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PSG 0 Real Madrid 1: Ibrahimovic shows off new strip after Ancelotti beats former side | Mail Online
A fine strike from French striker Karim Benzema ensured new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed a victory against his former club Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden on Saturday. The Italian coach, who led PSG to their first French title since 1994 before leaving for the Spanish capital in the summer, saw his side claim a morale-boosting victory in the pre-season friendly.
Valencia 1-2 AC Milan: De Jong scores screamer in Guinness International Champions Cup opener - Goal.com
AC Milan kicked off the Guinness International Champions Cup tournament with a narrow win over Valencia in a pulsating clash at the Estadio Mestalla. Robinho made amends to put the Rossoneri ahead following a first-half penalty miss before Nigel de Jong placed an exquisite curling shot beyond Vicente Guaita to double Milan's lead. Valencia pulled a goal back early in the second half as Dani Parejo netted from close range. However, despite their persistence, los Che could not find an equaliser.
Montoya: "Tata gave us a very good first impression" | FC Barcelona
The Blaugrana closed out their preseason tour of Munich and Oslo with a 0-7 drubbing of Valerenga this afternoon. Martín Montoya, who started both matches, said, "our sensations are good. The match against Bayern was a bit more complicated because they’ve been training longer than we have, but our evaluation of the matches are very positive." When asked about the new FC Barcelona manager, Tata Martino, the defender said: "He’s given us a really good first impression. I’m sure we’ll all adapt well, things will work out great with Tata."
FC Barcelona finalise Peace Tour arrangements | FC Barcelona
On Saturday August 3rd, the day following the Joan Gamper Trophy between Barça and Santos, an official FC Barcelona delegation will travel to Palestine and Israel for a historic trip to strengthen institutional ties with the leaders of the two communities and build bridges of dialogue for peace.
Tottenham Hotspur sign Valencia striker Roberto Soldado: reports
Valencia striker Roberto Soldado has signed on the dotted line for Tottenham Hotspur for a club record fee of £26 million, Spanish radio station Cadena SER has reported. Soldado returned from holiday on Saturday morning, after which the move was confirmed following Spurs' decision to pay the £26m release clause.
Andre Villas-Boas refuses to deny Real Madrid bid for Gareth Bale and that player has asked to leave - Telegraph
Spanish giants Real are understood to have to lodged a formal bid of €60 million (£51.8 million) for the 24 year-old, with reports in Spain suggesting that the player is determined to move to the Bernabeu as a result of alleged "broken promises" by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. Bale sat out Tottenham’s 6-0 victory against South China in the Barclays Asia Trophy due to a muscle strain that also forced him to miss the midweek defeat against Sunderland in the same tournament.
Transfer news: Atletico Madrid have sealed a deal for Jose Maria Gimenez | Atletico Madrid News, Fixtures, Results, Table | Sky Sports
Atletico Madrid have wrapped up the signing of promising defender Jose Maria Gimenez from Danubio FC. The 18-year-old was officially unveiled as the La Liga club's latest acquisition on Wednesday, as he penned a five-year contract.


Evaluation of Skills for Work Pilot Programme: Key Findings from the Initial Phase of the Evaluation
01 June 2006
In the ministerial response to A Curriculum for Excellence, the Scottish Executive made a commitment to deliver a new programme and qualifications in learning about skills for work for 14-16 year olds by 2007. It announced that Skills for Work (SfW) courses were going to be developed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in conjunction with the Scottish Further Education Unit, Learning and Teaching Scotland, the Scottish Executive and a range of stakeholders through a programme of national consultation seminars.
SfW courses have been designed to help young people to develop skills and knowledge in a broad vocational area, core skills, an understanding of the workplace, positive attitudes to learning, and employability skills. The courses are intended to provide progression pathways to employment, training or further learning for pupils of all abilities.
The Scottish Executive Education Department commissioned NFER to carry out an evaluation of the SfW pilot between September 2005 and October 2007 and this paper summarises key findings from the initial phase of the evaluation.


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It’s a great escape from the everyday grind and stress of daily life. We are drawn to new experiences, both cultural and physical. Travel can give us the opportunity to do both. When we conquer new terrain, we’ll not only have fun, but also a sense of accomplishment. What is it that makes traveling so special? Find out why you should be traveling more often. If you are still not convinced, here’s some more benefits of traveling. When you have just about any inquiries relating to in which in addition to how to utilize 황제투어, you possibly can call us in our own web-page.
First, travel can be a verb. It refers to moving from one place or another. The journey must come to an end. Also, it should have meaningful experiences that take you between different places. But what is travel exactly? There are many definitions for travel, and they can be confusing and different. This article will explore the various types and definitions of travel. The definition of travel varies according to the context, but it is usually used to describe a journey that moves from place to place.
Travel offers us the chance to discover new things and image source enjoy ourselves. It is a wonderful way to experience a new culture. While it is fun to visit new places, it can be hard to find the same things at home. Even with all the difficulties, traveling can be an amazing experience. It …Read More →

domain: geography


ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO SAN DIEGO WITH ONE-WAY FARES AS LOW AS $59*
March 4, 2020
Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announces a new nonstop route to San Diego International Airport (SAN) from Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) beginning June 4, 2020. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new route as low as $59.*
“We’re excited to expand the number of routes we serve from Billings,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant vice president of planning and revenue. “With summer right around the corner, we are certain that area travelers will appreciate having convenient, nonstop flights to sunny Southern California.”
The new seasonal route via Billings...


Dubai-based airline Emirates is trialling the use of 3D printing to manufacture components for cabins.
The airline has been working with US company 3D Systems to use selective laser sintering (SLS) to print video monitor shrouds for its fleet.
Emirates is also trialling 3D printing air vent grills for planes.
SLS involves heating layers of powder until it coalesces without reaching the stage of liquefaction. Unlike fused deposition modelling, it doesn’t require support material, which can allow the creation of more complex shapes.
Emirates said that the use of SLS also helps reduce the weight of printed components; the video shrouds produced with SLS weighed between 9 per cent 13 per cent less than traditionally manufactured or FDM produced components.
SLS also allows multiple components to be produced simultaneously, reducing production times and wasted materials.
The airline said that the use of 3D-printed components could reduce fuel emissions across its fleet thanks to the reduction in weight.
The airline has been working with French company UUDS on European Aviation Safety Agency certification for the parts.
The video monitor shrouds will be installed on select aircraft after receiving EASA certification for airworthiness.
“Over the last two years Emirates Engineering has been actively exploring 3D printing for aircraft cabin parts as it is a transformational technology that can be used to achieve an increase in efficiency and productivity,” said Ahmed Safa, Emirates senior vice president – engineering support services.
“We worked with a number of suppliers to develop prototypes of 3D printed cabin parts but ultimately decided on working with 3D Systems and UUDS,” Safa said in a statement.
“The technology we use has the potential to deliver cabin parts with reduced weight without compromising on structural integrity or cosmetic appeal.”


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May 20, 2020 — Broadband Breakfast Live Online panelists on Wednesday said that current broadband maps are insufficient and that they are harming the people they are meant to serve.
The forum was an opportunity for participants to describe the state of broadband in their respective areas as well as the applications of various services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Speakers included Glenn Fishbine, chief technology officer at NEO Partners, LLC, Eric Frederick, vice president for community affairs at Connected Nation, Brian Webster, CEO of Wireless Mapping Inc. and Russ Elliot, director of the Washington State Broadband Office.
The event was moderated by Broadband Breakfast Editor and Publisher Drew Clark, also a telecom attorney who has been a leading voice advocating for improved broadband mapping efforts and a rational geo-spatial system for collecting data. As the former executive director of the Partnership for a Connected Illinois, he implemented a widely respected geographic information system for collecting data from internet service providers.
Frederick began by displaying a graphic showcasing areas in which Connected Nation had low confidence in broadband connectivity reports — which included almost all supposedly connected regions.
The confidence ratings draw from an algorithm developed by Connected Nation that considers several factors and to determine low, medium or high data confidence.
“It essentially takes the Form 477 data and provides a confidence rating to it based on household density, number of providers technology, transmission speeds, all those different things…” Frederick said. “You can see that there’s lots of red areas.”
Facilities-based broadband service companies are required to file data to the Federal Communications Commission twice a year through Form 477. But Fishbine said that, according to NEO Partners’ findings, broadband companies were drastically overreporting their connectivity rates.
For example, a Minnesota broadband company called Radio Link Internet offers 300-megabyte symmetric wireless, which disqualifies areas under its service for grants. But a NEO Partners study found that Radio Link had not undergone an LTD speed test in the previous 12 months.
“We are seeing the impact of bad reporting by individual ISPs either because they’re clumsy or they don’t know what they’re doing or because the process is broken,” Fishbine said. “But this is taking a large number of communities out of the pool of potential grant applications.”
Webster said that for broadband maps to transition away from clunky inaccuracy, they have to move to the household level.
“If you’re in communities that have really good 901 coordinators and programs — like in New York state, where they’ve literally mapped all the addresses to rooftops now, not to just an assumption of a road and things like that — that can really help any of these initiatives.”
Clark agreed. “Founding Broadband Census was an effort to get broadband data at the address level when the FCC was saying, ‘No, ZIP codes are fine,’” he added. Broadband Census was a sister data-collection company to the media and events company Broadband Breakfast.
Late last year, the FCC kicked off a new proposed system for more granular broadband data through the introduction of the Digital Opportunity Data Collection effort. It would require broadband providers to offer a place where consumers can report outages and insufficient service.
At the time, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called the move the agency’s most effective yet.
“This represents the commission’s biggest step yet to close the digital divide and will connect some of the hardest-to-serve areas of our country,” he said.
FCC Speed Test App To Improve Broadband Mapping, Agency Says
The agency hopes its new speed test will inform an initiative for more accurate broadband maps.
April 12, 2021 – As part of the Federal Communications Commission’s effort to collect comprehensive data on broadband availability across the United States, the agency is encouraging the public to download its Speed Test app, it announced Monday.
The FCC is using data collected from the app as part of the Measuring Broadband America program. The app provides a way for consumers to test the performance of their mobile and in-home broadband networks. In addition to showing network performance test results to the user, the app provides the test results to the FCC while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of program volunteers. It is available on the major app stores.
“To close the gap between digital haves and have nots, we are working to build a comprehensive, user-friendly dataset on broadband availability,” Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. “Expanding the base of consumers who use the FCC Speed Test app will enable us to provide improved coverage information to the public and add to the measurement tools we’re developing to show where broadband is truly available throughout the United States.”
The network coverage and performance information gathered from the Speed Test data will help to inform the commission’s efforts to collect more accurate and granular broadband deployment data. The app will also be used in the future for consumers to challenge provider-submitted maps when the Broadband Data Collection systems become available.
The FCC has been working to improve its broadband mapping system from Form 477 for several years. Development of the Digital Opportunity Data Collection system began in August 2019, and Rosenworcel created a task force in February 2021 to advance that system. On April 7, the agency announced May 7 as the date for establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection.
Closing Digital Divide Starts With Accurate Maps, Says Gigi Sohn
March 15, 2021 – Gigi Sohn, former president of advocacy group Public Knowledge, said authorities at the Federal Communications Commission and the states need to start with good broadband maps to see where connectivity gaps exist.
“Start at square one, and that is with good data and good maps,” said Sohn, who was speaking at a virtual LGBT Bar Association event on March 10. “Right now, the data the FCC is using to determine where there is broadband and where there is not is grossly inaccurate.”
Good policy cannot be done with bad maps, she said, but she added progress is being made with Congress’ passing of the Broadband DATA Act and the FCC receiving than $98 million to deploy mapping. However, she noted that the FCC is moving “a little slower than she would prefer” to build these maps.
In December, the FCC awarded $9.2 billion in funding from the first round of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Sohn said, however, that the money was doled out with bad maps.
She said part of the problem is that different federal agencies are lacking coordination with maps, which creates duplicate decisions and more bureaucracy.
One solution lies in getting the state agencies involved. “The states cannot be left out of the calculation. There must need to be a blueprint to where the funding is going to go so there is no duplication and everybody can be served,” said Sohn.
“Unfortunately, because it is taking the FCC so long to build these maps, the states are doing by themselves,” she added.
Georgia and Maine, for example, are beginning to go it alone with their own broadband maps.
“I do believe the state maps are going to be more granular than what the federal government is going to come up with,” Sohn said.
New Broadband Mapping Fabric Will Help Unify Geocoding Across the Broadband Industry, Experts Say
March 11, 2021 – The Federal Communications Commission’s new “fabric” for mapping broadband service across America will not only help collect more accurate data, but also unify geocoding across the broadband industry, industry experts said during a Federal Communications Bar Association webinar Thursday.
Broadband service providers are not geocoding experts, said Lynn Follansbee of US Telecom, and they don’t know where all the people are.
The new fabric dataset is going to be very useful to get a granular look at what is and what is not served and to harmonize geocoding, she said.
AT&T’s Mary Henze agreed. “We’re a broadband provider, we’re not a GIS company,” she said. Unified geocode across the whole field will help a lot to find missing spots in our service area, she said.
The new Digital Opportunity Data Collection fabric is a major shift from the current Form 477 data that the FCC collects, which has been notoriously inaccurate for years. The effort to improve broadband mapping has been ongoing for years, and in 2019 US Telecom in partnership with CostQuest and other industry partners created the fabric pilot program.
That has been instrumental in lead to the new FCC system, panelists said. It is called a “fabric” dataset because it is made up of other datasets that interlace like fabric, Follansbee explained.
The fabric brings new challenges, especially for mobile providers, said Chris Wieczorek of T-Mobile. With a whole new set of reporting criteria to fill out the fabric, it will lead to confusion for consumers, and lots of work for the new task force, he said.
Henze said that without the fabric, closing the digital divide between those with broadband internet and those without has been impossible.
Digital Opportunity Data Collection expected to help better map rural areas
The new mapping can help in rural areas where the current geolocation for a resident may be a mailbox that is several hundred feet or farther away from the actual house that needs service, Follansbee said.
Rural areas aren’t the only places that will benefit, though. It can also help in dense urban areas where vertical location in a residential building is important to getting a good connection, said Wieczorek.
The fabric will also help from a financial perspective, because of the large amount of funding going around, said Charter Communications’ Christine Sanquist. The improved mapping can help identify where best to spend that funding for federal agencies, providers, and local governments, she said.
There is now more than $10 billion in new federal funding for broadband-related projects, with the recent $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit program as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in December 2020 and the new $7.6 Emergency Connectivity Fund part of the American Rescue Plan that President Joe Biden signed into law Thursday.
The new FCC task force for implementing the new mapping system was created in February 2021, and is being led by , led by Jean Kiddoo at the FCC. No specific dates have been set yet for getting the system operational.
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Again the weather was not on our side in Barcelona. We wanted blue skies and sun and we got grey skies and no sun. With promises that it would clear up later in the day we headed to Park Guell. It's quite easy to access from both Vallcarca and Lesseps metro stops then a short walk. We went with Vallcarca which offers outdoor escalators to aid you in getting to the park.
As we reached the lower area of the park we saw our first glimpses of the Gaudi area. The last time I had gone with my mother the place had been swarming with people. It did not look so bad there today but the reason why I am sure is because they are now charging to enter this section of the park which is known as the Monumental Zone. The rest of the park is entirely free but you must pay €7 to enter the park in a designated time slot. We got to the park around 1 pm and our slot was 2:30-3 pm so we wandered around the other parts of the park to pass the time.
At one of the highest points in the park there is Three Crosses and we climbed up it to get a view of Barcelona. Wishing it was sunny as the view would have been amazing but the sun was still hiding and Barcelona's city scape was still unclear. We were serenaded by this crazy gentleman in the photo below. Nothing like weird noises and repetitive "Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!" to complete your trip to this beautiful park.
Finally it was time to head back down and we perused the earring and jewellery stands that were set up for tourists such as ourselves. I ended up getting a bracelet and a pretty pair of earrings. We headed into the main terrace where a long bench covered in mosaics. Happily posing for seated pictures and admiring the different coloured mosaics. I think I have more photos of mosaics from this day then anything else.
Park Guell was designed by Antoni Gaudi, the famous Catalan architect who designed so many of the buildings from my previous post. Casa Mila, Casa Batllo and La Sagrada Familia to name a few. The park was built between 1900 and 1914 and is 17.18 hectares making it one of the largest architectual works in south Europe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I think this is why they have started to charge for it and control the amount of people entering the Monumental zone. The park was originally part of a commercially unsuccessful housing site, the idea of Count Eusebi Güell, after whom the park was named.
The famous mosaic lizard also called a dragon was happy to pose for photos. I didn't mind paying the entrance fee to see this beautiful park again. With the crowd control it was actually a pleasant visit and people were very courteous of taking turns to pose with the lizard.
We left feeling quite happy and were even happier when we found some delicious fresh fruit popsicles. I got watermelon flavour and I think Jess got apple-kiwi? I can't remember but I know they were both delicious and Canada should get on that bandwagon for yummy popsicles.
Next post from Barcelona will be on La Pedrera so keep an eye out for it!


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This circular route around the lovely Brett valley is best begun at Stratford St Mary. It takes you to Withermarsh Green, Shelley, Lower Raydon and Holton St Mary, while the short route takes you to Higham.
Some of the route is along two other epic FKTs the Stour Valley Path and also the St Edmund Way, a long distance footpath of 79 miles (127km) running from Manningtree in Essex to Brandon in the Brecks in north-west Suffolk, via Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds.
Brett Valley.gpx12.28 KB
|Allen Smalls||1h 21m 45s|
|David Bone, Gaby Ellis-Bone, Ben Matthews, Justin Missingham, Dan Shaw, Alexis Joachim, Simon Buckley||2h 31m 51s|


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Luxury Lighting at Home
Lighting doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to feel luxurious. Understanding luxury lighting principles can help you elevate your space regardless of budget.
The first step in curating a luxurious feeling space is to ascertain your intentions for it. Will this nook hold your favorite reading chair? Will this sofa and accompanying seating provide space for intimate time spent with family and friends? Once you determine the space’s function it will inform your lighting choices.
Taking advantage of natural light is one of the best ways to make your space feel luxurious. Natural light can open up a space tremendously. When struck with the indirect afternoon sun, a room can be transformed to feel more open, airy, and life-giving.
When choosing lighting pieces for a room or space it is important to think about ambient, task, and accent lighting pieces. Ambient lighting pieces, like this Lenis linear pendant from Cerno, offer the perfect pool of light situated above a dining table, bar, or kitchen island. Task lighting choices should be oriented around the activity they will illuminate. For example, a reading nook or chair would be well accompanied by this Mia floor lamp from designer Thomas O’Brien. Finally, accent or mood lighting should complement the already existing pools of light provided by your other pieces. Accent lighting choices are also an excellent means of giving a space personality in subtle ways. The Jemai Lamp from Arteriors is an excellent piece that evokes a sense of whimsy and playfulness, regardless of its placement.
Whether you’re hosting friends for an intimate dinner or want to kick back and relax with your favorite novel, we at Bliss Lighting would love to join you on your journey of lighting and space curation. Contact our team of lighting enthusiasts today and let us help you create the space of your dreams.

domain: artistic


6 things we learned about Warcraft from its director wrd.cm/1ceK6vx
NoSQL databases have made it possible to store more data faster and cheaper than ever before. Web giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook have come to depend on them in a big way. But they have some fundamental drawbacks that prevent them from handling many software applications. And FoundationDB wants to change that.


How common are droplets of saltwater on Mars? Could microbial life survive and reproduce in them? A new million-dollar NASA project led by the University of Michigan aims to answer those questions.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside along with their research partners received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Energy to study and evaluate technologies that provide feedback to drivers so they can cut harmful emissions and reduce fuel use by up to 30 percent.
A report forecasts that the EV cybersecurity market will increase from just $26 million in 2011 to $144 million by 2015, with a cumulative investment of $432 million during that period.
Undergraduate researcher Safatul Islam is a member of a team in the College of Optical Sciences investigating organic photovoltaics, which can lead to improved electronics.
A new study shows that as climate change enhances tree growth in tropical forests, the resulting increase in litterfall could stimulate soil micro-organisms leading to a release of stored soil carbon.
Improved nutrition for billions of people around the world and the development of clean, green biofuels are two key aims of a major new research center at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus.
Scientists have discovered that zebra finch mothers favor their sons over their daughters, so male chicks end up getting fed more than their sisters do. But fathers don't appear to be as biased.
A team of researchers from the Department of Energy's BioEnergy Science Center has pinpointed a single, key gene in a microbe that could help streamline the production of biofuels from non-food sources.
As the U.S. government makes decisions on high-profile environmental issues, Faisal Hossain’s influence on those decisions is growing—attesting to the fact that a researcher at a mid-size university in a rural area can have a powerful national, even international, impact.
The team’s analysis—published in a recent issue of Science magazine’s Policy Forum—is the first study of global tuna and billfish populations using the methods of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
World financial markets may be reeling from new setbacks, but it turns out there’s a secret economy right under our noses and it’s thriving. The movers and shakers, however, are plants and fungi.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as small entity representatives (SERs) for a small business advocacy review (SBAR) panel.
The study, say the authors, will help to conserve some of the world’s most important coral reefs by identifying reef systems where biodiversity is high and stress is low, ecosystems where management has the best chance of success.
Rice University engineering researchers unveiled a new method for rapidly converting simple glucose into biofuels and petrochemical substitutes
These findings point to climate change and variability working together equally to accelerate the observed sea ice loss during the late 20th century.
We've all worried about the charge on our smartphone or laptop running down when we have no access to an electrical outlet. But new technology developed by researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science could finally help solve the problem.
There are many different types of plants in grasslands around the world. According to a new analysis of plants in grassland ecosystems around the world, it turns out that most of those plant species are important.
A team of scientists just discovered a new eruption of Axial Seamount, an undersea volcano located about 250 miles off the Oregon coast – and one of the most active and intensely studied seamounts in the world.
While roofs across the world sport photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, a Duke University engineer believes a novel hybrid system can wring even more useful energy out of the sun's rays.
Hunters have been credited with being strong conservation advocates for numerous game species in multiple countries. Would initiating a wolf hunt invoke the same advocacy for the carnivores?


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Couples wanting to get married in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, can do so in various ways. From driving through Sani Pass to hiring a helicopter or… on foot. When two South African hiking guides contact you about their elopement in ‘The Berg’, then you know all too well what’s coming: You are going to hike that dragon.
Now don’t get me wrong. This photographer is a fit one. But the thought of hiking the Drakensberg, literal translation ‘Dragons Mountain’, had me a bit nervous. Some places in this world, don’t ask for respect. They demand it. The Drakensberg, is one of those places.
But hey, at least Marliet and Cornel knew what they were doing – haha!
The most special place
Often times couples rely on me for guidance. Leading the way, planning, and finding their location. But sometimes, it’s the other way around. Then my couples take me along and introduce me to their most favourite place on earth. A place so close to their hearts, that there’s no other location in the world they’d imagine to say their vows at. Mnweni, The Drakensberg, is that place to Marliet and Cornel. And oh my did they lead the way. Like true experts, they navigated us up, through and over that mountain.
Rockeries hiking route, The Drakensberg
Trust me when I say that by the end of this hike, standing at the top looking down Rockeries, Mrs. Dragon damn well reminded us of that respect bit. Well… everybody apart from bride Marliet, who was basically ready for a 10k run after getting to our sleeping location at Ledges Cave. A ledge right next to a sheer vertical drop of several hundred meters.
Mnweni, The Drakensberg South Africa
And then there’s your feet, reminding you of the fact that this is a sunrise elopement wedding. Meaning we still (somehow!?) need to get back down this very same, very steep mountain the next morning. But oh, the view. The VIEW. As mentioned, they call this place Mnweni. It’s Zulu, for ‘the place of fingers’, referring to the pointed rock spikes so high, they shoot up into the heavens. It’s magic. Another truth is that once you’re up there absorbing a view like that, one always forgets what the last kilometer scramble felt like. I remember thinking: “If this isn’t an adventure elopement, I don’t know what is?!”
Sleeping at Ledges Cave
We set up our little camp under the cave’s rock ledge. Lucky – we were the only hikers there and had our little private open-air ‘hotel’ all to ourselves. Another lucky: glorious weather. I looked over to the cliffside where these two were going to say their vows in the morning and couldn’t believe how I got this damn lucky.
Elopement wedding at Mnweni, The Drakensberg
Marliet and Cornel got ready separately from one another. Marliet on the one side of a big boulder, Cornel on the other. Brushing teeth with a cellphone light, applying make-up with a camping light. Cornel going ahead of Marliet, waiting for her on this insane piece of cliffside. You could hear a pin drop in the canyon below us, the silence was mesmerising. A first look, vows, more words, and rings followed, so did a first dance and more photos. Time to have one last coffee, before hiking back down the mountain where the parents waited for all of us. A stunning dinner followed that evening. So did a great bed and a shower.
An adventure that will live on in my memory (and feet haha) for a very, very long time.
Thank you Marliet and Cornel, for introducing me to your Mnweni <3


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Ivy Queen Musa Sound Corporation
|Ivy Queen Musa Sound Corporation|
|Parent company||Universal Music Latin Entertainment|
|Founder||Ivy Queen, José Guadalupe|
|Genre||Reggaetón, bachata, hip hop, R&B, tropical, salsa|
|Country of origin||United States|
|Location||Miami, Florida |
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Ivy Queen Musa Sound Corporation (formerly known as Filtro Musik and later Drama Records) is a multi-genre record label founded by Ivy Queen and José Guadalupe in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2005 with the release of Ivy Queen's fifth studio album Flashback. The label also has an office in Miami, Florida. It serves the genres of reggaetón, bachata, hip hop, R&B, and various other styles of tropical and Latin music. The label has previously been distributed by Univision Records and Machete Music while currently being distributed by Siente Music since early 2012.
In 2005, Ivy Queen partnered with co-founder of Perfect Image Records, José Guadalupe to form Filtro Musik. This stemmed from Guadalupe parting ways with the other co-founder of Perfect Image Anthony Pérez who in turn would launch his own label The Roof Records. Filtro Musik's concept initially stemmed from its name which means filter in English. "I've been in this industry 15 years, and we have the ability to filter and pick the best" said Guadalupe. Later that year, Univision Records signed the label to a licensing plan to promote Ivy Queen's fifth studio album Flashback (2005) to Latin and non-Latin buyers. This ensured that the album was positioned in Latin and mainstream accounts that would normally not carry Latin product. Following Queen's split from management and Jorge Guadalupe in 2006, Guadalupe separated into Filtro Music Group.
After the success of her 2007 effort Sentimiento, which spawned the Top 10 hit "Que Lloren" and was later certified Platinum by the United States Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a substantial live album, Ivy Queen 2008 World Tour LIVE! was distributed by Machete in 2008. This would lead up to Queen signing with the label in April 2010 as it celebrated its fifth anniversary. The signing, described as a 360 deal, includes profit sharing in tours, sponsorships and merchandising. Ivy Queen was previously signed to a distribution deal with Univision Records, which in turn was acquired by Machete's parent company Universal Music Latin Entertainment in 2008. The president of Universal Music Latino and Machete, Walter Kolm, commented in a press release "It's a privilege to have Ivy Queen a part of our artistic roster. Ivy is an extraordinary woman with incomparable talent, and she's number one in her genre. We're happy to be able to work with her on her new album as well as future projects". "I'm very proud to be a part of Machete Music. They are a young, vibrant company that has created a name for itself in Latin music in the United States and the world. They are a strong and important company that has been recognized for nurturing their artists’ creative talents," said Ivy Queen, regarding the partnership.
Ivy Queen Musa Sound
Shortly, however, Queen released a new single, "Peligro De Extinción" in 2012 under Siente Music, a subdivision of Universal Music Latin Entertainment, sister labels with Machete. This in turn led to Queen launching Ivy Queen Musa Sound, a new record label, starting with the release of the single, and then her eight studio album effort, Musa on August 21, 2012. Queen then further in her career releasing a Christmas song, "Vamos a Celebrar" under Ivy Queen Musa Sound and Venevision, also under the parent label Universal Music Latin Entertainment.
- Ivy Queen and Gran Omar — Cosa Nostra: Hip-Hop
- Big Boy — Reloaded Version 2.5
- Big Boy — Hail The Big Boy
- Mickey Perfecto — Cuando El Silencio Hace Ruido
- Ivy Queen — Real (Reissue)
- Ivy Queen — Sentimiento
- Ivy Queen — Sentimiento: Platinum Edition
- Divino — "Pobre Corazón"
- Ivy Queen — "Que Lloren"
- Ivy Queen — "En Que Fallamos"
- Ivy Queen — "Sentimientos"
- Víctoria Sanabría featuring Ivy Queen — "No Te Quiero"
- Ivy Queen − "Cuando Las Mujeres"
- Ivy Queen − "No Hay"
- Ivy Queen − "Soy Libre"
- Ivy Queen featuring Ñengo Flow − "Vamos A Guerrear"
- Ivy Queen featuring Jowell & Randy − "Nací Para Amarte"
- Ivy Queen − "Vendetta"
- Ivy Queen − "Que Se Jodan"
- Ivy Queen
- Víctoria Sanabría
- Keko Musik
- Monserrate & DJ Urba
- Escobar & Zoprano
- Rafi Mercenario
- Leila Cobo (2005-06-25). "Two New Labels Emerge". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
- Leila Cobo (2005-09-10). "Catch: Reggaeton Fever". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
- Ramiro Burr (2005-09-10). "The Faces of Urban Regional". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
- "American album certifications – Ivy Queen – Sentimiento". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2011-04-15.
- "Ivy Queen Signs With Machete Music". PR Web (Press release). Machete Music. 2010-04-07. Retrieved 2013-01-10.
- Marrero-Rodríguez, Rosalina (2012-12-05). "Se unen las caballotas Ivy Queen y Víctoria Sanabría". Primera Hora. Retrieved 2012-12-07.


text: The crude extracts from Bupleurum subovatum plant were used to screen the presence of secondary metabolic products, to estimate the total phenol content and free radical scavenging activity for the plant extracts. Methods:Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assay, while total phenol content was determined by using Folin Ciocalteu' s method. Result:The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenol, proteins, starch, reducing sugars, tannins, volatile oils, cardiac glycosides, steroid, and huge amounts of saponins. Total phenolic content in the methanolic extract was 9.05 mg/g Gallic acid. At the same time, methanolic extract showed a mild potential oxygen free radical scavenging ability as well as the IC50 for the plant was 18.60 ± 0.36 µg/ml, which justified its uses in the folkloric medicine and could be further subjected for the isolation of their therapeutic active compounds. Conclusion:The results of this study revealed the antioxidant activity and confirmed the therapeutic usage of Bupleurum subovatum in the traditional medicine.

domain: chemistry


text:
It has become common knowledge that in this 21st century our society is battling rising rates of obesity. Over the years there have been huge amounts of research that links higher obesity rates with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and… the list is endless.
However it is less commonly known that being overweight and carrying even a little bit more weight than we should can be linked to experiencing pain.
How Does Being Overweight Cause Pain?
The amount of weight we pack on hugely influences the joints and tissues within our body. As obesity levels rise, so does the number of joint replacement surgeries being performed; is there a link? The more weight we carry, the more our joints and tissues have to withstand and the more wear and tear we place on them.
A great analogy is this:
Imagine if we are a car, our tyres are our tissues and the body of the car is our joints, now the car will drive perfectly with the prescribed weight restrictions, however imagine if we were now to put more weight into and on top of the car.
Imagine what would happen to the tyres and structure of the car?
Over time if you slowly add more weight onto the car, the car may be able to withstand it to some degree, however the more you add on the more the tyres and structure have to change to adapt to the new stress.
Just think of that now with your body and increased weight!
There is now a growing body of research looking at the relationship between increased weight and peoples’ pain levels. In a more recent study, a direct link between obesity and inflammation was found.
Fat tissues produce inflammatory chemicals that spread throughout the body. Unfortunately our nerves do not respond well to these chemicals, and this can lead to an increase in perceived pain levels. Research also suggests that people who are overweight may always have a higher level of low-grade inflammatory chemicals floating throughout their body, causing prolonged pain.
How Much Weight Do I Need To Lose?
It is unclear exactly how much weight loss is required for people to have a decrease in pain levels, as this is individual to each person. However, there have been some sound research studies released which suggest that weight loss of 5-10% is enough to produce a significant reduction in pain for people suffering from hip/knee issues. The research also showed that people who gained 5-10% extra weight also reported higher pain levels.
Losing weight has been shown to be effective in managing pain levels; however, it is important to lose weight safely. Don’t rush into strict diets or ridiculous exercise programs, start slow and be consistent.
How Do I Lose Weight?
There are loads of effective ways to lose weight. However, the biggest game changer is increasing your exercise levels and changing your diet. There are plenty of diets out there promoting fast weight loss. Some may give results quickly, however after stopping individuals usually pack the weight back on.
It is important to have balance. If you never exercise, there is no way going to the gym five times per week is going to be effective for you – especially if you experience pain. Start small and slowly increase as you become fitter.
With diet, start by incorporating more nutritious foods and removing fast food, as well as sugary / alcoholic beverages. Also watch your portion control!
If you are having difficulty with losing weight, speak to a professional. A consultation with your doctor or dietician can be helpful with respect to nutrition. If you want to start exercising again, speak to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist about developing a custom exercise program tailored to your needs.
Read more about our Personal Training Service

domain: medical


text:
SunTrust Banks Rumored To Be In Acquisition Talks
SunTrust is trading up 2.17% while Barclays is up just over 4%.
Learn how to find the best stocks to trade each day in our 70 page E-Book and 90 minute online video for free.
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

domain: economics


text:
Discovered how Acute Myeloid Leukemia escape immune recognition after BM transplantation
Bone marrow transplantation from a donor – called allogenic transplantation – is one of the most effective treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), thanks to the anti-tumor capacity of the transplanted immune system. However, following transplantation, leukemia cells often develop strategies to evade immune recognition, resulting in the disease relapse. A group of researchers from Ospedale San Raffaele and Scientific Institute in Milan investigated the mechanism behind this evasion process by analyzing cancer cells and T lymphocytes, before and after bone marrow transplantation. By looking at both genetic and epigenetic modifications, scientists unveiled new survival strategies implemented by tumor cells as a result of the immunological pressure after transplantation. The findings, published today in two different papers in Nature Medicine and Nature Communications , could have direct implications for the clinical treatment of AML relapses. The study was carried out thanks to the support of the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) and was coordinated by Luca Vago, head of the Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology research Unit, Chiara Bonini, deputy director of the division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases and Fabio Ciceri, head of the Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation clinical Unit.
The anti-tumor effect of allogenic bone marrow transplantation is at least in part driven by incompatibilities between the donor's immune system and the patient's cancer cells. Donor T lymphocytes recognize patient-specific molecules – called HLA – expressed on leukemia cells and identify them as foreign elements, to be attacked and therefore eliminated. In case of tumor relapses, however, the transplanted immune system seems unable to recognize the tumor and act accordingly, why?
In 2009 the same group of researchers authoring today’s papers, found a partial answer to the question: sometimes a genetic mutation in the DNA of leukemic cells changes the HLA molecules on their surface to make them more similar (and therefore invisible) to the transplanted immune system. After 10 years, that discovery has already influenced the clinical practice: when a relapse is explained by a genetic mutation in HLA genes, physicians know that a second bone marrow transplant by a different donor is the best therapeutic option. However, this phenomenon does not explain all the relapses observed.
In the studies published today researchers at San Raffaele revealed two other mechanisms – this time epigenetic – exploited by tumor cells to survive: on the one hand, they reduce the expression of HLA molecules on the surface, thus hiding from patrolling lymphocytes; on the other hand, they increase the presence of specific immunosuppressive receptors that tell lymphocytes to slow down their activity and end up turning off the immune response.
«Understanding which of these mechanisms is behind a specific relapse will allow physicians to give patients a specific treatment, based on the escaping strategy deployed by cancer cells», explains Luca Vago. «The final goal is to have a personalized approach to relapses, which will improve therapeutic outcomes by finding a new rationale in using the therapeutic options already available». Indeed, if the relapse is caused by decreased expression of HLA molecules, one solution could be to induce a controlled inflammatory state, which would then raise the level of interferon in the blood, a molecule we know promote the expression of HLA molecules. On the contrary, if the relapse is explained by the tumor turning off the activity of T lymphocytes, patients could be treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, drugs that re-activate T lymphocytes and turn back on the immune response. In both case, making the wrong treatment choice could not only be ineffective, but even detrimental.
These findings pave the way both for a personalized approach to relapses and for new strategies of early diagnosis: «We found that the presence of inhibitory processes in memory T cells in the bone marrow actually precedes the relapse full manifestation», explains Chiara Bonini. «Which means that, in the near future, by analyzing patients' lymphocytes derived from the bone marrow and by looking for signs of inhibitory activity, we will be able to know in advance of an upcoming relapse, even if still no cancer cell can be found in the patient’s blood».
The research was possible thanks to the funding received from the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC) and from the Ministry of Health.
Toffalori C. et al., Immune signature drives leukemia escape and relapse after hematopoietic cell transplantation, Nature Medicine, 2019
Noviello M. et al., Bone marrow central memory and memory stem T-cell exhaustion in AML patients relapsing after HSCR, Nature Communications, 2019

domain: literature


text:
LEADING scientists say the anti-immunisation lobby is endangering children's lives because of the soaring number of parents refusing to vaccinate.
The number of Australian babies not fully immunised is now one in 12 and parents registering a conscientious objection has leapt from 4271 in 1999 to more than 30,000.
The figures have prompted 12 top researchers to launch a campaign this week to debunk the claims of groups that claim vaccinations are dangerous.
Professor Ian Frazer, who developed the cervical cancer vaccine, said he feared immunisation levels for some diseases were falling below those required to prevent deadly outbreaks.
And eminent biologist Sir Gustav Nossal has accused the anti-vaccination lobby of preventing the eradication of measles through its false claim that the vaccine against the disease caused autism.
A 20-page booklet to be launched today explains that many more children will die from diseases such as measles, mumps and diphtheria than will be harmed by the side effects of immunisation.
The booklet, launched by the Academy of Science, will also explain why it is better to gain immunity from a vaccination than from the disease.
Professor Frazer, who helped develop the document, warned of a dangerous fall in immunisation levels for diseases such as whooping cough.
Although 92 per cent of 12 to 15-month-old babies have been immunised against whooping cough, Professor Frazer said the disease spread more easily when the rate fell below 95 per cent.
Health Department figures show there were more than 7100 cases of whooping cough recorded across Australia in the first three months of 2012.
Professor Nossal said the anti-vaccination lobby was only able to campaign against immunisation because of its success in reducing the outbreak of infectious diseases.
Professor Frazer said it was because parents no longer saw cases of measles or mumps that they did not understand measles could kill a child and cause brain damage or that mumps could make a male sterile and that chicken pox could be fatal.
"As infectious diseases become less common, people are less aware of the need to vaccinate their children," Prof Frazer said.
And he noted that it was a "brave decision" by parents not to immunise their child when the child could not make that decision itself.
Father of two Jaime Sanchez said he and wife Genevieve felt strongly about immunisation.
The couple's daughters Eva, 6, and Lola, 4, had received all the recommended vaccinations, which meant they were fully protected for school and kindergarten.
"There's probably a few risks with any medical procedure but the risk of not doing it is much, much greater and statistics prove that out," he said.
"I think there's a lot of ill-advised fear-mongering from people who don't know what they're on about.
"But it's a hard one to bring up with people who have decided they don't want to vaccinate their kids."
He was concerned that unvaccinated children could pass on diseases to children who were too young to have been vaccinated.
"If you're not going to vaccinate your kids, that's fine but then don't bring them around mine," he said.
Children must be fully immunised for their families to claim the $726 Family Tax Benefit Part A supplement.
More than 30,000 children have a conscientious objection recorded.
The 20-page booklet explains to parents who may be worried about vaccine side effects that only three in every 10,000 children who receive the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine develop a fever high enough to cause seizures but 100 in 10,000 develop such a fever if they catch the disease.
One in four patients chronically infected with hepatitis B will die from cirrhosis of the liver or from liver cancer.
This risk is reduced to almost zero after the hepatitis B vaccine.
The booklet tackles claims that immunisation is linked to autism and says medical studies show the incidence of autism in people who had the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is identical to that of people who did not have it.
The booklet is produced by the Australian Academy of Science and parents can access the document here.
- with Lauren Novak
Originally published asDanger as vaccination rates plunge

domain: news


DJ.CHOREOGRAPHER.DANCER.member of OMG.
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Fred and his team will set the tone, come along with music, sound system and then motivate the crowd. There is even an option for all to engage in a simple “follow the leader” type, dance extravaganza. So much fun!
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DJ FRED REALNESS
Fred Realness is a London DJ who specialises in Seventies Funk, House, Disco and Hip Hop. When people look for that Ol’ Skool feel for a party, celebration or event, there is only one word on their lips DJ Fred Realness.
WHERE WE’VE BEEN
- Party Dances At The Southbank Centre London – International Womens Day.
- Soul Train Event at the Southbank Centre London.
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- Private function for “Soul Train” wedding theme.
OLD MEN GROOVING
As part of the Britain’s Got Talent finalists. Old Men Grooving still wow the crowds with the most stylist form of “Dad Dancing” ever. Fred is a major proponent in the OMG phenonemon.
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DJ.CHOREOGRAPHER.DANCER.member of OMG
OLD MEN GROOVING
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Ideal For Corporate Events, TV and Theatre Shows
Anything From A 20 Minute To A 90 MInute Show Available


New research suggests airborne pollutants are just as prevalent and toxic as those contained in sediment depositis in homes flooded by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Using existing data, researchers from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge conducted a modelling study to determine the level of air contamination in flooded homes following the devastation of Katrina.
In the study published in the April issue of the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Engineering Science the researchers, led by Nicholas Ashley, suggest that indoor gases, mold, and aerosols may have exposed residents, emergency workers, and demolition crews to dangerous contaminant levels without the need for direct skin contact.
The journal article describes the possible types and levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) that might have been, and likely still are, present inside the flooded homes. These are exactly the types of chemicals which are thought to cause multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and sick building syndrome, and to trigger symptoms in these conditions.
Multiple chemical sensitivity is a debilitating condition in which sufferers experience a wide range of symptoms from neurological dysfunction, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and aches and pains when exposed to a minute amounts of airborne chemicals (VOCs/SVOCs). The condition typically presents after an acute exposure to such chemicals or chronic exposure to lower concentrations. In many cases neurological damage/dysfunction can be demonstrated on SPECT scans.
Sick building syndrome is a condition in which an individual experiences symptoms when inside a specific building but is generally fine when away from it. Symptoms in sick buildings can be caused by VOCs/SVOCs, mold, other pathogens, temperature and humidity levels etc.
Ashley and colleagues at Louisiana State University believe polluted sediment remained in homes after the flood waters had been pumped out and that the pollution can become airborne.
They say: "Because the houses sat unoccupied for weeks and months after the storm, volatile and semivolatile sediment pollutants partition into the vapor space inside the home, where they present a gas-phase exposure to persons entering the home."
In other words, anyone entering or living in the homes is exposed to harmful VOCs and SVOCs.
The researchers specifically mention in their paper pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), pesticides and phthalates, which are plasticizers and have received much publicity lately over safety concerns. They also mention aldehydes and organic acids as contributors to the airborne contaminants inside the flooded houses.
Also identified in the study was the major role that mold growth can play in total indoor pollution levels. The warm, damp conditions inside the flooded homes led to the growth of mold on walls, furniture, and other interior surfaces, which the researchers believe may have absorbed contaminant gases. This mold growth then emits contaminated spores and re-emits the VOCs/SVOCs back into the air.
The role of mold in contributing to indoor air pollution levels in Katrina affected homes is being seen as a breakthrough finding of the study as data in this area is currently lacking. The researchers say that assessments that only consider direct airborne pollutants in homes may be underestimating the total pollution residents are exposed to through other routes such as mold.
As well as multiple chemical sensitivity the US Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that exposure to mold can cause respiratory tract infections, especially for infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, the elderly and individuals with existing respiratory conditions, allergies, and asthma.
Learn more about multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)
Mold Testing & Sanitizer:


The BoSpax Etherspace 1 is one of the later explorer models built by BoSpax Corp, designed to push the limits of speed and distance compared to anything before. The designer of the Etherspace 1 claimed that not a single part used in the design was unchanged from previous explorers. That wasn’t exactly true as the core structural system used was, indeed, the BoSpace Corp’s Modular Space Conveyance brand system.
Nevertheless, for the drive, energy, life support, living quarters, defence, navigation and sensory systems were indeed designed from the ground up. As a result, the Etherspace 1 was one of the most expensive models BoSpax Corp ever created… and also the least successful in number of units built and sold. A mere 37 units ever took voyages.
The Etherspace 1 was in use from 4194AD to 4421AD. During that time it accomplished several notable voyages for various organizations including the United Nations and the SecHum Organism. Some of the accomplishments include:
- Contact with the non-spiritence Coop Hegemony at 870LY from Sol.
- Contact with Galactic Core Network “feelers” (scouts) at 3500LY core-ward.
The Etherspace 1 is now seen as the beginning of the end for BoSpax Corp, although several models were created afterwards and the decline took several hundred years.
I really had fun creating this model. It happened after a trip to the Lego Store where I got several containers from the Pick-a-Brick. Among the pieces were the 4 x 6 plates and the orange 2 x 2 tiles that feature in this model. It was my first MOC where I really tried to embrace SNOT building techniques.
Part of the Terminal Conclave Universe.
You can purchase instructions to build this model on Rebrickable.


text:
UIA Director: Most unemployment claims successful, but that's cold comfort to those having trouble
LANSING — Michigan's relative success in providing unemployment benefits is a cold comfort for those struggling to get through the overwhelmed system, Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Steve Gray said Wednesday.
Although more than a million Michiganders have received unemployment benefits, about 8% of people who lost work during the coronavirus pandemic have yet to be paid, he said.
That's about 134,000 people who need their claims "adjudicated," a process that normally takes three weeks but is taking longer since so many people are unemployed.
"These are the cases that are keeping me up at night," Gray said.
Gray appeared Wednesday to testify in front of a legislative committee created by Republican lawmakers in late April to review the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
He was the first to testify before the committee, which includes members from both parties.
Problems with the state's unemployment system have come under spotlight during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, in which about a third of the state's workforce is unemployed.
The "stay home" orders Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued as part of the state's COVID-19 response closed or limited many non-essential Michigan businesses.
Those actions caused unemployment claims to spike, but Whitmer has described them as an important strategy for limiting the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which spreads through personal contact and contact with infected surfaces.
Committee members ask if UIA had input in "stay home" decisions
Republican lawmakers have argued those orders are too broad, causing more economic harm than necessary and putting too many people out of work.
Committee chair Rep. Matt Hall, R-Marshall, on Wednesday asked Gray whether UIA officials were involved in Whitmer's decisions about shuttering certain industries.
"The number [of industries] that they choose when they're making these orders is going to impact the surge that you receive and could be a factor... in a lot of the problems that came in," he said.
Gray said the agency was "in the loop" in those decisions, which were made to protect public health.
Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, also questioned whether UIA officials were provided with enough notice or input before the orders were issued.
He asked Gray whether he believed the executive office should have further studied the potential economic impacts of the "stay home" orders before issuing them.
"We were leaving that decision up to the governor and her medical team, and public health advisors," Gray responded. "We were focused on what we needed to do to deal with whatever would come from that."
The latest: More than 1.7M claim unemployment
The online and phone system used to file for unemployment benefits has been overwhelmed during the pandemic, causing long wait times and trouble for people trying to reach customer service representatives.
Since March 15, 1.7 million people have applied for unemployment in Michigan. That represents an increase in demand of about 3,300%, Gray said.
"I don't think it's being overly dramatic to say the COVID-19 epidemic is a generational economic event, the most severe of its kind in 100 years or more," he said.
The UIA has paid out about $5.62 billion in state and federal funds to almost 1.4 million people to date, according to a Wednesday release from the agency.
At the committee hearing, Gray touted Michigan's relative success in providing unemployment benefits during the pandemic.
Michigan was among the first states to issue claimants the $600 in additional weekly benefits provided by the federal government and allow self-employed and "gig" workers to apply, he said.
"Our national standing does not mean we don't need to improve our service to claimants," he said, referencing the 8% of claims still left unpaid. "We do."
Having a team of people who could help with adjudicating claims would help speed up payments to those 8% and alleviate the backlog, Gray said.
Todd Cook, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity director of public affairs, pushed the legislators to make permanent changes to the unemployment system, like expanding the length of time people can receive benefits and adding opportunities for work-share programs. He appeared beside Gray at the committee hearing.
Michigan Democrats announced an effort on Tuesday to make permanent expansions to the unemployment system.


text:
This isn't really anything to write home about. I just decided to do this as I was trying to get my gamecube controller to work with TF2. I may print this out and use it for a prop in a video...not sure though.
I did put effort into this, but not my ALL.
Team Fortress 2 Box Cover Comments
Comment on TransgenderViking's Team Fortress 2 Box Art / Cover.

domain: hobby


There will be NO early morning barre tomorrow morning (1/17) due to the weather.
Come join us at 8:15a or 5:45p instead!
Raising the Barre is a barre fitness studio that fuses traditional ballet barre with strength training, Pilates, and yoga. Classes are designed to create the strength of an athlete and the long, lean lines of a dancer’s body.
Dancing His Praises is a Christian-based dance studio offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and Creative Movement. We believe in teaching proper dance technique and in challenging each student to reach their full potential.


text:
INTERVIEW BY DAN LEVY
INTRODUCTION BY DAN LEVY
PHOTOS BY TED TERREBONNE and POWELL PERALTA ARCHIVES
One of the most talented skateboarders ever to ride, Stacy also has a passion for making films. His timing could not have been better in Read More
The new issue of Juice Magazine - Issue 68 - will begin shipping next week and features AZ pool riding and skatepark building legend DAVE "SHAGGY" PALMER of the Grindline Skatepark Construction crew on the cover. Photo by POD.
JUICE MAGAZINE ISSUE 68 Read More
RANCH AND ROLL LOS ANGELES, CA Sept 25, 2010 Photos by Dan Levy
Three talented artists joined together for a very special art show at the Ranch and Roll in Hollywood, CA on September 25, 2010. Artists Tim Kerr, Jeff Ho and Dan Levy presented a special Read More