Letter to the Editor: Swansea COA lost a kind, faithful supporter in Geraldine Hodkinson
Last week we lost one of the Swansea Council on Aging Board of Directors, Geraldine Hodkinson. Jerry, as she was known to so many, served on the COA Board of Directors since 2001. She was a faithful participant, always pleasant, cooperative and engaged in whatever the agenda. She was a gentle soul, dedicated to serving the Council on Aging in whatever capacity required.
In this day of less than civil discourse, Jerry was a model of civility, always a lady. That may seem like an old fashioned description today, but kindness and respect for others never goes out of style.
The Town of Swansea has been fortunate to have had such a faithful servant for so many years. Jerry passed away on Dec. 2. She was with us at the November monthly meeting, engaged and active in our meeting. We will miss Jerry and want her family and friends to know how grateful we are to have had her in our lives.
Swansea Council on Aging Board of Directors
Margaret Riley, chairperson; Marita Durkin-Gray, vice chairperson; Michelle Bullock; Judith Evans; Wanda Peloquin ; Mary Anne Tuttle; Laurie Pimentel, executive director


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Engaging with members
A PRIORITY FOR THE CMA
This past August, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) set out to launch a national conversation about innovation in health care at its inaugural Health Summit in my hometown of Winnipeg. The event brought together 750 physicians, innovators, policy-makers and patients to discuss technology, innovation and improving health care across Canada.
To set the stage for the Summit, the CMA and Ipsos released a study entitled Shaping the Future of Health and Medicine, which asked Canadians how they felt about technological developments in health such as virtual care, big data and more. The Google Generation (Canadians aged 18–34) turned out to be frequent users of the health care system, with a self- reported average of 11 or more visits each year. The study also revealed that 7 in 10 Canadians would take advantage of virtual physician visits and many believe that they would lead to more timely and convenient care. Video highlights of the Summit are available as well as a summary of panel discussions and participant led discussions. We invite you to stay tuned to www.cma.ca to learn more about the next steps for this important conversation.
Following the Summit, physicians gathered for the CMA’s Annual General Meeting and General Council. Throughout a spirited discussion, we learned that physicians want to use these meetings as an open policy forum to help shape CMA’s advocacy work. You spoke — and we listened. Our 2019 meeting will include the Health Summit, an in-depth policy discussion within the context of General Council, and the Annual General Meeting.
The annual meeting is just one way the CMA is engaging with its members on policy and advocacy discussions. Members can submit policy proposals year-round, ensuring that timely issues are considered and acted upon.
Members can also participate in Communities of Interests. The initial group of communities will focus on sparking change in Indigenous health, gender equity, the health of marginalized communities, medical assistance in dying and substance use.
Grants to support communities of interest will be awarded next year, and the CMA will be launching a virtual platform where even more communities can be hosted and supported online.
We’re also making our way to you, in different regions of our vast country. We will be hosting regional member forums in early 2019, where we’ll connect directly with our members. We hope to see many of you as we make our way across Canada.
Dr. Gigi Osler,


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978-1-915132-39-0 : THE WORLD SERVING NATURE. The Book sets up a new aim established by the author as his personal mission for the rest of his life. He intends to work for the nurturing and conservation of Nature as the only guiding basis for his actions. The book started being written on the 7 November 2021 after the completion of his studies on the Nature of Reality and the role of human beings within that Nature. It argues for a coordinated strategy of such a holistic approach that humans should consider themselves to be an intrinsic part of Nature such that it has duties and responsibilities to Nature. That can only be to serve Nature in order to nurture Nature and keep it smiling at us. Serving Nature for Nature to serve the World: the Balance. I have a world-serving nature. I serve to please. Service with a smile.
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domain: literature


With the long haul of a presidential election campaign just beginning, companies that leave the U.S. to lower their tax bills are once again political targets. Donald Trump this week introduced a tax plan that would cut the corporate tax rate so low that so-called corporate inversions would become unnecessary.
But the rhetoric won't prevent some firms from trying to move offshore to cut their tax bill. Here's why.Last year, President Barack Obama called corporate tax inversions "unpatriotic" after several high-profile companies, such as Medtronics and Burger King, acquired smaller foreign companies and reincorporated in more tax-friendly countries. The lost tax revenue from inversion transactions is estimated at a relatively modest $20 billion over the next 10 years by the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation, but it's easier for politicians to demonize companies that leave than to lower taxes for those that stay behind."Inversions are still a hot-button issue in Washington," said Joseph Falbo, a partner at CPA firm Tronconi Segarra & Associates and president of the New York State Society of CPAs. "There are plenty of areas involving more egregious [tax avoidance], but a lot of legislators will continue to chase this issue down."Even after the Obama administration did everything it could to discourage inversions—including a host of new rules by the Treasury Department that make it harder for inverted companies to evade U.S. taxes—they are still happening.Recently announced deals include Steris Corp. with U.K.-based Synergy Health, Cyberonics with Italy-based Sorin Group, and Arris Group with U.K.-based Pace. Accountants say corporate clients can and should still investigate options—including inversions—to lower their tax burdens."The driver for inversions is high corporate-tax rates in the U.S.," said Ryan Dudley, a partner with Friedman, an accounting firm. "The new Treasury rules make inversions less attractive and more difficult to execute, but they are still a viable option for many companies."There have not yet been any New York City- or state-based companies to execute an inversion, but as home to a large number of Fortune 500 firms with global operations that would find inversions attractive, the city and state are vulnerable to losing high-profile taxpayers. Pfizer, for example, planned an inversion as part of its bid for the U.K.'s AstraZeneca last year (see sidebar below). Although the British company nixed the deal, Pfizer executives are reportedly still interested in moving elsewhere for tax purposes.The incentives to invert are substantial. The U.S. is an outlier on the international corporate-tax scale. The combined federal and state corporate rate is approximately 40%, compared with the 25% average among member countries of the Organization for Economic Co—operation and Development. Despite Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed cut in the state corporate-tax rate to 6.5% this year, companies headquartered in New York City have a combined rate of more than 40%.


text:
Wisconsin - List of United States Nondepository Credit Institutions
AAA Mortage Corp
Company Name:AAA Mortage Corp
Status:Work State:Wisconsin Post:54220-2962 County:Manitowoc City:Manitowoc Address:980 Maritime Drive Phone:(920)682-7688 Fax: unknown Email: unknown Web site: unknown SIC code:6162 Industry group: Nondepository credit institutions, Business category: Mortgage bankers & correspondents, Subcategory: Mortgage bankers & correspondents Description:AAA Mortage Corp is a business categorized under mortgage bankers & correspondents, which is part of the larger category mortgage bankers & correspondents. AAA Mortage Corp is located at the address 980 Maritime Drive in Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220-2962. You can contact by phone (920)682-7688. Review: Mortgage Bankers And Loan Correspondents
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domain: economics


text:
With in excess of 300 distinctive forms of combined-breed dogs, there is absolutely sure to be a option for just about every fluffy companion lover. You can obtain them at any shelter or rescue, as these pups defy description and occur in a multitude of different measurements, hues, and styles. They’re not all mangy-looking mixed-breed puppies either, have confidence in us—when a person adorable breed mates with another cute breed, you close up with a single pretty darn sweet mixed-breed dog. It’s science!
You could argue that purebred pet dogs are top rated-of-the-line. In actuality, the gains of owning mixed-breed canines are several, because their properties are drawn from a larger sized gene pool. This permits the adopter to focus extra on the mixed-breed dog’s identity, alternatively than breed alone. As well as, who would not want to rescue a unique blended-breed puppy that stands out at the dog park!
From brief-nosed blended-breed pet dogs to kinds with spots and every little thing in between, right here is a checklist of 25 cute mixed-breed canines, which includes combined huge dog breeds and blended compact pet breeds, that will have you keen to adopt your up coming fur buddy. Just acquire our guidance and attempt not to tumble in love with all of them.
Clever, mild, and playful, a Maltipoo is a cross in between the loveable Maltese and the Toy or Miniature Poodle. Their little dimension and affectionate character make them the perfect lap-sized blended-breed pet. No want to fear about your furniture—these pups are non-shedders and hypoallergenic.
Connected: 25 Cute Hypoallergenic Canine Breeds That Never Shed
Also recognized as a Labradinger, Springadors have been all over for a very long time (informally). These Labrador and Springer Spaniel combined-breed puppies normally just take the colors of the Labrador—yellow, black and chocolate—and grow to be rather substantial. The elegance of these mixed-breed puppies while, usually means that they could also build the curly hair and white markings normal of a Springer Spaniel! These two high-quality breeds jointly develop a friendly, water-loving, superior-strength canine.
Just one of the fluffier combined-breed dogs, the Labradoodle, is mixed in between a Labrador and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Playful and spunky come to brain when wondering about these 50-60 pound teddy bears. If you are on the lookout for a lazy, unadventurous sofa dweller, steer clear. Although Labradoodles can sit quietly at your ft, they are all set to soar up for a activity of fetch at a moment’s observe.
Seems like an alien name, right? It is certainly the cutest little alien we’ve at any time viewed! A cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier, Morkies seem to have inherited their parent’s ideal features: compact, energetic, and super foolish. Nappers beware—this mixed-breed dog tends to bark.
Connected: Quotes About Pet dogs
Combine a Welsh Corgi and a Labrador and you get a medium-sized, shorter-legged fireball. Personalities are hard to ascertain with this combined-breed dog. Corgidors can be loyal companions like the Labrador father or mother, or far more assertive herders like the Corgi mum or dad. 1 issue is for sure—they are likely to be entire of electrical power, so be prepared to have a closet stocked with toys if you choose to adopt this blended-breed puppy.
With the prey drive of a Jack Russell Terrier and the character of a Poodle, Jack-A-Poos could quickly be viewed as the Jack-of-all combined-breed canine. Energetic, chatty, faithful, and social, they never look to deficiency significantly. These very little balls of electrical power make fantastic travel animals as they stay by your facet and are little-to-medium size.
7. Gerberian Shepsky
The Shepsky is a regal, clever mixed-breed dog between a Siberian Husky and a German Shepherd. They require huge households with yards and can turn out to be harmful when underneath-stimulated. This massive pup usually has a extensive, dense coat, building them tremendous shedders that can tolerate frigid climate.
As if Pugs didn’t by now have a exclusive glance, when you mix one with a Poodle you get the funkiest of combined-breed pet dogs. They’re minimal upkeep, quite energetic, and medium-sized. Get be aware, Pugapoos have extended noses than their Pug cousins, building them less inclined to breathing troubles. Nevertheless, be guaranteed to break their playtime into increments so they are not more than-exerted.
9. Texas Heeler
Texas Heelers are the cowboys of combined-breed canine. Crossed between the Australian Cattle doggy and Australian Shepherd, they are named following the place you’re most very likely to come across them: Texas. They are purely natural herders and are medium-sized, loyal, and extremely intelligent.
Relevant: Best Substantial Pet Breeds
By now you’ve most likely regarded that Poodle combinations are limitless. When imagining Boxerdoodles, assume of a really fluffy Boxer. The Poodle’s curly coat provides this pup a distinctive look—lean and muscular with curly/wavy hair. Sizing and hues are tough to pin down with this mixed-breed dog they can be just about any color and vary from little to massive in size.
This loveable combined-breed dog is a combine concerning a Beagle and—you guessed it—a Poodle. Men and women with puppy allergies are acknowledged to improved tolerate this medium-sized breed, as they are hypoallergenic with low shedding fur. They also make fantastic watchdogs and while they won’t bark excessively, they are positive to inform you of any danger.
Compact is the fantastic phrase to explain this Chihuahua and Dachshund combined-breed puppy. They make wonderful apartment canines owing to their compact sizing and the simple fact that they are particularly straightforward to groom. Never underestimate these little guys—they are rather “yappy” but make terrific protection guards!
A further good condominium dog, the Shorkie, is a combine amongst a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier. What they lack in sizing, they make up for in personality. Shorkies are regarded as large routine maintenance, yappy dogs with faces so adorable you can never remain offended with them. If you are seeking for a fiercely loyal dog that comes in a very small package, this may well be the pup for you.
The Cavachon is a blend in between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise pet dog breeds. This smaller and attentive pup loves exercising but has no issue curling up in your lap for nap time. To leading it all off, Cavachons aren’t certain when it will come to living in a residence or apartment.
Just about the closest you can get to owning a pet wolf, the Utonagan is a blend involving not two, but 3 distinctive breeds: Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. The result of mixing these pet breeds is a wild and wolf-like, nevertheless entirely pleasant and domesticated, pup. The Utonagan is thought of a large-breed pet and involves a respectable quantity of day-to-day workout.
The Cheagle is a spunky canine with a identify to match. Joyous and welcoming, these very little rascals are a blend in between the Chihuahua and Beagle. Small in dimension, they range in coat size and have a lengthy lifespan. Cheagles are acknowledged barkers that are protective and territorial of these they adore.
These charming, polka dot pups originate from the Bulldog and Dalmatian breeds. They are very energetic, but adore to continue to be by your toes when they are not enjoying games. Bullmations enjoy building close friends and are acknowledged to get together perfectly with dogs and cats alike, while early socialization performs a large portion in this trait. It is recommended to established apart 45 minutes or much more every working day for a wander or match of fetch with this much larger dog.
This magnificent small darling is a minor bit Dachshund and a minor little bit Cocker Spaniel. Ranging from smaller to medium dimension, they take pleasure in lounging with intervals of playtime. Dockers are recognised to have a significant-routine maintenance coat, but the additional grooming is really worth it for their stunningly shiny coat. Beware: They are inclined to be mischievous because of to their Dachshund-derived character.
Also acknowledged as the Staffador, Labrastaffs are a blend amongst the Labrador and American Staffordshire Terrier dog breeds. Most of the time, this huge blended-breed pet will take on the human body of the Lab and the bulky head of the AmStaff. They make fantastic household pet dogs and want to melt away their electricity outdoors.
20. Wonderful Weimer
A lesser-recognised blended-breed puppy, the Good Weimer is element Terrific Dane and section Weimaraner. Whilst they’re commonly tolerant of children and other animals, they are substantial and should be supervised about something that could be knocked over for the duration of play. This also suggests that Excellent Weimers are not suited for small residences and are incredibly active.
The Frug—easily just one of the funnier blended-breed puppy names—is an offspring of the French Bulldog and Pug. They have an keen-to-please perspective and an undeniably lovable confront. It’s quick to predict how Frugs search, as their mum or dad breeds have very similar attributes. Assume a compact, muscly body with a curly tail.
The Labradane contains two dog breeds: the Labrador Retriever and the Fantastic Dane. They are handsome, substantial, and never head staying #2 in the pack. Be prepared while, as a Labradance pet is expected to weigh in at 140 to 160 kilos completely developed.
Exuberant and enjoyment-loving, Aussiepoms has come to be a popular combined-breed pet because of to their significant intelligence. Considering that they arrive from extremely diverse parents—the Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian—they’re an energetic canine any individual can not enable but really like. Most are usually balanced and array from 10 to 30 kilos fully grown.
The Chusky is a cross concerning the Chow Chow and Husky puppy breeds. They go by several names, but never allow this distract you from their adorable, fluffy features. The Chowsky possesses significant intelligence from each its mothers and fathers and is incredibly loyal. If you’re ok with hefty shedding, this exciting-loving pup could make a excellent addition to your spouse and children.
Goberians are recognised as a first-era mix and are a cross amongst the Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky pet breeds. They absolutely adore their people and make excellent loved ones animals. Their substantial sizing speaks perfectly to the volume of passion they give, seeing as they glimpse to their homeowners as very best mates. Having said that, Goberians need a decent total of workout and love routines such as jogging, climbing, and playing fetch.
For far more adorable doggy breed types, check out out…
30 Toy Dog Breeds
30 Cutest Canine Breeds
25 Very best Relatives Pet dogs
25 Best Apartment Dogs
30 Teddy Bear Pet Breeds

domain: pet


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Summary: After playing it, was the same old tired call of duty where they didn't fix drop shotting or quick scoping. Also, the hardened edition is a trick, it gives you no actual extra value, just some trinkets you'll throw away. No extra maps, no nothing.
Summary: I didn't liked the game i'm cod fan but this time i agree with BF3 likers and didn't play the bf3 yet the solo mode is boring the 3d makes a little difference but to many ghosts to play online the ps3 host migrate more than one duck in lifetime pure deception the prestige earned in the others vanish , untill the mw3 servers stop work i will be there for sure pure regret payed more for nuketown that now is free my bo2 will never see the uprising , micro maps great...
Summary: Bad Multiplayer,Bad Campain, BAD THIS BAD THAT. BAD BAD BAD. I did not like it get it now but not the best Its ok but bat move for me But Still its ok. THE ONLY GOOD THING IS ZOMBIES KINDA. If you get and you dont like it I told you its a bad turn. its ok though Its not the werst game but still not the best. So enjoy I didnt like it though.
Summary: Horrible hit boxes(shoot someones foot and get a head shot). The community is normally alot of rude players. Majority of the people that love this game have not played alot of other FPS(First person shooters. This game has been very very overly hyped. they graphics are ok but games like battlefield is a much better of a visually appealing. It is fun when you get use to the hit boxes but don't go play any other shooters after your done.
Same game as always might be the newest cod but definitely not the best.
27 February 2013
Summary: After playing cod games for quite a while and also playing black ops 1 I was disappointed in this game. The shot guns kill you from 50 feet away I also liked that in black ops 1 it was more difficult to use a sniper which made a lot of people not do it. Now it's to easy and almost every game has at least 2 snipers. Then for the zombies there is only one map it's a big map so that's good but it gets old after a while.
Summary: Very cool looking controller for any gamer, but.... Ordered the product in "lightly used like new conditions." Well, there was a short in the cord and after reading some more on this controller--that is a very common problem. Buyer Beware.

domain: entertainment


text:
About HIV Molecular Immunology Database
UT Southwestern Medical Center Library
HIV Molecular Immunology Database
Has the epitope alignments, maps, and the reference information for the cytotoxic and helper T-cell epitopes and antibody binding sites in HIV-1 immunologically reactive sites along with reviews pertaining to HIV Immunology. The goal of this database is to provide a comprehensive listing of defined HIV epitopes.

domain: medical


Action flicks and baby girls appear to be the specialty of Bruce Willis. The “Die Hard” star and his wife, Emma Heming-Willis, welcomed Mabel Ray Willis into the world on Sunday. Baby Mabel was certainly well-fed in the womb, the fourth daughter of the actor weighed in at 9 pounds, 1 ounce.
A statement released by the couple says that, “Both mother and baby are healthy and doing beautifully.”
Mabel is the fourth daughter of Willis, and first child for his wife. With ex-wife Demi Moore, Willis has: Rumer, 23; Scout, 20; and Tallulah, 18.
I’m starting to see Bruce in a new light. Less guns and ammo, more diaper cream and pacifiers.
Congratulations to the couple!
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- ‘Despacito’ Beat Works on Every Pop Song. Here’s Proof.
- Actor Playing Michael Jackson in New Movie Responds to Criticism


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Swedish physicians launch petition to suspend Pfizer jabs after trial fraud allegations surface
A group of 16 Swedish doctors and researchers have signed a petition to demand that Pfizer's vaccines be stopped in Sweden due to suspected fraud.
Published: November 8, 2021, 1:06 pm
Earlier in November, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed that a Pfizer subcontractor had been involved in research fraud during the pivotal Phase III study of the company’s jab in the autumn of 2020.
The 16 signatories said that they considered the reports of manipulated trials published by a peer-reviewed medical journal “extremely serious” and expressed concern over vaccine injuries. The BMJ happens to be one of the world’s oldest general medical journals.
“It undermines confidence in Pfizer, which is responsible for testing the vaccine and for the safety of the vaccine currently used by Swedes, including hundreds of thousands of children,” the petition stated.
“The strong suspicion that parts of the clinical trial of Pfizer’s vaccine were not performed in a scientifically acceptable manner, which is why the study results cannot be considered reliable, combined with the large extent of reported suspected adverse reactions after vaccination, including many of serious nature, makes us, doctors, researchers and immunologists deeply concerned, not least for children who are at extremely low risk of serious Covid-19 disease, but who are at risk of serious side effects,” the signatories said.
The signatories called the extent of suspected side effects of the jabs “gigantic”. In Sweden alone, some 83 744 suspected side effects have been reported in the ten months in which Swedes had been subjected to the global Covid-19 vaccine campaign. The authors stressed that this figure was more than ten times the number of all side effects ever reported for all drugs and vaccines per year in recent previous years, for a total of some 25 000 substances.
Therefore, vaccination in Sweden should be stopped right away until risk/benefit calculations were made available for all age groups. These currently do not exist.
The revelation is based on information from whistleblower Brook Jackson, who in September 2020 served as regional director in Texas for the research organisation Ventavia Research Group, tasked to oversee Pfizer’s vaccine trials.
BMJ: Pfizer’s data has been falsified
According to the whistleblower – a former regional director in Texas working for the subcontractor – the company had falsified data, used unblinded subjects for their testing, hired inadequately trained vaccinators and did not follow up on reported side effects in a timely manner.
Quality checks could not be performed, because staff had reportedly been overwhelmed by the sheer number of problems they had encountered. This raised questions about data integrity and regulatory oversight, the BMJ concluded.
After repeatedly notifying Ventavia of the shortcomings, Jackson filed a complaint with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 25, 2020. She was fired by Ventavia on the same day. Jackson has provided the BMJ with dozens of internal company documents, photos, audio recordings and emails. The BMJ substantiated her testimony with statements from other Ventavia employees.
Spike protein impairs DNA repair
The safety of Covid vaccines has meanwhile been called into question by a Swedish study undertaken at two major Swedish universities, which examined how the spike protein impacted the repair of damaged DNA in the nucleus.
The spike protein – injected through the mRNA vaccines – was shown to interfere with the body’s own DNA repair function: “Mechanistically, we found that the spike protein localizes in the nucleus and inhibits DNA damage repair by impeding key DNA repair protein BRCA1 and 53BP1 recruitment to the damage site.”
The authors warned: “Our findings reveal a potential molecular mechanism by which the spike protein might impede adaptive immunity and underscore the potential side effects of full-length spike-based vaccines.”
Vaccines, boosters offer no protection only risk
Sebastian Rushworth, one of the initiators of Läkaruppropet, has published an article about a Swedish study that shows that the vaccine’s effectiveness drops sharply after two months and a third dose probably has no effect now that it is no longer the original virus that is spreading.
Similarly all three Covid-19 vaccines available to Americans offer no long-term protection according to research among a large group of veterans.
In 2009, 60 percent of the Swedish population was vaccinated against swine flu. Professor Hans Rosling called the disease a “media hype” and immunologist Ann-Cathrin Engwall warned that mass vaccination could do more harm than good. At least 350 Swedish children and young adults developed narcolepsy from the vaccine Pandemrix, which contained new and in this context untested ingredients.
A couple of years later, Sweden and Norway, which had mass vaccinated against swine flu, were hit much harder by influenza than other countries, which showed that the protective effect was temporary and that the swine flu virus had developed into a seasonal virus. The world is about to make the same mistake, the authors have argued.
A virus designed to kill the elderly?
Mortality in Covid-19 is in over 85 percent of cases linked to one or more diseases, and is distinctly age-related. And since it was created in a laboratory by gain-of-function research, it was perhaps designed to kill sickly old people. In the group 90 to 99 years, 1 in 30 has died in the population, in the group 70 to 79 years 1 in 420 and in the group 0 to 19 years 1 in 500 000.
The risk factors and the clear age gradient should also characterize the countermeasures, but vaccine fanatics are ignoring these facts. Mass vaccination of a young and healthy population is not medically justified but on the contrary associated with risks, such as deaths due to blood coagulation disorders.
According to Pfizer its product is “safe and effective”. In 2021, Pfizer will produce 3 billion doses, up from the 2,5 billion doses it had earlier projected, and at least 4 billion next year, also an increase from the 3 billion forecast.
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BerlinSomething doesn't add up. While climate activists are warning us about the end of the world, the number of passengers doubled in 2022. In other words: A massively growing number of people are using the air's "dirty" transport and are responsible for copious amounts of CO2 emissions.
ParisFollowing the second day of mass mobilisation against the Macron administration's pension reform, the unions have announced new social movements on 7 and 11 February.
BudapestIn an interview with the Austrian daily eXXpress, Viktor Orban, Hungary's Prime Minister said he was convinced that the current political system in Europe would collapse within this decade.
StrasbourgThe “accidental” declaration of war on Russia by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Green Party) has stirred up the political classes. Moscow sees evidence that the EU states are "direct warring parties" and the Kremlin has demanded an explanation.
BudapestThe result of parliamentary elections in Hungary in April 2022 has been the bane of the opposition. The defeated movement around Péter Márki-Zay received illegal funds from the US on a larger scale than previously thought, according to a recently declassified intel report. Most media outlets have been silent about it.
GenevaThe WHO has introduced a global patient file with the vaccinated and unvaccinated to be codified in future.
ParisAn investigation by Médiapart revealed that the Renaissance deputy of Hauts-de-Seine Emmanuel Pellerin used cocaine, before as well as after his election.
StockholmAfter the burning of the Quran in Stockholm, Turkey has no intention of allowing Sweden to join NATO. Sweden's Prime Minister, on the other hand, pointed to the importance of freedom of expression. The NATO Secretary General also spoke up on the matter.
BerlinThe asylum disaster continues unabated in 2023. According to a confidential "Status Report on Migration and Refugees" by the EU Commission dated January 11, the number of asylum applications in the EU rose by around half in the past year to well over 900 000.
ParisSome 150 000 students marched in Paris on January 21 against pension reform, according to the youth organisations that initiated the demonstration, but only 14 000 according to sources close to the Macron administration.

domain: news


Software as a Service (SaaS) development requires a thorough and different approach than the traditional software development approach. More and more companies are adopting SaaS solutions that are faster and better than any other software delivery model. The development of SaaS requires an in-depth understanding of cloud computing with a strong SaaS technology foundation.
What Is SaaS?
One of the main categories of cloud computing, SaaS or Software-as-a-service, is a software distribution model where the application is hosted by a third-party service provider and made available to customers over the Internet.
In Layman’s language, instead of spending money building infrastructure to install and maintain software, they simply need to use the Internet. So there is no need for any hardware or software to purchase, install, maintain, or upgrade.
Adequate Infosoft will provide a range of services whether you need to transfer your existing products and services to the SaaS model, or implement your brand new concept in the cloud, and from analysis, development, and testing to hosting and managing your cloud deployments.
Why Should You Opt For SaaS?
There are a number of advantages for SaaS. Some of the most important are the following.
- Reduction in Costs
SaaS can reduce costs by more than 50% compared to on-premises infrastructure. Your IT department will also become leaner, leading to fewer variable costs for salaries.
- Streamlined Focus and Productivity
Non-technical businesses do not want to deal with IT problems. With SaaS, these businesses can focus entirely on their core business instead of solving IT setup issues. Therefore, choosing SaaS will increase their productivity.
- Quick Deployment
SaaS gives your business the power to enable fast application deployment. The implementation time of projects running on SaaS is shorter. If you use Docker or any type of container technology, you can set up your entire system within a few days.
Public cloud services are guarded with the best security systems and also equipped with effective data recovery management tools. You can be at peace with your data if you choose SaaS.
- Quick and Periodic Updates
Whether it’s EC2, Azure, or Google Cloud, running SaaS always pays off because they regularly add updates to the software (PaaS), many of which are free.
Why Choose Adequate Infosoft as Your Partner for SaaS Application Development?
SaaS is a custom-made software system designed to meet the unique needs of business users. We are experts in various subtleties of SaaS, such as IaaS (infrastructure), BaaS (a back-end system), DaaS (database), or PaaS (platform) cloud-based administrations, which are influenced by SDI to enable your business. PaaS (Platform) cloud-based administrations that are affected by SDI to authorize your business.
When you hire dedicated developers from Adequate Infosoft, you sign up for more of the services we offer. The best part of our dedicated development team is pre-and post-development, distribution assistance. Our fully committed team works on the framework you provide and is always available to you whenever you need it.
- We are smart, intelligent, and knowledgeable, but many more are incredible. Here are some key features that offer us the perfect choice.
- We value time and money to ensure high-quality products are delivered on time in the cost gap.
- We create web projects and web applications that are attractive to satisfy a higher user experience.
- We have expertise in developing business applications for a large industry.
- As technology advances every day, we understand the need to update businesses. Be its portable devices, IoT, chat robots that are “aces” with the latest technology.
At Adequate Infosoft, we are a leading software as a service SaaS-based software application development company having relevant experience in delivering top-performing applications for your enterprise. Our advanced SaaS services to look out for:
- SaaS App Design & Development
We offer end-to-end SaaS-based application design and software development solutions. Our team of SaaS experts can successfully transform your innovative idea into a scalable, feature-rich, robust application solution to enhance your customer experience.
- SaaS Consulting Services
Our many years of relevant experience in the field allows us to help start-ups as well as experienced players with our professional consulting services to effectively design and deploy the right SaaS application strategy.
- Mobile SaaS Application Development
To move and develop on-demand SaaS application solutions on mobile devices we have the right resources, abundant expertise, and advanced technology. Fresh start-ups, privately owned small businesses, and large government organizations.
- Cloud Service Integration
The customer relationship management solutions provided by SaaS have enabled both global and local businesses to change their approach to providing front-office customer service. With SaaS-based applications and CRM software, customers are now under direct control, while businesses are able to respond to customer-specific issues in real-time.
- Third-party Integration Services
From the development of custom APIs to WordPress SaaS to the integration of external data sources with the addition of secure payment gateways, we ensure the integration of all third-party applications.
- Multi-faceted Tenant Architecture
We help technology vendors with the right resources through the efficient design and implementation of versatile SaaS-based system architectures, delivery models, and management tools.
- Analytics and Data Management
Experienced SaaS developers are present who can create and integrate advanced data analytics using custom or pre-built tools and programs that go beyond traditional software solutions in every way.
- Data Visualization Solutions
Users are looking for more complex and advanced details in the applications they use. Therefore, with state-of-the-art data visualization and interpretation references, we help them make better and faster decisions in every way possible.
- Software On-demand SaaS Services
Owners of SaaS applications need cloud-based support to provide on-demand services to end-users. And we make sure we provide the best possible service with our expert on-demand software SaaS services as well as advanced cloud computing solutions.
- Cloud Application Scaling
Leveraging the power of cloud applications can help you effectively scale application-based resources. The cloud service platform allows us to provide the right scaling options – just like in the traditional SaaS model.
- Migration to SaaS
With us, you are migrating your existing system to SaaS with the best architectural and functional compliance. With our SaaS migration solutions, you can achieve flawless results in data transfer and solution alignment.
- SaaS-Based CHM solutions
To commit to best resource management practices our proficient SaaS-based CHM solutions help e-commerce and other online businesses. This provides the best value in terms of supply chain and commitment to the process.
Technologies Used By Us
Docker allows us to create the same development environments as our production, so the entire team works in the same development environment, regardless of the operating system in which they all typically run. For example, when developing or maintaining an application, we can create the same repository in Symfony using PHP, MySQL, Apache / Nginx, and Mongo for the production server where our application will finally be stored.
Symfony is one of the most sought after open-source PHP frameworks at the moment (along with Laravel) thanks to the massive community behind it, which is regularly delivered with improvements and updates. It can be used for most projects, although it is designed for large web applications. The code generated by Symfony is very easy to read, understand, extend, and maintain.
Angular makes it easy to create a Single Page Application (SPA) for modern web applications. This means that the entire website is loaded into the client’s browser, which provides much faster interaction.
MongoDB is a document-oriented database. It stores data in documents rather than records. This is not a relational database, so there is no need to follow a schema. Data from the same collection may have different structures.
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Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers
The Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trailblazers face off on Friday in Chicago in NBA action. The Bulls are -5 point favorites over the Trail Blazers with an over/under point total set at 191.5
The Chicago Bulls are tied for the third playoff sport in the Eastern Conference with the Toronto Raptors as they look for either keep pace or take the lead. Chicago is 23-13 at home this season and they have won six of their last 10 games including their last two in a row. Carlos Boozer leads Chicago in scoring averaging 13.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Taj Gibson is averaging 13.4 points and 6.8 rebounds, Jimmy Butler is averaging 13 points, and Joakim Noah is averaging 12.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. The Bulls are averaging 93.1 points and they are shooting 42.9 percent including 34.7 percent from beyond the three-point arc while defensively they are allowing 91.9 points and their opponents are shooting 42.9 percent. The Bulls continue to battle and for the second consecutive season win without their best player.
The Portland Trailblazers got the win on Thursday in Atlanta but it still means consecutive games on consecutive nights. The Blazers are 4-6 in their last 10 games, 20-18 on the road this season, and they are in fifth place in Western Conference playoff standings. LaMarcus Aldridge Is averaging 23.4 points and 11.1 rebounds to lead Portland. Damian Lillard is averaging 21.1 points and 5.6 assists, Wesley Mathews is averaging 16.6 points, and Nicolas Batum is averaging 13 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. The Trailblazers are averaging 106.9 points and they are shooting 44.7 percent including 37.1 percent from beyond the three-point arc while defensively they are allowing 103.3 points and their opponents are shooting 45.4 percent. The Blazers haven’t been as strong of late as they were earlier this season.
Chicago is 1-4 against the spread against the Western Conference and 1-5 against the spread in their last six games. Portland is 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 Friday games and 5-2 against the spread against a team with a home winning percentage over .600.
I like the Bulls to get the win at home and barely cover this spread.
Chicago Bulls -5 Portland Trail Blazers


No political party or coalition presently has been able to obtain a simple majority after they failed to win 50 per cent out of 220 parliamentary seats in the 15th general election (GE15), said Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh in the wee hours of Nov 20.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has claimed that the coalition has gathered enough seats to form the new federal government.
According to Anwar, PH had reached an understanding with several parties to give the coalition more than 112 seats, but he did not reveal its potential partners for forming the government.
“PH has formed the biggest block in the parliamentary position (with Muda), and we have recognised that no party had obtained a simple majority.
“This is the first coalition from the biggest block which has obtained enough seats to form the government on majority voice,” he told a news conference here early this morning.
Anwar also disputed a statement by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that PN was in a position to form the new government by working with other parties.
“That is not possible because we have the numbers and will notify Istana Negara,” he said.
Asked when documents backing the formation of a PH government would be sent to Istana Negara, Anwar said they would be sent once completed.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said his coalition would hold discussions with parties from Sabah and Sarawak to form the federal government but discounted the idea of working with arch-rival Pakatan Harapan (PH), led by Anwar, to achieve this.
He also claimed that PN has received a letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from Istana Negara setting the conditions for it to form the next government, while refusing to divulge its contents.
When he was pressed to identify PN’s possible partners, hundreds of supporters shouted ‘Tolak (Reject) BN (Barisan Nasional)’ and ‘Tolak (Ahmad) Zahid (Hamidi)’, the BN chairman.
“I have made a statement earlier that we are ready, we did not mention that we leave it to the wisdom of the highest leadership of the PN to decide,” he said, addressing the loud crowd.
Asked to clarify if there was a possibility of working with PH, Muhyiddin said no.
Earlier, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) said it will work with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to establish a Borneo bloc and form the federal government with a national coalition that can bring the most benefit to the two states.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) and PAS won 51 and 22 seats respectively, for a combined total of 73 seats. a hung Parliament ensued even after GE15 saw encouraging voter turnout, with both Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) claiming to possess the numbers to take over the federal administration.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) was initially in the driving seat after winning 73 seats, and was set to form the government with the same coalition that we have seen before: An alliance with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) — and its former ally Barisan Nasional (BN) that turned into a bitter rival during campaigning.
According to the Election Commision website, PH won 82 seats, PN (73), Barisan Nasional (30), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (22), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (6), Warisan (3), Independents (2) and Parti Bangsa Malaysia (1) in the 15th General Election.
Voting in Kota Marudu in Sabah and the Baram Parliamentary seat in Sarawak were postponed on Saturday (Nov 19) due to bad weather, while voters in Padang Serai will cast their ballots on Dec 7, to elect their new representative for the parliamentary seat following the death of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate M. Karupaiya on Wednesday, due to heart complications while being treated at Kulim Hospital.
This means that the results of only 219 out of the 222 federal seats contested were announced.
Other parties that won seats are Barisan Nasional (BN) with 30 seats, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) (22), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) (six), Warisan (three), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) (one) along with two independents.
Voter turnout for parliamentary seats is 73.89 per cent, without taking into consideration the unannounced three seats, Abdul Ghani added.
Malaysians on Saturday (Nov 19) started casting their ballots for the GE15 to give lawmakers a fresh mandate against the backdrop of political turbulence in recent years.
The 15th General Election campaign has officially started on 6 November 2022 after the nomination process took place on 5 November 2022. GE15 made history when it recorded a total of 945 eligible candidates to compete for all 222 parliamentary seats, the highest number in the history of GE in Malaysia . According to the Election Commission (SPR), a total of 441 candidates will compete in 117 seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) of Perak, Pahang, Perlis and Bugaya, Sabah (N66).
For the Parliamentary seats, Pakatan Harapan (PH) put up the most candidates with 206 candidates, followed by Barisan Nasional (BN) (178), Perikatan Nasional (PN) (149) and PEJUANG (116). Parti Warisan Sabah (WARISAN) fielded 52 candidates, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (31), PAS (22), Parti Rakyat Malaysia (16), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (13), Parti Sarawak Bersatu (10), Putra (nine), DAP ( eight), Community Democratic Welfare Party (seven), MUDA (six), Malaysian National Party (five) and Sarawak Dayak National Party (three).
Others, Sabah United People’s Party, Sarawak People’s Conscious Party, Malaysian Socialist Party, Sabah People’s Unity Party, Bumi Kenyalang Party and People’s Main Party each have a candidate for a parliamentary seat. A total of 108 Independent candidates contested, making the number of Independent candidates the highest in the country’s GE history. In GE13, 79 contested and GE14 (24) Independent candidates in Parliament seats.
The Supplementary Voter Register for August 2022 which was updated to October 9 will be used for GE15.
The previous election in 2018 saw the end of Barisan Nasional’s (BN) reign after six decades, amid allegations of graft against key members of the ruling coalition. The opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition emerged victorious.
Back then, PH’s component parties included Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), led by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), led by Anwar.
But less than two years into a five-year mandate, the PH government collapsed amid infighting and a political manoeuvre dubbed the “Sheraton Move”, which saw Bersatu’s withdrawal from PH and the defection of several MPs from PKR.
A new Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition – led by Bersatu – was formed, and its leader Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as prime minister on Mar 1, 2020. This change in administration was criticised as a betrayal to the people’s mandate in the 2018 election.
However, the PN government was soon plagued by political bickering. A growing loss of confidence in Muhyiddin’s leadership led to his resignation in August 2021. Muhyiddin’s departure saw the return of BN to power with the appointment of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the third prime minister in the last two years.
Subsequently, pressure from the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) top leadership, with a constant narrative that the government was still shaky and in need of a new mandate, finally prompted Ismail Sabri to dissolve parliament.
GE15 saw 945 candidates contesting for the 222 parliament seats in Dewan Rakyat. Over 21.1 million were eligible t cast their votes.
Four main coalitions – BN, PH, PN and the Dr Mahathir-led Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) – contested this year’s election.
For the latest Business News and happenings, follow BusinessToday on Twitter


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Student Suspended After Disarming Gunman: Why Was Florida Teen Punished For Heroic Act? [VIDEO]
The student who was suspended after disarming a gunman in Florida last week said that he "did what he had to do," according to WFTX-TV.
The 16-year-old student from Cypress Lake High School in Fort Myers, who isn't identified because of fears for his safety, wrestled a loaded .22 caliber RG-14 Revolver on a bus ride home away from another 15-year-old student, a football player, who witnesses said threatened to shoot a teammate because he had been arguing with his friend. Nevertheless, the student was suspended after disarming the gunman because he was part of an "incident" where a "weapon was present" and was "uncooperative" with school officials and law enforcement during their investigation, according to a referral sent to the family.
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The student said that he was interrogated for four hours, admitting to withholding information from authorities and telling them that he "wasn't sure" if there was a gun on the school bus because he didn't want to be seen as a as a rat and was scared to get killed.
The police report of the incident said that "several other students" helped disarm the gunman who was "pointing the gun directly" at the victim and "threatening to shoot him." However, those students weren't suspended because they cooperated with the investigation. The gunman and an accomplice were suspended.
The student who had the gun pointed at him said that he's still shaken and recalled the gunman telling him that he was "going to shoot and kill" him. If not for the student who was suspended for disarming the gunman, he said he would be dead.
"I would have probably been the next murder and counting in the city," the victim said.
"He was going to shoot him," said the student who was suspended after disarming the gunman. "Point blank. He raised the gun again, [and] that's when I jumped him and we started fighting for the gun. And I got it from him."
School board member Don Armstrong said he stood by the decision to suspend the student who disarmed the gunman, but said three days may have been excessive.
"I stand behind if a student lies," said Armstrong, "there's got to be consequences. [But,]I know that he saved a student's life and he's a hero, period. That suspension needs to be expunged off his record."
The student's mother also backed him fervently.
"My son did a very courageous thing on that bus," she said. "Without him and some other students there would have been some fatalities."
The student who disarmed the gunman returned to school on Monday.
The gunman was charged with possession of a firearm on school property and assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill.
© 2012 iScience Times All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

domain: sociology


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The screen classic The Lion King will win a sequel directed by Barry Jenkins, a filmmaker who worked on the hit Moonlight: Under the Moonlight and won an Oscar in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. The sequel will have as reference the live-action version that was launched last year and generated more than US $ 1.5 billion in global box office.
Screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the remake, will also be responsible for the sequel. Although some speculations indicate that the story will focus on the life of Mufasa, Simba’s father, there is nothing confirmed.
In 2019, the film brought together stars like Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen and James Earl Jones. Disney, however, has not confirmed whether the cast will remain the same.
Regarding the sequence, Jenkins comments that The Lion King was present in important moments of his childhood – as well as for many viewers. “Having the opportunity to work with Disney on the expansion of this magnificent tale of friendship, love and legacy while continuing my work narrating the lives and souls of people in the African diaspora is a dream come true.”
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, there is still no expectation as to when production will begin, let alone when the film will be released, said Deadline, the Hollywood news site.


The highlight of the brand-new 2019 Ford Focus ST will be its huge output. Relied on sources are saying that company is aiming for 275 horses, and it will highly likely take place. At first thoughts, the 1.5-l engine is not capable of doing that. But, there is a whole system that supports and boosts drivetrain, which is now prepared to come out with enormous numbers. Nevertheless, considering that the car is not validated yet, we might see some other stories, with various engines in the mix. Diesel is the second preferred to take a position under the hood, while styling is totally in the background.
2019 Ford Focus ST Specs
To obtain 275 horsepower from the little engine is a miracle. Well, engineers are making it possible with 2019 Ford Focus ST. Question is– how? Firstly, brand-new ST Focus will include a turbocharger. Another fundamental part is direct-injection, which will currently give sufficient power to think about this car magnificent. The emphasize is the cylinder deactivation technology. This feature improves fuel economy, which is not excellent with so high horse power score. The company drops 2.0-l petrol engine, while diesel variant is still possible.
2019 Ford Focus ST Redesign
Not only that engine is suffering big changes, it appears like that the same is with the style. First spy images of the 2019 Ford Focus ST appeared, and under camouflage, we can see couple of interesting novelties. Grille and headlights are various than on the current model. The tail is revealing brand-new shapes, however under armor, we can see clearly what to expect. The platform of the present version will get some updates, but changes on total measurements and sizes are small. Nevertheless, longer wheelbase will bring more legroom. Wheels are the exact same as in the past.
2019 Ford Focus ST Release Date
The 2019 Ford Focus ST might have a best this year. It is not so most likely, however fans are looking forward at it. However, whenever it appears, we cannot wait to see if engineers could accomplish 275 hp output from the 1.5-l engine, or there will be a change of strategies. The distinction in expense is revealing all benefits of the ST lineup, like for Fiesta. New Focus in this version will cost over $25,000. But, if we are getting such effective car, then it is a bargain.
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90-silver 10-cadmium-oxide vs. Zamak 5
90-silver 10-cadmium-oxide belongs to the otherwise unclassified metals classification, while Zamak 5 belongs to the zinc alloys. There are 8 material properties with values for both materials. Properties with values for just one material (27, in this case) are not shown.
For each property being compared, the top bar is 90-silver 10-cadmium-oxide and the bottom bar is Zamak 5.
Metric UnitsUS Customary Units
|Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume, % IACS||72 to 100|
|Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (Specific), % IACS||64 to 91|
|Elongation at Break, %||1.1 to 28|
|Shear Strength, MPa||170 to 230|
|Strength to Weight: Axial, points||7.0 to 11|
|Strength to Weight: Bending, points||8.8 to 12|
|Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS), MPa||260 to 400|


Get Best Home Wind Turbine For Low Wind Speed
Gif. Not only are wind turbines for homes efficient and powerful but they can last for decades. A wonderful home wind turbine that requires no maintenance and comes with multiple accessories included.
It utilizes patented wind turbine blades. Looking for the best home wind turbine? While there is another option on our list at a lower price point.
In a normal residential application, a home is served simultaneously by the wind turbine and a local utility.
Micro wind turbines for the beginner how to part one by missouri wind and solar. Not only are wind turbines for homes efficient and powerful but they can last for decades. It requires low wind speeds to operate and generate vast amounts of energy with minimal noise. The most significant advantage of having your windmill is, of course, the lowering.


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Baltimore Public School Management Failures Shortchange Students
By Mark Uncapher
The Baltimore Schools Public School system was forced to close during the first days of this month because more than 60 of its buildings lacked heat. The knee-jerk response of some partisans was to blame the Baltimore system’s woes on a “lack of funding.”
For example, the Maryland Democratic Party was quick to blame Governor Hogan for what they called his “callous disregard for the safety of Baltimore students.” However, their shrill, over-the-top rhetoric withers under any form of scrutiny.
Democratic State Comptroller Peter Franchot noted that “Since I became Comptroller, I've voted to approve over $538 million for school capital funding for Baltimore City. It's infuriating that internal front office issues resulted in millions of HVAC project funds being reverted back to the state.”
Since 2009, the Baltimore public schools have received over $66 million in state funding for repairs that was returned before being used because of their procurement and other management failures. This money works out to just about $1 million for each building lacking heat.
Meanwhile, public schools in Maryland averaged about $15,268 in total funding for each pupil in fiscal 2017, drawn from federal, state and local sources. On average, 47% of public school funding came from local sources and 48% came from the state. The federal government provided the remaining 4.5%. Worcester County had the highest per pupil revenues at $17,971, while Baltimore City had the second highest at $16,942. (Montgomery County was in fourth place with $16,344.)
The key difference is the source of the money. Baltimore City paid for only 20% of its own school costs, while Worcester County covered 72% of its budget.
Tragically, the outside money sent to the Baltimore public schools has not just failed to provide heated schools. A recent Project Baltimore investigation found that five Baltimore City high schools and one middle school did not have a single student proficient in the state tested subjects of math and English.
Every decade or so, our Maryland government launches a “blue-ribbon” commission to address education funding. Sixteen years ago, the Thornton Commission recommendations produced significantly more money for Baltimore City. The Kirwan Commission is currently preparing to make “recommendations for legislative and policy initiatives to increase the availability of innovative educational opportunities, and make adequate and equitable the funding for State public education.”
Going forward, instead of a reflexive reaction that all of Baltimore’s school failures are simply the result of a lack of funds, Baltimore leaders – and those throughout Maryland also – must address that system’s manifest serious management failures. Clearly, money alone has not been enough to keep school buildings heated. Also, money alone will not turn educational failures around.


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AWARD: Friend of History Award from the Organization of American Historians for an institution or organization, or an individual working primarily outside college or university settings, for outstanding support of historical research, the public presentation of American history, or the work of the OAH.
DEADLINE: Oct. 1, 2014
AWARD: Erik Barnouw Award from the Organization of American Historians for outstanding programming on television, or in documentary film, concerned with American history, the study of American history, and/or the promotion of American history.
DEADLINE: Jan. 7, 2015
CFP: Victorian Cities Revisited: Heritage and History Conference – Oct. 15-16, 2014, Middlesborough, U.K.
DEADLINE: June 30, 2014
CFP: Validating Visual Heritage in Africa: Historical Photographs and the Role of the “Archive” – Jan. 26-31, 2015, Buea, Cameroon
DEADLINE: Aug. 15, 2014
CFP: Museums and Social Issues seeks contributions for a special issue on “Understanding and Engaging Multilingual Audiences”
DEADLINE: Aug. 25, 2014
For details, contact msi[at]iupui.edu
CONF: Data Driven 2014 is a conference on all aspects of digital humanities in the library – June 20-22, 2014, Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 13, 2014
EVENT: Raphael Samuel History Centre Postgraduate and Early Career Historians’ Network gathering for junior historians with an interest in politically and socially engaged history – June 10, 2014, Oxford, U.K.
NCH: National Coalition for History Washington Update for May 21, 2014 – Urge Your House Member to Join the Congressional History Caucus; NCH Proposes Changes to National Women’s History Museum Commission Bill
Read the full stories on the NCH website
PUB: New book by Payal Arora from Routledge Studies in Science, Technology & Society – “The Leisure Commons: A Spatial History of Web 2.0”

domain: library


The guy behind the wheel is Nick Hogan -- the guy in the passenger seat is the ballsiest guy on the planet.
Nick is officially back behind the wheel -- driving a brave passenger around in a black Range Rover near Agoura Hills, California on Monday night. It's been around 18 months since Nick's '07 car wreck that left his last passenger and friend, John Graziano, in a vegetative state -- and Nick behind bars and without a license.
The DMV granted him a driving permit last month for business-related excursions.
Nick Hogan -- Anybody Need a Ride?
4/8/2009 12:34 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
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text:
Antitrust: restrictive agreements and dominance
The Commission continued its enforcement focus against firms in the digital and pharmaceutical sectors, notably by adopting a commitment decision against Amazon, and formally opening abuse of dominance cases against Apple, Meta, Vifor and Teva. Meanwhile, although the Commission's digital enforcement efforts were boosted by a mostly successful defence of its €4 billion fine in Google Android before the General Court, it suffered two major setbacks in the hands of the European courts in Intel and Qualcomm, re-emphasising the procedural burdens it faces in complex antitrust cases.i Significant cases
Consistent with recent years, the Commission's highest-profile antitrust investigations focused on the behaviour of the largest firms in the digital sector.Amazon
The Commission concluded two parallel Article 102 TFEU investigations into Amazon in December 2022, focusing on: (1) its use of marketplace sellers' business data to calibrate retail decisions; and (2) Amazon's criteria for selecting the winner of the Buy Box and to enable sellers to offer products under its Prime programme.16 The Commission closed the case in December, accepting commitments from Amazon: (1) not to cross-use data generated by independent sellers when its own retailed products directly compete with their products; and (2) promising equal and non-discriminatory treatment in relation Buy Box and Prime subscriptions. This represented a rare reversion to a commitment decision following the issuance of a Statement of Objections in 2020; Amazon did not admit any wrongdoing and avoided the imposition of a fine.Apple
The Commission issued a Statement of Objections in May alleging that Apple's restriction of its Near-Field Communication (i.e., tap and go) technology to Apply Pay hinders competition from third-party developers of other mobile wallets and infringes Article 102. Conversely, Apple argues that opening up its contactless technology would render its ecosystem vulnerable to payment fraud.17Meta
In December, the Commission issued a Statement of Objections to Meta, alleging that it had abused a dominant position by: (1) tying its online classified ads service (Facebook Marketplace) to Facebook, conferring a significant distribution advantage over its competitors; and (2) imposing unfair trading conditions on competitors that advertise on Facebook and Instagram, including by allowing Meta to use data from those advertisements for its own benefit on Facebook Marketplace.Pharmaceutical sector
The Commission pursued cases elsewhere, in particular in the pharmaceutical sector. Notably, the Commission opened a formal investigation in June into whether Vifor had abused a dominant position by disparaging its closest competitor for intravenous iron treatment. While national competition authorities have pursued similar cases,18 this was the first time that the Commission had alleged denigration as an abuse of a dominant position. Interestingly, the Commission quickly issued another Statement of Objections against Teva in October, also alleging that it had: (1) systematically disparaged a competing product to healthcare professionals, casting doubts about its safety and efficacy; and (2) misused patent procedures by filing and withdrawing secondary patent applications in order to artificially prolong legal uncertainty for generic manufacturers seeking to enter the market.19Developments before the European courts
Despite the volume of the Commission's enforcement activity, the most important developments of 2022 took place before the European courts:
- The highest-profile case was Google's appeal against a €4 billion fine imposed for consolidating its dominance in search services into the Android mobile ecosystem.20 The General Court largely upheld the decision, providing an important win for the Commission. It also validated the Commission's use of tightly defined product markets (rather than broader ecosystem level competition) and a new SSNDQ test (small but significant and non-transitory decrease in quality) for market definition in free services.
- This judgment was particularly welcome after the Commission suffered two major blows in Luxembourg earlier in the year. In January the General Court partly annulled a 2009 Commission infringement decision against Intel for imposing exclusivity rebates and other restrictions in OEM agreements.21 The General Court criticised the Commission for having assumed that the rebates were anticompetitive and for errors it made in applying the 'as efficient competitor' test to demonstrate the anticompetitive effect of the conduct. This defeat was followed by a General Court judgment in June that annulled another exclusivity decision against Qualcomm.22 The General Court held that the Commission had committed several procedural errors and not having properly assessed the effects of Qualcomm's conduct.
Intel and Qualcomm form the leading edge of a series of European Court judgments moving away from the idea that certain conduct (notably exclusivity rebates) may represent per se infringements of Article 102, toward a requirement that the Commission engage with effects-based defences raised by the parties. The judgment delivered at the beginning of 2023 in Unilever has since furthered consolidated this position,23 increasing the burden on the Commission in these cases.ii Trends, developments and strategies
In parallel to its enforcement efforts, the Commission undertook a review of several pieces of legislation that are central to EU competition policy:
- In June 2022, the Commission announced a consultation on the operation of Regulations 1/2003 and 773/2004,24 which govern the enforcement of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. This comes almost 20 years after the current regime was introduced, doing away with an ex-ante procedure for notifying agreements and enabling the concurrent enforcement of European antitrust rules by the Commission and national competition authorities. The existing regime was certainly successful in achieving those aims. Accordingly, the outcome of the review is likely to be evolutionary in nature, with a focus on enhancing cooperation between the Commission and national competition authorities, facilitating informal guidance, and enabling authorities to reach robust decisions more quickly while upholding the parties' rights of defence.
- The Horizontal and Vertical Block Exemptions were due to expire at the end of 2022. The Commission adopted a new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and accompanying Guidelines in June: the new rules narrow the scope of a safe harbour for dual distribution and parity obligations, but broaden the exemption for active sales restrictions and certain online sales practices. Conversely, the Commission failed to reach a conclusion on the Horizontal Block Exemption and Guidelines.25 It had produced a revised draft with significant updates on various issues including information exchange and sustainability agreements, but could not reach a landing on every topic, including how to define a safe harbour for R&D agreements. The Commission extended the validity of the current Horizontal Block Exemption to June 2023, and the renewal process will continue over the next few months.26
- In November, the Commission also published an updated draft of its Market Definition Notice, the first since its initial publication in 1997.27 The Commission aims to bring the Notice in line with developments in its practice, case law and commerce. The proposed revisions focus on issues raised by the proliferation of e-commerce and the growth of digital markets (e.g., multisided platforms, zero-monetary price services, and the use of a SSNDQ test to measure customer behaviour in response to a small but significant and non-transitory decrease in quality). The revised draft also addresses the role of potential competition in prospective analyses, the importance of innovation and product quality, and the extent to which imports constrain EU businesses.
- Finally, in November, the Commission started the review process of the Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation by collecting evidence from market participants on the functioning of the Regulation in order to decide whether to revise, prolong or simply let the current exemption regime come to an end when it expires in April 2026.28
Perhaps the largest question mark for 2023 and beyond is how the Commission's antitrust enforcement will evolve now that the Digital Markets Act is in force. Commission enforcement has focused in recent years on the behaviour of the largest digital firms. However, those efforts have often been criticised as protracted and were frequently mired in the complexity of the markets, the novelty of the substantive issues, and the difficulties of ensuring a robust procedure. The Digital Markets Act seeks to provide an easier enforcement path, and the Commission may prefer that route to its conventional antitrust powers. Whether this allows DG Competition to devote more antitrust resource to other industries (building on its existing pipeline) remains to be seen, in light of staffing and budgetary constraints at the Commission.
More broadly, the application of antitrust to sports will be under the spotlight, with the European Court of Justice due to rule on an appeal brought by the International Skating Union against a General Court judgment that upheld a Commission finding that its eligibility rules infringed Article 101,29 and a preliminary reference on the establishment of the new European Super League football competition.30
The European Court is also expected to deliver its judgment on the Servier appeal, a case that should provide important guidance on how to approach market definition and the enforcement of competition rules in the pharmaceutical sector. Finally, the Court of Justice will rule in Towercast on whether Article 102 can be used to prosecute M&A.31 A 2022 Opinion from Advocate General Kokott suggests the answer to this question is yes.32


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domain: hobby


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KALAMAZOO, MI -- The Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday unanimously approved 1 percent raises and 1.5 percent lump-sum payments for the city attorney, clerk and internal auditor.
The city's non-employee union group last received a lump-sum payment of 0.5% in October 2012 and a 1 percent raise effective January 2013, but city commission appointees were not included.
City Clerk Scott Borling last received a market-rate increase of 7 percent in August 2012. Internal Auditor Ann Videtich and City Attorney Clyde Robinson last received raises of 2 percent in February 2009 with across-the-board increases to non-union employees.
Recent employee reviews of all three appointees "reflected ratings that meet or exceed expectations," Jerome Post, human resources/labor relations director, wrote to city commissioners in a memo.
City commissioners also approved a bump in Robinson's monthly car allowance from $250 to $350 to mirror it with those of other department directors.
With the raises, Robinson's salary will go to $110,746.50, Borling's will go to $68,339.15 and Videtich's will go to $63,311.85. Robinson will receive a lump-sum payment of $1,661.20, Borling will receive a lump-sum payment of $1,025.09 and Videtich will receive a lump-sum payment of $949.68.
City commissioner Bob Cinabro said he supported the increases.
"We sometimes overlook, not intentionally, the fine work they do," Cinabro said of Robinson, Videtich and Borling.
In other news, city commissioners:
- approved a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for $465,643 for reconstruction of Drake Road. City crews will reconstruct Drake Road from West Main Street to Grand Prairie Road. The construction will be paid for with a combination of federal and local funds.
- approved a contract with Oshtemo Township to install sewer stubs and laterals from the city's sanitary main on Drake Road from West Main Street to Grand Prairie. This sewer work will happen under the road as part of the Drake Road reconstruction. Oshtemo Township will reimburse the city for the costs of the sewer materials.
- gave local approval to a resolution from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to allow Kalamazoo Concessions LLC to transfer a Class C Resort Liquor license with Sunday sales and food permit to the city to be used at Mayors' Riverfront Park, 251 Mills St. The liquor license will allow alcoholic beverages to be served at Kalamazoo Growlers baseball games.
- gave local approval to a MLCC resolution allowing Arcadia Brewing Co. to add a small wine maker's license to the microbrewing license the company has for 701 E. Michigan Ave. The license will allow Arcadia to make and sell wine that is made on-site. The wine would be able to be consumed on-site or sold as retail.


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Historic houses, such as Como House, can be expensive to restore, preserve and maintain. Photo: Craig Abraham
Recent commentary on the state of Como House points to a larger issue: the condition and preservation of Victoria's great heritage of historic houses and their gardens. Como House and other publicly accessible ones - Rippon Lea in Elsternwick, Labassa in Caulfield, Villa Alba in Kew, and Werribee Park - exemplify Melbourne's immense prosperity in the second half of the 19th century.
These houses are the lucky ones that were not demolished or ruined beyond saving, but this was not achieved without a struggle. These ''happy few'', surviving with vestiges of their original interiors and surrounding estates, form a vital part of the state's architectural and cultural fabric. Incontestably, they should be conserved for the future. Their preservation has been largely due to the diligence and dedication of committed volunteers, who recognised their significance before wreckers and developers could get to them. In many cases, management by the National Trust has been the key to their survival.
It goes without saying that, like all abodes, these mansions and gardens are expensive to restore, preserve and maintain. Despite some government assistance at various points, most require major funding to secure their future and to present them properly.
As the Como House debate illustrates, resources must be allocated to the preservation of these buildings if we are to restore rather than totally rebuild them. The cost of preserving historic houses and their interiors will only increase as they age and require greater maintenance and as conservation scholarship informs their restoration. Inevitably, more buildings deemed worthy of preservation will be added to the list.
There are many points to consider. Should we be constructing so many new buildings if we can't even preserve the past? Should we not determine now which of the many architecturally significant houses being constructed today will warrant preservation in future decades, and how to preserve them? And what of the new generation of private museums (some still occupied by their creators)? Who will fund them in 50 years' time? Preservation must not be seen as the preserve of 19th-century houses but must include the finest examples from our own era.
Grand, dilapidated mansions are only one aspect of Melbourne and Victoria's architectural heritage. Many other significant if less imposing residential buildings form part of our heritage. The problem, put simply, is that by the time most houses are left to the state, the National Trust or whichever body is empowered to look after them, they are run-down and financial support is unavailable.
The owners of these buildings have created them and resisted the opportunity to sell them to developers. Why should they, or their descendants, be expected to pay for their upkeep after their death? Private support has guaranteed the survival of many of our major houses, but this cannot be left entirely to individuals or the private sector.
What are some models for the maintenance of historic houses? Beleura at Mornington, built in 1863, was left to the people of Victoria with a substantial endowment to enable its preservation. The Johnston Collection in East Melbourne exists due to funds from its founding benefactor. The modernist house designed by David McGlashan in 1963 for John and Sunday Reed at Heide now forms part of the Heide Museum of Modern Art, where it is used for exhibitions and so has its preservation assured.
The campaign to save Robin Boyd's own house in Walsh Street, South Yarra, built in 1958, led to its purchase by the recently created Robin Boyd Foundation. Boyd, though a great modernist and provocateur, lamented the destruction of so much great 19th-century residential architecture.
What of other houses that are not mansions but have great merit? Think of Napier Waller's house in Ivanhoe, built in 1922. Napier Waller was Australia's finest mural artist. His works are such a feature of Melbourne: the Myer Mural Hall and the mosaic facade on Newspaper House in Collins Street are two of his best known.
Waller's fascinating timber house and contents were left to the state in 2002, with an expectation that they would be preserved. Funds having been insufficient, the house now requires major restoration.
In New South Wales, the government's Historic Houses Trust manages several houses to the highest standards. Founded in 1980 to manage Vaucluse House and Elizabeth Bay House, it now runs several houses and museums across the state. Something of this nature - with government and private representation and funding - is needed in Victoria. Such a body would bring an overall vision to our architectural heritage. It would foster the preservation not only of historic houses but also of our best modernist and contemporary architect-designed houses. It would assist their owners to develop models for their long-term survival.
The common link between the mansion that sits above Como Park and Robin Boyd's modest Walsh Street house is not that they are old, but that far-sighted people have recognised their value and fought to save them. Now it may be up to government and society to contemplate their future.
Christopher Menz is acting director of the Ian Potter Museum of Art, The University of Melbourne.
Follow the National Times on Twitter: @NationalTimesAU

domain: history


Democrat from Georgia
Ralph Long, a Democrat, is a state representative for portions of Atlanta.
Recent statements involving Ralph Long
Recent stories featuring Ralph Long
A state investigation that confirmed reports of widespread cheating at Atlanta Public Schools sent politicians into full spin mode. Last week, PolitiFact Georgia found some of those pols were well worth a fact check -- or two.
The Truth-O-Meter first put former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to the test. She said ex- Superintendent Beverly Hall, who was implicated in the scandal, left APS better than she found it. Franklin earned another check when she said that only a small percentage of district educators were involved in cheating.
Midweek, PolitiFact Georgia took a break from education matters to see whether Gov. Nathan Deal fulfilled a promise on zero-based budgeting. Then we aimed the Truth-O-Meter at state Rep. Ralph Long, who laid some of the blame for APS cheating at the feet of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.
How did politicians fare? Read shortened versions of these fact checks below.
To comment on our findings, hit the "like" button on our Facebook page. You can also follow us on Twitter.
We want to hear your suggestions and comments. Email the Georgia Truth-O-Meter with feedback and with claims you'd like to see checked. If you send us a comment, we'll assume you don't mind us publishing it unless you tell us otherwise.


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She loves her risky snaps, and this week proved no different than any other as Rita Ora posted a daring photo of herself on Instagram.
The singer posed in a crisp white shirt, which was only buttoned at the bottom giving fans a glimpse of her side-boob.
The 27-year-old singer was looking as sultry as ever with her golden curls falling around her face in the photo shared with her 13.7m followers.
It was the calm before the storm in her dressing room as Ora hit up Malta, following weekends spent gigging in both Bulgaria and Ascot.
Next up, she’ll be making her way to New York City for the VMA Kickoff Concert alongside Bebe Rexha, so fans can definitely expect some social updates quite soon.


Hey! Lightbulb Moment are gigging again next month, and we’d love you to come along.
The venue is the Cross Keys in Morley (in / near Leeds) and doors are at 8pm. It’s guitarist Will‘s birthday so entry is free, but he’d love a donation to his School for Life charity in Romania – the JustGiving Page is here if you’re able to donate.
We’ll be playing new songs (some Band of Skulls, some Foals, some Pearl Jam!) and we’ve got a new bassist, Rich, too, which is exciting… See you there.


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Kolkata, Sep 29 (ANI): Former Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro joined All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata on September 29. A total of 10 people have joined the party along with Luizinho. Luizinho Faleiro resigned from Congress on September 27. “Today I am starting a journey with Didi and TMC because Goa needs a credible alternative. I request her to come to Goa to protect the identity and heritage of Goa,” said TMC leader Luizinho Faleiro.


text: While taking this photo, the aurora was erupting just to the left of this frame. Green and red lights danced across the sky. Why didn't I shoot that instead? Well, it wasn't for lack of trying. No matter what I did, I couldn't seem to win. The compositions we terrible, clouds were blocking the view. Airplanes, cars, even a tractor passing by ruined the shot. So I turned around and captured the glow of the city lights instead. I am happy I did that.

domain: geography


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Music has always been a part of Marco Puente’s life.
“I started playing guitar when I was 9 or 10,” remembers Marco. “And in high school, I was always the guy in the band who had a PA system and knew my way around using it.”
Being that guy ended up paying off: After Marco enrolled in the U.S. Air Force, he auditioned to join the Tops in Blue, the Air Force’s active-duty entertainment ensemble composed of some of the branch’s most talented musicians, singers, and dancers.
“You submit a video of yourself playing an instrument, and the Air Force invites about 175 people or so down to San Antonio, Texas, for live try outs,” says Marco. “It’s kind of like American Idol. And after that, about 30 people get picked to go on tour.”
He didn’t hear back his first year, but in 2001, he was asked to join as a bass player after another member had to drop out. But when he got down to Texas and the leaders of the ensemble heard about his experience behind the soundboard, his role quickly changed.
“I started asking questions about the audio, and the next thing I knew, I wasn’t playing bass anymore, I was actually running the entire audio system with another guy,” says Marco. “I’m really glad it worked out that way, because it taught me a lot about music production. I got to learn instead of just playing an instrument onstage.”
For a year, Marco toured the world with the Tops in Blue, working as a front-of-house engineer. The ensemble’s mission is to entertain troops stationed in remote and deployed locations, but to also serve as ambassadors for the Air Force and the United States worldwide. From Alaska in the dead of winter to Bosnia in the midst of war, the group performed for thousands, using music to boost morale.
“It was really rewarding to be able to give the troops entertainment when they needed it the most,” says Marco. “We went to locations that nobody else could really go to.”
Marco’s tour with Tops in Blue ended in 2002, but he was a part of the ensemble for several years after, often being asked back to help run audio during try-outs. Later, while stationed in Germany, he decided to further build off of the audio skills he had acquired on the road and enroll in Full Sail’s online Music Production program.
“When I saw what Music Production had to offer, it really inspired me,” says Marco. “Because I could get to play music but also compose.”
Being active duty and going to school online at the same time had its challenges, but Marco capitalized on the time difference and did most of his work at night to get ahead. After finishing the program in 2013, he signed up to study Instructional Design shortly after. At that time, he was back stateside, working as a corporate trainer for the Air Force, and he thought the Master’s program would be a great way to potentially merge his love for music with teaching. He graduated from the program in 2014.
Today, after 20 years of service, Marcos is retired from the Air Force and living in Texas. He’s working a good amount with his local church, helping with the audio, lighting, and a weekly podcast. It’s a gig that’s keeping him both busy and happy, and it’s evident that music will continue to be an integral part of his life.

domain: artistic


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The yield curve inverted yesterday, driving markets significantly lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJI) fell 800 points yesterday—its worst performance in 2019—on fears of a looming recession. Plus, the London Stock Exchange fell to its lowest level since February.
Several indicators point to a global economic downturn. The US-China trade war has played its part and has escalated over the last 18 months. The global economy is sluggish, and China’s slowing GDP growth remains a concern.
In an interview with CNBC on August 14, former Morgan Stanley executive Stephen Roach stated, “I’m very worried about the global outlook — especially the intersection between the trade war and the problems in Hong Kong and the weakness in the European economy.”
Roach added, “We have the worst of all possible worlds: a policy structure in the U.S. that is lacking in any semblance of confidence and a global economy that is teetering on the brink.”
What are other major recession indicators?
Another factor in the pre-recession mix is the slowdown in the semiconductor industry. According to ExtremeTech’s May 31 report, global chip sales in the first quarter fell 12.9% year-over-year to $101.2 billion, which is the highest decline since 2008.
Semiconductor chip demand is a key indicator of global consumer demand. These companies have high exposure to China and have been impacted by the trade war as well as the Huawei ban.
This August 12 FactSet report cites a 40% sequential rise in the S&P 500 companies citing “tariffs” on their earnings call in the second quarter. Over 90% of these S&P 500 companies have reported their quarterly results. We expect to see a second consecutive quarter of earnings decline for companies in this index. The last time the S&P 500 experienced an earnings decline in two consecutive quarters was in early 2016.
The US manufacturing purchasing manager’s index fell to 51.2 in July from 51.7 in June—well below market estimates of 53.4. July’s PMI was the weakest PMI score since August 2016. The ongoing trade war has played a significant role in slowing manufacturing growth as well as hurting new investments.
Cisco (CSCO), NetApp (NTAP), and DXC Corp. (DXC) are among the companies that have warned of a tech slowdown and have revised their estimates in the upcoming quarters. AB Bernstein had warned of overvalued tech stocks while Goldman Sachs was also cautious. Further, mortgage debt and overall debt levels in the United States are at record highs.
Which sectors could you invest in?
The yield curve has been a dependent indicator for the last 50 years. An inverted curve has repeatedly preceded a recession by 12–24 months in the past. The last time the yield curve inverted was in 2007. In our view, there is a good chance we are again heading to a recession after an elongated bull run.
As economic growth slows, companies with higher international exposure are expected to underperform the broader indices. So, where could you invest your money in a bear market? It’s important to note that the banking and tech sectors are the worst affected in a recession.
The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) fell 24% between February 2001 and October 2002. This ETF fell by a whopping 80% between May 2007 and February 2009. Yesterday, the XLF was down close to 3.8%.
Comparatively, the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) fell 73% between March 2000 and September 2002. This ETF fell 23% between October 2007 and March 2009. Yesterday, the XLK was down close to 3.1%.
What the experts suggest
Experts suggest parking your funds in high-performing dividend stocks. Generally, utility and retail stocks are a safe bet in a recession. This historical pattern means that companies such as Costco, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Walmart could be a safe bet.
A downturn is followed by massive layoffs or reduction in work hours, which means that some people have more time to spend on recreational activities such as gaming. The major gaming and entertainment stocks include Disney, Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, and Take-Two Interactive.
Aggressive investors have the option to invest in inverse ETFs, which allow investors to short ETFs if they have a bearish outlook.
We’ve mentioned just a few ways you can ride out a bear market. Some investors prefer to liquidate their holdings and invest in the S&P 500 at every major dip until the market stabilizes and returns to a growth trend.
Market Realist analyst Aditya Raghunath holds no positions in any of the stocks mentioned in this story.