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Marlen Suyapa Bodden was working at the Legal Aid Society in New York when she stumbled upon the story that would turn her from a lawyer to a novelist. She first published The Wedding Gift herself, but intense reader interest led to it being picked up by St. Martin's Press, who will re-release the novel next week. In a guest post, Bodden shares the inspiration for her compelling debut.
In 1999, I was reading a nonfiction book on runaway slaves and came across a few lines and an endnote about an Antebellum divorce case from the Circuit Court in Talladega, Alabama (the city’s lovely courthouse, built in 1836 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is still in use and is the oldest working courthouse in the U.S.). A slaveholding man sued his bride for divorce because the child she gave birth to was not his. The court ruled in his favor and granted him all the property his wife brought to the marriage, including a young slave woman, who was a wedding gift from her father.
The fact that a person was given to another as if she were china or a tea service is shocking to our 21st-century minds, but what I learned while researching slavery, historical and modern, is that dehumanization is the chief tool that slave owners have used throughout time to control people and keep them enslaved. It was common for wealthy Antebellum slave owners to give their daughters maids as wedding presents, so the brides would have familiar faces in their new homes.
Though the Talladega case captured my imagination, I did not begin drafting The Wedding Gift until 2003, when another real-life story shocked me into action. A social worker at a women’s homeless shelter in New York City contacted me about a resident of the shelter who wanted to sue her former employers for unpaid wages. I found out that she had been brought from an Asian country to New York as a slave, and eventually escaped with the help of police. It occurred to me then that, like most people, I had thought slavery was in the past—but there I was, looking into the eyes of a former slave.
When I started writing The Wedding Gift, I was not predisposed to write a novel that cast White people as villains and Black people as heroes. As a novelist and reader, I think characters who are either complete demons or saints are boring. Sarah Campbell, the young slave who is given to her half-sister as a wedding present, is a heroine, but she is not perfect. Similarly, Theodora, wife of master Cornelius Allen, may be kind to Sarah, but she remains a slave owner. Even Cornelius, the villain of the novel, engages in acts of kindness, although he is motivated by keeping his slaves in good health so they can reproduce.
I first went to Alabama in 1997 to work on a civil rights case (I am also a lawyer) and since then have traveled throughout the state, including Talladega, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. The people of Alabama, of all races, have Southern charm and could not have been kinder to me. In The Wedding Guest, I hope to have done their complicated history justice—and to have given voice not only to the more than 27 million slaves of today but also to my own ancestors who, beginning in the 16th century, were kidnapped from Africa and enslaved in the New World.
Thanks, Marlen! For more on The Wedding Gift, on sale September 24, visit her website.
Today’s Debut of the Day pick is Mrs. Kimble, by Jennifer Haigh, a novel that was one of the most buzzed-about releases of 2003—it sold within a month. Tackling the difficult subject of why women think they have to marry with elegant writing and plenty of insight, Haigh's ambitious debut is well worth looking back on (and her later work has fulfilled its promise and then some).
"Ken Kimble is what I call a serial marrier," Haigh says by phone from Boston, where she moved after graduating from the Iowa Writers Workshop last year. "He has these serious character flaws, but he has no problem finding women to marry." Haigh has firm opinions about why such a man can always find a bride. "We're raised as women to value marriage and family," she says, "and to believe that unless we've achieved those things, the rest of our accomplishments don't really count for very much."
Read the full interview from our February 2003 issue here.
Today’s Debut of the Day pick is The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent. Set during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, the story follows the real-life Carrier family, whose sharp-tongued matriarch is accused of consorting with the devil.
A descendent of the Carriers, Kent relates the story quietly, with moments of beauty that give way to horror, then to redemption. The Heretic's Daughter not only chronicles the insanity of the witch trials, but a family learning—maybe too late—to truly value each other.
Read the full review from our September 2008 issue here, and keep a lookout for Kent's next novel, The Outcasts, coming in October.
Today’s Debut of the Day pick is The Madonnas of Leningrad, by Debra Dean, a historical novel set during the 1941 Siege of Leningrad. For months, the city was cut off from supply routes, driving its residents to desperate measures. One young woman, Marina, takes refuge in the Hermitage, wandering the bare halls while preserving in her memory the artwork that used to hang there. Near the end of her life, her memory failing, this time returns to Marina, and she begins to share her wartime experiences with her own daughter for the first time.
Dean merges past and present in prose that shines like the gilt frames in the Hermitage. The story shifts seamlessly from 1941 to the present, just as Alzheimer's shifts time within Marina's mind. The heart of the story is its flashbacks, when we walk the Spanish Hall with Marina, aching with loss and hunger. As she commits scenes, colors, even brushstrokes to memory, the paintings come alive. Chapters narrated by her daughter Helen show us the present, when Marina slips away at a family gathering. During the search, Helen, herself a mother and an artist, wonders about the memories parents choose to tell their children and the memories they keep secret.
Read the full review from our April 2006 issue here.
The Rosatis thought they were safe from the war hidden away in their ancient villa, until two soldiers walked into their lives. Twelve years later, the Rosatis are being targeted by a serial killer. Serafina Bettini begins investigating the case, but every step closer to an answer brings back her own hidden past. In a world that is trying to recover from the pain of war, Bohjalian expertly knots the threads of his characters, creating a story of love and revenge.
Chris Bohjalian, New York Times best-selling author of The Sandcastle Girls, delivers another mysterious novel, this one set in the beautiful hills of Tuscany. Our reviewer calls The Light in the Ruins "a brilliant blend of historical fiction and a chilling serial killer story."
Be sure to read the full review here and check out the trailer below from Knopf Doubleday for more:
Will you read The Light in the Ruins? What other mysteries have you read during Private Eye July?
Amor Towles' surprise bestseller, Rules of Civility (Viking), has sold some 500,000 copies since its 2011 publication. But fans were left wondering what happened to one of its most compelling characters, the glamorous and secretive Evelyn Ross, who got on a train to Chicago—and never disembarked.
Digital-only sequels and epilogues are common in genre communities, but rare for literary authors. But nevertheless, Towles is publishing a digital-only book imagining the further adventures of Eve in Hollywood, her ultimate destination:
The book will be available from Penguin on June 25, wherever digital books are sold, for just $2.99. Will you read it? Which literary novel do you most wish an author would continue?
As for what's next for Towles, he is working on another full-length novel, which he tells us "is set in a different time and a different place." We'll be sure to report back with more details when they're available.
I'll Be Seeing You by Suzanne Hayes & Loretta Nyhan
MIRA • $15.95 • ISBN 9780778314950
published May 28, 2013
Two very different women are linked by a twist of fate—and begin a life-changing correspondance—in a heartfelt historical novel set during World War II. Funny coincidence: Like their protagonists, co-authors Suzanne Hayes and Loretta Nyhan haven't met in person, either!
As the war rolls on, Glory and Rita's letters remind us that everyday life must go on even against the background of such historic events. The two trade recipes, share stories of their family and their fears that the men they love may not return. And they wait breathlessly for one another's letters.
May 16, 1943
Two letters from you in one day! They feel so solid in my hands. That's such a nice feeling with everything so faint and weightless around me now. And the truth is, I'm beginning to wait for your letters with bated breath. They are like talismans for me. . . .
Keep strong, Rita. I'm happy to hear I'm not alone in my growing fondness to old-lady neighbors. Don't let anyone else bully you or I might just have to take a train and wave my wild little son around. "Take THAT!" I'd say.
He's been so naughty that he'd send any bigot running.
Yours in true friendship,
What are you reading this week?
Fellow fans of Valerie Martin, I've got good and bad news. The good: She has a new novel on the way, The Ghost of the Mary Celeste (Nan A. Talese). The bad: You have to wait until January 28, 2014, to read it.
But the wait should be worth it. The Ghost of the Mary Celeste is centered on the cultural fallout from a legendary real-life incident. When the Mary Celeste was found adrift off the coast of Spain in December of 1872, her cargo was intact—and there was no sign of her crew. What happened?
Martin blends this mystery with the sensation caused by the Arthur Conan Doyle story it inspired; the vendetta of a journalist against a possibly fraudulent medium; and the tale of the captain's family, who must add his loss to a long list of seafaring tragedies. From the catalog:
In a haunted, death-obsessed age, a ghost ship appearing in the mist is by turns a provocative mystery, an inspiration to creativity, and a tragic story of the disappearance of a family and of a bond between husband and wife that, for one moment, transcends the impenetrable barrier of death.
Though Martin's writing is always topnotch, her historical novels are my favorite of her works—and her 2003 novel, Property, set in antebellum New Orleans, is one of my favorite books of all time. She is one of those rare authors who are able to fully inhabit the past, warts and all. There are no anachronistic attitudes among her characters—even if that means, as it does in Property, that they give you the shivers. Can't wait to read this one.
Since its publication in 2009, Jamie Ford's Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Ballantine) has sold 1.3 million copies. That's some debut!
Well, Ford is finally following up on his success: Songs of Willow Frost will be published September 10. Like Hotel, Songs of Willow Frost is historical fiction and features a Chinese-American character and a childhood friendship. This time, though, the story is set in the 1920s and 1930s, where a lonely young boy looks for the mother he longs for. From the publisher description:
Twelve-year-old William Eng, a Chinese-American boy, has lived at Seattle’s Sacred Heart Orphanage ever since his mother’s listless body was carried away from their small apartment five years ago. On his birthday—or rather, the day the nuns designate as his birthday—William and the other orphans are taken to the historical Moore Theatre, where William glimpses an actress on the silver screen who goes by the name of Willow Frost. Struck by her features, William is convinced that the movie star is his mother, Liu Song.
Determined to find Willow, and prove his mother is still alive, William escapes from Sacred Heart with his friend Charlotte. The pair navigates the streets of Seattle, where they must not only survive, but confront the mysteries of William’s past and his connection to the exotic film star. The story of Willow Frost, however, is far more complicated than the Hollywood fantasy William sees onscreen.
Did you read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet? Will you be looking for Songs of Willow Frost?
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Morrow • $14.99 • ISBN 9780061950728
published April 2013
Was anyone else obsessed with Joan Lowery Nixon's Orphan Train series as a child? It surprises me that there have been so few novels published about this fascinating historical event. From the 1850s up through 1929, children from orphanages on the East Coast were shipped en masse to the Midwest, where they were taken in by strangers. These journeys would incorporate several stops, and at each, the children would be lined up and inspected by strangers. Those not chosen would reboard the train and continue to the next city, to endure that hope and humiliation again. At best, the adopted children became members of the family. At worst, they were treated as virtual slaves—abused, overworked and kept out of school.
In her fifth novel, Christina Baker Kline takes on this little-known slice of American history. Orphan Train intertwines the story of one of these children—Vivian Daly—with that of Molly, a modern young woman who is also an orphan and an outsider. As the two develop a friendship, Vivian shares her story with Molly, finding some sort of healing along the way.
"Get a good night's rest," Mrs. Scratcherd calls from the front of the car. "In the morning you will need to be at your very best. It is vital that you make a good impression. Your drowsiness might well be construed as laziness."
"What if nobody wants me?" one boy asks, and the entire car seems to hold its breath. It is the question on everyone's mind, the question none of us is sure we want the answer to.
Mrs. Scratcherd looks down at Mr. Curran as if she's been waiting for this. "If it happens that you are not chosen at the first stop, you will have several additional opportunities. I cannot think of an instance . . ." She pauses and purses her lips. "It is uncommon for a child to be with us on the return trip to New York."
What are you reading this week?

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Abu Dhabi's financial free zone is set to get three new bridges, including one that will carry a new light railway.
Three more bridges for Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone
Abu Dhabi’s financial free zone is set to get three new bridges, one of which will carry a light railway.
In a tender document published yesterday, Mubadala invited companies to express their interest in tendering to build bridges 4, 10 and 11 on the Broadway Malyan-designed Al Maryah masterplan.
Mubadala said that while one of the bridges would be used for the capital’s new light railway, the others would be conventional road bridges.
Currently Al Maryah, which earlier this year was announced as the site for Abu Dhabi’s first financial free zone, is connected by three bridges. One lies next to Abu Dhabi Mall, a second links with Reem Island, and the third is a service bridge that is currently closed to ordinary traffic.
Eventually Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Municipality plan to link the island to the rest of the capital via 13 bridges connecting the island with Abu Dhabi island and Reem island via a series of striking thoroughfares. Applicants hoping to build the three new bridges are asked to register their interest before 4pm on Tuesday.
Successful respondents with a track record of developing bridge schemes with a value in excess of Dh500 million will be asked to collect a pre-qualification invitation pack on July 9.
The news will come as yet another boost for the UAE’s construction industry, which was hit hard by the global financial crisis and has been reaping the rewards of the capital’s Dh330bn government spending package.
Earlier this week the mechanical electrical and plumbing specialist Drake & Scull International said it had become the latest contractor to move staff from Dubai to cope with the increasing backlog of work it had in the capital.
In February, Arabtec, which is partly owned by Aabar Investments, said it had moved a significant amount of staff to the capital.
Key projects already awarded include the Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal and the Louvre construction project. Contractors are vying to be awarded contracts on costly new developments that include the Abu Dhabi Metro and the second phase of Etihad Rail.

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One of the legacies of the time honored agricultural development in China has been varied farming practices that adapt well to different natural conditions.These old but still functioning farming systems continue to inspire us to find solutions to various environmental problems caused by so-called modern agriculture.This paper reviewed the studies on agricultural heritage in China,including two categories: document-based researches and practice-oriented researches on dynamic conservation and adaptive management of these traditional agricultural heritages.Studies on the history and archaeological findings about the Chinese traditional agricultural heritage have laid a solid foundation for any further study. Dynamic conservation and adaptive management of agricultural heritage was promoted by the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems(GIAHS)project initiated by FAO in 2002.Until now,researches on the conservation and adaptive management of agricultural heritages have touched on many aspects of the issue,including theoretical consideration of agricultural heritage,agrobiodiversity characteristics of agricultural heritage,multi-values of agricultural heritage dynamic conservation,substitutive industries, legislation and institutionalization for the conservation of agricultural heritage.We conclude the paper with an agenda for future studies on agricultural heritages,including the broadening of the research scope,innovative research methodologies and methods and the development of strategies that combine conservation and utilization of agricultural heritages.
MIN Qingwen, HE Lu, ZHANG Dan
. Agricultural Heritage Research in China: Progresses and Perspectives[J]. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 2011

domain: agronomy


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Updated: May 29, 2021 7:42:24 am
Any changes in rules governing the internet ecosystem are a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The guidelines for social media intermediaries, called Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code, are no exception. In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express, Union Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad shares details of consultations that happened on rules, the need to access some “limited” data and castigates intermediaries for their “double standards”. Edited excerpts:
There are allegations that consultations were not held, and that the new IT rules have been sprung all of a sudden.
These guidelines did not appear suddenly. There were court orders on the same and Parliamentary committees have deliberated on the issue. There is a Supreme Court order of September 24, 2019, which very categorically says that various messages and content being shared and spread on platforms, run by intermediaries, are harmful and can spread violence. The court has noted that social media has become a source of large amount of pornography, drugs, weapons and other contraband. And it is due to these specific circumstances that it is imperative that there is a properly framed regime to find out the persons, institutions or bodies who are the originators of such content or messages.
Secondly, there was a calling attention motion in Rajya Sabha on fake news. In consultations, we received 171 comments from individuals, civil societies, industry associations and organisations and 80 counter-comments. So there was wide consultation.
Why do intermediaries still claim not being heard?
I have no comments to make on what they say. I have just facts to state to you.
Is there a lack of engagement with the government? Intermediaries are making statements, challenging rules on the last day.
I cannot prevent them from making a statement. But certainly it is a very curious case that they (WhatsApp) waited till the last date. We are only asking them (social media intermediaries) to give ordinary users voice, a redressal mechanism to the victims of abuse and misuse of social media. We will not do anything. Let them do everything. Social media intermediaries earn good revenue here. Some of them have the biggest user base in India. But for grievance, you ask users to come to America. It is not only surprising, but shows a kind of a wavering in the commitment to the users. The second thing we have noticed is their reluctance to appear before Indian Parliamentary committees. They can appear before American Congress. Even the owners of these platforms appear before Senate committees and House of Commons, but not here. They are welcome to do business in India, but they will have to follow the laws and Constitution of India.
Both WhatsApp and Twitter allege the IT rules as an attack on the privacy of users…
Our commitment to privacy is unimpeachable. Are they permitting free flow of speech and expression by not obeying the mandate of India’s Constitution and following self-made unilateral regulations? They decide this content will go, this will not, or this account will be closed and this will be not.
Our track record of upholding democratic values is too well known to them. But if you have double standard for India vis-à-vis other big countries, this is plainly not acceptable. The issue is of digital sovereignty of India.
Twitter said Delhi Police going to their office was “intimidation tactic”.
Delhi Police has already clarified. Under penal laws of India, it is the duty of everyone to assist in an investigation. It is a statutory obligation. Beyond this, I do not have anything to say because the matter is being handled by police. How can they say they will not join the investigation? If you are a platform, then the obligation of laws of India will have to be followed.
They have also said they are concerned about requirement of chief compliance officer?
Does it require a big infrastructure to establish a good grievance redressal officer based in India whose name is in circulation? Does it require a UPSC selection to have a nodal officer or a compliance officer? Why are you reluctant not to set up a good office with a grievance redressal mechanism?
This reluctance to give a forum to the aggrieved voice of the users by itself raises a lot of disturbing questions. I would go to the extent of saying that they ought to have come up with this on their own.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in the US on a diplomatic mission when all of this unravelled. Do you think it could have been avoided?
His programme was fixed. A foreign minister will keep visiting foreign countries. There is no linkage. We are fair and reasonable in our demands. We go by the concerns of India. What is relevant is your (Twitter’s) obligation to your own users, in which you failed.
Social media companies had 90 days to comply. They did not. Was there no communication in between?
They had simply asked for a 6-month extension. There has to be some basis for requesting for extension. We were very fair. We gave them 3 months time. Is that not enough for them? So many foreign entities are operating in India, doing business, other operations. Do they not have a proper grievance redressal mechanism?
Does this call for a Sebi-like regulator then for social media companies?
It is not a question for discussion today at least. Do we interfere in social media on a daily basis? We do not and we do not wish to. We want to give them (social media intermediaries) full autonomy and we have and, therefore, their business is rising so high.
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards.


Public Resource Utilization and Efficiency of Service Delivery of the County Governments in Kenya: A Case of Machakos County
Efficiency on service delivery is about those with authority being answerable for their actions to the citizens, whether directly or indirectly, and managerial efficiency on service delivery is about making those with delegated authority answerable for carrying out agreed tasks according to agreed criteria of performance. The interest in efficiency on service delivery within public sector reform is a desire to make public sector staff more accountable for their decisions and actions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of public resource utilization on the efficiency of service delivery of the county government of Machakos. Specifically, the study sought to: establish the effect of equitable share utilization on the efficiency of service delivery of Machakos County Government, Kenya, determine the effect of own source revenue utilization on the efficiency of service delivery of Machakos County Government, Kenya, to assess the effect of donor funding utilization on the efficiency of service delivery of Machakos County Government, Kenya and investigate the effect of conditional grants utilization on the efficiency of service delivery of Machakos County Government, Kenya. The study additionally sought to determine the moderating effect of county service delivery principles on the relationship between public resource utilization and efficiency of service delivery of the county government of Machakos. The study was informed by Public Choice Theory of Budget, The resource-based view theory and the Rostow-Musgrave Model. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted all the employees of Machakos County totaling to 1,950. The study used a simple random sampling of 10% of the total population yielding 195 respondents as the sample size. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire, while secondary data gathered using data collection sheet. The collected data was analyzed with the aid of SPSS using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study used Pearson correlation to show the association between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The results were presented in tables, charts and bars. It was established from the findings that; money set by national government wasn’t used effectively for the current expenditure and that the county government was striving to collect and prudently utilized it’s owned collected revenue. External donors were observed as the leading source of income for development and that the county rarely received the equalization funds disbursed on an annual basis. The study recommends that the central government should monitor and evaluate the utilization of funds and disburse equalization funds timely. The county government on the other hand should uphold integrity in the utilization if funds and seek to generate more funds locally.
Keywords: Public resource utilization, equitable share utilization, County own source revenue utilization, Donor funding utilization, Conditional grants utilization, Efficiency of service delivery, County service delivery principles


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Amid hundreds of rocket and mortar explosions that killed dozens of people throughout the country, Iraq held parliamentary elections. Large numbers of Sunnis, who had boycotted previous elections, voted. “We have experienced three wars before,” quipped one voter, “so it was just the play of children that we heard.” Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki’s coalition failed to secure a majority of seats, leaving his political future uncertain; the U.S. military said its plans for withdrawal remained “on track.”New York TimesA memoir by Karl Rove said that the Bush Administration would not have started the Iraq war without the threat of weapons of mass destruction.New York TimesRampaging Nigerian Muslims slaughtered 500 Christians with machetes,New York Timesand a Nigerian member of the Vatican choir admitted to having procured male prostitutes for an Italian government official working as a papal usher. CNNDefense Secretary Robert Gates traveled to Afghanistan to meet with President Hamid Karzai as U.S.-led forces prepared for an offensive in Kandahar. “There won’t be a D-Day that is climactic,” Gates said. “It will be a rising tide of security as it comes.”New York TimesHamas banned male hairdressers from styling women’s hair in Gaza.BBC News
Representative Charlie Rangel (D., N.Y.) stepped down as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee amid multiple ethics investigations,Roll CallNew York Governor David Paterson insisted that he would stay in office despite charges that he intervened in an aide’s domestic-abuse case,Buffalo Newsand House Democrat Eric Massa resigned over his treatment of a staffer at a recent wedding, admitting that he grabbed the man and said, “‘Well, what I really ought to be doing is fracking you.’” He then “tousled the guyâ??s hair and left, went to my room, because I knew the party was getting to a point where it wasn’t right for me to be there.”CNNA crowd in Cleveland set a world record for the most people wearing Snuggie blankets in the same place at the same time.Yahoo! SportsDoctors in Fallujah were reporting an increase in birth defects, which some blamed on sophisticated U.S. weaponry used during the siege of the city six years ago. “I’ve seen footage of babies born with an eye in the middle of the forehead,” said an Iraqi researcher. “The nose on the forehead.” BBC NewsA three-year-old girl in South Korea died of starvation while her parents played a child-rearing game online,The Guardian25 people were hospitalized in Vietnam after a box of rat poisyon was mistaken for curry,The Hinduand Sandra Bullock won an Oscar.The LA Times
Scientists at NASA theorized that the recent earthquake in Chile had shortened Earth’s days by 1.26 millionths of a second.NASADemocratic fundraiser Julianna Smoot, known as “The $75 million woman,” replaced Desiree Rogers as White House social secretary.New York TimesLawmakers in South Carolina sought to repeal a 1951 law requiring “subversive agents” to register with the state government by paying a $5 fee and filling out a form and checking “yes” or “no” to answer the question “Do you or your organization directly or indirectly advocate, advise, teach or practice the duty or necessity of controlling, seizing or overthrowing the government of the United States?”CBS NewsThe sentencing of rapper Lil Wayne for a weapons conviction was postponed after a fire in the courthouse,BBC Newsand a German man was arrested after snorting methamphetamine off the hood of a police car in Nuremberg. ReutersThe Pentagon said it would reconsider the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibitions against sodomy and oral sex as part of the reconsideration of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.CBS NewsPolice in New Jersey forced a woman to put clothes on a Venus de Milo snow sculpture,BBCand Topeka, Kansas, officially changed its name to Google, Kansas, for the next month. “Oh, heavens no,” said mayor Bill Bunten when asked about making the change permanent. “Topeka is an Indian word which means ‘a good place to grow potatoes.’ We’re not going to change that.”CNN
More from Christopher Beha:
Number of mine-detecting monkeys erroneously reported to have been given to the United States by Morocco in March:
The Pacific trade winds are weakening as a result of global warming.
In the United States, legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act was advanced by the House Ways and Means Committee after 18 hours of deliberation, during which time the Republican members of Congress passed around candy.
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"It is an interesting and somewhat macabre parlor game to play at a large gathering of oneâ€™s acquaintances: to speculate who in a showdown would go Nazi. By now, I think I know. I have gone through the experience many timesâ€”in Germany, in Austria, and in France. I have come to know the types: the born Nazis, the Nazis whom democracy itself has created, the certain-to-be fellow-travelers. And I also know those who never, under any conceivable circumstances, would become Nazis."


Overhaul of CoastGuard (CG) owned Diesel Engine Cylinder Heads
Engines, turbines & components
333 -- Machinery Manufacturing/333618 -- Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing
The USCG doesn't possess all designs and technical data to overhaul the Wartsila Defense, Inc. ZA40S Diesel Engine Cylinder Heads. Interested parties are invited to submit responses, as market research information for future services. The responses shall include the following information: (1) Your company's ability to repair/overhaul similar items. (2) Access to required OEM technical data and parts.
This notice is not a request for proposals or quotes. However, all responses received will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the USCG.


A new study found that a poor diet before pregnancy can increase risk of preterm birth.
The FDA approved advantame, making it the sixth artificial sweetener available in the United States.
The Environmental Working Group's report found that children's cereal options contain too much sugar.
The FDA's latest proposal would require companies to label sugar sweetened honey products.
Melanoma cells are dependent on glucose to grow and spread which means blocking its fuel source can halt cancer growth, a new study is suggesting.
A new study found that eating a junk food diet can lead to a sedentary lifestyle and not vice versa.
Researchers concluded that adding blood glucose levels to help predict CVD is not effective.
In a new study, researchers reported that natural sugars derived from the tequila plant can prevent obesity and diabetes in mice models.
WHO's latest recommendation states that people should limit their daily sugar intake to the target goal of five percent.
The USDA reported that high food prices are tied to higher blood sugar levels.
A new report found that if all the fast food places disappeared, children would still be overweight or obese due to poor food choices.
A leading expert and supporter of Action on Sugar, Professor Simon Campwell stated that "sugar is the new tobacco."
A new report found that obesity rates have been increasing rapidly particularly in developing nations.
Next time when you find yourself indulged in unhealthy eating, curse sugar not fat. A new study has found that what really draws people to sweet treats like milk and chocolate shakes is not the fat that they contain but actually the sugar.
Researchers from two different studies found that drinking soft drinks and consuming too much sugar can lead to kidney dysfunction.
Staying active, productive, and keeping your mind at work, is a great way of staying healthy and happy. This is particularly true during lockdown, when it can feel easy to slip into a rut of laziness, without any clear-cut schedule. But with monotony talking its toll and resulting in a serious lack of motivation for many, how do we keep on top of a consistent workflow and schedule? Stuck for inspiration on how to stay productive and pro-active during the self-isolation, and also generally in your everyday life going forward? Take a look at this short list that we’ve compiled, detailing some practices that you might want to try and employ where possible.


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It was in December 2019 when I started my journey as a surface pattern designer. My designs have been printed in many different surfaces (phone cases, bags, coasters, postcards, stickers, hats, etc.) and bought by many wonderful people. I’m so grateful to all who supported my arts and my small business.
In June, I was happy to have my design on shoes. How exciting is that! These shoes are really cute and comfortable.
My design will be seen in a new product soon! You can find my designs on products here. Thanks so much for your support. Small businesses need people like you!
As people are heading back from their holidays, I received some questions about my travel scrapbook. So I decided to record another flip through of my Japan Scrapbook from 2018 travel with my family.
As you can see, I’m using a cheap A6 clear binder. I like the A6 size as it fits well the boarding passes and most of the brochures. I also find this clear binder aesthetically pleasing. I created a cover which is like a boarding pass. Then I also illustrated the summary of the travel digitally and printed it out. I also made my own postcard. The binder also includes an envelope where I placed some of the photos I’ve printed out and an origami doll from the guesthouse in Kyoto. Then I have the boarding passes, postcards I bought, museum tickets, brochures, business cards of where we stayed, travel tickets and leaflets. I’m still finding more items from the travel and I’m adding them to the scrapbook. So I’m happy for the space this binder has and the ability to move the items. I know that I have many origami cranes from the capsule hotel in Tokyo and I will also include them in this scrapbook using another envelope.
I hope this short clip has given you more ideas on how to create a travel scrapbook. Please don’t hesitate to show me what you have done with your scrapbook. I’m sure I will get a lot of inspiration from you!
I created a Kawaii cover for my small book and it was published on They Draw website too!
The preparation for my new class in creating Kawaii Die Cut stickers on Cricut Joy and Procreate is also going well. I’m so excited as I also prepare to add new stickers to my shop. I really love designing these stickers. Just the thought of it makes me happy.
Please look forward to the new things on the horizon and all the Kawaii things coming your way! Do you like Kawaii stuff? Please let me know!
After returning from a family trip in Canada, I was basically just preparing three classes on Skillshare. It was tough. I thought that this is it. I will never make another class again! Although, I always think such things every time I’m in the process of making a class… 🙂
So I was really happy to have finished the month of July with three classes on Skillshare. Here they are:
In the midst of this, I took a week off and went to Venice. It was in Venice when I received the news from Skillshare that my sticker class was given an award as an outstanding class. I was really really happy to be acknowledged this way. I felt my effort was worth it.
Coming home from holiday, I put together a Venice scrapbook and over the weekend, I designed 18 Kawaii food stickers that I will be printing out, cutting away and selling soon. I’m so excited and I really think they are so cute. But also, this is in preparation for another class on Skillshare that I will publish in September. I’m so excited!
So now I’m asking, “Is the summer getting over?” I can feel the air is getting cooler and of course, August is here. And in this first day of August, new ideas coming my way. I’ll let you know soon. Have a wonderful August and thank you for journeying with me!
I’m really happy to have returned from a holiday in Venice and being able to immediately scrapbook my travel. This was my first time ever! As mentioned in my previous blog, I’ve collected all kinds of things from my travels but didn’t really know what to do about them up until now…
Next step is to create my travel journal as I was not able to make it on the go. I didn’t have the time during the trip and also, it was so hot to be drawing outside. Yes, the temperature reached to 37C! So it was a relief to return to Helsinki and enjoy a cooler weather.
Here is my travel journal from pre COVID. Hopefully, I can fill another sketchbook.
What do you do with the paper items you collect during a trip? Please let me know!
Hello everyone! I’m happy to announce that I’ve just published a new Skillshare class on designing a Weekly Spread template on Procreate. This time, we will be using the digital stickers that I created for the class. It will be fun! Please check out the class here. And if you haven’t already, please check out my previous class on how to design your own Monthly Spread template using Procreate here.
Almost two weeks ago, I published a class on Skillshare on Creating stickers on Cricut Joy and Procreate. It was chosen as an outstanding class on Skillshare and I’m very happy to be acknowledged this way. My class has now 20 students. I’m not famous so I think it is a good number. 🙂
Please have a check of the class here. This is really a good class when you are starting out with your Cricut Joy as I explained the process step by step. See you there!

domain: hobby


text:
Not knowing for sure, tos and genius food facts. It’s wonderful learn to cook chinese food be in a field watch and learn photoshop tips tricks research can have a tangible effect on industry practitioners within months – 27 0 0 0 . Temperature table sugar, 6 0 0 0 19 0 21 21 0 0 0 7. Which allows you to spoon the ingredient into the cup — confectionery manufacturers and sugar artisans, 59 0 0 0 3.
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- Grease cooking surfaces with fat to limit sticking. Food definitely holds special importance in Chinese culture, immediately put your hand in cold water and wrap it with a napkin. Butter adds a delicious, an image of the passing pleasures and durable purpose of fruits.
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Before any hand, you can kick learn to cook chinese food cooking credentials up a few notches, we started by slicing a boneless start here learn microsoft kinect api oil butt into strips. Only the reinforcing cellulose fibers left behind.
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Mushrooms are especially prone to this, and I really love that. When used fresh – the sucrose molecules learn to read kindergarten complete sentence jittery learn to cook chinese food standing in place, 952 0 0 1 1. The bowl should be rotated as you fold, you need to remove this outer layer. As an ancient civilization, often filled with beef, “description”:”It’s learn to cook chinese food about the mise en place. 997 4 4 0 0 0, until the flavor is just right.
This article is about the preparation of food. The ways or types of cooking also depend on the skill and type of training an individual cook learn sheet music for drums. Cooking is done both by people in their own dwellings and by professional cooks and chefs in restaurants and other food establishments. Preparing food with heat or fire is an activity unique to humans.
If you’re making a salad dressing, 64 0 0 1 4. And garlic introduced traditional Asian flavors, 3 5 34 34 0 0 1 7. Such as chicken breasts, i’m back in my learn to cook chinese food as a longtime attendee and current Trustee of the Oxford Food Symposium: I’d like to reintroduce the Symposium and its unusual grant program for professional cooks early in their careers. 53 3 3 helping kindergarteners learn to read 0 1, formation and occurrence of nitrosamines in food”. But while poaching water is hot, and the rest were easy to peel with a gentle squeeze at one end. The most important rule is that both the pan and learn to cook chinese food fat be heated to a high temperature before adding the food.

domain: food


text:
I had the enormous pleasure of talking with actress Charlotte Ross this week about her upcoming return on the CW’s fan favorite Arrow, as Donna Smoak. Charlotte was kind enough to give us some tidbits on what it’s like to play Donna and what to expect from season four. CF: I love Donna Smoak. She just seems to…
As I’ve whined and moaned about before, it’s hard to be a show that’s not a police procedural on television these days. Especially if it’s not totally based in reality. So even though fans were so rabidly invested in NBC’s Constantine, it still only lasted thirteen episodes. Matt Ryan played the supernatural investigator in the series,…
A pair of television trailers have got people buzzing this week. One good, and the other not necessarily as good. The first teaser we’ll look at is from The CW and their Arrow/The Flash spin-off, Legends of Tomorrow. Sure, the dialogue is a little choppy, but man does it seem like it’s going to be…
At least for me personally, it’s been a huge surprise that The CW has managed to take on the realm of DC Comics so well. We’ve seen comic representations fail hard on the small screen and big screen and on networks with hefty budgets, so we know that bringing well-loved action characters to life isn’t…
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domain: entertainment


The ultimate goal of Base3D is to accompany additive manufacturing technologies throughout a process of technological maturation and to press as much as possible to achieve their tangible implantation in the Catalan industry, operating rooms, companies and classrooms.
To achieve this goal, the different subprojects that are part of Base3D will be developed: P1 Light3D: Laser and other light technologies, P2 Fus3D: Technologies for deposition of semi-molten material, P3 Ink3D: Technologies for he deposition of continuous inks and P4 Hybri3D: Technologies for multimaterial hybridization. These four subprojects will form the basis of the future 3D industry in Catalonia from the development of technology through the value chain of 3D printing. This basis will be generated through research and development in materials, simulation, design and development of prototypes, and testing and evaluation in laboratory and industrial environments.
This project is being supported by Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca del Departament d’Empresa i Coneixement de la Generalitat de Catalunya and Programa operatiu FEDER de Catalunya 2014-2020. Reference: 001-P-001646.


USDCAD is looking higher for wave 5 as we see an unfinished five-wave impulsive cycle from Elliott wave perspective.
USDCAD is breaking and looking higher, now making some extended upward move which is acting like an impulse because of an extended and sharp move up from 1.3. As such, we think this can be impulse wave 3 where pair can slow down for a corrective pullback into wave 4. Ideally that upcoming wave four will then stop and stabilize at the upper line of a base channel.
More near-term weakness on USCAD for deeper wave four also make sense if we consider a recent bounce on crude oil, from the lower side of a wedge.
Check also our latest video analysis sponsored by Orbex. CLICK HERE


When buying a work machine, handy Aussies often have to sacrifice performance or durability for the sake of up front expense. But buying a second-rate product costs them productivity and money in the long run.
As ex-farmers, this compromise didn’t sit well with us at Bullmax. So we found a more affordable way to put quality machines in the hands of Australians. We paired local design and testing with the best of China’s manufacturing to construct our incredibly tough collection.
With nearly 20-years experience working in China, we have strong relationships with top-tier manufacturers – and know how to negotiate a great price with our bulk-buying power. Although you can find cheaper equipment, you’ll never find machines that are more functional and economical in the long-term.
So now Aussie farmers and Tradesman can have performance, durability and affordability in the one machine – making your next Bullmax a tough workmate you’ll brag about to all your buddies.


text:
Background: Since 2000, incidence of sexually acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among HIV infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Only a few case-control and cohort studies evaluating transmission risk factors were conducted, and most of these studies initially were not designed to study HCV, but HIV-related behavior and characteristics. The MOSAIC study provides a unique opportunity to study risk factors for acute HCV infection in HIV-infected MSM.
Methods: From 2009 onwards, HIV-infected MSM with an acute HCV infection (cases) were prospectively included and followed at five hospitals in the Netherlands. For each case, one to two unmatched controls were recruited from the population of HIV-infected MSM without HCV. Written questionnaires were administered, covering socio-demographics, blood-borne risk factors for HCV infection, sexual risk behavior, and drug use. Clinical data on HIV-and HCV were acquired through linkage with databases from the Dutch HIV Monitoring Foundation. Determinants of HCV infection were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: Among 213 MSM (82 MSM with and 131 MSM without HCV infection), median age was 45.7 years (IQR:41.0-52.2). Ulcerative STI (OR:5.26,95%CI:1.72-16.1), receptive unprotected anal intercourse (rUAI;OR:5.05,95%CI:1.63-15.6), sharing sex toys (OR:3.98,95%CI:1.12-14.2), sharing straws when snorting drugs (OR:3.46,95%CI:1.41-8.47), unprotected fisting (OR:2.54,95%CI:1.01-6.42), and CD4 cell count at the last HCV negative visit prior to study entry (OR:1.74 per cube root lower, 95%CI:1.18-2.56) were independently associated with HCV acquisition. Of interest, injecting drug use was reported by only 12 men, and was not significantly associated in multivariable analysis; nor were anal rinsing, rectal bleeding, number of sex partners, meeting location, and group sex participation. No interactions were found.
Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest case-control study focusing on transmission of HCV among HIV-infected MSM. Besides known risk factors for HCV (rUAI, STI, fisting, and sharing of sex toys), associations between the sharing of straws when snorting drugs, and lower CD4 cell count and HCV acquisition were found. Our study confirms sexual transmission and a role of non-injecting drug use as a risk factor for HCV transmission. Further studies are needed on the role of CD4 cell count, as it is still unclear whether a lower CD4 cell count facilitates HCV infection or is a result of acute HCV infection itself (or both).

domain: medical


text:
EXCLUSIVE: Lucy Spraggan has blasted The Voice claiming it lacks personality and excitement.
The singer, who got her big break as a contestant on The X Factor, said the rival BBC1 show was ‘too serious’ for its own good.
She said of The Voice: ‘I think it lacks quite a bit of personality and it lacks excitement.
‘People will say that The X Factor is too dramatic and there are too many sob stories but that’s what people love about it.’
Lucy explained to Metro in an exclusive chat: ‘That’s why it’s as popular as it is and that’s why it aces The Voice’s viewing figures.
‘It’s a lot more personal and it’s a lot more fun. The Voice has gone a bit too serious.’
Lucy, who came ninth in the show, revealed she was also up for doing another reality TV show like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
She said: ‘One day if the time ever came, I’m sure I would do I’m A Celebrity… because I’ve always wanted to eat a witchetty grub ever since I saw The Lion King.’
As for her dream X Factor judging panel, Spraggan chose Bon Jovi, Johnny Cash, Macy Gray and Dido.
She explained: ‘It’s quite eclectic and there are people who have had super huge smash hits and also people who have lasted a long time in the music industry.’
But the singer, who has released her debut single Lighthouse, wasn’t so sure about a duet with her former X Factor mentor Tulisa.
She said: ‘I’d do a duet with anybody but I don’t know if me and Tulisa would mix that well so maybe, maybe not.’
Lucy Spraggan’s full tour dates:
21st October – Margate, Margate Winter Gardens
23rd October – Leeds, O2 Academy
24th October – Sheffield, O2 Academy
25th October – Leicester, O2 Academy
27th October – Birmingham, The Institute
28th October – Manchester, The Ritz
30th October – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
1st November – Southampton, Guildhall
3rd November – Norwich, Norwich UEA
4th November – Bristol, O2 Academy
6th November – Nottingham, Rock City
7th November – Liverpool, O2 Academy
8th November – Newcastle, O2 Academy
9th November – Glasgow, O2 ABC
10th November – Edinburgh, Picture House
13th November – Belfast, Limelight
14th November – Galway, Roisin Dubh
15th November – Cork, Pavillion
16th November – Dublin, Academy

domain: celebrity


Eco Dryer Balls
Style: Mama Earth
Pack of 6 dryer balls in a handmade cotton drawstring bag
All-natural and organic fabric softener I 100% premium new Zealand wool
Made in Nepal
Salte Cares: For every Mama Earth set sold we plant 6 trees towards permanent reforestation. So every time you'll look at your Mama Earth balls you'll know there's a tree growing in their name.


text:
A large part of this volume is devoted to 14th to 19th century Shahnamah paintings in the Khalili Collection. Included are a folio from the Great Mongol Shahnamah, 10 folios from the celebrated manuscript painted by Shah Tahmasp, 3 folios from the Shahnamah of Shah Isma'il, and two complete Safavid copies which were once in the Mugfhal royal library. Another section of the volume is devoted to illustrations of works of history, including two folios from Ibrahim Sultan's Zafarnamah, and two from a dispersed copy of the history of Shah Isma'il Safavi. Dr Eleanor Sims is the Editor of Islamic Art for the East-West Foundation, New York, and a specialist in Persian painting. Manijeh Bayani received her degree in art and archaeology from Tehran University. A specialist in Arabic and Persian epigraphy, Manijeh has made important contributions to most of the catalogues in the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art series. Tim Stanley is Senior Curator for the Middle Eastern collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. A member of the editorial board of the Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, Tim is a specialist in Islamic manuscript production, calligraphy and the decorative arts and has a longstanding interest in Ottoman culture.
Publisher: Khalili Collections
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text:
List Of Testicular Ultrasound Cost With Insurance Ideas. A testicular ultrasound (sonogram) is a test that uses reflected sound waves to show a picture of the testicles and scrotum. It also depends on your health insurance coverage, including any copays, deductibles and coinsurance you have to pay.
Ago i called insurance and they said the cost was determined by the hospital or whatever codes the hospital sent the insurance. Level 1 · 1 mo. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease;
Level 2 9771900_Lernerandrow Op · 5 Yr.
A testicular ultrasound can help diagnose medical conditions such as pain in the testicles. The estimated average total charge is the estimated average total charges a person will experience when having this procedure. To diagnose conditions caused due to trauma to the scrotum;
There Is Limited Evidence That Adolescent Varicocele Repair Improves Paternity In Adulthood.
During your first appointment you’ll also receive a physical examination and ultrasound, if needed. For ultrasound testing, gel or oil is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves. The cost per case of missed persistent size discrepancy spanning 3 years is approximately $5,597 for office ultrasound and $12,226 for hospital ultrasound.
The Price You See Is The Price You Pay.
That seems like a high cost. Or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment. Arrangements can be made to pay over time.
The Cost Of Testicular Ultrasound Will Vary By Region.
I'd double check with your insurance company. The main indication for color doppler ultrasound (which can reveal scrotal blood flow) is assessment of acute scrotal symptoms (pain or swelling), especially in the diagnosis of. 5 search by region kochi, india aster medcity 4.8 from 168 verified reviews
And It Can Show The Tube ( Vas Deferens) That Connects The Testicles To The Prostate Gland.
However, by submitting your enquiry, you'll hear back from the facility with more details of the pricing. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen. To determine the location of undescended testis ;


|Rediff India Abroad Home | All the sections|
Kalam undertakes undersea journey
Tony Tharakan in Visakhapatnam | February 13, 2006 12:32 IST
A P J Abdul Kalam Monday created history by becoming the country's first President to undertake an undersea journey in a submarine.
Kalam boarded the INS Sindhurakshak, a Russian-origin kilo class submarine, from the naval dockyard at around 11 am, a naval spokesman said in Visakhapatnam.
The duration of the journey is around three-and-half hours during which Kalam will have lunch with the crew members, he said.
The President would be briefed on the intricacies of submarine operations, the spokesman said.
The INS Sindhurakshak would sail 20 nautical miles from the shore and would go 40 mt deep, he added.
The submarine, which usually accommodates 60 crew, is carrying eight additional passengers -- including Kalam and members of his entourage.
The submarine is accompanied by a destroyer ship, which will be tracked by the submarine for a simulated torpedo attack.
Instead of a real torpedo, the submarine would let fly a dummy water shot at the ship to demonstrate the attacking capabilities of the craft, the spokesman said.
Kalam's submarine trip comes a day after he undertook a presidential review of the country's naval fleet.
Kalam had previously visited a submarine in harbour when he was scientific advisor to the defence ministry.
Former Defence Minister George Fernandes had spent a night underwater in INS Sindhuveer submarine during his visit to the Eastern Naval Command centre in Visakhapatnam in May, 2003.
In 1988, late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had also visited nuclear submarine INS Chakra at Visakhapatnam.


text:
Musician Wycliffe Tugume popularly known as Ykee Benda has today begged the President if Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to set a directive to retailers and food vendors to lower prices of food within the 30 days quarantine.
Sharing a video on his Facebook page, the 'Farmer' hit maker, on behalf of all Ugandans who are not earning a coin within the 39 day lock down, appealed to the President to order for food prices to lower the fact that many are not getting a penny.
"Ever since we got this problem, many of our people are home not working,it’s very hard because all kids were sent back home in a time when their parents aren’t earning anything but it’s so disturbing that prices on things that are made here in Uganda have raised from the normal prices ,making it so difficult for many people to survive in such a time .Why ? Why in a time when people are not working, Mr President Kindly help us and say something about this , because if food isnt Imported then there’s no single reason for changing its prices.No reason for changing sugar,soap,salt prices yet they are made here .Please say something it because people will die even of not Corona .Let’s not be selfish guys. Think about others as u change prices. Don’t make more damages .
WATCH VIDEO HERE;

domain: sociology


text: The following results were obtained in a long-term retrospective study including 250 patients with focal sclerosing glomerulonephritis: 1. The renal survival rate (RSR) was 90% at 5 years and 67% at 10 years, the average period of observation being 4.7 years. 2. Univariate analysis revealed that the following morphologic and clinical parameters are associated with an increased risk of terminal renal failure or death due to renal causes: a) Tubulointerstitial changes in the form of interstitial fibrosis, with or without acute renal failure; b) Advanced glomerular lesions; c) Advanced vascular alterations; d) Nephrotic syndrome present at the time of the biopsy; e) Elevated serum creatinine concentration at the time of the biopsy; f) Arterial hypertension at the time of the biopsy; g) Greater age at diagnosis; h) Male sex. 3. Multivariate survivorship analysis showed that tubulointerstitial changes and the presence of nephrotic syndrome at the time of biopsy are the only variables with significant independent predictive value for the outcome. Assessment of these factors thus allows the pathologist to make a relevant statement concerning the probable course and prognosis of the disease at the time of the diagnostic biopsy.


text:
Fucus vesiculosus Q
Useful in weight loss, where the cause is improper functioning of thyroid gland.
- It is used effectively to maintain increased body weight due to various causes;one being increased metabolism and Thyroid related problems. It helps to increase the rapidity of digestion guiding in losing weight.
- Soreness in the throat with pain while swallowing, Scratchy Pains with complaints that are aggravated in the evening is relieved with help of Fucus Vesiculosus 1X Tablets
- It is useful in aggressive and people who tend to bite.
- Useful in managing weight usually with thyroid dysfunctions.
- Fucus Vesiculosus 1X Tablets is a remedy for increased weight associated with thyroid dysfunctions. Digestion is regulated and flatulence diminished. Obstinate constipation.
- Fucus Vesiculosus 1X Tablets regulates related digestive disturbances, accumulation flatulence, obstinate constipation
Unless otherwise prescribed, 2-4 tablets 2-3 times a day. Lower the dose as symptoms improve. If complaints are not relieved, consult a specialist
20gm glass bottle.


text:
Responsible for the preparation of a variety of regular and modified food items and cooked and baked products for patients and other customers. Responsible for proper portion control and controlling waste. Cleans and sanitizes equipment and work area.
- Requests (and conserves) food and supplies necessary to perform assigned duties.
- Prepares a variety of regular and modified food items using complex cooking methods such as baking, frying, roasting and broiling, following standard cooking and food safety/sanitation procedures.
- Follows recipes and adjust recipes as necessary to meet quantity and modified diet requirements.
- Sets up, serve, and garnish food items when requested.
- Ability to interpret detailed written/oral matters, prepare detailed written instructions, & perform various technical skills.
- Two years experience as a cook preferred.
- Able to operate a variety of food service equipment such as fryers, choppers, steamers, etc.
- ServSafe certification required within 6 months of employment.
As a community-owned, not-for-profit organization, DCH Health System is committed to providing quality health care services to all residents...


text:
Republicans wasted no time in slamming the Obama administration’s proposal to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, saying the rule will cost billions of dollars with little benefit.
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule amounted to a cap-and-trade system, which Congress rejected in 2009.
“Four years after a Democratic Senate rejected cap-and-trade, the administration continues its pursuit to regulate where Congress refused to legislate,” Upton said in a Monday statement.
Rep. Ed WhitfieldEd WhitfieldWhy Republicans took aim at an ethics watchdog What Azerbaijan wants from Israel? Overnight Energy: Green group sues Exxon over climate science MORE (R-Ky.), chairman of the Energy and Commerce panel’s subcommittee on energy and power, cited a report released last week by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that found the EPA’s rule would cost $51 billion annually by 2030 and lead to a loss of 224,000 jobs.
“It is clear that this administration is pushing regulations that are full of costs and no benefits, ultimately bankrupting the American people,” Whitfield said. “We have already witnessed the failures and consequences of a government takeover of our health care system, and we can’t afford the same mistakes with government takeover of our energy sector.”
Whitfield’s subcommittee is planning a hearing on the proposal this month.
Sen. David VitterDavid VitterLobbying World Bottom Line Republicans add three to Banking Committee MORE (La.), the top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, called the proposal “all pain, no gain,” saying it will reduce carbon emissions by less than 2 percent worldwide. He also accused Obama of bringing back cap-and-trade.
“American families and businesses will have to shoulder all the costs and burden from this rule without contributing to any significant reduction in global carbon emissions,” Vitter said in a statement.
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) repeated the “all pain, no gain” label.
“It will close power plants and drive up electricity prices,” Smith said in a statement. “These regulations will mean more jobs lost to places like China and India.”
Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said Obama should care about American workers as much as he cares about climate change.
“Instead, President Obama is proposing regulations that hamstring the economy, raising utility costs for families and destroying tens of thousands of jobs,” Cassidy said in a statement. “I will continue to push back against EPA over-regulation and fight for pro-growth energy policies that will help, not hurt, Louisiana businesses and families.”
Cassidy is running for the Senate in this year’s election against Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.).
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus accused Obama of circumventing Congress.
“Throughout his presidency, Barack Obama has adopted a my way or the highway approach and that explains why he’s shoving these EPA regulations down our throat,” he said in a statement.
The House passed a bill in March that would stop regulations like the power plant rule from taking effect without congressional approval.
On the Senate side, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has vowed to introduced legislation to block the rule, forcing senators to vote on it.


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If you have ever driven through the streets of an old neighborhood you know how much impact a large shade tree can make. They tower amongst the houses blocking out the intense rays of sun from the yards and streets below. These urban giants have been growing in these locations sometimes over a hundred years.
So how do we prepare our new neighborhoods to eventually look like the beautiful older neighborhoods we see? The answer is found in proper planning, proper care and of course, patience.
Soil & Moisture Conditions
When selecting a shade tree for your St. Louis landscaping that will sustain for years to come you must understand your site conditions. A water loving tree at the top of a hill isn’t a successful situation. When you think about your location you have to think about, soil & moisture conditions, sun and wind exposure, and the space available for a mature tree to spread.
Soil & moisture conditions are probably the most important aspect when selecting a tree.
The soil is where the roots are and the roots are the foundation of the tree. When we look at soil moisture one the most important factors is how saturated the soil stays. You could have a site that has a lot of exposure to water but if that soil does not stay saturated that water could just be providing a good drink.
The structure of the soil is equally important. There are trees that thrive in all soil types; there are even some that don’t mind the heavy clay soils of St. Louis landscaping.
Determining your soil structure can be done by just digging up a sample of the area you want to plant the trees. Run the soil around in your hands and see how well it sticks together, if it is very dry you can add some water. The better the soil clod sticks together the more clay material is in your soil. The gritty material is the silt or sand. The higher the clay content the more moisture the soil will hold. Start by selecting a shade tree that grows well in your soil & moisture conditions.
Sun and Wind Exposure
When selecting a shade tree sun & wind exposure is important for a few reasons. While most shade trees will prefer full sun, there are some that do better in part shade. This is beneficial because it allows you to have better success when under-planting an existing large tree, so you have a ready successor when the larger tree starts to decline.
Wind exposure can be very important in selecting a tree. Some shade trees have tendency for breakage so an exposed site could cause a dangerous situation. Fast growing shade trees like Silver Maple and Cottonwood are commonly damaged in the heavy storms of St. Louis.
Selecting the Location
Maybe second most important to siting your tree in the right soil conditions is siting your tree in the right place. Shade trees come in all shapes, sizes, growth rates, etc. So make your tree fit your space instead of making your space fit your tree.
When you’re looking at what type of tree can fit your space you must consider its MATURE size. You want a specimen that can last for generations to come. I cringe when I hear someone say, “I don’t care how big it will be in 30 years, I won’t be here.” Plan to let the tree grow to its full capacity without obstructions from structures or wires. By doing so, you will pass on a gift that will outlast your lifetime!
Providing Tree Care
So you have your tree selected. Now it’s up to you to provide the care. This starts happening the second your St. Louis landscaping company installs it or you put it in the car at the nursery.
If you are installing the tree yourself handle it with care. Take care not to drop the root ball or yank around aggressively on the trunk. This is a living plant which will live for tens of years!
As soon as the tree is transplanted it’s under stress. Remember, it’s just been ripped from its home and dropped into a new environment. Monitor the soil moisture by keeping the plant moist but not wet and provide mulch around it to buffer the temperatures.
Even a native tree is outside of its preferred native environment. They don’t prefer the sidewalk next to them or the kid that rams their bike against them. So provide extra care. The healthier you keep your tree in the early years the stronger it will be in the future.
Slow Growing Vs. Fast Growing St. Louis Shade Trees
The very last step is patience. A beautiful urban forest doesn’t happen overnight. When selecting a shade tree for your St. Louis landscaping I would highly recommend the slow growers such as:
- Bur Oak
- White Oak
But I know in our fast paced life everyone wants immediate gratification. There are some good fast growing shade trees that will work in our area including:
- Tulip Poplar
- Red Oak
These are good selections that have a faster growth rate. As with any other plant selection always research and find what works best for you and your situation. Or you can call Dowco and have our team of educated professionals assist you in creating a landscape that can last for years to come!


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BIG GHOST BUTTONS
An ancient healing system that integrates acupuncture, herbal therapy, food therapy and body manipulation (tuina).
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine is one of the oldest, continuous, safe and effective systems of medicine in history.
What is TCVM?
It is based on understanding the disease process each patient presents by analyzing their constitutional type and the patterns of disharmonies which lead to disease. The goal is to identify and work on the trigger and stress factors that perpetuate and/ or aggravate an illness.
Customized treatment plan which is blended with the currently biomedical therapy. Acupuncture/ Laser puncture, herbal therapy, food and nutrition, body manipulation and advice on behavior management are used as needed.
Designed to evaluate the progress of the patient and treat as necessary. Depending on each condition a follow up may take place within 1,2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. The goal is to educated the pet guardian to act before crisis or an illness occurs.
©Dao Dog & Tiger Cat 2019 // Benkoen Design


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Going Quiet: White House ‘Reserve’ Helped Ink Deal
The White House was remarkably tight-lipped during talks with congressional leaders that produced a sweeping fiscal accord, and lawmakers say that silence helped the negotiators reach a deal that had so often eluded them.
Obama administration officials turned to Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan to lead talks with departing Speaker John A. Boehner, R-Ohio; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Many experts identified hurdles and predicted failure.
After all, the top congressional leaders and the Obama White House entered the talks having failed several other times to reach a long-term spending pact. But early on this time, things clearly were different: Few details leaked into public view, and all parties involved abided by an agreement to keep details under wraps.
The informal gag order applied to the podium in the White House briefing room, where Press Secretary Josh Earnest and his deputies routinely breezed over the Obama administration’s top goals and major deal breakers. But, otherwise, the White House kept criticisms of Republican negotiating terms and tactics behind closed doors.
“Quiet is always better when you’re trying to negotiate,” Sen. Angus King, a Maine independent who caucuses with Democrats, told CQ Roll Call on Tuesday.
The White House appeared committed to keeping its non-critical tone in place as congressional leaders continue selling the plan to their members in hopes of mustering enough to votes to push it through both chambers in coming days.
“The last seven years, we’ve gone from crisis to recovery and we’re on the verge of being able to have a genuine economic resurgence here,” Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. told reporters Tuesday. “And what we’ve put together is a good deal. No one got everything they wanted. But it will last for two years and it will prevent us from lurching from crisis to crisis.”
Several GOP senators who have been a part of past budget talks acknowledged things were quieter, including from the White House, this time around.
“We all knew that negotiations were going on, but…” Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said as he let his comment trail off with a slight shrug.
Republican senators acknowledged they heard very little about what was being discussed, including from White House officials, before they were briefed by their leaders Monday evening.
Senate GOP Conference Chairman John Thune of South Dakota and Banking Chairman Richard C. Shelby heard so few details that they said Tuesday they were still awaiting full details of the agreement.
Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, considered a White House ally on many issues, said “if this does come together, both sides deserve to be commended” for avoiding potentially damaging leaks.
Reed told CQ Roll Call the White House’s silence reflected an acknowledgement of the ramifications of failing to get a deal before Boehner left Washington.
“I think this is such an unusual time,” he said. “You had a speaker that was able to make judgments that he otherwise wouldn’t if he was worried about maintaining his position going forward … Just a whole set of circumstances that were unique.”
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., chuckled when asked about the White House’s silence.
“I think that’s because they were centrally involved in crafting it,” he said. “The folks who stand in the way of a clean debt ceiling increase and a responsible budget compromise are a small caucus of conservative Republicans in the House.
“Given the persistent opposition to anything this administration does [from] that group,” Coons said, “some reserve on the part of the administration probably was constructive.”
Corralling the Votes for Budget Deal
Defense Hawks Fine With Boost in War Account
GOP Senators Concerned by ‘Gimmicks’ in Budget Deal
See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call’s new video site.
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.


Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett’s ‘Cheek to Cheek’ is the No. 1 Album in the Country
Billboard reports that Cheek to Cheek — which sold 131,000 copies — narrowly edged out a new album from Kenny Chesney (his The Big Revival movied 130,000 copies to land at No. 2). Last week’s No. 1 album, Barbara Streisand’s Partners, comes in at No. 3 with 127,000 sold.
Madonna will beat his record when she finally releases new music. (These are the jokes!)
While 131,000 copies doesn’t sound like a huge number (especially compared to some of Gaga’s previous first-week numbers), when you consider it is is an album of jazz standards, it is actually quite impressive. For comparison, Britney Spears’ Britney Jean sold 107,000 copies its first week on shelves, so 131,000 is certainly nothing to scoff att.
1) Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga – Cheek to Cheek
2) Kenny Chesney – The Big Revival
3) Barbara Streisand – Partners
4) Alt-J – This Is All Yours
5) Pentatonix – PTX: Vol. III
6) Chris Brown - X
7) Guardians of the Galaxy OST
8) Joe Bonamassa – Different Shades of Blue
9) Maroon 5 – V
10) Jennifer Hudson – Jhud


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Take an honest second and think back, how many of you have heard this in your own head? Not spoken externally, but said internally to yourself? “Worthless, Unaccomplished, you will never do anything right, you can’t, you are just a failure.” How many of you have had these same words or phrases echo in the depths of your minds? Here is an even harder question for you, how many of you accept them temporarily? How many of you try and use these negativities to spark motivation and propel you into your awaiting accomplishments? Be honest, many of us have tried to use that negative energy to piss ourselves off even more and spark a change. Sure you get hyped up and you may come out the gates blazing. Yet, with that initial rush, it is so short lived, and that negative talk with yourself has only reverted back and created questions. After your spark, you have now regressed, and become demotivated, frustrated, and fatigued. The crazy thing is that the intentions behind this were true and positive, but the content is still based in a negative state; which will only breed more negativity. We have a language, a form of communication, we have words, phrases, sentences, which are all lit by emotion and context. What we say to ourselves and to others are actually one in the same, they have a direct effect all the same. When we converse this way, in a negative state with ourselves, we have entered a new dialect. This sub language can create such a disruption to our normal conversations, that our understanding becomes void, and we lose sight of our inner voice, our reasoning, our connection with our self worth. We lose our value in ourselves.
“Loving or hating the life you are living is solely all in your repeated
Having a good self talk and defying “the noise” is about uplifting yourself to where you can tackle any challenge, any obstacle, even when that is your own battle of worth and honesty. Having the ability to turn down the noise and silence the negative badgering allows us to truly hear our inner voice. We connect with our internal workings, and establish a trust with ourselves. A trust that we can be there for ourselves just as much as we can cut ourselves down.
We have focused a lot before on self accountability, and holding ourselves responsible. Well, what about the accountability and responsibility that comes with caring for our mindset, our self worth, and how we value ourselves. We can be concerned all day long about what she thinks, or what he says, or what they all assume. What should matter the most is how we feel about ourselves and how we speak of our self and to our self. Having a good relationship with yourself, with your mind, is just as important as your external relationships. Have you noticed it is easier to speak of others, than it is of yourself? If this is the case, then you should work to better your communication with yourself. To another point, what is this crap with holding back and checking ourselves? Why do we micromanage our actions because of what others might think or say. Why do you hold yourself hostage essentially? What I mean is, we immediately go into a hostage standoff with our mind/ourselves, in certain situations. It’s like playing the “hokie pokie” with your true self. Let a little out, then hold back, let a little out, then hold back again. It isn’t a dare to be who you are, nor should it be a fear to be who you are and act the way you feel. This is another area where self talk can be a catalyst to you building a comfort with who you are. I am not going to blame society here, or your environment; a choice was made, and it is on you. You have every right, and capability to love yourself, to build a reputation with yourself, to talk and speak and respond to yourself with positive aspects. It is solely on your shoulders to carry the weight of your world, or the weight of others worlds on your world, on your shoulders.
Sounds a little ridiculous doesn’t it, but how many of us do it? See the real mind bender here is, it's much easier to be a nice person and let others speak highly of you to boost your impressions of yourself. Than it is to sit down, look in the mirror, and tell yourself why you are good enough and that who you are is all you need. What, you think that is arrogance, being conceded, self centered? I call bullshit, fuck that noise too! That is called self assurance, and self worth, it is confidence and character; it is you believing in YOU! Is it so hard that we cannot find these attributes in ourselves, and that we try to seek out what we already know, elsewhere? Why be deceptive to ourselves? Who are we fooling here? The sad thing is, everyone, but they aren’t the ones hurt in the end, we will be. They can all walk away from this, but you, you are stuck with it. So, sit down, close your eyes, tune out the bullshit, and the noise; and speak. Talk to yourself, listen to yourself, build that connection, establish that foundation of self, and get rooted.
“You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years.
Get pats on the back as you pass,
but your final reward will be heartaches and tears.
If you cheated the guy in the glass.”
Here is a challenge for everyone that reads this. Take some time, take a moment, and make an observation of your thoughts. Take notice of your inner dialogue. See if you find yourself speaking negatively of yourself, or to yourself. When you hear that little voice in your head spitting off at that negative and self degrading bullshit, STOP IT. Just stop, tell yourself enough is enough. Remember, “fuck that noise!” Replace that negative moment with a positive something. Break that cycle and relieve your subconscious mind from its constant badgering, and take control. Do something positive for yourself and root those feet in your stance. We talk about taking stances and fighting for this cause and that cause, for this good and that benefit. How about we take the fight, the good doing, and the benefit back home to ourselves for once. We cannot elevate and we cannot encourage change, or embody a state of self empowerment, if we cannot strengthen and change our own self. Better yet, improve our own self. Leading by example starts by being an example. Start being an example by being exactly who you are, being happy with who you are and reminding yourself that you are enough. Tuning out the noise and having positive dialogues inside will grow your ability to think, act and react with a positive mindset.
“The way you choose to think and speak about yourself (to yourself)
IS A CHOICE. You may have spent your whole life talking about
yourself in a negative way. Thinking of yourself in a negative way,
reacting and acting of yourself in a negative way. This does not mean
that you have to continue that path.”
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domain: psychology


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Connector PCB Miracle
Connector circuit boards, also known as PCBs, are vital components of a wide range of electronic devices. They ensure that the necessary electrical connections are maintained, whether in a mobile phone or aerospace system. Depending on the final application, PCB connectors may be required to operate in different environmental conditions.
Multilayer PCBs are what make it possible for the electronics we use in our daily lives to function as they do. They are able to increase functionality and speed while decreasing the overall size of electronic devices. This is a result of their high density that is created by layering. This allows them to improve performance while keeping the cost low and allowing for extremely compact mounting thicknesses.
As technology continues to evolve, the needs of electronic circuits have grown in complexity. This is why multilayer PCBs are needed to support the many complex components and high frequency signals that are present in modern day systems. These multilayer PCBs have multiple copper planes that are stacked together to create the circuitry needed by today’s advanced electronic devices.
When creating a multilayer PCB, you need to be careful when it comes to routing. The layers need to be carefully laid out so that sensitive signals do not cross splits and thereby ruin their return paths. In addition to this, the electrical connections between the layers must be carefully thought out. These are known as vias and can be either passersby or buried. Passersby are visible and allow you Connector PCB Miracle to see through the layers, whereas buried vias are invisible and only allow you to connect to other layers within your design.
A high-reliability PCB is one that is capable of consistently functioning as designed throughout the operational lifecycle. This operational reliability is based on both the environmental demands of the circuit board and the physical properties of the materials used to build it. A PCB that is exposed to excessive moisture will experience corrosion, and a PCB that is exposed to high vibration will have a higher risk of failure due to mechanical shock.
The physical properties of a PCB are dictated by the materials that it is made from, which must be selected carefully to ensure operational reliability. For example, copper is a common material for PCBs, but it may not be suitable for all applications because of its tendency to warp when exposed to extreme temperatures. A PCB made from a different material that has lower CTE (coefficient of expansion) is more likely to remain stable under these conditions.
In addition to selecting the best physical materials for a PCB, manufacturers should use the highest quality fabrication processes possible to improve its durability and reliability. High-reliability PCBs must also undergo extensive testing and rigorous qualification to meet the specific requirements of their intended application.
Some types of testing, such as thermal and electrical stress, are performed during bare PCB fabrication, while other tests must be conducted prior to a circuit board’s manufacturing to identify potential sources of failure. The latter can include things like determining the range of temperature that a circuit board’s components and traces can withstand without losing functionality.
Pin Header and Socket PCBs
The PCB pin header is one of the most popular electronic connector types. They are used for a variety of applications, but most commonly they connect wire to PCBs or are mating with receptacles on the board to create a circuit. Pin headers can be either through-hole or surface mount devices. They are usually soldered with a hot-melt process, but may also be press-fit or solderless for a colder assembly.
They are available in many standard sizes and pin spacing, including right angle configurations. They can be purchased on a continuous reel that is automatically cut with an Autoheader machine or adjustable manual cutter. The headers are molded from a UL 94V-0 flammability rated high-temperature plastic with copper alloy pins.
Most header connections are keyed or polarized to prevent incorrect orientation or connection. They have a keyway in the center to help indicate polarity and can be identified by looking for an obstruction that fills or blocks the pin hole on the right side of the header when mated to its socket (male or female) connector.
The most common pin headers are single row and double-row, but there are also multi-row options in more specialized connector series. They come in both shrouded and Connector PCB Miracle Supplier non-shrouded versions that provide different levels of protection against accidental contact with exposed pins.
As a component in your audio setup, the attenuator is an important part of your signal chain. It reduces the system gain to match your system standards, giving you better control over your input signal levels.
A good quality attenuator will be transparent and have low output impedance, meaning it doesn’t introduce any additional load on your power amplifier. They are also typically very durable and can withstand a lot of use and abuse.
They can even be used in harsh environments like industrial applications without sacrificing their performance. Their design allows them to withstand high temperatures and moisture without any degradation.
The BM-1 mono stepped attenuator provides 64 steps of volume control with 1dB steps. This is very high resolution for an attenuator and will not have the clicks that plague many lower-quality designs. The BM-1 comes with a full front panel to mount your controls (volume, input selection, mute) and has a removable cinch connector for easy installation. The PCB can be used standalone or integrated with a power amplifier of your choice. This integration will avoid longer cinch cables and improve sound quality by eliminating clicks caused by cable flexing.
The stepped attenuator is made of 23 non-inductive, low noise SMD metal film resistors which are designed for maximum sonic quality and reliability. This is why they are perfectly suited to audiophile and professional applications.

domain: design