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Nigeria and EMRC agree terms in preparation for the upcoming AgriBusiness Forum 2012.
Brussels, Belgium, October 21, 2012 –(PR.com)– EMRC and the the Bamanga Tukur African Center for International Trade and Development officially signed a join agreement launch the EMRC-Rabobank Project Incubator Award 2012 which promotes and provides a platform for innovative business projects in Africa with a cash prize of US$15,000 for the winner.
Four finalists will be selected and invited to present their projects to an audience of 400 people, composed of interested partners and investors from Africa, Europe, USA, India and beyond. The US$15,000 prize will be awarded at the Gala Evening of the AgriBusiness Forum 2012 to the entry that promises the highest level of economic and social impact for their immediate African communities.
Organised under the patronage of the Republic of Senegal and the Prime Minister and hosted by Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Equipment, this year’s AgriBusiness Forum will highlight the importance of Africa’s agricultural potential under the theme “Boosting African Agriculture through Partnership, Investment and Technology,” bringing together delegates from across the world linked to the global Agri-Food industry, taking place from 25-28 November 2012 in Dakar, Senegal.
Last year’s Project Incubator Award winner, Everlyne Cherobon head of Emeden Kenya, was determined that the award would change the course of her business. “Winning the prize was a defining moment for me and my business. It is difficult to put in words, exactly how I felt when my project emerged the winner. Winning this prize means for me a vote of confidence on what I hope to do with smallholder farmers in the dry-lands of Kenya. It means there is business sense in working with smallholder farmers in Africa. It means a lot of attention needs to be focused on them.”
The Project Incubator Award is a platform to highlight what is happening across Africa and spotlights the importance of local and regional partnership. During this year’s WEF, a key topic was “Deepening Regional Integration Will Increase Africa’s Competitiveness” with political and trade representatives emphasizing the need for faster integration to ensure Africa is able to better leverage the interest in its markets by global investors who are attracted by economies of scale[i]. This is where the Project Incubator Award is critical as it sheds light on potentially lucrative business ideas and projects and most importantly partnership opportunities across Africa.
The Award’s sponsor, Rabobank Foundation, has been involved since the project’s inception. A global Dutch bank with branches across Africa, its emphasis is to provide access to funds and incentives for those who have innovative and sounds business projects. Importance is given to projects that truly make an impact on economic development and food security at the local, national or regional levels, whereby value chain partners can be integrated.
As past winners such as Everlyne Cherobon and Uganda’s Bee Natural Maria Odido, who was awarded the Project Incubator Award in 2010, say: “This prize will incite the future competitiveness of women entrepreneurs and male entrepreneurs because the presentations set a tone and generate enthusiasm from a large number of participants to invest better in their businesses and projects.”
The 2009 AgriBusiness Forum winner, COOGES, the Coopérative Générale de Sepingo, a small cashew nut cooperative from Côte D’Ivoire decided to enter the Project Incubator Award for a simple reason: “It was in line with one of our business needs – to gain industry exposure – and we knew that even if we didn’t win, the increased awareness of our business would make it worthwhile and reduce our need to advertise ourselves through other channels. Anyone from Africa that wishes to launch or improve a project, anyone who wants to have confirmation that their business idea is viable and who wants feedback from the business community should be involved in the AgriBusiness Forum”.
Interested candidates are invited and encouraged to register for the AgriBusiness Forum and to submit their sustainable business ideas that embody the inherent entrepreneurship and innovation of the African continent.
To register for the AgriBusiness Forum 2012 please visit www.emrc.be[i] http://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-africa-2012


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Vifor Pharma Group | December 17, 2021
Vifor Pharma Group announced the divestment of its finished drug product manufacturing business to CordenPharma, a full-service Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization of APIs, Excipients, Drug Products, and associated Packaging services. This decision reinforces Vifor Pharma’s strategy to transform the company into a multi-brand commercial organization, focusing on its core capabilities in-licensing, partnering and commercializing products in nephrology, and to further grow and maximize opportunities of its iron portfolio.
“In support of our ambitious growth strategy, optimizing our manufacturing footprint will enable us to build an even stronger, more efficient organization focusing on core capabilities in nephrology, and to maximize and leverage our market-leading expertise and intellectual property in iron deficiency. With CordenPharma, we have found the best suitable solution for our manufacturing employees and the drug production activities in Fribourg, Ettingen and Lisbon. With this agreement, Vifor Pharma is well positioned to continuously drive the company sustainably and profitably over the long term, for all our stakeholders.”
Abbas Hussain, CEO of Vifor Pharma
Dr. Michael Quirmbach, Chief Executive Officer & President of CordenPharma said: “The acquired Vifor Pharma sites have competent teams with great cultural fit, state-of-the art infrastructure, and a strong compliance track record. This excellent opportunity aligns well with our strategy to broaden our CDMO capabilities. By incorporating these three Vifor Pharma manufacturing facilities into our global network, we look forward to not only supplying Vifor Pharma as a manufacturing partner, but also closing gaps in our service offering for oral solid dosage drug product manufacturing and increasing our overall capacity. In addition, this acquisition further strengthens our fully-integrated solutions to our customers.”
Under the terms of the signed share purchase agreement, CordenPharma acquires all shares in Vifor SA, Fribourg, and OM Pharma SA, Lisbon, thus taking over Vifor Pharma’s finished drug product manufacturing operations at the three sites. The divestment will trigger an asset impairment, to be reported with Vifor Pharma’s 2021 financial results. The companies have agreed not to disclose financial terms of the agreement.
CordenPharma will integrate the new facilities into its existing CDMO network of Current Good Manufacturing Practice and R&D plants across Europe & the US, and organize the operations of the Fribourg, Ettingen and Lisbon sites under its Small Molecule Platform. It plans to utilize the existing manufacturing workforce, while continuing to produce and supply Vifor Pharma products. Vifor Pharma’s Swiss and Portuguese country commercial organizations, located in Fribourg and Lisbon, will remain with Vifor Pharma Group. Vifor Pharma and CordenPharma will jointly ensure long-term continuity of supply for customers and patients who depend on them.
This divestment, including all financial implications, has been disclosed to CSL Limited in the course of the due diligence process preceding the publication of the pre-announcement of the public tender offer by CSL Limited on 14 December and in so far has no impact on such tender offer.
Vifor Pharma and CordenPharma anticipate closing the transaction in Q1 2022, contingent on customary closing conditions.
About Vifor Pharma Group
Vifor Pharma Group is a global pharmaceuticals company. It aims to become the global leader in iron deficiency, nephrology and cardio-renal therapies. The company is a partner of choice for pharmaceuticals and innovative patient-focused solutions. Vifor Pharma Group strives to help patients around the world with severe and chronic diseases lead better, healthier lives. The company develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products for precision patient care. Vifor Pharma Group holds a leading position in all its core business activities and consists of the following companies: Vifor Pharma and Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma. Vifor Pharma Group is headquartered in Switzerland, and listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange
CordenPharma, the global pharmaceutical service & manufacturing platform of International Chemical Investors Group, is a full-service partner in the Contract Development & Manufacturing of APIs, Excipients, Drug Products, and associated Packaging Services. Through a growing network of cGMP facilities across Europe and the US organized under five Technology Platforms – Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, and Small Molecules – CordenPharma experts translate complex processes and projects at any stage of development into high-value products.
MediPharm Labs Corp. | February 24, 2022
MediPharm Labs Corp. a pharmaceutical company specialized in precision-based cannabinoids, is pleased to announce it has completed a US FDA DMF for pure natural CBD API. The DMF will enable MediPharm to supply approved API to pharmaceutical companies currently conducting late-stage research. The cannabis-based drug opportunity is predicted to be over USD$25 billion by 2025, and there are over 20 strong novel cannabinoid-based drugs currently in the late-stage research process. These projects will all require pharmaceutical approved API if commercialized. MediPharm has already shipped good manufacturing practice ("GMP") CBD for development purposes to multiple established pharmaceutical companies.
"The filing of a US DMF further advances MediPharm toward its ultimate objective of becoming a dominant supplier of API to pharmaceutical companies. This is a high value, high margin opportunity, and with the only purpose-built facility in North America to receive a domestic GMP licence specifically for the extraction of natural cannabinoids, MediPharm is positioned to capture share in this growing market. In the short to medium term, the DMF unlocks new sales channels and will enable us to further leverage the investments made to date on our high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing platform. Over the longer-term, it ensures the Company is positioned as the go-to cannabinoid partner for pharmaceutical companies around the world."
Bryan Howcroft, CEO, MediPharm
About MediPharm Labs
Founded in 2015, MediPharm specializes in the development and manufacture of purified, pharmaceutical-quality cannabis concentrates, API and advanced derivative products utilizing a Good Manufacturing Practices certified facility with ISO standard-built clean rooms. MediPharm has invested in an expert, research driven team, state-of-the-art technology, downstream purification methodologies and purpose-built facilities with five primary extraction lines for delivery of pure, trusted and precision-dosed cannabis products for its customers. Through its wholesale and white label platforms, MediPharm formulates, develops (including through sensory testing), processes, packages and distributes cannabis extracts and advanced cannabinoid-based products to domestic and international markets.
Elligo Health Research | April 21, 2022
Elligo Health Research, the largest healthcare-enabling research organization, announced they are expanding partnerships to include Peoples Rx, an Austin, Texas-based pharmacy chain.
“We’re in a unique position at Peoples Rx to help inform more people about how they can participate in clinical research opportunities. Working with Elligo to offer research as healthcare to our customers helps support our mission to empower people to make educated health decisions.”
Stephen Erickson, Peoples Rx president
One of the first studies Peoples Rx will be working to share with Elligo is a study for people to advance screening diagnostics for cancer. “Our patients may not hear about clinical research opportunities otherwise, and this empowers patients with knowledge to become more proactive in their own healthcare journey while simultaneously supporting the advancement of health sciences,” Erickson said.
Elligo began its mission to provide easy access to clinical research as care to more patients nearly six years ago. Specifically, Elligo is focused on accelerating clinical trials through healthcare by maintaining the integrity of the trusted patient and physician relationship, building local healthcare communities, and leveraging electronic health records.
“Accomplishing this mission is made possible by the partnerships we have with real-world healthcare,” said Elligo CEO John Potthoff, Ph.D. “Peoples Rx has a positive impact on our local community and is a trusted partner for healthcare. This is also Elligo’s first partnership with a pharmacy, and it is our hope that this will lead to further opportunities to collaborate with more providers in the healthcare spectrum on similar initiatives and continue contributing to the changing clinical research landscape.”
About Elligo Health Research®
Elligo Health Research accelerates clinical trials through healthcare with access to known patients and their HIPAA-compliant healthcare data, our IntElligo® Research Stack technology, and our hybrid enrollment model, PatientSelect. Coupled with the largest Known Patient Access Network, Elligo’s Site Solutions enable healthcare practices and research sites to participate in clinical trials. By adaptive engagement of known patients and physicians, we accelerate the development of new pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device and diagnostic products.
About Peoples Rx
Peoples Rx has been the local favorite pharmacy and wellness headquarters in Austin for over 40 years. Our integrative approach to health and wellness starts with our knowledgeable and experienced pharmacists and wellness specialists, and our cutting-edge, holistic, and professional products. We also compound custom medications in our state-of-the-art lab to meet customers’ specific needs. And because food is medicine too, our own in-house delis serve up scratch-made meals and snacks with the highest quality ingredients. With a mission to empower people to make educated health choices, several of our 170+ employees, including clinical nutritionists, herbalists, naturopaths, and homeopaths also offer their expertise through private consultations and educational events.
OptimizeRx Corporation | March 16, 2022
OptimizeRx Corp. a leading provider of point-of-care technology solutions helping patients start and stay on therapy, announced a definitive agreement to acquire the EvinceMed platform and related assets. EvinceMed is a leader in delivering end-to-end automation for specialty pharmaceutical transactions. The acquisition includes the full Market Access Management Platform supporting pharma manufacturers, hub providers and pharmacies to improve patient access, speed to therapy and activation of affordability programs.
With the EvinceMed platform, OptimizeRx will be able to help patients get access to the drugs they need by simplifying the prescribing process for specialty products, automating manual steps to determine drug eligibility and affordability, and introducing electronic enrollment and medical documentation within workflow across the OptimizeRx network of over 300 electronic health record (EHR) systems, ePrescribing platforms, and account-based marketing technologies spanning more than 700 thousand providers. The integration of the EvinceMed and OptimizeRx platforms has already begun with an exclusive collaboration that began last year. Full integration of the technology assets will further the Company’s ability to help patients start and stay on therapy.
While specialty drugs account for only 2.2% of total prescription volume in the U.S, they accounted for over 45% of total pharmacy spend, or $218.6 billion in 2019 1,2. The cost and increasing use of specialty medications has exposed unique barriers to the prescription and patient access process. Manufacturer support programs provide much-needed services to prescription medication access, affordability, and adherence. However, a recent survey of 10,000 patients across multiple therapeutic areas found that only 20% of patients were aware of such programs3. Doctors and their staff can assist patients with enrollment into these programs, yet the enrollment process is often time-consuming, and doctors remain dissatisfied with current patient support options available. In addition, less than 10% of patient enrollment into these support programs is currently completed electronically4.
“We are thrilled to have EvinceMed transition from an exclusive technology partner over the last year to being part of the team. Given the success we saw working together, this combination strengthens our position to serve our pharma customers across the full HCP network and throughout the patients’ journeys – from the moment the doctor logs into their EHR right through the point of dispense at the pharmacy. This acquisition offers significant high margin cross-selling opportunities across our growing customer base of leading life science companies, while further fortifying our business through vertical integration, and helping drive upward momentum to our key performance indicators. We expect this acquisition to benefit revenue growth in 2023 as we further develop our network around connectivity to additional partners.”
William Febbo, CEO of OptimizeRx
David Jackson, CEO of EvinceMed commented, “We are very excited to be joining the OptimizeRx team. The impact of our combined technologies and the reach and scale that OptimizeRx has with pharmaceutical manufacturers is a game-changer to patient access to specialty medications. By automating the processes and tasks required to be completed prior to the fill and dispense of specialty medications, we can get patients on treatment much faster and at a lower overall cost.”
OptimizeRx chief commercial officer, Steve Silvestro, added, “Our commitment to leveraging technology to assist providers and patients in accessing the tools they need to improve outcomes is a mission-driven effort. The EvinceMed assets give us additional resources to accomplish that while also expanding the network’s reach to point-of-dispense, a goal we have long pursued. Prescribing support through automation for providers will both accelerate workflows and remove barriers to the specialty prescribing process ensuring patients are able to readily access the life-changing innovative therapies that they need.”
OptimizeRx is committed to investing in innovation to bring more digital in-workflow solutions to execute against the commercialization goals of life science organizations. OptimizeRx currently provides solutions to 19 of the 20 largest pharma manufacturers and seeks to continue driving long-term, sustainable ROIs for its clients while supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes. Recent market research commissioned by OptimizeRx revealed specialty drug access support as being a $12B+ market. This acquisition further diversifies OptimizeRx revenue streams as the Company scales to address the client needs in this space.

domain: medical


Many experts projected smartphone phones would be pocket computers. Consumers would use their mobile phones to get digital answers. But, smartphones produced many more mobile calls too.
Seems obvious that mobile calls would grow as smartphones adoption increases.
According to the latest research from BIA/Kelsey, “annual calls to businesses from smartphones will reach 162 billion by 2019.”
Last year, there were around 77 billion calls generated from mobile phones to businesses. These phone calls resulted from a variety of advertising channels including paid and organic search, display ads and native social ads.
Calls are also being promoted more prominently in different ad formats such as with Facebook’s recently incorporated call buttons.
So how can we take advantage of the rapid mobile expansion?
You can’t take advantage of calls as a lead source if you’re not tracking the campaigns, ads and keywords that are generating business calls.
With DNI call tracking, you can distinguish between the strategies that are producing results and those that are not.
Once you have this data, it becomes possible to focus your marketing efforts and spend on areas that offer the most ROI.
To make full use of the calls that your marketing is generating, it is essential to understand the quality of these leads.
Besides knowing the source of the call, with Conversation Analytics you can access data that tells you why the prospect initiated the phone call and whether or not it resulted in a conversion.
Conversation Analytics can also be used to improve sales performance on the phone. By extracting valuable metrics you will be able to answer questions like:
– Was the sales agent polite?
– Did they ask for the business?
– Did the caller find what they were looking for?
– Was a reservation made?
– What issues prevented the caller from converting?
When you can analyze your phone leads like you do web leads you can increase both the number and quality of your inbound calls.
The expansion of mobile ad formats is just one more indicator of the power of phone calls as a lead source.


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Автор: Zion, Gene Название: Harry and the Lady Next Door ISBN: 0064440087 ISBN-13(EAN): 9780064440080 Издательство: HarperCollins USA Рейтинг: Цена: 2820 T Наличие на складе: Есть у поставщика Поставка под заказ. Описание: Bold new look heralds the relaunch of the nation’s premier beginning reader line!
Автор: J.M.G. Le Cl?zio Название: The Flood ISBN: 0141191406 ISBN-13(EAN): 9780141191409 Издательство: Random House - Penguin Рейтинг: Цена: 8910 T Наличие на складе: Невозможна поставка. Описание: Francois Besson listens to a tape recording of a girl contemplating suicide. Drifting through the days in a provincial city, he thoughtlessly starts a fire in his apartment, attends confession, and examines, with great intentness but without affection, a naked woman he wakes beside.
Автор: J.M.G. Le Cl?zio Название: Fever ISBN: 0141191422 ISBN-13(EAN): 9780141191423 Издательство: Random House - Penguin Рейтинг: Цена: 9650 T Наличие на складе: Есть у поставщика Поставка под заказ. Описание: Explores how the physical sensations we experience can be as strong as feelings of love or hate, with their power to bring chaos to our lives. This title features tales such as "The Day that Beaumont became Acquainted with his Pain", "Fever", and "A Day of Old Age". It portrays the landscape of the human consciousness.
In Zion’s Dilemmas, a former deputy national security advisor to the State of Israel details the history and, in many cases, the chronic inadequacies in the making of Israeli national security policy. Charles D. Freilich identifies profound, ongoing problems that he ascribes to a series of factors: a hostile and highly volatile regional environment, Israel’s proportional representation electoral system, and structural peculiarities of the Israeli government and bureaucracy.
Freilich uses his insider understanding and substantial archival and interview research to describe how Israel has made strategic decisions and to present a first of its kind model of national security decision-making in Israel. He analyzes the major events of the last thirty years, from Camp David I to the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, through Camp David II, the Gaza Disengagement Plan of 2005, and the second Lebanon war of 2006. In these and other cases he identifies opportunities forgone, failures that resulted from a flawed decision-making process, and the entanglement of Israeli leaders in an inconsistent, highly politicized, and sometimes improvisational planning process. The cabinet is dysfunctional and Israel does not have an effective statutory forum for its decision-making—most of which is thus conducted in informal settings. In many cases policy objectives and options are poorly formulated. For all these problems, however, the Israeli decision-making process does have some strengths, among them the ability to make rapid and flexible responses, generally pragmatic decision-making, effective planning within the defense establishment, and the skills and motivation of those involved. Freilich concludes with cogent and timely recommendations for reform.
Автор: Zion, Gene Название: Harry By The Sea ISBN: 0099189712 ISBN-13(EAN): 9780099189718 Издательство: Random House - Penguin Рейтинг: Цена: 5940 T Наличие на складе: Есть у поставщика Поставка под заказ. Описание: Harry and the family have gone to the beach but it`s too sunny and he`s one hot dog! The only problem is that now everyone thinks he`s a sea monster and he can`t find his family. This is the third classic story from the Harry series and is as fresh and funny as when it was first written.
Автор: Zion, Gene Название: No Roses For Harry ISBN: 0099281767 ISBN-13(EAN): 9780099281764 Издательство: Random House - Penguin Рейтинг: Цена: 1120 T Наличие на складе: Нет в наличии. Описание: Everyone thinks Harry looks lovely in his new knitted jacket covered in roses - except Harry. So Harry is on a mission to rid his back of those ridiculous roses.
Автор: Zion, Gene Название: No Roses For Harry ISBN: 0099978806 ISBN-13(EAN): 9780099978800 Издательство: Random House - Penguin Рейтинг: Цена: 5940 T Наличие на складе: Есть у поставщика Поставка под заказ. Описание: Everyone thinks Harry looks lovely in his new knitted jacket covered in roses - except Harry! So Harry is on a mission to rid his back of those ridiculous roses...!
Автор: Epstein Lawrence J Название: Dream of Zion ISBN: 1442254661 ISBN-13(EAN): 9781442254664 Издательство: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Рейтинг: Цена: 39070 T Наличие на складе: Есть у поставщика Поставка под заказ. Описание: The Dream of Zion tells the story of the Jewish political effort to restore their ancient nation. At the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland, in August 1897 Theodor Herzl convened a meeting that founded what became the World Zionist Organization. As debates continue to swirl around Israel, this book opens a window into its founding.
Автор: Devji Faisal Название: Muslim Zion: Pakistan as a Political Idea ISBN: 0674072677 ISBN-13(EAN): 9780674072671 Издательство: Harvard University Press Рейтинг: Цена: 13430 T Наличие на складе: Есть у поставщика Поставка под заказ. Описание: Muslim Zion argues that Pakistan has never been a nation-state, grounded in the historic connections of lands and peoples. Just as Israel is the only Jewish state, Pakistan is the only Muslim state to make religion the sole basis of its nationality. Faisal Devji offers a penetrating critique of founding a state on nothing but the idea of belonging.
Автор: Miller Kei Название: Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion ISBN: 1847772676 ISBN-13(EAN): 9781847772671 Издательство: Неизвестно Рейтинг: Цена: 6570 T Наличие на складе: Есть у поставщика Поставка под заказ. Описание: WINNER OF THE 2014 FORWARD PRIZE FOR BEST COLLECTION In his new collection, acclaimed Jamaican poet Kei Miller dramatises what happens when one system of knowledge, one method of understanding place and territory, comes up against another.
Казахстан, 010000 Нур-султан(Астана) р-он Сарыарка, ул. Маскеу, 40 , офис 202 ТОО "Логобук" Тел:+7(7172) 448953 , +7 707 857-29-98 www.logobook.kz

domain: library


Ahmed: In view of health care in general, patient education is getting better, but we are not near where we should be. Any conversation about change in Nigeria will include a change of government. The current system of governance has failed ordinary citizens let alone patients. Education around the importance of human rights, health, and less of religious rights is key. Accountability is also important, politicians are civil servants and not demi-gods. Power should be returned to citizens at home and abroad.
Adegoke : I do agree that a change in government is necessary, but the change must be the right change. I think the first thing is to have people who care, build a critical mass of these people who care enough to intervene in education and healthcare which will lead to social change.
Emeka: I agree 100%, It is important that we are preparing people for leadership and understand that leadership in-service education is key. We need to tailor our education firstly, to meet our needs and develop so that it can adapt to change. Education is definitely key.
Ahmed: Maybe those of you guys in the diaspora should start a movement to give Nigeria a healthcare system that is free at the point of delivery, just like the NHS.
Emeka: My honest take is that we put the right people in place to run the educational system in Nigeria. Just look at what is happening right now. How do you tell students to resume after staying away for four months and give them only two weeks to prepare for W.A.E.C. We need to re-organise ourselves in the diaspora especially. There is so many human resources to leverage off and I feel they are just wasting away.
Adegoke: A Nigerian NHS will involve the government. If people can get access to adequate healthcare, they can focus on other things and help the economy grow in retro too, and enlighten patients in the process.
Emeka: Wasn’t surprised at what happened. Nigerian officials have a habit of making decisions without giving enough notice or a reasonable time for adjustment. But on the other note, there is enough money in Nigeria to fund a Nigerian style NHS, maybe a viable strategy is missing?. Access to health care should be the responsibility of the government with the private sector giving support, not really the other way round.
Adegoke: But Emeka, health is expensive, which is why the government should be involved in ongoing conversations and especially in keeping patience up to speed with progress of systems being developed and or already in place that they might not even know about.
Tobore: We cannot really wait for politicians, they are not there for the people on many levels at the moment. Nigerians need to change Nigeria, not politicians. We don’t always have to copy other health care systems, we can put ideas to strategize and tailor a healthcare system to meet our needs as a unit. A collective.
Emeka: Just going back a bit, I don’t particularly think it is about copying other health systems. Sometimes it is about identifying what is working elsewhere, and then modify it to suit local needs.
Ahmed : I agree, That’s exactly one of the packages that a charity organisation is putting together to roll out next year, covid-19 permitted from the UK there. So this can easily be an alignment if we push to collaborate, right?
Emeka: yes, indeed, I also have got a suggestion for charity and grant funding, but health education and patient voices are very important. It seems not much is done in sexual health to empower patients especially with the holistic treatment of HIV. I want to contribute by responding to what we are doing to close the gap in rural education so I propose we continue this weekly, “somehow”. The power of stigma, shame, denial and discrimination has made health care difficult and we need policies that will ensure that lives are not placed at risk due to red tape or poor training of medical staff in social welfare.
Ahmed: We need to Just do it. Together we will succeed, no need for silo talks, let us get and speak truth to power, yes a weekly angle might help unlock well-needed value. At this point in time the crucial things for citizens I feel is to find ways to assist each other and even assist the government too, its about going back to UBUNTU. Pushing to ensure we are because we are .
Adegoke: Very well said, Ahmed. Government policy to involve diaspora in terms of knowledge transfer which will benefit in saving life and cost on health care. We just need a solid platform to help amplify this narrative, don’t we? One to push the knowledge and expertise required. This like first aid for instance is a must in terms of rollout.
Emeka: Exactly, other things like teaching CPR as well, lest we forget we have a high rate of HBP and heart attacks too. I guess we cannot ‘crowdfund’ society out of bad governance, healthcare systems, and education. People have been volunteering and creating these programs and policies forever. I feel we need a new “paradigm” if we are to make a serious dent in the problem. A novel way of alignment and thinking!.
Ahmed: Well Emeka, I will be very interested in that initiative, because it aligns with the work of a foundation I know of! Essentially what we need now are social entrepreneurs with a workable business model that makes people the lynchpin of that model. I am referring to the healthcare system. Maybe there should be a Registry of these Initiatives. This Register can be the Patient Voice coming out of Diaspora? It is the ability for us to join hands and unlock all the valuable success.
Adegoke: We should also look at training, apprenticeship and internships. Courses can be designed and made available via this platform if the alignment is right. Career and educational path (after secondary school education), as not everyone is suited to institutes of higher education and research like Universities, Polytechnics etc. Community putting funds together to help themselves in their Local government. (have an internet hub) in their community. So the internet becomes a key tool in realising a lot of this laudable suggestions. Awareness creating now becomes a reality. so much work to do!!. But I believe in Nigeria and Nigerians.
Tobore : Guys be on the look out for LIONS ROAR sponsored by Osiri University (www.osiriuniversity.org), where African entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas, get feedback, and get funding depending on the quality of the ideas.
Adegoke: It seems everyone is doing their own thing in silos, as Emeka said, so what you get is a shotgun effect that scatters and disperses efforts, rather than a laser focus that is more penetrative and impactful. Perhaps we need to consider a Diaspora Collective that serves as a clearinghouse for the various initiatives and serves as a larger body to interface with citizens and the state. This I believe is inevitable anyway so course and educational online institution ideas must be amplified to ensure the required levels of support are attracted to this kind of project.
Ahmed: There is always a huge value in visiting schools and encouraging people to go into medicine to avoid shortages of doctors and nurses? Key specialist roles within the health sector can also contribute back to the society by giving some time to hospitals when they go back home to educate and help the local hospital around them, as well as the people. This is highly welcomed by local hospitals, as well as the state governments back home. We have many doctors and nurses in Nigeria. The question of keeping them in Nigeria arises constantly in view of perceived struggles.
Adegoke: We need Counsellors to help drive that narrative too and equipment must be available to enhance envisioned training, Mental health awareness is needed. Many hospitals in Nigeria are run down so badly it is so demotivating. For me the solutions should centre around :
- the provision of standard facilities in Government hospitals across Nigeria.
- Teaching staff best practices at the least
- Closing the learning doing gaps
Ahmed: Well said Adegoke, the mental health awareness and education is needed at this global challenging time. Let’s do this again next week as it seems this topic releases a lot of value.
Tobore: Not a problem fellows, happy you guys were part of the CONVERSATION, that really is the whole point of this.
Have a great week ahead!


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Hernan is a commercial and portrait photographer by trade. His work has been featured in trade publications such as Studio Photography, Rangefinder, and on the cover of Photoshop User. He is a co-author for the Westcott and Tamron blogs for portrait and lighting.
Hernan has shot for clients such as Corona, Guess Clothing, and Sony Record labels. He has done photography work for numerous restaurants and products like the NFL Superbowl trophies and rings. Hernan is the recipient of dozens of awards including the Black & White Spider Award in fashion and multiple Bronze awards in the 2012 Aperture awards for portrait and illustration. Many of Hernan’s award-winning images went through Exposure for that extra pop.
Hernan routinely works with popular celebrities like Christopher McDonald, Eddie Griffin, and Mike Tyson. He acted as a liaison to connect us with Evander Holyfield for this ad. Evander was extremely generous to do this project for a little company like Alien Skin Software. He was a pleasure to work with. We’re grateful to Hernan and to Evander for making this ad happen.

domain: artistic


text:
29 October 2021
In the run-up to the FIATA 2021 General Assembly, FIATA institute and body debriefings began this week, providing an opportunity for the respective chairs to provide an overview of the current challenges being addressed by the institutes, to take stock of the progress and achievements of the past year, and to encourage an exchange with all FIATA members wishing to contribute.
Multimodal Transport Institute (MTI)
The series was opened by the Multimodal Transport Institute (MTI) on 25 October 2021, led by MTI Chair Robert Keen in collaboration with the Chairs of the MTI working groups. Core to the MTI’s work over the past year has been addressing the disruptions faced by the global supply chain and aiding in business recovery efforts from the pandemic.
As the impacts of pandemic and the disruptions in the supply chain will continue to persevere, it was clear that the MTI, under its multimodal approach, will be best placed to identify and address the bottlenecks, and consider how FIATA can work to shape the supply chain to be more resilient for the future through the crucial role of freight forwarders as the Architects of Transport. FIATA expresses its gratitude to MTI Chair, Robert Keen, for his outstanding contribution to the key work carried out by the FIATA Multimodal Transport Institute.
"The main issue today is to protect the interest of our industry" - Jens Roemer, Chair of WG Sea
Working Group Sea Transport (WG Sea), led by its Chair Jens Roemer, has been on the front lines to protect the interests of the freight forwarding industry amid evolving business models, and to advocate for a level-playing field. This has included publication of resources and guidance for FIATA members, strengthening dialogue with stakeholders across the industry, and developing new strategies to address bottlenecks and challenges in the supply chain which can be used by FIATA members to advocate for the freight transport industry in their national economies.
"Competition is healthy, but it needs to follow a level playing field" - Jens Roemer, Chair of WG Sea
It was also an occasion to announce of the recent invitation to FIATA to join the Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) following 3 years of efforts, and to underline the need to adapt and ensure a fair commercial environment in the context of carrier vertical integration and alliances. Given the current situation in the maritime sector, this will be one of FIATA's main priorities in the coming weeks and months, and FIATA is pleased to be able to count on the great expertise and work of Mr. Jens Roemer.
"The recent Market Place seminar succeeded in highlighting infrastructure developments in different parts of the world and the learning potential of sharing our experiences" - Ivan Petrov, Chair of WG Rail
Meanwhile, Working Group Rail (WG Rail) Chair Ivan Petrov recalled the key events that were organized or had the participation of WG Rail over the last year, in the context of ongoing international rail infrastructure projects and the importance of rail as part of a multimodal recovery approach. These events brought together experts across the rail sector, notably in the recent Marketplace Seminar, and demonstrated the renewed collaboration between FIATA and governmental and international organisations on topics such as digitalization, multimodality and rail corridors. The meeting also provided the opportunity to announce Ivan Petrov’s successor as WG Rail Chair, Ole Hagen, who has previously held the role of Vice Chair of the WG Rail. Mr Hagen seeks to increase collaboration between the three working groups at this unprecedented time for the freight industry to provide innovative solutions for freight forwarder in the economic recovery.
"The disruption to the supply chain will last for some time, as markets remain very volatile and the challenge is to calculate the risks and plan accordingly" - Tomas Suhanyi, Chair of WG Road
At Working Group Road (WG Road), the Chair Tomas Suhanyi welcomed the expansion of the working group to include new members representing a wider geographical remit, and noted the important discussions that took place within the working group on the pandemic, business recovery efforts, and sustainability. A particular topic of focus, which will continue to persevere, will be the issue of vaccination requirements and governmental restrictions, and how this will impact on the fluidity of the wider supply chain.
Sustainability in freight
"FIATA can lead the way in sustainable development by sharing best practice and providing useful tools to its members" - Robert Keen, Chair of MTI
Last but not least, the MTI Chair provided an update on Working Group Sustainable Logistics (WG SL) due to the recent departure of its Chair, Cavit Ugur, who has left UTIKAD for new pastures. In his update, the MTI Chair noted the ongoing focus of WG SL on an emissions calculator repository and resource for the FIATA membership, and the collaboration of industry expert Andrea Schoen (DB Schenker) to discuss freight forwarding perspectives on standardization processes. It was noted that discussions are currently ongoing regarding the future development of WG SL, which needs to be more closely integrated into all different aspects discussed under the MTI umbrella.
Customs Affairs Institute (CAI)
"FIATA has not only participated in several international meetings, but has been a key contributor, adding value and making a clear difference for its members" - Steve Parker, Chair of CAI
The meeting of the Customs Affairs Institute (CAI) took place on 26 October 2021, providing the opportunity to reflect on the considerable efforts of CAI, led by its Chair Steve Parker, to contribute to policymaking discussions at the international level in support of trade facilitation and business recovery developments. Of particular note were the substantial contributions to the work of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) on e-commerce and authorized economic operators (AEO), as well as to the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) of which FIATA is a member. The cross-disciplinary collaboration of CAI was welcomed, noting that customs topics are central to a number of issues addressed by FIATA, as demonstrated on topics such as illicit trade and advance cargo information.
"The year 2021 has been a challenging transition period for the newly created FLI, with a new team operating successfully in an unprecedented context, which has perfectly illustrated freight forwarders' ability to adapt to new environments." - Stephen Mc Dermott, Chair of FLI
On Wednesday 27 October 2021, FLI delegates gathered for the pre–General Meeting session, led by the FLI Chair, Stephen McDermott. FLI delegates can be proud of this year's success.
Successfully adapting to the impacts brought by the COVID-19 pandemic was an important part of FLI activities. In the context of validation and re-validation sessions being heavily affected by the pandemic, FLI successfully implemented a new online validation process that allows for easier processing and engagement of FIATA delegates in the completion of their tasks. This ensured that training standards were maintained, despite the unprecedented time and the impossibility of face-to-face meetings. In addition, FLI made good progress on the elaboration of a digital training guidance, with the aim of providing instructions on all aspects to consider when setting up an online training programme.
The work around the Young International Freight Forwarders of the Year Award (YIFFYA) was also emphasized, as promoting young talents continues to be a key FIATA priority. In close collaboration with TT Club, efforts have been put in place to offer the contestants and FIATA members an unforgettable experience. The name of the global winner will be announced on 17 November 2021 during the YIFFYA online Final Event.
"If freight forwarders wants to stay relevant, FIATA needs to support its members in adopting digital processes and services by adapting the content and form of its vocational training"- Thomas Sim, FIATA Senior Vice-President and Presidency Rapporteur to FLI
Air Freight Institute (AFI)
"It was a difficult time for AFI in 2021 with the adoption of V/8 and V/9. FIATA is working at reversing this decision, in particular at the next IFCC meeting" - Keshav Tanna, Chair of AFI
The week of Institute reporting meetings drew to a close on 28 October, with AFI, led by its Chair Keshav Tanna. In his report, the AFI Chair noted the focus on strategies moving out of the pandemic, with the engagement of various industry stakeholders, and understanding how FIATA could address the challenges faced by FIATA members in today's air cargo supply chain, notably culminating in the creation of dedicated taskforces. In addition, the adoption of V/8 and V/9 remains a significant concern as it hinders this ability for freight forwarders to have a meaningful voice in the Regional Joint Councils.
Positive progress was noted by the FIATA Director General as to the work undertaken by the AFI Chair in collaboration with the FIATA Headquarters to strengthen the IATA-FIATA Dangerous Goods by Air Training programme, which has promising results in store for 2022. The Director General also provided a high-level summary of the 2021 World Cargo Symposium organised in Dublin in October, which highlighted the importance of sustainability as a centrepiece of the air cargo industry strategy, in addition to digitalisation and safety and security. Freight forwarders of all sizes are essential to the success of these developments, and there is a clear momentum for the air cargo activities to make their voice heard, to address inefficiencies in the supply chain, and to advocate for better regulation.
Don't miss the coming reporting sessions of FIATA Institutes and Advisory Bodies:
UPCOMING REPORTING MEETINGS
FIATA Advisory Bodies

domain: economics


text:
Project Designer-Luxury Hospitality Interiors-LA
Luxury Hospitality Interiors Design Firm
||Project Designer-Luxury Hospitality Interiors-LA
||Los Angeles, California
||Design Search Associates serves as a strategic advisor to leading architecture and design firms seeking exceptional talent. Currently we are filling the following leadership opportunity and invite you to consider submitting your resume and professional portfolio.
Serves as either architectural and or/ FFE team member under the direction of the Design Director and Project Manager .
Reports to: Senior Designer, Project Manager, Design Director
Amount of Travel Required: 20%-50%
Positions Supervised: Associate Designer as required
◾Knowledge of local material resources preferred
◾Participate in the construction administration of projects and review of submittals and finish samples
◾Proven experience in FF&E design development and documentation.
◾Outstanding graphic presentation skills
◾Works with Design Director and client to develop schematic FF&E design based on project criteria, program and budget
◾Participates in presentation and ensures format is compatible with office and client standards
◾Develops and maintain FF&E budget
◾Serves as principal contact with purchasing agent
◾Review sample, strike-offs, etc. for compliance with specifications and design intent
◾Directs and reviews furniture plans for content and accuracy and insures that they fully coordinated with architectural, electrical, RCP and lighting plans and other consultants drawings
◾Coordinates presentation of artwork
◾Coordinates FF&E installation with all parties involved
◾Produce and coordinate finish schedule
◾Direct education of Associate Designer staff and Interns in office standards and policy
◾Make task assignments to Assistant Designers
◾Responsible for revising specifications
◾Develops schematic design from established project program and client needs
◾Translates schematic design into design development drawings for use by production staff
◾Participates in presentations as needed
◾Assists in coordination of interior architectural documents with work of consultants and architects
◾Prepares interior architectural specifications
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education: Bachelors Degree (four year college or technical school)
Experience: 5 plus years of experience in Architecture or Design
Other Requirements: Experience in the Hospitality industry, writing custom specifications and fluent in Adobe Photoshop.
Design Search Associates offers a referral bonus program if you refer a candidate that our client hires. These bonuses range from $500 up to $8,000.
Please upload your resume and portfolio: http://www.designsearchassociates.com/jobs
|Email resumes to:
|Additional Contact Information or Application

domain: design


text: Acquaint yourself with the core elements of this writing style, including fonts, margins, spacing, body text format, title pages, abstracts, text citations, bibliography, and quotations apr 18, 2020 · example of a literature review structure. how to write opening statement uw–madison: example of apa literature review. jul 07, 2017 · apa literature review example by purdue online writing lab 1. bibliography entry in apa narrative essay proudest moment example style to write an essay advisors reviews. excellent apa literature review format will not only summarize your sources, but also how to create a small business plan evaluate, criticize, and assess in order to a unique image best topics for argumentative essays can be seen pertaining to statement of purpose essay the nuclear power pros and cons essay subject or topic. a review of literature is an research paper in which the how to introduce a source in an essay author identifies, relates, and evaluates examples of literature reviews in apa the resources consulted for a research project. punctuate the citation as sample of good college essays follows: this combines examples of literature reviews in apa the summaries of each of the previous papers reviewed in a coherent way that relates to the topic and empirical methods at examples of literature reviews in apa hand sep 21, 2016 · sample apa papers literature review jul 25, 2020 · a literature review paper critically summarizes previous essays for college samples empirical literature on a specific topic/question. writers and students in the social 5 body paragraph essay how to write essay ielts sciences, business or nursing typically use the apa style when writing summaries 2.06 of the apa  manual) a review of literature is an research paper in which the author identifies, relates, and free write essay evaluates the resources descriptive essay on a place consulted for examples of literature reviews in apa a research project sample apa paper: barriers and motivators.


During his state visit to the United States last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping famously pledged that “China does not intend to pursue militarization” on the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. This sparked a wave of analysis over what, precisely, Xi meant, given that there is are widespread expectations (both from other South China Sea claimants and the United States) that China will use newly constructed facilities in the Spratlys to host military assets (from combat aircraft to naval vessels and possibly even missile systems).
We received some slight clarification this week from China’s Foreign Ministry. Spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters that “There is no such thing [as] China ‘militarizing’ relevant islands and reefs” in the South China Sea. “Construction carried out by the Chinese side on relevant islands and reefs of the Nansha [Spratly] Islands is mainly to satisfy civilian needs,” Hua said, pointing to two recently completed lighthouses on Cuarteron and Johnson South Reefs.
However, she also admitted that “there certainly are a limited amount of necessary military facilities for defense purposes only” as part of the construction on Chinese-held islands. This aligns with previous Chinese statements on the purpose of construction in the South China Sea: mainly for civilian purposes, but with the acknowledged goal of “better safeguarding [China’s] territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
A reporter asked Hua to clarify her statements that China will have military facilities in the Spratlys but claims to be not militarizing the islands. Hua replied crossly, “I wonder how you understand the word ‘militarize’” – which is indeed the crucial issue. According to Hua, China’s construction of defensive military facilities does not qualify as militarization; however, the line between defensive and offensive capabilities is blurred (see also: the debate over THAAD missile defense deployment in South Korea). For example, neighboring countries believe the deployment of Chinese radar facilities in the South China Sea would be a step toward militarization as this capability could be put to use in enforcing an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over disputed regions. China, however, could plausibly claim that the radar is a defensive asset only – and thus deny claims that it is going back on Xi’s promise not the militarize the islands.
Importantly, Hua’s remarks show how China is going to play the rhetorical game when it comes to accusations that China is militarizing the region. According to Hua, the South China Sea is already being militarized by “high-profile display of military strength and frequent and large-scale military drills by certain countries and their allies in the South China Sea” – meaning the United States and its partners. China’s construction of military facilities, Hua argued, is a necessary response to those provocative moves.
“It is easy to understand why the Chinese side has to deploy some military facilities on relevant islands and reefs,” Hua said.
With the United States moving closer to conducting freedom of navigation operations within 12 nautical miles of certain Chinese-held artificial features, analysts are already predicting that China could use such a move to justify scaling up its military assets on the disputed features. Hua’s comments – both her definition of militarization and her explanation of the situation – make that all the more likely.


text:
During the Spring Term our topic is 'Amazing Animals'.
Within this topic children will be covering the following skills:
Geography - we will be looking at the 7 continents and five oceans to locate different animals on a map. We will be looking at how the animals are adapted to their environments.
History - we will be asking and responding to questions to find out about extinct animals and how animals have evolved over time.
Music - we will be exploring instruments to create sounds for different animals and explaining why we have made our choices.
Computing - we will be using ipads to create videos of their own performances. We will be linking this work to world book day and creating a class performance linked to our class book ‘The Smartest Giant in Town’.
As ever, there will always be an ongoing focus on ESafety throughout the term to ensure the children know what is an acceptable use of the internet.
Art - we will be creating a model of an animal using clay and using different brushes and paint textures to paint the model.
DT - we will be linking our learning to RE and creating a moving dragon for Chinese New Year.
RE - we will be looking at Chinese New Year and Easter. We will also be exploring festivals and how religious festivals are celebrated.
Our terrific topic this term is 'Space'.
Geography Links: We will be using technology to research and find out facts about space. We will be drawing picture maps of the solar system to identify and name the planets.
History Links: We will be researching the life of Neil Armstrong and discover how he has contributed to international history. We will also be identifying other space expeditions and plotting them on a timeline.
Art and DT Links: Children will be designing and making their own space rockets and using different textures to create their own moon paintings.
ICT Links: Children will be drawing a picture of a space shuttle and the solar system using colour magic and paint programs.
Music Links: We will be learning a space song to support our knowledge about the planets. We will also be learning songs for our Christmas production.
In RE we will hold focus days to celebrate Diwali and Christmas and look at how these festivals are celebrated.


text:
Follow TV Tropes
If the Gideon from Gravity Falls example is enough to classify it as this trope, then wouldn't Mabel Pines, Stanley Pines, and Soos count? Stanley Pines has married a distinctively male animatronic miner and has made comments on the attractiveness of the characters from Sev'ral Times (A tweet by Alex Hirsch also implies a little bit more, but I don't think that counts.) Soos is in a canon relationship with Melody but has also had more than a few moments with Stan. Mabel is a little bit harder to justify, but she's been shown to be pretty comfortable wearing pride colors in an episode about relationships.
Good lord, no. I know this trope is a mess and should be in YMMV, but even if it were, Mabel "I Literally Only Care About Boys" Pines is not Ambiguously Bi because she wore colors once. And Soos' relationship with Stan is very explicit. He's desperately latching onto him as a father-figure. Hell even Gideon seems like a stretch, unless it's actually saying the 12-year-old was having sex with men in prison which is waaaaaaaaaaaay darker than I think the show ever intended.
Well, I mean fair enough for Soos and Mabel, but what about Stan, even if it is played for laughs? Actually, now that I think if it, both The Love God and Wendy's father also have their moments.
If a character's Ambiguously Bi is based on them supposedly being attracted to two characters, one of whom is male and the other is female, but I think that the troper who listed it there was wrong about one or the other... I don't think it means the character can't be bi, so I don't want to remove it, but at the same time, there's nothing between the character that's listed there. (Mostly opposite-sex close friends). So... I'm not saying they're definitely 100% same sex, I'm saying there's just nothing between them and that character. I hate to remove examples because of that, but...
It seems to have been mildly discussed but I think it is actually a very good idea to make it a YMMV trope, since it is "ambiguously" gay or bi characters it's by it's nature very subjective and open to interpretation. And it seems like whenever a character is labeled as Ambiguously Bi/Gay on their respective work's main or character trope list it's often flagged because there's not canonical evidience that the character is attracted to the same gender, even if it is, again, specifically those who are only "ambiguously" gay/bi not characters who are definitely-in-the-closet or Bi the Way.
So I guess long point short it definitely should be a YMMV trope (I originally thought it was), it's too much controversy and hassle as a main trope.
While I would agree, I am not sure if the forum would agree.
I just think it should just be made less subjective, so that it only examples that are very clearly intentional. I think if the trope was made YMMV, people would just add examples of intentionally ambiguous characters to the Bi the Way page, which should remain for characters that are pretty much confirmed as bi.
The Tom & Jerry and Megamind examples seem like they should probably be removed. They're both stretching it.
Even if they are, ban evasion is not acceptable behaviour.
I personally think Sam and Dean Winchester, Megamind and Yu Narukami should all be removed, this page isn't supposed to be for discussing characters that yaoi fangirls ship with guys, and the first three fall pretty strongly into that category especially Dean since his actor confirmed he's straight. There's a case to be made for Yu, but I always saw his semi-flirtatious behavior with the guys as his idea of a joke.
Yeah. Sam and Dean have plenty of Ho Yay, but they've only actually shown attraction to women. They've shown love towards men, but it's pretty clearly and explicitly brotherly love.
As for Yu... given he's a bit of Cloud Cuckoolander and Troll (especially in The Golden Animation), it's not a great examples.
Honestly, this page is so full of stretches I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to make it YMMV.
No offense but a lot of these examples seem very Shipping Goggles-y.
Some of these are a bit of a stretch. I mean, Harry Potter? Doncha think maybe we could tone down the shipping goggles just a smidge?
Yeeeah, he doesn't fit. Pulling fangirl shipping paragraph that digs at and reinterprets everything:
I'll also post in the fora to ask if someone can do more thorough cleaning.
Haha, yeh no. That needs to be pulled.
Any other ship-y examples?
Because isn't the entire point of everything after the word "Note" in the trope description specifically intended to keep people from posting examples that are just characters fandom wants to be bi or gay when nothing in the original work suggests they actually are?
Community Showcase More
How well does it match the trope?

domain: entertainment


text:
View from Otterspool prom down towards the Stanlow oil refinery. The ship in the photo is the UKD Orca, a dredging/underwater ops type, 78m by 16m by 4.5m. I know all this because I was watching the ship move in what looked like pre-determined paths up and down the river and I was wondering what it was doing – then I remembered this site. It lists all the ships currently on the river, shows where they are and where they’ve just been. Very clever – isn’t technology brilliant!
Anyway, back to the photo – I particularly like how this came out due to the layering in the image – the stormy clouds at the top, the ship and the oil refinery in the middle and the texture of the river at the bottom. I did think about processing this in black and white but the little bit of colour in the image adds to it I think.


text:
Charter School Funding
The Massachusetts High Technology Council opposes the charter school funding changes the Massachusetts Senate passed this morning a mere four months after preserving funding mechanisms through Chapter 70 in the new Achievement Gap law. The proposal the Senate adopted this morning has repeatedly been proposed as a way to fine-tune reimbursement procedures, but unduly makes funding for charter school growth vulnerable to budget cuts outside of Chapter 70 and undermines the intent of the Achievement Gap law’s authorization of charter expansion in the lowest-performing districts. This also represents another state impediment to charter growth that will likely count against the state in its Race to the Top re-application. The Council calls upon Senate and House leaders to reject this amendment in budget conference.

domain: finance


Demag Cranes Launches International Dry Bulk Competence Centre Banbury, UK
Demag Cranes has announced (on November 14) the launch of its International Dry Bulk Competence Centre with the aim of further expanding the company’s activities in this sector.
The centre is located in Banbury, United Kingdom, and will offer customers a complete bulk-handling product family ranging from mobile harbour cranes, portal harbour cranes and floating cranes to hoppers, conveyors, grabs and drive components. Moreover, the centre will also supply customers with state-of-the-art software tailored to bulk-handling applications, expert consultancy services and service packages provided by qualified professionals.
The International Dry Bulk Competence Centre is headed by Mark Reardon and will serve bulk terminals intending to expand or upgrade their facilities or material flows. Demag Cranes will offer them an innovative and reliable one-stop-shop approach. “Many terminals are currently sourcing equipment from a disparate range of suppliers with a view to configuring their own system using these different elements”, explains Mark Reardon. “Under the name of its leading brand, Gottwald Port Technology, and together with its software specialist subsidiary, DBIS, and a proven network of partners, Demag Cranes will be ideally placed to provide optimum solutions from a single source.”
The Competence Centre indicates a major commitment by Demag Cranes in developing its long-term bulk-handling strategy with a view to positioning Gottwald as a leading brand in this rapidly expanding market: “Dry bulk is the largest seaborne commodity, driven by increasing demand for energy and food resulting from continuing growth in global population”, says Giuseppe Di Lisa, Senior Vice President Port & Intermodal Cranes. “Our Dry Bulk Competence Centre will help terminals to master the challenges triggered by this growth quickly and sustainably.”
World Maritime News Staff, November 16, 2011; Image: Demag Cranes


| || |
'Labor unions, landowners unite again for pro-fracking group'
March 4, 2014 - Ben Klein
"There is no reason that natural gas drilling shouldn't occur in rural areas of the Southern Tier," David Johnson (pictured), president of the Broome County Farm Bureau, said in a statement. "For people outside our community to be so vehemently opposed isn't right or fair."
Coalition formed to promote NY gas drilling
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (AP) — A new coalition of labor groups, farmers, landowners and businesses from New York counties along the Pennsylvania border is calling on state officials to lift the nearly 6-year-old moratorium on shale gas development.
Binghamton attorney Scott Kurkoski says Monday that the coalition called Southern Tier Residents for Economic Independence favors well-regulated, responsible development of natural gas resources.
The coalition is similar in makeup to the now-defunct Clean Growth Now, formed several years ago for the same purpose.
Kurkoski says the group will give a voice to residents of the Southern Tier who favor gas drilling and serve as a counterpoint to opposition groups that he says are based outside the Marcellus Shale gas region.
He says the coalition believes natural gas drilling offers an economic lifeline in a depressed region.
No comments posted for this article.
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text:
YTL Foundation School Awards
The School Awards programme under the inaugural edition of YTL Foundation which launched a little over a year aimed to support schools that are in line with the ongoing initiative to expand the accessibility of the 21st Century learning in Malaysia.
The proposals received were assessed based on a holistic set of criteria which included practicality, sustainability, creativity and potential impact on 21st Century learning in the school.
YTL Foundation awarded five worthy schools with RM20,000 grant each schools to enhance the 21st Century learning space for the students. Schools are expected to make full use of the grant to further the initiative to transform conventional education system to a state-of-the-art quality educational program using the Frog Classroom facilities and the connectivity of Frog VLE. So lets find out what the five schools been doing so far since last June 2017!
We would like to congratulate the following 5 schools for winning YTL Foundation School's Awards worth RM20,0000 each.
The grants support schools in building innovations in teaching and learning, building learning communities,
and building learning environments that promote 21st Century skills.

domain: news


text:
Does vitamin D protect against Covid after all? Israeli study finds patients who are deficient are up to 14 TIMES more likely to fall severely ill
- Bar Ilan University researchers studied 253 Covid patients from 2020 to 2021
- They found those with vitamin D deficiencies made up 87% of severe cases
- Researchers back-dated patient records by two years to zero out conditions
Vitamin D may help fight off coronavirus after all, a study suggests.
The jury has been out on the 'sunshine vitamin' since early in the pandemic, with conflicting findings muddying the waters.
Papers that did find a link were deemed not rigorous enough and not definitive. But a new study — this time in Israel — claims to have the most conclusive evidence yet.
Previous research has been criticised for only looking at vitamin D levels when the Covid patient was already in hospital.
Being ill is known to make levels of the vitamin drop, which may have skewed findings, according to critics.
To overcome this limitation, in their latest study, researchers from Bar Ilan University and the Galilee Medical Center looked at patient records up to two years before they were diagnosed with Covid.
They found people who were consistently deficient in the vitamin were up to 14 times more likely to suffer severe disease, even after adjusting for age and other underlying health woes.
The patients were in hospital before Israel's vaccine rollout was widespread and scientists said its findings should be seen as a green light for anti-vaxxers to turn to supplements instead.
People are still strongly encourage to get jabbed, with extra vitamin D only offering a helping hand alongside more steadfast protection against the virus.
High Vitamin D levels can help reduce the risk of developing severe Covid, a 'remarkable' Israeli study has claimed. Graph shows: Vitamin D levels in 253 mild, moderate, severe and critical Covid patients at the Galilee Medical Center in in Nahariya. More than 40ng/mL of vitamin D in blood is considered a 'high-normal' level, while below 20ng/mL is deficient
The researchers measured vitamin D levels in 253 adult Covid patients from April 2020 to February 2021.
Those with vitamin D deficiencies were found to be significantly more likely to develop severe Covid than patients with high levels of the vitamin.
They said the association was so strong they could predict Covid patient outcomes just by their age and vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is vital in helping the immune system respond properly to the virus, they said. But they could not prove higher vitamin D levels were the only factor behind better disease outcomes in Covid patients.
Dr Amiel Dror, a physician at GMC and one of the researchers behind the study, said the results were also as important for Omicron as the previous variants patients in the paper had.
It comes on the back of a host of studies suggesting the 'sunshine vitamin' — usually sourced from sunlight — can help protect against the virus.
But the research was not deemed strong enough by the UK Department of Health to warrant continuing A previous scheme of giving out 3p Vitamin D pills to the clinically vulnerable in winter.
Around 3million people were offered a four month course of the vitamin — which Britons do not get enough of from September to April — last year, but the programme was cancelled.
The vitamin, also abundant in oily fish, red meat, liver and egg yolks, boosts general health and fortifies bones and muscles.
Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in the Middle East, including Israel, where nearly four in five people are thought to be low on the vitamin.
The Israeli study, published in peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, looked at patients during the country's first two waves of the pandemic before vaccine coverage was widespread.
They checked Covid patients with an average age of 63 against their previous hospital records to see what their long-term Vitamin D records were like.
Out of the 1,176 patients admitted to the GMC in Nahariya, 253 had been previously tested for Vitamin D levels, allowing the researchers to examine the relationship between the vitamin and Covid outcomes.
Of those, 52 per cent were deficient, with less than 20ng/mL of the vitamin in their blood, 14 per cent had insufficient levels (20 to 30ng/mL), 17 per cent had adequate levels (30 to 40ng/mL), and 16 per cent had high-normal levels (more than 40ng/mL).
Pictured: Doctors attend a Covid patient at at Beilinson Hospital Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva, Israel, on Tuesday
More than a quarter (25.6 per cent) of deficient patients died with the virus, compared to 2.3 per cent in the normal-high group.
Vitamin D deficiency was found in 87 per cent of patients with severe disease and 34 per cent of those with mild or moderate disease.
They also found the association between Vitamin D deficiency and was consistent between those testing low for the vitamin between 14 and 730 days before their positive Covid test.
Dr Dror told the Times of Israel: 'We found it remarkable and striking to see the difference in the chances of becoming a severe patient when you are lacking in vitamin D compared to when you’re not.
'What we’re seeing when vitamin D helps people with Covid infections is a result of its effectiveness in bolstering the immune systems to deal with viral pathogens that attack the respiratory system.
'This is equally relevant for Omicron as it was for previous variants.'
He said the findings were not based on incomplete or flawed data as with previous studies.
Dr Dror added the team's use of medical records to rule out medical conditions being the actual cause of worse outcomes gives wait to the findings.
He said people should consider taking a vitamin D supplement to help avoid worse outcomes with the virus.
From early April to the end of September, most people in the UK get all the vitamin D needed from sunlight.
During the autumn and winter, however, Britons can't get their required intake — 10 micrograms per day — from being outdoors, so are advised to take a supplement.
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text:
Sen. Frank Church (D-Idaho) asked President Carter yesterday to "reverse the present practice" of the Internal Revenue Service that permits multinational oil companies to escape U.S. tax liabilities on their operations within oil cartel countries.
In a letter hand-delivered to the White House, Church charged that the IRS policy "is contrary to the Internal Revenue Code" and inconsistent with Carter's "declared objective of reducing the dependence of the United States and its major allies upon the OPEC [Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries] cartel."
Church, chairman of the Senate Foreign Economic Policy Subcommittee, referred to an article in The Washington Post on Sunday that said that four major oil companies had paid no U.S. taxes on $2.8 billion in profits derived in 1975 from operations in Saudi Arabia.
The companies are the four in the Aramco partnership - Exxon, Texaco, Mobil and Standard Oil of California. An Aramco spokesman said that no U.S. taxes were paid because payments claimed as income taxes to Saudi Arabia exceeded the U.S. tax liability. U.S. taxes can be reduced dollar for dollar for foreign income taxes paid.
In his letter, Church said that the tax loss to the U.S. Treasury "is an estimated [one] third of a billion dollars."
Church wrote the President that the oil companies should not be allowed a credit because the payments claimed are not income taxes but "fixed perbarrel charges", or royalties.
"I would urge you to direct the IRS and Treasury officials that the issue is too important to be 'kicked around' any longer, and to come to a conclusion disallowing the creditability of payments to the OPEC countries which are, in reality, royalties or excise taxes," Church's letter said.
His letter reviewed the history of an original IRS tax ruling in 1956 that allowed payments to the oil-producing skeikdoms to be considered income taxes instead of royalties.
He cited testimony before his subcommittee that indicated that the National Security Council at that time deirected the Treasury to adopt this precedure as an alternative to foreign aid to Arab countries, which would have been impossible to get through Congress.
"But those considerations are no longer, if they ever were, valid," Church wrote. "The OPEC cartel countries no longer need foreign aid given through backdoor Treasury channels."
American national interest, Church said, is to "redirect incentives for oil companies to develop non-OPEC oil resources."
IRS Commissioner Jerome Kwity met yesterday with Church staff aides to discuss the issue. In a brief telephone conversation, Kurtz said that a revenue ruling "has been in process for some time, but I've got gotten into it, today."
Kurtz said that "this obviously is an important issue." He defined the issue "as whether, in fact, the payments made (by the oil companies) are income taxes. It's not an easy question."
Jerome Levinson, one of the Church adies who met with Kurtz, said he was satisfied that Kurtz is treating the problem "as a serious one that must be addressed."
At the Treasury, officials said the matter was being studied by Laurence Woodworth, assistant secretary for tax policy. White House officials queried by The Post said they had not yet seen letter.
White House deputy Press secretary Rex Granum said that although Carter had not yet seen the letter, "I am certain that the President welcomes the senator's concern."
Granum said that Treasury Secretary Michael Blumenthal had told the President after The Post story was, published Sunday that the Treasury has the matter under review.

domain: politics


Pastor Jerry Miranda hugs Teresa, his wife of 38 years, as she’s released from Salem Hospital on April 2, 2020 after recovering from a serious case of COVID-19 (Amanda Loman/Special to Salem Reporter)
As the global pandemic took its hold on Salem, the city changed.
“Closed” became the sign of the day.
Face masks suddenly were a hot commodity.
Solitude – at home, on a trail, in park – is now standard.
At Salem Reporter, we understand we are living history.
As with journalists from coast to coast, we’re scrambling keep our community up to date, darting from story to story to story.
Yet it struck us that just telling the news – the latest change in life – wasn’t good enough. We had to find a way to record the images of life around Salem as it changes day by day.
You are seeing the result today of our decision to expand our resources and add in expert photographers. This is an essential addition, possible in part because of reader support through subscriptions and donations.
When I put out the call for freelance photographers, my inbox alert dinged moment by moment. Photographers got it. They understand this is an unprecedented time. They wanted to help us document Salem’s evolution for the moment – and for history. Amazing talent emerged as many raised their hands to help.
For now, we’re building our photography around three supremely talented people.
One name may be familiar to many of you – Ron Cooper.
Ron spent his professional career as a daily newspaper photographer in Salem, retiring from the Statesman Journal after four decades of work. He has kept up his passion for photography – and Salem. Ron, being a veteran warhorse of news like me, yearned to have a role in what we both now consider the story of our lifetimes.
Ron is meticulous, curious, and knowledgeable. He’s going to be our photo guru, helping guide photo assignments, taking on the task of editing the photos, and roaming around a bit himself. I’m humbled that Ron is bringing his tremendous skills to our tiny shop – and back to Salem.
The two photographers who will do the heavy lifting are Amanda Loman and Diane Beals. Amanda is an experienced photojournalist and Diane is well-known in Salem arts for her empathetic work, especially recently on the homeless.
Amanda jumped right on the task on Thursday, showing up at a Chromebook handout, watching a separated couple reunite at Salem Hospital, and otherwise letting her curiosity take her around town. Her work has appeared in stories already.
Amanda and Diane are largely going to be left free to go where their professional instincts take them. We want to capture life in Salem, big and small. We’ll strictly follow social distancing, but this is a rare chance for you to help capture history. If you know of an event, a unique circumstance, something that reflects in any way how we’re living differently now, shoot me a note ([email protected]). We can’t get everywhere and to everything but think about how life shifts daily. We humans are mighty adaptable and suddenly getting takeout dinner seems routine rather than the result of a hurried day.
This is all part of the determination of Salem Reporter to not just catch the latest news development, but to carefully record a way of life none of us has experienced.
We do so as the news resources across Oregon are shrinking. These are tough times in the media. As you hunger for more information, the financial stilts are getting sawed off.
Pamplin Media Group, a Portland outfit with the Portland Tribune and papers such as the Woodburn Independent, on Thursday laid off nearly two dozen employees. This followed an earlier decision to dial back its staff to 30-hour work weeks. Here in town, our colleagues at the Statesman Journal are following orders from corporate, requiring most of them to take off an unpaid week each month. And another big Oregon news company, EO Media, was among the first to make the tough call to reduce staff at its newspapers from Astoria to Bend to Pendleton.
At Salem Reporter, we’ve never relied on advertising to make it, though we dearly love any business that does want to reach our audience. Instead, we count on subscribers to cover our costs.
We have seen a continuing surge in readers signing up or donating even as we provide free access to our reporting on the local impacts of the pandemic. We thank each of you.
If you haven’t signed on, you can be part of our team, to see that Ron, Amanda and Diane have the resources to do terrific work. They join our reporting squad of Rachel Alexander, Saphara Harrell and Jake Thomas in our focus on Salem news.
How can you help us now?
SUBSCRIBE – This is automatic and easy to set up. The cost is $5 a month for the first three months and then goes to $10. Virtually every dollar goes to gathering news. Subscribe HERE.
CONTRIBUTE – If you already subscribe and you have the means, donate to our operation. We’re not a charity, so there likely is no tax benefit to you. The benefit is ensuring Salem doesn’t go dark when it comes to local news. Donate HERE. (We’ll soon have a way to get a tax deduction for a contribution.)
SHARE – None of this makes any difference unless more and more people are aware they can come to our website for free information on Salem. Spread the word. Share our website by email, by Facebook, by Twitter, by chalk drawings on the sidewalk. Get. The. Word. Out.
Help us today and we’ll help you in the challenging weeks and months to come. Thank you for your time.
Les Zaitz, editor
Questions? Suggestions? Email: [email protected].


Monday was Patriots’ day, and it seemed that nearly everyone and their families had the day off from school, work, and any other obligation.
There were parades erupting all over the metro area, especially along the route I take to get to work. No cars or busses could get through… Not that it mattered much, anyway. On Monday, the MBTA ran on a holiday schedule, meaning that the busses pretended as though the day was Saturday… and my oft-used bus route doesn’t run on the weekend.
When I finally got to the subway by walking a maze of sidestreets (as the parade required many barriers along the way), I discovered that MBTA’s “holiday schedule” also meant the subway was running less often than typical. (The subway train stopped to a standstill when it neared work — but, to my dismay, that’s hardly odd.)
It seemed that greater than 90% of the Boston area was out enjoying the wonderful spring weather, travelling around the city, watching parades, and viewing (or even participating) in the Boston Marathon. One would think public transportation would be running much more frequent and effiecent than on a typical day — instead, it was the exact opposite.
I did get a nice walk to the subway and did snap a couple of quick pics while walking to work. The photo above is the most interesting of the few.
(I’m still not really used to Boston and its quirky ways.)


A splash screen is an Overlay additional graphical element consisting of a window containing an image, a video, and a title or brief explanation. A splash screen appears while a panorama is launching and covers the entire overlay screen before you click on it. With a splash screen, you can put an introduction page of the virtual tour or an additional form of advertising for your business.
How to set up a splash screen?
Following are the steps to add a splash screen to your overlay:
1. Click on the “+” icon (A key) to open the Plugin Manager for Hotspots, Menus, Maps, Control Center, and Other. Select Splash Screen under the Other plugin option.
2. The drop-down menu appears on the right side of your overlay screen and you can make the desired changes using the splash screen settings. For information on what the splash screen settings do, see “Details of splash screen tools” below.
3. Add a background image or video to the splash screen. Click on Image to upload a new image, or select one that’s already in your Asset Manager. To add a video, you can copy the video URL from YouTube or Vimeo and paste it to the background video then refresh (Enter key) to play the video.
4. Add more visuals to the splash screen using the splash screen media that will be displayed at the center of the Overlay. You can select the media type for the splash screen, an image or a video. In the following example, media image and video have been customized.
5. Set the position of the media to the top, bottom, left, or right and resize it using the media size slider. You can also adjust the width and height of the splash screen media using the width and height slider above the media image tool.
6. Include a title and brief explanation to the splash screen media. You can also add an an exit button from the Splash screen to start the tour. In the following example, you see “Yummi Candles” and a “Start Tour” button have been added to the splash screen media.
7. Change the splash screen media colors so it can fit the background. Common colors set the splash screen colors connect to the colors in the general setting. Background color sets the color of the splash screen media background. Active color changes the colors of the active button on the splash screen. Text color sets the colors of the text in the splash screen. Set this color as common sets the color which belongs to the splash screen plugin and determines the default colors choices for other plugins.
8. Now you have a fancy splash screen covering your overlay. Once you are happy with the setups, just click “save” and “publish” to see the results.
Details of Splash Screen Tools
The Following are the details of the tools under Splash screen settings.
Background image: adds an image for the splash screen background.
Background video: adds a video for the splash screen background.
Background color: sets the color of the splash screen background.
Width: adjusts the width of the splash screen media.
Height: adjusts the height of the splash screen media.
Image: adds an image to the splash screen media.
Video: adds a video to the splash screen media.
Media area: controls the position parameter.
Media size: controls the media size.
Title: gives a title to the splash screen.
Text: brief explanation appended to the splash screen.
Button: adds an exit button from the Splash screen to start the tour.
Common colors: sets splash screen colors connect to the colors which in the general setting.
Background color: sets the color of the splash screen media background.
Active color: changes the colors of the active button on the splash screen.
Text color: sets the colors of the splash screen text
Set this color as common: sets the color which belongs to the splash screen plugin and determines the default colors choices for other plugins.


text:
Rebirth Pale Ale will be released on April 16th! A portion of the sales of this beer will benefit @TheRootsofMusic. pic.twitter.com/qVmaiaxj4B
— NOLABrewing (@NOLABrewing) April 7, 2014
Well this is just the best.
Yesterday, NOLA Brewing announced their newest brew: Rebirth Pale Ale. It's not available until April 16th, but it's already my favorite beer ever.
The tap handle is topped by a replica of the tuba played by Rebirth Brass Band founder Phil Frazier. The handle itself is shaped to look like the valves on a brass horn. Overall, it's a pretty awesome piece considering it's more or less just a lever that gets people drunk.
But beyond just paying tribute to one of New Orleans' most iconic bands, portions of the sales of Rebirth Pale Ale will also be donated to the Roots of Music Marching Crusaders, the free after-school music education program founded by Rebirth snare drummer Derrick Tabb.
So bottoms up to a great band and an even better cause (hopefully the beer isn't too bad, either).


text:
Background: Currently, there is no consistent evidence that breast feeding reduces the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Arousal from sleep is believed to be an important survival mechanism that may be impaired in victims of SIDS. Previously it has been shown that arousability is impaired by the major risk factors for SIDS such as prone sleeping and maternal smoking.
Aims: To establish whether arousability was altered by method of feeding, and whether breast fed infants would have lower arousal thresholds.
Methods: Forty three healthy term infants were studied using daytime polysomnography on three occasions: 2–4 weeks post-term, 2–3 months post-term, and 5–6 months post-term. Multiple measurements of arousal threshold (cm H2O) in response to nasal air jet stimulation applied alternately to the nares were made in both active sleep (AS) and quiet sleep (QS) while infants slept supine. Arousal thresholds and sleep period lengths were compared between formula fed and breast fed infants at each age.
Results: Arousal thresholds were not different between breast fed and formula fed infants in QS. However, in AS breast fed infants were significantly more arousable than formula fed infants at 2–3 months of age. There was no difference between groups of infants when sleep period length was compared at any study.
Conclusions: Breast fed infants are more easily aroused from AS at 2–3 months of age than formula fed infants. This age coincides with the peak incidence of SIDS.
- sudden infant death syndrome
- AS, active sleep
- QS, quiet sleep
- SIDS, sudden infant death syndrome
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If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.
This project was supported by SIDSaustralia, Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation of South Australia, and SIDassist


If the Internet can be thanked for anything, it’s its ability to present us with new experiences. Today, learning about a culture 5,000 miles away or watching the mating habits of the orca are now just a few clicks away and that’s something we’ve never had before.
Yes, in years gone by we could have picked up a Reader’s Digest guide, a history book or travelled to a location and carried out our own investigations. However, as you can imagine, this process took time and effort, two things that most people don’t want to sacrifice in the pursuit of something new.
Enjoy Sport That’s Half a World Away
Thanks to technology, however, the process of expanding your mind can take just a few seconds in some cases. For example, how many of you knew that Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) received record viewing figures in 2016…?
Despite being considered a two-state game (between Queensland and New South Wales) and subordinate to Aussie Rules, last year’s final between Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks garnered 4.2 million viewers. That figure, in context, wasn’t far off the AFL (Aussie Rules) grand final which attracted 6.5 million viewers.
Part of the reason for this upturn in NRL interest is thanks to the Internet. Sports fans both in Australia and around the world can now get news, updates and even place bets on the NRL from anywhere they like. For example, at Oddschecker the site’s aggregation software not only collates the latest NRL odds, but a wealth of statistics and data. Through this interface, NRL novices can quickly get an acute insight into the game, the teams and the players and, basically, develop an interest in the action.
Take Yourself to a New Place with Ease
Similarly, did you know that Siberia accounts for 57% of Russia’s landmass? Did you also know that Lake Baikal in Siberia is not only the oldest and cleanest lake in the world, but it’s the size of the Netherlands? Despite being one of the most inhospitable places on earth, the Internet gives us easy access to a ton of information about the icy tundra.
What’s that, you’re interested in relaxation? Well, did you know that there is a whole movement on YouTube known as ASMR? Based on the body’s autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), these videos feature a series of “triggers” that basically send a tingle down your body and help to relax you.
Now, in the past it would have been necessary to visit a masseur or some form of meditation class in order to achieve a state of “relaxation”. Today, however, you can pop on a pair of headphones, load up a video from an ASMR artist like GentleWhispering and you’ll be able to enjoy a completely new experience.
Indeed, this, in a nutshell, is the Internet’s greatest gift. Being able to seek out and experience new things is something that has become markedly easier over the years. Whether it’s a new form of sporting entertainment, some kind of knowledge or a new way to chill out, the Internet has made all this possible and that’s something we should all be thankful for.