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Association between Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Malnutrition in Dutch Nursing Home Residents: Results of the National Prevalence Measurement of Quality of Care
Nursing home residents often suffer from multi-morbidities and geriatric syndromes leading to lower quality of life or mortality. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition are profound conditions in this complex profile of multi-morbidities and are associated with deprived mental –and physical health status, e.g. aspiration pneumonia or dehydration. This study aimed to assess the association between OD and malnutrition in Dutch nursing home residents.
Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the annual National Prevalence Measurement of Quality of Care (LPZ).
The National Prevalence Measurement of Quality of Care was conducted in Nursing Homes in The Netherlands.
Participants were nursing home residents age 65 or older and admitted to psychogeriatric- or somatic wards.
The measurements were taken by trained nurses from the participating nursing homes. Anthropometric measurements and unintended weight loss (%) were assessed to determine nutritional status (malnutrition). OD was assessed by means of a standardized questionnaire assessing clinically relevant symptoms of OD such as swallowing problems or sneezing/coughing while swallowing. Cox regression was applied to assess the association between malnutrition and clinically relevant symptoms of OD in older Dutch nursing home residents.
Approximately 12% of the residents suffered from swallowing problems and 7% sneezed/coughed while swallowing liquids or solid foods. Approximately 10% of the residents was malnourished. Residents with OD symptoms were more often malnourished compared to residents without OD symptoms. Approximately 17% of the problematic swallowers were concurrently malnourished. Increased risk for malnutrition was found in residents suffering from swallowing problems (PR 1.5, 95%CI 1.2–1.9), as well as in residents that sneezed/ coughed while swallowing (PR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0–1.7). Stratification based on wards revealed that problematic swallowers from somatic wards were at a high risk of malnutrition (PR 1.9, 95%CI 1.3–2.8).
Clinically relevant symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia, such as swallowing problems and sneezing/coughing while swallowing are associated with increased risk of malnutrition in psychogeriatric and somatic Dutch nursing home residents.
Key wordsOropharyngeal dysphagia malnutrition nursing homes
Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and malnutrition are conditions that result in lower quality of life and that place people at high risk for co-morbidities and mortality. OD is considered a new geriatric syndrome (1), and frequently occurs in nursing home residents (2, 3), especially in residents who suffer from stroke (4), dementia (5), or from other illnesses or treatments that affect the swallowing mechanism (6). Furthermore, aging related changes in motor- or sensory functions and muscle strength of the oral cavity are shown to affect swallowing capacity and the nutritional status (7, 8). The integrity of functional swallowing capacity is not only of great importance for safe oral intake of nutrition, but also for a safe oral intake of medication in this multi-morbid population.
OD and malnutrition complicate care in older nursing home residents in view of associated health complications, co-morbidities and a deprived mental health status. When OD and malnutrition are underestimated, unrecognized (so-called silent dysphagia (9, 10)) or left untreated, they may lead to aspiration pneumonia or dehydration respectively (11, 12, 13, 14) or to feelings of social isolation (15), anxiety or even depression (16). Impaired eating behaviour could also be a consequence of dementia or depression (17, 18) and swallowing capacity or nutritional status may be influenced by side effects of certain antipsychotic drugs (19, 20).
In order to diagnose OD, the volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST) is currently recognized as the gold standard (21), however epidemiological studies are often based on the Water Swallow Test (WST) or clinical questionnaires. The use of different assessment methods adds to a wide range of OD prevalence rates in the literature. A cross-country study by Streicher et al. (2017) reported prevalence rates of OD up to 48% using a standardised questionnaire in nursing home residents worldwide (2). Sarabia-Cobo et al. (2016) found a prevalence rate of almost 70% of OD in nursing home residents when using a mixed-method approach including clinical history, physical examination, the EAT-10 (Eating Assessment Tool-10) and the 3 oz - WST (22).
Similar to the diagnosis of OD, a variety of definitions, measurements and tools to determine nutritional status are applied (18) since there is no gold standard or a universal definition for malnutrition in an older population. As a consequence, the literature contains a wide range of prevalence rates of malnutrition among nursing home residents (23). Streicher et al. (2017) reported a prevalence of 16% of malnourished nursing home residents based on anthropometric measurements (2), though prevalence rates of malnutrition up to 38% were found based on the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) in institutionalized older people (24).
Treatments in malnourished residents suffering from OD are of compensative or rehabilitative nature and include e.g. diet modifications, nutritional supplementation, oral-motor therapy, postural techniques and/or facilitation techniques (25). In general, a multidisciplinary approach from an otolaryngologist and/or neurologist and/or gastroenterologist, a clinical geriatrician/ elderly care physician, a radiologist, a speech/ language therapist, a dietician, and a nurse and caregiver, is recommended for safe and efficient swallowing management (26, 27). Due to associated health complications and co-morbidities in older nursing home residents, management and care is complicated, even more so in residents who suffer from dementia (28). Therefore, Dutch nursing homes have comprehensive psychogeriatric or somatic wards, tailored to the needs of the residents (29).
Overall, prevalence rates found for OD and malnutrition are inconclusive and there is some evidence that mortality is even more prevalent in coexisting occurrence of OD and malnutrition (30). However, the association between OD and malnutrition in nursing home residents is still understudied, and especially ward specific literature is lacking. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to delineate associations between OD and malnutrition in Dutch nursing home residents from psychogeriatric and somatic wards.
Data were obtained from Dutch nursing home residents that participated in the annual cross-sectional National Prevalence Measurement of Quality of Care (LPZ) measurement rounds of 2016 or 2017. The study population included residents of 65 years or older, living in somatic- and psychogeriatric wards of nursing homes across the Netherlands. Data of residents that received palliative care at the day of the measurements were excluded. Detailed information on the study design of the LPZ is available in the study by van Nie-Visser et al. (2013) (31).
Approval for the LPZ was given by the Medical Ethical Committee of Maastricht University and the Academic Hospital Maastricht (Maastricht UMC+, The Netherlands). Participation was voluntary and none of the participating residents, nurses, nursing homes or care institutions received financial compensation.
Data on resident characteristics (age, gender, care dependency and residents’ morbidities), and primary outcome measures (nutritional status, clinically relevant symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia and nutritional interventions) were collected on a pre-set measurement date. Trained nurses from different wards within the nursing home collected the data and entered and submitted the data electronically (31).
The care dependency scale (CDS) is a validated assessment tool to indicate residents’ needs and dependency status. The CDS consists of 15 items, each rated on a five-point Likertscale. A reduced CDS indicated a higher care dependency of the resident (1=highly dependent, 5= almost independent) (32).
The standardized questionnaire of the LPZ was established based on literature and consultation of experts (face validity) and included two questions on clinically relevant symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Questions asked were: “Does the client have swallowing problems?” (swallowing problems: 0 = no, 1 = yes) and “Does the client sneeze or cough while swallowing food or liquids?” (sneeze/cough while swallowing: 0 = no, 1 = yes).
Nutritional status: malnutrition
Malnutrition in the nursing home residents was indicated based on the operational definition for malnutrition in older people of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) (33). Data on anthropometric measurements, weight and height, were collected to determine the Body Mass Index (BMI) for each resident. Residents were considered malnourished with a BMI below 18.5 kg/m2, or with a reduced BMI (a BMI below 20 kg/m2 in residents aged 65–70 years or a BMI below 22 kg/m2 in residents age 70 or older) in combination with recent unintended weight loss (>5% over the past 3 months or >10% indefinite of time).
Nutritional interventions and referrals
Statistical analysis was performed in IBM SPSS statistics 24 (IBM SPSS Statistics, IBM Corporation, Chicago, IL). Normality of the data was determined with QQ-plots. Data of residents with missing values for primary outcomes or outliers (residents with a BMI>70 kg/m2 or body height < 108 cm) were eliminated. Of residents that participated in both measurement rounds, 2016 and 2017, only the data of 2017 were included. Prior to analysis, numerical data on BMI and weight loss were recoded into a dichotomous variable on malnutrition based on the ESPEN definition for malnutrition. Independent sample T-tests and Chi-square tests were conducted to check for differences between groups. To assess the association between OD and malnutrition in older nursing home residents, the crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were subtracted from Cox regression to prevent overestimated associations from logistic regression (34, 35). Confounding factors in the multivariate analysis were based on literature and forward (LR) stepwise regression modeling. The factor ‘measurement round’ was added to the model to control for effect modification. P-values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
The study population consisted of 6349 older residents from Dutch nursing homes. Almost two-thirds (66.0%) were residents from the psychogeriatric wards and the remaining residents (34.0%) were admitted to somatic wards. The majority was female (70.2%) with a mean age of 84.5 years (SD 7.5), a mean BMI of 24.8 kg/m2 (SD 4.8) and a mean CDS of 42.4 (SD 16.6). Significantly higher mean CDS was found among somatic residents as compared to psychogeriatric residents (p< 0.001). No differences were found between the two study rounds for prevalence rates for malnutrition (2016:10.1% and 2017:10.5%, p=0.584) or for prevalence rates for sneezing/ coughing while swallowing (2016:7.5% and 2017:6.3%, p=0.064). The prevalence of residents with swallowing problems was higher (p=0.017) in 2016 (13.0%) compared to the prevalence of residents with swallowing problems in 2017 (11.1%).
The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia and malnutrition
Approximately one out of eight residents suffered from swallowing problems (12.1%) and one out of fourteen residents sneezed/coughed while swallowing liquids or solid food(6.9%). If somatic ward residents who suffered from stroke were excluded, the prevalence of residents with swallowing problems was higher (p=0.025) in psychogeriatric wards (11.3%) compared to somatic wards (9.2%). One out of ten residents was malnourished (10.3%) and malnutrition was more often (p = 0.002) seen in psychogeriatric residents (11.1%) compared to somatic residents (8.7%). (Table 1)
Residents with swallowing problems were more often malnourished compared to residents without swallowing problems, with almost one out of every five problematic swallowers being malnourished (17.2%). Almost half of the problematic swallowers indicated additional problematic sneezing/coughing in the act of swallowing (46.9%). Nearly all residents that indicated sneezing/coughing while swallowing had overall problems swallowing (82.2%). (Table 1)
Among malnourished residents, approximately one out of five was suffering from swallowing problems (20.2%) and one out of ten was sneezing/coughing while swallowing foods or liquid beverages (10.2%).
More than two-thirds of the residents were diagnosed with dementia (65.6%) and nearly half was diagnosed with disease of the circulatory system (44.1%) (Figure 1). Dementia was also the leading clinical diagnosis among residents with clinically relevant symptoms of OD as swallowing problems and sneezed/ coughed while swallowing. Furthermore, the residents with swallowing problems suffered significantly more often from diseases of the nervous system (excluding paraplegia) (18.7% vs. 9.0%, p < 0.001), stroke (27.7% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001) and disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (10.9% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.004) as compared to residents without swallowing problems. Residents that sneezed/coughed while swallowing were more often diagnosed with diseases of the nervous system too (excluding paraplegia) (19.1% vs. 9.5%, p < 0.001) and stroke (31.4% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.001) as compared to residents that did not sneeze/cough while swallowing.
Nutritional interventions and referrals
Malnourished residents with clinically relevant symptoms of OD were mostly referred to a dietician (57.7%), or received energy (E+) and protein (P+) enriched- diets (29.2%) and/or snacks (48.5%). (Figure 2)
Associations - Univariate
Univariate analysis (Table 2) showed an increased risk of malnutrition among nursing home residents suffering from swallowing problems (PR 1.8, 95%CI 1.5–2.2) and among residents that sneezed/coughed while swallowing (PR 1.5, 95%CI 1.2–2.0).
Residents at psychogeriatric wards and with sneezing/coughing while swallowing did also show an increased risk of malnutrition (PR 1.7, 95%CI 1.3–2.3).
Associations - Multivariate
As shown in Table 3, an increased risk of malnutrition was found among residents suffering from swallowing problems (PR 1.5, 95%CI 1.2–1.9).
In stratified analysis, increased risks of malnutrition amounted to 1.4 (PR 1.4, 95%CI 1.1–1.8) and 1.9 (PR 1.9, 95%CI 1.3–2.8) among residents with swallowing problems at psychogeriatric and somatic wards respectively.
This cross sectional prevalence study showed prevalence figures of oropharyngeal dysphagia and malnutrition among older Dutch nursing home residents and revealed significant associations between oropharyngeal dysphagia and malnutrition among these nursing home residents.
The overall prevalence of OD in this current population was lower compared to reported prevalence numbers from previous studies (22, 36). In the current study, the method of diagnosing OD was of an observational clinical nature while in previous studies instrumental visuo-perceptual assessment methods were applied, which are more likely to identify and physiologically interpret the cases of OD (36, 37, 38). In addition, cases of OD might have been underreported due to the nurses’ lack of knowledge about how to judge or interpret OD (39), or the residents’ own lack of awareness of their OD (40). They might assume that swallowing difficulties are natural effects of aging (41).
Nevertheless, even without instrumental visuo-perceptual assessment methods, prevalence rates of OD up to 20.2% were found in the current study among malnourished residents. This finding is in line with the results of a similar study by Poisson et al. (2016) among hospitalized older people (36). Almost 20.8% of the patients with a reduced BMI were suffering from OD. In that population, the prevalence of OD was even higher when nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) (82.1%) or if it was based on serum albumin levels (70.8%). In addition, Poisson et al. (2016) showed that patients with OD had a significantly lower dietary intake compared to patients without OD.
The prevalence of malnutrition in this study population is also relatively low as compared to prevalence rates of malnutrition in the literature (23, 24). However, previous studies were performed in different clinical settings, applied deviant definitions for malnutrition that also included subjects at risk of malnutrition (42) or used methods that tend to overdiagnose malnutrition in this older population (43). In the current study only those who met the ESPEN criteria were considered as malnourished thus nog including those at risk. Furthermore, the problem of malnutrition in frail elderly people has recently received more attention in The Netherlands, which may be a plausible reason for its relatively low prevalence rate.
Interestingly, Poisson et al. (2016) also found an association between malnutrition and oral self-care dependency. Similar results were found in the current study, where lower average care dependency scores (CDS), meaning higher care dependency, were found in residents suffering from OD and in malnourished residents.
With regard to clinically relevant symptoms of OD, subjective swallowing problems were often accompanied by sneezing/coughing in this study. However, some residents without subjective swallowing problems indicated problems with eating due to sneezing/coughing while swallowing, probably also related to dysphagia as it is known that coughing during oral intake is related to penetration or aspiration (44). In the current study, adjusted associations between malnutrition and sneezing/coughing while swallowing were found among psychogeriatric residents. Adjusted associations between malnutrition and swallowing problems were significant among both wards, though more pronounced in somatic wards. Differences between wards can be explained by the group of residents that suffered from a stroke at the somatic wards. According to Foley et al. (45) the chances of malnutrition were more than doubled (OR 2.425, 95%CI 1.264–4.649) among dysphagic residents who had suffered a stroke. Similar results were found in the current study too; residents at the somatic wards had an almost twofold risk for malnutrition (PR 1.9, 95%CI 1.3–2.8) due to swallowing problems.
The group of residents admitted to somatic wards is a relatively small group, approximately one third, of the total population. The majority of residents is admitted to psychogeriatric wards, with dementia as the most frequently occurring clinical diagnosis. A previous study that was conducted in Finnish older nursing home residents revealed two - and three - fold risks for malnutrition due to dementia (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.5–2.9) and swallowing problems (OR 3.0, 95%CI 2.1–4.4) (46). Swallowing problems may already develop during the early stages of dementia (47) and develop with impaired cognitive-, motor-and sensory mechanisms of swallowing (3).
More specific reference data from the literature on differences between psychogeriatric and somatic wards in nursing homes are lacking at the moment since mainly in Dutch nursing homes these specific distinctions have been made. In addition, to compare the findings of the current study to the literature, take into consideration the difference between varying statistical methodologies to assess associations. Previous studies were based on logistic regression, a commonly used method for the assessment of associations, though known to overestimate associations (34, 35). Therefore, the alternative Cox regression was applied in the current study to assess the association between malnutrition and OD (34, 35).
In the present study nurses reported clinically observed symptoms or complaints of dysphagia. Another method of swallowing assessment may have produced different results although instrumental swallowing assessments such as videofluoroscopy are not available in Dutch nursing homes and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is not possible on such large scale sample sizes of vulnerable nursing home residents.
No conclusion on causality between OD and malnutrition can be drawn from the current cross-sectional study design, however the clear evidence of an association between OD and malnutrition shows the need for more research on this issue.
Clinically relevant symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia, such as swallowing problems and sneezing/coughing while swallowing are associated with increased risks for malnutrition in psychogeriatric and somatic Dutch nursing home residents. Future research is needed to increase understanding and awareness among affected residents and involved healthcare disciplines to optimize care, tailored to the needs of psychogeriatric and somatic residents with OD and malnutrition in Dutch nursing homes.
Author Declaration and Ethical Standards: AvH is employed by Danone Nutricia Research. No other conflict of interests have been declared by the authors. We further confirm that any aspect of the work covered in this manuscript that has involved human patients has been conducted with the ethical approval of all relevant bodies and that such approvals are acknowledged within the manuscript.
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domain: literature


Gamma Iola Boulé Foundation honors Lamb, Henderson
- Inaugural awards from Gamma Iota Boule' Foundation recognize 'role models' for successes.
One of the most successful male athletes in Section V history and a local entrepreneur known for his quiet giving were honored Wednesday with awards named for two of Rochester’s most renowned African-Americans.
The Gamma Iota Boulé Foundation’s inaugural recognition luncheon gave Greece Athena graduate Anthony Lamb its Dr. Alice H. Young Youth Triumph Award, named for one of the city’s first black educators. Webster auto dealer Randy Henderson received the Dr. Freddie L. Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award, given in the memory of the former researcher.
"Basically there's a tale of two cities here and we need to do something about that," said Matthew Augustine, chairman of the foundation's Board of Trustees. "A part of that is to show role models so other individuals can look at that and emulate it. These individuals where chosen because they stood out."
Roughly 200 people attended the ceremony at the Strathallan hotel Wednesday afternoon, with keynote speaker Wade Norwood leaning on the history of Rosa Parks.
He said her efforts weren't just that of a single individual sitting in the back of a bus, rather part of an coordinated effort involving the NAACP and others to help signal the start of the Civil Rights Movement.
"Her initial step was just as courageous and critical as sitting on that bus," said Norwood, an at-large member of the New York State Board of Regents and chief strategy officer of Common Ground Health. "The most critical move any of us can take to build a better Rochester is to give it all something to be in fellowship.
High poverty and areas segregated by extreme economic disparity are just two of the issues plaguing the Rochester area, he said.
"Change will not come because we wait for some other person or some time," Norwoord added. "We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the ones we seek."
The foundation recognized Henderson for a variety of community-focused efforts.
For instance, he founded "A New Day Now" not-for-profit that donates to youth groups and other organizations. His dealership, Henderson Ford, has been a longtime contributor to Toys for Tots. Henderson also serves numerous boards, oversees a youth jail ministry and has received several professional awards.
"I can't think of a better person to received this award," his daughter, Aki, who accepted the award on his behalf, told the audience. "My father is a silent leader. He leads by example."
Lamb just finished his freshman year at the University of Vermont, where he played a key role in the Catamounts' NCAA tournament birth after leading the Greece Athena basketball team to several Sectional titles.
He turned to basketball while growing up without a father, moving with his mother to Rochester to live with an aunt. Lamb has often credited his mom, Rachel, for showing instilling a sense of hard work and growing up the right way.
"I know everybody has a part to play," he told the crowd. "Hopefully I can be one of the leaders in that change."


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Daryl Dixon is one of the most favorite character on AMC’s The Walking Dead, ok he is the most favorite character for me. I like to think his character is safe from the slaughter in the show but the way things are going in the new season it looks like I am watching Game Of Thrones, Main characters are being sliced off from the show. But in a recent interview with CNN, Walking dead creator Robert Kirkman said the following;
“No, no one is safe, definitely not. Looking at you Norman Reedus.”
All I have to say on this comment is.. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! What you have to say?

domain: entertainment


text:
Shortly before Mike and Maggie Meiners’ wedding, the soon-to-be bride left for a trip to Europe. A visit to a photography exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London made Maggie, then a middle school teacher, reconsider her path. “I had a physical reaction and realized I needed to listen to that,” says Maggie. She returned home and told Mike, who encouraged the pursuit. “Seeing people achieve things that have deep meaning for them,” as he defines it, is where his own career would find fulfillment. As it turned out, Maggie’s shift precipitated Mike’s move, and the start of a marriage sustaining artistic and professional endeavors for each other and a community.
Mike grew up in Michigan, attended college and graduate school in Chicago, and developed a background in acting, filmmaking, and even furniture design, for which he once won a Design Within Reach competition for a stackable stool and table. Maggie was raised on the North Shore, majored in anthropology, and now presents her photographs in local galleries with several works in private collections. Together, they have recently moved to Winnetka to raise their two young sons.
“I come from a family of entrepreneurs where I learned that you have ideas and get them done,” shares Mike. It’s a lesson instilled in the Meiners’ household today where Mike and Maggie’s boys are currently in the process of renovating a basement. “It’s up to them to make the room how they want to use it,” says Maggie. “They’re painting walls and building a couch.” The only requirement, adds Mike, is that “each day they set aside time to work on it, sometimes before or after school, and they will decide when it is done and ready to enjoy.” This kid-tested and parent-approved model is also in production outside of their home.
A co-founder of Hackstudio in Evanston, Mike and his business partner Randy Blaugh, operate a place where children and adults go for mentorship and training to: “Dream. Connect. Commit. Get Done.” There is a woodshop area, computers, and lots of seating for group meetings to discuss how the tasks selected by participants will be accomplished. The concept, Mike cautions, “Is not therapy, it’s just humanity,” where people work and share in their successes and failures in assembling everything from water skis to stuffed animals. “They decide what they want to do,” says Mike, and “figure out how to source materials, manage the trial and error, and develop the ability to transition on the fly, if needed.”
Another recent Evanston development is the opening of Maggie’s studio, along with fellow photographer Justine Bianco. Additionally, the space has an adjoining area called Platform, a venue for artist lectures, shows, and to simply gather and talk. A major part of Maggie’s work is what she terms “cultural literacy” that considers different time periods and traditions. Themes have included colorful abstract images in “Childhood Contemplations,” and sophisticated modern scenes inspired by Saturday Evening Post classics in “Revisiting Rockwell.” “Personal growth plays out in photography,” says Maggie, and capturing that evolution is where she aims to focus her lens.
With approximately 100 children and adults currently enrolled at Hackstudio, Mike seems to have re-structured the practice of play into an art itself. That welcome change, particularly in the fast age of technology and immediate gratification, is as inviting as Maggie’s intent for Platform. “I want people to check in weekly or monthly to see what events are happening with the same regularity as they do downtown in Chicago’s gallery district.”
Consistency and support are the foundation of what Mike and Maggie have established, both in brick and mortar and in their union. They are proving that sometimes in life you do get second chances, or thoughts, to make big impressions.
Hackstudio is located at 2510 Green Bay Road in Evanston, 847-868-8565, hackstudio.com.

domain: artistic


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The recruitment of african-american soldiers was one of the most important moments in the american civil war in practical terms, it provided soldiers for the union army. This may be one of the most important history-related web sites launched so far this year the following announcement was written by john clegg, a founder of the african american civil war soldiers web site: african american civil war soldiers is a new website that will crowd-source the transcription of the military records of roughly. Fighting for freedom | african american soldiers key concepts a complex series of political and military events and government policies led up to the participation of african americanÕs as union soldiers in the civil. Delmarva's black civil war soldiers: casting off slavery, then the south has been researching the history of african-american soldiers during the civil war. Hari jones of the african american civil war memorial and museum talks about us. Osprey's study of african americans who participated in the american civil war (1861-1865) approximately 200,000 african americans fought for the union during the civil war initially, many white soldiers doubted their bravery and skill they were soon proved wrong the civil war battlefields bore.
Overview of african americans in the civil war emancipation proclamation and african american soldiers in the civil war - duration: 3:26. Kids learn about african americans during the civil war including the first black regiments in union army, the 54th massachusetts, and interesting facts. Black soldiers in the civil war preserving the legacy of the united states colored troops by budge weidman the compiled military service records of the men who served with the united states colored troops (usct) during the civil war number approximately 185,000, including the officers who were not african american. Civil war, union spies - african americans soldiers in the civil war.
Fighting for the union: 20 african american soldiers from click americana participates in 1863, 1864, 1865, 1897, african-americans, civil war, military. African american odyssey african american soldiers were eager to service records for over eighteen thousand african american civil war seamen have now. By the end of the civil war, as many as one in ten union soldiers were african american while a vocal minority stubbornly assert that “thousands” of blacks also took up arms to defend the confederacy, most historians reject the idea.
Posts about african american soldiers in war movies written by caroline. African americans were eager to enlist in the union army to fight for their freedom more than 200,000 civil war black soldiers served during the civil war. African american soldiers civil war history, what was it like to be a black soldier in the union army, us army colored troops african americans soldier life of blacks during civil war united states. Civil war soldier service records celebrating african-american contributions to united states military history and connecting families with.
Civil war 1865 confederacy approves “if slaves will make good soldiers supporter of the american revolution and leader of the unitarian church in britain. A selection of images from the holdings of the library of congress prints and photographs division on the subject of african americans in the civil war, including a limited number of images of black soldiers.
The us national archives home had served in the american revolution and in the war of rights: a recruiting poster for black soldiers in the civil war. Black soldier's letter record of the civil war from an african american soldier and indiana native during the battle on the soldiers.
Dr robert g slawson, author of prologue to change, discusses the education and military service of african american physicians in the civil war. Black soldiers in blue: african american troops in the civil war if you expect to have only one volume on african american soldiers in your civil war library. The latest tweets from african american civil war soldiers (@transcribe_usct) we are #crowdsourcing a database of the united states colored troops, the 200,000 african americans who fought for freedom in the american civil war. David coffey african americans have served in every war waged by the united states throughout the nation's history, african american soldiers, sailors, and marines have contributed conspicuously to america's military efforts.

domain: library


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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product/event for review purposes, all opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate links. I make a few cents at no additional cost to you, and they help support my Starbucks addiction. I am disclosing in accordance with the FTC.
Diamond Naturals is a national dog food chain. They make nutritious healthy food for our beloved dogs.
My Thoughts on Diamond Naturals:
Our pets are part of the family, they just happen to have fur. Everyone is watching what we feed our families and try to feed them the healthiest foods possible. The same should be true for our furry family members. Although this review is only for their dog food, they also sell cat food as well.
I received 3 different flavors of food:
Beef Meal & Rice
Chicken & Rice
Lamb Meal & Rice
There is no corn, wheat, or soy in either of the 3 varieties I received. They contain real meat that your dog will enjoy. All 3 have guaranteed levels of vitamin E and selenium. The beef and lamb have Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat.
My best friends dog is Rocco. Rocco is a 2 year old chocolate lab. Rocco is somewhat of a picky eater, he doesn’t always eat what is in his dish. This could be because the baby who is 1, tends to feed him while she eats.
Rocco loved all 3 of these flavors. His favorite flavor was the lamb and rice. We usually have to remind him he has food in his dish many times before he’ll go and eat it. This was not the case with the Diamond Naturals. As soon as he took his first bite, he stayed at his bowl until it was gone.
We loved the fact that we were able to read and understand all the ingredients in this dog food. My friend will definitely be purchasing more food for Rocco.
Connect with Diamond Naturals:
To learn more about Diamond Naturals or to purchase their food for your furry friend check them out on their website.
Follow Diamond Naturals on social media.

domain: food


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Excellent word search! Ive played this word search for 3 months never any issues. You can choose your own background pic in setting & choose easy, normal or hard. Ive yet to have the exact words twice. Its also slightly a challenge in easy mode. If you're looking for a great word search you should give this one a try. :) Thx to the developers :)
Great It's a great word search game and a beast of a time killer which is awsome. Would of given it 5 stars if online mode worked. Also more themes would be much appreciated. Would also like to change the color of the line, I'm just being picky now. Thanks for listening and than you for this great game.
Pleasent Word Find You can beat the clock (your own time) or just spend a few pleasent minutes finding words. Nice enough for those who like a word search, it does what it should. Graphics are plain and simple. Hard on the eyes if your eyes are tired and you have a small screen! ;)
Variety, but settings don't stick. It works well. Has never crashed on the Galaxy S series as far as I know. A lot of variety in the words and wordlists. The difficulty keeps changing, though. I have mine set on hard and each new game I get is normal difficulty (starting it from the menu, or in game). Please fix!
Addictive! This format is easy to follow & keeps me entertained during my lulls. Customizable backgroun is cool but when r u gonna make the text too? Need more options to keep it interesting after a while it gets old. But I do keep coming back to this app!
I play it every day The only thing I wish they would do is giving more back grounds so you can have a change so you don't get bored. I enjoy doing the word finds. It would be so cool if there was ways to unlock backgrounds for beating your time. I'm really hooked to the word search. I play for hours some days.
Fixed the bug of back button can not exit.
New 2017-18 brain game. Regular challenging levels. Hints for easy play.

domain: hobby


Drive Shaft - Ford (JL3Z-4602-G)
2018-2019 Ford F-150
- SKU: JL3Z-4602-G
- Positions: Rear
- Other Names: Shaft Assembly - Drive
F150. 9.75 axle. Ring Gear 9.75". 2 Piece Rear Driveshaft. Single piece drive shaft. 145 wheelbase, with 4wd, 2.7L. 145 wheelbase, with 4wd, 3.5L with turbo.
- Applications: W/LIMITED SLIP.
|Make||Body & Trim||Engine & Transmission|
|2019 Ford F-150||King Ranch, Lariat, Limited, Platinum, Police Responder, Raptor, SSV, XL, XLT||2.7L V6 - Gas, 3.5L V6 - Gas|
|2018 Ford F-150||King Ranch, Lariat, Limited, Platinum, Police Responder, Raptor, SSV, XL, XLT||2.7L V6 - Gas, 3.3L V6 - Flex, 3.5L V6 - Gas, 5.0L V8 - Flex|
Looking for high-quality OEM parts & accessories for your Ford vehicle? Look no further! Factory-direct Ford parts are manufactured specifically for your vehicle. Shop our website now for the best genuine Ford parts at low, wholesale prices!


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The Main Variations of Blackjack
Available on all devices
It is well-known that the significant part of playing strategies is the right choice of the game type. What are notable about blackjack, there are numerous variations of blackjack to choose from. Moreover, it means that you will never be bored with this game, as each type has its own peculiarities. Of course, the greatest choice of variations of blackjack can be found at online casinos. We will list the most popular types of this game and feature their specifics, which you have to know in order to build the playing strategy.
The peculiarities of Spanish 21 is that there are no "10" cards in the deck and the player with 21 points always wins against the dealer's 21. The gamer has the right to double on any of cards combinations, even if they have hit. The players can surrender after doubling, splitting or hitting.
There are some differences in payouts, when you get 21 points. If you manage to reach 21 points with 5 cards the payout rate will be 3:2, if 6 cads - 2:1, and 7 cards or more give you the reward of 3:1. When the hand is 3 cards of combinations 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 of different suits, the payout is 3:2. The combination of the same suit pays out 2:1, and if the hand is of all spades the payout rate is 3:1.
The specific of this game is you get some extra payouts for a certain combination of the first two cards. If you get a jack and an ace of spades, the winning is 50:1. Any other jack and ace of the same suit gives the reward of 25:1. Two cards, which have the same suit, are paid as 5:2. It is worth saying that the amount of bonus is not influenced by outcome of the game.
This type of blackjack gives players the opportunity to play not one hand but several of them, which is very favorable. This twist makes the risk lower and the profits bigger. However, this type of blackjack can be found only in some of online casinos.
Double Exposure Blackjack
The main feature of Double Exposure is you can see both cards of the dealer. It makes playing strategies more efficient and the players have more advantages over the house. Due to this fact there are many other rules. The dealer wins all ties, except in the case of a blackjack. The player can double only on hard 9 and 11. The gambler is allowed to double after split.

domain: game


Discover a wealth of interesting, entertaining and informative stories in each issue, delivered to you six times per year.
The Ahiarmiut: Out-of-the-Way Dwellers
In The Ahiarmiut: Out-of-the-Way Dwellers, Ayaaq (Mary) Anowtalik and David Serkoak recount the Canadian government’s forced relocation of Inuit from their homeland in the interior of Nunavut (formerly the Northwest Territories) in the 1950s and their long struggle for justice.
This short film by Quebec director Louise Abbott was produced in association with Friends of Canadian Broadcasting for the advocacy group’s recently released Tell Our Stories documentary series.
Abbott was inspired to make the film after meeting Aayaq Anowtalik—the oldest surviving Ahiarmiut elder—during a research trip to Arviat for a cultural repatriation project sponsored by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI).
“I think that Canadians have become aware of the tragedy of residential schools in recent years. But I don’t think that they’re nearly as aware of the forced relocations of Indigenous peoples that took place. I wanted to bring the story of the Ahiarmiut to public consciousness and to do so in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.”
The Tell Our Stories project presented documentaries that were limited to five minutes. But Abbott hopes to expand The Ahiarmiut: Out-of-the-Way Dwellers in the future and make it available for educational purposes.
Sign up for any of our newsletters and be eligible to win one of many book prizes available.
At Canada’s History, we highlight our nation’s past by telling stories that illuminate the people, places, and events that unite us as Canadians, while understanding that diverse past experiences can shape multiple perceptions of our history.
Canada’s History is a registered charity. Generous contributions from readers like you help us explore and celebrate Canada’s diverse stories and make them accessible to all through our free online content.
Please donate to Canada’s History today. Thank you!


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We made a step forward by finally putting fish into the system! Beforehand, we put gallons of water into a huge tank and let it sit there for a week or so with a chemical formula to dechlorinate the water. The feeder goldfish came in a plastic bag. We put the bag into the water to allow them to adapt the water temperature. After 15 minutes, we released the fish into the basin and put the bubble makers in to provide sufficient oxygen for the fish (and apparently that is their favorite spot right now). We also bought an autonomous fish feeder. It rotates every 12 hours and drops food into the tank twice daily. However, we did not check the output opening when we first put the feeder in, and it was opened to maximum, so a lot of the food was uneaten.
So far, we’ve only lost two fish. We reduced the output of the feeder by one half. The plants require fish waste as fertilizer to grow; however, the fish waste tends to stay on the bottom of the tank and not go into the pump. We have to stir the water manually at this moment, and we are trying to find an alternative solution to this problem.
Photos to come...

domain: biology


Fans should be thrilled by the creative risks Ski Mask takes on his new album ‘STOKELEY.’
Calling your fanbase "stupid motherfuckers" probably isn't the best way to show your appreciation for their loyalty and patience.
“These are the little moments to the bigger picture.”
Amidst legal troubles for XXX, longtime friend Ski Mask has decided to distance himself.
"I have so much to do...[it's] difficult."


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Customer exodus and warm weather hit British Gas as profits slump after price hike
Exodus: Droves of customers have abandoned British Gas in recent months
An exodus of customers and the warmer weather has seen profits slump at both British Gas and parent company Centrica.
Profits at British Gas fell 6 per cent to £571million as the number of customers taking electricity, gas or both fuels from the group fell by 362,000.
Droves of customers abandoned the company after David Cameron advised consumers to switch away from the company in the wake of its 9.2 per cent price hike.
A further 100,000 have left since the turn of the year.
Centrica chief executive Sam Laidlaw said the intervention ‘didn’t help our brand’ and dismissed it as ‘a sign that the election campaign has started early’.
He said he was banking on the group’s new ‘more competitive’ tariffs to win back customers from smaller providers, which are not saddled with the same government levies as the major suppliers.
Centrica’s pre-tax profits fell from £2.4billion to £1.6billion although the group’s sales rose from £23.9billion to £26.6billion.
Its US operations, which caused Centrica to issue a stinging profits warning late last year, saw profits drop 11 per cent to £276million as profits from supplying businesses fell from £121million to £77million.
Shares, which have fallen by a fifth since Ed Miliband pledged to freeze prices after the election if Labour wins power, rose 6.6p to 320.6p.
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- Wireless charging network will be installed in Britain from 2020
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- Volkswagen unveils concept for robots to deliver chargers to cars

domain: news


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- Formula designed by a Clinical Nutritionist
- May aid digestion
- May improve nutrient absorption
- May support healthy bowel function
- May support a healthy gut
Do you struggle with constant stomach upset? Frequently find yourself feeling under the weather? Have you experienced unexplainable weight fluctuations? Dealing with skin irritations? Do you have trouble sleeping or feel constantly tired? Believe it or not, all these problems could lead to one simple problem: an unhealthy gut. Did you know that your gut is critical for the way our body functions, looks and feels? From proper digestion and nutrient absorption, healthy bowel function and the elimination of toxins to germ resistance and minimising food reactions, maintaining the integrity and health of our gut is crucial to maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing.
Evolve Gut Instinct is a complete and comprehensive gut health supplement designed to help support your upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. From reducing bloating, lowering inflammation and increasing stool transit time to improving nutrient absorption and healing the structural integrity of your gut, Evolve Gut Instinct is the ultimate gut health support for anyone with leaky gut syndrome, increased intestinal permeability, or anyone simply looking for a better functioning gut and body. But, guess what? You don’t need to have a compromised gut to benefit from taking Gut Instinct. As the gut is a foundational health system connected to every other system in the body, including your liver, lungs, heart, brain and more, everyone can benefit from improving the state of their gut!
If you’re looking for an effective way to support optimal gut function, we’ve got you covered. Containing an elixir of gut-boosting ingredients, including Slippery Elm, Zinc, Glutamine, Turmeric, Digestive Enzymes and more, Evolve Gut Instinct is a complete gut health solution designed to put your internal health first!

domain: medical


Civilistix Consulting Engineers is a Chartered civil engineering consultancy based in Cambridge providing friendly services.
We carry out an extensive range of civil design services supporting site selection, outline and detailed planning applications as well as discharging outstanding planning conditions attached to planning consents.
Our work often includes design optioneering, stakeholder engagement, consultation, and negotiation as well as the management and preparation of planning reports.
We are acutely aware the early stages of a project provide the largest opportunity to value engineer design and we ensure opportunities to do this are never missed.
Find out more by clicking on our key planning services below


Doing investigations off your beat:
20 records you should routinely use if you cover any government beat.
- Leases--see who your government agencies are leasing their office
space from: sweetheart deals; long term locks with politically connected
- Contracts--look at each and every contract you can get your
hands on. Get used to the language and read the fine print.
- Expense records--a great way to determine where the, top honchos
like to travel and eat expensive meals.
- Telephone records--particularly telephone credit card records--great
way to determine who is peddling influence.
- Schedules--try to get both the public and private schedules
- Records of professional boards and other administrative agencies--see
which architects, lawyers, doctors and contractors are being disciplined
- Liquor license applications--in many places liquor licenses
are extremely difficult to obtain.
- The budget--hundreds of stories are hidden in the line items
- City Charter--read it--find out who actually has the responsibilities
under the law.
- State code--find out what those "housekeeping amendments"
- Personnel records or resumes--in some states these are public.
Mine them for discrepancies.
- Ethics board filings--politicians, contractors and lobbyists
often have to file elaborate forms under penalty of going to jail. Government
officials often have to file financial disclosure forms as well.
- Press releases--save them; you never know when they might come
- Audit reports--both programmatic and financial. Sometimes incredible
wrongdoing is buries in a comptroller's report.
- Attorney general opinions--sometimes government officials up
to no good want the AG to validate their actions.
- Property records; limited partnerships; liens; etc. from Recorder
of Deeds office--good to determine where your government officials
live and how much they own.
- Court records, both state and federal--routinely run their names
through the dockets; don't rely on your court reporter to catch everything.
- Probate records--did the mayor buy that $1 million house because
his mom left his lots of money, or is he taking payoffs.
- Vouchers and actual checks--check to see who is getting the
money and examine the checks to see where that money actually goes.
- Minority and women business enterprise applications--those cities
and states that still believe in affirmative action require minority and
women owned businesses to file reams of personal and financial information
to prevent front companies. Oftentimes, actual income tax forms can be
found in those files.


Dear Delegates and Participants,
On behalf of the Council of Administration of IIAS, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2013 Joint Congress of IIAS and IASIA in Manama, Bahrain from June 1 to 6, 2013. The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) is honoured to welcome you to the 2013 Joint Congress organized by IIAS, IASIA, and the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA).
As a global organisation based in Brussels and established in 1930, IIAS aims to be the leading global association of public administration in the world. Over the years, the Institute has been a platform worldwide for promoting the improvement of scientific knowledge of administrative sciences and the practice of mutual learning within its network, providing support to public administrations around the world. IIAS welcomes not only researchers and academics, but also practitioners from all levels of government and the public sector around the world.
The 2013 Joint Congress in Manama could provide an ideal platform for researchers and practitioners from all continents and regions to gather and share their ideas on various topics addressed during the conference. The main theme of the 2013 Joint Congress is “the Future of Public Administration: Professionalism and Leadership,” which is both timely and compelling in an era of global economic stagnation. On this basis, the congress will further discuss the following three sub-themes: (1) future risks and strategies; (2) leadership for the future; and (3) innovative service delivery for the future.
On behalf of the IIAS, I welcome your presentation and participation and wish you a very fruitful congress. I hope you find many opportunities to exchange new ideas and establish personal and institutional contacts for collaborative networking. I am sure you will enjoy the congress and the dynamic city of Manama and its neighbouring cities. Once again, I would like to thank you for your past, present and future support and sustainable collaboration.
All the best!
Prof. Dr. Pan Suk Kim
President, International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS)


Guys (and gals),
After reading the Rotax website, I got confused about the real "ownership" of the Aprilia V990 engine. Yes, I know that Rotax builts these engines, but I was under the impression that they were designed by Aprilia or Aprilia/Rotax and built by Rotax. That was why the V990 engines were used only on Aprilia bikes. Also, I thought the patented counter balance design was from Aprilia.
The Rotax website site lead me to believe that the V990 is Rotax, although they show a pic of an Aprilia Mille (italian for thousand).
Thanks for any clarification. Just for my own information, no more than that.


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Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the onion genus Allium. It is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been used since ancient times as a flavoring for food production and a traditional medicine for healing wounds and gangrene. It has been cultivated in Greece since ancient times. The planting of garlic for the Greek climate begins in Fall, in October or in Spring for damp garlic, until February for dry garlic. In Greece 30.000 decares are cultivated and the annual production reaches up until 18.000 tons with the main regions of production being Macedonia, Thrace and Platykampos of Larissa. The well known varieties of garlic are the white (of Thrace and Tripoli), the giant and the common ones.
These are some ways of cutting a garlic.


Richard Gates was charged with money laundering, conspiracy against the U.S. and other counts as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. » Read More
By: Ari Levy
Ripple owns about $80 billion worth of digital currency could sell hundreds of millions of dollars worth a month » Read More
By: Christina Farr
Here's yet another signal that Amazon is getting serious about health care. » Read More
Facebook Messenger head David Marcus says the company will streamline the app after it became too cluttered.
A winter storm forces airlines to cancel more than 800 flights in Texas.
Bill Miller has donated $75 million to the Johns Hopkins University philosophy department, the New York Times reports.
The six-count lawsuit alleges startup SWMonkey.com broke trademark laws and caused at least $5,000 in damage.
A good start to the year is only going to get better for J.P. Morgan Chase, according to veteran banking analyst Dick Bove.
IBM could face complications because of recently passed tax reform legislation, Bernstein analysts say.
Swiss food group Nestle agreed to sell its U.S. confectionery business to Italy's Ferrero for $2.8 billion.
Hess is cutting hundreds of employees and streamlining operations as it battles an activist shareholder agitating for higher margins.
The 1.3 percentage point increase in the uninsured rate is the biggest increase since 2008.
Donald Trump is wrapping up a year in office with the lowest average approval rating of any elected president in his first term.
Zig introduces a new way to read the news by compiling stories from across the internet into a single app.
The Trump administration said it wants more car manufacturing to be done in the U.S., but that may be difficult to do economically.
Even if the controversial DACA program ends, law enforcement won't prioritize deporting "Dreamers" who are registered and have not committed a crime.
Congress now has four days to pass a spending bill to yet again avoid a government shutdown at the last minute.
The company issued strong yearly guidance citing efforts to close Apple litigation and an NXP acquisition.
Online shopping sales hit a record $108.2 billion this holiday season, according to Adobe Analytics.
Get the best of CNBC in your inbox
MoviePass CEO Mitch Lowe discusses his business model, what the recent surge in subscribers signals about the future of the movie business and gives his take on the content wars.
CNBC's Kayla Tausche reports on how President Trump's trade agenda has fared since taking office.
Jim Paulsen, Leuthold Group chief investment strategist, discusses the current state of the markets as they pull back after breaking through highs earlier in the day.


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Residents in Clark County, Kentucky, are fighting a proposed limestone quarry near their homes, according to a report from Lexington’s WTVQ. The Allen Company recently purchased 80 acres of farm land in the county and wants to build an open pit ...
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW
- Sales manager killed at sand and gravel plant1074 Views
- Two teens dead after falling through ice at quarry585 Views
- Sand and gravel mine cited for 8th time533 Views
- Responses to Obama's State of the Union address222 Views
- Obama wants 'bipartisan infrastructure plan,' no mention of gas tax hike216 Views


British United Shoe Machinery v.
copyright 1997 Donald M. Cameron, Aird & Berlis
At p. 49
"If, on the true construction of the Specification, the Claim is as wide as the Defendants contend, the validity of the Patent depends upon whether an inventor, who discloses one way of doing automatically for a particular purpose what, in existing machines, could be done for the same purpose, not, indeed, automatically, but by the exercise of skill on the part of the workman, can obtain the grant of Letters Patent for all means of doing the same thing automatically for the same purpose.
... though you cannot take out a Patent for a principle, yet if the principle is new, and you show one mode of carrying it into effect, you may protect yourself against all other modes of carrying the principle into effect. If, however, the principle is not new, you can only protect yourself against those modes of carrying it into effect which are substantially the same as the mode you have yourself invented ..."
Cameron's IT Law: Home Page; Index
Cameron's Canadian Patent & Trade Secrets Law: Home Page; Index
JurisDiction Home Page


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Some of the names on the move ahead of the open.» Read More
Stocks declined, although prices were off their lows of the session, on news that China would take a second step to tighten monetary conditions. Disney and BofA fell, while GE rose.
U.S. stock index futures fell ahead of the open Friday after China announced a second measure to tighten monetary conditions in two weeks. China's decision was released at the same time Federal Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke was speaking in defense a Federal Reserve policy to stimulate the economy.
What follows is a roundup of corporate earnings reports for Thursday, Nov. 18.
Here's why you should keep a close eye on these six stocks.
What follows is a look at stocks in the S&P 500 displaying unusual volume in today's trading session.
As the earnings season kicks off, the sharp devaluation of the US dollar may play a key role for American companies that rely heavily on overseas operations.
Stocks closed near the highs of an upbeat session as investors gained confidence in the strengthening U.S. economy and the likelihood the Federal Reserve will resume quantitative easing. Boeing and Bank of America rose, while American Express fell.
Stocks advanced across-the-board Tuesday ahead of the closing bell as investors gained confidence in the strengthening U.S. economy and the likelihood the Federal Reserve will resume quantitative easing. Boeing and Bank of America rose, while American Express fell.
Stocks continued to add to gains after a report that the service sector grew more than expected, and that new orders and hiring in the sector are on the rise. Caterpillar and DuPont rose, while Amex fell.
When Bartz was hired a little over 18 months ago, Yahoo's (board was looking for someone to deliver a decisive leadership style, operational excellence, shareholder value, and the ability to drive growth. To date, she's delivered on two of the four. A report from DailyFinance.
Stocks slipped Friday in quiet summer trading as the closing bell neared after several reports on the economy did little to improve the mood of investors and the market continued on track to record its worst week since the week ending July 2.
Stocks ended the week down sharply, with the major indexes down as much as 4 percent in the worst week for the markets since July 2. Retail drops.
U.S. stocks were lower Friday after several reports on the economy did little to change the overall picture for investors.
Here’s our Fast Money Final Trade, where the traders give you the best plays for Friday.
Stocks closed lower Thursday, continuing a losing streak amid light volume and continued worries over the state of the economy. Cisco skidded, Verizon rose.
What follows is a roundup of corporate earnings reports for Thursday, Aug. 12.
Stocks continued a losing streak Thursday heading into the close, amid light volume and continued worries over the state of the economy triggered by the latest batch of economic data and comments from Cisco that customers are hestitant about a recovery. Cisco skidded, Verizon rose.
Stocks were lower Thursday after an unexpected rise in weekly jobless claims added to worries over the economy, although losses were stemmed as some investors stepped in to buy.
U.S. stock index futures edged lower ahead of the open Thursday after stocks suffered their worst slide since July 16 during the previous session. The major averages fell between 2.5 and 3 percent.
Some companies have a history of operating with low debt levels, and many choose to issue no debt at all. Here are 15 companies with zero debt as of Q2 2010.

domain: finance


This is one of the most creative, wildest packages ever offered by a manufacturer. It was also the fastest American vehicle produced in 1979!
What is a Lil Red Express? The late 70s was an era where cars were bogged down with emissions making for some pretty sad 1/4 mile times. Well, Lil Red isn't a car, it's a truck which did not have the same regulations. So Dodge took advantage of that and built a truck that was quicker than a Corvette! At the time trucks were work horses, Dodge is .....
credited as making the first personal use performance truck which is now wildly popular. Lil Red was a limited production truck with a list of mechanical and cosmetic features that really set it apart from any others.
EXTERIOR: It's a far cry from what any other trucks look like of that era or any era for that matter. The body on this truck is pristine. No rust or damage, it's straight and fits right. Repainted it's original Canyon Red color and it is smooth and glossy. All the gold striping and lettering has been replaced. The chrome on this truck is brilliant including those functional exhaust stacks! Not only are we lucky enough that it has it's rare 15x8 chrome wheels but they look like new. That's real oak wood trim and it's refinished real nice. The windows have had a mild tint thrown on them.
INTERIOR: Very comfortable and sharp looking red interior. The inside metal is painted real nicely. The door panels, carpet and upholstery look like new. The dash pad, instrument panel, knobs, controls and glovebox are in excellent shape. It has an upgraded retro stereo that looks like the original. The original cushion grip wheel is in great shape too.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: It has the Police Pursuit 360 which was under rated at 225hp, actual hp is 275! This one is upgraded with Sniper Electronic Fuel Injection. Otherwise it looks completely stock: valve covers, air cleaner, manifolds etc. It features power steering, power brakes and factory air conditioning. All the components look clean and proper. It is complete with hood insulation, battery disconnect, washer and overflow bottles, fan shroud etc.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Inside the box is real nice, the metal is clean and painted gloss red with Lil Red Express lettering at the front of the box. Down on the floor and the stake sides are refinished oak. It has upgraded latch mechanisms for the tailgate.
UNDERSIDE: The suspension and steering have been checked out and is in good shape. It has disc brakes in front, drum in back, the e-brake is hooked up. It has a 5th matching wheel for a spare. The dual exhaust has Flowmaster mufflers no catalytic converters because it was a truck and it did not require them. The chassis is clean and painted black. The oak bed is refinished on the bottom too. Looking up at the motor it is clean and has a new high torque starter. The trans has been upgraded with a rebuilt, modern overdrive automatic and a custom trans mount. The rear end was recently upgraded with new 3.55 gears.
SERVICE: We inspected the truck and all we had to do was repair left door handle.
This truck holds a chapter in American truck history. It was the quickest, it is the wildest and it is the god father of the personal use truck. I would say it's surely to continue to go up in value, Americans love their trucks more than ever!
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Power disc brakes
15x8 chrome wheels
Tuff grip wheel


Planet Earth has managed to remain habitable for so long because of one simple reason: good luck.
Researchers at the University of Sourthhampton carried out mass simulations of climate evolution of 100,000 randomly generated planets.
Each planet was simulated 100 times with random climate-altering events occurring each time in order to see if habitable life could be sustained for three billion years like on Earth.
Of these planets, 9 per cent (8,700) were successful at least once but, of those, nearly all (about 8,000) were successful fewer than 50 times out of 100 and most (about 4,500) were successful fewer than 10 times out of 100.
Professor Toby Tyrrell, a specialist in Earth system science, said the results of the study, published in the Nature journal Communications Earth and Environment, suggested chance is a major factor in determining whether planets, such as Earth, can continue to nurture life over billions of years.
“A continuously stable and habitable climate on Earth is quite puzzling. Our neighbours, Mars and Venus, do not have habitable temperatures, even though Mars once did”, Professor Tyrrell said.
“Earth not only has a habitable temperature today, but has kept this at all times across three to four billion years – an extraordinary span of geological time.
We can now understand that Earth stayed suitable for life for so long due, at least in part, to luck”, he continued.
A number of other grand-scale events could have taken place to change the Earth’s habitability, such as if a slightly larger asteroid had hit Earth, or had done so at a different time.
“If an intelligent observer had been present on the early Earth as life first evolved, and was able to calculate the chances of the planet staying habitable for the next several billion years, the calculation may well have revealed very poor odds,” Professor Tyrrell added.
These poor odds mean that the chances of finding inhabitable “twin Earths” elsewhere in the universe are also very slim – something astronomers have been particularly focused on as interstellar missions increase.
Additional reporting by agencies


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One of the most welcome surprises in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is the fact that all playable characters can use the familiar Sheikah Runes from Breath of the Wild during battle.
Also, each character has their own way of using them, which makes for a lot of fun variety in gameplay.
To access the rune menu, press the R button during battle. This will slow down the action and give you a chance to select a rune you'd like to use.
Press the left directional button to access the bombs and have at it.
Tips for using the Remote Bomb
While all characters can use the runes, Link is the only one that throws bombs. So when it's selected, make sure that you line him up with your target, otherwise, he'll just throw it where he's facing.
Bombs are good for a few things, including breaking the defense of shielded enemies, blowing up huge boulders, and dealing damage to a character's weak point gauge.
Keep pummeling an enemy with bombs and then use a weak-point attack to finish them off after depleting their gauge.


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Letter to the Editor: do the ends justify the means?
Pervez Musharraf, our middle eastern "ally" in the war on terror, has declared a "state of emergency" in Pakistan. He has suspended their democratic constitution, effectively shut down the other branches of government, and has been imprisoning thousands of those who have protested his recent actions.
What could possibly be happening in Pakistan to create such a "state of emergency"? The short answer...elections. The Pakistani Supreme Court was about to decide whether President Musharraf was eligible to run again as president, and he, feeling the decision would not be in his favor, preempted the Supreme Court decision by shutting down the court.
President Musharraf is claiming that he has done all of this in the name of "defending his country" in the "war on terror". It's amazing to me how fragile democracy can be. It's also amazing how easily those in power can strip the natural rights we supposedly have protected in our constitution. But it's most amazing to me how many people go right along with those in power and lock up peaceful protesters in the name of "security" at the expense of "freedom".
In their push to bring democracy to the middle east, are the allies of the U.S. now dropping democracy like a worn-out shoe for a convenience in fighting the "war on terror"? Are we next? We have already dumped certain aspects of democracy like holding people without trial and denying free speech. President Bush's, July 17, 2007 Executive Order, "Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq", effectively authorizes himself (can someone say separation of powers?) to seize "all property and interests in property" of those the President decides is a threat to his "war on Iraq". Are we still living in a free democracy where we can speak out against actions our consciences tell us is wrong?
I hope, with everything inside of me, that our 2008 presidential elections are not going to be tossed aside in the name of defending our security. I hope that President Bush vehemently condemns the recent actions of President Musharraf and declares Pakistani democracy as one of the worst casualties in this "war on terror". I hope he makes an example of those who would abandon democracy for the proverbial 30 pieces of silver. Protecting freedom at all cost, even if that means a less potent "war on terror," is the only way to preserve freedom. There is no price too high to pay for democracy except, of course, the jettisoning of democracy. Unfortunately, this common sense principle has somehow become uncommon sense.
"Give me liberty or give me death!" used to be the war cry of every true American patriot. Our war cry now sounds like, "Give me security and I'll gladly give up my liberties!".
The ends do not justify the means; the ends are the means. In the push for world democracy, President Bush has continually stripped our heimhat democracy in the name of "protecting" us with the "war on terror". But if we intend to bring democracy to the world, we cannot bring it under a dictator. If we intend to bring freedom to the world, we must be the most free people on the planet. We must repeal the freedom-revoking actions that the current administration has imposed. The decision of the Supreme Court must be upheld in the unconstitutional warrant-less wiretapping issue and those who authorized it punished. There can be no quarter shown for those telecommunications companies who have betrayed us by complying with the administration's illegal action. Those who knowingly deceived us into believing that Iraq had WMD must be held accountable. Those individuals held by the U.S. in Guantanamo Bay must be given fair trials. Otherwise, what message are we bringing to the world? That democracy, natural rights, and fair trials are important, but only when it's convenient to us?
Freedom can be protected by a gun, but freedom can also be taken by a gun. Overnight, Musharraf has turned his freedom-protecting gun into a freedom-revoking gun. President Musharraf can so easily revoke democracy and enforce his dictatorial decision because he also runs the Pakistani military. Let the recent events in Pakistan be a stern warning to us all of the extremely fragile nature of freedom.

domain: law


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REGION FOCUS: Unlocking the Caspian
Middle East firms are mixing it with the international supermajors
Middle East firms are mixing it with the international supermajors as oil and gas output from the region continues to soar.
The Caspian Sea is the largest body of inland water on earth, bordered by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. On gaining independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the region was identified as an area of huge oil & gas potential.
Today the oil in the Caspian basin is estimated to be worth over US$12 trillion, and the total recoverable hydrocarbon reserves of the Caspian basin, excluding the Iranian and Russian sectors, represent 4% of global oil reserves and 6% of global gas reserves.
Even with a recent boom in production, there are still extraordinary opportunities in the region, and Middle Eastern firms are mixing it with global powerhouses.
Oil companies have flocked to the Caspian in the last two decades, where oil reserves rival Saudi Arabia’s and gas reserves rival Iran’s, without the headaches of sanctions and with the benefit of low tax rates and accommodating governments willing to offer long-term contracts.
There are, however, local challenges to be met.
The policy of workforce nationalisation continues in the region, and presents challenges to companies seeking expert staff as projects continue to expand. Senior executives have described recruiting locally as a challenge, but one the larger players are meeting with comprehensive training programs.
Jimmy Larsen, Momentum Managing Director and CEO, told Oil & Gas Middle East “it’s part of to government initiatives to impart and teach the local teams the skills they need to do this for themselves. We’re happy to work within that framework”.
Topaz Energy and Marine CEO Fazel Falzelbhouy says his firm’s “ongoing training and knowledge transfer have allowed numerous nationals to take up senior positions both on board the vessels and in the shore-based organisation”.
The issue is not going away, so firms are investing heavily in training to bring local staff up to standard.
The status of the Caspian Sea is a key problem, with various countries arguing it is either a lake or a sea – which has implications regarding international treaties – to suit.
There are also ongoing associated territorial disputes. Azerbaijan is an example; its continued territorial disputes with Armenia, Iran and Turkmenistan provide an ongoing ingredient of political risk.
Conflicting claims over the maritime and seabed boundaries of the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan and Iran also provide continued uncertainty, with Iran insisting on an even one-fifth allocation and challenging Azerbaijan’s hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters.
Bilateral talks continue with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed and contested oilfields in the middle of the Caspian, while discussions with Georgia continue on the alignment of their boundary at certain
Train to Georgia
Despite these issues, Azerbaijan’s global stature as a supplier of natural gas and oil can only increase.
The country now has keystone status in the region, resulting from the size and location of its reserves, which can reach the lucrative European market via Turkey and Georgia without traversing Russia or Iran.
BP is the most important producer in Azerbaijan, having got its foot in the door early after the fall of the Soviet Union. The Macondo disaster has spurred BP to focus on the Caspian as a future source of sustainable stable revenue.
In October last year, BP signed a major deal for the development of the Shafaq-Asiman gas field, in deep water 125 km south-east of Baku.
According to Socar, the state-owned oil and natural gas corporation of Azerbaijan, the gas field has estimated reserves of 17 trillion cubic meters.
When developed, the Shafaq-Asiman is set to rival current output at the mammoth Shah Deniz gas field. Shah Deniz is the product of a consortium of seven international oil companies and the Azerbaijani government.
BP and Statoil are the major 25.5% stakeholders, with BP acting as operator. At its maximum rate of production the field is expected to yield 8,600 bcmpa and approximately 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day of condensate.
Shah Deniz continues to expand under BP’s Full Field Development program, instigated after BP found the potential for a further 16 bcmpa of gas and 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day of condensate at the field not currently under production.
Engineering studies for thirty new wells are taking place over 2011. On completion, total output from Shah Deniz is slated to triple.
Oil and gas from the fields goes to the BP-operated 500 sq km Sangachal Terminal for processing, storage and export. The terminal has a current processing capacity of 1.2 million barrels per day and 1.25 billion cubic feet of gas per day.
To cope with a massive anticipated upswing in supply resulting from the Full Field Development, the terminal is to undergo a major expansion to enable the it to process an additional 16 billion cubic feet of gas per day.
To support this massive expansion, BP has laid more than 500 km of new pipeline and expanded the 700km South Caucasus pipeline to Georgia and Turkey to cope with more than 20 billion bcmpa.
In addition, the Umid gas field is being developed, and is likely to be the second highest-producing gas field in Azerbaijan when complete.
Azerbaijan is also benefitting from the re-routing of oil and gas transit from Iran. Dubai-based Dragon Oil had to make this transition in 2010, away from its existing arrangement with Neka in Iran to exports via Baku.
The company exported 10.8 million barrels of crude in 2010, suggesting a seamless switch, and won $200 million in new contracts.
Dragon Oil also had a record year off the back of major investment in Turkmenistan, recording end-of-year operating profit of $487.7 million on revenue of $780.4 million. Most of the firm’s oil is reportedly sold to the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan for re-export.
The Dubai-based $2 billion explorer has been in Turkmenistan for more than ten years. At the end of 2010, the firm reported recoverable reserves of 639 million barrels of oil and condensate, 1.6 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves (corresponding to 260 million barrels of oil equivalent) and 1.4 trillion cubic feet of gas resources.
Current offshore drilling is continuing to yield further reserves, which are quickly being exploited. Average daily oil production in January-March 2011 was 57,800 barrels of oil per day (bopd) in the first quarter, compared with 47,600 bopd a year ago.
CEO Dr Abdul Jaleel Al Khalifa said on announcing Dragon’s 2010 results: “we remain focused on three strategic areas: the accelerated development of the Cheleken Contract Area, gas monetisation opportunities and value-enhancing acquisition”.
Dragon Oil paid its first dividend in 2011, marking its transition to a mature regional player, according to Andrew Latto, Senior Research Analyst at Proactive Investors.
Investment in Turkmenistan is slated to continue, as the firm plans to complete 11 wells by the end of 2011 and then between 2011 and 2013 aim for 40 development wells which include five appraisal wells, at a cost of $600-$700 million.
The latest big story in the country is in gas: the South Yolotan field is now “easily the world’s second-largest gas field in terms of gas-in-place,” Peter Holding, GCA general manager for Russia and the Caspian announced at a recent Caspian conference.
The previous GCA estimate, conducted in 2008, said the field held between four trillion and 14 trillion cubic meters of gas and made Turkmenistan into the world’s fourth-largest owner of natural gas deposits. The field now ranks behind only Iran’s South Pars.
Holding declined to provide GCA’s audited reserve figure, to be released in June, but Turkmen government officials reportedly estimated reserves at South Yolotan to be equal to 21 trillion cubic meters.
Under ambitious plans proposed by Turkmen President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, Turkmenistan will more than treble gas output to 230 billion cubic metres (bcm) annually by 2030, all but 50 bcm of which is to be exported.
Vast, landlocked and mountainous, Kazakhstan has the second largest oil reserves as well as the second largest oil production among the former Soviet republics after Russia. Latest estimates place total recoverable oil reserves at 30 billion barrels, around 3% of world total.
The lack of access to a seaport makes Kazakhstan dependent principally on pipelines to transport its hydrocarbons to world markets.
It is also a transit state for pipe line exports from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Neighbors China and Russia are key economic partners, providing sources of export demand and government project financing.
Tengiz is currently Kazakhstan’s largest producing oil field, with recoverable onshore crude oil reserves estimated to be between six and nine billion barrels by project consortium leading IOC Chevron.
Tengiz has been in development since 1993 by the Tengizchevroil (TCO) joint venture, a 40-year, $20 billion agreement between Chevron (50%), ExxonMobil (25%), KMG (20%), and LukArco (5%) signed with the Kazakh government.
Production is predicted by the US government’s Energy Information Administration to increase to 800,000 bpd by 2016. Tengiz output is currently exported through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium oil pipeline, which runs from Tengiz to Novorossiysk, Russia on the Black Sea.
LUKoil remains locked in a shareholder dispute over the giant Karachaganak gas project in northwest Kazakhstan. Karachaganak, one of the world’s largest gas condensate fields, is estimated that the Karachaganak field contains 1.236 billion tonnes of liquids and 1.371 cubic kilometers of gas in place.
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating Group, a consortium of BG Group, ENI as owners, Chevron Corp, LUKoil partners due to operate the project until 2038, has said hydrocarbon output at Karachaganak fell to 133.7 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2010 from 139.4 million barrels in 2009.
In addition to it;s vast oil & gas wealth, Kazakhstan also contains Central Asia’s largest recoverable coal reserves, and is the second largest coal producer in the former Soviet Union after Russia.
Company profile: Logis
Since 1991 the Logis group – comprising four main businesses with ten 10 subsidiaries in Europe, Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic countries and Caspian region – has been specialising in the transportation of various equipment, heavy and oversised cargo, general-purpose cargoes, crude oil, and oil products.
The bulk of the Logis group’s operations are in the former Soviet states of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.
Kirill Vishensky, CEO of the Logis group, spoke to Oil & Gas Middle East about the logistical challenges the region poses, and how his business overcomes them.
The Caspian sea is connected to the world’s oceans by a single deep waterway, the Volga-Don channel, which is only open from April to December each year, due to low temperatures and thick ice.
This poses a problem for companies that need to move cargo too large or heavy for conventional road and rail transport during wintertime.
Five years ago, Logis developed the Logis Multimodal Service LLC (LMMS) for, as Vishensky puts it, “fighting against Russian winter” by using alternative routes and multiple transport methods.
“This is very important, particularly for some categories of delicate and expensive equipment, and is less expensive than any other comparable service” says Vishensky.
Logis also runs the Gulf Caspian Line (GCL), a regular sea charter service from the Middle East to Atyrau and other Caspian sea ports. The new service is proving popular, as a company can load cargo to a Logis vessel at, for example, Jebel Ali port, and have it arrive in Atyrau in 35 days without intermediary shipments.
One of Logis’s major projects last year concerned the Atyrau port located in heart of Kashagan, between the huge Karachaganak and Tenguiz oilfields, Kazakhstan.
The port has been completely rennovated, expanding handling capacity and bringing the facility up to ISO standard. The port can now accept 500 ton sea/river vessels. New rail track will be added to connect the port to the CIS’ 250,000 km railway network, in addition to improved storage.
Two years ago Vishensky decided to establish a Logis office in Dubai Maritime City Free Zone.
“Quite a lot of Russian, Kazakh and other ex-Soviet Union counties companies are coming to Dubai, accelerating cooperation and trade turnover with UAE and Gulf countries” said Vishensky.
Company profile: Momentum
The Dubai-headquartered group has continued it success in the Caspian region on the back of providing innovative drilling and engineering solutions to increasingly cost-conscious contractors.
Momentum has over 25 years’ experience in the Middle East, and set foot in the Caspian region in the early 1990s, owning and operating three onshore drilling rigs in Azerbaijan. The rigs ranged from 750HP to 2,000HP with which Momentum drilled more than 300 wells.
The company established a regional hub in Baku in 1999 and a further office in Ashqabad, Turkmenistan in 2008. Jimmy Larsen, Managing Director and CEO, told December’s edition of Oil & Gas Middle East: “we certainly see the Caspian as a huge opportunity. It’s a dynamic market for us. ”
In 2010 Momentum netted a contract for the lease and management of a new jackup for Dragon Oil in Turkmenistan, due for completion in November 2011. Larsen says: “Momentum is the main drilling contractor responsible for the daily operation, management logistics and maintenance of the rig and base station”.
The project builds on a strong portfolio of rig management projects, including several in Azerbaijan.
Momentum are working with partners Yantai Raffles Offshore China and TSC Offshore China. “Yantia will carry out the rig construction and TSC will provide the drilling and related equipment,” explains Larson.
The Friede & Goldman-designed Super M2 jackup can operate in water 300ft and a drilling depth of up to 30,000ft in all weather conditions, in accordance with ABS assessment criteria.
It is being assembled in China in modules for assembly in the Caspian where it will undergo testing before deployment to the Cheleken Contact Area in offshore Turkmenistan. “The whole project is going really well” says Larsen.
Recently Momentum delivered and installed an offshore platform weighing more than 1,000 tonnes in 60 metres of Turkmenistan waters for Petronas, Turkmenistan.
The platform was installed in three sections; the first section weighing in at 400 tons was lifted and placed on the seabed using Momentum’s managed crane barge, the General Shikhlinsky.
Momentum has also developed a reputation for its refurbishing program, having completed refits for the ORIZONT, the FORTUNA, and the EEIV (nee BAHRAM) in the UAE, on time and to budget.
The firm is undertaking sub-sea hyperbaric welding of strengthening plates for repeat client Petronas, using processes developed and designed in-house by Momentum engineers.
Momentum also installed a 35 km, 30” sub-sea pipeline for Dragon Oil in the Turkmenistan waters using Momentum-managed pipe-laying barge.
Larsen said that the firm is also looking towards “exciting developments in Malaysia and Iraq”. These have been converted these into wins in 2011, the highlight being a contract to supply US giant Baker Hughes with a 750 HP drilling rig in Iraq.

domain: geography


I Cantori Choir Member, Singer-Songwriter, Award Winning Children's Recording Artist
It's a rare thing, to be in the presence of a great musician, a great technician and artist. I feel privileged to have sung in Sal's beautiful choir, I Cantori di Carmel. It was something I had wanted to do since I moved to Monterey, but couldn't quite fit it into my schedule of singing with bands, then singing and touring with my children's music performances. It was a promise I made to myself, "Be sure to sing in Sal Ferrantelli's choir." So I did. My stint was short as a first alto, but it was glorious to be directed by him, as he created the details and nuances of Brahms, Bach, Whitacre, Lauridsen, Von Bingen...Sal's amazing selections of material and his careful layering of detail over the rehearsal period was extraordinary. I am inspired.


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North Tripura (Tripura) [India], April 4 (ANI): The Tripura Mizo Convention, the apex body of the Mizo community people living in Tripura, put forward a three-point charter of demands before Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu during his visit to Jampui Hills, in North Tripura district.
Located on the borders of Tripura and Mizoram, Jampui Hills is Tripura’s only hill station, largely inhabited by the Mizo community.
The charter of demands pertains to the recognition of the tribal community in government records, the introduction of the Mizo language at Tripura University and the codification of the Mizo customary law, which is now lying in his office for formal approval.
According to the demand draft undersigned by the general secretary of the outfit, Dr. Zairemthiam Pachuau, and president Lalrawntlinga Sailo, the Mizo community of Jampui Hills has been working hard to make sure that this place can retain its status of the ‘Heaven of Tripura’.
“As the local community of Jampui Hill, it has been our earnest pursuit to continue to make Jampui Hill ‘the Heaven of Tripura’, both in the metaphorical and the physical terms. In order to continue to achieve that goal, please allow us to bring to your kind attention the following points of development and empowerment, which fall under your esteemed office,” the charter of demands read.
Elaborating on the demands, the document added, “Kindly accelerate the ongoing process of changing the nomenclature of our tribe from Lushai” to “Mizo” in the ST list/Presidential list of Tripura.”
On language, the draft said, “Kindly resume the process of introducing the Mizo language subject in Tripura University, the proposal of which was already submitted as advised by Tripura University. The introduction of Mizo language subjects at Tripura University will benefit a vast population of students in Tripura who have been adopting Mizo as their lingua franca and save them from the compulsion of taking up English or Bengali language subjects, which they find very difficult. There are readily available and well developed Mizo textbooks and literature for the curriculum and syllabus.”
The organisation also urged the Governor’s office to approve the Mizo Customary Law Bill, which has been passed by the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and is now awaiting his formal nod.
“Kindly facilitate for us the finalisation and enactment of the Mizo Customary Law that was already passed at the TTAADC Session and now pending State Cabinet’s approval and the Honourable Governor’s approval and signature. We, the people of Jampui Hill, once again express our gratitude for visiting us. Be assured of our good wishes and prayers in the days to come,” the charter stated in closing. (ANI)
Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed of ANI; only the image & headline may have been reworked by News Services Division of World News Network Inc Ltd and Palghar News and Pune News and World News
HINDI, MARATHI, GUJARATI, TAMIL, TELUGU, BENGALI, KANNADA, ORIYA, PUNJABI, URDU, MALAYALAM
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