North Adams Enters Agreement To Sell DPW Facility
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council voted to enter into a purchase and sales agreement with Cumberland Farms for the DPW facility.
Mayor Richard Alcombright asked the Council to approve an agreement Wednesday between the city and Cumberland Farms that would start the process of a $575,000 purchase from the city - $475,000 above the appraised amount.
"Cumberland Farms has been a strong partner in the community, building two new store on Route 2 and 8 and for quite some time they have been interested in a new and more appropriate sized store on Ashland Street," he said. "I respectfully request the approval of this purchase and sale agreement."
The regional chain of convenience stores, that has been renovating and constructing larger facilities, has eyed the property for some time now. The current Cumberland Farms on Ashland Street is smaller and landlocked by streets and residential properties with virtually no room to expand upon.
The Department of Public Works facility itself has aged out of use for the city with all operations moving from the more than a century old facility to the former anodizing plant at Hodges Cross Road purchased last year.
According to the agreement, the city will share 50 percent of any cleanup costs up to $287,500, or half the purchase price. Cumberland Farms will undergo an environmental study of the property and can back out of the purchase if there are unsatisfactory findings.
Alcombright said the city looked at possible contamination issues through the Department of Environmental Protection and could only find two reportable issues: a diesel spill and a gas spill.
He said other than that, he does not anticipate any hiccups.
"Worst case they look at it and it is lit up really hot and they back away," he said. "Intermediate case there is a larger cleanup and we harbor half of it but we still end up with a clean site, a productive commercial site with a new building, more tax revenue, more jobs and $287,500. Again, we have no reason to think there will be a need for substantial clean up."
Cumberland Farms will pay for the environmental test.
Councilman Eric Buddington, one of the two no votes, said he thought there was a better use of the land and the city did not need another gas station that would add to a "strip mall" look.
"I am not excited at all about having another gas station, and I think we have plenty and we are not filling an obvious need," he said. "I wish we could find a use for this land…it is close to the college it could be a really nice walking corridor."
Alcombright said the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts looked favorably upon the project because it would mean a convenience store closer to campus. He added that the new location would also be closer to the Housing Authority.
He added that with the city’s efforts to improve the Ashland Street corridor the modern convenience store would be a good addition.
"With some of the things that are happening in that condor there is a possibility to make Ashland Street the linkage from the college to the downtown," he said. "I think it has cleaned up well…and the only true blight left there is our DPW facility."
Alcombright added that Cumberland Farms will try to sell the old location on Ashland Street and there have already been two serious developers who have contacted the city.
Councilman Robert Moulton, the second no vote, said he would prefer an agreement that put less liability on the city if there are environmental findings even if the bottom line is smaller.
"I would be more comfortable with getting less and not being responsible for it," he said. "It is an unusual property…and it is in that corridor near the college and they weren’t interested in it but maybe down the road they will be."
Alcombright said MCLA did not return a proposal and he added that selling to MCLA would mean the city would get no bump in tax revenue because the school is tax exempt.
"When we are talking about hitting tax ceilings in a few years and the need for new growth there is an opportunity in front of us," he said.
Councilman Wayne Wilkinson agreed and thought the city should just get rid property while there is an offer on the table.
"Selling this property means the city is no longer liable for what is underneath it and I don’t think anyone else is going to come along and buy it," he said. "It could be a real liability down the road and it is good to get rid of it at a reasonable price."
Wilkinson did pick up a possible issue with the agreement itself and noted that at some points the agreement only points to selling a portion of the land.
Alcombright said he would run it by the city solicitor but noted Cumberland Farms needs the entire property for their facility.
Alcombright said if all goes as planned and the project successfully moves through the permitting process, doors could open in early 2019.
With the recent water violation where water users were informed that the city failed to use a soda ash additive to adjust the water's pH for three years, Councilman Buddington asked if there was a way to get routine information out to the public about tests and water treatment.
Alcombright said he planned to bring to the next meeting a summary of how often the city has to test the water and what they look for.
He reiterated that there is and was never an issue with the water.
"The water coming out of the plant is extremely safe and drinkable," he said. "If the pH is below a certain level it can cause corrosion in homeowner’s pipes."
He added that the pH has to be around 6.5 for some time for this to take place which was not the case for the city.
He said when the water’s pH falls below 7 DEP requires treatment. He said DEP mandates water remediation if it reads below 6.5.
"It basically tells us when our water goes below 7 we should start to treat it so it doesn’t get to 6.5," he said. "It went below to 6.9, 6.8 maybe 6.6 and we didn’t treat it. What the plant did was let the pH come up naturally which it did."
The mayor said even though it was not an emergency the city does take the violation seriously.
"It does pose a health hazard and we didn’t do it right and we are doing it right now," he said.
The City Council also appointed Colin Todd to the North Adams Housing Authority and moved a resolution declaring North Adams as a Pollinator Friendly Community to the Public Service Committee to vet before they vote on it.
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domain: entertainment


text: 01.06.23 Four-Hour Crisis Negotiations/Friday January 6, 2023 Baytown Cops BaytownCops.com News, BaytownCops.com Videos, Featured Articles, Slider 0 2023-951 – Mental Health CallsToday at approximately 1:50 a.m., Baytown Police along with Harris County Constable Precinct 8 responded to a welfare concern regarding an individual who was in a mental health crisis and wanted to jump off the Fred Hartman bridge. Both the Baytown Police Crisis Negotiators and Mental Health Officers arrived on scene to bring this incident to a peaceful resolution. The Baytown Police Department transported the individual in crisis to the hospital to get the proper care they needed. The Baytown Police Department would once again like to encourage anyone who needs suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or who has a loved one in crisis, to utilize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Individuals can connect with a trained counselor by calling, chatting, or texting 988. Please note this Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support.

domain: sociology


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domain: design


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What is it about?
This article presents a solid and comprehensive survey of ABE in the setting of cloud computing access control.
Photo by Daniel Páscoa on Unsplash
Why is it important?
A clear taxonomy and comprehensive assessment criteria of ABE are proposed. Besides, a systematical methodology for discussing and comparing existing ABE schemes is proposed.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Attribute-based Encryption for Cloud Computing Access Control, ACM Computing Surveys, July 2021, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery), DOI: 10.1145/3398036.
You can read the full text:
The following have contributed to this page

domain: literature


The long-awaited, long-rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro has officially landed, and it promises to fix all of the gripes that users had with the previous flagship 15-inch MacBook Pros while increasing performance by “up to 80%” for designers, photographers, video editors, and everyone in between.
The point of the 16-inch MacBook Pro seems to be two-fold.
First, Apple wanted to address many of the complaints that users have voiced about the previous flagship 15-inch models: a poorly designed keyboard that broke easily, no escape key, insufficient cooling, and maximum specs that had fallen behind the competition. Second, Apple wanted to try and pack in as much power as possible, putting the top-of-the-line specs of this machine into a league of their own, at least compared to every other Apple notebook ever made.
We haven’t yet had the chance to test this computer ourselves (stay tuned for that…) but Apple seems to have succeeded on both counts.
As the name implies, the latest flagship MacBook Pro comes with a 16-inch Retina Display, making it the largest Retina display ever put in a notebook. With a resolution of 3072×1920 for a pixel density of 226 ppi, brightness of 500 nits, and P3 wide color gamut, it promises to deliver the performance pros have come to expect from Apple’s displays.
The other major improvement to the surface of the computer is the keyboard, which has ditched the much-maligned butterfly mechanism for a specially-designed, ultra-thin scissor mechanism Apple is calling “the new Magic Keyboard.” These keys promise to be everything the old mechanism wasn’t, offering 1mm of key travel, a “stable key feel” and, for those of us who hated these omissions before, an actual physical ESC key and inverted-T arrangement for the arrow keys.
In terms of I/O, the computer comes with four Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connections and a headphone jack.
Cosmetic tweaks and improvements aside, the 16-inch MBP is all about performance, and if you have the cash to spend, this computer can be specced out to be far more powerful than any Apple notebook that came before it.
The CPU options include the latest 9th-Gen Intel Core i7 and i9 processors, all the way up to the 2.4GHz 8‑core Core i9 with a Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz; RAM starts at 16GB and can be configured all the way up to 64GB; storage starts at 512GB and can be configured all the way up to a staggering 8TB; and AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series graphics with up to 8GB of onboard storage. The graphics are particularly interesting, as Apple is calling these GPUs “the first 7nm mobile discrete GPUs for pro users.”
All of this is powered by a 100Wh battery—the largest ever in a MacBook—that promises 11 hours of unplugged “web browsing or Apple TV app video playback.” And the improved cooling system features larger fans and a larger heat sink that promises “significantly more heat dissipation,” allowing the computer to “sustain up to 12 more watts of power during intensive workloads” compared to the previous 15-inch models.
“Our pro customers tell us they want their next MacBook Pro to have a larger display, blazing-fast performance, the biggest battery possible, the best notebook keyboard ever, awesome speakers and massive amounts of storage, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro delivers all of that and more,” says Apple senior director of Mac and iPad Product Marketing, Tom Boger. “With its brilliant 16-inch Retina display, 8-core processors, next-gen pro graphics, even better thermal design, new Magic Keyboard, six-speaker sound system, 100Wh battery, up to 8TB of storage and 64GB of fast memory, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is the world’s best pro notebook.”
The “world’s best pro notebook.” We know a few PC brands that’ll have something to say about that, but one thing’s for sure, Apple has made their flagship MacBook Pro significantly more competitive once again.
Here’s Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro promo video that features several creatives—including adventure photographer Chris Burkard–talking about creativity and how the new Apple notebook fits into their professional workflows:
To find out more about the 16-inch MacBook Pro or configure your own, head over to the Apple website. Just be ready for a little sticker shock…
The base configuration—with a 2.6GHz 6-core 9th Gen Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and a Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory—will cost you $2400. Specced all the way up with a 2.4GHz 8‑core 9th Gen Core i9 (Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz), 64GB of RAM, 8TB or SSD storage, and a Radeon Pro 5500M with 8GB of GDDR6 memory onboard, you’ll be paying a whopping $6,100!
Source of the article – PetaPixel


A £2million pilot scheme is being set up in Glasgow and Birmingham to hunt down illegal money lenders. Posing as clients, undercover officers will have the power to confiscate profits.
Sixty rings of illegal money lenders have found in recent years in Glasgow. In one case, a homeless person was being charged
1.3million per cent interest on a cash loan.
FINES FOR LENDERS
New guidelines to ensure banks lend responsibly and fairly.
They will have to ensure that customers can afford to make loan repayments.
Interest rates will have to be fair, as will penalty charges for default.
Threatening behaviour forcing people to make repayments will be made illegal.
Failure to abide by these duties could result in fines.
Clear details of interest rates, charges and penalties on any loan or credit contract must not be hidden away in the small print. This will also make it easier to compare rival offers.
CONSUMER CREDIT LICENCES
It is currently easier to get a consumer loan credit licence, than a driving licence.
Any breach of the new rules will give the Office of Fair Trading the right to remove a credit licence.
£60million a year in penalties is paid on early loan repayment. This affects up to 70 per cent of consumers.
Consumer groups had called for such penalties to be banned. The White Paper only says the penalties needs to be spelt out on the loan contract.
The Government is proposing to set up an advisory group, working with the voluntary sector, to help people with huge debts.
It also proposes a scheme, with the Financial Ombudsman, to mediate in disputes between banks and customers on credit cards and loans.Reuse content


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By Andrew Witham
The holidays represent a time of getting together with family and friends and, more often than not, having big meals stacked with appetizers, drinks, and dessert. Tell me you don’t go into the holiday season thinking – I’m going to have to hit the gym in January! Historically, the holidays are about good comfort food and visiting with family – the beginning of cold weather and a lot of holiday time off usually means big meals and extra calories. It doesn’t have to be that way!
A few great recipe ideas demonstrate that you can eat great meals over the holidays without fearing that you will be “Jabba the Hutt” come January. Here are a few nice options for your pleasure this holiday season.
While turkey represents a fairly low fat staple during the holidays, there are some even better options for main dishes if you want to broaden your horizons and not your waistline. Eggplant, and other root vegetables, offer hearty alternatives that can be prepared in many different ways and are nutritious and filling. The recipe below will add an “Italian” flavor to your table and is a great alternative to the ham, roast, or turkey staples that typically adorn holiday tables.
Zucchini Eggplant Lasagna
1 large eggplant, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
3 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 cup (8 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 (8-ounce) package precooked lasagna noodles
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 1/2 cups (10 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt; let stand 15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic to pan; sauté 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, oregano, red pepper, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine basil, ricotta, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Spread 1/2 cup tomato mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9–inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 4 noodles over tomato mixture; top with half of eggplant and half of zucchini. Spread ricotta mixture over vegetables; cover with 4 noodles. Spread 1 cup tomato mixture over noodles; layer with remaining eggplant and zucchini slices. Arrange remaining 4 noodles over vegetables, and spread remaining tomato mixture over noodles. Top evenly with mozzarella. Cover with foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes or until browned. Cool for 5 minutes.
Farro ñ a wheat-based grain
(not gluten free) can serve as a great substitute to those bread heavy stuffings that are typically served during the holidays. This particular recipe includes colorful butternut squash, red onions, carrots and almonds. A true winner on any holiday dinner table.
4 cups unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)
2 cups uncooked farro
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups diced peeled butternut squash
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup thinly sliced carrot
3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
3/4 cup almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
3/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon minced fresh sage
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Bring stock and farro to a boil in a large saucepan; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until farro is al dente. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving cooking liquid.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Add squash, onion, carrot, and celery; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 7 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir squash mixture into farro mixture. Stir in almonds, parsley, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Spoon into an 11 x 7-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve. Stir in additional reserved cooking liquid as needed just before serving.
Cauliflower-instead of Potatoes
Cauliflower offers a great substitute to potatoes and can be prepared in many different ways – including mixing half and half with potatoes to make mashers that are far less carbohydrate/calorie intensive. This particular recipe – Gratin of Cauliflower with Gruyère – bursts with nice flavor.
1 medium head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets (about 2 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 teaspoons butter
1/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Place cauliflower in a 2-quart broiler-safe baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray; coat cauliflower with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt; toss. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until almost tender. Cool 5 minutes.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat. Stir in panko. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese and chives.
5. Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion to pan; sauté 4 minutes or until almost tender, stirring frequently. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk; bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 1/4 cup cheese, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, parsley, and pepper. Pour milk mixture over cauliflower mixture; toss. Top evenly with cheese mixture. Broil 3 minutes or until golden brown and thoroughly heated.
The simplicity of this option is awesome. Fresh fruit (which is available year round now in almost every grocery store) brings color and a lightness to the end of a holiday meal. Add in some fresh yogurt, and you have a rich, healthy dessert alternative.
Fresh Fruit Yogurt Parfait
1/3 cup honey (original recipe specified 3/4 cup!)
3 cups plain yogurt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, peaches, cherries, etc.)
3/4 cup granola cereal
(I suggest Granola)
Slightly soften the honey in the microwave so that it is easier to stir. Cool.
In a bowl, combine the softened honey with the plain yogurt and vanilla extract.
Using parfait glasses, layer the honey mixture alternately with the fruit and granola, ending with granola on top.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
These are just a small selection of many healthy options that you can bring to the table during the holiday season. Look up some alternatives – you don’t have to end the holiday season feeling like a stuffed turkey!!
Andrew Witham is a cook who recently moved back to Northern Virginia after operating a food truck in Arizona for 15 years. He currently is employed at Bernie’s Delicatessen and Gourmet Market in the City of Fairfax.
By JiJi Russell
As the holiday season picks up momentum, many people find that stress has a tendency to creep in (or blast through the door), revealing an underbelly to the “season of joy.” Consider the landscape of copious social interactions; abundant beverages and food (much of it unhealthy); hyper-active shopping; and keeping pace with an unusually packed calendar.
The more-of-everything norm that often characterizes this time of year can cause a hyper-stimulated state, amounting to an affront to your nervous system. Over-stimulation certainly can amplify stress.
If you jump right into the holiday season with a faster-better-more mentality, you might be setting yourself up for elevated stress levels. When our bodies perceive stress, our nervous system triggers the “fight or flight” response. This “signals a cascade of events to help us survive a life-threatening situation,” says Geo Derick Giordano, MSc, a registered medical herbalist.
Our heartrate and blood pressure rise; our blood vessels constrict; and we become hyper alert,” says Giordano, who teaches workshops and coaches individuals on dealing with stress naturally.
Ok, so maybe we’re a little amped up. Any harm in that? According to Giordano, yes, because in this state, “Our adrenal glands produce adrenaline, norepinephrine, cortisol and aldosterone, all of which allow us to respond to emergencies swiftly, to maintain homeostasis of our critical body functions, and to perform in a crisis. In small doses it is good and necessary as a survival tool and learning mechanism. In continual excess, it can be damaging, causing chronic and acute health issues ranging from heart disease to cancer.”
The decibel level of parties, musical events, and kid-related activities; the visual stimuli that we take in when we shop or attend social events; the pressure to entertain; socialize; or eat party foods — it can all add up quickly.
If you’re overwhelmed just from reading this, take heart. There is good news: A little awareness and change of habit might create more meaning and eliminate the need to clean up the mess (you!) in the wake of the holiday season. Here are some ideas to consider before saying “yes to everything.”
Give yourself permission to say no. Ask yourself if a proposed party or event will provide both strength (cohesion with your colleagues, for example) and levity. Ideally, it should be both fun and meaningful. It should build you up rather than break you down. If you think it will drain you, opt out.
Limit the to and fro. Choose to shop locally, in your own town or nearby, where you can walk outdoors from store to store. Fill in the gaps with online purchases. Forget the shopping malls. They can be highly overstimulating for the eyes, ears, nose (that perfume lady will get you!), all the while challenging you to be meek and mild as someone steals your parking space.
Ask for collaboration. If you are planning an event; helping out with your child’s event at school; hosting a meal, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If everyone brings a dish, for example, no one person gets stuck in the kitchen. If everyone hangs one snowflake, your arms won’t be as tired as if you had hung 20.
Take a time-out for you. While a “spa day” might have to wait until January, think of creating a habit of re-sets where you physically turn off external stimulation and take a few deep breaths. If you are inclined to stretch or practice a contemplative movement like yoga or tai chi, then make your practice a habit as well. As for two minutes of only breathing, though, you might be surprised by the benefits it can bestow.
While party foods tend to harbor excessive sugar, salt, and heavy ingredients like butter, which are better in smaller amounts, healthy eating during the holidays can provide a source of strength and resilience. Giordano suggests that “maintaining good blood sugar regulation by eating a breakfast with protein, good fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables goes a long way to stabilizing our stress response.” Fuel up properly before the long, busy days.
Giordano also says using adaptogenic herbs like “ginsengs, rehmannia, holy basil, schisandra, ashwaganda, and licorice root help modulate our internal stress response and strengthen our adrenal glands.” These can be found in teas; tinctures; and even edible powders or capsules.
When the party cocktails flow, and the tendency to become ever more mirthful emerges, do yourself a favor and drink a glass of water or seltzer after each alcoholic beverage. Perhaps this will slow your consumption, and also keep you better hydrated.
This holiday season, choose your activities and involvements consciously and judiciously. Set yourself up to mitigate stress and cultivate the energy and attentiveness so that you can enjoy the people and events that truly make for joyful moments.
Three More Tips for Staving off Stress
Consider giving up or reducing ìC.A.T.S.î which are known to cause fluctuations in energy and mood.
C=caffeine A=alcohol T=tobacco S=sugar
Make a goal of seven to nine hours of sleep a night.
Sleep is a necessary event for emotional health and for keeping stress hormones at bay.
Make a cut-off time for all electronic communications, and stick to it!
Bringing your attention inward helps with resiliency; while constant communication with others interrupts attention on yourself.
JiJi Russell is a corporate wellness coordinator and a yoga instructor, specializing in stress management.
The Live More Commute Less team at the Dulles Area Transportation Association has unveiled a sponsorship program to underwrite the Live More Challenge, a program set for October 1–17 to inspire people in the greater Dulles area discover more time live by changing the way they think about their commute.
If your business would like to know more about sponsoring the Live More Challenge, contact Kelly Woodward.
Let’s face it. To live more by commuting less, you have to focus on the Live More part! This is change that is going to alter more than your commute. That’s why we developed the Live More Challenge. It’s an inspiration to take the time to do something you really want to do. So, if you’ve been putting off that first guitar lesson until you “have more time,” or waiting to try your hand at baking the perfect sourdough loaf, or–you fill in the blank!–the Live More Challenge is your chance to do it.
It’s also the time to try something new in your commute, to take transit or try carpooling, or flextime. Whatever is available to you.
The Live More team is working with employers in the Dulles area to encourage them to sign up for the Challenge, too. When employers sign up, they’re pledging to support your efforts to change your commute so that you can Live More!

domain: food


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There is a good cycle ride in to the centre of Narbonne alongside the Canal de la Robine. This is the link canal from the River Aude to the Canal du Midi (the canal linking the mediterranean to the Garonne river at Bordeaux and the Atlantic).
The road to the canal from camping La Nautique takes you past this old barge which is being restored.
We spotted this turtle heading away from Narbonne. Indigenous? Released pet?
As the canal dips under the city the cycle path brings you into old Narbonne.
After exploring the old city, and munching sandwiches on the quayside, we headed back to the campsite, after picking up a French data sim for the mifi (30 euros for 6 GB).
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domain: geography


text:
By Mulenga Musonda
A Security Guard entrusted to protect the property of Sikalongo Secondary School has appeared before the Choma Magistrates Court on allegations of stealing three mattresses from the learning institution.
In this matter Sunford Hanchele 47, a security Guard is jointly charged with 32 year old Ian Litonga with one count of Breaking into a Building and Committing a Felony therein contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
Allegations are that the two jointly and whilst acting together broke into Sikalongo Secondary School with intent to commit a felony therein and stole three mattresses among other items valued at K9, 080 the property of the named learning institution.
The alleged incident is said to have happened between May 1 and 12 in Choma district of Southern province. When the duo appeared for plea before Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Mungala they both denied any wrong doing compelling the Court to record pleas of not guilty respectively. The matter was adjourned to May 27 for commencement of trial and the two accused person’s police bonds were extended

domain: news


The Japan Academy Film Prize has now announced the nominees for some of its categories via their official website. These announced nominees also include the five nominees for their “Best Animation” prize. 2016 showed plenty of great anime films, and the five nominees are no push-overs.
Koe no Katachi/ A Silent Voice
In this Corner of the World
Rudolf the Black Cat
ONE PIECE FILM GOLD
With all its hype from last year, I guess we don’t have to guess who the clear favorite is, huh? your name may have won countless awards and broken plenty of Japanese box office records, but who knows? Maybe we can get a huge upset this year!
Considered one of Japan’s most prestigious film awards, the Japan Academy Film Prize will be declaring all the winners from the various categories on 3rd March. Who do you think will win? I guess we will find out this March!


I read Mourid Barghouti’s I Saw Ramallah (2003) few years ago. I needed to get a better grip on how Palestinians understood their forced exile and daily tribulations. It was so poignant and painfully beautiful! Since then, world events have returned my memory to one of the most lucid passages in this exquisite poetic text. Barghouti illuminates the strange truth that some peoples can assume that they are the perennial victim without even noticing the suffering of others.
Barghouti tells us that funerals were an integral part of Palestinian life wherever they happened to be, in the homeland or in exile, in days of calm or sad days of storm, in their days when their peace was punctured by massacres.
“So, when Yitzak Rabin spoke so eloquently of the tragedy of Israelis as absolute victims, and the eyes of his listeners in the White House garden and in the whole world grew wet, I knew that I would not forget for a long time his words that day: ‘We are the victims of war and violence. We have not known a year or month when mothers have not mourned their sons.’ I felt that tremor that I know so well and which I feel when I know that I have not done my best, that I have failed: Rabin has taken everything, even the story of our death.”
This leader knew how to demand that the world should respect Israeli blood, the blood of every Israeli individual without exception. He knew how to demand that the world should respect Israeli tears, and he was able to present Israel as the victim of a crime perpetrated by us. He changed facts, he altered the order of things, he presented us as the initiators of violence in the Middle East and said what he said with eloquence, with clarity and conviction. I remember every word Rabin said that day:
‘We, the soldiers coming back from the war, smeared with blood, we saw our brothers and sisters and our friends killed in front of us, we attended their funerals unable to look into the eyes of their mothers. Today we remember each one of them with eternal love.’
“It is easy to blur the truth with a simple linguistic trick: start your story from ‘Secondly.’ Yes, this what Rabin did. He simply neglected to speak of what happened first. Start your story with ‘Secondly,’ and the world will be turned upside-down. Start your story with ‘Secondly,’ and the arrows of the Red Indians are the original criminals and the guns of the white man are entirely the victim. It is enough to start with ‘Secondly,’ for the anger of the black man against the white to be barbarous. Start with ‘Secondly,’ and Gandhi becomes responsible for the tragedies of the British. You only need to start your story with ‘Secondly,’ and the burned Vietnamese will have wounded the humanity of the napalm, and Victor Jara’s songs will be the shameful thing and not Pinochet’s bullets, which killed so many thousands in the Santiago stadium. It is enough to start the story with ‘Secondly’, for my grandmother, Umm ‘Ata, to become the criminal and Ariel Sharon her victim.
“What can Abu Tawfiq’s jeep [he used to get in a media services truck and drive around shouting ‘O our beautiful martyr’] to do in the middle of all this absurdity? The Israelis occupy our homes as victims and present us to the world as killers. Israel dazzles the world with its generosity toward us. Rabin said: ‘Signing the Declaration of Principles is not easy for me as fighter in the Israeli Army and in its wars. It is not easy for the people of Israel or for the Jews of the Diaspora.’
“The houses built on top of ours gallantly declare their willingness to understand our odd predilections toward living in camps scattered in the Diaspora of gods and flies, as though we had begged them to throw us out of our hoes and to send their bulldozers to destroy them in front of our very eyes. Their generous guns in Deir Yasin forgive us the fact that they piled our bodies high at the sunset hour there one day. Their fighter jets forgive the graves of our martyrs in Beirut. Their soldiers forgive the tendency of our teenagers’ bone to break. Israel the victim polishes its hot, red knife with the sheen of forgiveness.”
“In the global celebration no one—not even we, the people who speak for him—remembered Abu Tawfiq’s beautiful martyr.”


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The Elgin Fringe Festival is a visual and performing arts festival, featuring magic, dance, comedy, drama, music, and the undefined, all in downtown Elgin. The 8th annual festival will be held in-person and virtually in 2021, so you can fringe from anywhere.
Now headed into its 8th year, the Elgin Fringe Festival is first come, first served; uncurated; uncensored; and 100% back to the artists.
The festival kicks off Friday, September 3 with the opening of the EFF Visual Art, continues on Saturday, September 4 with our annual Family Fringe, and brings it home the next weekend with over 50 performances downtown Elgin and online.
Single tickets are free, $5, or $10.
Early Bird Festival Passes are $65 and include your EFF button and access to all in-person virtual performances.
A $3 EFF button is required to attend all performances and events. The button supports the festival, while 100% of ticket and art sales go back to the artists. Tickets must be picked up at Fringe Central (Side Street Studio Arts – 15 Ziegler Ct., downtown Elgin) and cannot be picked up at the performance venue.
Properly worn masks will be required at all indoor in-person events. No exceptions.
2021 buttons, posters, and merch, designed by Artist Kerri Liu will be available online and at MADE at Side Street Studio Arts.
The mission of the Elgin Fringe Festival is to encourage bold artistic experimentation and innovation by providing an accessible, affordable experience for both artists and audiences alike.
Find more information at elginfringefestival.com.

domain: artistic


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Many times people require an extra effort or an extra help to get their home cleaned. If you need a one off house cleaning service in Wimbledon, London to make your home look tidy then you can count on us. It can be a special event or huge amount of dirt might have piled up at home, whatever the situation may be our cleaners in Wimbledon have the experience to provide you special home cleaning according to your needs.
Your house will be spring cleaned and we will make all the necessary efforts to get things in place. We have the professionals who will help you get the best house cleaning and make it look great for any special occasion.
After you book our services the cleaners will come to your house according to the time which is suitable to you. They will start as soon as they reach your house and get going. All your spring cleaning requirements will be handled by them and you can afford to take rest.
They will be fully equipped with the modern tools and chemicals required, you can also provide them with the chemicals which you might be using at home. We use special solutions which are not at all harmful.
We understand that letting some stranger come into your house is not easy. It is valid concern and we fully understand it but you can fully trust on our cleaners as we have been there in this business since 1993 and made a name for our self in almost whole London area.
You can easily book our services by making a call and telling us the address of the place to be cleaned. The rate for our cleaning service is competitively priced at £12 per hour which is inclusive of minimum three hours.
Wimbledon House cleaning Services
Wimbledon is located in the south of Wandsworth. It is a district in the south west area of London. Wimbledon is famous for its tennis championship and theatre. Wimbledon contains Wimbledon common, which is one of the largest areas of common land in London. Wimbledon also consists of a residential area which is divided into village and towns.
High street is the part of original medieval village. However town became the part of modern development since the arrival of railway station in 1838. Wimbledon has a long and rich history starting from Iron Age.
There is a hill fort located in the common of Wimbledon which is believed to be built during Iron Age. Village centre of Wimbledon was located at the top of the hill. This area was known as village in local language. The name Wimbledon was derived from this.
Wimbledon is located near to the capital city and it attracted many wealthy families. In 16th century many manors and residences were built in this town. Eagle house, Warren house and Wimbledon house were some the mansions built by wealthy families.
The development of the city was almost static till the introduction of London transport and south railway in to the town. Now Wimbledon is world famous for its tennis championships and it has attracted many tourists over the years.


Neighbours have spoken of their horror after being told a "burned body" was discovered at a home in the Midlands.
Staffordshire Police are attempting to try to piece together the last known movements of a person who has tragically been found dead.
The body was found in a building in Beresford Street, in Shelton, Staffs.
Cops swooped on the scene yesterday (Wednesday, September 11) and remain at the scene today (Thursday, September 12).
Police officers are focusing on an alleyway - linking Beresford Street and Seaford Street - according to our sister title StokeonTrentLive.
Police have sealed off the alleyway with blue sheeting and it has been closed since yesterday.
Shocked residents have told how the tragedy follows a fire in the street a few days earlier.
Student John Polepaka, aged 22, of Beresford Street, said: "There was a fire here a few days ago and now this has happened.
"I have spoken to a few people in the street and they have said a burnt body has been found. It’s mad and we don't know what has happened."
Amy Saleh said: "My daughter and I were there at about 1.15pm. There were two police officers, a man in forensic clothing with a blue mask and a camera, and another man in a grey jacket. The female police officer looked horrified."
Ahmad Ali, aged 20, of Hanley, said: "The police were there throughout Wednesday and there were lots of police cars in Beresford Street near the shop. We heard that something had been set on fire."
Staffordshire Police have still not released the sex or age of the dead person. The body was found in the outhouse of a Beresford Street property yesterday morning.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has also been at the scene to assist with the police investigation. West Midlands Ambulance has not been called in.
Anyone with any information about the death should call the police on 101.


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July 1st is just around the corner and this is an opportunity to proudly celebrate years of peace, history, the scenic beauty of our landscape and multiculturalism voiced with our international mosaic of cultures that defines our nation.
Canada Day is a time to rejoice in our achievements; from discoveries in medical breakthroughs, diagnosis and therapy, our entrepreneurial successes, our prominent citizens to our rich history and heritage passed down to us through our authors, poets, artists and performers.
What does Canada Day mean to you?
Canada Day is also a time to celebrate our health and Canada’s contribution to living healthy. We should be proud of all our great Canadian medical breakthroughs by our researchers who have made many life-saving discoveries and changed the way we understand and treat human bodies and minds.
Lets look ahead as we keep our history in our hearts, and stand up with pride on Canada Day.

domain: history


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Adventure Gamers - Forums
telltales episodic gaming question
hello people i was wondering if someone could give me a tip about my question.
is it possible to play all apisodes at once?? without going back to windows to click on the next episode to play on?? i found it anoying to keep going back to windows to click on the next episode to keep on playing.i really wish that telltale made just normal games instead of episodes.i really would like to play the 5 episodes of back to the future game as a whole game.
does anyone else is thinking the same thing?

domain: game


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The LRC ambassadors recently spent an afternoon at Waterstone’s book shop in Ipswich choosing titles for the LRC. Each ambassador was given a budget and allowed to choose a selection of fiction and non-fiction books which they felt other students at the college would enjoy reading. “I really enjoyed picking the books” said Elise “I just hope that other students enjoy reading them and that we can do it again next term!”. Alison Baker LRC Manager said that “she was surprised at the diverse range of books chosen by the students”.
Our thanks go to Sarah Jenkins and the staff at Waterstones for making us feel so welcome. The books which have been chosen will go into the LRC stock over the next few weeks.


A SENIOR councillor has resigned over a gagging order placed upon Worthing Borough Council members to prevent them revealing that a dispute with NCP has cost taxpayers around £800,000.
Marine ward councillor of 11 years and cabinet member Tom Wye resigned on Wednesday morning on ‘principle’.
His decision comes after the council and NCP reached an out of court settlement over its 10-year contract , due to end on April 1.
It is understood one of the primary issues was a deed of variation on the contract, intended to run for 12 months, appeared not have an end date.
Mr Wye said the settlement reached this week – believed to be £700,000 plus £100,000 legal fees – was in the public demain – despite the gagging order placed on all councillors.
He said: “The money belongs to the taxpayer, I believe the public should know where it is being spent.
“It is a great pity but I don’t think I had any option. I said if there was a gagging order, I would go.
“I am a very simple man and what I say is what I do. It is a point of principle.”
The council and NCP released a joint statement on the issue on Monday, stating it would be keeping the figure confidential.
For the full story, see the Herald, out Thursday, February 27.


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Nights for Wednesday 9 April 2014
7:10 Baring Modern Bottoms
Does My Bum Look Big in this Documentary? will be a contemporary look at the derriere - with Melbourne comedian and entertainer Anna Achia a.k.a. Anna Go-Go.
Anna about to have her bum photocopied for the pitch video. Showbiz is a difficult mistress.
People, places and events in New Zealand.
8:15 Windows on the World
International public radio documentaries - visit the Windows on the World web page to find links to these documentaries.
8:40 Arts Ambassador - Poetry with Cliff Fell
NMIT creative writing educator Cliff Fell recites the influence of the "classic" poems and poets – Dante, The Divine Comedy and its influence on subsequent western poetry.
9:06 The Wednesday Drama
The Russian Gambler, by Dolya Gavanski (1 of 2, Goldhawk)
10:00 Late Edition
11:06 Jazz-O-Rama - Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller & Mildred Bailey
Fats Waller, born Thomas Wright Waller, was a jazz pianist, organist, composer, singer and comedic entertainer. Waller was one of the most popular performers of his era, finding critical and commercial success in his homeland and in Europe. Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana. He was renowned for his charismatic stage presence and voice almost as much as for his trumpet-playing. Ella Jane Fitzgerald, also known as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz" and "Lady Ella", was an American jazz and song vocalist. With a vocal range spanning three she was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing and intonation and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. Mildred Rinker Bailey was a popular and influential American jazz singer during the 1930s, known as "The Queen of Swing", "The Rockin' Chair Lady" and "Mrs Swing" (F, PRX)

domain: library


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It's shaping up to be a La Niña year for the second winter in a row.
In Colorado, Wolf Creek Ski Area was the primary beneficiary of what is projected to be an above-average year for snowfall in the West, opening Oct. 8 after a 36-inch blizzard. Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort opened earlier on the same day, and of course Timberline in Oregon doesn't shut down aside from a couple of weeks in the fall.
While both Las Vegas and Wolf Creek ski resorts opened early, they have a limited schedule. Over at Colorado's Arapahoe Basin Ski & Snowboard Area and Loveland Ski Area, both resorts opened for the year in mid-October. Both resorts plan to stay open every day until it's all over in spring. (A-Basin was closed for only 100 days this year.)
With the early days of ski season giving strong indications of good snow to come, it's not too early to plan your ski trip -- deals abound.
Bolton Valley Resort has ski-and-stay packages starting at $79 per person per night from Dec. 10-23.
Smuggler's Notch has some great deals all season long, including a January beginner's package that includes lodging, rentals, lessons, and lift tickets for $109 per night for adults and $79 for kids.
Sunday River's ski-and-stay packages start at $69 per person through mid-December.
Likewise, Breckenridge Ski Resort is celebrating its 50th with a half-off lodging deal from opening day on Nov. 11 to Dec. 15.
Winter Park Resort is offering a season-long ski-and-stay deal that includes two free lift tickets when you book two nights of lodging (from $84 per person per night).
Book by Nov. 23 at Aspen/Snowmass and get the First Tracks MVP package from Nov. 24 to Dec. 15, with a Buy Two, Get One Free for lodging, lift tickets, and rentals.
Beaver Creek is offering ski-and-stay packages starting at $120 per person per night with a three-night minimum.
- Always double-check the Ski Utah website (www.skiutah.com) for the latest deals at the state's 14 resorts. New this year, Ski Utah's Yeti Pass enables holders to ski one day at each of the 14 resorts -- under $40 per day.
Park City's QuickSTART program gives free lift tickets at Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, or the Canyons Resort to passengers who show their boarding pass on the day of arrival.
The Canyons Resort has a Season Starter Special includes a free night of lodging if you buy three nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 13.
Snowbird is offering an early-season ski-and-stay package starting at $99 per adult per night with a three-night minimum.
Sierra-at-Tahoe's 3-Paks start at $51 per day pass, and guests who show a boarding pass from Reno-Tahoe International Airport can get a discount.
Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe has a great family pack deal: $138 for lift tickets for two adults and two children.
Save 25% when you book a ski-and-stay deal at Squaw Valley USA by Oct. 31, with rates starting at $75 per person per night. Your boarding pass into Reno is also good as a lift ticket the day of your arrival.
Book by Oct. 31 at Kirkwood Mountain Resort and get 15% off a ski-and-stay package.
Whistler Blackcomb has an early-season deal where guests can save over 30% by booking before Nov. 15.

domain: travel


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The defection of two Cuban boxers will have no effect on the United States Olympic boxing team, said the world champion Antonio Tarver.
"Not at all," the American light heavyweight said, as his 12-member team prepared for Saturday's opening round. "I think we're ready. There'll be a time in a bout when we'll be pushed, whether it's Cubans or somebody else, and we'll be dependent on the crowd and our own will. We want to hear them saying 'USA! USA!' but we're ready."
American team members, although younger than some of their predecessors, said that even Cuba's world-champion heavyweight, Felix Savon, can be beaten.
"Everyone is beatable," said the superheavyweight Lawrence Clay-Bey. "There are no guarantees in boxing. The success behind Savon is that he knows it and it pushes him to higher heights. I work just as hard as anyone else."
"We're ready," said Al Mitchell, the American team's coach. "We're in great shape. We're ready to get some gold." NEIL AMDURContinue reading the main story

domain: sports


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Scott Cooper’s Hostiles is another “revisionist” western that mistakes unremitting, mono-tonal darkness for seriousness. It’s 1892 and Captain Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale) is a celebrated army hardass known for his brutal killing and capturing of Native American warriors throughout the West. At a prison in New Mexico, Blocker is ordered to transport an incarcerated Cheyenne chief, Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi), to his rightful home in Montana, so that he may succumb to his illness in peace and dignity. Blocker and Yellow Hawk were once rivals, having slaughtered many of one another’s allies, and now find themselves in an awkward position of collaboration as they make a dangerous journey. This is the theme of many American westerns, though Cooper approaches the material with belabored solemnity.
As great as Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven is, it seems to have ruined the American western, a once-fluid genre now mired in brooding, speechifying, stick-figure characters, and smugly gruesome violence. There have always been literally and metaphorically dark westerns—revisionism isn’t as new as young filmmakers believe it to be—but the films also used to celebrate various textures of community, even while acknowledging the evils of genocide and imperialism that yielded America. Underneath its casual aura, Howard Hawks’s Rio Bravo is a serious and moving consideration of the challenges of forging and honoring a democracy, as is John Ford’s Stagecoach, which has a narrative similar to that of Hostiles. Even Unforgiven, which is revered by younger filmmakers for its sense of despair, is a comic and colorful character study, with vignettes that resist glib sociopolitical codifying.
Rio Bravo, Stagecoach, and Unforgiven illustrate how a microcosm of society actually functions. Hostiles only accords Blocker prominence, and he’s played by Bale with the same clenched mannerisms that have defined his acting for 20 years. Bale’s caged ferocity can still be unnerving, particularly when Blocker confronts a pacifist (Bill Camp), but he’s still an actor who’s desperately in need of a role that doesn’t allow him to fetishize disconnection. Studi is a magnificent presence, as always, but he’s stuck in the role of the noble Native American who, by befriending a white soldier, implicitly lets European ancestors off the hook for their legacy of atrocity.
Blocker and Yellow Hawk’s bonding might have been moving if Cooper had dramatized it, but the arc of this relationship isn’t on screen. At the beginning of the film, Blocker is so averse to helping Yellow Hawk that he’s willing to risk a court martial. After a few skirmishes with the Comanche, Blocker and Yellow Hawk exchange respectful glances, as if they don’t already know of their respective formidability on the battlefield. Remarkably, Yellow Hawk evinces no bitterness about his situation as a prisoner, along with his family, of whites who invaded his land, as we’re meant to identify with Blocker’s resentment of Native Americans who were presumably fending off intrusion. Cooper’s aware of the thorniness of this situation, as he wishes to mount a traditional cowboys-versus-Indians film that can be acceptable in the 21st century. A modern film can’t, and shouldn’t, celebrate whites killing Native Americans, and so it must feature other tribes on the whites’ side who “approve.”
Cooper exhausts himself trying to render Hostiles politically correct, though the film would be more convincing and vital if he’d indulged his genre-fueled fantasies without so much equivocation. Fantasies are more revealing when they’re indulged without irony. It’s now fashionable to criticize John Ford’s films for their imperialist lack of empathy—a complaint that misses the point of the astonishing energy of the director’s formalism, which offers a revealing portrait of cultural moors without apology. Ulzana’s Raid and Unforgiven are disquieting for their refusal to solve social problems for us, as they dramatize the kinetic and ambiguous cruelty of American warfare, which is an extension of politics. There are several scenes in Hostiles in which white soldiers elaborately apologize to Native Americans for stealing their land, and, while poignant, they feel like a sop to contemporary priorities. If Cooper revered Cheyenne culture, he’d have accorded Yellow Hawk’s family significant screen time, rather than treating Adam Beach and Q’orianka Kilcher like extras.
This self-consciousness could be overlooked if Hostiles was an otherwise stirring adventure, but the film moves at a funereal pace, implicitly celebrating its sluggishness as a mark of integrity. There’s quite a bit of incident in this film, but nothing ever seems to happen. A Comanche tribe is presented as an enemy only to be anticlimactically conquered. Ben Foster appears as a disgraced American soldier, doing his usual overacting before abruptly exiting the film. Rosamund Pike mopes prettily as a widow, regarding Blocker with interest and foreshadowing a romance that never materializes. And in the film’s most awkward moment, a character cribs from Unforgiven’s famous speech, saying that “I’ve killed everything that’s walked or crawled at one point.” Throughout, the characters are fossilized by the film’s self-importance, and appear dead long before they meet their respective fates.


Adam Jones and Matthew Rees will join Gethin Jenkins in an all-Welsh Lions front row.
Welsh duo Matthew Rees and Adam Jones have forced their way into the starting line-up for the British and Irish Lions crucial second Test against South Africa to be played at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria on Saturday.
Both players came on as replacements in the first Test defeat at Durban last weekend and immediately made their presence felt as the Lions fought back bravely after being hammered in the first spell.
Scarlets hooker Rees replaces Bath's Lee Mears while Ospreys prop Jones comes in for Phil Vickery who had a torrid time in the scrum. The clash will see an all-Welsh Lions front row for the first time since 1955.
But while there was good news from a Welsh perspective with the promotion of Rees and Jones, there wasn't such good news for Ospreys second row Alun Wyn Jones who has been dropped to the bench with the bulkier Simon Shaw getting the nod.
The other changes concern the backs where Ireland's Rob Kearney takes over from injured Lee Byrne at full-back and Luke Fitzgerald replaces Ugo Monye on the left wing.
British and Irish Lions team to play South Africa at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria on Saturday, 2pm:
R Kearney (Leinster and Ireland); T Bowe (Ospreys and Ireland), B O'Driscoll (Leinster and Ireland), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues and Wales), L Fitzgerald (Leinster and Ireland); S Jones (Scarlets and Wales), M Phillips (Ospreys and Wales); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues and Wales), M Rees (Scarlets and Wales), A Jones (Ospreys and Wales), S Shaw (Wasps and England), P O'Connell (Munster and Ireland, capt), T Croft (Leicester and England), D Wallace (Munster and Ireland), J Heaslip (Leinster and Ireland).
Replacements: R Ford (Edinburgh and Scotland), A Sheridan (Sale Sharks and England), A-W Jones (Ospreys and Wales), M Williams (Cardiff Blues and Wales), H Ellis (Leicester and England), R O'Gara (Munster and Ireland), S Williams (Ospreys and Wales).
With just a week to go before Wales kick off their Rugby Women's World Cup campaign against hosts France in Paris, head coach Rhys Edwards and flanker Sioned Harries are looking ahead to the tournament with optimism.
After two years in the international wilderness, Adi Taviner is hoping to make up for lost time when she takes part in her second Women's Rugby World Cup which kicks off in Paris next Friday where Wales take on hosts, France.
The WRU's Women and Girls legacy events - #TRY OUR GAME have proved popular this week with current players and newcomers to the game learning new skills and picking up tips from national squad players.
We caught up with Shona and Ellie from the Wales women team ahead of the start of the Women's Rugby World Cup in Paris next month at a recent women's training session to encourage and promote more women and girls to try their hand at rugby. #tryourgame
The Women's Rugby World Cup warm-up clash between Wales and USA proved bittersweet for centre Elen Evans. Despite being one of the star performers on the day on her 50th Test appearance, USA edged home 10-7 at Cross Keys.
Wales completed their Junior World Championship campaign with a victory over Samoa. Team manager Mark Taylor and No 8 James Benjamin reflect on a tournament which saw Wales win three games and lose two.


We’re an independent record label, working alongside such other labels as Mutant Soundz and Westworld Recordings; not to mention the one and only Shotta TV.
We believe in giving everyone a quality a chance to shine, and if you think you have got what it takes to be the next big thing, then we want to hear from you!
Evil Dub EP (FREE DOWNLOAD)
Filthgazm Records in conjunction with Mutant Soundz is thrilled to announce the release of Evil Dub EP. Come and be pummeled by bassified sub woofs and dirty wobbles as a regiment of hardcore dubstep artists, which include: DJ Disfunktion, Urban Dubstep Guerillas, Cut & Paste, Piecemeal, and Cla6x, come together to bring you one of the hardest hitting EPs of the year!
The Evil Dub EP by Filthgazm Records


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Over the past decade, occurrence of potato southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. has increased on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA) and surrounding areas. There is no known potato cultivar resistant to S. rolfsii, and traditional management relying on fumigants and fungicides has provided inconsistent results. This research evaluated the effect of planting date and cultivar as strategies for reducing the impacts of potato southern blight. A factorial arrangement of four planting dates and ten cultivars were evaluated in field trials established in 2017. Artificial field inoculations were performed between 56 and 73 days post-planting, utilizing a composite inoculum of two S. rolfsii strains isolated from ESVA potato southern blight outbreaks in 2016. Preliminary results showed that the two earliest plantings (Mar 7 and 24) resulted in lower in-field disease incidence. Within those planting dates, the cultivars ‘Accumulator’, ‘Yukon Gold’, ‘Russet Burbank’, and ‘Atlantic’ provided the least incidence (11-22%). For the subsequent planting dates (Apr 14 and May 10), incidence increased, but ‘Accumulator’ significantly produced the least incidence in the last two planting dates (66-71%) compared to the other nine cultivars (89-100%). Additionally, the first two planting dates yielded the most marketable tubers (77-96%), compared to later planting dates (9-71%). Among cultivars, ‘Accumulator’ presented more tolerance to infection until the third and fourth planting date. In general, southern blight significantly decreased yield and tuber quality in later planting dates; therefore, early planting dates coupled with tolerant cultivars are recommended as strategies to suppress potato southern blight.
The main goal was to identify potential cultural control options in managing southern blight to ensure the sustainability of potato production in regions impacted by this disease through the following objectives:
- Evaluate the effect of planting dates on southern blight incidence in potato, by establishing field trials examining four different planting dates and assessing disease incidence, yield parameters, and tuber quality.
- Evaluate the effect of cultivar and the interaction with planting dates on the incidence of southern blight, by initiating field trials with ten popular cultivars and assessing disease incidence, yield parameters, and tuber quality.
- Determine the effect of planting dates and cultivars on the susceptibility of post-harvest infection by S. rolfsii, through the evaluation of the potato tuber susceptibility.
A field trial of 0.60 acres was established in 2017 at Virginia Tech’s Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center (ESAREC) in Painter, VA, using a factorial arrangement of treatments in a split-plot design with four replications. Each main plot was 25 ft long x 60 ft wide with a single guard row on each side and 20 ft wide buffers between blocks; each sub-plot is 6 ft wide (2 rows) x 25 ft long. The seed was hand planted 10 in apart within rows with a 36 in row spacing.
Two factors were examined: planting date and cultivar. The four planting dates and ten cultivars combine to form a total of 40 treatments. The 2017 planting dates (Mar 7, Mar 24, Apr 14, and May 10) were chosen because they are within the normal recommended date range for commercial production on the ESVA and surrounding areas.
The ten cultivars included the most commercially popular cultivars in the mid-Atlantic region, including the ESVA (Richardson 2016). These contained early, middle, and late season cultivars. In addition, different potato types are represented (russet, white, red, gold, and specialty). This allowed us to evaluate the cultivar behavior after infection with S. rolfsii, the interactions between planting dates and cultivars, and yield and quality.
Field inoculation with two virulent strains of S. rolfsii was carried out between 56 and 73 days post-planting. The field inoculation was performed by adapting the Shokes et al. (1996) technique; replacing oat with millet seed.
The stand count was enumerated weekly until the stem and leaves had fully developed in the majority of plants. Disease incidence (percentage of plants with disease symptoms per plot) was evaluated during the growing season. Diseased plants were determined by visual inspection of symptoms and the presence of mycelium and/or sclerotia on the base of the stem.
Plants were harvested at the average number of days recommended for the ten cultivars (̴ 105 days on average). Each plot was machine lifted, and potato tubers from each plot were collected separately in bins. Furthermore, tubers were weighed and graded according to USDA standards. Tubers were inspected visually, and symptomatic tubers with brown, yellow, or tan round sunken lesions, white mycelium, soft tissue, or odorless cheesy material, were considered diseased (Weber 1943).
Utilizing JMP® Pro 13, means comparisons were conducted by analysis of variance and separated using Fisher Least Significant Difference test (LSD) at 5% significance level.
In-field Southern Blight Incidence Prior to Harvest
Effect of Planting Date in Marketable Yield
Based on the preliminary results, the reaction of the cultivars to southern blight varied between planting date. As the planting date was delayed, the incidence of southern blight was more severe. Within each planting date, some cultivars showed a greater tolerance. For example, in the Mar 7 planting date, ‘Atlantic’, ‘Russet Burbank’, ‘Yukon Gold’, and ‘Accumulator’ presented the least incidence statistically, compared with other cultivars, and this trend was maintained for the second planting date. In the Apr 14 and May 10 planting dates, ‘Accumulator’ significantly presented the least incidence.
Regarding the yield effect of planting date in fields inoculated with S. rolfsii, measurements of marketable tubers showed that the Mar 7 and Mar 24 planting dates generated greater yield. This yield was substantially reduced for the last two plantings. ‘Accumulator’ produced greater productivity in the first three plantings compared to the other nine cultivars. In comparison with the other cultivars in the third planting date, ‘Accumulator’ produced the highest yield (17,000 lb/A). In the May 10 planting date, all the cultivars had substantially poor yields, less than commercially acceptable.
The preliminary results show that the field incidence of southern blight varied markedly between planting dates and cultivars. Later planting dates significantly decreased potato yields. Therefore, early planting dates coupled with tolerant cultivars are recommended as strategies to suppress potato southern blight.
- Analysis of laboratory results will be performed
- A replicate of the project will be conducted during the 2018 growing season.
- The project results will be presented at the 2018 Plant Pathologist of the Future at the 2018 APS Pacific Division Meeting, and a poster session at the 2018 International Congress of Plant Pathology in Boston, MA. Additionally, local presentations to growers and agricultural professionals will be made in 2018.
- Richardson, B. 2016. 2016-Virginia Potato & Vegetable Review. VDACS:29. Available at: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/pvr.pdf (Accessed July 24, 2017).
- Shokes, F., Róźalski, K., Gorbet, D., Brenneman, T., and Berger, D. 1996. Techniques for Inoculation of Peanut with Sclerotium rolfsii in the Greenhouse and Field 1. Peanut Science 23:124-128.
- Weber, G. F. 1943. Southern blight, Corticium rolfsii of potato tubers. Phytopathology 33:615-617.
Educational & Outreach Activities
During 2017, the field trial was included in the plant disease identification and management demonstrations for the 4-H youth and graduate students’ tours that were held at the ESAREC in Painter, VA.
The research was presented to potato growers and agricultural professionals at the 2018 Eastern Shore Agricultural Conference & Trade Show in Melfa, VA, on January 24, 2018. Later, the research was presented at the 73rd meeting of the NJDelMarVaPa Extension Plant Pathologists Meeting in Newark, DE. And finally, the preliminary results of the project were presented at the 2018 Potomac Division 74th Annual Meeting in Ocean City, MD, on March 22, 2018.
The project will generate information that is not currently available. This information will provide options for farmers to select potato cultivars and planting date to minimize the negative impact on yield caused by southern blight, as well as cultivar selection options for breeders. Likewise, this could reduce the use of pesticides as a primary option for the management of southern blight.
Because of this project, we have been able to understand the necessity of this information for farmers. Working with farmers and presenting results to them, it has become clear that they value this information for making crop production decisions.

domain: agronomy


Iraq has decided to purchase 12 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
According to a report published in an English newspaper, a delegation from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense recently visited Pakistan, during which a defense agreement on the purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets was reached and has reportedly set aside more than $600 million in funding for the purchase of the said aircraft.
The deal was reportedly made during the visit of Deputy Commander of Iraqi Air Force Major General (Pilot) Muhammad Majeed Mahdi Mahmood’s to Pakistan.
Earlier, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inducted three JF-17 fighter jets procured from Pakistan to modernise its air fleet, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s aircraft industry and defence capabilities.
Moreover, Argentina has also shown interest in purchasing a total of 12 Block 3 JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, for which the Argentine government has allocated more than $664 million. The procurement process will formally begin after the Argentine parliament approves the decision to purchase the aircraft.
In July 2015, Myanmar became the first export customer of the JF-17 Thunder with an order for 16 Block II variants.
The EurAsian Times reported in April that China-Pakistani JF-17 fighter among the top choice along with Korean FA-50 is the finalists.
“According to The Korea Times, Malaysian officials have confirmed that the Pakistani jet is competing with its South Korean counterpart for the requirement,” the news article read.
What is JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 fighter jets is a single-engine multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China.
The builders say that the JF-17 can be used for multiple roles, including interception, ground attack, anti-ship, and aerial reconnaissance.


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In Minsk the theatre began working in 1947. The real pearl of the repertoire was the performance «The King Lire», that was awarded with the price for the best acting of A.Kistov by the British Royal Academy of Drama Art.
The modern period of the theater is characterized by the constant enrichment of the repertoire by the classical masterpieces. The Theatre is putting on the plays of Belarusian authors and the plays written by the world classics – such as Shakespeare, Brecht, Moliere, Chekhov, Bulgakov.
8.00 – 20.00


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Artist Talk for Conduit Gallery
Dr. Valerie Gillespie in conversation with Desireé Vaniecia (Been on My Way Solo Exhibition at Conduit Gallery, Dallas TX)
Please wear a mask and join us on March 13th at 4pm - 7pm. We will be practicing social distancing. No appointment necessary. We are open on Tuesday from 5-6pm and every Saturday from 12-5pm.


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His castmates urged show creator Lee Daniels and TV bosses to reinstate the actor as a regular after charges against Smollett were dropped in March, but now Daniels has officially closed the door on his return.
"Jussie will NOT be returning to Empire," he said via Twitter on Tuesday, June 04, as rumours of his comeback for the final season of the show started to circulate following a Variety report that suggested writers were trying to work Smollett's character, Jamal Lyon, back into the series.
The actor was written out of the final episodes of the show's fifth season following accusations he faked a hate crime against himself in Chicago as a publicity stunt.
Smollett has been sued by city officials, who still believe he wasted police time and forced an investigation into a crime that never was.
"Empire" cast members like Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard signed a letter urging executives to bring Jussie back, and when the sixth season was announced in April, TV bosses revealed Smollett's option had been extended even though there were no plans for him to return.
Case files linked to Smollett's legal drama were unsealed last month. Among them were police statements from the Osundario brothers, who claimed the actor paid them to stage the attack. More documents are due to be released later this week, including surveillance videos.


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La Rumba: The Return Season
Phwoar, here we go then. We’re very excited to announce our debut at Hope Works coming up next month with none of other than the amazing Shanti Celeste on an extended set. We knew that when the time finally came to host an event on Sussex Road it would have to be something special that resonates with the brand, Hope Works, and the Sheffield community.
One artist that has always stood out to us over the years is the Chilean DJ and Peach Discs label founder, Shanti Celeste. One of the hottest talents around in the UK and one of our true favourites, Shanti always brings the party with her infectious energy-fuelled style. Her last two shows in Sheffield at Signal were a roadblock affair and we expect this one to be no different.
Some of our first and best ever parties in Sheffield were by Pretty Pretty Good at Hope Works, who brought world-class artists and production to gritty warehouses off the beaten track to little old Sheffield. We first saw Shanti play in Mesters for PPG before Objekt with Deetron, DJ Qu, and Roy Davis Jr in the main room and she absolutely tore it to a packed out room. As a result, it feels rather fitting to have the PPG founder and close friend of ours, Kudan, on support.
Completing the lineup we have More Pussy 3mpire's Daebak, who’s been making waves on the Sheffield scene and who we’ve been itching to host since our We Out Here party with Djrum got cancelled just before the pandemic.
Expect top-tier production, world-class sound by RAZE Sound System, and a hot & steamy room over at Hope Works on the 13th November.
Artwork by Pomona Studio


Until the last two years, UCLA caused all sorts of problems for Oregon St. coach Mike Riley, and always defeated him. Then, along came Rick Neuheisel to coach the Bruins, and Jacquizz Rodgers to run through and around them. The latter development probably has more to do with the Beavers' back to back wins than the former.
UCLA still has given Oregon St. trouble, playing them tough in the first half the last time the Beavers visited the Rose Bowl, before Oregon St. pulled away from a one-touchdown halftime lead to win 34-6. Then last year, Oregon St. unveiled the "Wild Flying Beaver", and ‘Quizz threw a touchdown pass. The result was an apparently comfortable lead, except the Bruins rallied with two late scores to pull within 26-19.
UCLA has the kind of talented players that make any opponent nervous, and helps account for their back to back wins over ranked opponents from the state of Texas earlier this year.
The fact that the Bruins gave Arizona a close, 29-21 game in the Rose Bowl last week, at first glance, is also a cause for concern.
Reality sinks in however, once one realizes that Oregon St. just played their best game of the year, in beating Cal, a team using their second string quarterback, 35-7.
And in UCLA, we have a team using their second string quarterback, and struggling defensively.
And Arizona couldn't pull away mostly due to having to settle for three field goals. The ‘Cats still rolled up 264 yards on the ground, and threw for 319. With a backup quarterback at the controls.
Immediately before that, the Bruins had suffered a 35-7 loss to that same Cal team that was on the opposite end of that score to Oregon St., and then experienced "death by Ducks", a 60-13 thrashing in which UCLA allowed 582 yards, including 270 rushing.
‘Quizz, who had 152 total yards against UCLA in '08, and 204 combined yards last season, should have a big day. The line is 5, but I think Oregon St. will either have trouble with UCLA, if the Bruins play a great game, or more likely, win going away. The game is highly likely to not be close to the line. Prediction: Oregon St. 38 UCLA 17.
Out of all Oregon State's games so far this season, this one has me the least worried. So I hope the players don't have the same mindset as I do. At the Quarterback position, Breheaut has settled in nicely but he doesn't worry me that much. Especially after our defensive performance last week. I think that is the only position that the Bruins even come close to matching us in talent wise, and even then I would take Katz without a second thought.
The key to this game will be the key to pretty much every game. Give the ball to ‘Quizz, and don't turn the ball over. When the Bruins upset Texas, they had multiple short fields to work with because of UT turnovers. If we consistently put the Bruins on their side of the field to start all of their drives, our defense should be good enough to hold them on most possessions.
Overall, we just need to take care of business and move on. Prediction: Oregon State-24, UCLA-10
The challenge with the Washington-Oregon game is determining how the Ducks will approach the game, making a 35 point spread hard to predict against the outcome. My sense is the Ducks cover a banged up Husky squad that doesn't look anything like what Beaver nation saw in Seattle.
In the Cal at Washington St. game, the challenge is guessing who will show up, after both teams took demoralizing road losses. More talent exists to show up for the Bears, though, but it's hard to see them covering a 14.5 point spread.
Arizona St. at USC is about which coach avoids criticism from his fan base, and the loser won't be avoiding any. USC by 5.5 seems right.
Then there is the Arizona-Stanford game, where the 9.5 line in favor of the Cardinal seems excessive, given that Nick Foles is expected to return for the Wildcats. Stanford has to play a near-perfect game to cover, and also try to open up the margin, which they only sometimes appear to do. With Andrew Luck playing very efficiently, I think they do win, but don't look for them to do so by the projected 10 points.


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Settle in for a night of opera and Spanish delights under the stars with Carmen.
Carmen stamps her feet, tosses her hair and draws you into her world. Men fall instantly under her spell, and once you’ve heard her sultry Habanera, you’ll fall for opera’s favourite femme fatale, too.
Carmen represents Opera Australia’s latest “floating stage” series, set up over the waters in Farm Cove near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. It will mark the platform for a fully-staged opera with singers and dancers. Running from Friday 24th March to Sunday 23rd April 2017, this pop-up opera house, complete with bars, restaurants and tiered seating is set to blow it’s guests out of the water, pun intended.
With tickets starting from $99, opera lovers are given the opportunity to marvel at a monumental set, complete with vibrant costumes, spectacular dance and a breathtaking display of fireworks.
Those looking for dinner and a show are given plenty of options at this years event. For a luxurious experience, try the The Platinum Club. With unrivalled views of the harbour, this undercover restaurant and bar offers a Spanish-inspired menu, table waiters, Tyrrell’s wines and dedicated restrooms. There are several packages to choose from, giving you the ability to stay for a drink or indulge in a multiple course feast with matching wine. For the crème de la crème experience, opt for the pre-performance dinner ($245). You’ll indulge in a three course Spanish inspired menu, designed and prepared by the Fresh Catering’s award-winning chef Geoff Haviland. Complimenting each course are premium Tyrrell’s Wines.
Guests can also dabble in the pre-performance Boqueria Buffet ($130). You’ll be able to try a bit of everything from a buffet laden with cured and smoked meats, empanada pastries, Spanish salads and delectable sweets. Waiters are on hand to top up your glass of select Tyrrell’s wines.
At a slightly more modest cost, guests can also dine on the Northern Terrace. You’ll marvel at the Valencian Paella as it’s cooked right in front of you over an open flame. The Paella Bar offers a choice of roasted vegetable frittata with traditional Sofrito and chickpeas, local fish with mussels, shrimp, calamari, chorizo, beans, garlic, artichoke, smoked paprika and saffron, or Catalan chicken asado with olives, beans, potato and smoked almonds. All this comes served with crusty bread, Andalusian cabbage salad and lemon.
Meanwhile if you meander to the Southern Terrace, you’ll find is an enticing outdoor Tapas Bar. For a fixed price, guests can select from a range of cold and hot tapas prepared to order in a purpose-built kitchen, with dishes ranging from wild mushrooms, patatas bravas, emanadas, calamari, chorizo, chicken wings and pork belly infused with Spanish spices.
At the Northern Cantina will be cafe-style dining on the harbour, serving share plates inspired by the street markets of regional Spain. Guests are able to order their food and sit directly on the waterfront, taking in the full vista of Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House in the background.
On the southern end of the site, the Qantas Garden Bar will offer small bites, street food and drinks beside the water. Purpose-designed to replicate a market stall one would find at the world famous La Boqueria in Barcelona, this bar will feature specific Catalunya street food, known as Coca. These are small pizza-like flatbreads, which have a range of toppings and perfectly represent the flavours of the region. The cocas are finished in a ceramic based deck pizza oven, to impart a light smoky flavour.
Those just looking for something sweet during interval will quickly gravitate towards the dessert plate ($60). In between the sounds of the stirring symphony and elaborate dance, you’ll have access to a spread of Spanish-inspired desserts, paired with a glass of bubbles – guaranteed to tie you over till the very last moment.
Handa Opera on the Harbour: Carmen
When: Friday 24th March to Sunday 23rd April 2017
Where: Farm Cove near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
Price: Tickets range from $99 t0 $359 for adults
For more information and to buy your tickets, click here


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I am really into fruit in my salads. I know, I should be putting veggies in there, but I find that I eat more veggies at dinner, when I can marinate, steam and grill them. I have never really been a raw veggie fan, with the exception of carrots and celery.
The Green Vegetarian Balsamic picnic salad was AMAZING! Since I can't go there every day (I wish) I decided to copycat it at home, to get my fix. I went to Sunflower Market and bought bulk mixed green, fresh spinach and hearts of romaine. I also bought apples, strawberries, figs and pecans, which are used in Green's salad.
When my friend Allison refused to eat a fig from my salad and told me she'd tell me how they were made later that day, I was curious. I was so happy to have discovered figs, but soon after, my desire for them would wane. I would have NEVER, in a million years, thought that figs involve the death of something. Basically, figs are pollinated by fig wasps. A fig is an inverted flower. So, the fig wasps have to go inside the fig to pollinate it. The relationship is a unique one because it is the only source of food for the wasps. So, they enter the fig flower, they eat, pollinate and then DIE inside the figs. You aren't eating the wasps in "wasp form", but you are eating the protein source that once was a wasp. The wasps get broken down during the growth of a fig. Ew, huh?! I have a whole bag that I literally just opened, sitting in my pantry.....any takers?!
A wonderful, amazing replacement for figs in this salad is dates! I found some dried diced dates at Sunflower and just sprinkled a few on my salad.
I have to figure out how to make balsamic vinaigrette. It should be easy. I used some leftover from my Green salad, which is soooooo good.
Copycat Green Vegetarian Balsamic Picnic Salad (minus the figs)
1 cup mixed greens
1/2 cup spinach
1 cup romaine lettuce
4 large strawberries (thinly-sliced)
1/2 pink lady apple (thinly-sliced)
10 whole pecans
2 tbsp dried diced dated
Toss together and serve with balsamic vinaigrette.


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I have held off on commenting upon the COVID-19 outbreak. There is simply too much disinformation and fake news. However, as a second COVID-19 wave sweeps over the country, some salient insights are clear from the first wave: testing, social distancing, quarantines and selective lock downs are necessary to contain the virus outbreak. These are general takeaways for all countries.
However, perhaps the best comparisons can be gotten from comparing a developed country that is doing better than a developed country in containing the pandemic. Ironically, Senegal seems to be doing better than Israel. While this may seem that I am engaging in the proverbial comparison of apples and oranges, I think it is appropriate because there is the absence of one factor between the two countries: profit.
While in Israel, big pharmaceutical companies like TEVA are worth billions of dollars on the New York and other stock exchanges. In other words, they are corporate powerhouses where I am cynical enough to believe that the bottom line is more important than anything else.
I can not think of anything more critical in the battle against Corona than test kits. The state of Israel has had the Mossad and other agencies scrounging all over the Middle East to import kits. The Technion is straining to churn them out. However, in Senegal they have just announced the trials for a $1 kit for people there. This way, everyone will have one.
By comparison the Israeli firm BATM Advanced, a provider of real-time tech for networking solutions and medical lab systems, announced in the first week of May that it had begun selling antibody tests for COVID-19 in Europe through its Italy-based subsidiary Adaltis. In other words, the almighty shekel rules while Israelis have trouble getting basic tests done. Also, high tech solutions are chosen over low tech ones. Big pharma has two fixations in Israel-profit and over complexity. As the Senegalese point out, the test kits are low tech. This is their approach and they are succeeding.
Statistics speak louder than words. Checking the statistics for both Israel and Senegal for COVID-19 on 14 June 2020 on Google, the results are as follows:
Confirmed 15,360 Recovered 19,008 Deaths 300
Confirmed 4,996 Recovered 3,228 Deaths 52
I am not an expert on medical issues. However, as a caregiver, I can tell you that quick diagnosis and containment of a contagion is critical. A pure focus on profit skews that. Consider that Israel, a developed country, has some 9 million while Senegal, a developed one that has 15.85 million (2018). Also, Senegal’s lock down is just being lifted now while international flights are totally banned. Here, olim are coming in from the states. A Tel Aviv study found that 70% of Israel’s Corona is imported from America.
Something is definitely wrong with Israel’s response when it will not correct basic mistakes and a developing nation is doing better than we are.


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Solutions for Person Centered Healthcare
To transform healthcare, we need to return to healthcare’s primary components: health and care.
Person Centered Care looks at the whole person, not just the person while in the role of a patient. It is distinguished from the traditional patient centered model which views the patient as a passive recipient of medical intervention.
Person Centered Care focuses on prevention and personal responsibility, and is most successful when the person actively participates in their own medical treatment in close cooperation with their healthcare providers. This is now recognized as a key component of developing high quality healthcare.
Enabling Person Centered Care in Dentistry
Since 2001, Symbyos has built systems and components for oral health based on transparency which provide people information and choices, encourages communication and better doctor-person relationships, restores trust, and empowers people to be active participants in their healthcare:
- Dental differential diagnoses
- Informed consent
- Treatment planning
- Unbiased, ad-free, HON-certified (Health on the Net) public resources for health literacy (ToothIQ.com, a small subset of our Pro chair side system for dental professionals)
- Web-based animated videos for explaining dental diagnoses and treatment options (for dental professionals, dental schools, and dental insurance companies)
Copyright © 2020 Symbyos LLC

domain: health


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Congratulations to all the winners at last night's Creative Circle 'Ad of the Year’ awards. Here you can find all the winning work and the winning people who created it. Easy peasy, and it makes it that much easier to find the top people for your next project.
December’s IDIDTHAT Craft Awards were judged by Claudi Potter, Creative Director at Joe Public United and Fausto Becatti, Director at Bioscope Films. Congratulations to Slim from Darling Films AND Porteus Xandau from Carbon Films on being awarded Best in Craft.


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Did you know 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? Prostate cancer is a severe disease for many adult men. It’s the second most common cancer in men worldwide, and the risk of developing it increases in elderly men. The disease starts when cells begin to grow out of control in the prostate gland. The 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer in India is 64%. Old age, obesity, improper diet, and genetic alterations have been identified as some of the main contributing factors towards an increased cause of prostate cancer. Since September is National Prostate Awareness Month, we at Medicircle are conducting the National Prostate Cancer Month Awareness Series to be aware of this problem of prostate cancer which will help you deal with it.
Dr. Uday Bhaskar is working at HCG Healthcare as a Consultant uro oncologist, Robotic and renal transplant surgeon. He has performed more than 150 robotic surgeries, like radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, and partial nephrectomy. He is expertise in endourology, uro gynaecology, Laparoscopic, Robotic and open urology, both benign and oncology.
Prostate cancer is genetic
Dr. Uday explains, "Prostate cancer has a genetic basis. So, if your father or your uncle is having prostate cancer, the risk increases one-fold. And if your brother or siblings are having prostate cancer, the risk doubles. Whenever there is such a risk factor in the family, it is always advisable to get a screening test done at the age of 45 or 50 years where the doctor checks PSA level (Prostate-specific antigen). If it is high, it means there is a risk of prostate cancer. Early detection is always equivalent to complete cure of the disease.”
PSA (Prostate-specific antigen)
Dr. Uday, "Normal PSA level is 4 ng/ml. If it increases above this, then there may be a risk of prostate cancer. There are other reasons also which can be a cause for the rise in PSA level – infection in the prostate, urinary infection when we can't pass urine. In any case, if it increases above the normal level, you can seek a Urologist's advice. This will help in the early pick up of disease and can determine the stage and its suitable treatment. The PSA level can't be controlled like blood sugar, cholesterol level. So, its early detection is very important.”
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Dr. Uday mentions, “Increase frequency of urine is a natural process of prostate enlargement which is called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). The prostate gland is located near the urinary passage and its main function is to produce nutrients that take care of sperm in semen and to add volume to the semen. Because of the hormonal changes and aging process, the prostate keeps on growing in size and this obstructs urinary passage which in turn causes incomplete emptying, slow stream, and pain while passing urine. Generally, more urine is produced in the nighttime as compared to daytime. So, while sleeping if you are unable to complete emptying, you get a sense of incomplete emptying and need to pass urine many times. It is one of the signs of prostate enlargement.”
Ways to prevent
Don't take much fluid after 7 or 8 pm. Avoid tea or coffee in the evening. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Try to manage weight and avoid obesity.
Dr. Uday adds, “Patients with signs and symptoms can consult Urologist, should get your PSA test done, get an ultrasound done so that doctor can assess the size of the prostate. This will help in distinguishing between cancerous or non-cancerous prostate.”
Sexual health is important for your prostate health
Dr. Uday stresses, “We cannot stop cancer but we can cure it by diagnosing it at an early stage. 100% cure is possible if you detect early. In some of the studies, it is revealed that if you ejaculate or perform sexual intercourse more than 21 times a month, this cuts down the risk of prostate cancer. So, your sexual health is also very important for your prostate health.
Your sexual health is going to be healthy only if you are overall healthy. You need to have healthy livings, healthy habits, regular exercise, maintain proper body weight, optimum blood sugar level, normal BP level so that sexual health is not affected which in turn will not affect your prostate health.”
(Edited by Renu Gupta)

domain: medical