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One can often hear the Syrian conflict being compared with the war in Afghanistan, while the latter is often mentioned together with Washington’s aggression against Vietnam. In the second half of the 20th century, Washington deeply mired itself in Vietnam only to face imminent defeat. The same fate, it seems, is awaiting Western elites in Afghanistan. As it turns out, there’s a very particular reason why Afghanistan is often described as the “graveyard of empires.”
According to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for the fourth year in a row Afghanistan has lost 10,000 civilians, with people being murdered and maimed amid the ongoing conflict. Among the main reasons for such a death toll the UNAMA lists continuous air strikes carried out by Washington against residential areas.
This year, the number of civilian casualties will also surpass the 10,000 mark. This conclusion can be drawn from US President Donald Trump’s announcement made last year about the Pentagon taking a different approach to Afghanistan. The essence of this approach is simple: Washington’s policy will pursue the same goals with the same methods but this time around it will be much more ruthless. Trump’s administration hasn’t only failed to fulfill Trump’s pre-election promises about withdrawing US troops from the war-torn country, but chose to deploy another 14,000 servicemen instead.
There’s no arguing that America has paid dearly for its military aggression against Afghanistan. American taxpayers have wasted over 74 billion dollars on the training of Afghan security forces alone over the last 17 years. To make matters worse, it’s enough to mention that the deployment of a single American serviceman in Afghanistan exceeds 1 million dollars a year. This results in war costs reaching more than 20 billion annually for Washington, says Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution. This amounts to double the annual budget of the whole UN Peacekeeping Department. In total, according to independent analysts from Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), Washington has wasted well over one trillion dollars on its military adventure in Afghanistan…
It should also be pointed out that the production of opium in Afghanistan is soaring, amid all the efforts Washington has allegedly taken to put an end to it. Poppy fields can be easily found in pretty much every corner of the country. In 2017, opium production, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), increased by 87% – to 9,000 metric tonnes – from 4,800 metric tonnes in 2016.
That is why many people continue questioning Washington’s true intentions behind its ongoing military presence in Afghanistan, along with the total lack of transparency and interest towards the concerns that other states have regarding Afghanistan’s future. Those factors have already dealt a massive blow to the influence that Washington had previously exerted in the region.
One may recall that last February the Pentagon announced that upon defeating ISIS in Iraq it was planning to redeploy its troops to Afghanistan. At the same time, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Bagheri linked an abrupt increase in the number of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan with the gradual transfer of radical militants to this state, initiated by Washington. Moreover, last month it became known that US Secretary of Defense James Mattis, paid a surprise visit to Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. That’s when Washington announced that NATO would bring reinforcements to Afghanistan, while Trump announced his intentions to spend some 5 billion dollars more on Afghanistan this year alone.
These facts show that Washington fails to come to grips with the fact that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict, since there’s no defeating of the Taliban forces on their home ground. The continuous attempts by Washington over the last 17 years serve as testimony to this fact. Nevertheless, the US is not planning to reduce its presence there, nor change the nature of that presence.
In recent years, military supply lines that NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan have relied consisted primarily of the so-called Durand Line from the ports of Pakistan to Afghanistan directly. However, the reliability of this route may be compromised due to recent growing tensions between Washington and Islamabad.
Had Washington not plunged itself into a new US-Russian Cold War, the Pentagon would have had the chance to take advantage of the transit route it used in the early 2000s, across Russia and a number of Central Asian Republics to Afghanistan. However, as of now there’s little to no chance Moscow would agree to this, as the Kremlin does not want to put its relations with Islamabad at risk and Washington is keen to push the blame on Moscow for his failure in Afghanistan. The Iranian corridor that Washington used to rely on doesn’t look viable either, as relations between Tehran and Washington have recently hit a new low.
In this situation, the only alternative for the Pentagon is the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan corridor. The desire to create a so-called northern supply route has forced Washington to step up its diplomatic efforts in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, if the latter demonstrates its willingness to go along with Washington’s plans, the former is reluctant to put its relations with Russia at risk. Predictably, this resulted in Washington announcing new sanctions against Kazakhstan that are aimed at persuading Astana to change its mind, with US banks announcing the freezing of well over 22 billion dollars of the National Fund of Kazakhstan.
In a bid to preserve the vision of Sir Halford John Mackinder, Washington is determined to keep Afghanistan a hostile security threat to both Russia and China no matter what. And the fact that both Moscow and Beijing are facilitating the peace processes in Afghanistan can seriously jeopardize Washington’s plan of protracting the bloodshed in the region indefinitely.
That is precisely why Washington formed the Greater Central Asia Partnership for Cooperation and Development, which is designed to facilitate its contacts with regional players, while excluding Russia, China and Iran. Experts believe that such a union can provide the US with a continuous presence in Central Asia for many years to come and the subsequent development of the Central Asian region along with its plans. Afghanistan in this case can be used as a springboard with its own system of warehouses, airfields and military bases in place for years.
Thus, establishing a network of military bases in Afghanistan, the United States may put Russia, China, and Iran’s borders at risk, while conducting military operations outside Afghanistan through the use of locally trained troops. It’s possible that soon Iran may become the first to test the readiness of those troops firsthand.
Martin Berger is a freelance journalist and geopolitical analyst, exclusively for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook.”


The Dayton Town Council had the second reading of their Town Budget at their first regular meeting of June Monday evening. Dayton Mayor Bob Wood tells us.
Mayor Wood says that they will need to dip into their reserves by about $200,000. The third reading of the 2010 Budget will be Wednesday, June 16th.
In other business, Council approved a variance request not to meet residential setbacks on property owned by Lori Landkamer.
And as has become the custom in Dayton for the past several summers, a Yard of the Month was chosen. The winners for the month of May are Jim and Sheila Watt at 406 Main Street in Dayton. Mayor Wood says the program has been a great incentive for their community.
Also, Mayor Wood said that the Craft Brothers will be performing at their park band shell on Friday, June 25th – all are invited to attend.


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It almost seems not fair that all these wonderful bands and performers are playing, clashing, and tearing up and down the country at the same time. Normally a tour of any one of the bands that have been on offer this January, would elicit palpitations from even the most jaded of music critics. But having everything and everyone touring at once makes this summer a real life indie/music nerd/fan girl/boys wet dream. I’m not complaining of course, it just can all seem slightly overwhelming at times, but hey when it rains in this drought ridden land, it bloody pours.
Now I wouldn’t want to pit one brilliant band against another, unless of course there was a drunken dance off of some sort involved. But where The National on Monday were impressive, epic, heartbreaking and frenzied; The Arcade Fire on Tuesday were impressive, epic, silly, and good old fashioned wholesome fun. There is nothing quite like seeing a band that are at the top of their game, and how their concert will always remain firmly etched into your memories. This was boys and girls was one of those special nights.
Look, I know that The Arcade Fire are a rock multi-instrumental indie outfit. But I found myself surprised at just how much gusto and power their songs contained. Part stage magicians, part funfair, and all band, Arcade Fire opened with Wake Up, it was gloriously loud, joyful beginning to an gloriously loud, energetic, joyful, and uplifting show.
I have heard some negative comments about the crowd on Tuesday night, and in response all I want to do is ask what show were you attending? It certainly wasn’t the same show that I attended, the one where Arcade Fire had the entire sell out audience eating out of their hand, smiling, singing, crying, jumping, clapping, and dancing along to every single song. And hey I should know, I kept turning around to watch all those happy faces.
I know that I should probably talk more about why The Arcade Fire charmed the pants off everybody, but seeing as my review is coming two days late, (hey I was busy doing detailed job applications, and writing a story, in that order) pretty much everyone seems to have Arcade Fire eloquently covered. But I will say this all the hype you have heard about Arcade Fire live is completely and utterly true, and all those live videos really don’t do them justice, you cant feel their music as it pounds and resonates through the air, see the sweat running off their perky faces, or shout, clap and scream in appreciation without attracting some odd stares.
The Setlist for the Tuesday Night (22/01/08)
Keep The Car Running
No Cars Go
Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
Age of Consent- A New Order cover, as if you didn’t know that…
Ocean of Noise
The Well and the Lighthouse
Headlights Look Like Diamonds
(Antichrist Television Blues)
Personal highlight of the show, was when the band played Headlights Look Like Diamonds off their The Aracde Fire EP, which along with their 2001 Demo, I probably listen to the most. It was like a little recognition along my own cheesy lines of, ‘Hey you haven’t heard the older stuff live Sydney so this one’s for you.’ I was pretty impressed that I managed to get all the woos from that song in perfect time to the vocal. I’m normally the odd one out, when it comes to that sort of thing.
The Arcade Fire live were everything that I hoped they would be, everything that I wanted them to be, everything that they should have been, and then a whole lot more.

domain: entertainment


Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated that loans provided by Halkbank to merchants and artisans will be increased.
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In September of this year Western publications said that the star “For reasons of conscience” an affair with 35-year-old actress suzy Abromeit with which it had been spotted kissing in Malibu. Less than two months since the media started talking about relationship Andrew Garfield’s 28-year-old singer Rita Ora.
According to the insider edition of the Sun, the singer herself let slip about the secret affair.
“Rita told friends about the relationship with Garfield about a month ago. In the last days inflame passions more and take a serious turn. Too early to talk about something specific, but they clearly like each other, so we’ll see where this affair,” said a source close to the singer. He noted that different work schedules complicate their relationship, but the lovers have already established a strong bond.
Representatives of the stars, of course, refrained from any comments, and the paparazzi failed to catch the pair together. Don’t know if the information is true, but a couple of months ago Rita Ora has parted ways with producer Andrew Watt after a year of relationship, and Andrew Garfield never confirmed his affair with suzy Abromeit. The most high-profile relationship the actor had with his counterpart in the film “spider-Man” Emma stone, whom he broke up in 2015, writes popcornnews.ru.


A “gay conversion therapy” provider that was found guilty of consumer fraud in June will permanently shut down and dissolve its corporate entity, according to a settlement reached on Friday.
The settlement was announced by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which helped spearhead the 2012 lawsuit against the New Jersey-based group, Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing (Jonah).
Jonah had been found guilty of committing consumer fraud and engaging in “unconscionable commercial practices” in June. The therapy offered by Jonah had been ruled as fraud by Peter Bariso Jr, a New Jersey superior court judge, in pretrial back in February. At the time, Bariso also ruled that defense could not call on experts who would testify that homosexuality is an illness.
“I feel elated,” Michael Ferguson, one of the plaintiffs, told the Guardian on Friday after the settlement was announced. SPLC sued Jonah on behalf of Ferguson, three other men and two of their mothers, who alleged that Jonah’s methods don’t work. While Ferguson’s mom was not part of the lawsuit, he said she had been supportive throughout the process.
The four men said they went through the therapy and were forced to perform activities including being made to strip naked while standing in a circle with other men and to be naked with their fathers at bathhouses.
“It’s really hard to speak up and talk about it,” said Ferguson, but added that there is understanding and sympathy towards those sharing their experience of conversion therapy. When testifying in court, Ferguson said he had to “relive the abuse” and this settlement has helped him get closure.
“Gay conversion therapy stole years from my life, and nearly stole my life,” he said. “My hope is that others can be spared the unneeded harm that comes from the lies the defendants and those like them spread.”
David Dinielli, the deputy legal director of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said that Jonah’s fate should serve as a warning to other conversion therapy providers who should “abandon their foolish efforts to make gay people straight”.
“Jonah peddled discredited, pseudo-scientific treatments to people who weren’t sick, who weren’t broken, and who needed nothing but love and support. The end of Jonah signals that conversion therapy, however packaged, is fraudulent – plain and simple,” Dinielli said.
As part of the settlement, Jonah founder Arthur Goldberg and a counselor, Alan Downing, are prohibited from engaging in any form of conversion therapy commerce in New Jersey, the SPLC press release said.
“Defendants are permanently enjoined from engaging, whether directly or through referrals, in any therapy, counseling, treatment or activity that has the goal of changing, affecting or influencing sexual orientation, ‘same-sex attraction’ or ‘gender wholeness’ or any other equivalent term, in New Jersey, including advertising or promoting the practice,” according to the order.
Downing must stop providing conversion therapy to current clients, all of whom are 18 or older, within 30 days. Since 2013, it has been illegal to perform gay conversion therapy in New Jersey on patients younger than 18, after Republican governor Chris Christie signed a ban into law. An appeal by two associations and therapists challenging the ban to the US supreme court is pending.
Jonah’s website was still up and running on Friday afternoon, and was accepting payments and donations. Jonah has 30 days to shut down its operations, including taking down its website. The corporate entity, which is to be dissolved, has six months to liquidate its assets.


6 stainless steel HPCRT bearings + 1 roller bearing. Lightweight aluminum rotor (60 size). IM-C6T (Insert molded C6) body design combines an X- crafticT gearbox design with a C6 carbon body, (30-35 sizes). X- CräfticT alloy body (40-60 size).
Machined aluminum braid ready spool allows braid to be tied directly to the spool without any slip. Stainless steel main shaft and components. Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line. Hard fighting inshore species have met their match.
The Revo® Inshore spinning reek has been specifically engineered to handle the abuse of hard pulling fish as well as corrosive saltwater fishing environments. We started with an upgraded Insert Molded C6 (IM-C6T) carbon body design, combined it with a powerful machined aluminum main gear and added our tried-and-true Carbon MatrixT drag system for efficient drag performance.HPCRT bearings give anglers exceptional corrosion resistance and deliver ultra-smooth performance for the long haul. 40 and 60 size utilizes an all-aluminum body. We do not cover this cost for our customers nor can we estimate these costs. International deliveries can take 7-12 days depending upon your location. To be eligible for return all products must be in brand new, complete original packaging with all accessories and instructional materials included. Please check this listing page carefully as the answer is usually there. The item "Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Spinning Reel REVO2INS40" is in sale since Tuesday, May 8, 2018. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Fishing\Reels\Spinning Reels". The seller is "americanlegacyfishing" and is located in Evansville, Indiana. This item can be shipped to North, South, or Latin America, all countries in Europe, all countries in continental Asia, Australia.


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Located at the Coronado Ferry Landing, Spiro's Gyros is known for both its tasty Greek food and terrific views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline. Locals and tourists alike enjoy people-watching while enjoying a meal on the outside patio. Portions are large and offer a great value for scenic bayside dining. A children's menu is available for those with young gyro lovers to feed.
1201 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118
- Fax: 248-919-1247
- Accessibility Details: Two street-level entrances
- Hours: Daily, 11am - 8pm
- Hours: Daily, 24hrs.
- Accessible: yes

domain: travel


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All Tools & Measuring Sale
Sur La Table Set of Five Prep Bowls
Great for baking, mise en place, meal prep and more, this set of...
Sur La Table Batter Bowl with Lid
The perfect bowl for mixing up batches of pancake, brownie or cake ...

domain: food


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First Hour – News/Politics
Obama predictions at Climate Summit: “Submerged countries, abandoned cities, fields that no longer grow”. http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/obama-predicts-submerged-countries-abandoned-cities-fields-no-longer-grow
Paris Global Warming Summit to produce 300,000 tons of CO2. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3339333/Let-s-hope-talks-aren-t-load-hot-air-Global-warming-summit-produce-300-000-TONS-C02-50-000-people-travel-Paris-world-two-week-conference.html
Pope says world heading toward “suicide” if no Climate Change Summit deal is reached. http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/30/us-climatechange-summit-pope-idUSKBN0TJ2FY20151130#VrsWdIvwsxXSsyOs.97
Media’s double standard for Planned Parenthood shooting questions versus conservatives being attacked. http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2015/11/30/planned-parenthood-pamela-geller-cnn-always-blames-conservatives-for-terrorism/
List of Classified e-mail on Hillary’s private, unsecured server now at 1000. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/11/30/nearly-1000-clinton-emails-had-classified-info.html?intcmp=hpbt2
CNN op-ed accuses pro-lifers of “lying” about Planned Parenthood selling baby body parts. http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/30/opinions/kohn-planned-parenthood-shooting/index.html
America’s largest police Union asks NFL to allow fans to carry guns for safety in stadiums. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/30/police-union-wants-nfl-to-allow-concealed-carry-at-stadiums/?intcmp=hpbt3
“12 Days of Christmas” items now cost over $34,000. http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/12-days-christmas-items-top-34k-06-percent
News Hour Guest Interview: Media Research Center Director of Media Analysis Tim Graham to discuss President Obama’s passion for opposing Republicans compared to his passion against ISIS.
Rest of the Bob Dutko Show…..
Guest Interview: Tim Ehmann who claims he died, went to Hell and then had God rescue him, show him Heaven and then brought him back to life to discuss his claims and book “I Met God in Hell”.
Other Issues Discussed…….
CDC: 55.4% of all abortions are black or Hispanic. http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/cdc-black-and-hispanic-babies-aborted-2012-224839-or-554-abortions
Black versus white homicide statistics. http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/11/28/5-devastating-facts-black-black-crime/
Guest Interview: Scott Goodwin & Jim Scieszka in studio to take callers questions on legal issues.
Other Issues Discussed……
I methodically debunked a CNN op-ed accusing pro-lifers of “lying” about Planned Parenthood selling baby body parts. http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/30/opinions/kohn-planned-parenthood-shooting/index.html

domain: news


I have an iPhone 4S, Firmware 5.0 9A334. I finally installed my Mimics and, after fixing a loose touchscreen cable, got it to work yesterday. Last night, I saw an update for the Mimics driver (from the previous version to the new version 1.3-1). After installing this update, the touchscreen is no longer responding. Here is what I know:
1. DisplayOut shows a connection when I connect the iPhone to the Mimics
2. Mimics shows the warning screen when I connect the iPhone to the Mimics
3. The remote home button still works
4. We have tried it with the new power connection rule in Mimics app settings on or off, same problem
4. Using the old version of the Mimics driver, we were able to use the calibration utility as described in the user's manual. Using the new version of the Mimics driver, the blue LED on the Mimics does NOT turn off as described.
5. We have fixed and re-checked the touchscreen ribbon cable. Everything was working before the Mimics driver update, nothing else changed but the Mimics driver update, and then it stopped working.
I *really* do not want to upgrade the firmware on my phone, so I have a request: would you mind re-releasing the OLD version of the Mimics driver (maybe call it Mimics driver for firmware 5.0 and keep the new version for 5.1.X if this problem is a firmware-related issue)?
Please let me know ASAP as I am in the middle of an install. Thanks for any help you can provide on this.


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Since I am committed to finishing more projects in 2012 than I start, and since I just finished my new über-poncho (which counts as having been an unfinished project because it was made of scraps that might other wise form a massive and difficult to use tangle of yarn), I found myself wondering “what next?”
What next, it turns out, is figuring out the particulars of an afghan that is to be a wedding gift.
I’ve never met the happy couple, but I do know two of the people on the guest list, and because these two particular people on the guest list are dear to me, and because I am shameless and indefatigable in the promotion of my crAft (yes, crAft with a capital “A”), I offered to make a wedding gift.
As I worked on the poncho, I realized that if I am to have an afghan that is also a suitable (and show stopping) gift ready for a May wedding, I need to get busy. So once the last loose end of the poncho had been woven in, I began to consider, in earnest, what I would do.
For a day or so, I thought that I might revisit the Granny Sampler Afghan that took me so long to make, I took to calling it the afghan that eluded me, but I am not inclined to make something twice.
I continued my ruminations after I finished the poncho, and in a moment I went from no idea at all to having a reasonably good idea of what I wanted to do with almost no idea as to how I would do it or what problems might emerge.
This is where ignorance comes in handy. Nine times out of ten, if I had known how much work something would be, there is an excellent chance that I would never have begun work on it. Being as dreadful at estimating the time and work involved in a project as I am means that I often find myself in the throes of a project that is almost (but not quite) too much.
Back to the wedding gift to be: first and foremost, I want it to be something that is used often, if not every day. Second, I want it to be both traditional and (at the same time) absolutely not like anything the happy couple has ever seen. Third, I want them to look at it and realize that they had no idea that they wanted this gift, but now that they have it, the can’t imagine their lives without it. Finally, it has to be big enough for them to share; they are, after all, getting married.
So where did this list lead me? To Leonardo Pisano Bigollo.
Leonardo was a mathematician who spent much of his life promoting “the Hindu-Arabic numeral system in Europe.” He did this with the publication of Liber Abaci (Book of Calculation) which included a number sequence that has since become known as the Fibonacci sequence, Fibonacci being one of the names by which Leonardo was known.
This series of numbers is popular with recreational mathematicians and people like me whose favorite subject in school was math. The first five terms of the sequence are (1, 1, 2, 3, 5). Using these as my guide along with a 5.5mm hook and Red Heart Super Saver lemon, I made a series of squares.
Here they are shown individually:
and here they are in a group photo:
I don’t know exactly where this crochet adventure will lead me — I haven’t even decided if I will go with more drape that a granny stitch with a chain-1 space between the 3dc clusters offers, or if I want the somewhat thicker and less capricious granny that results when there is no chain-1 between the 3dc clusters — but I do know that there is much to be learned from simply making the journey.

domain: artistic


Barcelona’s midfielder Arturo Vidal has caught the eye of many clubs, but Barcelona did not receive any official offer yet, says El Mundo Deportivo.
Chilean midfielder has only started 13 matches across all Blaugrana competitions despite scoring in six different matches in La Liga so far and is said to be keen on playing more first football team.
Vidal is linked to have a transfer valuation of between €15 m and €20 m.
His agent Fernando Felicevich is said to be eager to facilitate a transfer and Inter have been strongly linked – the Milanese giants have also recently signed the agent’s client and Chilean fellow international Alexis Sanchez.
Until the Blaugrana swooped late to sign him from Bayern Munich, while at Juventus he had previously thrived under Antonio Conte, the Chilean looked set for Inter in the summer of 2018.
Last summer’s arrival at the Camp Nou of Dutch international Frenkie De Jong pushed Vidal further down the pecking order and Inter boss Conte is waiting to make an offer should he look to move on from Catalonia.


I'm looking to compress a folder containing multiple big files (.vmdk files), over 100GB.
my first attempt was:
>tar -jcvf myfolder.tar.bz2 myfolder
tar: can't store file 'myfolder/myvm-flat.vmdk' of size 107374182400, aborting
Since i want to have a single compressed file, i've heard about the option "-M" and "-F" on tar man pages but can't found any sample command line.
Anyone already used those options ?
PS: the system is BusyBox v1.16.1 ("uname -prosi" return: Linux 220.127.116.11 unknown unknown GNU/Linux)


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As far as we are aware this is the largest study so far to evaluate ELISPOT reversion after anti-TB treatment. A significant proportion of patients who successfully completed a course of standard TB treatment changed from a positive to a negative EC ELISPOT 12 months after their initial diagnosis. There was also a significant reduction in mean ESAT-6, CFP-10 and PPD ELISPOT counts. Seven per cent of cases had an increase in their ELISPOT counts for either ESAT-6 or CFP-10, compared to 21% for PPD.
The data reported here cannot be explained by the inherent variability of the ELISPOT readout and are consistent with those from other, albeit small, studies from other settings. Two previous studies of tuberculosis patients in the United Kingdom (UK; n = 4) and Italy (n = 18) reported a decline in quantitative ESAT-6 ELISPOT counts after drug treatment [11, 12], However, in one UK study, ESAT-6 ELISPOT counts in 10 patients who had completed TB therapy were marginally but not significantly higher than the counts in 8 different patients early in their TB treatment course .
The ex vivo ELISPOT response is thought to identify recently activated lymphocytes with immediate effector memory that persist only a limited time in circulation once antigen is cleared . It follows therefore that antigen withdrawal after anti-TB therapy would be accompanied by a decline in T cell frequencies. There are several possible explanations why even 'specific' antigen (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) counts did not universally drop below the pre-defined, and relatively conservative, cut-off for positivity (10 SFU) in The Gambia. Firstly, some patients may have been re-exposed to M. tuberculosis after the completion of treatment and re-aquired latent M. tuberculosis infection. Secondly, they may have been exposed to environmental mycobacteria, commonly encountered in the tropics, which share the esat-6 and cfp-10 genes (eg. M. marinum). Thirdly, and most intriguingly, there is evidence that in some individuals there is persistence of a population of activated T cells in the absence of direct mycobacterial antigen stimulation, even for several years after completing therapy .
Having determined that, even in this TB-endemic tropical setting, ELISPOT counts decrease significantly in TB cases after treatment, we will explore the decay kinetics of specific antigen T-cell responses during the course of treatment. It has been suggested that the decay rate of antigen-specific T-cells is approximately 5.5% of the total count per week,  which would lead to an approximately 90% decline in counts over 40 weeks. In a small study in South Africa, Nicol et al showed that 10 children with TB had an initial rise, then a decline in ELISPOT counts over a 6-month treatment course . Vekemans et al, in The Gambia, showed that TB patients had relatively low T cell responses to purified mycobacterial antigens, compared to healthy controls with evidence of M. tuberculosis infection . An obvious explanation for these findings is that patients at diagnosis have suppressed T cell responses because they are unwell. M. tuberculosis can itself interfere with IFN-γ signalling , providing another possible explanation. Other factors may also be important, such as increased early antigen presentation as a result of pathogen killing at the onset of antibiotic therapy. Thus the implied trajectory of cellular kinetics is of T-cell responses that increase early in treatment, then decline as the M. tuberculosis antigen load diminishes. A possible sampling frame would be to conduct repeat ELISPOT tests at 1 month, 2 months (to compare with sputum conversion in smear positive cases), 4 months and 6 months. We also aim to follow those who are persistently ELISPOT positive as a cohort over time.
While it is of interest that all four of the treatment failures (3 HIV-negative, 1 HIV-positive) in our study had positive EC and PPD ELISPOT tests at 12 months, larger numbers of similar cases will be required to identify the true sensitivity of ELISPOT persistence with respect to treatment failure. That a few cured cases had a rise in ELISPOT counts for ESAT-6 and/or CFP-10 suggests that the positive predictive value of this finding for treatment failure is not 100% in The Gambia. However, it is quite possible that 'cured patients' may relapse at a later date.

domain: medical


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Pedicularis verticillata Unreviewed • Pedicularis tuberosa Unreviewed • Bartsia alpina Unreviewed
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Pedicularis recutita Unreviewed
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Hans-Martin Braun added the English common name "Beakless Red Lousewort" to "Pedicularis recutita".
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Hans-Martin Braun added the German common name "Trübrotes Läusekraut" to "Pedicularis recutita".
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domain: biology


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A pharma company's growth can skyrocket once the FDA approves its leading drug. That's exactly what happened to Alexion in 2007 when it launched Soliris, a treatment that eases the symptoms of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, a rare terminal illness that destroys blood cells in the body. While only a few thousand in the U.S. suffer from PNH, Soliris is the only FDA-approved treatment.
Unlike big pharma companies that target widespread diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, Alexion wants to continue to carve out its niche by developing treatments for uncommon diseases. Moreover, the company wants to make game-changers -- drugs that don't just reduce symptoms but drastically improve patients' quality of life.
For now, that involves winning approval for Soliris to treat other diseases that harm people through the same basic mechanism as PNH. Alexion is trying to get FDA approval to treat a rare kidney disease by the fourth quarter of 2011.
Our annual roster of high performers reveals the promising saplings that are rising in a difficult economy and some stalwarts that deliver year after year.
|Heineken and Sam Adams boycott St. Patrick's Day parades|
|Tesla CEO fights back in New Jersey|
|Crimea: The economic fallout of a 'yes' vote|
|China loosens grip on its currency|
|Microsoft's next big headache: The Google Chromebook|


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Archive for April 2016 | Monthly archive page
Well, spring is here and it’s good to get some vitamin D. I just got back home from a tour to upstate New York to perform the album on WDST Woodstock. The link is here:
It’s an ideal way to hear the record. I enjoy the trio setup with bass and drums, and these guys (Caleb Dollister and Sam Trapchak) both live in Queens, so I have a band in New York while living in Arkansas, which is a testament to how geographically confusing my life has been since beginning this venture into making records a couple of years ago.
I hope you enjoy the show. It’s been a fun trip up to the northeast. I’m glad to be back home for a bit, and will spend the next couple of weeks trying to get a plan together for the future. I’ll keep you all posted. In the meantime, stay cool and enjoy the spring weather. Best.


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Extend your hot air balloon adventure by adding an overnight desert safari to the experience. Head out to the desert the day before the hot air balloon ride for a heritage desert safari. Experience the culture and heritage of the UAE in this adventure which includes a wildlife drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, sunset falcon show, authentic cuisine, camel rides and cultural entertainment. Afterwards, spend the night in Arabic stone dwellings in a Heritage camp before waking up for the sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Take a step back in time and experience Dubai as it was 50 years ago on a Heritage Desert Safari. Explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on a wildlife drive in vintage Land Rovers and see native animals like Arabian oryx and gazelles. Learn about the cultural heritage and natural environment on this authentic Desert Safari led by a professional Conservation Guide. Watch a spectacular sunset falcon show and head to a Heritage camp in the heart of the Royal desert retreat.
Arrive at the gently-lit Heritage camp in the desert and receive a traditional welcoming. Spend the evening immersed in cultural activities such as camel rides, henna, Arabic coffee-making and traditional song and dance. Enjoy a delicious 4-course dinner of authentic cuisine in this magical setting under the stars. After dinner, relax in the traditional majlis before heading to bed in your Arabic stone dwelling complete with a bed and full bedding.
The good news is that overnight Bedouin camp is only 10 minutes from the Hot Air Ballooning take-off point. Wake up in the desert just before sunrise to tick off the next experience on your bucket list. Since you are only minutes from the Hot Air Balloon take-off site, you can wake up later than passengers coming from Dubai. Once you arrive, you will receive a safety briefing and watch the exciting process of inflating the balloons. After climbing inside the balloon basket you will quickly begin to peacefully float into the sky.
Feel your adrenaline race as your balloon drifts gently upwards. Each basket holds up to 23 passengers and there’s plenty of space for you to take in the stunning views as you float over the desert. As you rise higher, marvel at the awesome sunrise views and hear interesting commentary from your Pilot about the geology and wildlife of the protected Dubai Desert Conservation Reservation while you watch for roaming animals such as gazelles and camels.
The truly unique thing about flying with us is that you get to experience a world-first phenomenon. Imagine soaring above the Dubai desert with Peregrine falcons – the world’s fastest animal! Experience these magnificent creatures in full flight as you get uninterrupted 360-degree views from the Hot Air Balloon, over a kilometre above the desert. Flying around a Hot Air Balloon is the most spectacular falcon show on Earth (or at least above it!).
The balloons land somewhere different in the desert every day depending on the wind. Before landing, everyone will attach the clips of their belts to the basket and embrace the landing position. After landing, the Pilot will let you know when it’s the right time to climb out the basket. Watch as the other balloons land and how the ground crew professionally roll up the balloon envelope. Get a chance to hold the falcon you shared the skies with!
An adventure like a hot air balloon ride certainly works up an appetite! After the landing, head to the Heritage camp where you slept to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet. Feast on a gourmet breakfast of smoked salmon, caviar, cold meats, fruit platter, bread selection and free range eggs including Eggs Benedict.
View our Breakfast Menu.

domain: geography


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Pace Gallery laid off furloughed employees.
Pace Gallery at 540 West 25th Street, New York. Photo by Thomas Loof, courtesy Pace Gallery.
Pace Gallery announced last week that it would lay off a number of employees who had previously been furloughed. The layoffs, numbering fewer than 20 employees according to the gallery, come months after the gallery furloughed a number of its New York staff. The initial furloughs had previously been reported at 25 employees, or roughly a quarter of the gallery’s staff, but according to ARTnews, that number may have been closer to 50 employees. Among those departing the gallery is senior director Simon Preston, who joined Pace less than a year ago, shortly after closing his influential namesake gallery on the Lower East Side. All remaining employees will return to work, according to the gallery.
Pace spokeswoman Amelia Redgrift told ARTnews:
The economic situation caused by the global pandemic means we cannot sustain our previous level of staffing. This decision was taken after every other measure to ensure we are prepared for an extended period of financial uncertainty and to protect as many jobs as possible in the long-term.
Pace Gallery received between $2 million and $5 million through the United States federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), according to ARTnews.
These are the latest series of cuts for a still-uncertain gallery world. Last week, Gavin Brown announced he would close his eponymous Harlem gallery and join Gladstone Gallery as a partner. In early July David Zwirner announced layoffs for nearly 40 employees across its New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong locations, equivalent to a roughly 20 percent reduction in staff.


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Magic Tree House
Junie B. Jones
Exquisite artwork and an exceptionally tender text showcase the special bond between a mother and her daughter. Every day after school, Luisa goes to Walter's World of Beauty to watch her mama work—cutting,...
In this Parents' Choice Gold Award–winning book, Selig collects words, ones that stir his heart (Mama!) and ones that make him laugh (giggle). But what to do with so many luscious words? After helping...
This jazzy ode to grandmas is just in time for Mother's Day
Today, there's no such thing as a typical grandma. They do different jobs and have different hobbies. But one thing common to all grandmas...

domain: literature


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On Wednesday, Buffalo Grove village officials, on behalf of the police department, released audio and video from the fatal police shooting of Brian Howard that took place a little after midnight Dec. 2.
The information released includes audio of the 911 call between the dispatcher and the man identified as Howard, followed by dash cam video from officers’ police car of the shooting, and is about 15 minutes long.Throughout the 911 call, the caller apologizes and makes references to being “bad.” He also tells the dispatcher to tell the police to “shoot to kill.” He says throughout the call that his “time has come” and promises he won’t hurt the police.
The caller advises the dispatcher to “ tell (the police) just come here with lethal intentions.” He also said, “I love police officers. I love everything that they do, but I’m a bad dude and it’s about time that I get what’s coming to me.”
The caller, later identified by authorities as a 25-year-old from Elgin who was living in Buffalo Grove, could be heard on the audio telling the dispatcher he had two handguns: “a 9 mm in the right hand and a .45 [caliber] in the left.” He said he was firing them in the air.
The dispatcher asks the caller to put the weapons down, as well as provide certain information on his whereabouts. The caller refused.
Eventually dispatchers provide responding police officers with a suspected identity and location for the caller.
Dark dash cam footage shows the shape of somebody moving toward police in the background. The police vehicle is stopped in a parking lot facing Mill Creek Park. As the figure gets closer, police can be heard on the video repeatedly yelling at the person to put their hands up and “stop moving.”
The man, with his hands up, fires each gun into the air. One officer then fires seven shots but does not strike the man. The video appears to show the man continuing to walk closer toward officers with both weapons and hands in the air. After a final warning to put the weapons down, the second officer fires at the man, striking him.
The video ends with police doing CPR.
The day of the shooting, Buffalo Grove police Chief Steven Casstevens held a news conference where he announced the two officers involved in the shooting had been put on leave while the event was investigated by the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
Police could not be immediately reached for more information on the two officers who were involved. And, it remained unclear Wednesday whether the officers were still on leave.
“The Village will provide no further comment at this time,” officials said in a news release that accompanied the audio and video Wednesday.
Christopher Covelli, a spokesman for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force, said officials are hoping to review the case in its entirety by the end of January. Following that, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office is expected to make a final determination on justification and how to proceed.
Buffalo Grove police officials, in the news release, said the information was made public to provide “full transparency” to residents. They said the man’s family was able to view the video.
Nicole Howard, who identified herself as Brian Howard’s sister, confirmed that the family had received a copy of the audio and video file. She said she felt like the police did not do their due diligence in trying to help her brother before he was shot. After seeing the video, she said she felt the officer’s orders were confusing and her brother was having a mental health crisis.
“The police failed my brother that night,” she said. “He was not trying to harm anybody. He was hurting and he didn’t know what to do.”
Nicole Howard previously told Pioneer Press that her brother was her “rock.”


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Columbia County officials said they were ready for the worst when snow and ice arrived late Tuesday.
Police Blotter, Feb. 2, 2014
A local group intends to petition the Columbia County Board of Education to establish the county's first charter school.
Columbia County families made the most of a snowy day out of school Wednesday.
Commissioners recently agreed to reconsider an increased permit fee and a water rate increase.
Bob and Beth Russell were surprised as 12 of their 13 grandchildren showed up during the Christmas season.
Harlem officials approved an new plan to help manage growth and revitalize certain areas of the city.
The St. Olaf Choir and conductor Anton Armstrong will present a concert at St. John United Methodist Church, 736 Greene St., Augusta, at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Viva Columbia County.
It's time for the fifth annual Columbia County Charity Gala to bring a little Vegas to town.
February is the optimal time of the year for chores such as pruning roses and overgrown plants and applying pre-emergent herbicides.
Organizers of the Evans Towne Farmers Market are putting out a call to local growers and vendors in anticipation of their second season beginning in March.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Augusta Christian at Heathwood Hall, 6 p.m. (girls), 7:30 p.m. (boys)
Grovetown vs. Evans, 6 p.m. (girls), 7:30 p.m. (boys)
Greenbrier vs. Lakeside, 6 p.m. (girls), 7:30 p.m. (boys)
Harlem vs. Jefferson County, 6 p.m.
Evans Middle Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll
Lakeside's Stephen Houzah and Rashad Roundtree and Greenbrier's Malcolm Thomas were selected to the WJBF All-CSRA team.
Columbia County News-Times ©2016. All Rights Reserved.


Rotational traction behaviour of artificial turf
conference contributionposted on 2015-04-14, 13:54 authored by Carolyn H. Webb, Steph ForresterSteph Forrester, Paul FlemingPaul Fleming
Within artificial turf testing for player-surface interaction, traction is a key system property that needs to be measured for comfort, performance and injury risk. The purpose of this study was to modify a FIFA rotational traction test device to provide the full torque-angle time history and to use the modified device to compare the behaviour of five different football and rugby studs. A strain-gauge sensor and rotational sensor were incorporated to provide continuous measurement of the torque resistance and rotational angle throughout the rotation of the test disc. Data was collected on a standard laboratory made (3G) artificial turf surface. From the torque-angle plot, an initial high stiffness region followed by a lower stiffness region was identified and comparisons made between studs. In general, as stud length increased, the stiffness increased in both regions. Furthermore, as the stud length increased for both football and rugby studs there was a pattern of increasing peak torque but no clear trend for the peak angle. The actual foot rotation measured in subject testing is observed in general to be much smaller than the angular rotation required to produce the peak torque resistance from the mechanical testing, suggesting that the initial stiffness resistance behaviour may be a better indicator of the mechanisms involved in the traction mobilised by subjects.
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering


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JOHANNESBURG – Former National Prosecution Authority (NPA) boss Mxolisi Nxasana wants to return to his job to continue the prosecutorial work he was prevented from doing by its highest-profile target – ex-president Jacob Zuma.
In written submissions that were filed on Friday with the Constitutional Court on behalf of Nxasana, his advocates said the rule of law would be ensured by restoring him as leader.
“His reinstatement would allow him to continue the prosecutorial work he was prevented from doing by its highest-profile target (Zuma),” the submissions read.
In two weeks time, Nxasana’s successor, Shaun Abrahams, is expected to announce his decision on whether he will reinstate corruption, fraud, tax evasion and racketeering relating to the multi-billion rand arms deal.
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) doesn’t want Abrahams to be the NDPP deciding on the reinstatement of the charges against Zuma.
Casac told the court that Nxasana “is a man who has a price” and that “the institution (the NPA) is best served if he is not reinstated.
Nxasana’s advocate said, a public servant who withstood the ordeal detailed in Nxasana’s affidavit was precisely the man who should be returned as NDPP to complete his work. Nxasana complained that the high court drew adverse inferences against him.
Photo Credit- The Citizen

domain: politics


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You’ll want to stop by the Dia in New York City to see LaMonte Young’s “truly immersive” Dream House
In New York in the 1960s and ’70s, a movement against pictorial, illusionistic, or fictive art began to favor more direct and literal figurations. This movement—now called Minimalism by many—was often spatial in nature as it was drawn on flat surfaces, sculpted, and displayed in white box galleries.
As AN recently reported, the very long and very heated fight over Paul Rudolph’s Government Center in Goshen, New York would likely end in the courts or with demolition. While local attorney Michael Sussman promised to sue the county to save the building, it sure looked like Rudolph’s work was not long for this world. For one, construction equipment is now conspicuously lurking outside the building.
Thomas Balsley’s geometric pedestrian plaza reclaims roadway for neighbors in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
After years of planning and workshops, Brooklyn‘s Community Board 2 recently approved a redesign of Putnam Triangle Plaza in Clinton Hill. The $3.75 million project, led by Thomas Balsley Associates, will significantly upgrade and expand the existing plaza that opened in 2011.
If approved, this terraced building will rise in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, bringing the neighborhood new office space for tech and creative companies—and momentarily interrupting its unceasing march of bland and boxy new apartments. The “Williamsburg Generator,” as it has been dubbed, would be the neighborhood’s first ground-up speculative office building in four decades—but it is not a done deal just yet because the Gensler and HWKN–designed building sits within an area zoned for manufacturing.
|Brought to you with support from:|
Concrete, glass, and brick facade balances the promises of the future with respect for the past.
When Farmingdale State College administrators commissioned Urbahn Architects to design a new building for the School of Business, they positioned it as a beacon for the school’s shift in focus from agriculture to science and technology. But the architects saw a second opportunity in the project: a chance to restore some of the coherence lost during successive campus expansions. Read More
The comedy geniuses at digital network Above Average have released a glorious sendup of gentrification in New York City’s outer boroughs. “Settlers of Brooklyn” (pronounced Brook-LAWN) promises hours of good old-fashioned board-game fun for the next generation of power brokers: millennials.
In entirely expected news, the extension of the 7 line subway to Manhattan’s Far West Side has been delayed yet again. The New York Times reported that the new 34th Street station, which was scheduled to open by the end of 2013, and then by the summer of 2014, won’t actually be ready until July.
Gaetano Pesce is a designer who works between art and architecture and wants his designs to attack or argue against the results of standardized commercial design. He uses poetry, sometimes humor, color, and texture (in foam, resin, and urethane ) to create whimsical chairs, couches, and domestic art for gallery spaces.
In the constantly-evolving AEC industry, the importance of continuing technical education is difficult to understate. Yet learning opportunities for design and construction professionals tend to occupy two extremes, explained Thornton Tomasetti’s Jonatan Schumacher. “You can take a class, which is a long undertaking,” he said. “Or you can watch online lectures, which require self-motivation.” The Facades+ conference series offers a happy medium in the form of day-long tech workshops, providing hands-on exposure to new tools under the guidance of subject specialists.


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- I. Benefits of Shelter Adoption Programs
- II. How to Choose the Right Shelter for Adoption
- III. Steps Involved in Shelter Adoption Procedures
- IV. Requirements for Shelter Adoption
- V. Frequently Asked Questions About Shelter Adoption Programs
- 1. How do I know if I’m ready to adopt a pet?
- 2. What types of animals are available for adoption at shelters?
- 3. Are shelter pets healthy?
- 4. How much does it cost to adopt from a shelter?
- 5.. Can I adopt if I live in an apartment or rental property? Absolutely! Many shelters allow adoptions for people living in apartments or rental properties. However, it’s important to check with your landlord or property management to ensure there are no breed or size restrictions for pets. 6. What is the adoption process like?
- 7. Can I return a pet if it doesn’t work out?
- 8.. How long does it take to adopt from a shelter? The length of the adoption process can vary depending on factors such as the availability of suitable animals and the thoroughness of your application. It’s best to be patient during this process and focus on finding the right match for both you and your potential new furry friend. 9.. Can I adopt a specific breed from a shelter? Sometimes shelters have specific breeds available for adoption, but they are generally less common than mixed-breed animals. If you’re looking for a particular breed, it may be worth contacting breed-specific rescue organizations in addition to checking local shelters. 10.. Is adopting an adult pet better than adopting a puppy/kitten? The decision between adopting an adult pet or a puppy/kitten depends on your preferences and lifestyle. Adult pets often come with established personalities and behaviors, while puppies/kittens require more training and attention but offer the opportunity for early socialization. Remember that each shelter may have its specific procedures and rules, so it’s always a good idea to contact the shelter directly for accurate and up-to-date information regarding their adoption program. Adopting from a shelter is a wonderful way to give an animal in need a second chance at happiness while gaining a loyal companion for life.
- VI. Conclusion: The Importance of Shelter Adoption Programs
I. Benefits of Shelter Adoption Programs
Shelter adoption programs offer a range of benefits for both the animals and the individuals or families looking to adopt. These programs play a crucial role in promoting responsible pet ownership, reducing animal homelessness, and providing loving homes for abandoned or neglected animals.
1. Saving Lives
By adopting from a shelter, you are directly saving a life. Many shelters face overcrowding issues due to the high number of stray or surrendered animals that come through their doors every day. Adopting from a shelter means giving an animal a second chance at life and freeing up space for more needy animals.
2. Health-Checked Animals
Shelters prioritize the health and well-being of their animals by providing necessary vaccinations, spaying/neutering services, and medical care before they are available for adoption. This ensures that adopted pets start their new journey in good health.
3. Variety of Choices
Shelters have an array of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, birds – you name it! They often have different breeds and mixed breeds available for adoption as well as pets with various personalities and temperaments. This gives potential adopters plenty of options to find the perfect companion that suits their lifestyle.
4. Cost Savings
Purchasing pets from breeders can be expensive while adopting from shelters is more budget-friendly since most shelters charge an adoption fee covering basic veterinary care expenses such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering procedures.
5. Emotional Rewards
The love and companionship provided by shelter pets are immeasurable. These animals often show immense gratitude once adopted because they understand they have been given another chance at happiness by finding their forever homes. The emotional bond formed with a shelter pet can bring immense joy and fulfillment to the adopter’s life.
6. Support from Shelter Staff
Shelters offer ongoing support to adopters, providing guidance on pet care, training, and behavior management. Their experienced staff members are always available to answer questions or address any concerns that arise during the adoption process or even after bringing the new furry family member home.
7. Contributing to a Worthy Cause
When you adopt from a shelter, you contribute directly to their mission of rescuing and rehoming animals in need. By supporting these programs, you play an active role in reducing animal overpopulation and promoting responsible pet ownership within your community.
In conclusion, adopting from a shelter is not only beneficial for the animals but also for those seeking companionship. It allows individuals or families to make a positive impact while gaining an incredible lifelong friend who will bring love and happiness into their lives.
II. How to Choose the Right Shelter for Adoption
Adopting a pet from a shelter is a noble and fulfilling act that not only saves a life but also brings immense joy and companionship to your home. However, choosing the right shelter for adoption can be overwhelming with so many options available. To make the process easier, here are some essential factors to consider:
1. Research Different Shelters
The first step is to conduct thorough research on various shelters in your area. Look for reputable shelters with positive reviews and good track records of animal care and welfare. Check if they have any specific breed preferences or restrictions, as this may affect your choice.
2. Visit the Shelter
To truly assess if a shelter is suitable for you, plan visits to different shelters personally. Observe how well-maintained the facility is and how animals are treated by staff members. A clean, organized environment indicates that the shelter prioritizes animal health and wellbeing.
3. Interact with Animals
Spend time interacting with potential pets at each shelter you visit. Assess their temperaments, energy levels, and compatibility with your lifestyle or family dynamics. Some animals may require more attention or exercise than others, so it’s crucial to find one that matches your expectations.
4.Speak With Shelter Staff
Talking directly with shelter staff can provide valuable insights into an animal’s background, behavior traits, medical history, and any special needs they may have.See if they offer post-adoption support or guidance as this can be beneficial during the transition period when bringing your new pet home.
5.Consider Age of Animal
The age of an animal plays a significant role in determining the kind of commitment and care required. Puppies or kittens demand more time, training, and patience compared to older animals who may already be trained. Consider your lifestyle and preferences when deciding on the age of your adopted pet.
6. Understand Adoption Criteria
Each shelter may have specific adoption criteria that potential adopters must meet. Familiarize yourself with these requirements beforehand to ensure you qualify for adoption. These criteria often include factors such as age restrictions, home checks, financial stability, and other necessary commitments.
7.Prepare Your Home
Prior to bringing a new pet home, make sure your living space is safe and suitable for them. Remove any hazardous materials or plants that could harm your pet. Create a comfortable sleeping area and arrange toys or scratching posts accordingly.
Finding the perfect match takes time; do not rush the process. Be patient while visiting different shelters until you find an animal that captures your heart completely.
By following these steps in choosing the right shelter for adoption, you can ensure a successful transition into a loving forever home for both you and your new furry friend!
III. Steps Involved in Shelter Adoption Procedures
Adopting a pet from a shelter is not only a rewarding experience but also a responsible decision that can bring immense joy to your life. To ensure the process goes smoothly, it is important to understand the steps involved in shelter adoption procedures.
Finding the Right Shelter
The first step towards adopting a pet from a shelter is finding the right one for you. Research local shelters and visit their websites or social media pages to gather information about their available animals, adoption policies, and any specific requirements they may have.
Visit the Shelter
Once you have identified potential shelters, schedule visits to see their facilities firsthand. This will give you an opportunity to meet the animals and observe their living conditions. Take note of how well-maintained and clean the facility is, as it reflects on how much care they provide for their animals.
Talk to Shelter Staff
Engaging in conversation with shelter staff members can provide valuable insights into each animal’s personality and behavior traits. They can guide you towards pets that match your lifestyle, preferences, and family dynamics. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about an animal’s history, medical records, vaccinations, or any behavioral issues they may have encountered.
The Application Process
To initiate the adoption process formally, most shelters require potential adopters to fill out an application form providing personal details such as name,address,and contact information.Some applications may also include questions about your previous experiences with pets,to assess your suitability as an owner.Be prepared for reference checks or home visits which are conducted by some shelters as part of this process.
Pet Compatibility Assessment
In order to ensure that both you and the pet will be a good match, many shelters conduct a pet compatibility assessment. This may involve observing your interaction with the animal or introducing your existing pets to the potential new addition. The assessment helps determine if there is a harmonious connection and if the pet’s needs align with your lifestyle.
Adoption Fees and Paperwork
Once you have selected a pet and completed all necessary assessments, you will be required to pay an adoption fee. This fee helps cover the cost of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and other medical procedures performed on the animal while in the shelter’s care. Additionally,you will need to complete adoption paperwork that legally transfers ownership of the pet from the shelter to you.
By following these steps involved in shelter adoption procedures,you can ensure that both you and your new furry friend are prepared for a lifetime of love,care,and happiness together.
IV. Requirements for Shelter Adoption
Adopting a pet from a shelter is not only a rewarding experience but also a life-changing decision. However, it is essential to understand the requirements and responsibilities that come with shelter adoption. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth process and provide the best possible home for your new furry friend.
Evaluating Your Lifestyle and Commitment
Prior to adopting a pet from a shelter, it’s crucial to assess your lifestyle and commitment level. Consider factors such as your work schedule, living arrangements, and financial stability. Pets require time, attention, exercise, grooming, and regular veterinary care.
Researching Different Breeds or Species
Take some time to research different breeds or species that align with your preferences and abilities as an owner. Each breed has unique characteristics in terms of temperament, energy levels, exercise needs, grooming requirements, and compatibility with children or other pets in your household.
Understanding Adoption Fees
Shelters often charge adoption fees to cover the costs associated with caring for the animals under their care. These fees typically include vaccinations (such as rabies), spaying/neutering services if applicable (to prevent overpopulation), microchipping for identification purposes if not already done by the shelter staff members themselves during intake procedures upon admission into their system(s).
Scheduling Meet-and-Greet Sessions
Contact the shelter you’re interested in adopting from to schedule meet-and-greet sessions with potential pets. This will allow you to interact with them personally while assessing their behavior towards humans including children if relevant – observing how they respond both positively & negatively towards various stimuli like loud noises etc., thus make informed decisions about which animal(s) best suit(s) your lifestyle and preferences.
Providing a Stable Environment
Pets thrive in stable environments, so it’s important to ensure that your home is ready to welcome a new furry family member. Make sure you have suitable space, appropriate supplies (such as food, water bowls, bedding), and any necessary pet-proofing measures in place before bringing your new companion home.
By following these requirements for shelter adoption, you can embark on an exciting journey of providing a loving forever-home for a deserving animal. Remember that adopting from a shelter not only saves lives but also promotes responsible pet ownership and contributes to reducing the stray animal population. Start your search today and get ready to experience the joy and companionship that comes with welcoming a shelter pet into your life!
V. Frequently Asked Questions About Shelter Adoption Programs
Shelter adoption programs are a popular way to find loving homes for animals in need. If you’re considering adopting from a shelter, you may have some questions about the process and what to expect. In this section, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about shelter adoption programs.
1. How do I know if I’m ready to adopt a pet?
Adopting a pet is a big responsibility and requires careful consideration. Ask yourself if you have the time, resources, and commitment to provide proper care for an animal. It’s important to make sure that your lifestyle and living situation are suitable for owning a pet.
2. What types of animals are available for adoption at shelters?
Shelters often have a variety of animals looking for forever homes including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and sometimes even small mammals or reptiles. The availability can vary depending on the shelter’s location and current intake.
3. Are shelter pets healthy?
Most shelters ensure that their animals receive necessary medical care before they are adopted out. However, it’s always advisable to schedule a veterinary check-up after bringing your new pet home just to be sure.
4. How much does it cost to adopt from a shelter?
The adoption fees at shelters can vary but are generally much lower than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. These fees typically cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering surgeries (if not already done), microchipping, and other basic medical care provided by the shelter.
5.. Can I adopt if I live in an apartment or rental property?
Absolutely! Many shelters allow adoptions for people living in apartments or rental properties. However, it’s important to check with your landlord or property management to ensure there are no breed or size restrictions for pets.
6. What is the adoption process like?
The adoption process can vary from shelter to shelter but typically involves filling out an application, meeting the animal you’re interested in, and potentially undergoing a home visit. Some shelters may also require reference checks or interviews as part of the process.
7. Can I return a pet if it doesn’t work out?
Shelters understand that sometimes adoptions don’t work out as planned. Most reputable shelters have policies in place allowing you to return an adopted pet if necessary, although some may have specific timeframes or requirements for returns.
VI. Conclusion: The Importance of Shelter Adoption Programs
1. Saving Lives and Reducing Overpopulation
The primary objective of shelter adoption programs is to save the lives of homeless animals. By adopting from shelters, individuals give these animals a second chance at life and provide them with a loving home. Additionally, by adopting instead of buying from breeders or pet stores, it helps reduce overpopulation issues that result in overcrowded shelters.
2. Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership
Shelter adoption programs emphasize responsible pet ownership by educating potential adopters about the responsibilities associated with owning a pet. They provide information on proper care, training, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering to ensure the well-being of adopted pets.
3. Enhancing Mental and Physical Well-being
Pets have been scientifically proven to improve mental health by reducing stress levels and combating feelings of loneliness or depression. Adopting a shelter animal can bring immense joy and companionship into an individual’s life while promoting an active lifestyle through daily walks or playtime.
4. Supporting Local Communities
By adopting from local animal shelters or rescue organizations, individuals contribute to their communities’ welfare rather than supporting commercial breeding practices often associated with puppy mills or unethical breeding operations.
5. Finding the Perfect Match
An important aspect of shelter adoption programs is matching potential adopters with compatible pets based on their lifestyle, preferences, and needs. This personalized approach increases the chances of successful adoptions where both parties benefit from each other’s companionship.
6. Setting an Example
Choosing to adopt from a shelter sets a positive example for others considering adding a pet to their family. It helps raise awareness about the importance of adoption and encourages more individuals to choose this compassionate option.
Mary White is an experienced Dog Grooming specialist with 12 years of industry experience. During this time, she has built up an impressive client list and regularly groomed an array of breeds. Mary’s passion for animals began at a young age and she put this to use by studying Animal Welfare at college. Pet care has been her major interest since then and it is her mission to always keep the animals at the heart of everything she does. Mary has acquired many qualifications, from the International Dog Grooming Certificate to the Canine First Aid Certificate. Her deep understanding of all things canine make Mary the perfect person to call upon for any pet care needs.

domain: pet


The Justice Department said Thursday that it has seized millions of dollars from cryptocurrency accounts that militant groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State, relied on to finance their organizations and violent plots. Law enforcement officials said the groups used the accounts to solicit donations, including by trying to raise money from the sale of fraudulent personal protective equipment for the coronavirus pandemic. Officials described it as the largest-ever seizure of virtual currency funds related to terrorism. It’s also part of a broader Justice Department goal of disrupting the financing of extremist organizations, including those designated as foreign terror groups. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are favored for illicit transactions because they are perceived as hard to trace, and one of the groups singled out Thursday explicitly encouraged donations by telling potential contributors that the money trail would be difficult for law enforcement to untangle, the department said. The legal action, which included undercover law enforcement work and a forfeiture complaint filed in Washington’s federal court, is meant to deprive the organizations of funds needed to buy weapons and develop fighters, Assistant Attorney General John Demers said in a conference call with reporters announcing the case. “This action shows that law enforcement remains a step ahead of them,” said Demers, the department´s top national security official. The department said it has confiscated about $2 million so far, in addition to more than 300 cryptocurrency accounts, four websites and four Facebook pages related to the schemes. The seized funds are expected to be turned over to a fund for victims of terrorist attacks, officials said. One prong of the U.S. investigation targeted the military wing of Hamas, known as the al-Qassam Brigades, which last year began a public fundraising campaign through social media to solicit Bitcoin donations while reassuring potential donors that such contributions would be untraceable and used for violence, officials said. It also posted on websites instructions for how to anonymously make donations. Law enforcement officials ultimately seized more than 150 cryptocurrency accounts that they say laundered funds to and from accounts operated by the al-Qassam Brigades. Also Thursday, prosecutors unsealed criminal charges against two Turkish individuals accused of acting as money launderers related to the cryptocurrency.


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Yobe Warriors continued their good run in the ongoing Total NBBF Division One National Finals with a straightforward win against Police Bombers.
At the end of the first game on matchday two, Police Bombers suffered their second loss of the championship, falling 87-78 points to Yobe Warriors.
In the second game of the day, Lagos Legends continued their sterling journey with a 71-53 points win over Safety Knights, still without a win in the tournament.
Edo Beads narrowly lost to Nile University a 74-79 while Ebun Comets ground out a battling 76-70 point win against ABU Kings.
On Friday, Edo Beads will face Safety Knights while Ebun Comets will battle Yobe Warriors and Lagos Legends take on Nile University in the most anticipated matchup of the day.


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Arilisis creating videos, memes, maybe music
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Hello, my name is Arilis! I am a YouTube content creator who gets to commission for my work, although that's not what I care about, This is just a patreon for me to get a little extra income so I can get things to create better content for my fans/subscribers!
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South jersey adult couples chat and meetings
Despite the Trump tide, voters at the local level approved new taxes on soda and bond measures for housing and transportation.
The president's "America First" message and his new trade barriers have caused anxiety in states where the economy depends on investment from abroad.
It's pushing governors to hone their diplomatic skills.
Over the past decade, legislators in several states have sought to expand or reduce the number of justices on their highest courts.
In some cases, they admit their intent to tilt the ideological balance.
But can Democratic AGs make a difference with their diminished numbers? The new administration will embolden states’ rights, but it could also create problems for them.
Rural lawmakers are dwindling in number as people continue to migrate to metropolitan areas.
Now the state's Republican leaders are focusing instead on core establishment issues.The president has shifted the commission's voter fraud investigation to the Department of Homeland Security.Some see that as a boon to the cause, while others say it could be problematic, especially for immigrants.For full election coverage, go to Governing's Election Center.Lawmakers have become acutely familiar with the financial challenges caused by pension underfunding, and they're certainly aware of the political difficulties involved in trying to change pension formulas.That's why local leaders are starting to diversify their economies and prepare their people for an uncertain future.


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The Border region was on show this week when 350 people attended the Landcare – Local Land Services annual conference in Albury.
Across three days, delegates had the chance to hear and discuss key issues around land management as well as visit key regional success stories – Burrumbuttock’s Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre, Woomargama Station, Wonga Wetlands and Lake Hume.
“The national conference is about learning, sharing stories, talking to each other, looking at what Landcare does,” state Landcare coordinator Sonia Williams said.
“The local success stories, and the partnerships that those stories are showing, were terrific to see what’s working and why it’s working.”
The champions of Landcare in NSW were recognised as part of the conference dinner.
Some of the most competitive categories were; the Junior Landcare Team Award, with Armidale High School Black Creek BushCare group taking the top spot, the Austcover Young Landcare Leader Award has gone to Sophie Robertson of Hunter Intrepid Landcare and the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award has been awarded to David Marsh from Boorowa Community Landcare.
The categories of this year’s awards recognise work in a number of areas, including sustainable farming, Indigenous land management, Coastcare, innovation and protection of fish habitat.
Three champions are celebrated in each category with one being announced as the grand champion and NSW’s representative at the National Landcare Awards in 2018.
“The awards are an amazing opportunity for us to say thank you to the boys, girls, men and women, who from all walks of life give their time to protect our country and its people”, NSW Landcare program manager with Local Land Services Chris McCulloch said.
“Landcare is so diverse in NSW, it has strength in its flexibility, dedication and especially in its people power. These awards are a way for the whole community to celebrate its champions.”
Landcare NSW chair Rob Dulhunty said the awards showed how Landcarers across NSW were using their skill, ingenuity and commitment to protect the environment and fundamentally change the way we view and use the natural resources..
"The awards show Landcare’s unique strength in achieving innovation and collaboration. I warmly congratulate all winners and nominees,” he said.
The NSW Landcare Awards are supported by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, NSW Government, Landcare NSW and Landcare Australia.
The Awards this year featured nine national categories with the addition of a fish habitat protection category specific to NSW.
2017 Award Champions:
Junior Landcare Team Award
- Chifley Public School
- Bourke High School – Yarra Landcare
- Nominee to National Awards: Armidale High School Black Creek BushCare group
Austcover Young Landcare Leader Award
- Joshua Gilbert – Intrepid Landcare
- Jade Paton – Wetland Warriors
- Nominee to National Awards: Sophie Robertson – Hunter Intrepid Landcare
Fairfax Landcare Community Group Award
- Northside Enterprise Inc. – Bushlink
- The Habitat
- Nominee to National Awards: FROGS Landcare Inc
Rio Tinto Indigenous Land Management Award
- Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation
- Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Aboriginal Reference Group
- Nominee to National Awards: Garguaree Swampcare
Sure Gro Coastcare Award
- Far South Coast Landcare Association
- Fingal Head Coastcare Inc.
- Nominee to National Awards: Clean4Shore
Australian Government Innovation in Agriculture and Land Management Award
- Braidwood Garlic Growers Group
- Beechwood Biological Solutions
- Nominee to National Awards: Kadwell Potato Co.
Australian Government Excellence in Sustainable Farm Practices Award
- The Mulloon Institute
- Small Farms Network – Capital Region
- Nominee to National Awards: Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc.
Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award
- Western Landcare NSW
- Wallamore Road Landcare Group
- Nominee to National Awards: Gwydir Shire Council
Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award
- Lloyd Foster – Coffs Harbour Bushland Regeneration Group
- Mikla Lewis – Lachlandcare
- Nominee to National Awards: David Marsh - Boorowa Community Landcare
NSW Fish Habitat Partnership Organisation Award
- Runner Up: Little River Landcare
- Champion: Inland Waterways Volunteer Committee
NSW Fish Habitat Partnership Individual Award
- Runner Up: Alan Izzard - Bass Sydney
- Champion: Ross Webster - Yass River
NSW Fish Habitat Partnership Highly Commended for Collaboration
- Murray Local Land Services
NSW Fish Habitat Partnership Highly Commended for Innovation
- Shoalhaven Riverwatch


The Most Tragic Career-Ruining Sports Injuries
The most tragic career-ruining sports injuries are those unfortunate moments when a promising and successful athletic career is snapped short in the blink of an eye, leaving fans to wonder what these talented young athletes could have done if things were different.
While many of these incidents were televised live, few are more memorable than the career-ending sack on Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann in 1985. Sacked by Lawrence Taylor in what ESPN viewers voted the most shocking (sports) moment in history, Theismann suffered a horrifying leg fracture and was carted off the field never to play again. The tragic incident became one of the most famous sports injuries of all time and changed the game forever. It was even highlighted in the successful book and film The Blind Side.
Though this list includes some of the worst injuries in sports, it only highlights a handful of athletes whose careers ended too soon. These athletes may no longer be in their respective sports, but their legacies will live on forever.
What are tragic sports injuries? Sadly, they are when an athlete's career is finished due to the severity of an injury to which they can't fully recover. From the worst baseball injuries in the MLB to the most devastating hits in the NFL, this list has plenty to make you wince and wonder what could've been.
- Photo: Pfc. Andrew Hillegass, USA/Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Forced into early retirement at the age of 36, Joe Theismann fractured two bones in his right leg in a November 18, 1985, sack by linebacker Lawrence Taylor in what is easily one of the most memorable and tragic sports injuries of all time.
- Photo: AccountabilityGroup / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Offensive lineman Mike Utley was 26 years old when his career with the Detroit Lions ended on November 17, 1991, when he was paralyzed from the chest down during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The NHL career of Steve Moore of the Colorado Avalanche came to a controversial end on February 16, 2004, when Todd Bertuzzi, then of the Vancouver Canucks, punched Moore in the back of the head. Moore was knocked unconscious and fell to the ice, fracturing three neck vertebrae. Moore never played again.
- Photo: UsernameUnavailable / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
After suffering a catastrophic and life-threatening spinal cord injury during a September 9, 2007, Buffalo Bills game, few thought the tight end would ever walk again. Though he never returned to football, Everett defied the odds and walked onto the field at Ralph Wilson Stadium later that year.
Montreal Canadiens winger Trent McCleary's career came to a scary end on January 29, 2000, when he took a slapshot to the neck. His breathing was damaged enough to halt his time on the ice.
Eerily similar to the tragedy that ended the career of Mike Utley, Reggie Brown played two seasons with the Detroit Lions before a tragic hit caused a spinal cord injury. He required emergency surgery to save his life.


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In other championship action, Brendan Loughnane stopped Bubba Jenkins in the fourth to claim the PFL featherweight title, Ante Delija stopped Matheus Scheffel in the first to capture the heavyweight title, Olivier Aubin-Mercier knocked out Steven Ray in the second to take the lightweight championship, Sadibou Sy won a unanimous decision over Dilano Taylor to gain the welterweight title and Rob Wilkinson stopped Omari Akhmedov in two for the light heavyweight championship.

domain: sports


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The Netherlands, also known informally as Holland, is a country in Western Europe with a population of seventeen million. It is the main constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is further comprised of three island territories in the Caribbean: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. The European portion of the Netherlands consists of twelve provinces and borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest, sharing maritime borders in the North Sea with Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The five largest cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven. Amsterdam is the country's capital, while The Hague holds the seat of the States General and cabinet. The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and the world's largest outside East Asia.
"Netherlands" literally means "lower countries", influenced by its low land and flat geography, with only about 50% of its land exceeding one metre above sea level. Most of the areas below sea level are artificial.


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North Coast 2020 grape harvest kicks off amid coronavirus concerns
On a temperate summer night, about 30 men on Wednesday picked pinot noir grapes from Schellville’s Sasaki Vineyards, ushering in the 2020 Sonoma County wine grape harvest amid the coronavirus pandemic that has fundamentally changed the North Coast wine industry.
The pick yielded about 20 tons of grapes from the vineyard of Janet and Tito Sasaki. It was similar to the previous 30 annual harvests for the couple, with the fruit getting trucked to nearby Gloria Ferrer winery to be made into sparkling wine.
“Beautiful bunches. ... I think they look the best ever,” Janet Sasaki said, right before her crew began plucking grapes from the vines just after 9 p.m. “The season was beautiful this summer, perfect for slow ripening.”
That’s where any similarities to previous harvests of the region’s biggest cash crop end. Concerns over spreading COVID-19 among the farmworkers was apparent with a portable sink set up for handwashing in the vineyard, signaling the stark difference from past harvests.
What’s more, there was not a hearty celebration at the Gloria Ferrer winery when the plump grapes arrived — 10 days earlier than last year — since only essential workers were allowed at the production area. And the usual photographers were not there to chronicle the arrival of the initial yearly grapes at the crush pad, forcing staff members there to shoot any images to document the key event, said Ferrer winery spokeswoman Suzie Kukaj-Curovic.
Notwithstanding the pandemic, this year’s harvest started earlier than average with the first known regional pick occurring at Dutcher Crossing Winery in the Dry Creek Valley at 2 a.m. Tuesday. Picks also have occurred in the Napa Valley at Mumm Napa and Schramsberg Vineyards.
Winemakers are predicting the 2020 crop will be lighter than the North Coast average, which over the past decade has produced almost 488,000 tons of wine grapes annually in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties. Last year, the North Coast grape harvest brought in $1.7 billion, a large financial boost to the area economy.
The county and greater North Coast harvest this year coincides with flattening wine sales, as well an excess supply in the bulk wine market after large grape crops in recent years.
“It appears to be heading to a lighter crop versus a larger crop and things appear to be earlier this year,” said Glenn Proctor, a partner at Ciatti Co., a wine and grape brokerage in Novato. “I think both of those are welcome.”
The harvest should continue through the first week of November, when grapes for late red varieties such as cabernet sauvignon will be picked.
With risk of virus transmission among the pickers, wineries and vineyard management companies have put in place enhanced public health protocols in the vineyards and at wine properties. Worries still remain about the potential for workers to contract the highly contagious virus while living in dormitory-style housing provided on site by vineyard managers or when certain crews are transported in groups to vineyards.
In Sonoma County, there has been one unidentified farmworker dormitory where a worker was infected with COVID-19, forcing others living there to be moved to an alternate site. The same situation occurred in two of the three farmworker housing centers operated by the County of Napa. One of them shelters California farmworkers from outside the region.
Last month, Foley Johnson winery in Napa Valley, part of the portfolio of Foley Family Wines of Santa Rosa, temporarily closed after a single employee tested positive for the coronavirus. It’s perhaps the only area winery shuttered by the pandemic disease.
In addition to the potentially deadly virus and industry financial pressures, vinters in small locales like Mendocino County are contending with labor challenges.
“It’s always hard to find employees to pick grapes,” said Randy Schock, the winemaker at Handley Cellars in Philo in Mendocino County where the labor pool is not as vast as in Sonoma and Napa counties.
Schock noted one unnamed vineyard management company in Mendocino County had four employees who tested positive COVID-19, and he worried about potential problems when he calls for a pick later during this harvest season.
“We might only get half of the grapes picked this year, I don’t know,” Schock said.
Most grapes harvested are sold via multiyear contracts between growers and wineries. There is also fruit available to buy on the spot market though in 2019 there was a lack of buyers that resulted in a larger number of farmers forced to let tons of their grapes go unpicked on the vines.
Proctor said he expects there may more deals in the spot market this harvest with some winemakers having a greater need now for grapes and looking for deals.
“I think it may be driven by some of the out-of-the-area buyers looking for value versus some of the local wineries,” he said.
Even with all the challenges, the high quality of North Coast grapes remains with some varieties especially flavorful, winemakers said.
“There is definitely concentration (in the fruit),” said Fred Scherrer, owner and winemaker of Scherrer Winery in Sebastopol. “The vines didn’t have excessive water.”
Dutcher Crossing in the Dry Creek Valley pulled in four tons of chardonnay grapes early Tuesday and winemaker Nick Briggs said they were at the right sugar levels to be crushed.
Briggs doesn’t plan another pick until next week, giving him a little break before harvest will speed up.
“It’s all of us trying to figure out what we’re supposed to be doing,’’ he said, given the uncharted path caused by the coronavirus. ”I’m glad we had a little bit of time to adjust.”
You can reach Staff Writer Bill Swindell at 707-521-5223 or email@example.com. On Twitter @BillSwindell
Business, Beer and Wine, The Press Democrat
In the North Coast, we are surrounded by hundreds of wineries along with some of the best breweries, cidermakers and distillers. These industries produce an abundance of drinks as well as good stories – and those are what I’m interested in writing. I also keep my eye on our growing cannabis industry and other agricultural crops, which have provided the backbone for our food-and-wine culture for generations.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:


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My latest obsession is crochet. It started when I decided to make a baby blanket for a friend, and then made a pair of booties to go with it and then had so much left over yarn that I decided to try a hat. I have never made a hat before, but I had been seeing those super cute owl beanies all over the internet and knew that I wanted to give it a go. So I tried. It came out…interesting. But I posted a photo on facebook, because I was proud of my efforts. All of a sudden, I have orders in for at least four more for friends who have kids.
I have found it a bit difficult to make most things from patterns that I have found on the internet because most patterns are written to be made in worsted weight yarn, which I think must be the most common in the US. Worsted weight is about equivalent to a 12 ply yarn here in Australia, and the most common and definitely the easiest and cheapest to buy here is 8 ply. So I have found myself reading over patterns – usually a few for the same thing – and then making up my own kind of version.
And here are my owl hats:
Have you made anything you’re proud of lately? Share a picture or a link! I am always interested in new patterns or ideas if you would like to share!
- First Finished Crochet Projects (storminabcup.wordpress.com)
- Wearing The Beautiful Crochet Hats (summerjobs.infofiles.info)
- Little Miss Princess Owl Crochet Pattern (designsbysha.wordpress.com)
- Yarn Along Crochet Hat (gentlestitches.com)
- Sleepy Owl Lovey Crochet Pattern (designsbysha.wordpress.com)
- Teeny and Tiny the Owls Crochet Pattern (designsbysha.wordpress.com)

domain: design


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Living Resources representatives, local elected officials and community leaders symbolically break ground on Wednesday, May 1, on the nonprofits “smart house,” which is designed for people with developmental disabilities.
Photo by John Purcell.
continued The single-floor home will have natural lighting with automatic lighting in designated areas, and solar panels will help reduce the building’s carbon footprint. There are also web-based medical supports for medications and tracking the vital signs of residents. Other features are to make the home more accessible, such as wider doorways and expanded bathrooms with roll-in showers.
Living Resources Board of Directors Vice-President Richard Fuerst said “being home” has a unique meaning for each person and most people probably wouldn’t choose to live in a nursing home.
“Individuals with disabilities deserve the same choices we have about where they call home,” Fuerst said. “Being at home means being a member of our community. It means experiencing all that life has to offer including the rewards as well as the challenges. As we know, meeting life’s challenges is what defines us.”
Erlich said Living Resources has already identified six people to live in the home, which is anticipated to be ready in September. The organization houses 36 individuals in facilities that don’t meet their current needs.
“Living Resources expects as many as 33 percent of our group home residents to reach the age of 60 over the next decade. The combination of emerging health issues among the aging population and the structural limitations of housing that doesn’t accommodate the needs of consumers can no longer be tolerated,” Erlich said in a statement. “Building more homes like ours is a critical step in the search to find compassionate solutions to the challenges of caring for one of the most vulnerable segments of our population.”


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Philadelphia receiver DeSean Jackson catches a pass over Detroit cornerback Chris Houston on Oct. 14, 2012, in Philadelphia.
NFL Week 8
Game: Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
The Pick: Philadelphia Eagles (-2½)
Season ATS Record: 7-0
Rationale: Is that a misprint? Are the Philadelphia Eagles really favored over the Atlanta Falcons? Who is asleep at the wheel here? Are the books just giving one away? Don't they know that Atlanta has won every game this year and Michael Vick is struggling behind an offensive line no more adept at holding out pass rushers than a screen door is at stopping wind?
Rule number one of handicapping, "Never give the books what they want."
When the Falcons drop by Lincoln Financial Field this week they will find a pending account overdue. Atlanta would have lost three weeks ago, had RG III not been knocked out of the game with an injury. They would have lost two weeks ago if the Raiders hadn't handed them a win with a late turnover. They will lose this week and the books know it ? that is why they are offering the undefeated team with points.
Skip the points, and take the winner.
Dennis Ranahan is founder of Qoxhi Picks (www.picksfootball.com) and cohosts the Peppermill Pro Football Hour with Terry Cox each Thursday from 4-5 p.m. on ESPN Radio 94.5 FM.


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Digital Album Master
|License:||Free to try|
|Op. System:||Windows All|
|File size:||359 KB|
Publisher description for Digital Album Master
Video input support: JPG, JPEG, BMP Audio input support: WAV, MP3 Make DVD and VCD for playback on TV and computers. With only a few clicks, you can conveniently create your own photo albums. After the preview of your slide show created, you can easily burn them into a blank DVD or CD disc that can be enjoyed both on your PC and TV with a DVD or VCD player. Create photo slide shows complete with transitions, music. Digital Album Master can show you 105 effects of photo slide shows. It including: fade, slide in from left, slide in from right, Reveal from left, Reveal from right, Expand in from left, Expand in from right, Expand in from middle, Unroll from left, Unroll from right, etc. Photo duration from 1 to 10 second.

domain: hobby