close to nature. But we know from our own experience that sadly, they can also be a dumping ground for unwanted items of all shapes and sizes. I’m sure this expedition will be a shocking eye-opener for how much plastic there is in the water. In showing the scale of the problem we hope we will encourage everyone be part of the solution.”
Erin Bastian adds:
“We’re grateful to the museum for allowing us to start from this point. The waterways have played such an important role in the history of this area and the UK and to see them polluted with plastic tarnishes their legacy. We hope our expedition makes an impact, waterways are funnels transporting out litter into the oceans. Local people are often shocked by how much litter we collect!”


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Roland Simard has been experimenting with various pulps and fibers and has been incorporating them in his artwork for over 21 years. In 1982 he received a degree in Fine Art and Art Education at Plymouth State University. A native of northern NH, Roland continues to live in the White Mountains with his wife and two children.
In his home studio, Roland has spent the bulk of his adult life working with pulp and fibers. There, he is continually exploring and developing new methods and techniques of casting individual sheets of paper. Over the past two decades, Roland has produced hundreds of images individually cast in handmade paper. His hand cast sheets of paper, sometimes referred to as “pulp paintings,” have afforded him much respect and recognition in the art world. He has exhibited his works in solo and group shows throughout New England and has won numerous competitive awards as well. His unique artwork and technique was recently featured in American Artist magazine. Roland’s artwork hangs in private collections throughout the country.
Upon graduation, Roland began teaching art in the public schools. In 1987, he opened a private school dedicated to teaching the visual arts to gifted and talented students of all ages. Today, he continues to teach at his private school and at Berlin High School where he has been teaching for the past 25 years.


text:
Ben Bailey, the construction group, made reduced pre-tax profit of pounds 70,000 ( pounds 77,000) for the six months to 30 June. Earnings per share were 0.45p (0.5p). The dividend is 0.3p (same).
Merivale Moore, the property company, has bought 16 office and industrial properties from Sun Life Assurance for pounds 12.4m. Most are in southern England and the portfolio will return an initial yield of 11.5 per cent.
TBI, the London and Cardiff property investment and development company, has paid pounds 9.7m for a mixed portfolio of 21 properties. The 14 retail units, five industrial units and two office buildings have been bought from Legal & General.
P&P, the computer group, received a 94 per cent take-up for its rights issue.
Costain, the construction group, is to redeem, at 100 per cent of the issue price, the outstanding 7.5 per cent guaranteed redeemable convertible preference shares 2003.
Eaglet Investment Trust made pounds 467,000 of revenues before tax in the 51 weeks to 30 June. The net asset value per share is 110p and the first and final dividend is 1.4p.
Murray International Investment Trust achieved revenues before tax of pounds 10.5m, down from pounds 10.8m, for the half-year to 30 June. Earnings per share were 6.8p (7.05p) and the net asset value was 324.2p compared with 310.6p.
Kerry Group, the Irish food manufacturer, made interim pre-tax profits of Ir pounds 14.96m for the six months to 30 June, compared with Ir pounds 13.6m last time. Earnings per share were 7.9p (7p). The interim dividend is 1p (0.9p).Reuse content

domain: news


Guwahati: Reacting to the video statement released by Al-Qaeda chief Ayman Al Zawahiri on the hijab row, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said Al-Qaeda will never understand the importance of wearing uniforms in educational institutions.
Supporting the stand of the Indian judiciary on banning wearing hijabs in schools and colleges, CM Sarma said that they will become a platform for the display of religious clothes.
“Karnataka High Court gave a clear verdict that it’s not expected of a student to wear something else except hijab,” he told media persons when asked about the Al-Qaeda video.
“If you wear hijab, I will wear something else (it will become an idealogy), then school and college will become a platform for the display of religious clothes and religious behaviour. So, how can then school and college continue (with permitting hijab)? That is why the term uniform came so that there’s no difference between Hindus and Muslims. There is no difference between poor and rich,” the Chief Minister added.
CM Sarma also said that the Indian Muslims are with the judiciary.
“Al-Qaeda will never understand but I am sure that Indian Muslims will understand that we have to wear uniforms. Once you finish your school and college, you come back to your home and whatever you want to wear, you wear. I am sure that Indian Muslims are with the judiciary,” he said.
Zawahiri in a video praised student Muskaan Khan for standing in defence of the headscarf.


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The landmark decision of the UK Supreme Court (the “Court”) handed down in 2021 in the case Kabab-Ji SAL v. Kout Food Group has already attracted considerable attention. Thus far comments focused on the Court’s construction of the New York Convention of 1958. Yet, the decision deserves a second look – which this post aims to do – because it also provides guidance on how international arbitral tribunals should interpret sophisticated contracts, in particular choice of law clauses and references to transnational contract laws or international standards.
Factual and Procedural Background
The Court had to rule on a request for exequatur. It decided the case based on the conclusion that English law applied to both, the contract as such and its arbitration clause. This is in sharp contrast to a recently published judgement of the French Cassation Court, which refers to the same arbitral award. However, it was delivered in an annulment suit. The French Court held that English law applies to the contract but French law to the arbitration clause. We focus on the Supreme Court’s decision because it inspired our recently published book on “Contract Law in International Commercial Arbitration”, where we propose a transnational contract law theory and interpretation methodology, that explain the dominance of English, New York, and Swiss contract law in cross-border transactions and arbitration.
The dispute arose out of a franchise contract which provided that:
“the arbitrator(s) shall apply the provisions contained in the Agreement. The arbitrator(s) shall also apply principles of law generally recognized in international transactions. The arbitrator(s) may have to take into consideration some mandatory provisions of some countries i.e. provisions that appear later on to have an influence on the Agreement. Under no circumstances shall the arbitrator(s) apply any rule(s) that contradict(s) the strict wording of the Agreement (clause 14). This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England (clause 15).”
The parties were agreed – and the Court accepted – that the reference to ‘principles of law generally recognized in international transactions’ was to be understood as a reference to the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts (para 31). When analyzing the normative quality of these principles the Court cited a passage of the preamble of the Principles, where their purpose and function are exhibited: ‘they (the UNIDROIT Principles) shall be applied when the parties have agreed that their contract be governed by them and that they may be used to interpret or supplement domestic law’. On this basis the Court concluded that the UNIDROIT Principles were not intended to have the force of law in their own right.
The Court’s Qualification of the UNIDROIT Principles
The Court’s qualification is correct in underlining the difference between the weight of classic law on the one hand and international principles and standards on the other. Only endorsement or ratification can lift transnational soft law on the level of national law in the strict sense; to put it differently, the products of the democratic law-making process have a distinct and superior normative quality. Transnationalism cannot substitute democracy.
The Court raised the question but did not finally decide whether the UNIDROIT Principles constitute law for the purposes of the New York Convention and the UK Arbitration Act. Yet, it emphasized the predominance of the parties’ choice of law clause in favor of English law. Indeed, the parties established in the quoted passage of the contract a hierarchy of norms that arbitrators were to follow. Firstly, they were to apply the provisions of the franchise contract; secondly, English contract law, and thirdly, also the UNIDROIT Principles. Furthermore, the parties agreed that ‘under no circumstances shall the arbitrator(s) apply any rule(s) that contradict(s) the strict wording of the Agreement’ (para 37).
The Court concluded that the contract’s wording ‘is absolutely clear and that there is no good reason to infer that the parties intended to except clause 14 from the choice of law to govern all the terms of their contract’ (paras 39 and 48). In fact, the systematic order of the contract confirms the UK Court’s position, and therefore the French Court is wrong. The governing law clause follows the dispute resolution clause. Thus, it is clearly meant to be an umbrella clause which covers all other clauses of the contract, especially clause 14 on dispute resolution and the norms that arbitrators shall apply.
The following passage of the judgment is key to understating the Court’s position:
“In the present case the claimant is seeking to rely on the UNIDROIT Principles to contradict both the No Oral Modification clause and the minimum requirements set out in Rock Advertising which must, in English law, be satisfied if a party is to be precluded by its conduct from relying on such clauses. Such reliance on the UNIDROIT Principles is contractually impermissible” (para 72).
The passage illustrates that the Court values the choice of the applicable national contract law higher than the additional reference to international soft law (UNIDROIT Principles).
This priority corresponds to the preferences of sophisticated parties to business transactions. According to the statistics of the ICC parties almost always rely on a national contract law.1)According to ICC statistics for 2020, choice-of-law clauses were included in substantive contractual provisions in 95%; see ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics: 2020 (ICC 2021). Out of all contracts which, in 2020, became subject to an ICC-arbitration, only 2% included a reference to rules or instruments other than national laws, such as the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (hereinafter CISG), the UNIDROIT Principles, International Commercial Law, and the ICC Incoterms. Parties preferred the selection of a national contract law with English law sitting top of the table followed by New York and Swiss contract law. English law alone had a market share of 13%.
The Strength of the Formalist or Minimalist Approach
The dominant laws are characterized by a strong commitment to the wording of commercial contracts, reluctance to construct or create implied terms, and a narrow interpretation of general clauses and imprecise terms, such as ‘good faith’ and ‘reasonable’. Thereby, they guarantee predictability of judgements and maximum party autonomy. The Court stated that ‘it is not contrary to good faith to interpret the terms of the Agreement in accordance with their express wording’ (para 74).
Notably, the UNIDROIT Principles and especially the CISG are very detailed and packed with unprecise terms. Jonathan Morgan sounds the alert2)Morgan, Contract Law Minimalism (CUP 2013) 187.: “The Convention is, by contrast (to English law), riddled with standards requiring discretion in their application (including over thirty uses of “reasonable” or “reasonableness”). Whatever their possible diplomatic usefulness, such vague terms have proved repellent to commercial contractors.” In the same vein, Gary B. Born points out, there is a tendency of international investors to avoid laws from jurisdictions that are more ‘likely to import general principles of good faith and reasonableness into contractual relations’.3)Born, International Arbitration and Forum Selection Agreements (6th edn, 2021) 167.
Parties avoid such contract laws because they give adjudicators significant leeway and discretionary power to depart from the literal wording of the contract or to modify its content on grounds such as imbalance of contractual obligations or corrective justice. Thereby, such laws cause uncertainty as to the enforcement of the agreed risk allocation which underlies the pricing of each contract.
Even those who are more favorable to interference in the name of a balance of contractual obligations or corrective justice cannot deny that such an approach reduces the predictability of court decisions and arbitral awards. On the contrary, as Morgan stated in ringing tones, ‘English contract law generally displays hostility to judicial discretion’.4)Morgan, supra n. 5, 95. New York and Swiss contract follow this path which explains the quoted ICC statistics. Sophisticated parties prefer choosing a contract law, that is considered (in the market) as highly predictable, frequently selected (familiarity), and strongly committed to party autonomy. As the Supreme Court underlined English contract law satisfies these conditions. We conclude that CISG and UNIDROIT Principles do not, otherwise they would be more successful.
Consequently, international commercial arbitration should not focus on promoting transnational contract laws but rather promote the development of a contract law theory and a methodology for interpreting complex contracts and remedies for breach. Such a theory and methodology, if it is not made solely for ivory tower discussions, must fit the preferences and expectations of sophisticated dealmakers and arbitration users. The setting and features of international arbitration justify a tailor-made transnational approach because tribunals with arbitrators, that hail from different jurisdictions, have more room for case specific solutions than courts do when they perform their slightly different mission, which includes consistency and development of “their” national contract law.
|↑1||According to ICC statistics for 2020, choice-of-law clauses were included in substantive contractual provisions in 95%; see ICC Dispute Resolution Statistics: 2020 (ICC 2021).|
|↑2||Morgan, Contract Law Minimalism (CUP 2013) 187.|
|↑3||Born, International Arbitration and Forum Selection Agreements (6th edn, 2021) 167.|
|↑4||Morgan, supra n. 5, 95.|

domain: law


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Audi A7 styling shows design chief's influenceMon, 15, Aug 2016
Spy photos of a camouflaged next-generation Audi A7, expected to arrive in the U.S. in 2019, show how Audi design chief Marc Lichte has applied styling ideas from the Prologue series of concept cars.
Audi A7's fastback styling evolvesTue, 09, Aug 2016
The Audi A7's fastback silhouette will remain intact when the second-generation sedan is retooled, though much of the detail work on the A6-based sedan will see evolutionary changes. It is expected to arrive stateside in 2019. Spy photos of a camouflaged next-generation A7 caught testing show how Audi design chief Marc Lichte is applying the styling ideas first seen on the Prologue series of concept cars.

domain: design


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Hitchcock, the Oscar-vehicle starring Anthony Hopkins as Hitch and Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh, hit select theaters this past weekend. There hasn’t been much fashion buzz about the film aside from Scarlett Johansson’s Psycho-themed V cover, which focused more on her scream than her clothes (as well it should have), but we’ve always had a soft-spot for the fashion in Hitchcock’s films.
Famed costume designer Edith Head was responsible for outfitting many of Hitchcock’s heroines–she made them look glamorous and sexy but they were still able to hold their own (and even dangle from Mount Rushmore a la Eva Saint Marie in North by Northwest) despite those tight fitting pencil skirts. If you’re Mad Men-ed out but still yearning for some ’60s fashion inspiration, may we suggest the ladies of Hitchcock’s films? Take a look at Janet Leigh, Tippy Hedron, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman and more in some of their most memorable looks from their most memorable Hitchcock roles–and get their looks today.

domain: entertainment


Each of these traps are hand built assuring the finest quality! Constructed from woven, galvanized mesh, zinc coated screws and steel/aluminum rivets. Mesh size is ¼". A waterproof sealer is added to prevent jagged edges, rust or corrosion. Each trap features an easy slide door, conveniently located for fast unloading.


On the anniversary of Russia's war in Ukraine, we crossed the border from Moldova to Ukraine.
We visited Odessa, the vibrant tourist city on the shores of the Black Sea that turned into a dark and gloomy ghost town, and the bombed and desperate Mykolaiv.
We met aid organizations and Jews who remained, Holocaust survivors who went back 80 years in time, women whose husbands are fighting on the front and children who are studying in Zoom.
They all told about difficult conditions, frequent power outages, difficulty getting warm in winter, empty shelves in stores, lack of water and medicine.
And there was also one bright spot: a flight with 90 new immigrants to Israel on a Friendship Fund plane.
The excitement and joy of landing in Israel overshadowed for a moment the sadness we left behind.
A building hit by a rocket in the city of Odessa, photo: Reuters
Odessa is deserted by tourists.
Many shops are closed, and instead of tourists who would fill the famous sites of the city, soldiers stand in them today.
The traffic lights are off in most areas of the city, the street lights are off, drivers cross intersections unhindered, and the few who hang around outside put themselves at risk at every road crossing.
Few restaurants are open and full - serve as a bubble of pure escapism.
In the daylight you can still see remnants of the beauty that made it a sought-after city, but at night, when darkness falls already at four o'clock, it is very hard to imagine that this was once a city with a bustling nightlife.
At 11 at night the city goes into curfew.
The dreams that have been fulfilled
Anna Drinko does not have the privilege of immersing herself in escapism in the small, dark basement apartment where she lives with her two children Dasha and Ivan.
Just the day before they had a 24 hour power outage.
Now she is taking advantage of the fact that there is electricity, for who knows how long, to do laundry and charge cell phones.
Anna, Alexei and the children, on his last visit, photo: no
Alexei her husband enlisted in the Ukrainian army when the war broke out.
Since then Anna has frozen dreams and plans for the future.
They once dreamed of traveling the world.
Today the wallpaper on the wall of the house, of famous cities, is the only evidence of the dreams that were shelved.
The last time they saw each other was when he came as a surprise for Christmas.
"I miss him very much, the children too. I just want him to come home safe and sound," she says.
The family receives assistance from food packages.
She is not the only one.
Each month Chabad, with the assistance of the Friendship Fund, distributes 5,000-7,000 food packages to the Jews of Odessa. With the outbreak of the war, the fund raised approximately 30 million dollars and established, in cooperation with local aid organizations such as Chabad and the Joint, emergency centers.
These assisted in rescues to the border, in supplying food, medicine, clothing and blankets, sleeping bags and heating equipment, and provided shelter to refugees.
At the same time, the fund worked - together with Nativ, the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Immigration and Absorption - to bring about 5,000 new immigrants from Ukraine to Israel via Moldova.
In the Chabad synagogue, about 250 Holocaust survivors are waiting to receive food packages. Among them is a man who was informed the day before that his grandson was killed in battle. His eyes are closed, he is hunched over, he did not want to leave the house but he must eat to survive. Rabbi Avraham Wolff, Rabbi of the community in Odessa, Helps him put the food in the bag he brought with him. The rabbi hugs him, the man cries. Rabbi Wolf too.
Between war and war.
Yelena, photo: Avishag Shaar Yishuv - The Friendship Foundation
Yelena, 84, a well-known theater actress in Odessa, tells us: "In World War II they killed us because we are Jews. Now they kill us because we are Ukrainians. My generation was born in the war, and ends its life in the war."
The heavy price
Hundreds of supply trucks stand on the sides of the road on the long road to Mykolaiv south of Kiev.
The city stood as a buffer in the Russians' effort to reach Odessa to control access to the Black Sea - and paid a heavy price for it.
Houses were bombed, including symbols of government such as the government building and the local university, and many were killed.
The infrastructure was also destroyed, there is no water in the taps in a large part of the city, and the residents fill water bottles at the distribution stations every day.
But the Russians are no more.
They continued further south, and the Ukrainians recorded a victory in this sector.
On the ruins of one of the houses burned by the bomb, we met 82-year-old Galina Petrova Mironenko.
Her neighbor friend was killed in the bombing, but she managed to escape in time.
The charred objects, photos and books remained in the destroyed house.
Evidence of the life that once was here.
In the last year, about 1,500 Jews were rescued from Mykolaiv, some immigrated to Israel.
Today, about 4,000 Jews live in the city.
They also receive assistance.
The schools are conducted online only, and even that with difficulty due to multiple power outages.
In Mykolayiv despair spread, the end of the war was not in sight, but the support for the struggle against Russia did not stop.
"We believe in the struggle and its justice," one of the residents tells us.
the happy ending
In a hotel in Chisinau, Moldova, on the eve of the special flight to Israel, the immigrants are excited - tomorrow they will be in Israel.
Tears of excitement on the way to Israel, photo: Avishag Shaar Yeshav - The Friendship Foundation
The 76-year-old Lev will meet his wife whom he has not seen for almost a year, his daughter and his grandchildren.
22-year-old Katrina will meet her parents, who immigrated to Israel before the war.
63-year-old Yelena from Kiev will meet her grandchildren.
She cries as she remembers the friends she lost.
Everyone almost stopped speaking Russian and went back to speaking Ukrainian.
"Russian is the language of war," Katrina explains to us.
The next day they get on the plane.
The flight is short, three hours, but as the plane approaches landing they look out and the excitement is at its peak.
For most of them this is their first time in Israel.
They left behind a snowy land, and the sights here are so different.
When the plane lands everyone breaks into applause and singing, wiping the tears from their eyes.
Now they are safe.
The writer was a guest of the Friendship Foundation
The writer was a guest of the Friendship Foundation
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us


text:
Beats Pro headphones are designed for sound engineers, musicians, and those who take sound seriously. They’re the headphones that artists like Will.i.am use in the studio, and are designed to deliver the same level of emotion and power the artist originally intended.
The sound of the studio.
Beats Pro headphones allow you take sound seriously. That means you¹re hearing music the way it was originally heard by the artist in the studio.
Beats Pro are made of steel and aluminum, giving you an interior sound platform more solid than most. That’s why you’ll feel the kind of bass that resonates deep in your chest when you play your music.
No cheap plastic, no frayed cords. Beats Pro headphones are made with an aluminum gunmetal frame, encasing overstuffed leather ear cups.
Because Beats Pro headphones have heavily padded, pivoting ear cups, you get the noise cancelling effect without the need for power switches or batteries. It’s the real studio monitor experience in a headphone.
PointsPay enables you to pay for this purchase using Etisalat Reward points. Don’t have enough points? No problem, you can top up with your credit card. Additionally, you have the option to pay only with your credit card and earn points for your purchase. All you need is your Etisalat Rewards membership ID and password to use PointsPay.


Save the Bay estimates that each year, over three billion cigarette butts are littered in the Bay Area. Tossed onto the road or flicked onto the sidewalk, they will eventually make their way into our creeks and waterways, ending their journey in the Bay. While cities and counties have begun tackling the problem of single-use plastic bags, cigarette butt litter remains a pervasive problem.
“Three billion is really a staggering number of cigarette butts that are littered every year,” said Allison Chan who manages Save The Bay’s pollution prevention program. “And they’re not just your average litter—they’re toxic, plastic litter.”
The white interior of a cigarette filter is not derived from natural fibers, as many suspect, but is made from cellulose acetate—a non-biodegradable plastic. A filter can take over 18 months break down, during which time it poses a significant threat to wildlife.
“Those filters can look a lot like food,” Chan said. “So it’s a real concern for wildlife health.”
The toxicity of cigarette litter comes from the chemical compounds nicotine and ethylphenol, which are found in leftover, smoked tobacco. A 2009 study found that when cigarette butts were allowed to soak in fresh and saltwater at a concentration of one butt per liter, half of the fish exposed to the water died. Cigarette butts are consistently the number one item of trash collected on Coastal Cleanup Day, Chan said, making the toxic risk they pose a real concern.
Part of the difficulty, Chan suggested, is the perception of cigarette butts: small and often individually thrown aside, they have become a permanent decoration on sidewalks and shorelines so much so that many have forgotten they are actually trash.
“I do think it’s a challenge compared to something like a plastic bag where the average person will know that if you throw a plastic bag on the ground that’s littering,” she said. “In terms of the behavioral side of smoking, it’s such an ingrained behavior for many smokers to flick their butts that it may be more of a challenge to really bring that awareness.”
In 2012, the city of San Rafael passed an ordinance that prohibits stationary smoking on sidewalks, pedestrian areas and public places within a specific area of downtown. In late May this year, the San Rafael Clean Coalition installed the “cigarette eater meter” where smokers can place their butts. Part art installation, part fundraiser, the meter aims to decrease street litter while at the same time donating one cent to St. Vincent de Paul Society for each cigarette deposited. Last month, 100,000 cigarette butts had been collected in the meter.
“The important takeaway is that they’re highlighting cigarette butts as a particular kind of litter that needs to be kept off the streets,” Chan said. “It’s a really strong step forward in addressing the issue.”
As cities implement programs to keep streets and waterways clean, the next question arises: who foots the bill? San Francisco estimates the cost to the city of cleaning up tobacco litter alone is around $6 million per year. Tobacco companies, unlike electronics or tire manufacturers, are not required to take responsibility for the disposal of their products, Chan said. And Save the Bay has launched a petition urging tobacco companies to change.
“I think this is a really important part of addressing a toxic pollutant,” she said. “Because even when you compare it to all the other types of trash out there, it’s staggering just how much there is and how taxpayers are footing the bill for the end of life of a harmful product.”
For more information visit Save the Bay’s Clean Bay Project.


text:
On the run from both vampires and hunters, Mara and Lee are forced to confront the bleak reality of their future together. But an unexpected turn of events offers Mara the chance to shift things in her favor--at a cost. Will she walk away or will she embrace the magic?
Blood Magic is a standalone short story that takes place within the novel Love Lies Bleeding by Aspasia S. Bissas. You don't need to read Love Lies Bleeding to enjoy Blood Magic (but it doesn't hurt).
|Publisher:||Aspasia S. Bissas|
|File size:||772 KB|
About the Author
Aspasía lives in Toronto, Canada, with her partner in crime and their three furry overlords. She is currently working on her next book.

domain: library


text:
Professor Scott Moss of the University of Colorado has a great comment on the Imus defamation suit
This is a classic case of a plaintiff who’s justifiably enraged about something that’s not illegal (racist insults) and therefore filed a lawsuit dubiously asserting something that is illegal (false factual statements about sexual practices).
When I was a full-time plaintiff’s lawyer, I often had to talk clients off the ledge when they were upset at serious mistreatment but simply didn’t have any real legal claim to file in court, telling them, “Look, I know you’re upset about X, but you can’t sue for X; you can sue only for Y, and you can’t prove Y.” (I’m paraphrasing for brevity; I usually tried to express a little more empathy in such situations). (source)
I couldn’t agree with him more. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking is not prevalent enough in the practice of law, and such wisdom was never imparted to me in my so-called “prestigious” legal education. The legal academy is, unfortunately, dominated by legal “minds” who never practiced law or who practiced for the bare minimum of time before jumping into teaching. (Prior post on this subject here – see number 3 in particular). Professor Moss actually practiced law for six years (source) before becoming an academic. It shows in the wisdom of his statement. Professor Moss’ students are fortunate to have a professor who is both a scholar and can impart some real-world wisdom and ethics unto them.


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Dental Sealants Fairfield, CA
At True Health Dental - Dr. Navid, we use dental sealants as a way to protect teeth and prevent cavities. If you live in Fairfield, CA or the surrounding area, we encourage you to call (707) 422-2410 and schedule an appointment with our dental office. We can examine you and your family before letting you know if dental sealants are the right preventative care solution for your teeth.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are an incredibly thin plastic coating that we brush onto the chewing surfaces of your molars or back teeth. We do so to prevent tooth decay.
Why are they used?
Food can easily become trapped inside the deep ridges on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. These areas can be incredibly difficult to clean so at True Health Dental - Dr. Navid, we prevent food and plaque buildup by sealing these ridges. By eliminating the areas for food to become trapped, the risk for cavities is decreased.
Who should get dental sealants?
Both children and adults can get dental sealants. However, this procedure is most commonly performed on children that have not yet suffered from tooth decay (at least on the tooth or teeth in question). If you or someone in your family has deep ridges in your teeth, this can be a beneficial solution for maintaining optimal oral health.
What is the procedure like?
Incredibly easy. When you visit our Fairfield, CA dental office, we can clean your teeth. Afterwards, we will apply a gel to the surface of your teeth and let it dry. Then, we will rinse and dry your tooth again before finally placing the dental sealants. The sealant is literally painted onto the tooth and sometimes dried with a special dental light. The process only takes a couple of minutes per tooth and it is so easy that our patients are usually surprised by how quickly it is done.
Do kids mind getting dental sealants?
Typically, no. The process is easy, fast, and comfortable. There is no drilling or invasive preparation and the sealant itself does not cause any irritation or smell funny. It is truly an easy way to prevent cavities.
Check out what others are saying about our dental sealants on Yelp: Dental Sealants Fairfield
What does it feel like after they are placed?
We have found that our patients cannot even notice them. They do not look like anything because they are completely clear. If you run your tongue along your teeth, you may be able to feel a slight difference but they are smooth and will not feel uncomfortable in any way.
Do dental sealants really make a difference?
Yes, they do. By preventing food and plaque from becoming stuck in your teeth, the risk for developing cavities is significantly reduced. As a result, you and your family may experience less tooth decay, fewer cavities and the need for dental restorations. This means fewer dental appointments and more money in the bank.
How often do they need to be replaced?
At True Health Dental - Dr. Navid, we have found that sealants typically last for five to ten years. They are incredibly effective but we will want to monitor them during regular dental examinations. Naturally, there are certain things like chewing on pencils or biting down on ice that can wear down the dental sealant so it is important to make safe and healthy choices regarding what is put in the mouth. If we see that they are wearing down, we may recommend that they are replaced so that you or your children can continue to benefit from this layer of protection.
Where can I get dental sealants?
If you live in Fairfield, CA or the surrounding area, call 707-422-2410 to schedule an appointment with our dental office. At True Health Dental - Dr. Navid, we can examine you and your children's teeth before letting you know if sealants are a good solution for you. We can provide you with all of the information you need to make an educated decision and to get started.
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Definition of Dental Terminology
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
- Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
- Dental Checkup
- A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
- Dental Filling
- A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
- Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
- Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
- Tooth Enamel
- Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
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Amy Ignatow, author of The Popularity Papers and The Mighty Odds series recently spoke to 400 students at the Free Library of Philadelphia about her career as an author/illustrator. While visiting the library, Amy sat down with us in the Children's Literature Research Collection and spoke about the field of Children's Literature.
The Popularity Papers is such a successful and, well, popular series. Can you tell us a little about your outline for the series? Did you know from the beginning that your story would run for seven books? And—most importantly—will there be an eighth?
I had no idea it would run for seven books. I was hoping for maaaaaybe two so that I could impress a college enough to hire me to teach illustration. But Dan (my literary agent) urged me to write a story that could keep going, because he's a freaky book wizard who can read the future. He had me write a fairly comprehensive outline and the first 75 pages of the first Popularity Papers book, and that's what he submitted to publishers.
As far as I can see, there will be no more Popularity Papers, although who knows, maybe in ten years I'll write a book about their freshman year of college (although probably not). I love love love those characters but I feel like their story has been told and I'm happy where they ended up.
I've created a calendar reminder for November 2027 that states "Bug Amy about The Popularity Papers: The Freshman Class." I think that would be agreat idea! But I'm also dying for another book in the series. You’ve noted in the past that you chose to illustrate The Popularity Papers with materials that are easily accessible to middle schoolers – crayons, pens, markers, etc. That’s a savvy choice. Did the illustration style change from your early planning to the final product?
Good luck getting through to me in 2027; I suspect by then I'll be High Priestess of the sovereign country of East Pennsyljersia and very busy inspiring an army of mutant warriors to conquer the powerful city-state of DuPont.
There's this big leap in quality from the first book to the second; it's as if Julie suddenly became a much better artist. That was just me wanting to draw things that were a little bit more sophisticated for even a talented fifth grader. I figured that no one would mind.
But real talk—by the end of seven books with 208 fully illustrated pages in each book, I was super over sharpening colored pencils. I need a helper monkey.
I can't even begin to imagine how many pencils you went through over the run of the series. Lydia and Julie have different voices. Is it hard to narrate a story in two voices?
Nope! Although I don't believe their voices are so different; they speak like old friends, and old friends tend to have ways of communicating that are unique to their relationship. What distinguishes them from each other is their different motivations; Lydia wants to try everything and blow up her world, and Julie wants to hang out with Lydia so she goes along with her wackadoo plans.
You just released Against the Odds: An Odds Book, a follow-up to The Mighty Odds, and your quartet of unusually-powered super-tweens is evolving new powers. They’re also evolving as people and as friends. Can you tell us about the inspiration for this series?
The Popularity Papers was all about friendship; real, warm, true friendship, so I wanted to try something different and take four characters from completely different backgrounds who decidedly don't like each other yet and are forced by circumstance to depend on each other and discover the people behind the stereotypes. That's not a particularly original story, I realize, but it's been such a lovely challenge to get these characters to not only rely on each other, but respect each other and learn about themselves through getting to know one another. Plus, you know, I get to write about screaming bunnies.
Screaming bunnies make everything better. Speaking of writing, what do you do when writer’s/illustrator’s block strikes?
I kind of hate the term "writer's block" (and honestly, I've never heard of illustrator's block, because once the idea for the drawing is written down, the image is already in your head). When people say "writer's block", what they actually mean is "I'm afraid to write something down because it's going to be bad" (or, in my case, "I should be writing but I've got all this important political commentary to read so that I feel like I have some modicum of control over what's happening in my country.") When that happens, I've learned that getting down on myself about it only makes me feel worse, so I put on some music that I always play when it's writing time, and that gets me in the groove.
I will never use the "WB" term in your presence again! Would you be willing to share with us one of the songs on your writing playlist? It might help inspire future authors.
My go-to for years has been Beirut (specifically the album, The Flying Club Cup). I now have a Pavlovian response to the first strains of "A Call to Arms". There's something about the music that distracts the part of my brain that wants to goof off while not activating the part of my brain that wants to sing along and have a studio dance party.
The students at Amy's talk also received a copy of her book, The Mighty Odds, courtesy of the Margaret S. Halloran Family Programming Series. Thank you Amy for the stimulating conversation and good advice! Many thanks to the Halloran Family Programming Series for providing us with these fantastic literacy opportunities!

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NEW BOLLYWOOD HINDI SONGS 2019 | VIDEO JUKEBOX | Top Bollywood Songs 2019
Keep your dancing shoes ready to groove on the beats of NEW BOLLYWOOD HINDI SONGS 2019. Listen & Enjoy all the Hindi Bollywood Songs in this VIDEO JUKEBOX.Don't forget to leave your response in the comment section. Tell us which is your favourite song in the comments below & which song should be featured in the next top 10.
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0:00 ? O Saki Saki
12.29 ?Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha
16:26 ?Hauli Hauli
19:44 ?Enni Soni
22:08 ?Zindagi Di Paudi
27:36 ?Sheher Ki Ladki Song
33:33 ? Coca Cola
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Fresno Bee: President Biden nominates the daughter of Central Valley farmworkers to Ninth Circuit Court
By Juan Esparza Loera
Nine months ago, U.S. District Judge Ana de Alba was hearing cases as a Fresno County Superior Court judge.
The 44-year-old de Alba could have her third judicial job within a year after President Joe Biden nominated her for the Ninth Circuit Court.
The White House made the announcement on Friday morning.
Getting nominated to the higher court so soon isn’t unusual, said University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias, an expert on the judicial nomination process.
“It even happened in the Trump administration. I think there were a couple who had not been on the district bench for more than a year,” said Tobias. “I think Obama did the same thing. And (George W.) Bush may have too, but not very many.”
Tobias expects the Senate Judiciary Committee to start confirmation hearings within two to three weeks.
De Alba, the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers, sailed through her confirmation hearings for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Court of California. In fact, she did not get asked a single question by Republican Senators like Ted Cruz or Lindsay Graham.
Tobias expects de Alba’s background, rulings and comments will be scrutinized more this time around. “It’s tougher because instead of the district court bench, the trial bench, she would be on the Ninth Circuit, which covers nine states in the west,” said Tobias.
“So those nominees get much closer scrutiny, especially from the Republicans. “So they will ask her more questions and they’re likely to be more difficult questions.”
De Alba, in an interview with Vida en Valle last July before she was sworn in as the first Latina on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, said she was prepared to answer tough questions during her confirmation hearings.
“Of course, I was expecting fireworks. I was prepared for it because I don’t have many controversial statements in my background,” said de Alba. “As a practicing attorney in a private law firm, we are very careful about what we said in public or put on Facebook.”
De Alba would replace Judge Paul J. Watford — among four judges that Biden considered for the U.S. Supreme Court — on the Ninth Circuit.
Tobias said de Alba is similar in judicial views to Watford. “She’s an astute pick. I think the president is smart to elevate her,” said Tobias.
The Ninth Circuit reviews appeals of cases tried in U.S. District Courts in California, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Ninth Circuit, which is based in San Francisco, is the busiest appellate court in the country, with 22% of all new appeals nationally.
If confirmed by the Senate, de Alba would be the seventh Biden nominee on the court. She would be the fourth Latina on the Ninth Circuit.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla applauded her nomination.
“We applaud President Biden’s nomination of Judge Ana de Alba to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” the senators said in a joint media release. “We are proud of her service on the bench for the Eastern District of California, where she has more than proven herself to be a qualified jurist.”
“Her extensive legal experience and commitment to public service will be an asset on the Ninth Circuit and we urge our colleagues to swiftly approve her nomination,” they said.
Padilla introduced de Alba to the Senate Judiciary Committee last year during her confirmation hearing.
De Alba, who grew up in South Dos Palos and slept on the floor until she had a bed when she was 15, previously served as a judge on the Fresno County Superior Court from 2018 to 2022.
She was a partner at Lang, Richert & Patch from 2013 to 2018, and was an associate at the firm from 2007 to 2013.
De Alba earned her law degree from the UC Berkeley School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.
Padilla brought up de Alba’s humble background during the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting.
“Judge de Alba watched her mother and grandmother struggle with unfair treatment, as they worked together in some of the hardest jobs in the world,” said Padilla. “She decided that one day, she would become a lawyer to help families like her own.”
Read full article here.


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Got an Answer?
I'm not a doctor, but from personal experience, common vitamins have caused extreme reactions in both myself and my partner. No depression, but one made me violently ill, one made my DH tired. Same supplements had no affect on the other person.
So I don't ever take any without talking to my GP.
You might need to go see your doctor. We’re you deficient in any vitamins before you started taking them? The only supplements I take are iron just as I am deficient in that, anything else isn’t needed and if I were to take a multivitamin they tend to make me feel sluggish, not sure why though.
Also, what brand are you taking ?
Choice did 2 sets of examination of brands of vitamins, for efficacy. a few years apart,
What they discovered in both sets of tests had the same "absolute best", and the same "absolute worst" brand.
So quite consistent results over a period of time.
The absolute worst just happened to be an Australian made, very heavily marketed one. Choice said that the worst brand were not only of no beneficial value, but had a mix of ingredients that were close to toxic.
If you were taking something like that, then yes, it might make you feel really unwell.
Getting the balance of ingredients into various vitamins is a very exhaustive process. It is one reason the better brands are more expensive.
Could be the wrong type of vitamins for what you need. Lack of vit D can cause depression and if you are taking too much other stuff it might affect absorption of vit D.
I didn’t take any today or yesterday and felt better I’ll stay off then for a week and see how I feel thankyou x


How did it get to be mid-August already?!? Or perhaps, more accurately, how have I managed to not blog about the LA trip I took months ago?? Time to fix that! Regular readers won’t be surprised to learn that I made another return trip to Los Angeles (my 16th consecutive trip!) for my favorite Doctor Who convention, Gallifrey One. I SO look forward to it every year, mostly for a long weekend in (usually) good weather with friends – the Doctor Who stuff is just the icing on the cake. 🙂 This year, I was particularly excited for the fact that Lalla Ward, an actress from the Fourth Doctor’s era of the original run of the show, would be making her first appearance. There aren’t many people from the classic series (who are alive) that I haven’t met before, so it’s always fun when I’m able to meet a new-to-me guest. Sadly, the weather didn’t look like it was going to cooperate as nicely as it had the past several years, which was a bit of a bummer. There have certainly been years where the weather was in the 50s and rainy (we are always there in February, after all), but at least the last four years have been sunny, warm, and basically perfect, so any weather that broke the streak was always going to feel extra icky. Upon my arrival on Wednesday and through Thursday, we did have the gorgeous, sunny weather we’d gotten used to and the actual weekend weather, while rainy and cloudy at times and cooler overall, didn’t end up being too terrible. Of course, we always spend most of the weekend (Fri-Sun) in the hotel doing convention stuff, but my friends and I always get rooms with balconies overlooking the pool (we even managed to snag adjoining rooms for the second year in a row!), so it’s nice to be able to relax, drink, and talk on them throughout the weekend.
The convention itself was, as usual, tons of fun. Also as usual, I kept myself busy during the convention proper with lots of Doctor Who stuff, including working as a guest liaison, which I’ve done for years. This year, I worked with Danny Webb, who was in two Who episodes in 2006 (as well as some Big Finish audio) and is well-known for lots of other stuff, both in film (Henry V, Alien 3, Valkyrie) and on TV (Humans, Holby City, Poirot). He was a really nice guy, easy to talk to, and great with the fans (many of whom were more excited to see him for his non-Who stuff!). When not doing my convention job, I busied myself with more panels than usual as there were several I wanted to see this year. Having attended Who conventions for so many years, the panels aren’t always that interesting (not because they’re bad – I’ve just heard a lot of the same content over the years, so I’d rather hang out with my friends), but with guests like Lalla (amongst many others) this year, I was particularly interested in a number of them. On the Saturday night, I even got to participate in the live recording of an episode of Reality Bomb, a great Who podcast done by my friends Graeme and Alex. Give them a listen (especially episode 043 to hear all the live fun we had)! Before I knew it though, the convention ended and I immediately started thinking about when I would get to see all my friends again. Gally is the big convention that pretty much all my friends connected to Doctor Who go to, but there are others throughout the year where I get to see at least some of them. CONsole Room (that’s the local convention here in Minneapolis that I helped to run for three years) came and went in May, so I got to see some of them then, but that may be the last time I see most of them until next year’s Gally (which, admittedly, is less than six months away at this point). I’ve previously attended Long Island Who and Chicago TARDIS (both in November) in the past, but I’m not sure if I will this year, given other obligations around Thanksgiving. I’m definitely working on making at least Chicago happen, so watch this space!
For my Who-minded readers, enjoy the photos!
Dick Fiddy (from the British Film Institute) interviewing actress/comedienne Hattie Hayridge. Hattie is a friend of my friend Ruth Ann and the three of us (plus another friend) once spent a nice afternoon together in London. I hadn’t seen her since, so it was nice to cross paths again.
My friend Jeff with Louise during one of her photo sessions. He was showing her a photo the two of them had taken together 30 years earlier and was even wearing the same shirt in this photo as he was in that one. Louise loved it!
A shot from the recording of Reality Bomb in which Bill wears a trench coat (which he bought specifically for this AUDIO-ONLY recording) and co-hosts Graeme and Shannon aren’t even trying to keep it together anymore.
Lalla thanking all the attendees, not only for a great weekend, but also for helping to raise over $18k for her chosen charity, the Denville Hall Trust, in the convention auction.
If you’re still with me, don’t forget to check out the official convention recap to read about how much fun we had. Maybe you’ll be planning your own trip to Gallifrey One soon? Unfortunately tickets are sold out (they always sell out VERY quickly once they go on sale), but don’t fear as there are always people who end up not being able to go who sell their tickets through the convention’s ticket trading page on Facebook. If, by some random chance, you’re in attendance and recognize me from this blog, say hi!
Now, for those readers who may not be Doctor Who fans, your time is now! In addition to enjoying a long weekend of Doctor Who-related goodness, I also spent a few hours doing the Warner Bros. Hollywood Studio Tour with my friend Felicity. Because I’m usually in LA Wed-Tue and the convention only runs from Thursday night-Sunday night, I always try to do at least one big thing outside of the convention hotel and this year, this tour hit the spot. I’ve never done a real studio tour before (I’ve just visited the MGM Studios and Universal Studios theme parks), so Felicity and I decided we would do this one. I’m really glad we did! While I honestly am not familiar with some of the stuff we saw (we toured the set for a show called The Fosters and saw a few locations for Pretty Little Liars, neither of which I’ve ever seen), the overall experience was a lot of fun and our tour guide was really good. And of course, we did also see plenty of cool stuff and the weather was so great (a good chunk of the tour is outside) that it was tons of fun. At $65 (when we went), it’s not the cheapest activity and it took a bit of time to reach it in our Lyft from the LAX Marriott, but it was a great way to spend a day and we both had fun, so I would still recommend it.
There isn’t a ton of stuff to say about a studio tour except to show it off, so check out the pictures below!
This may not look like much, but when filled with (heated) water, it becomes the location of a couple of famous on-screen moments, including Kermit singing The Rainbow Connection in The Muppet Movie and Doug Ross saving a drowning boy in a famous episode of ER (season 2’s “Hell or High Water”).
The famous Warner Bros. water tower. Any Animaniacs fans out there? We never did find out if Yakko, Wakko, and Dot were home!
This is the start of our walk through the prop house. This is (unsurprisingly) the Oval Office set from The West Wing. Apparently the designers from that show were the first group allowed inside the actual Oval Office to take exact measurements to create as accurate a set as possible.
Although basically everything in the prop house can be used for any production, this light fixture (and its twin) aren’t allowed out as they came from Casablanca and the studio doesn’t want them to get damaged.
This is Stage 16, which was built in 1935 and then raised by 30 feet for the film Cain and Mabel (Marion Davies, who starred in the film, asked her sugar daddy William Hearst to pay the $100k to complete the work).
After the tour, we had a delicious late lunch at the Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank (how’s that for alliteration?).
If you’ve stuck with me through this recap and the many pictures, bravo! You may think you get some sort of prize for that, but the prize was the journey, right?
Stay tuned for two more catch-up posts before I bring things back to the present for my upcoming trip to London!