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In the most inhospitable environment – cut off from the rest of the world – there’s a killer on the loose.
A&E doctor Kate North has been knocked out of her orbit by a personal tragedy. So when she’s offered the opportunity to be an emergency replacement at the UN research station in Antarctica, she jumps at the chance. The previous doctor, Jean-Luc, died in a tragic accident while out on the ice.
The move seems an ideal solution for Kate: no one knows about her past; no one is checking up on her. But as total darkness descends for the winter, she begins to suspect that Jean-Luc’s death wasn’t accidental at all.
And the more questions she asks, the more dangerous it becomes . . .
If you love a novel you can really get caught up in that will make you think about its characters long after you’ve finished reading it, then The Dark is definitely a read that will captivate you and draw your thoughts back to Kate and everything she experiences long after you’ve closed the final page.
I’m always a sucker for any book that’s got telements of the classic ‘locked room mystery’ and I was really drawn in by Kate’s story in particular becaise ever since watching a documentary about Antarctica as a child, I’ve always longed to go. I love books that transport me in time and place and I read this on a hot and sunny Scottish weekend – totally losing myself in Kate’s experiences in this icy and forbidding landscape and enjoying Emma Haughton’s fantastic sense of atmosphere in this immersive and enjoyable read.
The Dark’s depiction of a killer on the loose in this chilling environment made for a very more-ish reading experience. Based on a UN research station in Antarctica, Kate North arrives there hoping to put a personal tragedy as far away from her as possible personal tragedy. In a landscape that’s as ‘away from it all’ as you could ever umagine , Kate starts to discover that the darkness that surrounds her is metaphorical as well as literal. This tense and pacy read kept me up much later than I’d intended with a real sense of ‘just one more chapter’ until I’d finished.
The fact that this cast of characters are all alone and cut off from the world draws you into a story where anyone could be the villain and Emma Haughton uses red herrings aplenty to keep you guessing and draw you away from the scent as you read. This is a really satisfying read; the pace never lets up as you plunge into the past and the dark nights and relentless sense of isolation haunts the narrative with a sustained sense of menace
I enjoyed the skilfully developed atmosphere in The Dark and the addictive sense that you are only ever seeing part of the picture as we follow events to their tense and nail-biting conclusion. It’s hard to write about The Dark with no spoilers, but I’ve tried really hard as this is a book that you really need to experience for yourself. I love the fact that I could not work out ‘whodunnit’ and it kept me guessing as I read very successfully. Kate’s narration means that we are only ever seeing things from her perspective, never the full story and it gives the effect of a single torchbeam into the darkness with many fleetingshadows all around where you find it difficult to discern exactly what is happening and keeps the tension up wonderfully.
If you want a wonderfully tense read that asks you to think for yourself and plunges you into the lives of a range of characters that could all be the villain of the piece, then you’ll love this book and I know a few book-loving friends who are definitely going to be pinching it from me once they’ve read this review I’d like to thank Anne Cater for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour, and as ever recommending the best reads that a blogger could hope for
Pick yourself up a copy here and lose yourself in an unforgettable mixture of vividly described sense of place and on-the-edge-of-your-seat-tension – you’ll love it!
The kind of heart-pounding, sleep-stealing read that you want to recommend to everyone you meet. An absolutely thrilling book’ CASS GREEN
‘Chilling and atmospheric . . . had me turning the pages late into the night’ MARK EDWARDS
‘Tense, thrilling and unpredictable, with one of the most unique and dangerous settings imaginable’ ALLIE REYNOLDS
‘Set against the dangerous sub-zero temperatures end endless night of the Antarctic… Brilliantly atmospheric and terrifying‘ CATHERINE COOPER
‘Tense, twisted and quite literally chilling – a locked room mystery in a unique setting where no one can be trusted’ SUSI HOLLIDAY
‘Atmospheric, original and full of tension‘ AMANDA JENNINGS
‘A real edge-of-the-seat plot. I loved it. Original and accomplished‘ J.A. CORRIGAN
Writer On The Shelf
Emma Haughton grew up in Sussex; after a stint au pairing in Paris and a couple of half-hearted attempts to backpack across Europe, she studied English at Oxford University then trained in journalism. During her career as a journalist, she wrote many articles for national newspapers, including regular pieces for the Times Travel section.
Following publication of her picture book, Rainy Day, Emma wrote three YA novels. Her first, Now You See Me, was an Amazon bestseller and nominated for the Carnegie and Amazing Book Awards. Better Left Buried, her second, was one of the best YA reads for 2015 in the Sunday Express. Her third YA novel, Cruel Heart Broken, was picked by The Bookseller as a top YA read for July 2016.
The Dark, Emma’s chilling new thriller for adults, is published by Hodder in August 2021.
Find out more at www.emmahaughton.com or
Or get in touch via Twitter: @Emma_Haughton

domain: entertainment


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- Toni Gonzaga recently announced that she is stepping down as main host of “Pinoy Big Brother”
- In her latest post, Toni officially bid farewell to the reality show and said she will leave the rest to Bianca Gonzalez and the other hosts
- Following her announcement, PBB management released a statement on Toni’s departure
- The management expressed respect and gratitude towards the 38-year-old actress and TV host
Like and share our Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Share your thoughts in the comments. We love reading them!
“Pinoy Big Brother” management has released a statement on Toni Gonzaga who has just stepped down as main host of the reality show.
On Wednesday, the 38-year-old actress and TV host announced on social media her departure from the show.
Toni likewise said she will leave the rest to Bianca Gonzalez and the other hosts.
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The PBB management then publicized that it respects Toni’s decision.
“We respect the decision of Toni Gonzaga-Soriano to step down as main host of 'Pinoy Big Brother.'"
It likewise expressed gratitude to the TV host, who was part of the show for 16 years.
“Toni has been part of our reality show for 16 years and we thank her for helping bring the stories of our housemates to our viewers.”
Celestine Cruz Gonzaga-Soriano, known professionally as Toni Gonzaga, is a singer, television personality, actress, and talk show host. She is also now a YouTube vlogger with over 4.4 million subscribers. She married her longtime boyfriend, director Paul Soriano on June 12, 2015.
As reported earlier by KAMI, Toni Gonzaga became a trending topic on Twitter after she hosted the proclamation rally of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte’s UniTeam. She then shared on her Instagram stories a post with the caption “unbothered” over images of her taken during the proclamation rally and screenshots of her name trending on Twitter.
Cristy Fermin, in the latest episode of Cristy Ferminute, then said she pities Toni amid the bashings she gets. As per the showbiz columnist, the actress and TV host has been receiving criticisms after she hosted the proclamation rally of Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. Nanay Cristy also compared the bashings Toni has been receiving to the negative comments addressed to the celebrity supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo.

domain: celebrity


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Ovation of the Seas Cruise Review by kimjohansen
- Sail Date: April 2018
- Destination: Asia
- Cabin Type: Junior Suite with Large Balcony
Before I get into the negatives, I should explain some background information. The Ovation is based 6 months of the year in Australia and 6 months in Asia with Beijing being its home port. There were over 5,000 passengers on this cruise, 4,500 + of which were from the country of the new home port city. The remaining passengers were mostly Western. During the 6 months the ship is based in Asia, the ship is totally revamped to accommodate the majority of its Asian guests. Negatives; Both in the 4 main dining rooms and the international buffet restaurant, there was only one main Western item on the menu each lunch and dinner. The vast majority was always Asian food. The non-Western guests lack manners and knowledge of proper travel etiquette. They were constantly pushing and cutting in lines, over loading the lifts, shouting for normal conversation, letting their children run around the main dining room and theater like it was a playground and basically disregarding most posted regulations (both in English and Mandarin) such as no eating areas, no smoking, no running, etc. Finding seating for 4 people in the buffet was next to impossible unless you went at an odd hour. Then you had to protect your table from chairs being taken away or your food being removed by other guests. Everyone at the table had to eat in shifts. God help you if you were anywhere near the section when fresh whole fruit was put out. It was like a swarm of locust descending on the area. We ate most of our dinner meals in specialty restaurants which were much more pleasant. The casino has mostly Asian card and table games. Smoking was allowed, so the atmosphere was pretty dense. No Bingo offered on the ship, even though there were 4 sea days. The lines to get on and off the ship were extremely long (hours). Luckily we had priority boarding and disembarkation with our room category. If you had cruised before, you would be highly disappointed over the meal situation. I do not think many of the Western guests onboard found the cruise enjoyable.
- Read more Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas Reviews
- Read Cruise Critic's Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas Review
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domain: geography


text:
Regular price: $35.93
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While motherhood has been everything Becky dreamed it would be - Baby Dior, Little Marc Jacobs, and Dolce & Gabbana for toddlers - adorable Minnie is wreaking havoc everywhere she goes, from Harrods to her own christening. Her favorite word is “MINE!” and her penchant for Balenciaga bags, Chanel sunglasses, and online purchases has no rival under age five.
Becky is at her wits end. On top of this, she and her husband Luke are still living with her parents. Thankfully, it appears house buying attempt number four is a go! Until a huge financial crisis causes panic everywhere, and nobody wants to shop - not Becky’s personal shopping clientele, not her friends, nobody. And with Luke in the doldrums, it’s time for Becky to step in - with a party: A surprise birthday party for Luke (on a budget) is the perfect antidote to everyone’s woes. At first....
Customer ReviewsMost Helpful
By James Gordon on 10-05-10
I'm So Embarrassed!
Ok, I give in. I admit it. I'm a Shopaholic Junkie. I know ... it's chick lit, but I can't help it. I'm in love with Becky. She makes me laugh out loud. Her convoluted sense of reality and her warped values are winning character flaws that make her my guilty pleasure. Obviously, in my more sane moments, I realize that no one could be as stupid as Becky's husband, Luke. He falls for her twisted logic every time. In reality, at best he would never have married her and at worst he'd be out the door at the first sign of her outrageous justifications. But I hope he never figures her out.. I say Long live Becky and Sophie Kinsella!
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
By Suzi on 09-22-10
Bring back Emily Gray!
Love Sophie Kinsella and am loving the audiobook so far, but really dread hearing Rosalyn Landor read anything! She's just not a good fit, in my opinion, with Becky. The first audiobooks narrated by Emily Gray were great - she should've done every Shopaholic book!!
12 of 15 people found this review helpful

domain: literature


Seems I have been right I am now basically running the entire US government OK yes I do not yet have the power to exert my will over the bureaucracy but it is coming
Sometimes I get the impression it is happening at a fast pace sometimes it seems to slow down but there is little doubt that I am now running the entire world
I predicted in 1999 that Israel would be destroyed [within 20 years] I will be ensuring the 450 million Arabs also Persians will be integrated into the world economy
The Arab nations will of course join in this battle the final battle this has been prepared for many years the Ashkenazi Jewish presence in the Levant is ending
Some of you know that the founder of Hamas Ahmed Yassin was assassinated by the Israeli government some 20 years ago because I was going to interview him
The world is now guided only by information and knowledge and we can expect huge upheaval and also the removal or destruction of incompetent rulers and bureaucrats
I will establish the most powerful entente in the history of the world and put an end to the World War II / Cold War world this means USA + Russia + China
As I said some of you know that some 20 years ago I interviewed the co-founders of Hamas and the Israeli government assassinated them immediately afterwards this really angered me
I just texted the press attache at the Mission of Iran to the United Nations and told him I will be establishing full and normal diplomatic relations with the Republic of Iran
I have no easy way to contact the leaders of Hamas but I will do it through the government of Qatar and I will direct the US government to establish diplomatic relations with Hamas
I just got off the telephone with the Russian government I am going to talk to Mr Vladimir Putin I said Mr Putin and I will explain to the world what is happening we will be totally honest
100+ years of Zionism is ending, US government will impose permanent cease fire, begin conflict resolution discussions Israeli leaders will be arrested and sent to the ICC in the Hague Netherlands
The structure of international relations that got established with the conclusion of WW2 is now ending NATO is finished it will collapse Israel will be destroyed also American government will collapse
In a few months the world will realize Israel will be destroyed then the collapse of America will be next much of Israeli population may be killed there may be war in the USA
My information technology team has restored [for me only] the Old WAM [2002-2018] I will now be republishing most if not all the some 400 interviews and thousands of articles in the new WAM
1945-2022 you could argue that the Pale of Settlement having moved to the Western Hemisphere has had ample resources to fully build out but now this is ending, the build out
Joe Biden met with Xi Jinping for 4 hours in Woodside CA apparently large American corporations were present for presentation of entente proposal between the United States and China initiated by me
I know it is difficult for most to admit but the fundamental problem as I have been saying for a long time is that the USA is run by criminals
Discussing reality is very dangerous & the Ashkenazi Jews who control the United States do everything they can to suppress free speech but now WAM is leading the information war this is very exciting
I am very pleased with the pace of change in the world there will be very rapid economic development in the Middle East the Ashkenazi Jewish insanity is ending America will be free also Arab world
Jun 19, 2022
It is certainly interesting to note that my views will change – they do change – they will adapt, and I will not necessarily always be consistent.
Back in June 2007 I interviewed Mr Abdujabbor Shirinov, the ambassador of Tajikistan to the United States. I remember we had a very good talk – we got along very well – and I will soon [as soon as possible] republish the audio interview on the new World Affairs Monthly web site worldaffairsmonthly.com. I did several hundred interviews, all recorded, over a 10 year period, from 2003 until 2012 or so. The Ashkenazi Jews – who have an authoritarian government established here in the United States – did their best to stop me from doing my work. I will tell the world what they did. At some point I will write the history. It is disgusting, they are criminals.
As far as Mr Shirinov is concerned, I did not maintain contact with him and I noticed just now that he was [from 2012-2015] the central bank governor of Taijikstan. He's an economist – so this is why we got along so well. It appears that the Embassy of Tajikistan in Washington does not at this time have an ambassador in Washington. I'm not sure what's going on in Tajikistan. I have called the embassy several times, emailed them, no response yet. It appears that Mr Emomali Rahmon is still pretty much the uncontested head of state. I am pretty sure he was head of state when I talked to Mr Shirinov. I will have to see if I can get in touch with my friend Mr Shirinov.
Not much as changed in Central Asia. It is not really true that I expected much change although I did expect some amount of development – economic development – to get under way. This has not really happened. And why? Well, things do not change very fast and this kind of change requires very strong leadership and this has not really been present. Mr Vladimir Putin is now deciding however that the present situation is no longer tolerable. I've argued that he is now moving the Slavic people and the Russian nation to development dictatorship. This is the meaning of the military incursion into Ukraine. It inaugurates the Russians embracing development. It's awesome.
I have published below as an image the original June 2007 World Affairs Monthly article that accompanies the interview with Mr Shirinov. You should find it interesting. Journalism is often a surprise. My views have changed over the years and I do not any longer advocate any kind of democratic institutions for Central Asian states. These people require development dictatorships. And it seems they are going to get them. The world has changed. It is unbelievable and it is rather awesome.


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Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. Along with hormonal changes, menopause brings about various physical and emotional symptoms. One of the most common and bothersome symptoms experienced during menopause are Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS). In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of VMS, exploring its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies. So, let’s embark on a journey to better understand and navigate through the challenges of vasomotor symptoms!
What are Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS)?
Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS), also known as hot flashes and night sweats, are a common occurrence during menopause. They are caused by hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, which disrupt the body’s temperature regulation system. VMS can vary in intensity and duration, but they are generally characterized by sudden feelings of intense heat, accompanied by sweating and flushing of the face, neck, and chest.
Understanding the Symptoms
VMS can manifest in various ways, and their impact can vary from woman to woman. Let’s explore the key symptoms associated with Vasomotor Symptoms:
1. Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are the hallmark symptom of VMS. They typically involve a sudden sensation of heat, often starting in the face and spreading to the upper body. This sensation can last for a few seconds to several minutes, and it is often followed by profuse sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Hot flashes can occur during the day or night, leading to sleep disturbances and night sweats.
2. Night Sweats
Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating that occur during sleep. They are closely linked to hot flashes and can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and daytime drowsiness. Night sweats can be particularly distressing, as they often require changing clothing and bedding multiple times during the night.
Flushing refers to the sudden reddening of the skin, typically in the face, neck, and chest area. It is a common symptom accompanying hot flashes and can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. Flushing episodes can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe, and may be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, or emotional stress.
Some women may experience chills or a sudden feeling of coldness following a hot flash. This contrasting sensation can be unsettling and may lead to discomfort and shivering.
5. Sleep Disturbances
VMS, particularly night sweats, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia or poor-quality sleep. Sleep disturbances can have a significant impact on overall well-being, affecting mood, concentration, and daily functioning.
Causes and Triggers
The exact causes of Vasomotor Symptoms are not fully understood, but they are believed to be linked to hormonal changes that occur during menopause. Estrogen, a key hormone in regulating body temperature, declines during this phase, affecting the hypothalamus, which is responsible for maintaining the body’s thermostat. This hormonal imbalance can trigger vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and sweating, resulting in hot flashes and night sweats.
While hormonal changes are the primary cause of VMS, several triggers can exacerbate symptoms. These triggers can vary from person to person, but some common factors include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol consumption
- Warm environments or hot weather
Identifying personal triggers can help women better manage their symptoms and reduce their frequency and intensity.
Management Strategies for VMS
Although Vasomotor Symptoms can be challenging to manage, several strategies can provide relief and improve quality of life during menopause. Here are some effective management techniques:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate VMS. Consider implementing the following:
- Dress in layers: Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing allows for better temperature regulation.
- Use a fan: Keeping a fan nearby can help cool down during hot flashes.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the frequency and intensity of VMS. Engaging in regular physical activity and following a balanced diet can help manage symptoms.
- Manage stress: Stress can worsen VMS. Engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, to reduce stress levels.
- Limit triggers: Identify and avoid triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
2. Hormone Therapy
For women with severe VMS, hormone therapy may be recommended. Estrogen therapy can help alleviate symptoms by replenishing declining estrogen levels. However, hormone therapy is not suitable for everyone, and it should be discussed with a healthcare professional to assess its benefits and potential risks.
3. Non-Hormonal Medications
Several non-hormonal medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), have shown effectiveness in reducing VMS. These medications are commonly used for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, but they can also help manage menopausal symptoms.
4. Alternative Therapies
Some women find relief from VMS symptoms through alternative therapies. While scientific evidence is limited, certain techniques may be worth exploring, including:
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Some women report a reduction in VMS frequency and intensity after acupuncture sessions.
- Herbal supplements: Certain herbal supplements, such as black cohosh and red clover, are believed to alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, their effectiveness varies, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using them.
5. Mind-Body Techniques
Practicing mind-body techniques can help manage VMS by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Consider incorporating the following techniques into your daily routine:
- Deep breathing exercises: Slow, deep breaths can help calm the body and reduce the intensity of hot flashes.
- Meditation: Regular meditation practice can promote a sense of calm and improve overall well-being.
- Yoga: Gentle yoga poses and stretching can help reduce stress and enhance relaxation.
FAQs about Vasomotor Symptoms
Q: How long do Vasomotor Symptoms last? A: The duration of VMS can vary from woman to woman. Some women experience them for a few months, while others may have symptoms persisting for several years.
Q: Can VMS occur before menopause? A: Yes, VMS can occur during perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate.
Q: Are Vasomotor Symptoms dangerous? A: While VMS themselves are not dangerous, they can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, affecting sleep, mood, and daily functioning. It’s essential to seek support and explore management strategies to alleviate symptoms.
Q: Can lifestyle changes alone manage VMS? A: For some women, lifestyle modifications may be sufficient to manage VMS effectively. However, in more severe cases, additional interventions like hormone therapy or non-hormonal medications may be necessary.
Q: Can VMS be prevented? A: It’s not possible to prevent VMS entirely, as they are a natural part of the menopausal transition. However, certain lifestyle adjustments and management strategies can help reduce their frequency and intensity.
Q: Do all women experience Vasomotor Symptoms? A: No, not all women experience VMS. The prevalence and severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS) can significantly impact a woman’s life during the menopausal transition. While they may be bothersome and disruptive, various management strategies can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. By making lifestyle modifications, considering hormone therapy or non-hormonal medications, exploring alternative therapies, and practicing mind-body techniques, women can navigate through the challenges of VMS and embrace this new phase of life with greater comfort and confidence.

domain: medical


As area schools draw nearer to deciding if they will bring students back to school this fall, the details of how they will handle student bussing remain unclear.
Parents and bus drivers alike fear it will be a challenge to create the kind of physical distancing necessary to prevent the spread of coronavirus on school buses. But, unless schools choose to remain entirely virtual, districts must provide some kind of pupil transportation. State law requires districts take at least students with special needs to and from school.
Neither Charlottesville City Schools nor Albemarle County Public Schools have finalized their pupil transportation plans for fall — and a spokeswoman for Charlottesville’s district said they would not discuss their busing plan until after the board of supervisors decides if it will offer in person learning this fall.
Both districts will decide on Thursday if they will open schools for in person or virtual learning — or some kind of hybrid.
“We just don’t want to overload parents with information that may not even be relevant to them depending on the plan we elect,” Beth Cheuk, a Charlottesville City Schools spokesperson, said in an email.
The district has, however, been encouraging parents not to send their children to school on the bus if they have other options.
“Bus space will be limited,” Cheuk wrote.
ACPS has spoken about its working bus plans, though officials are quick to say it is all hypothetical until the district knows how many students will take the bus to school this fall.
The district is currently surveying parents about how they intend to get their children to school. That survey will conclude next week, said Phil Giaramita, a spokesperson for the school district.
“That will give us a firm idea of what we will be planning for,” Giaramita said.
On a normal year, about two-thirds of Albemarle County’s 14,000 students take the bus, he said. Early survey results indicate that number may be about half this year.
That would still be thousands of students.
“I’ve decided I would take [my youngest daughter] back and forth,” said Angela Bufford, an ACPS parent. “But, for the rest of my kids, I’ll need the bus.”
Bufford has six kids in her house, aged 7 to 17. She stays at home with them while her husband works in construction. The family doesn’t have much money, she said.
“That would be a lot of gas,” Bufford said. “We’re struggling as it is.”
Many parents are in similar situations, Giaramita said.
“There are parents who would really struggle to get their kids to school if we didn’t have pupil transportation,” Giaramita said. “We need to support those students and get them safely to school.”
The district is considering multiple changes to its busing policies that it hopes would reduce the chances of coronavirus spreading on buses, Giaramita said.
It plans to require students wear masks while on the bus. Buses will likely be stocked with masks for students who do not have one, Giaramita said — though he added that the board of supervisors has not yet passed a policy requiring students wear masks.
The district is considering requiring drivers to ask students if they’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 — like a fever or cough — before allowing them to board, Giaramita said. Drivers will also likely have to sanitize their buses between trips. Bus windows may be left open to increase ventilation.
To satisfy physical distancing guidelines, the district plans to allow only one child per seat.
“That will reduce the bus’s capacity from 70 to about 24,” Giaramita said. “That means we may have to make several more trips to accommodate everyone. And that could affect start times.”
Some schools may stagger start times to accommodate the increased bus trips, he said.
The precautions Albemarle are considering are similar to those being implemented at school districts across the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines for operating buses — which include spacing out students, requiring masks and frequently sanitizing the vehicle.
These steps will help, said Mike Martin, the executive director of the National Association for Pupil Transport, a student transportation industry trade association based in New York. But there’s only so much anyone can do to make a school bus safe from coronavirus.
Buses are inherently difficult places to physically distance and ventilate, Martin said.
“A school bus is intentionally designed to be the safest vehicle on the road,” he said. “It’s intended to keep kids as safe as possible when there is an accident. It’s not created to have good air circulation. It’s not created to keep people physically distant. It’s a moving vehicle. It’s a big metal tube.”


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Taken from the Igbo words Ulo which means ‘House’ and Ani which means ‘Goddess of Creativity’, this Canada-based brand Uloani makes pieces that are inspired by the Nigerian fashion scene, for the African woman. Founded by Homa Ogundu, Uloani’s designs are made to hug and accentuate the curves of a woman, and to pay homage to the designer Nigerian culture.
The brand prides itself on being passionate about fair and just working conditions for all workers involved in the production of its clothing. The brand also ensures that all workers work in good working environments, and are offered compensations when required.
Check out the latest pieces from the brand below
Discover the brand on www.uolani.com.

domain: design


St. Cloud Commissions To Hear Placemaking Draft Plan Tonight [AUDIO]
ST. CLOUD - A plan to attract more tourists, and build economic development, will be discussed tonight (Tuesday) in St. Cloud.
The Planning Commission and the Arts Commission are getting their first look at placemaking recommendations by the firm The Lakota Group.
Community Development Director Matt Glaesman it was good to have an outside group look at how the city is promoting itself.
Glaesman says the draft plan suggests the city adopt the brand "St. Cloud: Greater".
Some projects suggested in the plan include: better connections between the downtown and the Lake George area, more lighting and public art near the 10th Avenue underpass at Highway 23, and better streetscaping along Fifth Avenue. A winter festival and a permanent farmers market are among other suggestions.
Glaesman says eventually the city council will decide whether to approve the document as part of their long range plan.


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Did The Baby Boomers Ruin America? | Cognoscenti - Overprotective baby boomers suck
- Views: 379 375
OK, I get it: My generation sucks. The Baby Boomers — swaddled in affluence, morally and cognitively stunted by bottle-feeding (really. We're not allowed to be mean to teens but what if Gen Z suck?

domain: sociology


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The Minnesota Gophers wrestling team falls 27-11 to the third-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at the Sports Pavilion in Minneapolis. The Sports Pavilion packed in 3,749 fans to watch the annual meeting of the two Big Ten rivals. The fans, who congregated at the unorthodox time of 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, […]
The Minnesota Gophers Women's Volleyball advances to final four with win over UCLA
The Minnesota Gophers defeat the UCLA Bruins in straight sets (25-23, 25-20, 25-22) and advance to the NCAA Volleyball Final Four. This will be the second straight year that they have made the semifinals and they will be playing for a shot at the title in Canton, Ohio next weekend.
The Minnesota Gophers volleyball team advances to the next round of NCAA Women’s Volleyball Playoffs with a win against Hawaii on December 3, 2016 at the Sports Pavilion at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn. Minnesota will host Missouri at 7:15 on Friday, December 8, followed by the second game of the NCAA Minneapolis […]
The University of Minnesota volleyball team defeated North Dakota in three sets on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Sports Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minn.
The Minnesota Gophers advance to the second round of the NCAA Volleyball finals with a three-set win over the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota. The Gophers remain unbeaten this year at home and will face Hawaii on Saturday, the winner will advance to the round of 16.
The Minnesota Gophers defeat the Northwestern Wildcats 29-12 on a freezing November 19, 2016 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota and sit at 8-3 on the year. Their next (and final of the regular season) test will be at Wisconsin next weekend.
The game was Senior Day, the final home game of 2016. One strange statistic that came out of the game was that Minnesota improved to 6-1 in 2016 when losing the coin toss. Mitch Leidner had a great final game at TCF Bank Stadium, completing 14 passes for 197 yards, scoring a touchdown through the […]
The Minnesota Gophers’ struggles continue as the offense is held scoreless in the second half of a 24-17 loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium with 90,456 attending, in Lincoln, NE on November 12, 2016.
Minnesota scored on the opening drive of the game when running back Rodney Smith trotted, untouched, into the end zone after a 14 play drive that went 75 yards, taking 7:27 minutes. Minnesota’s drive was extended twice on Nebraska penalties. The first was an illegal formation penalty on 4th and one that gave Minnesota a […]
Gophers defeat Purdue 44-31 at TCF Bank Stadium on Military Appreciation Day, November 5, 2016.
Minnesota Gophers defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 44-31 in front of almost 43,000 fans on a perfectly sunny day at TCF Bank Staduim Nov. 5, 2016 in the 72nd meeting between the teams. The Gophers improve their all-time record against Purdue, which now stands at 37-32-3 all-time. Pre-game featured a military appreciation ceremony that included a […]
The Auburn Tigers defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 56-3 at home in a stunningly dominant performance on October 22, 2016 that will surely shake the rankings next week.
The Auburn Tigers hosted the Arkansas Razorbacks on October 22, 2016. Auburn crushed Arkansas 56-3 in Auburn’s second biggest margin of victory over an SEC opponent ever. The Tigers amassed 543 rushing yards on the Razorback defense and threw for an additional 89 yards for a total of 632 yards of offense. The Razorbacks were […]
The Minnesota Gophers narrowly escape homecoming defeat on the leg of Sophomore Emmit Carpenter in the waning seconds putting them over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 34-32 on October 22, 2016 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.
After scoring 21 of the game’s first 24 points in the first quarter, it looked like the Minnesota Gophers would roll to victory over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the homecoming game 2016 on the University of Minnesota campus. Rutgers would score 21 of the next 24 games, capped off by an interception returned 55 […]
In the last several years of covering Gophers football we have experienced many Gopher defeats, but never have we witnessed the silent walk to the locker room that happened Saturday after a late loss to Iowa. There was no noise save the clatter of cleats on the concrete tunnel…not even a sneeze. It was a […]

domain: sports


Disclaimer: This posting is for information only, and should not be used as legal advice. Please retain the services of a licensed legal professional to obtain advice specific to your situation.
Q. As a landlord, is there a special process for administering rental applications from refugees?
No, there is not. Rental applications from refugees should be processed in the exact same manner that you would administer any other application from a prospective tenant.
The Ontario government is developing a plan to help support settlement for refugees, but at this time there is no formal initiative involving the provision of rental housing as short-term living accommodation provided as emergency shelter for refugees (which could make such accommodations exempt from the Residential Tenancies Act).
Any rental application you receive from a government- or privately-sponsored refugee, asylum seeker, landed immigrant or permanent citizen should be treated and processed in an equal and consistent manner, and in full compliance of Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act and Human Rights Code.
Q. Are landlords required under law to provide rental housing to refugees?
Under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, landlords are required to assess rental applications from refugees in the same non-discriminatory manner as you would from any other prospective tenant. Your decision to approve rental applications should be made in the usual manner by requesting and considering information on rental history, credit references and/or credit checks, income information, and the ability of the applicant (or a third-party guarantor) to pay the monthly rent on time.
Q. Is the government paying any subsidies for refugee tenant applicants, or acting as a guarantor?
No. At this time FRPO is not aware of any level of government providing direct subsidies or rent guarantees to rental housing providers who provide accommodations to refugee tenants.
Q. I have been contacted by a refugee sponsor who only wants “short-term” rental accommodation. What should I do?
As a rental housing provider it is your decision to agree to an initial length of term for the lease agreement. Most tenancy agreements have an initial term of 12-months, but you may decide to have a 6-month lease if you believe that will be more suitable. The tenant will be obligated for pay the monthly rent for the duration of the term. The tenant can then terminate their tenancy at the end of the term by providing an N9 form with 60-days notice to the landlord, and choosing the last day of the term as the termination day on their notice.
The tenant does NOT have to move out when the term ends. The tenant has the right to remain in their unit as a monthly tenant. Or, they can renew for another term if both the tenant and the landlord agree. If the fixed term has ended, the tenancy automatically renews at the end of each rental period. The most common rental period is a month, and the tenant remains obligated to pay the agreed-to monthly rent on time (plus any allowable annual rent increases).
Q. Can a refugee sponsor be a guarantor on the lease agreement?
Yes, if you believe they have the ability to guarantee the payment of monthly rent payments.
Q. What if the tenant can’t pay the rent? Do I file an application against the guarantor at the Landlord Tenant Board?
No. Guarantors have no official standing under the Residential Tenancies Act or Landlord Tenant Board. Should a tenant not pay the rent on time, a housing provider should proceed in the usual manner by serving an N4 “Non-Payment of Rent” notice against the tenant, then applying for a Board hearing should the rent continue to not be paid. Claims against Guarantors can only be pursued through small claims court.
Q. Should I require all tenant applications to have a guarantor?
Under the Human Rights Code, a landlord can require guarantees for the rent. The most common way of doing this is to ask that a guarantor also sign the lease agreement. If you do require guarantors to sign your lease agreement, you should do so for all tenancy agreements, not just for certain categories of people. For example, it could be considered a Human Rights Code violation if a landlord only required guarantors for students, or immigrants or people receiving social assistance.
Your rental application process should be equitable, consistent and non-discriminatory for all prospective tenants. Many housing providers employ a rigorous application process to protect against fraud and financial loss. It is important to ensure that your sound business practices, such as requiring a guarantor, are applied to all prospective tenants in the same manner, in compliance with the Human Rights Code.
Q. Are new immigrants or refugees a financial risk to rental housing providers?
No. There is absolutely no evidence that new immigrants or refugees increase the risk of unpaid rent or financial default. In fact, Citizenship and Immigration Canada affirms that new immigrants – and in particular refugees – pose a far lower risk group than the general population.
Q. I have a guarantor who says they will only sign as a guarantor for 12-months. Is this possible?
If a third-person signs the lease agreement as a guarantor, they will be the guarantor for the life of the tenancy lease. You have a legal right to pursue them in small claims court for any unpaid rent. You should note, however, that attempts by housing providers to obtain unpaid rent from a guarantor in small claims court in Ontario are not always successful.
Q. Can a landlord collect a rent deposit?
Yes. A landlord can collect a rent deposit as long as they ask for it on or before the day that the landlord and tenant enter into the tenancy agreement. The rent deposit cannot equal more than one month’s rent, or the rent for one rental period, whichever is less. For example, if rent payments are made weekly, the deposit cannot be more than one week’s rent; if rent payments are made monthly, the deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent.
The rent deposit must be used for the rent for the last month before the tenancy ends. It cannot be used for anything else, such as to pay for damages.
Q. Can a rental housing provider collect “pre-paid” rent from a tenant?
As long as the tenant offers to pay rent in advance and the Landlord then accepts it, there is little risk of collecting “pre-paid” rent for multiple months. The prepayment is not an illegal charge because it is not a “security deposit”. Prepaid rent is payment of rent in advance of the date it is due, and it should make no difference if it is paid 12 days before it’s due or 12 months. So, as long as prepayment of rent is not a pre-condition of acceptance of a rental application, then there should be no legal liability if a tenant offers to pre-pay the rent and a rental housing provider decides to accept.
Q. Can a rental housing provider require a signed termination notice as a condition of approving a lease application?
No. Under Section 37 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a tenant’s notice to terminate a tenancy is void if it is given at the time the tenancy agreement is entered into, or if it is given as a condition of entering into the tenancy agreement.


China is challenging Airbus Group SE and Boeing Co. in the global market for air planes.
That ambition is slowly taking shape in a hangar in Shanghai, accordmg to Bloomberg.
The state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China Ltd., locally known as COMAC, is building the 168-seat, single-aisle aircraft C919, betting the model would help the planemaker break into the big league.
It’s banking on expertise gained from its smaller 90-seat jet, the ARJ21, which has won commercial orders worth at least US$2 billion, mostly from local companies.
Despite delays to the C919 program — the first test flight has been postponed at least twice since 2014 — the builder says it has already got commitments from 21 customers for 517 planes.
At the Zhuhai Air Show this week, COMAC is set to showcase the aircraft with a mock-up and could announce more interest from prospective buyers.
The passenger jet project is part of an ambitious plan by President Xi Jinping to transform China from a maker of sneakers, apparels and toys into one that can compete with the likes of Airbus and Boeing.
Getting the C919 from the design board to the skies is crucial for Xi, who has identified aerospace among sectors that could help accelerate modernization of the economy to resemble Japan and Germany.
“Domestic airplane manufacturing is a good case of the country’s ambition to secure a foothold at the very top of the global value chain,” said Liu Yuanchun, executive dean of the National Academy of Development and Strategy at Renmin University of China in Beijing.
“There’s still some serious groundwork to do to eventually realize its ambition of mastering sophisticated design and manufacturing processes.”
– Contact us at [email protected]


text:
Street Smarts Adventures On The Road And In The Markets
Good Connecting readers with great books since 1972. Used books may not include companion materials, some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes, and may not include cd-rom or access codes. Customer service is our top priority!
Wall Street legend and bestselling author Jim Rogers offers investing insights and economic, political, and social analysis, drawing on lessons and observations from his lifetime in the markets. Jim Rogers, whose entertaining accounts of his travels around the world -- studying the markets from Russia to Singapore from the ground up-- has enthralled readers, investors and Wall Street aficionados for two decades in such books as "Investment Biker," "Adventure Capitalist," "Hot Commodities" and "A Bull In China" .

domain: finance


Today, a virtualization technology known as live migration lets customers move workloads from one physical server to another, but only if both servers contain processors from the same chip maker, according to Forrester analyst James Staten.
"If you look at the virtualization instruction sets that have been implemented by AMD and Intel, they are incompatible with each other," Staten says. "If you build a virtualization pool and do live migration from one system to another, it has to be all Intel, or it has to be all AMD."
The Intel/AMD settlement, which ends various antitrust and patent cross-license disputes, doesn't explicitly talk about virtualization, Staten notes. But a new five-year cross-license agreement between the companies raises the possibility that Intel and AMD will share information on their instruction sets and enable live migration across servers with different processors, he says.
Gartner analyst Martin Reynolds agrees the Intel/AMD settlement could be good news for virtualization customers. "If they were to integrate virtualization more deeply into the processors as a single standard that companies use, it's possible virtualization could become less expensive," Reynolds says.
The virtualization incompatibility has mainly harmed AMD, because the issue forces customers to standardize on one type of server and Intel has a dominant market share, according to Staten.
In the wake of the settlement, there are several other potential areas for new levels of compatibility between Intel and AMD processors, Staten says, including memory and power management, and security.
Broad collaborations between the rivals should not be expected, though. "These are two fighters who just took a lot of bruises over the last two years," Staten says. "They're not about to run to the center of the ring and shake hands."
In lawsuits filed against Intel, AMD claimed that Intel illegally forces customers into exclusive deals with cash payments, discriminatory pricing, marketing subsidies and other practices.
The settlement prohibits Intel from "offering inducements to customers in exchange for their agreement to buy all of their microprocessor needs from Intel," and other anticompetitive practices such as inducing customers to limit or delay sales of AMD products.
"Intel agreed to a set of rules of the road for how they will conduct business going forward," says AMD spokesman Drew Prairie. "It should help create a fair and open competitive environment where products compete on their merits, and where innovation is rewarded by the marketplace. I think that's beneficial for all."
AMD benefits from the settlement more than Intel does, because it eliminates many concerns customers have about purchasing AMD-based servers, according to Staten. Even if customers like AMD technology, they might have chosen Intel-based servers instead because of concerns about AMD's viability.
Moreover, if AMD's allegations were correct, that means Intel's business practices were preventing OEM vendors from embracing AMD processors to the extent they would have liked. The time and money allocated to fighting Intel in court may also have distracted AMD from product development.
"Having those hindrances gone will definitely help AMD because their CPUs are quire competitive at this point," Staten says.
The settlement also makes AMD more attractive to outside investors, Reynolds says.
AMD is taking a different approach than Intel to the server market. While both companies are embracing multi-core processors, Intel is taking a homogenous approach in which every core is the same and AMD is using different types of cores in the same CPU for different workloads, according to Staten. AMD is also trying to go down the multi-core path faster than Intel, with attempts to get 16- and 24-core processors on the market before its rival.
Reynolds said he doesn't expect the settlement to cause any major shifts in how OEM vendors approach Intel and AMD, however. Generally, AMD is about a year behind Intel's technology, but turns a profit by making products that are cheaper and cost less to build, Reynolds said.
"Generally the server vendors use the product that most meets their needs," he says. "They know their customers are smart and will buy the product that delivers the best value."


Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., House Minority Leader, on Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan, the passing of Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., and the midterm elections.
NEW Fox News articles can now be heard on audio! Two Democrats from Minnesota have declared they will not support Vice President Biden as the Democratic contender for president in 2024 and that they are looking for “new leadership,” but they have declined to specify how they plan to oppose the incumbent’s reelection campaign.
When asked recently at a town hall if he would back Biden in a run for re-election, Rep. Dean Phillips gave a resounding “no.”
The nation “would be well-served by a new generation of compelling, well-prepared, and vibrant Democrats who step up,” Phillips continued.
Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democrat from Minnesota, declared he wouldn’t back President Biden if he ran for re-election but wouldn’t explain to Fox News how he would replace the current administration. from Getty Images
Fox News Digital questioned Phillips on what steps he would take, if any, to block Biden from becoming the Democratic candidate for president in 2024.
According to a Phillips spokeswoman speaking to Fox News Digital, he “declined further comment” on the situation.
In response to a similar inquiry regarding Biden in 2024, fellow Minnesotan Rep. Angie Craig said with Phillips that the Democratic Party requires a “new generation of leadership.”
In addition, Craig stated in her statement, “As a member of Congress, I’m going to do everything in my ability to ensure that we have a new generation of leadership.”
Rep. Angie Craig , D-Minn., left, said America needs “a new generation of leadership.” (Chip Somodevilla vid Getty Images)


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Do you want to impress your friends & family with your appetizer skills at an upcoming dinner party? Well then I have just the recipe for you, where simplicity and flavor run together.This dish can be served to hold everyone over before that delicious feast and everyone will love you for it.
So you must want to know, what this might be?. Well, its a quick and easy homemade dill dip that can be served with any choice of veggie.Its made with very simple ingredients such as Dairyland's 2% Cottage cheese and Original sour cream.Along with dill,green pepper and mayo.That's all you will need to create this flavorful dip that is excellent with baby carrots, broccoli,celery and even regular chips.
This recipe broken down has layers of different flavor and textures.Every ingredient helps each other out to enhance the dish.The dill weed has it strong flavor, while the mayo brings a sweetness and tang that just works with the herb. However we cannot leave out the green pepper when it brings just enough spice,sweetness and crispness to the overall dip.Then we have the cottage cheese and sour cream that are so important to create a creamy and thick texture.The flavors also work well together because sour cream is quite strong on its own, but the cottage cheese helps balance that all out.
Overall, the dip was refreshing,flavorful and healthier.It's great served with almost anything and you can easily add your own ideas to the recipe.
Now for the Dairy land products,they were excellent in this recipe.The 2% cottage cheese was the best choice for this dip since its thick and creamy.The the original sour cream brought more creamy texture and flavor. So the products in this recipe get two thumbs up from me.
So try out the recipe below! Stay tune for more product reviews.I have a couple more recipes that include cottage cheese,sour cream etc.
Adapted from Betty Crockers Best Recipes for Appetizers
First off I wanted to make the Dairyland 2% cottage cheese a little creamier for this dip.So,I added 1/2 cup of the c.cheese to a blender and whipped it till it reached the consistency of creamy and slightly less lumpy.Then I measured it out and set it aside,until use.
Next, I measured and added the 1/2 cup of Dairy land Sour Cream, to a large glass bowl.
Then, I added the whipped cottage cheese to the sour cream.Then mixed it with a rubber spatula.
Then I finely chopped some green pepper and added it to the mixture.The recipes asks for 1 tbsp, but you can add more If you like.The picture below shows more then I actually used.
Then I measured out 1 tbsp of dried dill weed and added it to the dip mixture.This is where the flavor starts to begin.
Then to add a little bit of tangy flavor to the dip, I added 2 tbsps of mayonnaise, but salad dressing can be used too.
Mix it thoroughly and then cover with saran wrap and refrigerate to blend the flavors for about 1 hour.Then choose your favorite veggies for the dip.I recommend baby carrots!

domain: food


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The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global health challenge, and it has exacerbated the pre-existing vulnerabilities of people living in communities where violence and political instability have been a source of daily struggle. When the health crisis intersects with wars or volatile political conditions such as weak institutions, communal tensions, and lack of trust in political leaders, it may worsen existing conflicts and insecurity or give rise to new ones. In all these, marginalised and invisibilized communities such as ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, refugees, undocumented migrants, the stateless and displaced, especially women and children, are affected the most.
In these difficult times, however, community actors have also demonstrated acts of resilience and resistance, and their capacities to exercise positive peace. We likewise wish to hear these stories.
This session aims to discuss and answer the following questions:
1. How are governments and/or ASEAN responding to the pandemic? Are the needs of conflict-affected, displaced and marginalized communities considered in the government/ASEAN responses and programs to the pandemic, and how/how not?
2. What is the impact of the pandemic on conflict-affected, displaced and marginalized, and the response of community actors?
– What are the needs and concerns that conflict-affected, displaced and marginalized communities have expressed?
– What are examples of communities demonstrating resilience and exercising positive peace? What are examples of inclusive and conflict-sensitive crisis response by governments and CSOs?
– How will this pandemic affect existing peace processes and violent conflicts?
3. What are the most critical tasks/roles for peacebuilders and human rights defenders working with conflict-affected, displaced and marginalized communities at this time?
• Dr. Ayesah Abubakar, Ethnography & Development Research Cluster Head, Borneo Institute for Indigenous Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sabah; and member of the ASEAN Women for Peace Registry (AWPR)
• Sanam Amin, Programme Officer (Grounding the Global), APWLD – Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development
• Sam Sai Kham, former Executive Director, METTA Development Foundation
• Rachel Tan, Programme Officer, Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN)
Closing: Gus Miclat, Executive Director, Initiatives for International Dialogue and Regional Representative/Initiator, Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC)-Southeast Asia
The webinar will be moderated by Marc Batac, IID Regional Program Coordinator and GPPAC-Southeast Asia RLO.
Register here: https://bit.ly/IIDwebinar.


text:
Other Form of Name
Carter, Jimmy, 1924-
Download Full Text (1.4 MB)
Eastland, James O. (James Oliver), 1904-1986; Eastland, Elizabeth Coleman
1970s; [November 1977]
Copy printed invitation from President & Mrs. Carter to Senator & Mrs. Eastland, re: White House reception on 17 November 1977 for the 10th anniversary of the American Film Institute. Original removed to VIP Restricted Access location.
Subject Headings (Library of Congress)
American Film Institute;
James O. Eastland Collection, Archives and Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries
This file is for personal and research use only. For publication and professional uses, please contact the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Mississippi Libraries.

domain: library


text:
The dark anthology that I was invited to take part in has gone live.
Blackbirds Second Flight takes you on a pretty remarkable journey. You’ll find short stories and poetry from a pretty varied group of artists. Why they let me take part, I’ll never understand, but I’m glad they did.
With this anthology, you can enjoy the remarkable work of Stephen Bagley, Wendy Blanton, Gail Henderson, Ken Lewis, Jean Schara and of course, me!
Here’s a short trailer for BBII:
And now that your appetite is whetted, here’s the link for BBII at Amazon:
Please, if you don’t mind, leave a review when you’re done reading it. As I’ve said numerous times, authors live and die by reviews. Just remember to keep ’em honest. 😉

domain: artistic


text:
Project staff: Dr. Mathias Scholz, Dr. Holger Rupp, Hans Dieter Kasperidus, Dipl.-Geogr. Franziska Löffler, Dr. Peter Dietrich
Status: Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ
Interdisciplinary research platform for floodplain ecology in the Middle Elbe
A multidisciplinary research platform has been established in the UNESCO Biosphere reserve Middle Elbe as integral part of the TERENO-program. Different scientific groups inside and outside the UFZ are working together to understand floodplain ecology, functioning and management. The platform is in the continuum of the successful multidisciplinary collaboration developed within the RIVA and HABEX projects which has allowed the collection of valuable data on floodplain ecosystems since 1998. One key activity is the Rosslau experiment.
The Rosslau experiment offers the unique opportunity to follow the first implemented floodplain restoration project in the UNESCO biosphere reserve Riverine Landscape Elbe. It is assumed that reactivated floodplains will restore dynamic alluvial habitats with high biodiversity and reinforce the multiple floodplain functions. The assessment of the effects of such restoration measures requires long-term research platforms for interdisciplinary research. An integrated multidisciplinary approach was chosen to study complex floodplain dynamics and interactions between the different environmental compartments successfully.
The Rosslau experiment-an innovative study design for an interdisciplinary restoration experiment in the Elbe river floodplain
Since spring 2006, a multidisciplinary research platform is established by the UFZ to study exemplarily short-term and long-term effects of floodplain restoration on floodplain ecosystem services and functions in the Rosslau area. According to the needs to study effects of floodplain management, three different sub-areas have been chosen: restoration area, untouched active floodplain, and disconnected floodplain. The stratified, randomised study design with interdisciplinary study plots, developed and tested in the RIVA project and HABEX project sets the scientific basis to all participating disciplines and is to be considered as the core of the research platform. It enables repeated surveys of the same plots for biotic (molluscs, insects, vegetation) and abiotic (soil, nutriments, pollutants, hydrology) factors.
With more than 10 UFZ departments and external partners participating in the project, this experiment is not only a scientific monitoring program but also intends to create a science-society interface for a better management of dike relocation.
- Analyses of biodiversity and ecosystem services in floodplains
- Quantification of filtration, transport and buffering processes
- Test of non-invasive monitoring methods for hydrogeology studies
- Prediction of habitat function using biological and environmental factors
- Assessment of potential effects of climate change on floodplain functions and biodiversity
- Integrated approach for mosquito management in floodplains
- Evaluation of the dike relocation from a socio-economical point of view
- Transferability of the results to other floodplain sectors or river systems
Monitoring & Exploration Technologies
Division of Social Sciences
Applied Landscape Ecology
Biosphere Reserve Middel Elbe/Riverine Landscape Elbe
BfG - Federal Institute of Hydrology
Elena - Consulting for Soil Science, Falkenberg
HS Anhalt- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
ILN - Institut für Landschaftsökologie und Naturschutz-Bühl
ÖKON - Ltd. Ass. for Landscape Ecology, Aquatic Biology and Environment planning
TU Berlin- Technische Universität Berlin
Bergische Univeristät Wuppertal- Abteilung Bauingenieurwesen
Further cooperation on specific topics are welcome! - Contact

domain: biology


What are patients and carers saying about Mental Health Services for Older People?
Each month, we produce a report for our Board of Directors which highlights what people are saying about a specific service or area within Nottinghamshire Healthcare. In February the report focussed on Mental Health Services for Older People, and also highlighted some of the work they are doing to improve patient experience. The report also provides some headlines about the Trust as a whole based on the feedback we've received in the last three months and an update on how Eating Disorder services have responded to the feedback presented in November 2015's report. In addition, the report features some of the changes we have made as a result of stories and comments on Patient Opinion.
Documents & downloads


text:
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text:
A man is fighting for his life in hospital after an alleged attempted murder in a north-east town.
The 21-year-old was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with serious injuries and today remained in a critical condition.
Emergency services were called to the High Street area of Stonehaven at around 7pm on Wednesday following the incident.
The street was cordoned off near the junction with Arbuthnott Place while police forensic officers examined the scene.
Police Scotland said a 28-year-old man had been charged in connection with the matter.
A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that a 28-year-old man has now been charged in relation to an alleged attempted murder in the High Street area of Stonehaven.
“It is anticipated that he will appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today.
“A 21-year-old man was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he is currently being treated for serious injuries.”
Detective Inspector Stewart Drummond said: “This has been a contained incident and I would like to thank members of the public for their co-operation and patience while inquiries were progressed in the area.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the High Street area around 7pm on Wednesday to come forward with any information. Police can be contacted on 101.”
The area remained sealed off for several hours while detectives launched an investigation.
Members of the public had been asked to avoid the area during the investigation.
One Stonehaven resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We were shocked to see the High Street shut off with police tape and several police cars.
“There were several cars trying to leave the harbour area who were caught behind the roadblock and had no way out.
“It was quite a shock to see what looked like a major incident in the middle of Stonehaven in the early evening on a Wednesday night.”

domain: news


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DJI Refurbished Phantom 3 Part 119 Gimbal Camera for the Phantom 3 4K (not for the Phantom 3 Pro)
Designed for filmmakers and industrial applications
Multiple gimbals supported including the Ronin-MX
A3 and Lightbridge 2 built-in
Extended flight time and long range transmission
Professional HD transmission
Powerful app control


text:
Published Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 | 12:15 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 | 1:55 p.m.
- In hurried appearance, ex-official admits to felonies (8-15-2009)
- Former county official pleads guilty to 3 felonies (8-14-2009)
- Corruption trial postponed, again (1-28-2009)
- Deane: ‘I’m highly intelligent, not cuckoo’ (9-21-2006)
- Recorder pick rife with repercussions (9-6-2006)
- Recorder thwarted free access to public documents (8-15-2003)
- Union’s complaint meant to oust Deane (10-10-2003)
- Deane’s assistant leaving county recorder’s office (9-19-2003)
Former Clark County Recorder Frances Deane was sentenced Thursday to five years of probation on three felony counts related to her use of the public office for personal gain.
Deane, 46, pleaded guilty in August to felony charges of theft, misconduct of a public officer and unlawful commissions, personal profit and compensation of public officers.
In addition to probation, Deane is also required to pay $54,000 in restitution to the county.
Visibly frail both emotionally and physically, Deane walked from the gallery to the defendants’ table with the assistance of a cane and help from her attorney, Danny Hastings.
Judge Valorie Vega asked Deane if she had anything to say before her sentence was handed down.
“Your honor, I am so emotional that if I didn’t have skin, I would be a puddle on the ground. Everything I feel about this situation I wrote to you in a letter. I hope you had time to read it,” Deane said through tears.
Deane allegedly sold county documents under her control, raking in thousands of dollars.
She was elected recorder in November 2002. The charges against her were filed in 2006, the same year she was removed from office.
Hastings, a deputy public defender, argued for probation. Prosecutors gave up the right to argue as part of the plea agreement.
“Before you today stands Ms. Deane, who is guilty, judge, of a gross violation of the public trust,” Hastings said.
The judge cut in: “Absolutely.”
“And there is no excuse for it and I don’t make any excuse for it,” Hastings continued, “… She doesn’t make any excuse for it.”
He pointed back to the day Deane entered her plea. “She didn’t just say guilty, judge, she said, ‘I’m guilty.’”
Hastings said Deane has taken full responsibility for her actions, evidenced by her three felony convictions.
In asking for probation, he called Deane a “broken woman” who was not at all the same “very young, naïve politician” who had ultimately made poor choices.
Fifteen other counts contained in the original charges were dismissed. On the three remaining counts, Deane could have faced more than 15 years behind bars.
Vega, who agreed to give her probation, disagreed that Deane was “naïve” in what she did. “I think that she was bold,” she said.
But she added that she had witnessed Deane’s deteriorating health condition throughout the life of the case, calling Deane’s medical issues “significant.”
As part of the probation, Deane is required to complete 16 hours of community service each month unless she is employed full-time or has a doctor’s excuse. She is also required make monthly payments toward the restitution and must disclose her conviction to any possible employers.
She is also barred from running again for public office.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Scott Mitchell, who prosecutes corruption and fraud cases, deferred to District Attorney David Roger to comment on the case.
Roger said he understood that judges like Vega have a “difficult job to do in fashioning sentences that fit the crime” and acknowledged giving up the right to argue was part of fashioning the plea deal.
But he said he respectfully disagreed with the sentence.
“I think it sends the wrong message to other public officials. I think when we accept the public’s trust, that we have to guard it and perform our duties ethically and honestly,” Roger said. “Ms. Deane did not do that. I don’t think that one day in jail is sufficient punishment for her crime.”
Court records indicate she posted a $20,000 bond and has been out of custody since June 2006.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Deane turned away from television cameras and dabbed her eyes while Hastings informed members of the news media in the courtroom neither he nor his client would be offering comments.

domain: law


text:
County budget proposal asks for cash for library system
by Mike Parks
People with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System are very excited about the possibility of working on Sunday.
Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones’ recommended budget calls for increased funding to the library system after local libraries had to deal with cut backs, decreased services, less staff and fewer hours as a result of the recession. The county would spend an additional $811,393 for regional library operations, meaning the six regional libraries – including south Charlotte’s South County and Morrison libraries – could open four hours on Sunday. If the library portion of the budget is approved as it is, the libraries could start opening on Sunday around Labor Day, according to Cordelia Anderson with the library system.
“What it would mean is that, basically, for (around) $800,000 every citizen will be within a 10-minute drive of a library on a Sunday,” Anderson said. “We’re very excited about that because one of the things we’ve heard from citizens over the years is they’d like their Sunday hours back.”
The library saw drastic cuts in hours and staff starting with the fiscal year 2011-12 budget, when the county had to cut back to deal with declining tax dollars and the recession. In all, library hours were cut by around 50 percent, Anderson said. The county found an additional $2 million in last year’s budget to get library hours up from 37 a week to 54 per week, and this additional increase, if approved, would get regional library hours up to 58 per week right as students start getting homework assignments in September.
“During the school year, kids are in school during the day during the week and they need those weekend hours to come in,” Anderson said, adding that many students in the past would use Sunday as a chance to research projects, use library computers for homework or check out books.
“We think this will be a real benefit to kids … this coming school year,” Anderson said.
Currently, the regional libraries are open on weekends Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Morrison Regional is located at 7015 Morrison Blvd., and South County Regional is located at 5801 Rea Road.
County commissioners could start making tweaks to the proposed budget soon, with a vote scheduled in June. At any point commissioners could vote to change the amount of funding for the library system in the $1.4 billion budget proposal.


text:
I grew up in Somerset, went to Bishop Fox’s in Taunton – when it was a girls’ grammar
school, and to SCAT – when it was The Somerset College of Art.
I eventually became a teacher, working in
Richmond, then in Kingston upon Thames.
In 2010 I returned, at last, to Somerset – and to painting.
Subject matter includes local landscape, landmarks and architecture, still life, and creatures
Really whatever catches my eye and gives me a lift.
I use a range of media including Acrylics, Watercolour, Indian Ink and Soft pastels,
sometimes on canvas sometimes on paper.


text:
Book’s Sandwiched-In News
We are now meeting periods 4, 5 and 6.
Next meeting is Thursday, October 25.
If you are interested in coming to the
library to talk about books your are reading
and have some lunch stop in and see either Mrs.
Stevens or Mrs. Roberts by the end of Wednesday.
The library provides drinks, chips and
cookies. You just bring the rest of your lunch in a brown paper bag. No food can be brought up
from the cafeteria.
When you come to “Book Club” you can be the
first to see the new books.
Also, at this month’s meeting we will talk
about setting up a “library blog” so you can
share your thoughts on-line about books you
Here are some author’s blogs you might want
to check out.


text:
ANNOUNCED AS TEMPORARYNo
The International Administration Commission of South Africa has recommended a reduction in the rate of customs duty on tubes, pipes and hoses of vulcanised rubber (excluding hard rubber) reinforced or otherwise combined only with metal, without fittings, with an inside diameter of 100mm or less from 15% ad valorem to free of duty, through the creation of a separate 8-digit tariff sub-heading.
Affected trading partners
The GTA retrieves its data on affected trading partners from UN Comtrade. However, for the year 2009, the database was not able to provide the affected trading partners for Botswana, Swaziland, and Lesotho.
⚑ Please report this page in case you detect an inaccuracy in its content.


|Publication number||US8033010 B2|
|Application number||US 12/554,947|
|Publication date||Oct 11, 2011|
|Filing date||Sep 7, 2009|
|Priority date||Sep 7, 2009|
|Also published as||US20110056072|
|Publication number||12554947, 554947, US 8033010 B2, US 8033010B2, US-B2-8033010, US8033010 B2, US8033010B2|
|Inventors||Chin-chou Wang, Yi-Chang Yang|
|Original Assignee||Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (13), Referenced by (4), Classifications (18), Legal Events (4)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a clutching jig, and more particularly to a clutching jig for conveniently disengaging a lens component from a lens socket.
2. The Related Art
Nevertheless, as the PCB 83 and the lens base 81 may have a relative movement therebetween or the glue for connecting with the PCB 83 and the lens base 81 is extruded to overflow and coagulate to form overflowing lumps attached to the outer sides of the PCB 83 or the lens base 81. In the process of disassembly, the lens component 80 can not be disengaged from the lens socket 90 because the buckling pieces 921, 922 rest against the projecting portion of the PCB 83 or the overflowing lumps. Therefore, it is desirable to design a clutching jig which has a simple structure and is capable of addressing the problem mentioned above.
An object of the present invention is to provide a clutching jig with a simple structure capable of disengaging a lens component from a lens socket easily. The clutching jig used to disassemble the lens socket and the lens component which has a lens base glued on a printed circuit board (PCB) and is fixed in the lens socket by a plurality of buckling pieces of the lens socket abutting on the lens component has a substantially rectangular base. The base defines two opposite first lateral surfaces, a bottom surface, and a slot passing through the opposite first lateral surfaces and the bottom surface to divide the base into a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The bottom surface has a receiving recess at a center portion thereof and communicating with the slot. A plurality of resisting slices attach to a periphery of the base, with bottom ends thereof extending beyond the bottom surface of the base. The receiving recess receives the lens component. The resisting slices are inserted into a gap between the lens component and the lens socket for pressing the buckling pieces away from the lens component, with the bottom ends of the resisting slices extending inwards beyond a junction of the lens base and the PCB. The first holding portion and the second holding portion are urged to approach each other to lessen a circumferential dimension of the receiving recess for clutching the lens component.
As described above, the resisting slices inserted into the gap between the lens component and the lens socket substantially surround on the whole periphery of the lens component, with the bottom ends thereof extending inwards beyond the junction of the base and the PCB, which makes the lens component be easily released from the fastening of the buckling pieces of the lens socket. Afterwards, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are urged to approach each other for holding the lens component out of the lens socket. Furthermore, the structure of the clutching jig will be simple and compact, which can shorten the manufacturing time and lower the cost, fit for wider applications.
The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description thereof, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
The resisting slices 20 includes two rectangular first resisting slices 21 and a plurality of second resisting slices 22 of strip shape. Each of the first resisting slices 21 has a mounting hole 211 at a substantially middle portion thereof, and a mating gap 212 at a lower portion and reaching a bottom edge thereof, corresponding to the fixing hole 121 and the fool-proof gap 18 of the base 10, respectively.
Each of the fixing elements 30 has a rectangular base board 31 and a pair of lateral wings 32 extended perpendicularly to the base board 31 from two opposite sides of the base board 31. A through hole 33 is formed at a middle of the base board 31. Each of the lateral wings 32 has a plurality of apertures 34.
Please refer to
As describe above, the resisting slices 20 inserted into the gap between the lens component 80 and the lens socket 90 substantially surround on the whole periphery of the lens component 80, with the bottom ends thereof extending inwards beyond the junction of the lens base 81 and the PCB 83, which makes the lens component 80 be released from the fastening of the buckling pieces 921, 922 of the lens socket 90, easily. Afterwards, the first holding portion 15 and the second holding portion 16 are urged to approach each other for holding the lens component 80 out of the lens socket 90.
Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above; various additions, alterations and the like may be made within the scope of the present invention by a person skilled in the art. For example, respective embodiments may be appropriately combined.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US6387183 *||Aug 4, 2000||May 14, 2002||Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.||Paint mask apparatus|
|US6387441 *||Sep 6, 2000||May 14, 2002||Optima, Inc.||Optical lens coating apparatus and method|
|US6884292 *||Jan 29, 2002||Apr 26, 2005||Optima, Inc.||Optical lens coating apparatus and method|
|US7130135 *||Aug 1, 2003||Oct 31, 2006||Seiko Epson Corporation||Lens holding jig|
|US20020086103 *||Jan 29, 2002||Jul 4, 2002||Optima, Inc.||Optical lens coating apparatus and method|
|US20050200033 *||Apr 8, 2003||Sep 15, 2005||Hoya Corporation||Process for producing optical member, process for producing plastic lens, gasket for plastic lens molding, and jig for monomer injection|
|US20050254148 *||Aug 1, 2003||Nov 17, 2005||Hiroshi Shimizu||Lens holding jig|
|US20070091262 *||Oct 18, 2006||Apr 26, 2007||Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon||Lens suction jig installing apparatus and method of determining lens position using apparatus thereof|
|US20070253077 *||Apr 26, 2007||Nov 1, 2007||Fujinon Corporation||Lens system assembling method and spacing jig|
|US20080158699 *||Oct 10, 2007||Jul 3, 2008||Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.||Lens-assembling jig, assembling system having same and assembling method|
|US20090019684 *||Jan 23, 2008||Jan 22, 2009||Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.||Device for assembling lens assembly|
|US20090080094 *||May 21, 2008||Mar 26, 2009||Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.||Lens module and method for assembling the same|
|US20090103192 *||Dec 18, 2007||Apr 23, 2009||Feng Chang||Lens module structure with a metal shell and assembling method therefor|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US8434206 *||Feb 3, 2010||May 7, 2013||Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.||Clutching jig|
|US8464412 *||Jan 19, 2010||Jun 18, 2013||Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.||Clutching jig|
|US20110173789 *||Jan 19, 2010||Jul 21, 2011||Cheng-Qiang Huang||Clutching jig|
|US20110185550 *||Feb 3, 2010||Aug 4, 2011||Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.||Clutching jig|
|U.S. Classification||29/764, 29/426.1, 29/711, 29/721, 29/700, 29/426.6|
|International Classification||B23P19/00, B23Q15/00, B23P21/00|
|Cooperative Classification||Y10T29/53, Y10T29/53943, Y10T29/53283, Y10T29/49815, Y10T29/49824, Y10T29/53091, B25B27/00, Y10T29/53048|
|Sep 7, 2009||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TAIWAN
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WANG, CHIN-CHOU;YANG, YI-CHANG;REEL/FRAME:023199/0072
Effective date: 20090902
|May 22, 2015||REMI||Maintenance fee reminder mailed|
|Oct 11, 2015||LAPS||Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees|
|Dec 1, 2015||FP||Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee|
Effective date: 20151011


text:
Abu Dhabi's flagship maternity hospital plans 'new model of care' for all expectant mothers
A single consultant will be appointed to an expectant mother throughout her pregnancy, as part of a drive to improve services at the government-run facility
Abu Dhabi's flagship maternity hospital, Corniche Hospital, has unveiled a "new model" of care to better serve expectant mothers and identify problems at an early stage.
Medics will appoint a single consultant to follow each mother throughout her pregnancy as part of a broader reform of services.
“We always thought that we were too big to do that,” said chief medical officer Dr Paul Bosio.
Parents in hospitals across the country complain of seeing different doctors and specialists throughout a pregnancy.
“It used to be difficult to guarantee the same doctor for the mother — never mind a consultant, but we now have a system where the mother will be followed by the same consultant throughout her pregnancy and after,” he said.
The government-owned hospital did not hire any additional consultants, rather they reworked the schedules.
“What we did was make them work in a different way.”
Each consultant from obstetrics and gynaecology — the hospital has 26 — is given a group of mothers who he or she cares for throughout their term. Their schedule is adjusted to ensure they always see the same families.
Corniche Hospital has undergone a series of improvements following problematic overcrowding in recent years. Earlier this year, efforts were made to ensure that majority patients get their own room, instead of sharing with others.
It changed its insurance policy in 2014 to only accept UAE nationals carrying the Thiqa card, though it treated residents in emergencies.
At the time, its staff was delivering 12,000 babies per year — by comparison the busiest maternity unit in the UK, Liverpool Women's Hospital, delivers about 8,000.
That changed in May when the hospital changed its insurance once again to welcome all residents. The hospital now delivers about 6,000 babies a year, and over the past four decades has performed more than 250,000 delivered.
As with most medical facilities, the Corniche Hospital also faced challenges with waiting times, with some mothers complaining having to wait for hours before they are seen.
“This was our biggest problem, again, as a result of sheer volume, but this has been resolved because of this new model of care. Since the consultants see the same patients, they can now control their appointments and scheduling.”
Waiting times “improved significantly” with a target time of less than 20 minutes.
“Part of the issue with waiting times is that it is not just a matter of seeing your doctor but also involves a scan," said Dr Bosio, who previously managed publicly-owned NHS hospitals in the UK.
"It is not an excuse but that adds to the challenge. The waiting time was an issue and this model of care will resolve two issues — the waiting time and continuity of care for the patient.
“It is very personalised care that we are offering now,” he said.
Corniche Hospital, he said, has benefited from competing with the private sector. Private hospitals have taken some of the patients that led to its overcrowding, which drove up standards.
“Mums expect better and deserve better. We have a completely different model now," he said.
Crucially, he said the hospital deals with emergency cases better than smaller private facilities.
“Practically anyone in Abu Dhabi with major complications and a baby that's too small comes to Corniche," Dr Bosio said.
The hospital also regularly gets referrals from the GCC.
“We are the only hospital in the region that offers invasive neonatal surgery where babies have surgery while inside the womb,”
"We have tier-one consultants that the government has invested in to bring here for Corniche to be the safety net of mothers.
“We belong to the government so we belong to the people. Our mandate from the government is give the best care for mothers both nationals and non-nationals.”
Updated: November 17, 2018 12:52 PM


text:
What happens to Breast Implants if I work out my pectoral muscles; ie, push ups? Are there different exercises I can do? Are pull ups ok?
A: exercise after breast augmentation
After a subpectoral breast augmentation, a patient may resume exercise (push-ups, weight training) once the pectoral muscles have fully healed. This may take two to three months before the muscles have healed enough to perform strenuous activity. Patients may experience some discomfort and pain when they resume these types of activities, so I advise patients to proceed slowly at first with lighter weights. You may also notice that the implants will move as your pectoral muscles contract- this is normal.
Consult with your plastic surgeon prior to resuming a strenuous exercise routine after breast augmentation.


text:
Lots of Family-Friendly Options in Rockford
On the north side of the Grand Rapids suburbs you will find the wonderful community of Rockford.
Aside from the awesome festivals and celebrations Rockford hosts, the town also boasts great playgrounds, cute shops, incredible eateries and restaurants, a good farmers’ market, and a great boardwalk along the Rogue River. They often host concerts in the park during the summer, too.
Favorite Stop: Aunt Candy’s Toy Company
One of our favorite little shops in Rockford is Aunt Candy’s Toy Company.
Actually run by ‘Aunt Candy’ (on left), this wonderful little shop boasts hard-to-find specialty toys, long-time favorites, and offers special orders. In the back of the store you will find a small play area where kids aged five and under can try out some of the toys and give Mommy a breather from trying to stop little fingers from picking up every single item!
Ice Cream in Rockford
Rockford has two great places for ice cream and we can never decide which one we like better.
Rocky’s has been in Rockford forever and has a constant line of customers during the summer months (they are closed in the winter).
Though their prices are just a touch higher, Custard By the Dam is open year round and if you have a family member that does not like ice cream (as I have) you will find a fantastic fudge and candy shop also inside. When we eat at Custard By the Dam we like to enjoy our treats by the water–it’s conveniently right out their backdoor.
The dam, the boardwalk on the west side of the river, and the parks near the dam are great places to walk and enjoy nature.
On a recent trip we were fortunate enough to see trout trying to jump up the dam!
Take a Walk Along the Rogue River
There are some great opportunities to enjoy nature and scenes of the river along the Rogue River Nature Trail. The trail, which starts at the dam and runs north along the west side of the Rogue River, has lookout points and a few dirt path trails leading off to other adventures!
As a mom I am relieved that there are clean, modern and convenient restrooms located in the Welcome Center. There are plenty of ‘time-out’ benches as well.
The Richardson Sowerby Park is a good park. Located just south of the 10 Mile bridge, it borders the river, has great views, a nice lawn, the all important restrooms, and plenty of trashcans (which I know all moms truly appreciate).
My new little walker and longtime climber had a great time climbing stairs and slides and trying to sit under the swings (while in use).
Grab a Bite
There are many great eateries in Rockford, but for dinner we usually end up with hot dogs since there are two great hot dog joints in Rockford. It’s hard to say which one is better: The Corner Bar or Dam Dogs. The city of Rockford is actually fairly split on this issue! The hot dogs pictured above are from the Corner Bar, and as you can see they’re pretty awesome!
Rockford is a great way to spend the day, and if you need to you can even make a stop at the Kent County Recycling Center on your way into town.
There’s so much more to find in Rockford; I’ve barely even scratched the surface here. Have fun exploring!


text:
Strawberry Shortcake with Custard on a Sailboat Miniature Figurine
This vintage Strawberry Shortcake miniature figurine is for the "Strawberry Shortcake with Custard on a Sailboat" set from the Deluxe Strawberryland Miniatures collection.
The figurine features Strawberry Shortcake and Custard with binoculars and a map. Strawberry Shortcake is wearing a cute sailor suit. The figurine originally came in a set with a red popsicle raft with a sail, but those pieces are not included.
The figurine shows a little wear from age but is overall in nice vintage condition. There's a hole in the bottom of the figurine so it can be displayed in the Berry Patch Carry Case.
Height: 1 7/8 inches (4.8 cm)
Length: 2 1/2 inches (6.4 cm)
Width: 3/4 inch (1.9 cm)