text:
Location: SquamishPhoto Date: July 2016
En route to the summit of Sky Pilot, got a nice view of Black Tusk in the background with Mt. Habrich up front.
Contest Year Submitted: 2017
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Giant Control Tower 0 Cycling Floor Pump features a 2.5" digital guage with pressure pre-set and Auto Head™ switching between Presta and Schrader valves, inflates up to 220 psi.
2.5" Digital Gauge with pressure pre-set
Steel barrel and base
Auto Head™ - Presta and Schrader valve compatible, automatically switches, with pressure release valve
All specifications listed are subject to change without notice. *Recommended Retail Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary from store to store depending on freighting and assembly costs.


text:
Ralmax Group of Companies
Director of Information Technology
Jan 29, 2020
The Ralmax Group is a diversified group of industrial businesses based in and around Victoria’s working harbour. The companies within the group include Ellice Recycle, United Engineering, Point Hope Maritime, Chew Contracting, Trio Ready-Mix, Nixon Bros. Truck Repair, Chew Shop, Ralmax Properties, Ralmax Marine, and Salish Sea Industrial Services.

domain: economics


text:
Bollywood wishes #HappyFather'sDay. Bollywood celebs showered their love for their daddies on Father's Day, and posted memorable pictures on social... ...http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/happyfathersday-proud-to-say-im-daddys-girl/20180618.htm
Kalyaan Dhev, Chiranjeevi’s son-in-law is all set to make his debut in the Telugu film industry with Vijetha. The trailer of the film was... ...https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/chiranjeevi-s-son-in-law-kalyaan-is-a-jobless-graduate-in-vijetha-trailer-watch-video/story-gHf87kSRondPrs8xa1X6nL.html
Telugu film actor Ram Charan talks about the things he has learnt from his father, veteran actor Chiranjeevi. regional moviesUpdated: Jun 10, 2018... ...https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/ram-charan-on-his-father-chiranjeevi-trust-me-he-does-not-give-me-much-advice/story-ZGkSiCNqtLrspYaI0SezJI.html
Chiranjeevi’s Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, a film which will retell the epic story of Kurnool-based freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy,... ...https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/chiranjeevi-s-sye-raa-narasimha-reddy-team-completes-first-schedule/story-Bkt42baxiGr4y9whZoKm9I.html
The wedding season is in full swing. While Bollywood is gearing up for Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja's wedding on May 8th, Kannada actors Meghana... ...http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kannada-actors-meghana-raj-and-chiranjeevi-sarja-get-married-in-bengaluru-pics-inside-2611093
Chiranjeevi - A self made...
Chiranjeevi An intense performer...
Chiranjeevi Hit Video Songs Hd...
Telugu Actors List, Hits,mp3...

domain: entertainment


text:
Cameco Corp (TSE:CCO) (NYSE:CCJ) crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $12.94 and traded as low as $12.52. Cameco shares last traded at $12.69, with a volume of 170,890 shares changing hands.
A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on CCO shares. TD Securities decreased their target price on Cameco from C$14.50 to C$14.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 13th. Eight Capital decreased their target price on Cameco from C$18.00 to C$17.00 in a research report on Monday, July 15th. CIBC decreased their target price on Cameco from C$15.00 to C$13.00 in a research report on Friday, September 6th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on Cameco from C$17.00 to C$16.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 26th. Finally, Raymond James reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and set a C$15.00 target price on shares of Cameco in a research report on Monday, November 4th.
The company has a current ratio of 5.63, a quick ratio of 3.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.57. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$12.35 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$12.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.97 billion and a P/E ratio of 48.85.
The business also recently declared an annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 13th will be issued a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 28th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.62%. Cameco’s dividend payout ratio is presently 30.77%.
Cameco Company Profile (TSE:CCO)
Cameco Corporation produces and sells uranium worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Uranium and Fuel Services. The Uranium segment is involved in the exploration for, mining, and milling, as well as purchase and sale of uranium concentrate. Its operating uranium properties include the Cigar Lake property located in Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Inkai property located in Kazakhstan.
Further Reading: Insider Trading – What You Need to Know
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“By-elections are going well… they are underway,” spokeswoman Kate Bapela said.
“The biggest activity is voting, so I hope that South Africans in their various neighbourhoods will proceed to their voting stations and vote for their leaders.”
By-elections were taking place in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, and the Western Cape.
A total of 63,466 voters were registered in the 65 voting districts. Eleven wards were being contested by 32 candidates representing nine political parties, and five independent candidates. One ward was uncontested.
Two by-elections were taking place in the Eastern Cape, one in the Free State, one in Gauteng, two in KwaZulu-Natal, one in Mpumalanga, three in North West, and one in the Western Cape.
Voting stations opened at 7am and would close at 9pm, except in Ward 11 in Bizana, Eastern Cape, where the voting station would close at 7pm.


text:
What a fun day!! One of the sales managers at Corey's hotel gave us tickets to Playhouse Disney LIVE! yesterday. It was so fun! Malik, Rhys and Jorie danced, sang and had a great time seeing Handy Manny, Pooh and Tigger, Little Einsteins and a bunch of other Disney friends. We weren't sure how Jorie would do but she was way cute and couldn't stop dancing!! Malik and Rhys even got to go down on the floor in front of the stage for the end dance party, they loved it!!!
2 months ago


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Acrylic honey dispenser, a must buy for every family. The product comes in three parts: a lid, an acrylic honey container and an acrylic stand.
This honey dispenser releases a thin drizzle of honey onto your pancakes, in milk, top of toast, tea, etc.
Easy to use, easy to wash, easy to store.
Great food grade acrylic material. Your family specially children will LOVE it!
Size: 14.5cm x 8cm / 5.71'' x 3.15''(approx)
Package included: 1 Syrup Dispenser

domain: food


A generalized procedure for generating flaw-related inputs for the FAVOR code /
|Format:||Government Document Online Book|
Washington, DC :
United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research,
|Online Access:||ONLINE VERSION|
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!


text:
First Timer's Guide to Park City Winter Getaway
Table of Contents [Show]
After enjoying winter outdoor activities in Colorado for decades, Park City invited us to see what Utah had to offer. Decades ago, when we first introduced our children to skiing, we entertained the idea of traveling to Utah. We weighed the advantages of less transportation hassles from Chicago versus the ability to visit our alma mater, the University of Colorado-Boulder. Our desire to rekindle college memories offset Utah’s powdery conditions, and Colorado eventually became our permanent residence.
Until our recent visit to Park City, we had not skied outside our majestic state for decades. After our recent winter getaway, we're inclined to return. A two-day lift ticket was insufficient to explore the largest ski area in North America, boasting 7,300 skiable acres and dozens of lifts. Our handful of meals only scratched the surface of Park City’s culinary scene. We made the most of our time in Park City by checking out a few attractions, skiing during the day, and eating in between our activities. Here’s an overview of what we experienced and learned during our whirlwind stay.
Woodward Park City
While our main focus was skiing, we also checked out a few places. As the first travel writer to visit the Woodward Park City since its opening in mid-December 2019, I could see how this kid-friendly, year-round facility caters to locals and visitors. Their Parkour and freerunning zone is the only such dedicated indoor facility in Utah.
Inside, kids jumped on oversize trampolines, skated, and rode bikes. Kids came up smiling after falling into a foam pit following flying off of ramps into the air on their bikes. On an adjacent slope, people were skiing and boarding. A separate lift took visitors to an apex where they could sled down in large round tubes.
Utah Olympic Park
During a brief stop at the Utah Olympic Park, we walked through the Alf Engen Ski Museum to admire bits and pieces of history. Highlights of the museum included local ski history and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and Special Olympic Games exhibits. If you love skiing or history, I recommend adding this to your must-see list.
Main Street and the Park City Museum
One night on our way to dinner, we took a leisurely walk along the Historic Main Street. We glanced into the windows of an assortment of shops and restaurants lining both sides of the roadway. We were pleasantly surprised to come upon the Park City Museum and were happy to take a respite from the dropping temperatures. Inside, we were drawn back in time to when mining was the main draw. The remnants of the Territorial Jail and artifacts from the 19th and the 20th century show how the area developed. One noteworthy exhibit of the world’s first underground ski lift is from the 1960s.
Sampling of Culinary Options
Hearth & Hill
Opening in late 2018, Hearth & Hill rocked the Park City culinary scene racking up numerous accolades from media outlets. Votes tallied for Park Record’s annual Park City’s Best 2019 Awards put the restaurant at the top of the list in more than one category. After joining Dan Howard, the Director of Communication for Park City for lunch at Hearth & Hill, we would have to agree with the town’s consensus. All three of us were thrilled with our diverse picks - one healthy and two not-as-healthy options. Dan’s Banana Dutch Baby won my vote for the most photogenic of our meals.
The hotel shuttle dropped us near this popular eatery featuring small shareable plates. Handle was a great option for our first night in town. Our sampling included an assortment of hot and cold items topped off with a chocolate torte complimented with a glass of Graham’s 20-year-old Tawny port.
Courchevel: A Talisker Club Bistro
A preset multi-course meal paired with some of the restaurant’s fine wines made our last night in town extremely special. At Courchevel, Chef Clement Gelas introduced us to some of his favorite dishes inspired from his youthful days in France. His healthy version of French cooking shies away from cream-based sauces and is filled with an array of vegetables. As an acknowledged carnivore, Ira devoured his beef burgundy while I was content with my pescatarian option, the Idaho trout bouillabais.
It's easy to forget the disadvantages of renting boots and skis when you always ski on your own equipment. To minimize the inconvenience of lugging our equipment for a three-day visit, we chose to leave it at home. Park City arranged for Ski Butlers to bring everything to our hotel room, including helmets. I have to admit this was a great perk. The representative did his best to accommodate us with their rental level equipment.
Skiing and Mountain Dining
As a seasoned skier, I always dress in layers for my ski adventures. A KÜHL Women's Spyfire down jacket topped with KÜHL Deflektr Hybrid Shell protected me from Utah’s alpine environment. Don't forget to visit KÜHL's Park City store on Main Street while you're in town.
While my KÜHL apparel kept me cozy and dry, I was unprepared to tackle a mega mountain resort. I looked at the ski trail map and had no clue where we should go. At the base area alone, we had several lift options. After hip replacement surgery a decade ago, I favor intermediate runs. Even though this decision may have lopped off half of the terrain, we still faced thousands of skiable acres. To narrow down our choices, we decided in advance where we wanted to eat as well as a tentative time for stopping. By focusing on a specific area of the mountain, the process of selecting trails and lifts was simplified.
Our Sheraton hotel shuttle dropped us in the Mountain Village area. From there, we needed to trek up a series of steps to the base area. Since our first day would be the longest, we used the additional time to weave our way to the middle of the mountain. This plan required us to take the Quicksilver Gondola across a forested area where we had fantastic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. At the termination point, we could ski to chairlifts that fed into intermediate runs near the Cloud Dine restaurant.
The crowds dissipated as we moved higher up the mountain and more to the center. Our introduction to Utah’s powder occurred on these narrower trails. Only a handful of other skiers and boarders shared these shady trails that gave bird’s-eye views of spectacular mountain homes on premier property. A plowed road system connected these ski-in ski-out home sites.
A stop at Cloud Dine gave us healthy nourishment, hydration, and a chance to warm our hands and feet. It was great to see a small section devoted to healthy salads. The Stratocumulus was a delicious version of tuna niçoise.
Airport logistics make some destinations simpler to manage than others. While we didn’t encounter any issues, we can only assume that the ease of traveling will improve when the current renovations are completed in September 2020. The new terminal will replace an obsolete structure built more than 50 years ago. The drive from the airport to Park City is considerably shorter than the drive from Denver International Airport to the closest ski resorts along the I-70 corridor. Visitors who do not rent a car can arrange private pickups using Canyon Transportation, Uber, or other entities. Depending on where you stay, it's definitely possible to visit Park City without a car.
Park City hosted us at the Sheraton Park City. This recently renovated building was rebranded a Sheraton during the hotel’s remodeling. Our spacious room with two queen beds was clean and quiet. The hotel’s onsite restaurant offered the option of either an a la carte breakfast menu or a set price buffet.
Most would agree that proximity to major attractions has its benefits. But when a hotel offers reliable shuttle service, the inconvenience of being offsite is mitigated. The dependable and efficient Sheraton shuttle gave us access to Park City Mountain, Main Street, and Deer Valley.
When Sandy Bornstein isn’t trekking in Colorado or writing, she's traveling with her husband Ira. After living as an international teacher in Bangalore, India, Sandy published an award-winning book, May This Be the Best Year of Your Life, as a resource for people contemplating an expat lifestyle and living outside their comfort zone. Among other things, Sandy writes about family, intergenerational, and active midlife adventures highlighting land and water experiences.
Park City hosted the Traveling Bornsteins for two nights at the Sheraton Park City. While in Park City, the Bornsteins received complimentary meals, admission to attractions, lift tickets, and rental ski equipment.

domain: geography


text:
(Updates prices, adds quote)
By Simon Falush
LONDON, Aug 27 (Reuters) - The yen edged higher against the dollar and euro on Monday and high yielding currencies were also up as investors continued to ponder the impact that problems in the credit market are having on financial markets.
Problems in the credit market sparked by institutions' exposure to the U.S. subprime mortgage market had led to sharp falls in high yielding currencies and yen strength as investors unwound the carry trade.
In the carry trade, investors borrow low yielding currencies like the yen to fund investments in higher yielding assets.
But new developments kept credit concerns at the centre of investors' focus and helped support the low-yielding yen.
German state-backed bank LBBW is buying subprime victim SachsenLB and the European structured finance chief at Barclays Capital has quit.
The China Construction Bank, one of the country's top four state lenders, said on Monday it held about $1 billion of U.S. subprime mortgages.
These stories kept credit concerns at the centre of investors' focus and helped support the low-yielding yen.
However, high-yielding Australian and New Zealand dollars were also trading higher as steady equity markets reassured investors that risk of further serious fall-out from credit-related problems is easing somewhat.
"The pre-requisites for the resumption of the carry trade have resumed in the last few days as volatility has come down," said Armin Mekelburg, currency strategist at Unicredit in Munich.
But he said negative news emanating from the credit market could quickly see investors unwinding carry trades again.
"It's not clear that the credit market-related turmoil is over and bad news could lead to a return to high levels of risk aversion," Mekelburg added.
At 1035 GMT, the yen was up 0.3 percent versus the euro at 158.80 <EURGBP=>. The yen also edged up versus the dollar to 116.23 <JPY=>.
The Australian dollar was up 0.6 percent versus the U.S. dollar at $0.8320 <AUD=> and the New Zealand dollar was up 0.4 percent to $0.7237 <NZD=>.
Investors are looking to a speech from European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet at 1300 GMT for clues on whether an interest rate increase at its next policy meeting is still possible.
National central bank officials told Reuters late last week that the central bank was not set on a September rate lift to 4.25 percent because of recent market turmoil. [ID:nL24820333]
However many analysts still expect a rate hike given the ECB's track record in flagging monetary policy.
"The ECB is highly concerned with projecting an image of transparency and consistency to the markets and a delay in policy after the central bank had already sent clear signs of a hike may undermine their credibility," said Forex Capital Markets in a client note.
U.S. existing home sales will be closely watched as a gauge of whether the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates.
Home sales are expected to have softened in July due to tougher lending standards and jittery investors fearful to buy until the market reaches a plateau.


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Business & Workshop
HangZhou Sunic Photoelectricity Gear Manufacture Co.,Ltd (Sunic Laser) has been dedicated to the production of Laser equipments because 1998. We are specialised in developing, production as effectively as supplying services for Laser processing devices and entire equipments for Solar PV generation line. We provide total remedies with Laser application for customers all in excess of the planet. Sunic Laser would like to be customer’s specialized specialist and help in Laser and solar equipments to make further advancement and progress together.
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2, Cost-free complex advisor and software program updating
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Company: HangZhou Sunic Photoelectricity Tools Manufacture Co., Ltd.
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text:
When David Whitmer was taking Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith back to his father’s place in Fayette, New York, they came across an older man. David invited him to ride in the wagon, but was refused. Who was the man?
b. The Reverend George Lane
Joseph Smith recorded or referred to having at least seventy-seven visions/conversations with at least fifty-nine separate heavenly beings, including Peter, James, John, John the Baptist, Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moroni, Mormon, and Nephi . . .
Coke Newell, Latter Days (St. Martin Press, New York City: 2000), 132.

domain: history


text:
This Fourth of July, we worry for our friends and family in the United States, we mourn for our home, and we fight for it too. We join with our allies calling for justice and the end of violence against people of color, and we stand together with our fellow Americans fighting for their rights and their lives.
The US has, perhaps, never felt so far from us as it does today, but as Dustin Lance Black so eloquently said to us this week: "We have an incredible amount of power to make a change...by voting from abroad. And if you want to go home, and feel like the US is home again, you need to reach out to ten people and tell them from your heart why you want home to feel like home again, for you and for those people who have never felt it is home."
Voting is the most powerful political tool that we have to make a difference in the United States - no matter where we are around the world, and no matter what state we vote in.
We must, each and every one of us, ensure that we can vote this year, and that every American abroad we know can too. This is the commitment I ask of you today, July 4th, as we prepare for the most important presidential election of our lifetime.
Please, go to votefromabroad.org now and make sure you are ready to vote this fall. Then reach out to your friends and family, wish them a happy 4th and ask that they too help ensure that every American can feel at home in the United States. For more information on how to make that ask, and more information on voting from abroad join the Vote from Abroad Voting Champion program.

domain: sociology


text:
In nature, when the habitat of a specific species is being jeopardized, the expectations are for them to flee away and pursue refuge. After Hitler’s Final Solution in which declared that “[the Jewish] group in particular was targeted for mass, systematic, and complete destruction,” (Milgram 9) a number of Jews, as expected, made the rational choice of escaping the massive threat of complete genocide. Some methods were to migrate to random European countries that did not have solid affairs with Germany; other methods, however, were to pursue the intelligent strategy of fleeing to distant places, such as South America and the United States. A group of 937 Jews who decided to hide in the Americas boarded in the transatlantic S.S. St. Louis on May 13, 1939 at Hamburg, Germany with the destination to Havana, Cuba. The transatlantic sailed urgently from Germany because of the fact that Jewish citizens desperately had to escape the Holocaust, encounter refuge, and a few passengers had a secret mission regarding the American military force.
It was July 18, 1925 when Adolf Hitler's autobiography "Mein Kampf" was initially published in Germany theorizing his plans for a futuristic prosperous nation where the Aryans - naturally white Germans - would peacefully live under the commands of the fascist leader in a place without "impure" people. Falling under this category of "impurity" were communists, socialists, mentally and physically disabled people, children, the elderly, homosexuals, criminals, nonconformists and principally the Jews. Hitler's plans changed from theory to practice in 1933 when the nation became the Third Reich, which relatively is commonly known as Nazi Germany.
The Third Reich was under Hitler's power, which resulted in the initiation of his project that would either mindlessly deport or radically exterminate a large fraction of the country's population. Therefore, his morally insane plans were defined to be his "Final Solution", which became notorious after the night of November 9-10, 1938, specifically known as Kristallnacht (or "Night of The Broken Glass"). In reference to this, Avraham Milgram, author of The Holocaust Frequently Asked Questions, defines this event as "a concerted campaign of murder, arson, and looting against the Jewish population in Germany, Austria, and the newly annexed Sudeten area of Czechoslovakia." (Milgram 15). Consequentially, this frightened every living Jew residing in the vicinity.
The main getaway route for hundreds of Jews was the transatlantic previously mentioned as the S.S. St. Louis which would transport the fugitives away from the chaos. Although immigration policies were tougher after the US Immigration and Nationality Act of 1924 which “strictly limited the number of immigrants who could be admitted to the United States each year,” (“Voyage of The St. Louis”) a high number of Jews - as expected - were still emigrating to America; however, “in 1939, the annual combined German-Austrian immigration...

domain: politics


The use of Azo-Dyes for the enhancement of palm oil and pesticides like Sniper for food preservation is dangerous and could be fatal and needs to stop.
This is the assertion of Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General, National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), at the flag-off of the agency’s Sensitisation Campaigns in Lagos on Tuesday.
The sensitisation campaign is taking place nationwide.
According to her, the campaign themes are multifaceted with clear, concise, informative and educative messages aimed at arousing the awareness and
“These campaign themes intend to address the dangers of buying medicines from hawkers and abuse of Codeine and self-medication, especially among youths.
“The dangerous effects of using kerosene tanker to load groundnut oil, the dangerous practice of using potassium bromate to bake bread and use of Azo-dyes in palm oil which causes cancer.
“Also the dangers of using `Sniper’ to preserve any type of food or to keep flies away from meat, dangers of transfat and consumption of excessive oil.
“Also, the use of formalin on food and its associated health hazards as well as low level of exclusive breastfeeding practice by lactating mothers and its associated health hazards.’’
According to the NAFDAC D-G, the public awareness campaign is one of the veritable regulatory mechanisms put in place by NAFDAC to promote and protect the health of our people.
“A well informed, sensitised and educated citizenry is the bedrock of effective regulation.
“This is why today’s event is another major milestone in our bid to protect Nigerians against the deleterious effects of unwholesome food, falsified medical products, harmful cosmetics, poor water and other substandard regulated products.
“The key objective of this sensitisation programme is to intensify and expand the scope of our informal and formal behaviour change communication strategies in order to reach the vulnerable communities, especially at the grassroots.
“Dissemination of food and drug safety information is an important aspect of our regulatory work.’’
Adeyeye also acknowledged the fact that Nigeria was not left out of the global problem of falsified medical products and unwholesome food.
The NAFDAC boss said that the sensitisation campaign would contribute to the Federal Government’s effort in tackling the problem of non regulated food, drug and cosmetic products in the country, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic era.
“The advent of COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the problem with the challenge posed by substandard and falsified Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
“The sensitisation campaigns will, therefore, contribute significantly to the federal government’s concerted efforts to inform, sensitise, educate and alert the public about inherent dangers of intake and use of those spurious regulated products”.
She said that the mass media, youth organisations and civil societies in the pilot states would be at the forefront of the sensitisation campaigns targeted at market people, road transport workers and employers, community youth organisations and students.
Adeyeye appealed to the general public to sustain their support and partnership with NAFDAC in the sensitisation campaign for the benefit of all.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the various communities take ownership of the care and management of their own health.
“Therefore, it is our expectation that at the end of the campaigns, the participants and target audiences would become dependable partners and allies of NAFDAC.
“And, be in the forefront of sustaining the public awareness campaigns by disseminating the information and messages to the grassroots,’’ she said. (with NAN report)


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Grooming is significant for your dogs to make them look presentable. The grooming strategies for older dogs are quite different from the canine ones. The older dogs need more care and pampering because dogs encounter more health issues in the latter half of life. So, you can diagnose the emerging health problems by giving regular grooming sessions to your older pal.
Moreover, every dog has particular grooming needs, so you must know basic requirements before grooming senior dogs. Special care is essential to acknowledge your dog's condition. It is challenging to groom older dogs, but you can follow these tactics to give your dog stress-free and comfortable sessions.
Top Tips to Groom older dogs
As your dog gets mature, he needs your extra attention and supervision. Grooming may be the best way to bond with your older munchkin. Just follow these dog grooming tips for senior dogs for a better experience.
Choose a Comfortable Surface
It'd help if you opted for a comfortable surface, either a bathmat or rug, to avoid slipping or falling. You should comfort your dog in every possible way. If your dog is going through arthritis or any other disease, he will not be able to stand for long. So, it is better to lay down your dog to keep his grooming safe.
Do Quick Sessions
It would be best to opt for quick short bathing sessions for your older dogs. Because, in older age, it's not easy for your dog to withstand long shower hours. Especially if your senior dog is battling against some health or skin issue, you should do multiple grooming sessions. For example, you may bath your dog a day and cut his fur the next day.
Use Soft Brushes for Combing
The senior dog's skin loses resilience as he grows older. So, you should use soft brushes to comb the hair. Stiff brushes with metal ends may bother your pets. Use a brush with soft plastic pins and rubber at the end to make them feel peaceful and calm.
Trim the Extra Fur or Hair
Trimming long hair on the feet is significant to avoid slipping accidents. You can also trim the facial hair to groom older dogs. If your dog suffers from eye cataracts or any other ailment, you can cut bangs to clear his panoramic view.
You can also prune extra hair around the sanitary areas to make them clean. The senior dogs are not as flexible to bend and clean their fecal material as they used to do in adolescence. So, it is better to trim the sanitary area for grooming.
Avoid Health Risks
You should pay attention to how your dog responds while grooming. If your older dog gets restless and moves away from grooming procedures, you need to check up on your dog. Your dog may be prone to many skin diseases like lumps or bumps. Similarly, you need to examine your dog's ears and clean any debris inside.
You also need to check your canny friend's mouth regularly. Brush the teeth gently if the dog has gums swelling. Therefore, you must pay heed to their medical problems and provide the necessary medications for grooming senior dogs.
The Bottom Line
In short, you should follow the above-discussed tips and tricks to make your senior dogs look agile and active even during older age. These grooming strategies make your older pal comfortable during the grooming sessions.

domain: pet


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Inulin is a type of carbohydrate known as fructane, which means that it is formed by fructose molecules chains. It is considered a prebiotic fiber because it cannot be digested by the human body, but acts as a source of food for beneficial intestinal bacteria. Inulin is present naturally in many plants, such as the root of achicoria, pataca and asparagus.
Inulin is usually used as a food additive for its unique properties and possible health benefits. It has low caloric value and does not significantly affect blood sugar levels, which makes it an attractive alternative for those who monitor their carbohydrate intake or control diabetes. In addition, it has been discovered that inulin has a prebiotic effect by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and improving intestinal health in general.
- It promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria acting as a prebiotic.
- It can improve digestive health and relieve the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation and swelling.
- It can help keep the immune system healthy by strengthening the production of short chain fatty acids.
Inulin can be found in various forms, such as dust, capsules and as an ingredient in certain food products. It is important to note that, although inulin can have numerous health benefits, some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or higher dose intolerance. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating inulin supplements into the diet.
Structure and Properties of Inulin
The structure of the inulin is characterized by its branched nature, with fructose units linked to the main chain in different positions. This branch pattern confers to the inulin unique physical properties, such as its solubility and viscosity. Inulin has a high molecular weight, which usually ranges between 1000 and 5000 gives, and forms a gelatinous substance when dissolving in water. This gelatinous property makes inulin very useful in the food industry as a thickening and stabilizer agent.
“Inulin is composed of fructose units linked by glucosidic bonds.”
The physical properties of inulin, such as its solubility and viscosity, can be attributed to its structural characteristics. The degree of polymerization, which refers to the number of fructose units in the inulin chain, also influences its properties. In general, the longest inulin chains have greater viscosity and lower solubility than the shortest chains.
In addition to its structural properties, inulin also has several physiological benefits. As a dietary fiber, inulin is not digested by the enzymes of the small intestine, which allows it to reach intact the large intestine. There he acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the beneficial bacteria of the intestine. Inulin also helps regulate blood sugar levels, since it is not rapidly absorbed and does not cause a significant increase in blood glucose levels.
|Ramified chain of fructose units
|Soluble, forms a gelatinous substance
|Prebiotic, regulates blood sugar levels
|Molecular weight: 1000-5000 da
Natural sources of Inulina
1. Achicoria root: One of the richest natural sources in inulin is the achicoria root. Achicoria root is a plant originally from Europe that is usually used as a coffee substitute. It contains a high concentration of inulin, so it is a popular option for those who seek to increase their inulin intake. In addition to inulin, the achicoria root also contains other beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and polyphenols. Incorporating the chicory root to your diet can be as simple as adding it to your favorite hot drink or using it as a pastry ingredient.
Achicoria root is a natural source of inulin and can be used as a coffee substitute. It contains antioxidants and polyphenols that contribute to its general health benefits.
- 2. Jerusalem artichoke: Another excellent source of inulin is the Jerusalem artichoke. Despite its name, it is not really an artichoke, but rather a type of sunflower. This tuber has a sweet nuts to nut and can be consumed raw or cooked. It is important to keep in mind that the inulin content of the pataca can vary according to the variety and the mode of preparation. However, it is still a popular option for people looking for natural sources of Inulina.
|Natural sources of Inulina
La Pataca, a type of sunflower, is another natural source of Inulina. Its inulin content may vary, so it is important to take into account the specific variety and preparation methods when incorporating it into the diet.
These are only two examples of natural sources of Inulina, but there are other foods that also contain this beneficial fiber. As inulin continues to gain recognition for its possible health benefits, the incorporation of inuli n-rich foods in its diet can be a wise choice to support a healthy intestinal microbiome and general wel l-being.
Health Benefits of Inulin
It favors digestive health: inulin acts as a prebiotic, providing food to the beneficial bacteria of the intestine. These bacteria produce short chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which contribute to the health of the colon and improve digestion. Inulin also helps increase the frequency and softness of feces, so it is beneficial for people with constipation or irregular intestinal movements.
“Inulin acts as a prebiotic, providing food to the beneficial bacteria of the intestine.”
Help control weight: Include inulin in the diet can help control weight. Several studies have shown that inulin favors the feeling of satiety and reduces appetite, which translates into a lower calorie intake. In addition, inulin fermentation in the intestine produces beneficial substances that can help regulate metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Inulin is a prebiotic fiber derived from plants such as Achricoria root, Jerusalem artichoke and dandelion.
- It favors digestive health by nourishing beneficial intestinal bacteria.
- Inulin helps control weight favoring the feeling of satiety and reducing appetite.
In addition, it has been discovered that inulin has other health benefits, such as better blood sugar control, greater absorption of minerals and a reinforcement of the immune system. Its versatility and functional properties make it a promising ingredient for the development of innovative food products and potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
|Benefits of health inulin:
|Promotes digestive health
|It helps control weight
|Improve blood sugar control
|Improves the absorption of minerals
|Help the immune system
Inulin as a Prebiotic
A prebiotic is a nondigestible food ingredient that stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestine. These beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics, play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and overall well-being. Inulin acts as a prebiotic, serving as a food source for probiotics and promoting their growth.
Main benefits of inulin as a prebiotic:
- Promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine
- Increases the production of short-chain fatty acids, which provide numerous health benefits
- Improves digestive health and regularity by increasing stool volume
- It can improve calcium absorption, contributing to better bone health.
Promoting Gut Health
Inulin plays a vital role in promoting intestinal health by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. These bacteria help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, essential for optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.
- Inulin nourishes probiotics:
- SCFAs provide health benefits:
As a prebiotic, inulin serves as a source of nutrition for probiotics. When probiotics consume inulin, they ferment it and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a byproduct.
SCFAs, particularly butyrate, acetate and propionate, have been shown to have various health benefits. They help strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation and provide energy to colon cells.
|Beneficial effects of inulin as a prebiotic
|Improved digestive health
|Improved nutrient absorption
|Strengthening immune function
|Reduced risk of certain diseases
In addition to promoting gut health, inulin has also been studied for its possible role in improving metabolic health, weight management, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More research is being conducted to explore the full benefits of inulin as a prebiotic.
Inulin in the food industry
A key characteristic of inulin is its ability to act as soluble dietary fiber. Soluble fibers are known to play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system, as they support the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and contribute to the regularity of bowel movements. The prebiotic properties of inulin make it especially valuable in the food industry, as it can increase the nutritional value of products while improving their flavor and texture.
The use of inulin in food products
Inulin as a substitute for sugar and fat: the ability of inulin to function as a natural sweetener and substitute for fats offers a healthier alternative to traditional ingredients in various food applications. Its sweet level is around 10% of the sucrose, which makes it suitable for low sugar or sugar products. In addition, inulin can imitate texture and sensation in the mouth of fats, which allows you to create lo w-fat or fat products without compromising flavor or quality.
Inulin in bakery and confectionery: the versatility of inulin makes it an ideal ingredient for bakery and confectionery products. Its ability to retain moisture and improve texture allows bakers to create cakes, muffins and wet and spongy breads. In addition, the low caloric content of inulin and its prebiotic properties make it an excellent option to make healthy sweets and sweets.
|Improves texture and moisture retention
|Greater creaminess and lower ice crystals formation
|Sugar reduction and improvement in mouth
|Higher fiber content and prebiot effects
“The versatility, the nutritional value and the prebiotic properties of the inulin make it a very requested ingredient in the food industry. Its applications range from the bakery and confectionery to dairy products and functional foods.”
Since the demand for healthier and more functional food options by consumers continues to increase, inulin is expected to play an increasingly important role in the development of innovative and nutritious food products.
Guidelines for consuming inulin
1. Start with small quantities: If it is the first time you consume inulin, it is recommended to start with small quantities and gradually increase your intake. This allows your body to adapt to the higher fiber content and reduces the probability of digestive discomfort, such as swelling or gases.
Tip: Start with 2-3 grams of inulin per day and gradually increase until the recommended daily intake is reached, which varies depending on individual needs.
2. Keep hydrated: inulin absorbs water in the digestive tract, which is important to maintain healthy intestinal movements and prevent constipation. Therefore, it is essential to consume an adequate amount of water by incorporating the inulin into its diet.
- Drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water a day.
- Include moisturizing foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in your daily meals.
3. Combine it with a balanced diet: Although inulin can offer various health benefits, it is not intended to replace a balanced diet. It is important to consume inulin as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups.
|Fruits and vegetables
|2 to 3 servings per meal
|6 to 8 servings a day
|Proteins (lean meats, legumes, dairy products)
|2 to 3 servings a day
|Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado)
|1 to 2 servings a day
|8 cups (64 ounces) a day
By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively incorporate inulin into your diet, reaping the potential benefits it offers for your digestive health and overall well-being.

domain: chemistry


BEIJING, September 26 (INP): China looks forward to further consolidate international consensus providing new impetus for eliminating and eventually eradicating poverty, deepening South-South cooperation, and implementing the 2030 Agenda.
This was stated here by the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Wang Wenbin at a news conference.
He pointed out that with a pandemic spreading across the world and a global economy in deep recession, implementation of the 2030 Agenda has experienced major setbacks and as many as 70 million to 100 million people may slide back into extreme poverty.
Against such a backdrop, he added “ it is critical for all sides to firmly uphold multilateralism, support the UN-centered multilateral system, consolidate the global development partnership, vanquish the virus through solidarity and cooperation, and step up implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
To this end, China and relevant UN departments decided to host the high-level video-conference on poverty alleviation and South-South cooperation as the UN is holding a series of high-level meetings to mark its 75th anniversary.
Representative developing countries are invited to attend to exchange ideas on anti-virus cooperation, poverty alleviation, South-South cooperation and dovetailing BRI and the 2030 Agenda.
China looks forward to working with other sides for a fruitful conference, which will further consolidate international consensus of solidarity and cooperation and provide new impetus for eliminating and eventually eradicating poverty, deepening South-South cooperation, and implementing the 2030 Agenda.”


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Before You Catch Laura Burhenn at Lush, Catch her here!
Laura Burhenn at LUSH Festival:
Given the opportunity to speak to international artists is always a cool thing. When I got the shot at Laura Burhenn, I was pretty stoked for 2 reasons; she’s a great artist and she’s been to SA before so I’ll be able to get an outsider’s proper and insightful input…and what did she do? She told me our shot glasses are small.
Richard Chemaly (RC): So looking forward to welcoming you to South Africa. Settle our curiosity though. We know you haven’t tweeted in years but your Twitter bio contains an offer for sugar. Is it white or brown, what’s the brand and are you offering anything to accompany it?
Laura Burhenn (LB): *Laughs* The internet is a funny place. A few years ago, I think everybody was rushing to lock down every possible variation of their name on every platform, hence how the @lauraburhenn Twitter handle was born and why it has never really been used. But The Mynabirds has always been a solo project, and so I’ve been tweeting via that @themynabirds handle all these years…and while I’ve been sharing a lot of politically-fueled things lately (the US is in a strange state, and the kids organizing these marches against gun violence are real heroes), I will always share a cup of sugar, preferably raw, with all the molasses still in it. I might be opinionated and ready to march and fight for peace; but I also want to be a good neighbor. First things first.
RC: It’s been 6 years since I last visited DC. It’s where I had my first ever 40! But you then moved to Omaha. Other than in first person shooter games, I’ve never been. Neither place is up there as having the biggest music scene in the USA though. Why have you picked your domiciles as you have?
LB: Omaha is home to my record label, Saddle Creek, and actually a pretty incredible music and art scene. It’s a liberal bastion in a sea of conservatism where folks are building the rich community they want to live in — from farm-to-table vegan restaurants to woman-owned, politically-minded boutiques to non-profit arts programs for kids in need. Same goes for DC. It’s home to an incredible Jazz lineage, and also to the Dischord DIY punk scene (Ian McKaye and Fugazi). My first band, Georgie James (also on Saddle Creek), featured John Davis as my writing and singing partner, who was in the incredible Dischord band, Q And Not U. I love underrated cities and scenes and people. They’re the ones who’ll always surprise you with their rich interiors. I’m living in Los Angeles now, and I love it. A whole lot of people have moved there from DC, Omaha, New York, and all over. It’s a hotbed of creativity at the moment, and nothing like the vapid, plastic “Hollywood” scene people might imagine. People are supportive, collaborative, and full of a lot of love for each other and all of our wild creative ideas and projects.
RC: Rad! Sincere collaboration is as awesome as it is rare. I’ve been listening to “Shouting At the Dark” and I’ve read the backstory. It’s cool to see that there’s still some rock out there that’s not afraid to get political. This used to be the realm of punk rock but the scene internationally seems to have largely died down and lost its political resistance. Is there a resurgence waiting in the wings?
LB: I’ve been writing and pushing politically-active, socially-conscious music since way back (see my album “GENERALS” from 2012)…probably has a lot to do with growing up in DC. I’ve always had such a strong affinity with progressive music, especially a well-crafted subversive pop song. You know Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing In the Streets”? It sounds like a song about a block party, but it was really a don’t stop/keep-on-going song that was talking about protesting, marching in the streets during the Civil Rights movement. And so much of what Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, John Lennon, PJ Harvey, and Tori Amos wrote, too… I’ve actually taught a couple songwriting classes on protest songwriting, and will be teaching one while I’m in South Africa. There’s always been protest music; it’s just a matter of what’s getting on the major airwaves and in the top tens and forties. Right now it’s coming back strong in America, and I’m so proud to see women, trans and queer folks and people of color having their voices out there and amplified. Finally. It’s way past time.
RC: Looking forward to sharing the info on that class when it’s released! I’ve been loving my Melvina Reynolds lately…not exactly political protest as much as social protest but the point remains. Okay, let’s get to the shows in Johannesburg (Cresta Barnyard Theatre for 28 March), Lush Festival in Clarens (over Easter Weekend), and the Garden State launch event in Cape Town (7 April). Not your first time to South Africa but when you were last here, Lush wasn’t even a thing. What’s your favourite thing on this side and is there something you regretted not doing last time you were here and are going to use this opportunity?
LB: I love South Africa so much. My last time was such an incredible whirlwind, I couldn’t believe all of the places I got to visit and people I got to meet and work with. There’s some heavy spiritual energy in SA. It’s very healing. I mean, there’s a lot that’s raw and rough around the edges and in progress. It feels like it’s on a parallel path to America in a lot of ways. We’ve got that colonialized-and-trying-to-make-peace-with-our-past-and-create-a-vibrant-future thing in common. It’s heavy work. But counter to that, y’all have penguins…and hanging out with them is the stuff pure inner child joy is made of. I’m looking forward to doing that again, for sure.
RC: Basically, have you missed Black Label?
LB: I don’t drink beer. :-/ But I do miss those really cute little shots of whiskey y’all put in your Cokes. You’d need approximately 4 SA shots to equate one single American shot. I don’t know whether this is anything to brag about from my side, though…
RC: Lame question but important that we ask international artists who our readers might not have been exposed to yet…what can we expect from your set? Actually, forget that one. Tell us if you invite people onto stage and teach them a chorus to sing along to?
LB: I’m excited to play completely solo. It’s been fun to reimagine my full band songs alone at the keys, and bring it back to how they were all born in the first place: just me and a piano, storytelling. I mean, if people will come up onstage and sing with me, you’d better believe I’ll invite them up!!!
RC: Looking forward to your set! Safe travels. Can’t wait to have a drink on this end!
LB: Yes! Can’t wait!

domain: artistic


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The Sultanate of Oman, lies on the south east corner of the Arabian Peninsula between latitudes 16°40' and 26°-20' north and longitudes 51°50', and 59°40' east. Its coast runs to a distance of 1,700 km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north to the borders of the Republic of Yemen, thus overlooking three seas, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
It is bordered to the west by the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to South by the Republic of Yemen, the Strait of I Hormuz to the North and the Arabian Sea to the East.
Capital : Muscat
Size : 309,500 sq. km.
Oman lies on the Tropic of Cancer in the extreme southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula, covering an area (between latitude 16.40 and 26.20 degrees north and longitude 51.50 and 59.40 degrees east), of major strategic importance.
The country’s breathtaking coastline stretches for over 1,700 kms, from the Arabian Sea and the entrance to the Indian Ocean at its south-western extremity, to the Gulf of Oman and Musandam in the north, where it overlooks the Strait of Hormuz and the entrance to the Arabian Gulf; a location that has played a vital part in Oman’s strategic development.
The Hajar mountain range, which the Omanis compare to a human backbone, forms a great arc extending from the north-west of the country towards the south-east. Their highest peak, Jabal Shams, in the Dakhiliyah region, reaches an altitude of 3,000 metres. In Musandam, where the Strait of Hormuz lies between the Omani and Iranian coasts, the mountains soar to a height of 1,800 metres above sea level.
Oman’s varied and spectacular landscapes are a blend of its geological history, and its climate over the past few million years. Superb rock outcrops in the Al Hajar Mountains, the Huqf and Dhofar are a paradise for international geologists. The rock record spans about 825 million years and includes at least three periods when the country was covered by ice, somewhat surprising given its present latitude and climate.
Oman, located at the southeast corner of the Arabian plate, is being pushed slowly northward, as the Red Sea grows wider. The lofty Al Hajar Mountains and the drowned valleys of Musandam are dramatic reminders of this.
In its geologically recent past it also lay at the margin of an ocean and the discovery of dark coloured Semail ophiolites, which are vol-canic rocks from that ocean, locally rich in copper and chrome, confirm this.
The Interior plains of Oman are of young sedimentary rocks, wadi gravels, dune sands and salt flats. Beneath them is a several kilometre thick stack of older sedimentary rocks that host the country’s hydrocarbon resources. Ancient salt, which comes to the surface in several salt hills such as Qarat Kibrit, play an important role in forming many of these oil and gas accumulations.
The country’s climate, like its topography is diverse, with humid coastal areas and a hot, dry desert interior. Although rainfall is generally light and irregular, Dhofar province in the south catches the Indian Ocean monsoon that falls between June and September. In the interior summer temperatures can soar to 130 degrees F (54 degrees C). Most tourists visit during the more temperate months between October and April, with visitors from the GCC countries preferring the months of July and August when the monsoon season comes to the Dhofar region.
2,331,391 (2003 Census)
The Omani Flag and Meaning
The National Anthem of the sultanate of Oman:
The Omani flag was approved by Royal Decree on 17th of December 1970. It is rectangular in shape and comprises two crossed swords with an Omani khanjar (dagger) superimposed upon them. The flag is in three colors: white to symbolize peace and prosperity, red for the battles fought by the Omani people to expel foreign invaders during their long history, and green to represent the country's fertility and agriculture. The swords and Khanjar (dagger) have been used as the country's emblem since the middle of the eighteenth century.
"O lord, protect for us His Majesty the Sultan and the people in our land, with honour and peace. May his leadership be glorious, for him we shall lay down our lives,
O Oman, since the time of the Prophet,
We are a loyal people amongst the noblest Arabs,
Rejoice - Qaboos has come,
May Heaven bless him,
Be joyful and commend him to the protection of our prayers."
National Symbol :
Two crossed swords with an Omani khanjar.
National day :
The 18th of November
Looking at the phenomenal achievements that have been made in Oman over the last years, the multi-lane highways, modern hospitals, schools and universities, it is tempting to think of the Sultanate as a “new” country.
However, archaeologists have shown that civilisation flourished in the area of modern day Oman at least 5,000 years ago and probably before, albeit under a series of names, the best known being Majan or Megan, and Mezoun.
Sumerian tablets refer to a country called Magan, a name thought to refer to Oman’s ancient copper mines. Mezoun is derived from the word “muzn”, which means abundant flowing water. The name we call the country by today, Oman, is believed to originate from the Arab tribes who migrated to its territory from the Uman region of Yemen. Many tribes settled in Oman making a living by fishing, herding or stock breeding and many present day Omani families are able to trace their ancestral routes to other parts of Arabia.
Advent of Islam
The Omanis were among the first people to embrace Islam voluntarily in around 630 AD when the Prophet Muhammed sent his envoy Amr ibn Al As to meet Jaifar and ‘Abd, the joint rulers of Oman at that time - to invite them to accept the faith. In accepting Islam, Oman became an Ibadhi state, ruled by an elected leader, the Imam.
During the early years of the Islamic mission Oman played a major role in the Wars of Apostasy that occurred after the death of Muhammad and also took part in the great Islamic conquests by land and sea in Iraq, Persia and beyond. However, its most prominent role in this respect was through its extensive trading and seafaring activities in East Africa, particularly during the19th century, when it propagated Islam in many of East Africa’s coastal regions, and certain areas of Central Africa. Omanis also carried the message of Islam with them to China and the Asian ports.
By the Middle Ages, Oman had established itself as a prosperous seafaring nation, sending dhows from its great port at Sohar to trade with merchants in far flung destinations. It seems likely that at this time Sohar was one of the largest and most important cities in the Arab world.
The Ya'ruba and the expulsion of the Portuguese
In the early 16th century the powerful Portugese trading empire sought to extend its influence and reduce Oman’s control over the thriving Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean routes. Portugese troops invaded Oman and captured some of the coastal areas, occupying them for up to 150 years before being defeated by Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’rubi.
During the Ya’ruba period (1624 – 1744) Oman entered an era of prosperity at home and abroad, and many of the Sultanate’s historic buildings and forts date from this time. However, expansion ended when civil war erupted between rival Omani tribes over the election of a new Imam. Persian forces seized the opportunity to invade and some coastal areas found themselves under foreign occupation once again.
19th Century to today
No country since Persia has successfully invaded Oman which, by the 19th century was a sovereign power in its own right, expanding its territory across the Arabian Gulf and East Africa, where it controlled the island of Zanzibar. The country went on to establish political links with the other great powers of the time, including Britain, France, the Netherlands and the United States. However in the early part of the 20th century, Oman entered a period of decline and isolation.
The search for oil began in the 1920s when the D’Arcy Exploration Company, a subsidiary of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, conducted a geological survey that proved unsuccessful. The Second World War and other events interrupted exploration until 1962 when the first successful well was drilled at Yibal, followed by other wells at Natih and Fahud. Oil production on a commercial scale began in 1967.When Sultan Qaboos came to power in 1970, Oman was almost as far removed from the modern, prosperous 21st century state we know today, as it is possible to get.
The country had only a few basic roads, a tiny number of schools and little in the way of medical care; its people were poor and disadvantaged. Many of Oman’s wealthy and educated had left the country to seek their fortunes abroad. One of the first challenges His Majesty faced was to reverse this “brain drain”, to encourage expatriate Omanis to return home and throw their weight behind the creation of a strong, educated, unified nation. This they did with enthusiasm, helping to build and develop the thriving, vibrant country that is modern day Oman.
The official language is Arabic, and the English language is spoken in the education and economic sectors.
THE WHITE BOOK
THE BASIC LAW OF THE SULTANATE OF OMAN
Royal Decree No. 101/96
On the Issue of the Basic Law of the State
I, Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of Oman, in confirmation of the principles which have guided State policy in various fields during the past period, and in asserting our determination to continue efforts to create a better future characterized by further achievements which will bring benefits to the Country and its Citizens.
And in our determination to strengthen Oman’s international position and its role in establishing the foundations of peace, security, justice and co-operation between different States and Peoples.
And in accordance with the exigencies of the public interest, have decreed the following:
Article (1) the issue of the Basic Law of the State in accordance with the attached form of words.
Article (2) This Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into force with effect from its date of issue.
Issued on: 24 Jumada al Akhira 1417 AH
Corresponding to: 6 November 1996
QABOOS BIN SAID
SULTAN OF OMAN
Leader – Head of State, head of government
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970)
Key Political Developments/figures
The Council of Oman (Majlis Oman) is made up of member of the State Council (Majlis A'Dawla) and Consultation /Shura Council (Majlis A'Shura) as stipulated in Article 58 of the Basic Law of the State. It assists the government in drawing up the general policies of the state. The Council meets at the request of Sultan Qaboos, to study and discuss matters raised by him, taking all its decisions on the basis of a majority vote. Sultan Qaboos addresses all the members of this Council on an annual basis.
Most Recent Elections
The Consultation / Shura Council (Majlis A'Shura) was established in 1991 and evolved from the State Consultative Council, which had been in operation for a decade from 1981 to 1991.
While members of the State Consultative Council had been appointed by Sultan Qaboos, the members of today's Consultation Council are representatives of the Sultanate's distracts, elected by Omani citizens in general elections where women vote and stand for office on an equal footing with men. There have been women members of the Consultation Council since 1994; Omanis were the first women in the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC) states to enjoy this right. Two women were elected to the Council's fifth term (2004-2007) in the October 2003 general elections.
Oman's Consultation Council is a financially and administratively independent legal entity based in the Governorate of Muscat. Its role and functions have been reinforced over the years to keep pace with the needs of Oman's rapidly changing society.
A wilayat with a population of 30,000 or above is represented by two members, while a wilayat with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants is represented by just one. The winning candidate is the one who obtains the greatest number of votes according to the official election results.
During its fifth term (2004-2007) the Consultation/Shura Council has 83 members including two women.
Omani citizens are eligible to stand as candidates for the Consultation Council provided that they are Omani nationals, as defined by the law, not less than 30 years old and of good social standing and reputation in their Wilayats. A candidate must not have been convicted of a crime, indecency or dishonesty unless he or she has been completely reinstated, and he or she must have a reasonable standard of education and appropriate practical experience.
Membership of the Consultation Council is for a period of four years and is renewable. The next election of members is due to take place in 2007. A member may not combine membership of the Consultation Council with membership of the State Council or public office. The Chairman of the Consultation Council is appointed by Royal Decree.
The Majlis A'Shura enjoys wide-ranging powers under the law. The range of legislative, economic and social powers enjoyed by the Consultation Council enable it to fulfill its role of broadening popular participation in shaping and directing the course of the country's development.
The Consultation Council operates through a system of established channels and procedures, which involve making the maximum use of the expertise of ministers while taking into account the effects on the general public of any decision making resulting from such consultation. The Majlis A 'Shura debated the draft Seventh Five-year Plan (2006-2010) and the 2006 draft General State Budget.
As far as the Council's organizational system is concerned, the Chairman has two Deputy Chairmen who arc elected from the Council membership. The Council has several standing Committees: the Legal Committee, the Economic Committee, the Health and Social Affairs Committee, the Education and Culture Committee, and the Services and Local Community Development Committee. Special committees have also been set up to deal with national manpower employment programmes and the tourism sector. These special committees cease to exist when they have fulfilled the functions for which they have been set up.
6th Term Elections, 2008-2012
The elections will take place in October 2007. However, prior to this a "Get Out and Vote'' campaign will be launched by the Ministries of Information and Interior, the aims of which will be to encourage all eligible Omanis to register to vote towards the end of the year, and also to familiarize them with the voting procedures
Co-ordination with other institutions
The government works in close co-operation with the State Council (Majlis A'Dawla) and the Consultation Council (Majlis A'Shura) in the interests of the country and its citizens. On the Sultan's instructions an annual meeting is held between the members of the Council of Ministers, the State Council and the Consultation Council to promote closer and broader contacts between the members of all three bodies. The latest of these, which took place at the Diwan of Royal Court building on 24 December 2005, was an open meeting that provided an opportunity for all comers to exchange views.
The Consultation/ Shura Council (Majlis A'Shura) takes part in activities and meetings of Arab, Islamic and international parliamentary unions, as well as exchange visits with parliaments and similar bodies in Arab and foreign states. In doing so its aim is to strengthen Oman's relations with other countries and contribute to efforts to deal with issues of concern to the states and peoples of the region.
In this connection the Chairman of the Consultation Council attended the first preparatory session of the Arab transitional parliament at the Arab League on 27th and 28th December 2005 where Oman's representatives were nominated for membership of the Arab transitional parliament. Omani representatives also attended meetings of the Arab Parliamentary Union in Jordan in February 2006. The Council Chairman participated in both the eighth council session and the fourth conference of the Organization of Islamic Conference's union of councils of member states in Turkey in April 2006.
Council members also traveled abroad to promote Oman as a centre of regional stability and have enthusiastically received return visits from dignitaries from around the globe.
The Omani economy has been radically transformed over a series of development plans beginning with the First Five¬year Plan (1976-1980). At Sultan Qaboos's instruction, a vision of Oman's economic future up to the year 2020 was set out at the end of the first phase of the country's develop¬ment (1970-1995). Vision 2020 outlined the country's economic and social goals over the 25 years of the second phase of the development process (1996¬2020).
The long-term development strategy (1996-2020) estab¬lished a stable, all-inclusive framework for the Omani econ¬omy that provided for steady growth and a calculated improvement in the individual citizen's share of the national income. This was based on a policy of diversifying the sources of the Sultanate's income and increasing the con¬tributions of the natural gas and the industrial and tourist sec¬tors, while diversifying away from dependence on oil, expanding the private sector, implementing privatization policies, developing human resources and attracting greater investment, all within a frame¬work aimed at promoting sus¬tainable development that would lead to further integra¬tion into the global economy.
Most Recent GDP / GDP per capita / GDP – real growth rate R.O 11,817
Revenues of 2007 are estimated to reach RO 4.49 billion, while spending is expected to touch RO 4.89 billion and deficit RO 400 million, Oil revenues are calculated against $40 bpd.
Expected 2007 revenues are 25 per cent higher than those of 2006, which stood at RO 3.587 billion. This year's expenditure is expected to rise by RO 653 million over the 2006 spending which amounted to RO 4.237 billion. The deficit of 2006 was estimated to reach RO 650 million as against calculations of oil revenues of $32 bpd.
Government revenues in the first 10 months last year surged to R.O 4,963 billion, compared to R.O 3,565 billion during the corresponding period in the previous year.
The State's General Budget by the end of October 2006 recorded a surplus of RO 1.475 billion. The average oil price, in the first 10 months of last year stood at $62.57 bpd.
The 2007 budget expects net oil revenues of RO 3.015 billion, gas revenues of RO 550 million, current revenues of RO 890 million, capital revenues of RO 22 million and capital returns of RO 13 million.
Budget schedule point to a recession of current defense and security expenditures from RO 1.254 billion to R.O1.235 billion, against augmented expenditure of civil ministries to R 1.603 billion this year from RO 1.383 billion in 2006.
Investment expenditure this year is expected to rise to RO 1.492 billion, compared to RO 1.11 billion in last year's budget.
Government raised its spending on oil and gas production to RO 975 million, some RO 718 million higher than 2006 figures.
In its 2007 budget, the government, as part of current and capital expenditure of civil ministries and other government departments, seeks to spend RO 608.7 million in the education sector, RO 198.8 million in the health sector, RO 191.7 million in the general services sector, RO 117.4 million in the social security/ social care sector, RO 138.5 million in the housing sector and RO 46.1 million in the culture and religious affairs sector.
Key Natural Resources
Oil, Gas, Agricultural and fisheries
Featured Culture – Music, Arts, Crafts, Language
Omani traditional music, as previously mentioned, was never linked to musical notation, either in its creation, or in its performance. Therefore, unlike notation-based musical works, the relationship between music and notation was established later. Nor is it part of the performance of such arts which have indeed survived for centuries without the help of musical notation. Whether a researcher is involved in classifying Omani arts or in an effort to learn about their musical structure by placing them under the academic microscope, it is advisable to transcribe the music, which would necessarily be subsequent to the musical event itself. Through such notation, the academic researcher can investigate, compare, and analyze the music which is visible in front of him.
However, one should not overrate this notational approach, as, due to its completion after the musical event, it involves a certain degree of abstraction from the musical reality. Therefore, one should not forget that live performance cannot, under any circumstances, be superseded by notation. Besides, the scholar engaged in such notational activity, the 'transcription', usually has one goal in sight, which he highlights at the outset of his notational effort. Consequently, transcriptional notation is usually regarded as a reflection of the transcriber's personality, thoughts and goals. Whenever Omani arts are written in notation, it should be remembered that such arts are the origin or the source, and notation is the outcome, rather than the other way round.
Concerning transcriptions, it is advisable to employ several notational approaches. As the aim of any transcription is to recreate a musical event, which is not originally based on musical notation, not only familiar and unfamiliar forms of notation are required, but even the invention of new forms may be necessary to serve both educational and research purpose needs. Since notation is a medium of musical thought transmission from a solely audible condition to a visual one, one's imagination can then run free, without constraints, to highlight or analyze any musical component in which a student is particularly interested.
As the transcription always consists of a post-script notation and is associated with the transcriber's individual goals, it should not be confused with the more familiar notational approach, where, as in European music, the written notation always forms the basis for performance.
The transcription of Omani arts, however, does not represent the musical reality, but only a limited excerpt of the musical event.
Therefore, if a performer, who is quite unfamiliar with Oman's musical traditions, is given a musical notation, he is unlikely to be able to play it in a way which exactly resembles the original, because the notation contains only some musical elements, rather than the entire musical work.
In conclusion, musical notation in Oman must be viewed as an application to serve instructional and/or research purposes. As for the practical objectives, caution should be observed in using notation and it should not be depended upon wholly to perform instrumental music or songs.
The best results for a non-native performing Omani arts can be achieved by listening to an original performance as well as using the notation, as this is most likely to produce a result close to the original - i.e. to the live performance. Retaining this recommended approach should help keep up this heritage throughout successive generations without distortions or shortcomings. Notation, if used as specified, can contribute to knowledge and provide perspective on such indigenous arts.
The ideal option is indisputably a combination of the theoretical/academic aspect and the practical, live performance aspect through analysis and musical classification as well as the use of notation for its well-defined objectives.
Omani halwa (sweet) is famous at home and abroad as a symbol of traditional Omani hospitality. It is usually served in Omani homes before drinking Arabic coffee.
The main ingredients which go into the making of halwa are: starch, eggs, sugar, water, ghee, saffron, cardamom, nuts and rose water from the Jebel al Akdhar. The ingredients are mixed, in proportions and quantities known only to the skilled halwa maker, and cooked in a mirjal (large cooking pot used especially for halwa) for a time of not less than 2 hours.
The cooking can be done over a gas or electric stove, but the preferred method is over a wood fire made up of somr wood, known for its durability, smoke and odourfree properties.
After cooking, the halwa can be preserved for more than four months without losing its quality, and without the need for refrigeration or preserving agents.
Halwa is usually served in a dist, a large earthenware bowl, which can vary in size and composition according to demand or type of occasion. The list can also be made of metal or plastic. Halwa is invariably served at times of joy or sorrow and, on religious occasions and festivals. It graces the tables of every Omani home.
Ship (Dhow) building Oman's connection with the sea stretches back many centuries when Omani sailors using mast and sail, pioneered sea routes to the cities of the ancient world. Favorable factors were Oman's position at the crossroads of shipping routes which linked the Arabian Gulf to India, the Red Sea and East Africa and her knowledge of shipbuilding.
Oman became the first non-European country to extend its influence to Africa where it remained for hundreds of years, due mainly to her ships/dhows. Oman was an important maritime and political power who established relations with China, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and the United States of America. Throughout its long history, Oman's navy has played a key role in the country's economic success, both in providing the instrument for internal and external trade and in underpinning fishing and pearling activities. The Omani warship "The Sultana" which anchored in New York harbor in 1840, bearing gifts from Sultan Said bin Sultan to the American President, was a symbol of the greatness of the Omani fleet at that time.
In Oman two techniques are used in shipbuilding. In the first, timbers are laid
side-by-side and pierced at intervals with a fine hand drill. The timbers are then bound together through these holes by means of rope made of coconut fiber and the holes covered with a mixture of fiber or raw cotton soaked in fish, coconut or sesame oil. Arab geographers such as Al Idrissi and Ibn Jubair believed that boats bound with fibers and with flat hulls were safer than those
fitted together with rigid iron nails because if they ran onto rocks or came into contact with another hull, they were more flexible. In the second method, nails are used and in essence this is the same technique as used in other countries of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea.
The main type of wood used for the hull and keel is teak which is imported from India. The ribs are made from locally available woods such as qart, sidr and sarar. The tools used in a ship's construction are simple and basic such as the hammer, saw, awl, bow drill, chisel, plane and calking iron. The principal shipbuilding yards in Oman were Sur, Mutrah and Shinas.
Omani ships, which can last for 60-100 years, are distinguished by their variety of types although some are no longer made. The largest type was the ocean-going cargo vessel, the baghlah with a length of 135 feet and a load capacity of 150-400 tonnes which could be distinguished by its high poop deck and quarter galleries, its transom stern being pierced by five window apertures and often elaborately carved. The ghanjail was very similar to the baghlah, and is considered by many Omani people to be the most beautiful of the large dhows.
The sambuuq used to be one of the most commonly seen Arab vessels: its distinguishing features are the low, curved, scimitar-shaped stem piece and high square stern which lacks a quarter gallery.
The word sambuaq used to denote the sewn boats of the Dhofari coast, and may therefore be a term of great antiquity.
The government is keen to encourage the maritime tourist industry, in restoring old ships, increasing the use of large vessels/dhows for sea fishing, and also the building of small models of Omani ships for decorative purposes and for participating in exhibitions.
Bee keeping Beekeeping has been practiced since ancient times in Oman. The subject of honey is mentioned in the Holy Koran sura 'The Bee' in ayyats 68 and 69: And the Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, in trees, and in men's habitats; then to eat of all the produce and find with the skill the precious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men; verily this is a sign for those who give thought.
Oman has a varied landscape represented in its dried-up river beds, hills, plains and deserts in which flourish the plants and trees which provide the honey bee with the nutrients it requires: palm trees, coconut palms, cereals, limes, vegetables, sugar cane, frankincense and gum trees.
In particular the somr, sidr, and ghaaf trees, coconut palm, prickly pear and papaya trees provide the principal ingredients which give Omani honey its distinctive flavor.
Two types of bees are known in Oman: Apis millifera and Apis florea. The specialist bee keepers of northern Oman have developed great skill in obtaining honey and propagating bee colonies in a sustainable manner.
In Northern Oman the larger honey bee was traditionally kept in hollowed out trunks of date palms, locally known as tubl. When bee keepers require honey they cut from the back of the tubl. Modern methods of bee-keeping have now been introduced into Oman and honey production efficiency has been greatly improved.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has imposed a strict ban on mixing Omani and imported strains of bees.
His Majesty's government provides veterinary services, advice, and material support to all Omani beekeepers.
Omani people take pride in their horses which symbolize the nobility and longevity of their culture. Horses are mentioned in the Holy Quran in Sura Al-'Adiyat which runs "By the steeds that run with panting breath. And strike sparks of fire, and push home the charge in the morning, and raise the dust in clouds the while, and penetrate forthwith into the midst of the foe en masse.
It is said that the first horse to come among the Arabs was named Zaad ar-Raakib and in his book "The Genealogy of Horses" Al Kalbi mentions that the Prophet Solomon gave the Azd tribe (of the people of Oman) a horse from among his stock.
Ibn Batuta, writing in the 14th century, mentions the export of thoroughbred horses from Dhofar, and Marco Polo, writing earlier, in the 13th century, also refers to the export of fine Arabian horses from Qalhat and Dhofar.
In the Sultanate of Oman there are currently about 2,000 horses, of which approximately 350 are pure-bred Arab horses, 150 are thoroughbreds, and 1,500 are pure-bred Omani horses.
The Omanis' love of horses can be seen in the way they deck them out: the neck ornaments, the silver bridle, the sweat cover placed on the back and the underclothes to prevent chafing, the silver collar-piece, and finally the reins. There are annual horse races at the Royal Stables and throughout the year in the regions especially on religious and national occasions.
Besides the races the riders participate in polo matches, tent-pegging competitions, trotting races, show-jumping, dressage and carriage processions.
His Majesty the Sultan pays special attention to all aspects of horse-breeding, preserving bloodlines, and equestrian sports of all kinds. A Directorate-General of the Royal Stables has been established under the Diwan of Royal Court which supervises the breeding and rearing of horses using scientific methods in conformity with international standards.
In addition the Royal Horse Racing Club was established to oversee the planning and development of equestrian activities, as well as organizing the Royal Oman Horse Show which is held every 5 years. The Racing Club also distributes horses every year to citizens who are prepared to care for them and organizes the annual Royal Horse Race meeting which takes place under Royal patronage.
The Oman Equestrian Federation arranges other race meetings and equestrian events, with the aim of preserving this valuable heritage. The Royal Stables possess numerous breeds of horses known for their excellence in racing, dressage, show jumping and polo, in addition to a troupe of cavalry horses.
Following directives from His Majesty, a horse-breeding department was set up in Salalah which concentrates on the breeding of pure-bred Arab horses. In general, the Royal Stables breed a variety of pure bred and thoroughbred horses from the finest bloodlines available.
The Royal Stables is a member of the World Arab Horse Organization (WAHO).
Camel breeding and rearing is a traditional activity practiced all over Oman, dating back to references in the Holy Quran. Omani camels are of medium size and known for their strength and speed. Color varies by region: Dhofar camels tend to be black, although lighter colors are more common elsewhere. Camels are used in Oman for riding or racing and also for meat and milk. Camel-breeding has become more profitable in recent years and therefore more popular; the price of a racing camel can reach over R075, 000.
To accord with the wish of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to preserve the Omani heritage, a Directorate-General of Camel Affairs was established in the Diwan of Royal Court in 1989. Located in the Wilayats of Barka at Fulaij, it is equipped with the most modern race tracks and camel pens. This concern testifies to the esteem in which the ancient craft is held among Omanis.
Incense and Fragrant
Incense or bokhur is burned daily in most Omani homes. Omani villages have their own bokhur maker who produces incense unique to that area using various ingredients, such as rosewater, sugar, ambergris, sandalwood, frankincense and myrrh. Bokhur is burned in an incense burner made from clay, porcelain or silver. The bokhur is scattered over red hot charcoals and left to smoulder, releasing the fragrance which will permeate clothes and furniture. Frankincense is also used extensively throughout the Sultanate for a variety of purposes. The Dhofari frankincense is considered amongst the best in the world.
Frankincense formed the basis of trade between ancient civilizations as long as 7,000 years ago. It was on account of frankincense that the camel caravans set forth from Dhofar in south Oman on journeys to Mesopotamia, Syria and Egypt, even to the Palestinian port of Gaza from where the precious cargo was shipped to Europe and especially to ancient Rome.
The Omani frankincense tree, Boswelia sacra, grows to a height of around 5 meters. Both it and the trees from which myrrh is derived, Commiphora myrrha, belong to the family Burseraceae whose members have resin ducts in their bark.
In Oman the trees are found in a relatively restricted habitat, just out of range of the monsoon rains but where cool winds depress air temperatures in hot summer months in the Dhofar region.
In Oman the trees are found in a relatively restricted habitat, just out of range of the monsoon rains but where cool winds depress air temperatures in hot summer months in the Dhofar region.
At the beginning of April, as soon as the temperatures start to rise, the frankincense gatherers cut the frankincense trees in many places. The first 'cut' is called the tawqii and consists of paring off the outer bark of the branches and trunk. This causes a milky-white liquid to ooze from the tree which quickly solidifies and is left in this condition for 14 days or so. The second 'cut' which follows this period, produces resin of an inferior quality and the real harvest begins two weeks after the second 'cut'. With this third 'cut' the tree produces frankincense resin of yellowish color which is sold commercially in the market.
The 'cutting' of the frankincense trees calls for great skill. The harvest lasts for 3 months and the average yield of frankincense resin for one tree is around 10 kilos. The Governorate of Dhofar produces approx. 7,000 tones of frankincense annually.
Omani frankincense, which is considered to be the finest quality in the world, are still much in demand in many countries. It is an important ingredient in the manufacture of incense which is burned on social occasions, in the manufacture of medicines, fragrant, powders, perfumes, candles as well as in halls of worship around the world.
Rose fragrant & Rosewater
On the slopes of Jebel Akhdar, there are rose terraces, which produce the most heavenly smelling rose water and rose fragrant (attar). Rosewater is used in religious ceremonies, in cooking and also in beauty treatments. Distilling fragrant from the rose petals is a difficult procedure and the Jebel Akhdar rose has a short bloom, lasting only for a few weeks in April. Consequently this fragrant is expensive, but has one of the most beautiful perfumes.
Jasmine is an abundant flowering shrub in the Sultanate which releases its fragrance at night. People often collect the flowers and leave them in dishes to perfume rooms of the house.
One of the most prized fragrance items in Oman is oudh, which is imported from Cambodia, India and Malaysia. It is a musky-smelling wood which may be burned or from which fragrant can be extracted. It is very expensive and only used on important occasions such as Eid, weddings, funerals and to celebrate the birth of a child. The oudh fragrant will often be given as part of a woman's dowry, together with gold and other gifts.


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In 1961, the first issue in the series introduced the world to Sue Storm. She was a member of Reed Richards’ spaceflight that encountered cosmic radiation. This resulted in Sue and the rest of the humans on board being gifted with unexplained abilities.
Sue became know as the Invisible Girl; later the Invisible Woman, with her ability to hide under the cloak of invisibility and of force field creation. As a member of the Fantastic Four, Sue Storm became loved all around the world. Tales of the teams’ triumphs over evil and fierce battles have made her a superhero that is top-notch.
Bishoujo’s statue is based on an original character reinterpretation by illustrator Shunya Yamashita.
This product is imported from Japan.