|Publication number||US6870609 B2|
|Application number||US 10/073,613|
|Publication date||Mar 22, 2005|
|Filing date||Feb 11, 2002|
|Priority date||Feb 9, 2001|
|Also published as||US20030052346|
|Publication number||073613, 10073613, US 6870609 B2, US 6870609B2, US-B2-6870609, US6870609 B2, US6870609B2|
|Inventors||Cory Watkins, David Vaughnn|
|Original Assignee||August Technology Corp.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (29), Non-Patent Citations (1), Referenced by (15), Classifications (11), Legal Events (5)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/268,114, filed Feb. 9, 2001.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a system, and process for use thereof, for inspecting wafers and other semiconductor or microelectronic substrates, and specifically for inspecting three dimensional (3D) surfaces or features thereon such as bumps. Specifically, the present invention relates to a confocal optical system for inspecting bumps and other 3D features on wafers or like substrates, and a process of using such system.
2. Background Information
Over the past several decades, the microelectronics and semiconductor has exponentially grown in use and popularity. Microelectronics and semiconductors have in effect revolutionized society by introducing computers, electronic advances, and generally revolutionizing many previously difficult, expensive and/or time consuming mechanical processes into simplistic and quick electronic processes. This boom has been fueled by an insatiable desire by business and individuals for computers and electronics, and more particularly, faster, more advanced computers and electronics whether it be on an assembly line, on test equipment in a lab, on the personal computer at one's desk, or in the home via electronics and toys.
The manufacturers of microelectronics and semiconductors have made vast improvements in end product quality, speed and performance as well as in manufacturing process quality, speed and performance. However, there continues to be demand for faster, more reliable and higher performing semiconductors.
One process that has evolved over the past decade plus is the microelectronic and semiconductor inspection process. The merit in inspecting microelectronics and semiconductors throughout the manufacturing process is obvious in that bad wafers may be removed at the various steps rather than processed to completion only to find out a defect exists either by end inspection or by failure during use. In the beginning, wafers and like substrates were manually inspected such as by humans using microscopes. As the process has evolved, many different systems, devices, apparatus, and methods have been developed to automate this process such as the method developed by August Technology and disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/352,564. Many of these automated inspection systems, devices, apparatus, and methods focus on two dimensional inspection, that is inspection of wafers or substrates that are substantially or mostly planar in nature.
One rapidly growing area in the semiconductor industry is the use of bumps or other three dimensional (3D) features that protrude outward from the wafer or substrate. The manufacturers, processors, and users of such wafers or like substrates having bumps or other three dimensional features or projections desire to inspect these wafers or like substrates in the same or similar manner as the inspection of the two dimensional substrates. However, many obstacles exist as the significant height of bumps or the like causes focusing problems, shadowing problems, and just general depth perception problems. Many of the current systems, devices, apparatus, and methods are either completely insufficient to handle these problems or cannot satisfy the speed, accuracy, and other requirements.
The inspecting of semiconductors or like substrates, and specifically the inspection of three dimensional surfaces or features, such as bumps, is accomplished by the present invention, which is a confocal sensor with a given depth response functioning using the principle of eliminating out of focus light thereby resulting in the sensor producing a signal only when the surface being inspected is in a narrow focal range. The result is an accurate height determination for a given point or area being inspected such that the cumulation of a plurality of height determinations from use of the confocal sensor system across a large surface allows the user to determine the topography thereof.
In sum, this system and process creates multiple parallel confocal optical paths whereby the out of focus light is eliminated by placing an aperture at a plane which is a conjugate focal plane to the surface of the sample. The result is that the sensor produces a signal only when the sample surface is in a narrow focal range.
Preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
The three dimensional (3D) inspection system of the present invention is indicated generally at 120 as is best shown overall in FIG. 1 and is used in one environment to view, inspect, or otherwise optically measure three dimensional features or surfaces. One example is the measurement of bumps on wafers or like substrates. The 3D inspection system includes a light source 122, an optical subsystem 124, and a camera 126. The optical subsystem includes a beamsplitter 130, an aperture array 132, an object reimager 134, and a camera reimager 136.
The light source 122 is any source of light that provides sufficient light to illuminate the sample S, and the light source may be positioned in any position so long as it provides the necessary light to sample S to be viewed, inspected or otherwise optically observed. Examples of the light source include, but are not limited to white light sources such as halogen or arc lights, lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs) including white LEDs or any of the various colored LEDs, fluorescent lights, or any other type of light source.
In the preferred embodiment, the light source 122 is an incoherent light source, preferably of an incandescent type. In one embodiment, which is most preferred and is shown in the Figures, the light source is an incandescent quartz style halogen lamp. The light source is of a Kohler design, and specifically a reimaged Kohler design, which effectively matches the telecentric properties of the optical subsystem thereby matching the numerical aperture and field properties needed by the system 120 to produce accurate height measurements of bumps on the surface of the sample S.
The Kohler illumination design (1) maps the pupil of light source onto spatial extension of aperture array, and (2) maps spatial extension of filament in light source into numerical aperture or angle space of the reimaging system. The reimaged Kohler design differs from a standard Kohler design in two ways: (1) reimaged Kohler designs have a filament that is reimaged to a circular aperture that very precisely defines a constant numerical aperture over an entire field, and (2) in between the filament and the sample there is a focal plane that is conjugated to the aperture array, and at that focal plane the light is baffled and masked so that light outside of the desired range at the aperture array never enters the system. One baffle defines the numerical aperture and another baffle limits the light that passes through to only the desired field of view.
This light source provides sufficient energy to illuminate the sample S and is typically filtered. The light emitted from the light source 122 is directed into the optical subsystem 122. Specifically the light is directed toward beamsplitter 130.
In more detail and in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the optical subsystem 124 includes beamsplitter 130, aperture array 132, object reimager 134, and camera reimager 136.
Beamsplitter 130 in the embodiment shown is a pellicle beamsplitter. A pellicle beamsplitter has several advantages since it is achromatic, has very low polarization effects, and less variation with angle and color issues, and more uniformly provides light even after beam splitting effects than a polarized beamsplitter.
Another important feature is the design, setup, alignment and configuration of the light source 122, pellicle beam splitter 130 and the aperture array 132 as is shown in the FIG. 1. The light or illumination source 122 provides reflected light to the beamsplitter whereby some of this light passes through the beamsplitter and eminates out of the entire system and is lost, a small amount may be lost within the beamsplitter, and the remaining light is reflected toward the aperture array.
The beamsplitter 130 is pellicle and is of a broadband configuration. In contrast to a polarizing beamsplitter where incoming light is reflected at 90 degrees to the path of at least one of the paths of outgoing light such that incoming and all exiting light are basically near normal incident to the faces of the cube, the pellicle beamsplitter in this embodiment overcomes the detrimental design limitations of a typical cube beamsplitter of any type including either an achromatic or chromatic type. This broadband configuration is necessary because in a typical achromatic beamsplitter it is difficult to successfully achieve very small fresnel reflections on the surfaces unless the beamsplitter includes coatings that adopt broad wavelength ranges which are very expensive, very sophisticated and difficult to provide.
Aperture array 132 in the embodiment shown is an opaque pinhole array. Specifically, the aperture array is chrome on glass with the pinholes etched out of side facing the sample S (chrome side) while the reflective side faces the beamsplitter. Either one or both sides of the array in one alternative embodiment include an anti-reflective (A/R) coating.
The pinhole array in the most preferred embodiment is an approximately 100 pinhole by an approximately 1000 pinhole array, where the holes in this embodiment are of a circular nature although other configurations are contemplated. However, other aperture, pinhole or like arrays of differing numbers and ranges of holes are contemplated.
The aperture array is slightly canted as shown by β. This canting results in the directing or steering away of stray reflections in directions that do not effect the system. For instance, the canting keeps light reflected from the pellicle toward the aperture array that does not pass through a pinhole in the array from being reflected back into the camera reimager and camera. In the embodiment shown the canting a is preferably either 4.5 degrees or 5.5 degrees although it may be at other angles between 0.1 degree and 25 degrees. As discovered, the greater the cant angle the easier it is to remove stray light such as that caused by the reflection from the chrome surface; however, canting too much introduces other negative effects.
The pinholes in the aperture array are optimized in terms of size and pitch. In one embodiment, the size of the pinholes matches the camera pixels, that is the size of each pinhole matches the diffraction size of the spot coming back from the object reimager.
However, in another embodiment, oversampling is used meaning the system has more pinholes than camera pixels, and as such more than one pinhole is mapped or correlated into each pixel. In yet another embodiment that is preferred, undersampling is used meaning the system has more camera pixels than pinholes, and as such less than pinhole is mapped or correlated into each pixel. This undersampling reduces the effects of aliasing in the system so that holes do not have to match up directly with the pixels and thus alignment, distortions, and imperfections in optical system and other similar issues are avoided because this design assures that the same or substantially the same amount of light reaches each pixel regardless of the orientation, phase, etc. of the pixel with respect to a pinhole. The undersampling also broadens the depth response profile of our optical system to allow the system to operate over a broad range of three dimensional heights on the sample S.
In addition, in one embodiment the apertures are orthogonal or grid-like. However, in alternative embodiments the apertures are non-orthogonal or non-grid-like such as a hexagonal or other geometric pattern. This non-orthogonal pattern in at least certain applications reduces aliasing and alignment issues.
Pitch is preferably calculated from pinhole size which is optimized to numerical aperture size. The pinhole size is chosen inter alia to match the diffraction of the object reimager. The pitch is twice the pinhole size which optimizes the reduction of cross talk between pinholes while maximizing the number of resolution elements. Magnification and spatial coverage may then be adjusted to optimize resolution at the wafer surface.
Another key feature of this invention is that light passing from the aperture array is in transmission so that any surface anomalies on the pellicle beamsplitter are irrelevant to the imaging properties of our system and we are not susceptible to vibrations of pellicle beamsplitter.
The positioning of the aperture array into the system provides a confocal response. Only light that passes through an aperture in the aperture array, passes through the dual telecentric object reimager, reflects off of the sample S, passes back through the dual telecentric object imager, and passes back through an aperture in the aperture array is in focus. This confocal principle results in bright illumination of a feature in focus while dim or no illumination of an out of focus feature.
Aperture array in the preferred embodiment is a fused-silica material such as chrome on glass because of the low coefficient of thermal expansion. It may alternatively be made of any other material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion such as air apertures, black materials, etc. This eliminates a mismatch potential between pixel sizes and the CCD camera elements.
The object reimager 134 in the preferred embodiment shown is of a dual telecentric design. The object reimager includes a plurality of lenses separated by a stop. In one embodiment, the object reimager includes two to six lenses, and preferably three to four, on the right side of the reimager and two to six lenses, and preferably three to four, on the left side of the reimager separated in the middle by the stop. Since the reimager is dual telecentric, the stop is located one group focal length away from the cumulative location of the lenses on each side.
The object reimager functions to: (1) provide a front path for the light or illumination to pass from the aperture array to the object (wafer or sample S), and (2) provide a back path for the reimaging of the object (wafer or other sample S) to the aperture array 132.
This system is unique because it is a dual telecentric optical reimager. This dual telecentric property means that when viewed from both ends the pupil is at inifinity and that the chief rays across the entire field of view are all parallel to the optical axis. This provides two major benefits. One benefit which relates to the object or sample end of the reimager is that magnification across the field remains constant as the objectives focus in and out in relation to the sample. The second benefit relates to the aperture end of the reimager where the light that comes through the aperture array is collected efficiently as the telecentric object reimager aligns with the telecentric camera reimager.
The optical throughput is very high. This is a result of a numerical aperture of the system on the object side is in excess of 0.23 with a field of view on the object of 5 mm.
In an alternative embodiment, the numerical aperture of the object reimager may be adjustable or changeable by placing a mechanized iris in for the stop. This would allow for different depth response profile widths. This allows for broader ranges of bump or three dimensional measurements since the taller the object that it is desirable to measure the lower the desirable numerical aperture to maintain speed of the system. Similarly the smaller the object to be measured, the more desirable it is to have a higher numerical aperture to maintain sharpness, i.e., accuracy.
The magnifications of the object reimager are variable and a function of the focal length of a chosen objective. This is useful for tailoring the magnification to a variety of samples.
The camera reimager 136 in the preferred embodiment shown is of a telecentric design. The camera reimager includes a plurality of lenses separated by a stop. In one embodiment, the camera reimager includes two to six lenses, and preferably three to four, on the right side of the reimager and two to six lenses, and preferably three to four, on the left side of the reimager separated in the middle by the stop. Since the reimager is telecentric, on the telecentric side which is the side nearest the pellicle beamsplitter, the stop is located one group focal length away from the cumulative location of the lenses on that side.
The camera reimager functions to provide a path for the light passing through the aperture array from the object reimager to the camera.
The telecentric properties of the camera reimager are on the aperture array side or end so that it efficiently and uniformly across the field of view couples the light coming through the aperture array from the object reimager 134. It is pixel sampling resolution limited so its aberrations are less than that from the degradation of the pixel sampling. Its numerical aperture is designed based upon the object reimager so any misalignments between the reimagers do not translate into a field dependent change in efficiency across the field of view.
The combined system magnification of the object and camera reiamgers is chosen to match spatial resolution at the object to pixel size.
The magnifications of the camera reimager are 0.65×. The CCD or detector array is 0.65 times the aperture array. Thus, the preferred object and camera reimager magnification is 2.6×.
In addition, an optional feature in this invention that is used in certain embodiments is the canting of either the sample S with reference to the optical axis of the entire optical subsystem, or vice versa (that is the canting of the entire optical subsystem with respect to the sample S). This option compensates for the canting of the aperture array as described above thus maintaining the Scheimpflug condition. In the Figure, the canting is shown as α. In one embodiment, this cant angle α is 1.2 degrees.
It is also an option not to cant the sample or the optical subsystem when the aperture array is canted. In this scenario, some desensitivity of the signal occurs but is often not significant or noteworthy.
The camera 126 may be any line scan camera, area scan camera, combination of multiple line scan cameras, time delay integration (TDI) line scan camera or other camera or cameras as one of skill in the art would recognize as functionally operational herewith.
In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the camera 126 is a TDI camera. TDI provides additional speed by transferring the charge such that the system integrates light over time. The aperture array with line scan camera uses only one array of pinholes while with TDI the aperture array is 100 or more arrays by multiple apertures in each line (an example is 100 lines by 1024 apertures per line).
Sampling or viewing may be 1:1 or at another ratio. Where at 1:1, the camera operates at a 1 pinhole to 1 pixel ratio. Where undersampling is used, the camera is at a ratio other that 1:1 pinholes to pixels, and in one embodiment is at 1½ or 2 pinholes per pixel element at the camera sensor.
Light passes through the system as follows: Light source 122 illuminates and directs such light toward beamsplitter 130. Some of the light that reaches the beamsplitter passes through the beamsplitter and eminates out of the entire system thus avoiding interference with the system, a small amount is lost within the beamsplitter, and the remaining light is reflected toward the aperture array. Light that reaches the aperture array either passes through an aperture therein, or hits the plate around the holes in the aperture array and is reflected out of the system due to the cant. Light that passed through the aperture array is reimaged and collimated in the dual telecentric object reimager. The light is directed toward the sample S and reflects off of the sample S. If the point that is illuminated is in or near focus, substantially all of the light reflects back into the object reimager while if not in focus then little or none is reflected back. Light passes back through the object reimager and is directed toward the aperture array. Light that reaches the aperture array either passes through an aperture therein, or hits the plate around the holes in the aperture array and is reflected out of the system due to the cant. Light that passed through the aperture array is in focus due to the confocal principle, and it is reimaged and collimated in the telecentric camera reimager. It is directed into the camera and the intensity recorded. In any given pass, the above process occurs for every point on the sample that is being viewed.
The light that passes through the system is received by camera 126 and stored. After this process has been repeated at different heights, and across at least a portion of the surface, all of the stored data is then processed by a computer or the like to calculate or determine the topography of the sample including the location, size, shape, contour, roughness, and/or metrology of the bumps or other three dimensional features thereon.
In one of the current design and embodiment for bumps or other three dimensional features, the process involves two or more (generally three or more) passes over the sample surface S each at a different surface target elevation to measure surface elevation followed by two or more (generally three or more) passes each at a different bump target elevations to measure bump elevation followed by calculations to determine bump height. The result of the passes is an intensity measurement for each point at each elevation where these points as to surface elevation and separately as to bump elevation are plotted or fitted to a Gaussian or other curve to determine the elevation of both the surface and the bump from which the actual bump height at a given point is determined. It is the difference between the surface elevation and the bump elevation.
In more detail, a pass is made over a portion or the entire surface of the sample S. Intensity is determined for each pixel. Initially, a course or approximate surface elevation is used that is approximating the surface location or elevation of the sample S. The entire sample (or portion it is desired to measure) is scanned and the intensities are noted for each pixel, while if very small or no intensity at a given point then the system is significantly out of focus at that location or pixel (an example is scanning at the surface elevation where bumps exists results in little or no intensity feedback). This step is generally repeated twice more (though any number of passes may be used so long as a curve can be calculated from the number of passes) at a slightly different elevation such as 5, 10 or 20 microns difference in elevation to the first pass. The result is three data points of intensity for each pixel to plot or fit a Gaussian or other curve to determine the actual wafer surface elevation at that location. The wafer surface elevation is now known for the entire sample except where bumps or other significant three dimensional protrusions or valleys exist since each of these reported no intensity as they were too out of focus to reflect back any light. Curve fitting may be used to determine surface location under the bumps.
The second step is to determine the elevation of these significant protrusions or valleys (such as bumps). Another pass is made over a portion or the entire surface of the sample S (often only where bumps are expected, known, or no intensity was found in the surface elevation passes). This pass occurs at a course or rough approximation as to the elevation of the expected bumps such as 50, 100, 200, 300 or the like microns above the surface. Intensity is determined at each pixel as the entire sample (or only select locations where bumps are expected, known or no intensity was previously found) is scanned and the intensities are noted for each pixel, while if very small or no intensity at a given point then the system is significantly out of focus at that location or pixel (an example is scanning at bump elevations where no bump exists results in little or no intensity feedback). This step is generally repeated several more times (though any number of passes may be used so long as a curve can be calculated from the number of passes) at a slightly different elevation such as 5, 10 or 20 microns different. The result is multiple data points of intensity for each pixel to plot or fit a Gaussian or other curve to determine the bump elevation at that point.
Once the surface elevations are known and the bump elevations are known, the bump heights can be determined. The surface elevations are determined for the bump location based upon analysis, plotting, and/or other known curve extension techniques of all of the proximate surface elevations around the bump. The difference between a bump elevation and the proximate surface elevations therearound, or the bump elevation and the calculated surface elevation thereunder, equate to the bump height for a given bump.
In sum, the scanning process for the above invention is as follows: The system will scan lines across the sample surface S at a fixed elevation above the sample surface S. This scan will generate one z axis elevation on a depth response curve for each pixel on the sample under the scan. The sensor will then be moved in the z axis direction to a second elevation and the scan will be repeated to generate a second z axis elevation on the depth response curve for each location on the sample S under the scan. This can then be repeated any number of times desired for the interpolation method used (typically at least two or three scans, although more are certainly contemplated and will improve accuracy). The multiple locations on the depth response curve are then interpolated for each pixel to generate a map of the surface height under the scan. The elevation of the sample surface S is now known.
In the case of significant three dimensional protrusions (such as bumps), this process may be repeated at the approximate elevation of the outermost portion of the protrusions just as it was performed above at the approximate elevation of the sample surface S. The bump elevations will then be known, and the bump heights are then calculated as the difference between the surface elevation and the bump elevation.
It is important to understand that the size of the “in focus” region is determined by the telecentric object reimager. If this lens has a larger numerical aperture, the focus range will be small, and conversely if the lens has a low numerical aperture the focus range will be large. The best in focus range is dependent on the elevation range that needs to be measured.
The invention also in at least one embodiment is capable of adjusting depth response. This is desirous since with larger bumps a broader depth response is desirable while with smaller bumps a thinner or smaller depth response is desired. In effect, the system degrades the high numerical aperture to look at larger or taller bumps, and this assists in maintaining speed. Inversely, to view smaller or thinner bumps it is desirable to provide a higher numerical aperture. This broadening of depth response is accomplished either by stopping down the aperture, by providing or increasing the tilt of the sensor, or by utilizing a different focal length objective lens.
A significantly different alternative involves imaging multiple heights at each point rather than making multiple passes. This is accomplished by using multi-line line scan cameras where each camera or sensor is looking at different heights. For example, a four line scan camera system would involve line 1 reading elevation 0, line 2 reading elevation plus 20 microns, line 3 reading elevation plus 40 microns, and line 4 reading elevation plus 60 microns. All four data points in this example are gathered simultaneously. Alternatively, multiple TDI sensors could also be used stacked close together. It is necessary to introduce a variable amount of optical path difference between each scan lines either by shifting the aperture array or introducing a difference in compensator thickness in a media such as glass between the aperture arrays which are in a plane and the end of the object imager closest to the aperture array. The result is multiple separate planes that are conjugated to separate z heights at the wafer or sample surface S. In this case where imaging occurred as to multiple heights on a given pass, the surface height calculation and the bump height calculation will involve only one pass each.
In yet another alternative embodiment, two modes of speed are provided. A precise mode is provided where scanning occurs as to every die in either or both surface elevation determination and bump elevation determination. A faster mode is provided where scanning as to wafer surface elevation is performed only in one or a few places along the wafer and interpolation is used to calculate the surface over the remaining surface including at the die.
In even yet another embodiment, single pass height determination is performed. Specifically, only one pass or scan occurs and gray scale variation is used to determine the height of each bump. As a result, only one scan is used at one z axis elevation, followed by interpolation on a gray scale.
Accordingly, the invention as described above and understood by one of skill in the art is simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient device, system and process which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, systems and processes, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.
In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
Moreover, the invention's description and illustration is by way of example, and the invention's scope is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.
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|U.S. Classification||356/237.1, 438/14, 356/237.4, 250/559.4, 359/368|
|International Classification||G01B11/25, G01B11/30|
|Cooperative Classification||G01B11/25, G01B11/306|
|European Classification||G01B11/30C, G01B11/25|
|Sep 18, 2008||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|Nov 5, 2012||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|Feb 25, 2013||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: RUDOLPH TECHNOLOGIES, INC., NEW JERSEY
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WATKINS, CORY;VAUGHNN, DAVID;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120622TO 20121210;REEL/FRAME:029870/0305
|Mar 22, 2013||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|May 14, 2013||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20130322


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Untreated disabling hearing loss in Australia costs an estimated $14.3 billion each year, or around $13,000 per person with the condition. Seven per cent of all adults (around 1.8 million people in Australia) live with a disabling hearing loss, of whom almost two out of three (more than 1.1 million) are not being treated for their condition.
A disabling hearing loss is defined by the Global Burden of Disease research group as greater than 35dB in the better ear. The costs are related to lower quality of life and higher unemployment among people with the condition, but not extra health care costs.
The figures are estimated based on the report Hearing Loss – Numbers and Costs, using data about the number of persons with a disabling hearing loss, use of hearing aids, unemployment and quality of life. It is a metastudy of hundreds of studies over the last two decades about the prevalence and consequences of hearing loss and the use and benefits of hearing aids.
The report documents that the use of hearing aids and other hearing solutions improves health and increases quality of life, and that people with an untreated disabling hearing loss are at greater risk of social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and dementia.
With a steadily ageing population and an earlier onset of hearing loss due to increased noise exposure, this will increase even further in the years to come.
World Hearing Day is held by the World Health Organisation on March 3rd each year to raise awareness of how to prevent hearing loss and deafness and to promote ear and hearing care around the world. The theme for World Hearing Day 2019 is “Check you hearing”.

domain: sociology


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I see the Vancouver Sun has taken me to task for calling the Irish House a fake Irish pub.
It is the centerpiece of the Olympics after hours, the place where athletes hang out, the paper says, but I continue to say it is as Irish as Canadian bacon or curling. It is the Stephen Colbert of Irish pubs, pretending to be something it isn't. It is fitting that Colbert appeared there this week.
The defenders of Irish House, a prefabricated drinking pit, say it's real because the Irish team hangs out there.
What they won't admit is that there is barely an Irish team, six in all, and they have as much chance of winning a medal as I do. Most have likely gone home already.
Let me repeat: "Irish House has as much to do with Ireland as fish have to do with bicycles."
The Sun quotes George McDonnell, B.C., vice president of the Irish Heritage Society (which has a booth at Irish House) who "also dismissed my claim as a bunch of malarkey."
"This is the Irish House, which Doolin's built for the Irish community," he said. "There's nothing fake about it."
With all due respect, George, the Irish community wouldn't be caught dead in it, and you know it as well as I do.
Tell the truth. It is a fake.

domain: news


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A Sikh man from India has declined to sign the papers of his deportation, as he is not willing to leave Canada. As per the records, this Sikh man named Manjit Singh Rattu came to Canada in 1995 and he claimed for refugee status on the ground that his life was not secured in India. Before his deportation, he is staying in Alberta at the Calgary Remand Centre.
Manjit was arrested two years back in Toronto and after that the police enquired his thoroughly about the murder case of a Punjabi journalist and Tara Singh Hayer (founder-editor of Indo-Canadian Times). Hayer was shot dead at his own place in Nov. 1998 before the trail of the case of 1985 Air India bombing, in which he was supposed to be a witness.
Rattu’s lawyer has put forward that his client his declared innocent in case of Hayer. Rattu has also been charges for giving false information and using stolen identity cards since his stay in Canada 1995 onwards. Canada Immigration Refugee Board decided to keep Rattu in custody till time he is deported to India. But the twist in the plan of the deportation cropped up, as his Indian passport has got expired. So, the need was to apply for fresh visa, but Rattu refused to sign the related documents in order to get to the visa.
A Calgary newspaper has reported that Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) got in touch with Indian High Commission in Ottawa in order to plan Rattu’s departure without his willingness. Some source has also revealed that once Rattu was permanent resident of US, but he was refused for the extension after the expiry of the status.
Rattu’s lawyer has put forward the request to refugee board to free his client on temporary basis, so that he can apply for the revival of US permanent residence status. He also said that the life of his client will have threat to his life if sent to India and that Rattu is away from India to save his life.

domain: law


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Mafaza Travel & Hajj Agency is pleased to offer the Premium 9 days / 8 nights Umrah Group Package – Thanksgiving week 20234
- Travel Dates: November 16 to November 25, 2023
- Umrah Visa: Saudi Tourist visa processing, multiple entry valid for 365 days.
- Airlines: Saudi Airlines round trip ticket from Washington DC, (IAD) to Medina / Jeddah via Riyadh.
- Medina Hotel: 3 nights accommodations in Medina at Dallah Taibah Hotel, 4/5 star within the Haram boundaries, across from the ladies entrance.
- Makkah Hotel: 4 nights accommodations in Makkah at The Address Hotel, brand-new 5 stars hotel located within the Haram boundaries, 24 hours shuttle van to/from Haram.
- Riyadh Hotel: Stop overnight for one night in Riyadh at the Holiday Inn.
- Food: Daily breakfast buffet in Makkah and Medina hotels.
- Transportation: All ground transportation provided with air conditioned buses.
- Ziyarat: Visits to historical sites in Makkah and Medina.
- Imam: Imam and a manager will accompany the Umrah group.
- Gift: Ihram for men, and Prayer garments for women.
Umrah Group Package Pricing:
- Four people sharing one quad room: $ 3090.00 per person (available only for parents with 2 children)
- Three people sharing one triple room: $ 3190.00 per person
- Two person sharing one double room: $ 3390.00 per person
Contact: Br. Walid Abu-Sharkh

domain: travel


Rock Report 12/06/22 – Bret Michaels, Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses !
Bret Michaels knows how to bring the party and next summer the Poison frontman will take music fans back in time by hitting the road with rock legends Night Ranger and Jefferson Starship. Dubbed the “Parti-Gras” tour, the trek will also feature special guests.
This past Friday, Aerosmith were forced to cancel their show at the Dolby Live theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas due to an undisclosed illness suffered by 74-year-old frontman Steven Tyler. The performance would’ve been a part of the band’s ongoing 2022 “Deuces Are Wild” residency
Rock band Guns N’ Roses are suing an online gun store claiming trademark infringement. The store in question is called Texas Guns and Roses. The band is suing for “unspecified damages” and that the gun store is “attempting to con consumers into believing that the website is associated with” GN’R.


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In the absence of a delegation agreement between the releasing agency and the host organization, PIP can serve as a solution in its own right. If you are asked to close your pension account with your organisation or for other reasons, you can contribute 100% of a capital amount received by the paid-up GI to your PEP, even if the PEP is set up after leaving the liberalising organisation and no later than 12 months after the end of the contract. **In some cases, depending on the acceptance of the PEP by the release IGO. As soon as you become a member of the UNJSPF, you must immediately inform your former employer and the UNJSPF in writing of your interest in transferring your acquired pension rights to the UNJSPF. Once your transfer authorization has been verified, you must ask your former employer to inform the UNJSPF of the amount available for such a transfer. The UNJSPF would then give you an estimate of the additional pension credit to the UNJSPF that would result. You should then decide whether or not to continue the transmission. Once the transfer has actually been made to the UNJSPF, you will be informed of the additional eligible benefit credits you have received at the UNJSPF. As of 1 January 2005, twenty-one international organizations have been members of the United Nations Joint Pension Fund (UNJSPF). A list of the organisations is contained in Annex I and is also available on the Fund`s website at www.
unjspf.org. In the event of a transfer to the UNJSPF, the value transferred would lead to the transfer of credits for supplementary benefits at retirement within the UNJSPF, the duration of which is determined by an actuarial calculation carried out by the UNJSPF Advisory Actuary. No, because each participant decides for himself whether or not to opt for the transfer of pension rights acquired under the current transfer contract. Any transferable worker who decides not to transfer his or her pension rights retains all individual benefit entitlements under his or her current plan, as applied at the time of separation from service. No no. With regard to transfers to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), the amount of appropriations carried forward is fixed in the agreements in force and the service time credited under the „receiving“ plan is equal to that which took place on a direct-to-one basis under the „transmitter“ plan. This is called the „Inner Circle“ agreement. In the case of transfers from the UNJSPF to a „receiving“ plan, the transfer is determined to be the greater of the actuarial value of the UNJSPF pension rights incurred or the withdrawal plan due in accordance with Article 31 of the MONJSPF Plan. Once your transfer authorization has been verified, you can ask the UNJSPF to provide you with an estimate of the value of the transfer so that you can know what you would get under the „receiver“ plan if you continued to transfer your acquired UNJSPF pension rights.
. . .


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The general definition of Urban Fantasy is a book set in a real world urban setting, often in modern day. Of course, this encompasses a whole range of books and is a pretty loose definition and so you can get a lot of different types of books included in this.
I have curated a list of some of my favourite Urban Fantasy books for you - I've added links underneath each one if you're interested in more details!
Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews - This is one of my OG favourites, and it follows Kate as she navigates a world where magic and technology have clashed...
"The world has suffered a magic apocalypse. We pushed the technological progress too far, and now magic returned with a vengeance. It comes in waves, without warning, and vanishes as suddenly as it appears. When magic is up, planes drop out of the sky, cars stall, electricity dies. When magic is down, guns work and spells fail.
It’s a volatile, screwed-up world. Magic feeds on technology, gnawing down on skyscrapers until most of them topple and fall, leaving only skeletal husks behind. Monsters prowl the ruined streets, werebears and werehyenas stalk their prey; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.
In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But sometimes even trained killers make friends and fall in love, and when the universe tries to kick them in the face, they kick back."
This is a complete series and a great introduction to Urban Fantasy, set in Atlanta In this crazy world where people have had to adapt to the magic apocalypse. Kate is badass, snarky, fiercely loyal and can't help protecting people despite the detriment to herself. The journey she goes on is full of adventure, near death experiences, love and friendship. Each book is intense and amazing, I'd highly recomened! (It's got one of the slowest slow burn romances and it is exquisite and painful and beautiful.)
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas - This one admittedly leans more to the fantasy side though it still has an urban fantasy setting with the main character being party girl, going to clubs, university, bars, normal city jobs as well as having the fantasy aspect. It is a city full of humans, half-humans, fae, wolves, witches, sprites and all manor of other magical creatures.
If you've ever read a SJM book then you'd know she does not hold back. This book is intense right from the start. It is an adult book and deals with a lot of adult themes. It has a lot of built up but is an epic story.
It mainly follows Bryce but as it's such a big world, there is a large cast of characters which we meet and follow. This book pulls at the heartstrings and is quite the journey. The sequel has recently been released which is even more insane and epic and beautiful and painful. Not a light read but definitely worth reading!
The Dark Elements by Jennifer L. Armentrout - This series is set in modern day Americaand follows Layla, a half demon, half gargoyle teenage girl. She doesn't fit in with her gargoyle guardians and when she meets a dangerous yet sexy demon who's offering to protect her from demons, she risks the wrath of her adoptive clan and the trust of a boy she’s loved forever by partnering up with him. This series could also be classed as paranormal romance as its heavy on romance, but I tend to think of it as urban fantasy. This would be a great choice for fans of mature YA books, it has a great plot involving demon uprisings and possible end of the world scenarios as well as a lot of heartbreak and love and learning.
Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine - If you're a fan of Vampires and of YA books, then this is the series for you. This is a complete series and it has a lot of books in it.
It follows student Claire Danvers as she moves to a small town university in
Morganville. She foes because she is two years younger than most students and she thinks it will be safe. But Claire Danvers stumbles into a secret: Morganville’s owned by vampires. And so is everybody in it. With the help of new friends Michael, Eve and Shane, she might have a fighting chance of surviving the toughest little town in Texas … not to mention her killer classes.
An addictive YA series following Claire and her friends as they try to survive - its not made easy as they suffer one disaster after another. Enemies become allies, allies become enemies and the danger never ends. A cast of characters I loved, full of changing dynamics and character growth.
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len - This is very entertaining easy read set in modern day London - though it involves visits to London in a few different time periods! The story follows Joan...
"Joan is half-monster. And what's more, her summer crush Nick isn't just a cute boy - he's hiding a secret as well; a secret that places Joan in terrible danger. When the monsters of London are attacked, Joan is forced on the run with the ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family who are sworn enemies of her own."
I loved the story and it took some unexpected turns as I had zero idea of the plot going in. It is YA and doesn't have much in the way of romance though I expect this to change in the sequel. A excellent story with a unique idea of monsters and their powers. I'd recommend it especially for anyone not looking for a long series to commit to. Only the first book is released but it didn't end on too much of a cliffhanger so its a good one to try out Urban Fantasy.
I hope you find some new books to love from this list! I love sharing them with you and if you do read any I'd love to hear your thoughts. What are your favourite Urban Fantasy books? Or some you are excited to read?
Links for the first book in each series if you'd link to know more:

domain: entertainment


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A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take my first newborn photos! Baby Gretta was born the end of September and she is adorable! I spent the morning at the Richardson's home, taking photos of the whole family in a relaxing setting. This is the best way to do newborn photos!
Here is the final result... Enjoy!

domain: artistic


It’s been in the works for months and now it looks like they’re announcing before the exact agreement has been worked out. TTXGP and its copycat FIM e-Power are collaborating on select races for the 2011 season (schedule below). The collaboration (don’t call it a partnership or merger, yet) is one of those painfully common sense things that was sadly made difficult by the egos involved. In fact, Ivar called for just such a merger/partnership in an editorial last August. Why, beyond electric nerd geekery, is this such big news? It means better racing, larger fields, more complete events and more media coverage. It means we’ll be seeing bikes like the MotoCzysz E1pc (we’re confirming this) on the same track at the same time as bikes like the Brammo Empulse RR, Mission R and an as-yet unrevealed bike built by an HFL contributor.
The quick background on the whole FIM/TTXGP split is that they were planning on working together on a series, something went wrong, FIM stole TTXGP’s rules and there was bad blood. Both race series sucked last year with empty fields, slow bikes and boring racing, but e-Power ended up sucking harder, especially in Europe where starting grids were virtually empty and scooters were on track with proper motorcycles.
The one notable exception was the e-Power round at Laguna MotoGP last year, which saw Michael Czysz come from way behind to eek out an exciting win. Even that race wasn’t promoted properly.
As Ivar stated last August, “In simple terms: FIM have money, power and organisation. TTXGP have enthusiasm and a wider view than just racing – essential to anyone who wants to see the best possible electric street bikes as soon as possible.”
Here’s TTXGP’s 2011 schedule:
TTXGP Euro Championship 2011 calendar is as follows:
18-19.06 Silverstone (GBR)
01-02.07 SPA Francorchamps (BEL)
06-07.08 Assen (NLD)
20-21.08 Donington Park (GBR) TBC
03-04.09 Karlskoga (SWE)
23-24.09 Le Mans (FRA) TBC
TTXGP North America Championship 2011
14-15.05 Infineon Raceway (USA)
16-17.07 Portland International Raceway (USA) (TBC)
Round 3 TBC
13-14.08 VIRginia International Raceway (USA)
eFXC/TTXGP Australian Superbike Championship 2011
29-01.05 Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW) TEST
01-03.07 Eastern Creek Raceway (NSW)
02-04.09 Winton Raceway (VIC)
08-09.10 Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW) TBC
TTXGP World Final 2011
The most tantalizing date on that calendar is actually the TBC between the July 16-17 race in Portland and the August 13-14 dates at VIR. Is there room in there for a Laguna event on July 22-24? The FIM e-Power calendar doesn’t include a single American date.
There’s also virtually no details of how the FIM and TTXGP actually plan to work together. The only mention of it is this paragraph:
“In the spirit of collaboration and with the common goal of promoting electric clean emission racing; The FIM and TTXGP have opened the possibility of holding a selection of joint rounds to allow the teams the best possible stage to promote the sport, the technology and the message to the next generation of motorsport. In addition, further discussions also include the wish to celebrate the conclusion of the 2011 season with a single, unifying final event in October.”
We’re looking into this further.


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Rebecca Manson, one of the current sculptors in residence at Cal State University Long Bech [CSULB], told me I had to drive out to the campus to see what Christopher Miller was working on in his studio. So, with my full trust in her hands, I took the hour long and then some drive from Los Angeles to Long Beach to scope it out. And when I got to Miller’s studio I couldn’t believe what I was looking at. It was a painting machine, but one made out of organic materials like bamboo instead of steel, with markers hanging from strings stretched 5 ft high. The whole thing was powered by several fans that would cause the pens to sway back and forth across a massive sheet of paper, which was taped to the ground. Christopher then had various obstacles placed around his painting surface that the pen could work around. For instance, there was one sculpture composed of about 50 triangles that restricted the motion of the pen as well as one of Rebecca’s ceramic pieces that blocked out certain areas of the paper to create an ever -evolving, uniquely beautiful, and chaotic masterpiece. I especially love how you can really feel the heart of Christopher’s piece when you see it in person, since every single element is either hand painted or constructed. Even the strings that are holding the pens have little paper accessories attached to them, which remind me of tie-died Mondrian mobiles. Christopher is still working on this particular sculpture and can always use donations of various painting supplies like inks and markers to help progress the work. If you’re interested in helping him out, you can send him a direct email at Chrismmiller[at]hotmail[dot]com. Watch a video of the piece in action after the jump.
Salão Coboi is not a singular artist like you’d assume from the sound of the name, but rather a collective of individuals based in Portugal. They hit major attention on the blogosphere in 2011 when they did a project named Generation H, in which they sculpted figures wearing clothes modeled after actual items by haute couture houses like Prada, Alexander Wang, and Junya Watanabe. And there’s just something charmingly unique and European about the characters Salão Coboi create, which really makes me feel the same positive energy I get whenever I look at the wonderful designs of The Yellow Submarine and Wallace & Gromit. However, Salão Coboi have taken that kind of work to the next level by making it not just for children, but also adults as well. Beautiful/Decay featured the work of Salão Coboi a lift bit ago HERE.
Li Jikai is a Chinese artist who makes wonderfully melancholy sculptures and paintings. And even though he is well known in Asia, I had never seen his work before visiting Dialogue Space Gallery’s booth at the LA Art Show – a massive art exhibition being held in the convention center downtown. His piece “Daydream” of a young boy laying on his back and holding his legs against his chest drew me straight towards it, so I battled the waves of artwork at the convention center to get a closer look. And after inspecting the piece and meeting the gallery’s director, I turned the corner and became totally entrenched in Jikai’s world full of lonely characters and heavy symbolism. Especially one piece that I found most interesting of a boy sitting underneath a giant mushroom, because it existed as both a sculpture as well as a painting. According to some online sources Li Jikai is a member of the Ego Generation – a group of Chinese artists born after 1970 who deal with personal matters in their work as opposed to cultural ones. However, it doesn’t really matter if he belongs to that movement or not, since his work is so powerful at expressing its intentions that it doesn’t need to be lumped into a group.
The Site Unscene is one of only a handful of new businesses radically changing the landscape of the art world for the better. JB Jones and Wil Atkinson, who founded The Site Unscene [TSUS], are two of the greatest people around – so it’s no wonder that artists as diverse as Gregory Siff and XVALA treat them like family and often drop in to their headquarters from time to time just to say hello. However, one of the most unique aspects to their HQ, besides the art and artists themselves, is that TSUS have a massive garage space where the artists they represent, as well as their friends, are able to come in and paint for however long they need to – which is crucially important, especially to those who work with spray paint and don’t have the space to do so where they live. They even have lockers for all the artists to store their supplies in! I guess you’re wondering what exactly TSUS does and the only way I can explain it is to repeat their mantra of “We help make art happen” – since they really do it all, from putting on pop-up shows to helping an artists realize an ambitious project. In fact, I love TSUS so much that I frequently ask JB and Wil if I can do many of my interviews with artists at their space because everyone instantly feels right at home with the vibe they’ve set up for it. In the future I hope that we will begin to see the downfall of snooty gallerists who are rude to young collectors and the rise of organizations like The Site Unscene who open their arms welcomely to anyone who loves art – whether or not they have a Phd or a zillion bucks.
David Ball creates the kind of art you need to see in person, so you can get right up close to every piece and fully immerse yourself into the fine details of his fantastic fantasy worlds. I’m forever in awe of his mixed-media collages and I’m always trying to figure out how he makes all his works look like paintings, even though I thoroughly know that they’re assembled from thousands of magazine clippings. At least some of the photos below by Shaun Roberts give a rare glimpse into David’s unique and beautiful process, that makes my brain simply explode with joy. And right now, I’m just super jealous of every art fiend living San Francisco, since David will be featured in the group exhibit “Harum Scarum” at 111 Minna Gallery that opens on February 2nd and runs until February 25th.
Rainer Hosch is a commercial photographer who has shot brilliant portraits of everyone from the über-famous design star Philippe Starck to the shock maestro himself, John Waters. But in his series entitled Tour de Monde, Rainer shot everything for himself. And so the pictures accompanying this interview aren’t editorials or ads, but rather a rare glimpse into what an awesome commercial photographer like Rainer Hosch sees through the viewfinder of his camera when he doesn’t have to worry about selling the end result.


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No doubt, home ownership has its challenges, such as a lack of affordable homes for young buyers. 62% from 2017 when 28.6 million returns claimed the mortgage interest deduction before the new tax.
Despite Ultra-Low Mortgage Rates, New House Prices Drop to Multi-Year Low by Wolf Richter Oct 24, 2019 59 Comments Email to a friend. Last time prices fell like this was during the Financial Crisis. But now, there is no crisis.
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A Queens family is the latest victim of National Grid’s ongoing gas moratorium. The couple saved for decades to buy a home in Jamaica, Queens. With two kids in college, they’re.
Zillow Group is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for individuals with disabilities. We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our web experience for everyone, and we welcome feedback and accommodation requests.
Find financial calculators, mortgage rates, mortgage lenders, insurance quotes, refinance information, home equity loans, credit reports and home finance advice.
Aramark and Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse built a completely new smokehouse. The ribbon cutting and open house for the new arena is Saturday. The first big show is the Black Keys on Monday, September.
New Homes Mortgage Services LLP is an appointed representative of Sesame Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA does not regulate some forms of buy to let mortgages.
Use our free mortgage calculator to quickly estimate what your new home will cost. Includes taxes, insurance, PMI and the latest mortgage rates.
New-home sales probably will reach 660,000. forecast on the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s index that measures sales of single-family homes with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Mortgage Loan Coordinator Usda property eligibility map texas mortgage loan Assistance There are many programs to help single moms obtaining a mortgage and get assistance. These are the best home loan options for single Mothers. 855-841-4663 firstname.lastname@example.orgUSDA Eligibility Map | USDA Home Loan Qualifications | USDA. – On the interactive USDA rural eligibility map, users can zoom in and out to view various parts of the nation. Ineligible areas are highlighted in yellow. The map can zoom in enough to reveal specific addresses, but if the user is trying to establish which areas are USDA-approved, the map search can be limited to neighborhoods or cities.Govt Home Refinance Fha Home Loan Applications Unemployed, struggling homeowners can apply for the modification program through their respective mortgage lender or loan. must seek assistance from their FHA- or VA-approved lenders.Taryn Lorance at Guaranteed Rate Huntsville, TX 77340 assists you with low cost home purchase, mortgage refinance and fast closings. Get approved online in just minutes! Taryn Lorance at Guaranteed Rate TX – Huntsville assists you with low cost home purchase and refinance mortgages, great service, and fast closingsUsda Home Loan Eligible Areas Usda Pre Approval Calculator USDA Loan Calculator – Pre approval estimate for home loan – usda loan calculator. This USDA mortgage and closing cost calculator will estimate the loan amount for eligible home buyers, including the USDA funding fee, and monthly loan payment; including real estate taxes, home insurance, and monthly mortgage insurance (also called pmi).YORK – Cornerstone Bank in York was recently recognized as a Top Ten Lender for the Fiscal Year 2017 for USDA Rural Development’s guaranteed rural housing (grh) loan program. Cornerstone Bank.
He added that with between $60 billion to $100 billion in new mortgages issued for coastal homes each year, “we’re not talking about a small number.” Mr. Ouazad, along with his co-author Matthew Kahn,
Government Mortgage Assistance At NerdWallet, we strive to help you make financial decisions with confidence. Offers conventional and government-backed refinance mortgages. Offers a “lifetime guarantee” on future refinances: no.
As the mortgage guy, I have to make sure that you’re not taking on too much with your debt-to-income ratio. Some people will sell their current home and rent a house while they’re getting their new home built. Others will be able to live in their current home while building, and they’ll sell that house after the new one is completed.

domain: finance


text: hi i have 4 tiger barbs one female and three males i have set up a breeding tank and it is cycling but my female isn't as fat as i think she could be. what can i do to prepare her for spawning? i read the male and female need to be seperated to prepare for spawning, how long? Any info would help thanks!!

domain: biology


Top 10 SUVs with 300+ Horsepower
If the Sixties were the stage for the Muscle Car Wars, we’re currently living through the Muscle SUV Wars, as manufacturers use new engine technologies to push the boundaries of power in sport utility vehicles. Twenty years ago, when SUVs began their rise in the marketplace, 150 horsepower represented the norm. Horsepower slowly began to creep upwards, however, as engines began to grow under bigger hoods.
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards raised their ugly heads, and the big-engined SUV seemed to be on the way out. But advances in engine technology, including direct gasoline injection, turbocharging and supercharging granted a reprieve. Here are our favorite picks for top SUV horsepower brutes:
1. 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged (shown above)


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When it comes to making successful music, half of the work is devoted to creating the perfect music video to accompany it. While some companies try to lessen the costs when it comes to producing their artists’ music videos, some aren’t afraid to spend big bucks. In fact, numerous K-pop music videos are well over a hundred thousand dollars!
With that, here are six K-pop music videos that had the highest production budget!
*Only confirmed budgets included
1. TREASURE’s ‘JIKJIN’ – 417,000 USD
Earlier in February 2022, TREASURE released the music video for their song “JIKJIN.” Despite only being in the industry for two years, YG Entertainment wasn’t afraid to give a big budget for the song’s music video.
According to reports, “JIKJIN” had a production budget of a whopping 417,000 USD! A big chunk of the budget was reportedly dedicated to mobilizing the numerous supercars in the music video.
2. 2NE1’s ‘Come Back Home’ – 470,000 USD
In 2014, legendary girl group 2NE1 dropped their song “Come Back Home.” And once again, YG Entertainment went all out with their budget, with the song’s music video production having a cost of 469,000 USD.
Such a production cost isn’t surprising, considering the music video’s futuristic set, intricate costumes, and the number of extras involved.
3. Gangkiz’s ‘Honey Honey’ – 900,000 USD
Disbanded second generation girl group Gangkiz got creative when they made their debut.
For their debut song “Honey Honey,” the group released a seven-part music video. Because of this, the production value for “Honey Honey” is said to have been around 900,000 USD. The group was signed under Core Contents Media, now known as MBK Entertainment.
4. INFINITE’s ‘Destiny’ – 900,000 USD
INFINITE’s label Woollim Entertainment allotted a big budget for the production of the group’s music video for “Destiny.” The song’s music video was reportedly filmed at Universal Studios and locations in Los Angeles, United States.
In fact, only Lady Gaga and Chris Brown were previously allowed to film at Universal Studios during that time. So it’s no wonder that the group and their label spent 900,000 USD for the music video.
5. B.A.P’s ‘One Shot’ – 950,000 USD
B.A.P brought out their acting chops in the nearly seven-minute music video for “One Shot” against a budget of around 900,000 USD, which can go up as high as 950,000 USD.
With the music video’s storyline, as well as its intense actions scenes, “One Shot” felt like a short film than a music video!
6. T-ARA’s ‘Cry Cry’ – 1,000,000 USD
T-ARA’s “Cry Cry” has one of the most expensive music videos the K-pop industry has seen. The group created a short drama which comes in two parts, the second being “Lovey Dovey.”
The lengthy music video tells the tale of intense revenge and familial love, with a production cost amounting to a whopping 1,000,000 USD to create!
BONUS: BLACKPINK’s ‘Pink Venom’
While the exact budget figure for BLACKPINK’s latest music video “Pink Venom” remains unknown, reports say that the music video has the highest production budget spent by YG Entertainment. Given that 2NE1’s “Come Back Home” is around 469,000 USD, the production cost for “Pink Venom” may well be over 500,000 USD.
Were you surprised with how much these music video cost?
For more K-pop news, follow and subscribe to KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Robyn Joan
#BLACKPINK in the music video for their comeback single, “PINK VENOM."
It is said to have the highest production cost ever spent on a music video by YG. pic.twitter.com/L9qW5g8vvL
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 16, 2022

domain: celebrity


beGLOSS WIPE is the perfect shine polishing cloth for latex clothing. Your latex clothing will have an ultra-high gloss shine that’s dry to the touch. Experience a whole new level of comfort and convenience! This specially-designed latex polishing cloth is double-layered with black and pink microfibre. Thanks to the exceptionally fine fibre structure of the beGLOSS WIPE, this clever latex polishing cloth immediately absorbs just the right amount of beGLOSS Perfect SHINE and leaves no lint or streaks as you create the ultimate high-gloss shine.
Simply spray the black side with beGLOSS Perfect Shine and smooth it over your latex. Now flip it over to the pink side and buff the latex to get a perfect mirror finish.
*Important note: The best polishing results are achieved with freshly washed latex clothing. For best results, wash your beGLOSS WIPE with the beGLOSS SPECIAL WASH LATEX CLEANER.
Ideal for…latex clothing cleaning, latex shining, latex fetish, latex fashion.
• Latex polishing cloth for a high gloss shine that’s dry to the touch. It's magic!
• Immediate results – A perfect mirror finish without the stickiness
• Economical - With the beGLOSS WIPE and how it’s used, you only need an incredibly small amount of latex polish
• Environmental – Our beGLOSS WIPE is reusable and washable with beGLOSS SPECIAL WASH LATEX
• Helps to protect your latex clothing and other latex items from polish residue build up
• Leaves an erotic high gloss shine without leaving unsightly streaks or lint
• Creates a non-stick, anti-static finish
• The cloth is super soft and handy, thereby avoiding surface damage to your latex clothing
• Designed and handmade in Germany by latex lovers, for latex lovers


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Lupus brain fog is an unexplained feeling of mental fogginess that many lupus patients experience. Symptoms can include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble problem-solving. While the cause of lupus brain fog is unknown, there are several potential causes including medication side effects, inflammation, and anxiety. There is no cure for lupus brain fog, but luckily there are treatments that can help improve symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of lupus brain fog, talk to your doctor about possible treatments.
what is lupus brain fog?

domain: medical


Hot continuous rolling can be divided into ordinary carbon structural steel, low alloy steel and alloy steel according to materials and properties. According to the different uses, it can be divided into: cold forming steel, structural steel, automobile structural steel, corrosion-resistant structural steel, mechanical structural steel, A588 Grade C used in vechicle, welding gas cylinder and pressure vessel steel, pipeline steel, etc. We adhere to the tenet of "customer first, quality assurance and good reputation", and always provides high-quality products for our customers.
On Nov. 1st, 2019, BBN A588 Grade C used in vechicle steel organized Delegation to visit Zhengzhou Children Welfare Institute, and to give sponsorship as well as concerns to the Children. The handicapped children is always a pain topic. With the development of the society, they also gets increasing concerns and help from all walks of life. Thankfully, our Government also gives high concern to the handicapped children and has built A588 Grade C used in vechicle Children Welfare Institutes all over the country to guarantee their lives.
The A588 Grade C used in vechicle prices in the dominant market today is mainly stable. Regarding the transaction situation, some A588 Grade C used in vechicle merchants reported that the current demand is poor, coupled with the shortage of resources in some areas, the overall transaction is not satisfied. For the market outlook, under the support of relatively high costs, high prices are supported, but the A588 Grade C used in vechicle price increase momentum is insufficient due to poor demand. On the whole, it is expected that the A588 Grade C used in vechicle market prices will remain consolidated tomorrow.
The company has a high-quality management, technology and R&D team, and adopts independent research and development, domestic innovative process optimization combination. Relying on advanced manufacturing technology and sophisticated production testing equipment, it has ensured the high quality of products A588 Grade C used in vechicle and won a good reputation. We can offer various kinds of steel materials in GB, ASME, ASTM, JIS, DIN, EN, API standards and specifications.
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chicken and avocado wraps sound great for lunch
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe - (also pinning because that packed lunch looks amazing!) If you love chicken salad and avocados, then you are going to go ga-ga for this recipe!
Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo Damndelicious
Lohimousse // Salmon Mousse Food & Style Uura Hagberg Photo Satu Nyström Maku www.

domain: food


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Combating crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport
Posted: 14 July 2017 | Transport for Greater Manchester | No comments yet
After the announcement that Transport for Greater Manchester’s Travelsafe Partnership has deployed a number of tactics to stop anti-social behaviour on public transport, Intelligent Transport sits down with the operator to find out more about Travelsafe and how it’s keeping its passengers safe.
Transport is not a special case when it comes to crime and antisocial behaviour. When you consider that across Greater Manchester, approximately 37 million journeys on Metrolink and 206 million on the bus network were made in 2016, the chance of being a victim of, or witness such an incident, is extremely rare.
However, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour is a key factor that can influence a person’s decision on whether or not to use public transport, so tackling this issue is a clear strategic priority for Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the bus and tram operators.
That is why we have put significant resources into developing the Travelsafe Partnership – a multi-agency approach to tackling crime and ASB on public transport. Led by TfGM and GMP in partnership with First Bus, Stagecoach and the Metrolink operator (currently RATP Dev Ltd but Keolis Amey as of 15 July), a core element of the partnership is the Travelsafe Unit (TSU). Launched in April 2015, the unit is made up of police officers, special constables and travel safe officers. The TSU offers a visible presence and reassurance to passengers as well as preventing and dealing with incidents of crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion.
The unit was developed in response to a number of issues, such as cuts to front line policing staff, the expansion of the Metrolink network and the development of multi-million pound transport interchanges, which made the previous transport policing model unfit for purpose.
In its first two years of operation, the unit has adopted a strong partnership approach, regularly using intelligence and crime and antisocial behaviour data from contributing operators to help target patrols in the necessary areas at key times.
This shared experience and knowledge has proved invaluable for front line staff, providing greater levels of expertise and knowledge that have, in particular, helped assist in the identification of repeat and high profile offenders. The unit has achieved some notable successes, such as the arrest of many wanted offenders, including a prolific burglar who had previously been circulated as ‘wanted’ on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme, and who was initially stopped for travelling on the tram network without a ticket.
The unit has recovered drugs, supported multiple major events across the city and safeguarded some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
The unit also seeks to use restorative justice, which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through ‘payback’ schemes and reconciliation with victims. Such schemes are a proven method of tackling low level offending, which makes up the vast majority of incidents on public transport.
Another crucial aspect of the unit’s work is the focus on preventative measures and youth education. Uniformed officers have made over 50 school visits and held hundreds of crucial crew events across the region to educate youngsters on the dangers, impacts and consequences of crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion on public transport.
Activities such as these really highlight the importance of community engagement and, importantly, make children aware that the decisions they make today ultimately affect them tomorrow.
Despite all these preventative measures, incidents do obviously occur. Some are serious, most are minor, but it’s important we have the right tools available to us to identify and prosecute offenders where necessary.
Officers are equipped with body-worn cameras that, in conjunction with existing public transport CCTV, help gather evidence for prosecutions. The unit could also soon have the power to ban repeat offenders from the transport network and is seeking additional powers to be able to apply for injunctions. These would prevent those who repeatedly engage in anti-social behaviour from using public transport and potentially facing jail should they breach an order.
The case was considered by the Home Office Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Advisory Board in February and a further application has been made to the Home Secretary for a final decision.
The unit has achieved significant success in its first two years but is looking to go from strength-to-strength, with plans in place to expand the number of officers in the near future. This long-term approach is vital as the city looks to deliver the ‘world class connections that support long-term, sustainable economic growth and access to opportunity for all’ as outlined in the 2040 strategy.


Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission, Notice Of Public Hearing
PLUMAS LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, June 12, 2023
10:00 a.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible)
in the Board of Supervisors Chambers
Plumas County Courthouse-520 Main Street
The meeting will also be open to the public via live streaming from the County’s website and via video conferencing at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5897715825 and by phone at (669) 900-9128 with Meeting ID: 589 771 5825.
Notice is hereby given that the Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) will hold a public hearing to consider the following item:
Formation of the Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District, dissolution of the Beckwourth Fire District and Sierra Valley Volunteer Fire Protection District, divestiture of fire protection and emergency medical service provision by the Gold Mountain Community Services District, and transfer of fire protection and emergency medical services from the City of Portola to the proposed district.
This proposal is for formation of a new fire protection district, to be named Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District, and reorganization of the proponent agencies, contingent on formation of the proposed district, to include dissolution of Beckwourth Fire District and Sierra Valley Volunteer Fire Protection District, divestiture of Gold Mountain Community Services District’s power to provide fire protection and EMS services, and transfer of the responsibility for fire protection and EMS services from the City of Portola to the proposed fire protection district. The territory is located in and around the City of Portola and the communities of Gold Mountain, Beckwourth and Sierra Valley in eastern Plumas County.
The Commission will consider oral and written testimony by any interested person or affected agency as well as the report of the Executive Officer. At the hearing, the Commission may approve or disapprove a proposal with or without amendment, wholly, partially, or conditionally, may include or exclude territory in a change of organization or may continue its consideration with or without amendment, as a whole, in part, or upon such conditions as the Commission may determine. The extension or continuation of any previously authorized charge, fee, assessment, or tax by a local agency or a successor local agency may be applied in the affected territory. The Commission intends to affirm the Lead Agency’s CEQA findings as contained in the applicant’s Notice of Exemption. This notice complies with Section 15182 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Persons may attend and be heard at the time and place of the hearing. If you challenge the action of the Commission on any of the above stated items in court, it may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. The Executive Officer’s report will be available for review at the Plumas County Planning Department located at 555 Main St. Quincy, California, and as practicable, the LAFCO website www.plumaslafco.org five (5) days prior to the hearing. The contact person is Jennifer Stephenson, Executive Officer who may be reached at (310) 936-2639 or [email protected].


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HSR&D Citation Abstract
Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title
Augmenting Ongoing Depression Care With a Mutual Peer Support Intervention Versus Self-Help Materials Alone: A Randomized Trial.
Valenstein M, Pfeiffer PN, Brandfon S, Walters H, Ganoczy D, Kim HM, Cohen JL, Benn-Burton W, Carroll E, Henry J, Garcia E, Risk B, Kales HC, Piette JD, Heisler M. Augmenting Ongoing Depression Care With a Mutual Peer Support Intervention Versus Self-Help Materials Alone: A Randomized Trial. Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.). 2016 Feb 1; 67(2):236-9.
Various models of peer support may be implemented in mental health settings. This randomized trial assessed the effectiveness of a telephone-delivered mutual peer support intervention.
A total of 443 patients receiving ongoing depression treatment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were enrolled in either enhanced usual care (N = 243) or the peer support intervention (N = 200). Intent-to-treat analyses assessed outcomes at six months postenrollment, excluding 56 patients who experienced an unplanned telephone platform shutdown.
At baseline, patients had substantial depressive symptoms, functional limitations, and low quality of life. Both groups showed significant clinical improvements at six months, with no significant differences by group.
Telephone-delivered mutual peer support for patients with depression did not improve outcomes beyond those observed with enhanced usual care. Other peer support models, with more "professionalized" peers delivering a structured curriculum, may be more effective.


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Latest FPL Energy Stories
Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas) -- FPL Group Incorporated (NYSE:FPL) (Juno Beach, Florida) reported October 27 that its net income for the third quarter of 2008 rose 45% over the same period last year to $774 million on revenues of nearly $5.4 billion.
By John Dorschner, The Miami Herald Jun. 30--n the push to stop global warming, many experts are hearing a mighty rushing wind.
- Monstrous in size or character; huge; prodigious; monstrously perverse, savage, cruel, etc.

domain: economics


AMX Makes Third Acquisition of Quarter
Calling multi-zone, multi-room distributed audio systems “the entry point into the residential market,” control system manufacturer AMX acquired a company that does just that: Matrix Audio Designs. AMX said the acquisition will “simplify the amount of time it takes builders, developers and system integrators to develop packaged solutions for homeowners that integrate distributed audio with control and automation.”
Matrix Audio Designs now becomes part of the AMX family of products, and will be called Matrix Distributed Audio. All current Matrix employees are part of a new AMX team, the Matrix Audio Group, “which will focus on market and product development of multi-room audio solutions,” said AMX. Matrix products already can be programmed and designed using AMX’s VisualArchitect software and Duet modules; they’ll also now be added to AMX’s Whole Home and Home Theater System Design Libraries.
Matrix’s product line includes multi-source audio controllers, audio zone expanders, stereo amplifiers, architectural speakers, keypads and remotes. Its Audio Controller line, which integrates an audio controller, switcher and amplifier in one device, includes two families. The Delta Series is an “affordable” six-source, six-zone audio distribution system; the Mi Series is customizable system available in four- and eight-source varieties that can support up to 64 zones.
“Multi-zone audio has become the entry point into the residential market, from single-family and town homes to condominiums and even yachts,” said AMX President and CEO Rashid Skaf. “With the acquisition of Matrix Audio Designs, AMX has expanded our residential market opportunity by adding distributed audio products, which we believe will continue to grow in popularity and evolve in functionality for many years to come. By acquiring Matrix Audio Designs, AMX will simplify the amount of time it takes builders, developers and system integrators to develop packaged solutions for homeowners that integrate distributed audio with control and automation. This will be particularly valuable for the condominium market, where property developers require packaged residential solutions on a large scale.”


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Hobsons Bay offers a variety of locations suitable for filming including heritage streetscapes, coastal landscapes, park lands and industrial landscapes. Permission is required for all filming on Council-managed open space, streets and facilities.
All relevant application details, including site plans and traffic management plans, should be submitted at the time of application.
Please read the filming guidelines(PDF, 232KB) for Hobsons Bay for details of the application process, filming fees, and terms and conditions.
Low impact filming
If your filming activities meet all of the low impact filming criteria, complete a low impact filming request form. A minimum of seven (7) business days' notice is required, prior to the proposed filming activity.
The low impact filming criteria is as follows:
- the filming activity involves eight (8) people or less on-site (inclusive of all production crew and talent)
- you have no more than one camera, one tripod and handheld sound recording equipment
- no lighting, camera tracking devices, vehicles, large props or generators are permitted
- drones are not permitted
- your activities do not adversely disrupt stakeholders (traders, residents and businesses) or motorists
- all public pathways/footpaths/cycling paths and roads must not be blocked - a minimum of 1.8 metres is required on footpaths at all times
- you have consent from those directly affected
- you must provide notification of low impact filming a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to the proposed filming activity.
Fees do not apply for low impact filming.
Applying for a filming permit
You can now also submit an application in our new portal, which we're currently beta testing. To give it a try, visit My Hobsons Bay Hub.
If your activity does not meet the low impact criteria above, complete an online filming application form at least seven (7) days prior to the filming date.
Applications involving high impact activities including traffic management and filming in sensitive areas, need to be provided at least 21 days prior to the filming date.
All sections of the form must be completed, and supporting information must be submitted with the form. This includes, but is not limited to, public liability insurance, site plans, running sheet, and stakeholder notifications and traffic management if being used.
Permission from other authorities
Victoria Police needs to be notified of any filming activity involving the use of firearms, weapons, mock police scenes, special effects (e.g., explosives, smoke), UAVs/drones, or any other activity that may cause public concern.
For filming on privately managed locations, permission must be sought from the relevant authority. Other authorities managing land within Hobsons Bay include, but is not limited to, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, VicTrack and Museums Victoria.
Use of UAV or drones
For information on use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones during filming, visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) site. Please provide a site map of the launch/landing zone with your application, together with the licensed drone operator documents.
Fees apply to filming in the municipality. Fees are waived for low impact filming, films which promote the city and some student films. Please refer to the Filming Guidelines for further information.
For further information on filming or photography, please contact the Events Unit on 1300 179 944 or via email to firstname.lastname@example.org.