The year 2023 will be dominated by premium smartphones. In the coming months, the leading smartphone manufacturers will release their flagship devices with cutting-edge specifications. While Samsung will reveal the Galaxy S23 series on February 1, OnePlus will introduce its flagship device on February 7.
Here are the most anticipated smartphones from Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Google in 2023.
Samsung Galaxy S23 series
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series will be introduced on February 1 during the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco. The series will include three models: the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra, all of which will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and have at least 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. According to the teasers, these devices will have enhanced low-light photography, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra would sport a 200MP primary camera.
In addition to its luxury style, the Galaxy S23 series is distinguished by its glass sandwich construction and metal midframe. While the Galaxy S23 series resembles the Galaxy S22 series in appearance, the new colour palette should aid distinguish between the two. The Galaxy S23 series will debut with OneUI 5.1 based on Android 13 OS, and it is anticipated that these handsets will deliver four major Android OS upgrades.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra will be the most costly model, featuring a 200MP primary camera, a 2K 120Hz curved AMOLED display, and an S-Pen, as well as a 5,000 mAh battery capacity. In addition, the S23 series will feature an IP rating for protection to water and dust, as well as wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
The OnePlus 11 will be presented in New Delhi on February 7 at a physical launch event, following the Galaxy S23 series. The OnePlus 11 will be positioned between the OnePlus 10 Pro and the OnePlus 10T and will utilise the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC as the Galaxy S23 series.
The OnePlus 11 will have a premium metal frame with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection, as previously disclosed. The smartphone will include a triple Hasselblad-tuned camera system with a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto lens. Additionally, the gadget will feature a 16MP front-facing camera, comparable to that of the OnePlus 10 Pro.
The Indian model of the OnePlus 11 will launch with an operating system that is free of bloatware and is based on the Android 13 OS. In addition, the phone will feature a 5,000 mAh battery with 100W rapid charging capabilities. In contrast to the OnePlus 10 Pro, this device will not support wireless charging.
iPhone 15 generation
The Apple iPhone 15 series is anticipated to include four models: the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Moreover, rumours say that Apple may unveil its first ultra-iPhone — the iPhone 15 Ultra with a more luxurious design and advanced functions — in the near future.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 will feature a Dynamic Island, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will include a titanium frame for a more premium design. In addition, these upcoming iPhones are anticipated to include a USB Type-C connection with rapid charging compatibility.
The Pixel 7A, which is anticipated to debut in the second half of 2023, will likely be a combination of the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 6. The Pixel 7A will have various enhancements over the Pixel 6A, such as a new 48MP primary camera and 90Hz AMOLED display, as well as the most recent Tensor G2 CPU, and maybe greater RAM and storage options.
As with every other Pixel smartphone, the Pixel 7A is expected to start with Android 14 and will receive timely security and software updates. Google’s Pixel 7A will be among the first smartphones to receive stable Android OS updates with Pixel-exclusive software features.
Xiaomi 13 Pro
In 2023, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is also one of the smartphones we are anticipating. This smartphone, like with the vast majority of 2023 Android flagships, will utilise the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The centrepiece of this phone is its 1-inch primary camera, which could considerably enhance the device’s camera performance, particularly in low-light circumstances.
The Xiaomi 12 Pro will include a camera tuned by Leica and a luxury design with a glass back and metal frame. The Xiaomi 13 Pro will launch with MIUI 14 based on the Android 13 operating system. Xiaomi 13 Pro is anticipated to debut in March 2023.
Vivo X90 Pro
Similar to the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the Vivo X90 Pro will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC and include a 1-inch primary camera coupled with a separate telephoto and ultra-wide angle camera. The Vivo X90 Pro will include a Zeiss lens to enhance image quality and decrease glare.
Vivo could release the X90 Pro alongside the X90 in India by the end of February or the beginning of March, with both smartphones sporting the Android 13-based FunTouchOS 13 operating system.


text:
I had the pleasure today of calling in the Goddesses in Central Park. My feet were cushioned on the slightly damp grass and the sun was shining on my face. It was a magical experience to call in the Goddesses of each direction. I felt the land respond and i ended with a special song for the trees.
My connection with Manhattan has been an evolving one this week. I have been shown the love and sustenance within the earth here which has been overlaid with concrete, busyness and metal. The metal affects the lungs and i have felt more tired than i should have. Reconnecting to the earth through my bare feet has been like a tonic. A badly needed reconnection to the Earth mother. One of the aspects i was not prepared for was a rush of connection and communication from the tribal elders, the spirits of this island. When i first arrived, during my first meditation i experienced a connection from a tribal grandmother who was telling me that her tribe and mother-line were the guardians of this land. They were care takers of the trees, plants and animals who used to be here. She gave me a name for her tribe and a name for Manhattan, but i would like to verify that and get it right before i publish it here out of respect for her, i would like to get it right. It had not occurred to me that there might be an Native American connection in Manhattan. It feels so far from that connection to me but they are still present in the land. This tribal Grandmother showed me a long line of her mothers, daughter and sisters who were present in the land and all the elements here. She showed me that they are present in the blades of grass now and the trees and any animals. But most of the native animals are gone. She expressed sadness and anguish that there were few places for their spirit to connect to and honour. Their love and care for their diminished natural surroundings was very touching. I began to see the green spaces here as even more special and sacred than they were before. They contain the love of the feminine. They are held together with the love of sisters. This means a lot to me. In a concrete jungle, where money and industry has replaced love, each blade of grass counts. It was also important to honour her and her communication with me. I lit a candle and i honoured her service and love to the divine. She showed me that she is in the wind, the leaves, the water in the hudson. This is the magic of the heart. This is the truth of Love in New York. It is supported by a long line of ancestry in the land.

domain: literature


text:
Human Upgrade is a pioneering approach that allows individuals to customize and optimize their own development by ordering specific effects and results.
Using an unique combination of mind and body work, individuals will be guided to find answers to their own life's big questions, enabling them to discover their true purpose and unlock new levels of performance in all areas of their lives, from sport, to business, to personal endeavors and relationships.
The Human Upgrades is particularly suited for those who are open to trying something new and are dedicated to achieving measurable results while experiencing the joy of self-improvement.
VINCE REFFET & FRED FUGEN
Results:watch the video
HISTORICAL TAKE OFF FROM THE GROUND IN GEIRANGER, NORWAY
HUMAN UPGRADES HELPED ME TO VISUALIZE HOW TO SOLVE UNSEEN OBSTACLES AND FIND CLEAR SOLUTION RELATED TO THE TAKE OFF FROM THE GROUND."
Alexa Young, CA

domain: psychology


text:
Highlights from Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am Tournament
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am Tournament action is in the books.
On Wednesday, the pros got one more chance to tune up and learn the course at Eagle Point Golf Club before round one begins Thursday.
The golfers continue to praise the course, including 10th ranked golfer Adam Scott.
“I’m working hard to figure it out, seeing some firm greens really excites me because we don’t often get that,” Scott said. “Some control is going to be needed and I’m looking forward to the challenge of a new venue for sure.”
As the golfers worked through the learning every angle of the course, one golfer got a hole in one opportunity.
Kevin Smith was paired with number one golfer in the world, Dustin Johnson. On Wednesday, he got the chance to see what it’s like to play under the spotlight.
“There’s a lot of people around,” Smith said. “I mean, the crowd was swelling. It was fun. I was able to knock one in from a bunker on fifteen and the crowd went crazy, a big grandstand of people.”
The crowd also went crazy as Johnson worked his way through the course with relative ease, shooting a three under par in his first full 18 at Eagle Point.
“Feeling good, healthy, so I can’t complain,” Johnson said. “Obviously, I haven’t played much or done a whole lot of practicing but the body is all good. Glad to be back out playing again.”
Johnson, Scott and the rest of the field will now set their focus on playing in, and hopefully winning, the Wells Fargo Championship.

domain: news


text:
China's economy grew by 6.7% in 2016, compared with 6.9% a year earlier, according to official data, marking its slowest growth since 1990.
The figure is in line with Beijing's growth target of between 6.5% and 7%.
But the data comes days after the leader of one Chinese province admitted GDP data was faked for several years.
China is a key driver of the global economy and a growth slowdown is a major concern for investors around the world.
Some analysts have taken heart from data showing growth in the last three months of 2016 was at an annual rate of 6.8% - a slightly faster pace than the rest of the year.
But many observers have been saying for years that the country's growth was actually much weaker than the official data suggests.
And those beliefs gained more support this week, when the governor of Liaoning, Chen Qiufa, said his province had been "involved in a large-scale financial deception" between 2011 and 2014, and that economic data had been doctored.
Addressing reporters' questions about the Liaoning admission, the director of the National Bureau of Statistics said on Friday that the national data was "truthful and reliable".
Ning Jizhe added that "statistics departments on various levels will also be strengthening the law enforcement, supervision, and checks on figures" and "resolutely guarding and preventing" the fabricating of data.
China is the world's second-biggest importer of both goods and commercial services, meaning its economic performance has a big knock-on impact around the world.
It plays an important role as a buyer of oil and other commodities, and its slowdown has been a factor in the decline in the prices of such goods.
Beijing's aim to rebalance the economy towards domestic consumption has led to major challenges for large manufacturing sectors, and there have been layoffs - especially in heavily staffed state-run sectors such as the steel industry.
Can we trust the numbers? By Stephen McDonell, BBC Beijing Correspondent
Plenty of economists think that GDP is a massively flawed form of measuring the health of any economy but in this country it is even worse.
There is a significant proportion of China watchers who don't believe the GDP figures are real at all.
For example, in 2016, the country's (year on year) GDP was exactly 6.7% for three quarters in a row.
While this seems numerically unlikely, I suppose it is possible that this could happen.
Without solid, reliable figures this remains a debate with wide-ranging, conflicting views.
Mind you, even if at worse China's real GDP is around 4% at present, there are plenty of national governments which wouldn't mind a taste of those numbers.
Although China's economy picked up slightly in the last three months of 2016, the rebound is not expected to continue, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which is predicting growth of 6.2% this year.
"A slowdown in the property market and steps to address supply shortages in the commodity sector ought to drag again on demand and output," said the EIU's Tom Rafferty.
He also pointed to potential damage to US-China trade ties under a Donald Trump presidency.
Meanwhile Tim Condon from ING in Singapore said relations with a Trump administration were "the biggest known unknown".
"Trump advisers and cabinet-nominees have identified the US-China relationship as in need of adjustment to support the president-elect's objective [of] a manufacturing renaissance."
Mr Trump had often accused China of manipulating its currency - the yuan, also known as the renminbi - on his presidential campaign trail.
Washington had also criticised China's yuan devaluation, saying it unfairly favoured Chinese exporters.
Allowing the currency to appreciate was "the path of least resistance for the world's most important bilateral economic relationship" said Mr Condon - despite the downside for Chinese exporters.
The trade of goods and services between US and China amounted to an estimated $659bn (£534bn) in 2015, with the US trade deficit with China totalling $336bn.

domain: finance


IoT Enabled Precision Agriculture Solution
WHY THE NEED FOR DATA DRIVEN AGRICULTURE?
Correlation With The Environment
Environment, soil and irrigation factors have direct correlation with agriculture productivity and yield.
Lack of Resources
Lack of necessary tools to identify, analyze and manage variability in environment, soil and irrigation factors by conducting crop production practices at the right place and time and in the right way, for optimum profitability, sustainability farming practices.
Lack of Data
Lack of data to define a decision support system (DSS) for whole farm management with the goal of optimizing returns on inputs while preserving resources.
THE NIBIAA AGRITECH IOT SAAS PLATFORM
AI Enabled Farm Management Software Platform Which Collects Various Agricultural Input Parameters and Provide Recommendations
Agricultural Data Input Parameters
AI Based Data Analytics & Recommendations
Manufacture and Distribution of LoRaWAN Based Gateways, Device Nodes, Sensors and Actuators.
Nibiaa’s LPWAN based 4-in-1 sensor node, integrates useful data into one device. Made specifically for agricultural applications, it is currently being prototyped and implemented in one of the leading tea gardens in India.
Low Cost (1/4th Market Price) device, using LoRaWAN Protocol IoT Device to get data driven decision Support System (DSS) for monitoring and control of farms, manufacturing unit, Storage and Transit.
Nibiaa's partnership with top LoRaWAN device manufacturers, enables distributions of Gateways, Device Nodes, Sensors and Actuators.


Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Bill Gates speaks out about the competition facing Microsoft
Here's a link to an interview Bill Gates did with the Seattle Post Intelligencer, where he talks about Windows Vista, the next version of Office, and the competition Microsoft faces from such companies as Apple and Google - who he admits are doing some things better than Microsoft is. Of course, he believes that he'll eventually crush them, but that's nothing new. Interestingly enough, Gates also recently did an interview with CNET - here's the link to that one. If you're pressed for time the interview in the Seattle PI isn't very long, but I think the one in CNET is more in depth.
Posted by Matt at 4:30 PM


text:
In recent months, it’s been well-documented that a number of UK retailers have learnt that a ‘disconnect’ between retail warehouses and head offices creates the risk of certain staff members being unfairly treated behind closed doors. Not only has this resulted in a lot of bad press, but it has also overshadowed what is a productive and important sector for the UK economy.
For those struggling to ensure all their workforce are treated equally, Midland Pallet Trucks, one of the UK’s finest suppliers of pallet trucks, aerial work platforms and other warehouse and materials handling equipment, has offered companies tips for ensuring a productive and happy workforce.
Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, “Retail companies are particularly open to risk because they are often spread over a number of sites. Not only does this make it difficult to keep track of each employee, but travelling between these sites can prove to be very expensive and time-consuming, so it is often not undertaken. Despite it being impossible to keep an eye on all employees at all times, there are procedures businesses can take to ensure their employees are happy and they aren’t breaking the law.”
According to the pallet truck expert, ensuring there is a document that contains easy to understand and follow policies is the first step to knock mistreatment on the head. It’s also imperative that every single employee knows the procedures in place for every arm of the business so they can refer back to them if necessary. Equally, getting good, experienced managers in place and ensuring they recognise the importance of following procedures and undertaking reviews and spot checks will cut down on things being missed which could result in mistreatment.
“In this day and age there really shouldn’t be such a wall between warehouse staff and other employees,” added Phil. “Warehouse staff are often the stilts that hold the business up, so it’s important that they are treated equally. And thanks to the spotlight being shone on this, no longer will ignorance be accepted as an excuse by high level management.”
Midland Pallet Trucks has a plethora of experience working with retailers of all sizes and in all sectors. The company provides robust equipment to ensure their bottom lines runs smoothly, production is kept up and employees are kept safe.
To find out more about Midland Pallet Trucks’ offering, visit the website: http://www.midlandpallettrucks.com


text:
Full Description of Spring Sessions:
The Arab Image Foundation (AIF) is an independent association founded in 1997 in Beirut. Its collection of over 500,000 photographic objects and documents from and related to the Middle East, North Africa and the Arab diaspora has been gradually assembled over the last 20 years by artists and researchers and through donations.
Lebanon, with its ongoing economic crisis since October 2019 and the explosion in the port of Beirut on August 4th, is an actual and obvious example of the failure of neoliberal economy. It is in front of this backdrop that the Board of Directors of the AIF has revisited its governance, and its internal procedures, as well as revived questions around the ways of engaging with its collections.
The Spring 2021 PIR will begin with an introductory conversation presented by the three residents, followed by a series of talks, and a multi-part workshop which will focus on specific collections used as case studies. These collections will be the basis for research, critical documentation, as well as creative engagement and will be used to explore questions related to the social, economic and political dimension of photographs and collections. The participants will present their research and findings in diverse formats on the AIF’s online platform.
Vartan Avakian will focus on themes of the materiality of memory, hierarchy of media and data and will explore the issues of ownership, authorship and capital in light of collections which are not part of the AIF. Avakian’s work stems from a reading of data as scratches and stains: as a series of inscriptions that exist in sculptural form. Consequently, memory is seen as the activity of excavating and deciphering data from these traces. In this sense, photographs, drawings, sculptures, vinyl records, books, celluloid films, magnetic tapes and hard-disks are not fundamentally dissimilar to dreams, aspirations, recollections, feelings and other biological inscriptions on DNA polymers. They are similar in that they are scratches and stains that leave traces, waiting to be uncovered, deciphered and perceived.
In his sessions, Avakian will focus on his artistic practice through two collections: the Studio Mario Collection, a photograph collection found in the ruins of Barakat Building during its renovation and subsequent transformation into a museum; and Cinema Royal Film Collection, a collection of commercial film negatives from storage of Cinema Royal, a decommissioned film theatre. Avakian will discuss artwork he has produced based on the Studio Mario Collection, and examine Cinema Royal Film Collection through the lens of property ownership and film authorship in the context of the market of archives and the questions around custodianship.
Yasmine Eid-Sabbagh will discuss her practice by looking at the collection from Burj al-Shamali camp and its relation to AIF, and by sharing her experience with the informal collective on Western Sahara, who has made the Arab Image Foundation a custodian of one of the copies of Necessità dei Volti (The Necessity of Faces).
Through these two projects, she will discuss methodologies dealing with omissions, imaginaries, and resistance in archives. Her interest lies in exploring the agency of photographs and collections gathered in contexts of displacement and migration. She will thus highlight other aspects of ethics, rights and custodianship through these two collections. By constantly re-evaluating what a photograph means and does once it is part of a collection, and integrates a certain order and description, she will encourage participants to shed light on power hierarchies and representational dynamics, but also to question their own position as producers, distributors and consumers of images in society and the contemporary world today.
The Burj al-Shamali collection was gathered in the Burj al-Shamali Palestinian Refugee Camp in Southern Lebanon between 2001 and 2011. During this time, Eid-Sabbagh developed and gathered – mostly in collaboration with camp residents – an extensive digital collection of personal and studio photographs, which also includes videos and audio recordings documenting specific photographs or photographic practices in the camp.
Necessità dei Volti (The Necessity of Faces) is a book containing a selection of 483 photographs from a collection gathered by the Polisario from the Moroccan soldiers it faced in battle during the fifteen-year war against Morocco (1976-1991), and in custodianship of the Polisario since then.
Kristine Khouri’s sessions will introduce the questions of provenance and histories of collecting by thinking through the construction of archives, their locations and movement as well as the process of digitization and re-distribution. How do these histories feed into the questions of custodianship and ownership, power and ethics and the rights to these archives? How and by whom do stories of these objects get to be told? What are the rights associated with these materials? How does the narration of their histories stand in the context of the call for the return of objects from museum collections today? What are the infrastructures and systems that engage in or challenge these processes? Kristine will draw on her current research on provenance, rights and access policies for GLAM institutions, as well as her work on the Past Disquiet research project, which unearthed the histories of art collections built in solidarity with political struggles and transnational networks of artists. The project’s digital archives, which came about in the process, the imagination of alternative museums, and presentation of the research will be looked at to explore some of the topics mentioned. She will also address considerations around the methodology of research processes and the possibilities and limitations of the digital to narrate or share the stories and histories drawn from the research.
Complete captions of images displayed on this page:
- Film-based negative presenting channeling and traces of retouching as part of the studio practices, 1950s-1970s, Iran. Studio Sano Collection. Courtesy of the Arab Image Foundation, Beirut.
- View of processing practices during the pilot project of the Redwan Matar binders. Courtesy of the Arab Image Foundation, Beirut.
- Suspended Silver, 2015. Collected Silver crystals from Studio Mario Photographic Collection. Courtesy of Vartan Avakian.
- Reconstruction of a Google Maps satellite image no longer accessible, with the Burj al-Shamali camp digitally erased © Digital Globe 2007 and Yasmine Eid-Sabbagh, 2017.
- Material from the archive of graphic designer Toshio Satoh. Taken during a research trip to Japan for Past Disquiet. Courtesy of Kristine Khouri.

domain: library


text:
A copy of this work was available on the public web and has been preserved in the Wayback Machine. The capture dates from 2017; you can also visit the original URL.
The file type is
A new species, Bursaphelenchus ulmophilus sp. n., from the hofmanni group is described morphologically and molecularly. This nematode species was found associated with Dutch elm disease of Ulmus glabra in parks of St Petersburg, Russia, and is vectored by adults and larvae of the bark beetles Scolytus multistriatus and S. scolytus. Bursaphelenchus ulmophilus sp. n. is characterised by the following features: body length 600-850 μm, stylet 12-14 μm long with base slightly and smoothly expanded,doi:10.1163/15685411-00002902 fatcat:ibgh5oztszbspbbraj6ujh5dya

domain: biology


text:
- STS Ranchwear Reina Serape Large Handbag
- Item # 2582H9
$217.95 Final Price
15% Total Savings
- Black, red, brown, and tan serape pattern
- Signature STS leather patch and fringe tassel
- Brass and silver YKK hardware
- Two leather shoulder straps
- Inspirational quote on interior reads "If you really want to catch your dream, CHASE IT"
- Magnetic top closure
- Metal feet
- Leather and serape interior with storage pockets
- Size: 17 1/2" width, 12" height, 4 3/4" depth
Sport your fun western style, even if you're not wearing boots, with this stylish bag from STS Ranchwear. The Reina Serape is an "everyday" large handbag with dual shoulder straps. This bag is extremely comfortable with beautiful serape detail.

domain: design


text:
Craig A. Hatch
Central PA Law Offices
Phone: (717) 731-9600
Craig A. Hatch
Craig has been in private practice since 1996, when he joined the firm as associate. In 2001, he became the firm’s third partner. In 2013, upon a partner’s retirement, Mark Halbruner, Clifton Guise and Craig Hatch formed Halbruner, Hatch, and Guise, LLP. Currently, they employ 7 attorneys and 7 support staff. The primary focus of the firm is estate and succession planning, but requires expertise in business law, contracts, and estate planning and administration.
Craig’s practice includes the following areas of law:
Estate Planning – Craig develops and implements estate plans for individuals designed to preserve family wealth and insure the assets pass in the appropriate manner. This includes the use of Trusts, Wills, Lifetime gift planning, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Healthcare Directives.
Estate Administration – Craig meets with the family following the death of a loved one as soon as they are ready to begin the process of handling the affairs. During this meeting he gathers family and financial information and then outlines, in detail, the process they will need to undertake. This meeting will include an estimate of the tax consequences and timing of each significant event in the administration.
Long Term Care Planning – Perhaps the greatest risk of financial disaster in retirement is a loved one facing a skilled care in a nursing home. Craig meets with clients to determine their exposure and methods to shelter their income or assets. After reviewing the financial picture, he develops a plan to address the exposure.
Nursing Home Application – When a spouse or parent is admitted to a nursing home, the responsible parties are provided with a packet they are asked to complete. The volume of pages and the corresponding potential liability can be daunting. Craig will review the application and contract with his clients and highlight areas of concern. When necessary, he will work with the nursing facility to revise terms.
Medical Assistance Application and Appeals – When a person meets certain complex financial criteria, their care costs can be significantly reduced by government programs. However, most people mistakenly believe that they can only qualify when they have little or no assets. If a spouse or parent is facing a nursing home admission, it is critical to meet with Craig to take action promptly to apply for benefits or take steps to become eligible for benefits.
Craig prefers an informal relationship with his clients in that he tries to explain the law in every- day language. Often this may include a diagram of the particular process that a client will face. He has found that clients will refer to these diagrams more regularly then letters.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court – 1995
U.S. Tax Court – 1996
Education & Honors:
Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania
Dual Major in History and Political Science, with honors – 1991
Ohio Northern University School of Law, Ada, Ohio – 1995
Editor, Pharmacy Law Review – 1995
Spring National Moot Court Team Coach and Member 1995
Successfully Argued Ohio Supreme Court Case, 1994, on Landlord Tenant Law
And Personal Injury
Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation
as authorized by the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Craig was born and raised in Erie County, Pennsylvania, but has ties to Mifflin County and Lancaster County. He currently resides in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania with his wife, Christine, who is a proud teacher in the Camp Hill School District. During his free time, Craig enjoys golf and cooking, with a specialty in cheesecakes.

domain: law


text:
Free ground shipping, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada
8 x 8 Square Envelopes with Peel & Seal - White 28lb
Why Choose 8 x 8 Square Envelope with Peel & Seal - White?
When it comes to sending out invitations, announcements, or special greeting cards, the 8 x 8 square envelope with peel & seal in white is the perfect choice. These envelopes are not only stylish and elegant but also offer a secure and convenient way to seal your important mail. The peel & seal feature eliminates the need for licking or using a moistener, making the process hassle-free. The crisp white color adds a touch of sophistication to your mail, making it stand out in the recipient's mailbox. Whether you're sending out wedding invitations, business correspondence, or personal greeting cards, these envelopes are a versatile and practical choice for any occasion.
The Benefits of 8 x 8 Square Envelope with Peel & Seal - White
One of the key benefits of the 8 x 8 square envelope with peel & seal in white is its professional and polished appearance. The clean white color exudes elegance and ensures that your mail gets noticed. Additionally, the peel & seal closure provides a secure and tamper-evident seal, giving you peace of mind that your mail will reach its destination intact. These envelopes are also made from high-quality paper, adding a premium feel to your correspondence. Furthermore, the square shape sets your mail apart from standard rectangular envelopes, making it a unique choice for special occasions.
Use Cases for 8 x 8 Square Envelope with Peel & Seal - White
The 8 x 8 square envelope with peel & seal in white is ideal for a wide range of use cases. From wedding invitations and save-the-date cards to business announcements and promotional mailings, these envelopes can elevate the presentation of your mail. Their versatility makes them suitable for personal and professional correspondence, allowing you to make a lasting impression on your recipients. Whether you're a bride-to-be, a small business owner, or an event planner, these envelopes are a valuable addition to your stationery collection.
Alternatives to 8 x 8 Square Envelope with Peel & Seal - White
While the 8 x 8 square envelope with peel & seal in white offers a unique combination of style and functionality, there are alternative options to consider based on your specific needs. For a more colorful and vibrant look, you may opt for envelopes in different shades or patterns. If you prefer a traditional closure method, gummed envelopes provide a classic appeal. Additionally, if you require larger or smaller sizes, exploring the range of square envelopes available can help you find the perfect fit for your mailing needs.
Tips for Using 8 x 8 Square Envelope with Peel & Seal - White
When using the 8 x 8 square envelope with peel & seal in white, it's important to ensure that the contents are neatly arranged to maintain the envelope's pristine appearance. Avoid overstuffing the envelope, as this can compromise the seal and cause the mail to bulge. If you're hand-addressing the envelopes, consider using a calligraphy pen or a fine-tip marker for an elegant touch. Additionally, double-check the postage requirements to ensure that your mail reaches its destination without any delays or issues.
Additional Considerations for 8 x 8 Square Envelope with Peel & Seal - White
Aside from their aesthetic appeal and practical features, the 8 x 8 square envelope with peel & seal in white offers a convenient and stylish solution for your mailing needs. Whether you're preparing for a special event, promoting your business, or simply sending out heartfelt messages, these envelopes make a memorable statement. With their premium quality and attention to detail, they reflect your commitment to excellence and leave a lasting impression on the recipients. Explore the possibilities of using these envelopes to elevate your correspondence and make every piece of mail a standout presentation.


text:
Types of Business Risks
Financial, operational, and compliance risks pose major challenges to businesses, regardless of industry or size. While the level of risk may vary from one company to the next, threats come in many forms. These three risk categories can be broken down into more specific concerns, including:
- Financial and Credit Risks: Managing cash flow, setting appropriate trade credit policies, and maintaining access to capital are important parts of protecting a business from financial threats.
- Operational Risks: Destruction of property, supply chain failures, cyber threats, and labor concerns can all threaten a business’s ability to operate.
- Compliance Risks: Businesses must contend with rules, regulations, and laws that govern their behavior. From anti-money laundering statutes to human trafficking agreements, companies are expected to follow the rules.
How to Identify Business Risks
Finance, procurement, and compliance professionals all have their own risk management procedures to guard against the greatest threats to their business unit. Some risks are easy to anticipate, such as late payments from customers or the necessity to comply with laws. Other threats occur with less frequency, but still carry serious consequences; fires, tornadoes, or an economic downturn can have devastating effects on a business.
There are a variety of tools designed to help businesses manage risk:
Business Credit Monitoring: Checking a business’s credit scores and ratings helps set reasonable trade credit terms that don’t expose a company to unnecessary risk. Continuous monitoring allows companies that extend trade credit to respond to positive or negative financial developments.
Compliance Platforms: Third-party tools offer visibility into a company’s management, associates, and corporate connections to identify potential problems, including concerns around money laundering, politically exposed persons, and forced labor.
Anti-virus Software: Network security is a must for businesses. There’s simply too much at stake – from customer data to proprietary information about products and performance. A successful cyberattack can also expose a business to lawsuits and reputational damage. Anti-virus software is the first line of defense against such risks.
Business Insurance: Purchasing the appropriate amount of insurance protection can help a company weather the storm when something does go wrong. No mitigation strategy can protect against all risks, but business insurance may be the difference between survival and bankruptcy. Business interruption insurance is particularly important, as it can be used to replace lost earnings due to covered events such as fires or floods. Standard business insurance policies don’t take these damages into account.
Enterprise Risk Management is a Constant Concern
Businesses are never done managing risk; they must monitor their processes and protections to make sure that what worked yesterday is still effective today. The nature of threats facing companies is also bound to change alongside technology, the economic climate, and environmental factors. Those tasked with managing enterprise risks cannot rest on their laurels, but must remain vigilant against new and evolving challenges.
Learn more about enterprise risk management in the articles above.


text:
Hustai National Park
Hustai National Park: In KhentiiMountan Range, around 82 km to the southwest of Ulaanbaatar city lays a National park which its name derived from the birch trees (Hus) amply growing in the surrounding mountain forests. The park is specifically reserved for “Takhi” (meaning zebra in Mongolian, known as Przewalski’s Horse) wild horses, which was endangered by 1990, called for a nature reintroduction project which started in 1992. As a result of successful implementation, there is more than 200 Takhis in the park territory today.
Hustai National Park is also home to 46 species of mammals, 223 species of birds, 499 species of pipe plants. Visitors can get all the useful information from the visitor center, by learning the story, viewing pictures and watching a video. After that, try your luck and hop on to the vehicle and go look for theTakhis to capture nature’s beauty with your own eyes.
Hustai national park: The Mongolian Government declared Hustai National Park as a Specially Protected Area in 1993, one year after the initiation of the reintroduction project of the Takhi to the HustainNuruu. The HNP extends through the Khentii Mountains and includes the western edge of the Mongolian steppe at the boundaries of Altanbulag, Argalant and BayankhangaiSoums of Tov province. The park is about 95 km from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to the west.The HNP covers 50.6 ha land which is home to 459 species of vascular plants, 85 species of lichens, 90 species of moss and 33 species of mushrooms. 44 species of mammals have been recorded, including Red deer, Mongolian gazelle, Roe deer, Wild boar, Wild sheep, Ibex, Mongolian marmots, Grey wolves, Lynx, Pallas’ cat, Red fox, Corsac fox and Eurasian badger. The 217 species of birds include Golden eagle, Lammergeier, Great bustard, Whooper swan, Black stork, Daurian partridge and Little owl. There are 16 species of fish, 2 species of amphibians, and 385 species of insects (including 21 species of ants, 55 species of butterflies, 10 species of bush crickets and 29 species of grasshoppers).

domain: geography


text:
You can take part in a world record attempt in Belfast at this year's Culture Night.
Organisers are hoping to break the world record for the largest tap dance lesson during the cultural celebration on September 21 .
This year Culture Night is celebrating its 10th anniversary with its largest event yet and there will be more than 250 free events across 100 locations in Belfast, attracting over 100,000 visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond.
As one of the headline sponsors of Culture Night in 2018 , Bank of Ireland UK has collaborated with Visa to encourage people to tap, pay and go, allowing them more time to enjoy the festivities. Bank of Ireland UK is also getting into the spirit of Culture Night by hosting its own tap event to attempt to break the world record for the Largest Tap Dance Lesson.
Ian Sheppard, Managing Director Northern Ireland at Bank of Ireland UK, said: "Culture Night Belfast is a fantastic celebration of the vibrant culture we have on offer in Northern Ireland. We are really excited to be a headline sponsor this year and hope that as many people as possible will sign up to try and break the current world record for the largest tap dance lesson, which took place in Queensland, Australia in 2017 with 251 dancers."
The world record attempt will take place in the Europa Hotel in Belfast at 6pm on Friday, September 21, as part of the wider Culture Night 2018 celebrations.
Kerry Rooney, Culture Night Belfast Manager , said: "We are delighted to be teaming up with Bank of Ireland and Visa to go for the world record. We’ll be ‘tapping’ into everyone’s excitement for Culture Night, and we firmly believe that together, we can hot-foot it into the record books with the Largest Tap Dancing Lesson in the World!
"2017 was a record breaking year for Culture Night when an astounding 100,000 people poured into Belfast city centre to take part in the event. This year we are looking forward to breaking another record as we prepare to celebrate our 10th birthday.
"Culture Night is all about giving people the opportunity to experience arts and culture in new and exciting ways and to get actively involved. This is a great way to do that. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced tapper or just dipping your toes for the first time - everyone is welcome!"
If you would like to take part in the record attempt for the world’s largest tap dance lesson you must pre-register at www.culturenightbelfast.com .
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.

domain: entertainment


text:
In the few moments preceding the landing of the ships at Omaha beach, we see the scene from a subjective Point-of-view high angle shot (POV high) which detaches us from the scene and allows us to see an establishing shot of the action. We also see the scene from a normal subjective POV shot; this includes the audience and allows us to see what is happening as if we are actually there. The only sound we hear is diegetic.
The sound of the sea is one that connotes to most people calm and peace; it is cleverly used in this scene to create an instantaneous contrast between this calm and the chaos of battle about to occur. The action, in the first couple of minutes of the film is realistic. We start off with a Close up (CU) of a metal hedgehog (metal cross to stop tanks) and then go straight into seeing the landing boats as if we were a passenger in one ourselves.
We can see the soldiers in the other boats crouched down trying to avoid the sea spray and some that are vomiting over the side of their boat; either through fear, or seasickness. The camera flicks to a CU of Captain Millers shaking hands. This has a great effect on the audience, because they realise the fear, and nerves that the soldiers must have been feeling before they went into battle. We zoom out of captain Millers’ face so that we can see the other soldiers on the boat and their individual reactions.
I noticed that there were two main responses to the nerves that the soldiers were feeling and this had a profound effect on me; one soldier was eating some sort of bread (almost as if it was his last meal) this symbolised to me that he expected either not to come home from the battle or that he would be eating something better later on when they celebrated; the second reaction was to pray to god or kiss some kind of lucky charm- this indicates that they felt that they would need divine intervention to win. As the landing craft doors open, all hell breaks loose; most soldiers do not even make it off the boats alive.
We see the attackers from the defenders point of view and see the way that all of the English and American soldiers are shot down by the German machine guns. This subjective POV high angle shot, suggests at the superiority of the defenders and their fire power. We go back to seeing the scene from a subjective POV. In desperation to get away from the raining bullets, some soldiers threw themselves off the sides of their boats. The camera follows these men, and due to the absence of non-diegetic sound, the diegetic sound of the explosions and gun-fire becomes muted.
This adds a sense of realism to the film, because Spielberg has gone against what we would normally expect in a war film- instead of some dramatic overlaying piece of music there is nothing. This in fact creates more drama to the film because it allows us to fully digest the sounds that you would hear if you went to war. Contributing to the sense of realism, Spielberg took an almost documentary style take on the way the first scene was filmed. By using hand-held cameras Spielberg said that he ‘was able to film the sets much like a newsreel camera man following soldiers into war.
By using this method of filming, the shock of war is revealed to the audience. As we see Miller appear out of the sea, the camera slows down, this allows us to take in the carnage that is apparent on the beach front. Part way through the ‘invasion,’ captain Miller becomes confused, because of shock, and the camera slows down so much that it is like seeing the battle in slow motion, also the colour of the screen is ‘washed out,’ adding to the drama making the confusion seem an almost dreamlike state, which many other soldiers would have entered as well. The first non-diegetic is introduced and a low whistle replaces all other noise.
We see one soldier from Millers subjective POV and the fear that the man is feeling is portrayed through the way that he is cowering behind one of the hedgehogs and crying to himself (in a state of shock. ) We return to a medium close up (MCU) of Millers face and can see the confusion as he watches several of his men die. The non-diegetic whistling rises in pitch and stops all of a sudden as a soldier shouts at him ‘What do we do now sir? ‘ This question reveals the uncertainty of the soldiers who were involved at the battle of Omaha beach and once again portrays a feeling of realism.
Miller recovers from his confusion and orders his men to ‘move out and clear the beach. ‘ With this small show of re-assertion, the audience is brought back to the gruesome reality that is taking place around them. As the soldiers are moving out, Miller sees one fallen on the ground and decides to try and drag him to safety. A shell is fired and kills the man who he was dragging, but also triggers the same washed out confused effect that happened before, this time however it represented shell shock.
This is a realistic event that would have happened as many soldiers were temporarily deafened by the loud explosions, to add to the realism, the camera lens is sprayed by blood and mud by the explosion just like a normal soldier’s eyes would be. Miller quickly stands up and makes a break to the sea wall, some people would see this as an act of desperation, because the men who have already tried to do that, have ended up being shot down but by some miracle Miller makes it. He starts to relay to the rest of his time several orders.
The camera view switches between the attackers’ subjective POV shot and the defenders subjective POV high angle shot. This allows us to see the battle from both points of view. Seeing the carnage from the attacker’s point of view allows us to feel the panic and fear that the soldiers would have done, and seeing the battle from the defenders point of view, we get a sense of the ease of which the Germans massacred the English, this adds to the shocking nature of the film. Miller and his team proceed to move along the beach until they are stopped once again by enemy fire.
Taking refuge behind a wall, we see (through the use of a Long Shot- LS) that on the crest of a hill there are two Germans with machine guns firing down at them. The LS shows us just how easy it was for the Germans to pick off the opposing side; they could fire from nearly fifty feet away and yet still cause devastation. Once again the shock that an attacking party would have had is portrayed through the conventional action. The use of ‘conventional action,’ is seen in so many films that it becomes a ‘natural thing’ yet is still effective now as it was when it was first used.
For example in this particular film convention is used throughout the first seen “Guns always kill outright,” “Screaming means you are in pain or scared,” and “running means that you are panicked or desperate. ” Each of these is used in the film to create a sense of realism. The battle is turned when a young Sniper marksman is sent into an impact crater where he has a clear shot at the two German Machine gun operators. We see a CU of the Sniper’s face and then immediately go to a LS of his victim.
This camera workmanship, allows us to fully appreciate the skill it took to pull off such a shot. This is adding a new dimension to the film: Awe. Saving Private Ryan shows us the grime, the noise, the pain and the shock of war, leaving us with a sense of awe for those who fought to keep our country safe in both the First and the second world wars. The diegetic sound of the sniper rifle firing adds to the realism because it connotes finalism and a cleanliness to death. As the battle ends, the camera flicks to a CU of Captain Millers shaking hands.
This is a repeated ‘frame’ from before only this time the meaning is completely different. The shaking signifies relief that the battle is over, and also the horror of what was sacrificed to do it. The camera zooms into an Extreme Close Up (ECU) of captain Miller’s eye and then to all the dead bodies left behind on Omaha Beach. This is covered by both diegetic and non-diegetic sound. The diegetic sound is that of the waves, which connote peace and calm (the lull after battle) and the mournful cries of seagulls.
The non-diegetic sound is an emotional, moving ‘strings’ instrumental piece, this can connote the regret, pain and sadness that the soldiers would have felt for their fallen comrades. The saying ‘the sea ran red,’ is literally brought to life and makes a final impact of shock on the audience. In conclusion, the opening battle sequence of “Saving Private Ryan” was made both shocking and realistic through the iconic images displayed throughout the scene and the acts of selflessness that are portrayed through the characters actions.
The first scene had an impact on me personally. This was: “I strongly feel for the soldiers and their fallen comrades, because this film has shown me what they had to go through to protect my future. The ‘jerky’ camera movement created a sense of realism and made me feel as if I were with the soldiers at the battle of Omaha Beach. I also feel that the absence of non-diegetic sound aloud me to take in the sounds that make up a fighting soldier’s world. “

domain: artistic


NewsRescue-The President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has in recent days made a series of most absurd denials.
First he denied a chief terror negotiator, Dr. Stephen Davis who his government hired to negotiate with Boko Haram terrorists. This denial was made after the Australian negotiator named former army chief, Azubuike Ihejirika and former Governor of Borno, Ali Modu Sheriff as Boko Haram sponsors.
The second major denial was of his campaign hashtag, #BringBackGoodluck2015 which top presidential aide, Doyin Okupe has been exposed to have formulated. The latest denial of the former Governor and accused terror sponsor comes after much criticism of their joint trip to Chad on what has been revealed to be urgent personal business prompted by the Davis revelations. The President has been exposed to have traveled with Sheriff to secure and restore investor confidence, as these power men own stock in oil and other ventures in Chad which came under threat subsequent to Davis’ explosive revelations of Sheriff’s involvement in terror.
SaharaR-President Goodluck Jonathan, who has provoked a barrage of criticism for his chumminess with former Governor Modu Sheriff of Borno State, today sought to limit the political damage of fraternizing with the controversial former governor during a recent trip to Ndjamena, the capital of Chad.
A statement signed by presidential aide, Reuben Abati, accused the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as “bigoted critics of the Jonathan Administration” of trying to create the impression that Mr. Sheriff was part of the president’s official delegation that went with Mr. Jonathan to Ndjamena. Mr. Abati also vowed that the president would not interfere with the investigation of the former governor as a possible sponsor of a terrorist group whose members have launched incessant violent attacks in many parts of Nigeria’s northeast and beyond.
Nigerians and other watchers of Nigeria took to social media over the last two days to express outrage that President Jonathan allowed the former governor to accompany him at a so-called security meeting in Chad. Mr. Sheriff has been under the cloud since an Australian hostage negotiator, Stephen Davis, named him as one of the top financiers of Boko Haram, the Islamist insurgent group that killed more than 2000 Nigerian civilians in the first half of 2014.
Nigeria’s intelligence agency, the Department of State Security (DSS), had announced a week ago that they were investigating Mr. Sheriff’s connection with the terrorist group. One of Nigeria’s most well known lawyers, Femi Falana, also accused Mr. Sheriff of including a representative of Boko Haram in his cabinetduring his governorship tenure.
In the midst of the swirling controversy around the former governor, he surfaced inChad during President Jonathan’s visit there to discuss security matters.
Mr. Abati’s statement attempted to play down Mr. Sheriff’s role in Chad, declaring that the former governor merely greeted the president at the airport. However, there are photos of Mr. Sheriff sitting down at a meeting between President Jonathan and Chadian leader Idriss Deby. Besides, sources close to the Presidency confirmed toSaharaReporters that Mr. Sheriff indeed took part in the security meeting in Chad.
SaharaReporters published the photo of Mr. Jonathan warmly shaking the hands of the shady former governor. Incidentally, the photo had been taken and distributed by the president’s office, indicating a great measure of pride. See Also
As outrage spread, Mr. Sheriff declared that he happened to be in Ndjamena during the president’s visit, claiming to own a home in the Chadian capital.
Mr. Abati’s statement read: “We have noted with surprise, the unnecessary hue and cry raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other bigoted critics of the Jonathan Administration over the claim that the President is ‘hobnobbing’ with the former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who was recently accused by the Australian, Stephen Davis of being one of the chief sponsors of the terrorist group, Boko Haram.
“The totally erroneous basis for that charge was the spurious claim that Senator Sheriff accompanied President Jonathan on his recent trip to Ndjamena as a member of his entourage.
“Although Senator Sheriff himself has already given the lie to that claim through his Media Adviser, the Presidency wishes to affirm, for the purpose of emphasis, that the former Borno State governor was not on President Jonathan’s delegation to Chad.
“In keeping with President Jonathan’s commitment to transparency and openness in the conduct of government business, names of the key members of his delegation were announced a day before his trip to Ndjamena. They included the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed and the Director-General of National Space Research and Development Agency, Prof. Seidu Mohammed.
“As can be easily verified from the complete list of members of the Presidential entourage to Chad which was also circulated on Sunday and never changed, Senator Sheriff’s name was not on it. The only other persons on the list were the President’s aides, security personnel and journalists.
“The APC and others who rushed to condemn President Jonathan for a non-existent indiscretion would have found, if they took the least trouble to double-check, that there was absolutely no factual basis for their accusation.
“Those who associate with Senator Sheriff know that he has longstanding interests in Chad and often spends a lot of his time there. He happened to be in Ndjamena at the time of President Jonathan’s visit and joined other Nigerian residents of the Chadian capital in coming to the airport to welcome their President.
“That was the full extent of his participation in the visit and it was also at Ndjamena Airport that the pictures which formed the basis of the bogus allegation of President Jonathan hobnobbing with an ‘accused sponsor of terrorism’ were taken.
“The former Governor’s presence in Chad was certainly not at President Jonathan’s instance and he did not participate in any of the President’s discussions with President Idriss Deby or his other engagements in Ndjamena.
“President Jonathan is fully aware of the allegation made against Senator Sheriff by Stephen Davis. That allegation is already being investigated by the security agencies who will make their findings known to the public in due course.
“The President assures all Nigerians that he has not willfully taken any action that could prejudice the outcome of that ongoing inquiry.
“He seizes this opportunity to reassure the nation once again of his total commitment to doing all within his powers to bring all identified and verified sponsors of terrorism to justice, and ending the menace of violent extremism in the country.”


‘Tis the season for Christmas cliches. And on that note, whilst there may be no obvious link between Dickens and devolution, it is fair to say that an increasing number of county authorities have been visited by the ghosts of Christmas past and present over the last 18 months.
And as we look towards 2024, many more County Councils Network (CCN) members will be wondering what the ghost of Christmas yet to come will bring in the way of devolution deals.
But first, if you’re sitting comfortably, come with me to the summer of 2022 and the ghost of Christmas past – Greg Clark. It was under his second spell as Levelling-up Secretary that the first bona
-fide county devolution deal since 2015 was signed with North Yorkshire, with an agreement for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire swiftly following.
It was also significant for the CCN, which had long argued on behalf of its members that the government must not overlook England’s counties in its local growth agenda. In addition, the network’s member councils also displayed flexibility in adopting a mayor or directly-elected leader to secure agreement, despite some concerns these individuals were more suited to urban areas.
With those twin announcements in the East Midlands and Yorkshire , the dial was decisively shifted on devolution: going from a very urban-centric policy to one that has focused more on empowering local leaders in England’s counties. More agreements for Norfolk, Suffolk, Cornwall, Durham and Northumberland followed suit in 2022 with Michael Gove’s return as Levelling-up Secretary maintaining the momentum.
However, the announcement of the expanded North East devolution deal in December 2022 was the last of such agreements until recently. Whilst many of the original nine areas who begun negotiations with government in summer 2022 had agreed deals, specific local circumstances had led to stumbling blocks for some of this cohort. The CCN worked hard to make its members’ case to ministers and officials to try to break the impasse and the Autumn Statement yielded a breakthrough, with the coming of the ghost of Christmas present: Jeremy Hunt.
The Chancellor not only announced further mayoral deals for the East Riding of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, but also that the Government wanted to agree new ‘Level 2’ deals, which would devolve substantial powers and funding, albeit not as comprehensive as available under a Level 3 deal with a directly-elected individual. In addition, he announced a new ‘Level 4’ to the Devolution Framework to build on existing deals: another CCN ask.
This announcement is significant and should open the door for a major expansion of county devolution in the first few months of 2024. Such momentum is crucial if the Government is to deliver on its pledge to offer a deal to every part of the country by 2030. The CCN is currently supporting a cohort of councils in discussions with government, with the hope that deals agreed are a foundation that can be built on over time.
That latter point is important, as 2024 is also set to be a General Election year and so the devolution ghost of Christmas yet to come is likely to be either Sunak or Starmer. Whoever it is, we can expect devolution to continue to be rolled out, and CCN has long argued that it makes sense to lock in your devolution geography now and build on that.
Similarly, to those who complain that the devolution deal is ‘thin gruel; and that they ‘don’t want any more’ (to mix my Dickens’ metaphors), we would say look at Manchester. Their first deal in 2009 saw no directly elected mayor and limited powers devolved in relation to housing, planning and skills. Fast forward to 2023 and Greater Manchester, as a trailblazer, has a new, department-style single settlement from the next spending review period, certainty over their ability to retain 100% of their business rates and increasing influence over the levers of growth.
Obviously, any new administration will have its own ideas about devolution and how best to stimulate local growth. But as a starting point for any ideological view on devolution, the building blocks are already there.
County geographies not only make economic and strategic sense, but these are the structures that have enabled over ten deals to be announced over the last 18 months: not an insignificant number. If a future government wants to quickly and easily devolve local powers to local residents, then county geographies offer the best route to deliver that aim outside of England’s urban conurbations.
So, whilst we can expect to see a clutch of ‘Level 2’ deals announced in the coming months, attention will then focus on the next government. We view this as an opportunity to do more rather than a risk of doing less: with greater flexibility, potentially, on directly-elected individuals and powers available, further fiscal devolution and innovation, and ensuring that the Local Enterprise Partnership transition is as seamless as possible.
The last 18 months has shown the art of the possible for county devolution. Over the next 12 months we will be making the strongest possible case to the ghost of Christmas yet to come that they can go even further.
Alun Hughes, Senior Policy Advisor, Economic Growth and Devolution, County Councils Network


text:
Based on a conversation with ~MiniWitch3.
you should see a chiropractor about that.
Have you written this story? You should write this story.
Has someone else written this story? If they have, you should link me to this story.
I... I... I need to read it.
(Also, thank you for putting into words something I've been trying to pin down to explain for a while.)
*Shrugs* But I'm me, and proooobably doing it wrong XD
If there's anything you need to talk about this, just tell me.
My main villain character. I need to develop him, but... I don't want to have to subject anyone to him! XD (he's kind of awful, just saying)
1. What are his relationships with other characters like?
2. What is he trying to achieve, how is he going to do it, and why?
3. How does his actions oppose the protagonist's actions?
4. What is his personality like?
5. What are his powers and in relation, how does he use it to counteract the protagonist?
1. Look at other series and look for what's considered good and bad so you'll know what to aim for. Experience helps as you go on, but for when you start, just know what "good" looks like.
2. Brainstorm ideas. Ask what you like about other series, find out what makes them work (perhaps swing by TVTropes.org for more info), and look for a way to put your own spin on things to make it original.
3. Write it. Know what kind of series it is (are the episodes self-contained, build a larger story, or a little of both?), what kind of characters you'll use, and the story. If you're new to story, outline like this: the lives of the characters will be different from the beginning of the outline to the end, and in each scene, things will end differently from how they begin. The guide I linked above has more links to my other story tutorials.
4. MAKE THE SERIES. It does you no good to write a bunch of character profiles and stories you'd like to make. You must actually make the series. You will mess up, yes, but when people start complaining, they're going to give you free tips on how to improve.
5. Keep using people's comments as a way to improve. As you continue, hone your experience until it all becomes instinct, and never stop improving: there's no limit to greatness. While you cannot achieve perfection, you can still make things greater and greater.
Think of it like this: you can't reach infinite, but a googol (10^100) is much larger than a billion (1,000,000,000), and a Graham's number (too large to even fit on the internet) is larger than a googol, and an Ackerman Function calling two Graham's Numbers to the power of a googol are astronomically larger than a lone Graham's number, and even that can by multiple by a Graham's number to the power of a Graham's Number. Perfection may be impossible, but greatness can be pretty dang large.
I hope this inspires you to tap into your creativity, have fun with exploring the art of storytelling, and perhaps entertain the rest of us.
Insane necro-reply, but, if I remember rightly, they still don't know the digits of Graham's Number.
Only the last ten or so, I think.
And this guide seems quite helpful. Thanks a lot, Spaztique!
...Now, about those large numbers...
A river has its obstacles and will get trapped along the way. It all depends on how well the character can get inserted into a story and manage to fulfill his/her purpose.
If I can actually fill in my many OCs' stories that is.
...what about the backstory ?
Well, making a conflict would probably fit before the story because there are various kinds of conflicts as explained in the comic such as Man vs. Man/Self/Society/Nature/etc. And even these conflicts like External, Internal, and Interpersonal. Internal and Interpersonal conflicts often supported character traits and become part of the character's personality and social skills. I guess when you mean a conflict, you mean the conflict of the story. Overall, some kinds of conflicts are better known as results of character traits while others are mostly external conflicts that go against the main character's point of view and what he/she finds as unjust.
For backstories, make them brief, concise, and have something to do with the character's overall goal. The audience doesn't need an elaborate explanation about their whole life story. The audience WILL only remember the major points of it which often have to do with the goal the character wants to achieve whether it begins that state of mind or supports it.
He was first conceived as a parody self-insert, one which DID have a personality, a set of obvious flaws (easily distracted, inconsiderate, outright strange) and was an incident causer rather than solver. I also deliberately gave him a game-breaking power (mimicry) and caused him to still lose to Reimu to have a little fun with the idea that no matter what, Incident Solvers always win.
It was only later on I fleshed him out fully, and a story tends to be a good catalyst for fleshing out characters.
I know this has kinda like nothing to do with the message but,I just thought it was funny.
I got the message anyway.
"Show, don't tell."
But in all seriousness, no "perfect" character exists. Like people in reality, they have flaws.
And most importantly, DO NOT say that your character is always perfect and constantly say that. It's as bad as saying "Wait and see. This character will get better and you will like him/her." A cruel thing about the audience is that if they don't like the character at first sight, then they won't like the character at all.
I can't be bothered plowing through some long series which OCs I find unlikeable right from the start. At best, I'll just skim it to see whether they'll get better or not.
Another thing that the audience looks for is the design which includes colors attire, and appearance.
Colors: Seeing too many clashing colors on a character will be an eye sore to the audience unless it is a joke character.
Attire: Make it look realistic and fit the character's needs/abilities/personality. Would you see a ballerina tutu on a chain gang?
Personality: Again, this fits directly with how they act around other characters and varies between others of the cast. If it is the same with every character, he/she is considered very one-dimensional. This is a trait that villain OCs tend to fail.
Make a (serious) villain OC mysterious and threatening. Don't shove them off into the spotlight right from the very beginning. Make them stay in the shadows while the protagonist slowly uncovers their hideous plot.
And that's why making a likeable protagonist OC is even harder. By definition, you'll be seeing them right away and pretty much in the entire story. You have to make sure that the audience is interested in them right from the start, whereas for villain OCs, they can be replaced with plot hooks (since they're not making an appearance right away).
Did I read that right?
You're joking right?
All joking aside, I've fallen into the trap before, but I managed to get out of it before it got too bad. Instead, I have come to believe that the opposite is the best course of action, instead of creating a story for a character, create a character for the story. The setting does just as much to shape a character as their personality.
But there is one thing. If the audience doesn't like the character at all, they won't care about him/her. It may sound harsh, but it's the sheer truth. And more importantly, people don't like the "wait and see" character. The audience wants to see the best traits of the character. I know this is just from speculation, but a character that suffers this a lot is Final Fantasy 10's Tidus. When he first appeared, the audience saw someone who acts like a crybaby and so, that how the audience portrays him. Despite him developing further along the story, people still wouldn't get rid of the first impression. First impressions are extremely important.
Anyway, making a perfect OC is rather impossible because of the audience having various ideals and views about the character. The audience may not see the character, so it is your job to market your own character. The audience will have no idea who your character is until you show them. Show. Don't Tell.
On a side note: Panel 5 reminds me of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure....regarding Stand types.


text:
String Quartets 2
- Format: CD
The anthology wants based on lesser known works document the importance of Haydn's string quartets, thus enabling the interested music lover some musical discoveries, the most in the context of overall shots would be possible otherwise. For this project could be won with the Schuppanzigh Quartet one of the most prestigious gambling on period instruments quartet formations. In the second episode, the arc from early String Quartet No.4 Op.9 stretched over the "medium" Op.65 No.5 to Op.77 No.1, the penultimate consummate quartet Haydn.


text:
It is often discovered incidentally on a routine blood test, then the diagnosis is confirmed by further blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy.
There is no great urgency in treatment until blood test results reach certain levels, then cytotoxic or immunosuppressive drugs are given.
Medication does not cure the disease, but slows its progress and makes the patient feel better.
Another form of treatment is bone marrow transplantation but finding a compatible donor is difficult.
Once blood tests deteriorate to the point where treatment is necessary, on drug therapy alone the average survival time is four years. If a donor can be found and marrow can be transplanted, 60% of patients can be cured.


text:
The National Day of Prayer falls on every first Thursday in May, and tomorrow I will lead the prayer for education at a prayer breakfast in downtown Chicago. While I’m honored to have been asked, this role comes with great responsibility.
Some school districts in America are doing exceedingly well on the education front, while the sky is falling in other urban and rural communities. Some educators and parents boast that a failing public school system is just a myth, while others grapple daily with functioning illiteracy among their adolescent students. And depending on who you talk to, entities like charter schools, Teach for America, and the Gates Foundation are either a part of the problem or the solution.
So how should I pray? What should I pray for? I’m given three-to-four minutes for my public petition, and I want it to represent the true needs of educators and students in this country. You might think I’m over-thinking this, but I take my approach to God very seriously.
Two days ago in Chicago, a 14-year-old girl shot and killed another other 14-year-old girl over a Facebook dispute about a boy.
Last Friday,a boy in Milford, Conn., stabbed and killed his classmate because she turned him down for the prom.
My friend who was subbing in L.A. told me that her school just went into lockdown because a middle school boy brought his father’s gun to school, hoping to kill his teacher.
Ending the violence in school is high on my prayer list. When danger reaches our door step, we realize just how deceiving our perception of safety is.
Last month, for example, there was a technical mishap at my school and administrators worried that an intruder had entered the building. We went on lockdown and the police went into each classroom with their guns drawn. Thankfully it was just a false alarm.
Beyond the violence, I want to pray for unity. A diversity of educational philosophies is one thing, but why must we spew vitriol as we debate school policy? Why poison any hope of reaching common ground? We may demonize organizations we do not agree with when, truth be told, all of us have blood on our hands.
If public schools were meeting the needs of all students, there would have never been a need to start charter schools as incubators of innovation. If experienced teachers were lining up to work in low-income inner-city schools, then Teach for America would have gone out of business a long time ago. If the public funding for education was abundant and equitable, then we could tell Bill Gates to direct his philanthropy toward saving the whales.
My prayer is for God to help us see how politics is damaging education. When we put ourselves—and not our students—at the center of the debate, we make a mockery of the very image we are trying so hard to protect.
I firmly believe that even educators—the population of the knowledge dispensers—don’t know how to pick up the educational pieces and put them back together again. Case in point: half of us might argue that the system is not really broken at all!
So how do I pray for an unbroken educational system? Pray that things continue the way they are going? Or pray that they grow at the trajectory where they are now? I cannot do that.
I could pray for the end of standardized testing. The constant barrage of tests is consuming valuable instructional time, narrowing what is taught, and pushing out valuable programs like the arts, foreign language, and physical education. I agree with all of that to a great extent, except that I am always very interested in the test scores when I’m considering enrolling my daughters into a new school.
Those scores are a very helpful tool for me as a parent to judge the overall effectiveness of the academic program at an unfamiliar school. And I’ve seen the even staunchest opponents of testing boast of their school’s high test scores during the debate over which schools in Chicago should close. If the tests don’t really mean anything, then why are you using your high scores as evidence that your school is a good school?
I’m not trying to polarize. I know that there’s way more to a school than its test scores. I know that charters are not intrinsically better than traditional district schools. I know that most schools will never experience a murder of a student or teacher. But when I accepted the invitation to publically pray I didn’t realize how tricky it would be not to offend the people listening.
So from my mouth to God’s ears, I’m just going to speak from my heart. After all, even with hundreds of people in the room, all that really matters is my audience of One.
The opinions expressed in Charting My Own Course are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

domain: sociology


text:
Echague Mayor Francis Faustino “Kiko” Dy is hoping tourists would once again flock to his town once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
On Saturday, September 12, the politiko shared a video of the caves, water falls, and other amazing sights that can be found in Barangay San Miguel alone.
“Echague is blessed with God-given treasures. In Brgy. San Miguel is the den of the rich and diverse eco system. These natural resources is something to be proud of,” Dy said in a Facebook post.
He then said that tourists who wish to see the beauty of Echague once the COVID-19 crisis is over should coordinate with the Municipal Cultural and Tourism Office or leave him a message on Facebook.


Get Tech Tips
Subscribe to free tech tips.
Building a Great HVAC Business w/ Bob Gee
This episode is a rare look at business, sales and people skills instead of tech skills. This is an interview I did with Bob Gee several years ago.
Related Tech Tips
What is a Suction Accumulator?
Suction Accumulators A suction accumulator is used to prevent liquid refrigerant floodback to the compressor. A compressor is designed to move vapor refrigerant, NOT liquid, and the accumulator can really help us win that battle. Accumulators are commonly used on heat pumps, transportation refrigeration systems, low-temp supermarket systems, and any place where liquid refrigerant flooding […]Read more
Key Soft Skills for Technicians
As with most other trades, HVAC/R technicians need to have a solid set of hard skills to make it in the industry. Whether we pick up those hard skills by working on cars as teenagers, learning them in a trade school, or acquiring them on the job, we’ll have to rely on our hard […]Read more
Liquid Line Solenoid Valves: Long Line Applications
Pump down solenoid valves are commonplace for any refrigeration technician. They are energized with the compressor still running, shutting off flow in the liquid line so that the refrigerant is pumped into the condenser and receiver. The compressor will then shut off once a low-pressure switch opens the circuit when the pressure falls below a […]Read more


As we all know this 2020 football season has been anything but normal so it shouldn’t be surprising that Pitt has a chance to do something on Saturday that hasn’t happened often over the last 30 years.
Considering the soft non-conference schedules many Power Five programs choose to play, starting the season 3-0 shouldn’t be rare, but it is with Pitt.
Following season opening wins over Austin Peay and Syracuse, #21 Pitt has a chance to remain a perfect 3-0 with a win over #24 Louisville on Saturday at Heinz Field.
Here are a couple numbers that indicate that a victory over Louisville would be another step in the growth of the Pitt program under Pat Narduzzi.
PITT FOOTBALL OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS:
*It would be the first 3-0 start during the Pat Narduzzi era.
*Since 1990, Pitt has only started a football season 3-0 four times, the last time being under Paul Chryst in 2014.
- 2014 under Chryst (wins over Delaware, at Boston College, and at Florida International)
- 2009 under Dave Wannstedt (wins over Youngstown State, Buffalo, and Navy)
- 2000 under Walt Harris (wins over Kent State, at Bowling Green, and Penn State)
- 1991 under Paul Hackett (wins over at West Virginia, Southern Mississippi, and Temple)
If you’re really optimistic and want to look ahead, Pitt has only started out 4-0 five times since 1980. The last time happened in 2000 (on their way to a 7-5 season.) The Panthers only won their first four games once in the 90s, accomplishing that feat in 1991 under Paul Hackett. Before that, three times in the early 1980s: 1982, 1981 and 1980.


text:
In Prayer by Nicola G. Karesh
I don’t know if you’ve ever been abused or witnessed abuse, but I am sure that I do not have to paint any picture of trauma for anyone.
When I write, I am most often inspired by something that I can see before me in the world, by memory or by feelings from the direct transmission by Source Energy.
Last night, how the dream started, is a little bit foggy. Maybe I was watching a sporting event in my mind? Not sure. What is clear, is that there was a light brown-skinned boy with a big, curly afro who I believe had been playing some kind of sports. As he was walking off the field in front of the bystanders, there was a moment of stillness that I can still feel. It was like the watchful intensity and stillness from a predator that has spotted its prey and is about to pounce. That is literally what they did to this solitary figure.
I can hear myself saying, “No!” over and over in my sleep as they attacked a defenseless person. I most remember someone’s nails scraping off his skin and another tearing hair from his scalp. In my sleep and as I awoke, I felt my horrified response and the helplessness of being unable to do anything to relieve his suffering.
Is this an actual person? I don’t know. I am not given to visions. I am sure though that if it comes through me, it must speak to someone, including me.
I offer a prayer…
May we always respond from God’s heart. With kindness. With love and when the situation warrants, with a fierceness that is still aligned with spirit. May we always aspire to walk the high road, for there is where we serve others and ourselves best, and where we feel our angels.
Even if our brothers and sisters turn on us, may we always remember to reach down deep into our hearts. In the silence of our souls, we can feel the comfort of heaven. In reality, we never have to walk alone. There is a force that will never abandon us. Turn around and feel the warmth of God’s gaze.
May we do what we can to relieve the suffering of others. May we see each other with compassionate eyes. May we be humbled by the knowing that there but for the grace of God go I.
One day, we will realize world peace and there will be no more dreams like I had, because to hate another with such intensity no longer dwells in our heart. Hatred will be a foreign and long forgotten notion.
We will know that as God’s children, there is nothing for us to be but Love.
Photography by Clive Smith – http://on.fb.me/myuyoi
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.org or email@example.com


text:
Last updated at Wed, 14 Nov 2018 20:29:23 GMT
Microsoft's patches this month address over 60 vulnerabilities. Just like last month, another zero-day privilege escalation vulnerability in Win32k has been patched. CVE-2018-8589 has been seen exploited in the wild, and allows a logged-in attacker to execute arbitrary code in the security context of a vulnerable system. Two of this month's other vulnerabilities were already publicy disclosed. CVE-2018-8566 is a Security Feature Bypass in BitLocker, whereby an attacker with physical access to a powered off system could access encrypted data. This is a distinct issue from the advisory Microsoft published last week (ADV180028), which is a flaw with BitLocker using hardware encryption features of certain self-encrypting drives. The other previously disclosed vulnerablity is CVE-2018-8584, an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows. Administrators should prioritize patching these previously known and actively exploited vulnerabilities.
As usual, most of the vulns are browser-related this month. But Office is giving Microsoft's Scripting Engine a run for its money with a total of eleven vulnerabilities being addressed. On the server side, Microsoft has updated Exchange Server, SharePoint, Dynamics, and Team Foundation Server. Also of note is CVE-2018-8476, a Critical Remote Code Execution vulnerability in the Windows Deployment Services TFTP Server, which allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with elevated permissions.
Microsoft has also published a list of the most recent servicing stack updates as ADV990001. These do not fix vulnerabilities directly (they're categorized as "Defense in Depth"), but keeping servicing stack code up to date is important (they are often prerequisites to security updates), and having this information centralized should make life easier for some system administrators.
On the Adobe front, information disclosure vulnerabilities in Flash (APSB18-39/ADV180025), Acrobat Reader (APSB18-40), and Photoshop CC (APSB18-43).
Note: not all CVEs had CVSSv3 data available at the time of writing


We still need to know how to integrate our Quickbooks account into our Clover.com Account and The Flex CC Processor
Hello there, lorieloftis,
You can look for a third-party application that allows you to integrate Clover with QuickBooks Online. Visit our Apps page through your QBO account.
Log in to your QuickBooks Online account.
From the left pane, click on Apps.
Search for apps in the search box.
QuickBooks displays the list of applications available that matches the description you entered. Once you find the right app, click on it to open. You can also visit this link for a better view: https://apps.intuit.com/. From there, you can find different apps that are compatible and designed to work with QuickBooks Online.
If you want to know if there's a direct way to connect without using a different app, you'll need to reach out to the Clover Support. They'll be able to provide details with regards to the integrations they currently support.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.


text:
First and foremost: their name is super lame. Let's just get that out of the way. Saddle Creek recording artists UUVVWWZ (pronounced "double you, double vee, double double you, zee," as described by the band) release their first, self-titled LP this Tuesday, and their ambition is admirable. Unfortunately, UUVVWWZ's polish and direction throughout the album seem a bit misplaced. While UUVVWWZ starts off with quite an impressionable bang, the latter part of the album sputters into 8 minute jams that go absolutely nowhere. However, the effort by the band is at least a fresh, new direction amidst a sea of whiny indie rock -- and quite a blast of fresh air for a label like Omaha's Saddle Creek.
The album, as mentioned earlier, starts off strong with tracks like "Berry Can" and "Shark Suit" -- the latter being quite possibly the album's finest track. It shows off the rollicking, frenetic vocals of lead singer Teal Gardner -- a nice mix of Karen O. and just a hint of Tina Weymouth. She really does give the band their unique quality -- one that goes a long way amongst the bevy of male vocal-lead indie rock.
We Believe Local Journalism is Critical to the Life of a City
Engaging with our readers is essential to Phoenix New Times's mission. Make a financial contribution or sign up for a newsletter, and help us keep telling Phoenix's stories with no paywalls.


text:
AP & Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Washington), May 14, 2009
But in Washington, Latinos already make up the majority of the population in two counties–Franklin and Adams.
Hispanics also are Washington’s largest minority group, totaling 643,687 residents–or nearly 10 percent of the state’s 6.5 million population, the census shows.
Adams County is about 57 percent minority, with 9,886 of its 17,285 residents identifying themselves as minorities.
Franklin County is just over 54 percent minority, with 39,577 minority residents out of 72,783 people.
“We have quite a bilingual work force in Franklin County, and that’s always a plus,” [TRIDEC Public Affairs Director Deanna Smith] said. “This is a global economy so you’re just not selling in the U.S. anymore.”
Smith said Franklin County’s agriculture-based economy and Pasco’s downtown, which features many Hispanic-owned businesses, attract Latinos from other areas of the country. The addition of big-box stores along Road 68, she said, has boosted job opportunities in the area in recent years as well.
Coupled with affordable housing and low-income units, Smith said, Pasco’s job market presents traditionally seasonal workers with a chance to find secure steady employment and the opportunity to become residents and community members.
Neighboring Yakima County was nearly 49 percent minority last year. Other counties above 30 percent included Grant (39.6 percent) and King (31.3 percent).
Nationwide census data also showed that fewer Hispanics were migrating to suburbs and newly emerging immigrant areas in the Southeast, including Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia, staying put instead in traditional gateway locations such as California.
In all, about 309 of the nation’s 3,142 counties, or one in 10, have minority populations greater than 50 percent.
As a state, Washington is 24.5 percent minority, well below the national average of about–34 percent, but substantially more than neighboring Oregon (20 percent) and Idaho (14.9 percent).
But the slowdown among Hispanics and Asians continues to shift conventional notions on when the tipping point in U.S. diversity will come–estimated to occur more than three decades from now. Black growth rates remain somewhat flat.
Other decreases were seen in new immigrant destinations in the Southeast, previously seen as offering good manufacturing jobs in lower-cost cities compared to the pricier Northeast. In contrast, cities in California, Illinois and New Jersey showed gains.
The Census Bureau projected last August that white children will become the minority in 2023 and the overall white population will follow in 2042. The agency now says it will recalculate those figures, typically updated every three to four years, because they don’t fully take into account anti-immigration policies after the Sept. 11 terror attacks and the current economic crisis.
The new projections, expected to be released later this year, could delay the tipping point for minorities by 10 years, given the current low rates of immigration, said David Waddington, the Census Bureau’s chief of projections.
Blacks, who comprise about 12.2 percent of the population, have increased at a rate of about 1 percent each year. Whites, with a median age of 41, have increased very little in recent years due to low birth rates and an aging boomer population.


text:
I’ve always loved birds and appreciated their company while chilling in the backyard of my family home. The 2020 winners of Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) bring the fascinating world of birds even closer to us. In this article, we bring you the overall winner as well as category winners. The selection of marvelous photos shows the birds’ behavior, their wonderful and quirky features, and their interaction with the environment.
Now in its fifth year, the contest has received over 15,000 entries from amateur and professional photographers from all over the world. The contest is organized by charity organization Birds on the Brink, and profits go directly toward conservation efforts.
The Bird Photographer of the year 2020 is Majed AlZa’abi from Kuwait for his photo End of the Day. It’s an impressionistic image of a European Shag taken at Vardø, Norway. Majed’s image was also the winner in the Best Portrait category.
“I was thrilled to receive the news that I had won the prestigious award Bird Photographer of the Year 2020,” Majed said. “It was also wonderful to receive the news about the conservation drive being undertaken by BPOTY and the launch of its charity owner Birds on the Brink. It is great news to think that the artistry of my image will not only inspire fellow photographers but will also help spread the conservation message far and wide.”
The judges have also recognized the winner of the Inspirational Encounters Award 2020. For this contest, the entrants submitted an image that represents an inspirational encounter with birds accompanied by approximately 150 words of text. The winner of this contest is Gail Bisson from Canada with his stunning photo of a Providence Petrel taken off Lord Howe Island, Australia.
BPOTY also recognizes the Best Portfolio. The winner for 2020 is Georgina Steytler from Australia. This prize rewards consistency of skill and photographic talent over a series of 6 images as scored by the judges.
The winner of the Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2020 competition is also announced. Adam Lake from the United Kingdom won this prize for his innovative use of a phone camera to capture this beautiful reflection of a Mute Swan entitled Seeing Double.
The judges selected the best images in eight other contest categories:
- Best Portrait
- Birds in the Environment
- Attention to Detail
- Bird Behaviour
- Birds in Flight
- Garden and Urban Birds
- Creative Imagery
- Black and White
Take a look at the remaining category winners below and make sure to check out BPOTY’s website for more information. The complete selection of photos is also available as a photo book, and you can find it here.
Birds in the Environment
Attention to Detail
Birds in Flight
Garden and Urban Birds
Black and White


text:
Prepper Jack paperback - The Hunt for Reacher Series
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
This time it’s personal.
“Make some coffee. You’ll read all night.” Lee Child
FBI Special Agent Kim Otto receives a kidnapper’s cryptic message in the middle of the night. The Hunt for Jack Reacher turns personal when the victims have a tenuous connection to Reacher...
...and a stronger connection to her.
Innocent preppers are caught in the fallout as ruthless cartels battling for American drug dollars seek to devastate the community and destroy the people who live there.
After Otto is attacked and nearly killed, she accepts that she needs a partner she can rely on to finish the mission. But viable candidates are thin on the ground.
The best man for the job is Jack Reacher, and he owes her. Problem is, Reacher is always in the wind. She can’t afford to wait.
Kim Otto is forced to execute a daring rescue mission to bring down the cartel’s leader and save the preppers at Glen Haven commune.
Will she die trying? And what about Reacher?
Lee Child Gives Diane Capri Two Thumbs Up!
"Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too. Kim Otto is a great, great character - I love her." Lee Child, #1 World Wide Bestselling Author of Jack Reacher Thrillers including The Killing Floor, Die Trying, The Midnight Line, Past Tense, and Blue Moon.
The Hunt for Jack Reacher series enthralls fans of John Grisham, Lee Child, David Baldacci, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, and more:
"Diane writes like the maestro of the jigsaw puzzle. Sit back in your favorite easy chair, pour a glass of crisp white wine, and enter her devilishly clever world."
David Hagberg, New York Times Bestselling Author of Kirk McGarvey Thrillers
"Expertise shines on every page."
Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award Winning MWA Past President and MWA Grand Master
Readers Love the Hunt for Jack Reacher Series and Diane Capri:
"I 'stumbled' on this title and was attracted to it as I am a Jack Reacher fan. Loved the story and the author's writing style. Couldn't wait for more so I purchased [Raw Justice] and want more Jennifer Lane - please?! Fatal Distraction is also on my Kindle to read list!"
"I have been a Reacher fan for years and was excited when I heard of Diane Capri's take on 'Finding Reacher'. 'Don't Know Jack' is a good companion to Child's Reacher books and recaptures the flavor of the Reacher mystique. I am waiting anxiously for the next book in the series and the next and the next, and so on."
"All Child fans should give it a try!"
Award winning New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author DIANE CAPRI Does It Again this time using Lee Child's Die Trying as the source material to create another Blockbuster Hunt for Jack Reacher Series Novel
- Physical products usually ship within two weeks. Digital products are delivered by email from BookFunnel within twenty minutes. All sales final. No returns or refunds.