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Fire fighters from across the state converge on the Caldor fire to save structures and a mountain highway
By Ken Magri
There is a hot war going on in the Sierras.
More than 2,800 fire fighters are battling the Caldor Fire that started near Grizzly Flats on August 14th and has already burned over 150,000 acres to date. One of the most intense sections of the fire is on its northeast side, where the direction of growth mimics US Highway 50’s path from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe.
On August 20th, Cal Trans closed this crucial roadway between Pollock Pines and Meyers to all traffic except emergency vehicles.
Besides its historical importance as a corridor through the Sierras for the 1960s Pony Express mail service, this 40-mile stretch of Highway 50 is also the largest section of road involved in the Caldor Fire.
“We know this fire has done things that nobody could have predicted,” said Jeff Marsolais, supervisor for the El Dorado National Forest, at an August 18th announcement to shut all national forests in the area. Marsolais, who has spent 11 years living in the Lake Tahoe basin, compared the Caldor Fire to the new normal that characterizes this year’s Northern California wildfires. “Every time a fire broke out it outpaced our models two-to-one,” he said. “We’re seeing the same again here.”
Wide enough to serve as a passive fire break, Highway 50 is also the main route for fire trucks and support vehicles that must approach from the west.
What is being done to protect homes, cabins business structures and communication and power lines? With the large amount of personnel, equipment and logistical operations assigned to this fire, Highway 50 resembles a battlefield in a war against legions of flames.
The tactic of pre-positioning
In order to save this stretch, trucks, hoses and personnel are pre-positioned in areas where fire is likely. This is the key to the Cal Fire strategy. It begins in downtown Placerville, where pumper trucks brought up from the El Segundo and Torrance Fire Departments sit in a public parking lot, waiting for assignment.
More pumpers from California cities, along with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) trucks and US Forest Service (USFS) fire engines, are parked at intervals, dotting the highway in critical areas heading east. They are joined by water trucks, communications and utilities trucks, and bulldozers on trailers waiting to be utilized.
Preparing structures for an advancing fire
In order to save structures, different strategies are employed at the same time. The first tactic is to prevent fire altogether, and the second is to minimize a fire’s damage should a “burn-through” event happen.
Fire fighters remove all nearby fuels like wood piles, brush, pine needles on rooftops and ornamental plants that may be touching a structure. In flat and open spaces, bulldozers clear the ground to create a defensible 30 foot ring around a structure, extending out to 100 feet if possible.
Private water trucks from the area have been contracted by Cal Fire. These water trucks are parked at the turn-offs to cabins and homes that parallel Highway 50.
Miles of fire hoses are laid out in advance, ready to be hooked up to the waiting water trucks. US Forest Service workers patrol the highway, checking each cabin tract for changes in status.
In locations that vehicles cannot access, an elaborate system of portable sprinkler kits and pumps are pre-positioned. Red fire retardant may be sprayed on the ground, or at the bases of trees and utility poles. Silver sheeting is sometimes applied to the sides of structures. This sheeting acts as a preventative, especially in situations where a burn-through might only involve low, “drop and dead” ground fuels, which won’t reach up into the trees without high winds.
Backfires, or low-intensity controlled “burnings” are done in specific locations, when possible, to eliminate fuels that might approach a structure.
Smoke is the enemy of the air war
In fire-fighting, it is good when there is no wind. But the result is smoke so thick that it looks like Sacramento wintertime fog. The Air Quality Index (AQI), which uses a 0-500 scale to measure particulates in the air, indicates dangerous air at the 300 mark. Recent AQI measurements along Highway 50 and in the Lake Tahoe Basin have exceeded 500 for several consecutive days.
Besides being a health hazard, you cannot see through smoke, making it impossible for helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft to be effective with water drops. In these situations, the daytime fire-fighting along Highway 50 is handled by ground crews.
The problem with spot fires and containment lines
Spot fires are tiny fires that begin, both inside and outside the fire perimeter, by jumping the line. They are first ignited by burning embers that float in the air as far as a mile away, until settling on dry fuel.
Spot fires inside Caldor’s perimeter were present at numerous places along the north side of Highway 50, between Riverton and Strawberry. But these were not the giant 100-foot high shooting flames that TV news helicopters filmed in the early days. Here, it was possible to walk right up and get close-up photographs of a line of flames 14 inches high.
The pavement itself on Highway 50 is in fine condition, Still, it seemed odd to watch a fire truck drive right past one of these roadside outbreaks. But the winds were very passive on this morning, as the fire slithered along at a snail’s pace.
The larger strategy is let the spot fires north of US 50 to continue to burn, until they reach a new containment line further up the road. “We’re just letting that go,” said Captain Terrell Norwood, whose crew from the San Bernardino Forest Service is assigned to protect cabins.
“They are trying to find an area [near Strawberry] to get some dozer lines down, and try to fire this off,” said Norwood, referring to backfires that will complete the containment procedure.
Large surfaces of bare granite near Twin Bridges and the Desolation Wilderness already form a natural fire break. This will also help slow an advance. Meanwhile, bulldozers continue to clear ground, intent on creating a successful containment line.
Rescues units and other support for fire fighters
If a fire fighter or a wild animal is injured, a Rapid Extrication Module Support unit (REMS) from San Diego County is also pre-positioned along Highway 50. This mobile ground rescue team of four is specially equipped to safely extract an injured fire fighter from rugged terrain when helicopters cannot get in.
A line of portable toilets and wash stations are set up at Silverfork and Strawberry, and “Thank-You Fire fighters!”signs have popped up from Kyburz to Placerville.
Otherwise, these men and women from different government agencies are self-contained and well-prepared. They see all of the people’s gestures, and are motivated by the knowledge that a single structure has yet to be lost along Highway 50.
Cal Fire cannot predict when the highway will reopen, but the effort being made to make that happen is nothing short of monumental.
As Chris, an evacuated woman from Pollock Pines put it, the Caldor “fire fighters are the guardians of the highway.”


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MMFF 2015 box office results shocking moment and proudly AlDub nations ‘My Bebe Love’ gross income in just 1 hour after the opening earns ₱1,000,000.00 (1M).
Beauty and the Bestie gross as of today estimated earnings of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub love story movie ‘My Bebe Love’ is now one of the most top grossing over ₱33,000,000.00 (33M) pesos from Metro Manila and over 27 million pesos from different provinces ‘MMFF’ 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival total gross ₱60,000,000.00 box office record breaking to all Filipino film history now showing December 25, 2015.
Latest Update My Bebe Love (my bebe luv)#Kilig pa more final gross income as of January 25, 2016 (₱700,000,000.00) MMFF 2015 top grosser result.
“My Bebe Love box office” director Jose Javier Reyes, Earlier, Direk Joey said some cinemas would open as early as 8 a.m. on Christmas Day to begin the screening of 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entries.
“My Bebe Love” is the popular love team’s debut on the big screen. They star alongside Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai delas Alas.
The film, an entry to the MMFF, is also a first for Mendoza, who rose to fame this year as the “Dubsmash queen” and “Kalyeserye sweetheart” of GMA-7’s noontime show Eat Bulaga.

domain: entertainment


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Shopping for home insurance in Keyes, OK doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply enter your Zip Code at the top of this page and you will be presented with the list of the top recommended insurance companies in your area. Compare quotes from these carriers and you will be on your way to saving on your homeowners coverage premium.
When it comes to homeowner’s insurance in Keyes, OK, there are quite a few different factors that can affect how much you have to pay. Understanding what these factors are can give you a better idea of how Oklahoma insurance companies come up with the quotes that they give you.One factor that affects homeowner’s insurance quotes is the area where you live. For instance, some parts of the country are particularly prone to severe storms and other potentially dangerous situations. In these areas, you may have to pay more for homeowner’s insurance than you would in an area of the country that was less risky.
The same holds true for areas that have particularly high crime rates. If you live in an area where there are a lot of robberies or break-ins, you may have to pay more for your insurance than someone who lives in an area that has a lower crime rate.
The overall value of your home also comes into play when figuring out how much you will have to pay for homeowner’s insurance. Generally, the more valuable your home, the more money you will have to pay to insure it. This is because expensive homes cost more to repair or replace than lower cost homes.
The deductible that you choose for your policy will also affect your rate. A policy with a higher deductible will generally cost less than one with a low deductible. Although the thought of a lower monthly payment may be appealing, make sure that you have the money on hand to meet your deductible in case anything goes wrong. Otherwise, you could be left in a bind with no way to repair your home.Interestingly, the distance of your home from the nearest fire hydrant can also come into play when determining how much you have to pay for insurance. Insurers tend to prefer homes that have a fire hydrant nearby. This helps ensure that first responders can act quickly in the event of a fire, helping to minimize damage as much as possible.
All of these factors come into play when getting Keyes, OK homeowner’s insurance quotes. If you want to keep your costs as low as possible, consider choosing a policy with less coverage or with a higher deductible. Just make sure that you fully understand how these decisions will affect you if you ever need to file a claim. You may find it more beneficial to go for a policy that offers more coverage or a lower deductible so that you don’t have to come up with a lot of money on your own if something does eventually happen to your home.
To get the best savings on your Keyes, Oklahoma coverage for your home, make sure to use our comparison tool. Enter your Zip Code below and get the list of the best Oklahoma insurers.
More Info and Tips for Keyes, Oklahoma
If you are sensation a bit anxious about acquiring a home owner's insurance plan, you usually are not by itself. There are hundreds of thousands of other property homeowners out there that come to feel just like you as this is very important coverage that is necessary to protect your residence and home from reduction. Make confident you are beginning with suggestions like these ahead of you start buying.
When purchasing close to for homeowner's insurance policies prices, be confident to point out any safety-connected improvements that you have created, specially if it really is an more mature home. Basically putting in a smoke alarm on each and every ground of your property will not only shield your existence in circumstance of a fireplace, it could save you up to ten p.c each year on homeowner's insurance policies.
No home loan? Reduced insurance rates! While this is not an effortless activity, most homeowner's insurance policies firms will decrease their prices as soon as the house is completely yours. Insurance policy companies desire buyers who truly personal their residence and will reward this sort of men and women.
To preserve funds when getting homeowners insurance, take into account placing an alarm technique in. Most main underwriters will give a price reduction for a house that has a monitored alarm mounted. Numerous occasions the discount you get will incorporate up to much more than what you pay for the month-to-month monitoring price.
To lower your home owners insurance coverage, you should have a protection method mounted. A stability system must be connected to central station or a police station. To have your insurance policies priced decreased, you will, most very likely, have to provide proof that your program is up and operating. This could reduced your yearly quality by 5 percent.
An insurance policies declare will continue a lot quicker if you are capable to demonstrate without doubt your ownership of the claimed things. You can effortlessly do this by using images. You could really feel foolish getting pictures of your valuables, but if you have to file a assert you will be in a position to get your funds simpler.
A greater deductible on your homeowner's insurance policies can preserve you money on premiums. Although a greater deductible could indicate that you will be liable for small fix costs these kinds of as damaged windows, more frequently than not these expenses are balanced out by the savings you will obtain on your once-a-year rates.
Before you get a house, discover out how considerably insurance coverage operates in the region you are taking into consideration. In some locations, property owners insurance coverage is very high due to a number of factors. For case in point, if the property is positioned in a flood zone or an location where hurricanes are to be expected, high insurance policies charges are also to be predicted.
Maintain your property owners insurance policies coverage up to day. If it's been a couple of many years because you obtained your policy, you may well be beneath insured. If you've created improvements to your house, your policy may possibly not replicate the improved value. Creating costs have long gone up also, so evaluation your plan yearly, and if needed, make changes to be adequately lined.
If you want to make confident that you are getting the ideal direction in searching for property owner's insurance, you have to commence with essential steps and good tips, which you can obtain right from this report. You will not have to get rid of out on a fantastic policy if you are making use of the guidance in this report to get the correct policy when you want it.

domain: finance


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The small drones market worldwide is projected to grow by $23.2 billion, guided by a compounded growth of 15.6%.
In order for decision-makers to leverage this emerging opportunity, they must stay on top of trends. What types of trends?
Defense, for example, displays the potential to grow at over 16%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over $14.5 billion by the year 2025, defense will bring in healthy gains adding significant momentum to global growth.
While global megatrends sweeping through the market influence the primary direction of growth, regional markets are swayed by more granular locally unique business drivers. Representing the developed world, the United States will maintain a 13.2% growth momentum. Within Europe, which continues to remain an important element in the world economy, Germany will add over $853.6 million to the region’s size and clout in the next 5 to 6 years. Over US$1.2 Billion worth of projected demand in the region will come from other emerging Eastern European markets. In Japan, Defense will reach a market size of $700.6 million by the close of the analysis period. As the world’s second-largest economy and the new game-changer in global markets, China exhibits the potential to grow at 22.4% over the next couple of years and add approximately $6.9 billion in terms of addressable opportunity for the picking by aspiring businesses and their astute leaders. Presented in visually rich graphics are these and many more need-to-know quantitative data important in ensuring the quality of strategy decisions, be it entry into new markets or allocation of resources within a portfolio. Several macroeconomic factors and internal market forces will shape growth and development of demand patterns in emerging countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.
Competitors identified in this market include, among others, 3D Robotics, Inc. (3DR) (USA); Aeronautics (Israel); AeroVironment, Inc. (USA); Boeing Company, The (USA); DJI (China); Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel); Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (Israel); Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA); Microdrones GmbH (Germany); Northrop Grumman Corporation (USA); Parrot Drones SAS (France); Raytheon Company (USA); SAAB AB (Sweden); Textron Inc. (USA); Thales Group (France); Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) (Turkey)
Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05799629/?utm_source=PRN

domain: geography


SEATTLE, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced Skymark Airlines as the newest airline to join the Boeing 737 Component Services Program (CSP), a move that will help the airline reduce its spare parts costs, an important advantage in the low-cost carrier marketplace. In addition to reducing costs, the program will help Skymark enhance efficiency and improve spare parts availability.
The program can help airlines save as much as 30 percent on inventory, repair and administrative costs.
"The Component Services Program will provide convenience and cost savings for Skymark Airlines," said Kimiyoshi Sakaki, director, Engineering & Maintenance Division, Skymark Airlines. "Our participation in the program will help us to meet our customers' expectations for value and reliability."
This cost-reducing materials management and supply-chain solution is a joint operation of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services and Air France Industries KLM Engineering and Maintenance.
Under the new agreement, Boeing and AFI KLM E&M will manage spare parts and components inventory for the Tokyo-based airline, assuring timely delivery, while Skymark avoids warehousing and long-term inventory holding costs.
Since it began operation in 1998, Skymark Airlines has grown to operate a fleet of 19 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s and will be taking additional airplanes on lease during the coming months. "Keeping costs low is paramount to a low-cost carrier and Skymark Airlines is taking a significant step in controlling their materials costs by joining the 737 Component Services Program," said Dale Wilkinson, vice president of Material Services for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.
"We are very pleased to welcome Skymark Airlines to our jointly operated 737 CSP program, which will help them to operate in a most (cost) efficient way," said Maarten Oort, vice president, Component Services, KLM Engineering and Maintenance.
The program features a customized recommended spare parts list based on customer data. The list includes dispatch-critical parts and both avionics and non-avionics line replaceable units in recommended quantities to support each airline's dispatch reliability requirements. Boeing Commercial Aviation Services supports more than 12,100 Boeing commercial jetliners (passenger and freighter airplanes) with value-driven lifecycle solutions that deliver the fundamentals of aviation support — training, spare parts, diagnostic tools, maintenance documents and information, technical advice and modification programs.
Under the new agreement, Boeing will manage spare parts and components inventory for the Trinidad and Tobago-based airline until the parts are needed.
The announcement was made during the annual MRO Africa event.
The 777 CSP program is offered jointly by Boeing and AFI KLM E&M.
The engine contract includes support services with access to the spare engines pool and engine shop visits on a Time & Material basis.


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Named after a Canadian non-profit dedicated to rescuing small-breed canines, The Orange Dog Bar and Grill packs patrons' bellies with hearty pub eats six days a week. Dining duos can kick-start their meal by thumb-warring over an order of the popular wings, which come in internationally inspired flavors such as American buffalo, Jamaican jerk, and Brazilian passion fruit guava. Then, tongue dive into a heftier main course, such as three fish tacos brimming with beer-battered filets—accompanied by a side of wasabi aioli—that hail directly from Poseidon’s neighborhood taqueria. Other entrees include the carefully grilled steak, which has the power to shape shift into the rib eye or New York varieties upon customer preference, and classic burgers prepared with beef, turkey, salmon, or veggie patties. During the meal, patrons can celebrate masterfully executed swallows by clinking together glasses of Coors Light, Blue Moon, Budweiser, or New Castle.
Located in Council Bluffs, Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs is on a river and convenient to Lauritzen Gardens and Mid-America Center. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Bluffs Run Greyhound Park and Henry Doorly Zoo.
Make yourself at home in one of the 160 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and plasma televisions. 42-inch high-definition televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and wake-up calls, as well as phones with free local calls and voice mail.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Head straight for the casino, or wait for that lucky feeling while you enjoy one of the other recreational opportunities, such as a casino and an indoor pool. Additional features include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge).
Grab a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant, which features a bar, or stay in and take advantage of room service (during limited hours).
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include currency exchange, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference/meeting rooms, small meeting rooms, and a ballroom. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).

domain: travel


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Everyone knows that apples are big business in Washington state. Nearly 60% of the apples grown in the U.S. originate from 168,500 acres of well-cared-for Washington land. Slightly less well known is that 99% of America’s hazelnuts are grown in Oregon. It’s a big business that has grown a lot in recent years.
Hazelnuts are Good for You
According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), Hazelnuts are a great source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins B, E, and K, thiamin, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. But, quite often those nuts are used to create things that are not quite as good for you, like chocolate truffles, tortes, and cakes.
Hazelnuts are also the prime ingredient in Nutella, which is one of the world’s favorite spreads. It’s so popular that a jar of that delicious substance is sold every 2.5 seconds somewhere in the world.
Chances are you have Nutella in your cupboard right now. But the hazelnuts used to fill that jar didn’t come from Oregon. They were likely grown in Turkey, which produces 63% of the world’s hazelnuts. Oregon is in the top five but only accounts for 4% of worldwide production. Other producers include Italy, Georgia (the country), and Azerbaijan (which is just east of Georgia the country).
Meet an Oregon Hazelnut Farmer
Barney Kropf is an assistant farm manager who works on his family’s farm in Harrisburg, Oregon. They grow hazelnuts. Quite a lot of them.
“The soil and weather are kinda perfect for Hazelnuts,” said Kropf about Oregon’s industry. “To grow hazelnuts the soil needs to be good and the weather cannot be too hot or cold. It’s also beneficial to be on the 45th parallel.”
In the Willamette Valley, just as in Turkey and other growing regions, the trees grow quickly. New starts can produce nuts in as little as four years, with full production in a decade. Those nuts can bring in a healthy profit.
According to the Register Guard, the starting minimum price for this fall will be 96.5 cents a pound. That’s down from $1.18 a pound last year, but it’s enough of a return that farmers all over the region are moving quickly to plant their own trees.
“Hazelnut trees don’t ever sleep,” explained Kropf. “That’s another of their benefits for farmers. They’re always doing something. Other trees go dormant in the winter, but hazelnuts start pollinating in January with nuts growing all summer and harvest in the fall.”
Harvesting in a Nutshell
Hazelnuts are harvested mid-autumn. That’s when the trees drop their nuts and leaves. While some growers will start harvesting early in the fall, most wait for the leaves to fall too.
Once all the nuts are on the ground, a sweeper is used to move the nuts into rows. A harvester then lifts and separates the nuts from the debris, such as leaves and twigs. Finally, a nut cart holds the nuts in large boxes for transportation. On the Kropf family farm, boxes are four feet wide, tall, and deep.
“We put 20 of our boxes on a truck and haul them up to our washer,” he explained. “The wash line basically takes out any remaining sticks, rocks, or leaves. We then dry them. Once most of the moisture is out of the nuts, they’re stable and ready to ship.”
The family washes and dries hazelnuts for producers and farmers all over Oregon. As Barney Kropf talks about those growers, it’s easy to tell that he enjoys every minute of his job and cannot imagine doing anything else.
Coastal Carries it All
Whether you harvest hazelnuts, grow alfalfa, or simply enjoy life in the Northwest, you’ll find everything you need, including workwear, footwear, stoves, hunting and fishing gear, and clothing for every occasion. Stop by your nearby Coastal Farm & Ranch today.

domain: food


It is happenining. Mi Note pro is coming today! Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, is holding a press conference in Beijing this morning, introducing Mi Note Pro to the invited press and Mi fans. Mi fans can get hands on Mi Note pro on the site, which is super exciting. The slogan of Mi Note pro goes like "Mi Note pro, the Best Android Smartphone Ever". Click here for more hands-on pictures of Mi Note pro.
Mi Note pro will be available on mi.com on May 12, at the price of RMB 2999, a RMB 300 price cut.
All specs now revealed!
- 3D curved glass on the back, 2.5D curved glass on front
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 64-bit 8-core CPU, Adreno 430 GPU
- AnTuTu score 63,424
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, 64GB eMMC 5.0 flash
- 5.7” 2K (2560x1440) Sharp/JDI display, 515 PPI
- Sunlight Display technology for unparalleled outdoor visibility
- 13MP camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)
- Sony IMX214 CMOS, 6-element f/2.0 lens, Qualcomm 14-bit image processor
- New camera features: flash “suggest”, auto-leveling, DSLR style peak focus indicator, color temperature adjustment
- 4MP front camera with large 2-micron pixels, exceptional low-light performance
- High-capacity 3090mAh battery
- Quick Charge 2.0, 9V 1.2A with two charging modules, 70% charging in 1 hour
- Supports LTE CAT 9 networks, up to 450Mbps download speed
- Hardware-optimized HiFi audio for FLAC playback
Lei Jun: I would like to apologize to all Mi fans for keeping you waiting so long. But he is pretty confident that the wait is worthy. Mi Note, the most epic flagship phone of the year, is euipped with Snapdragon 801 2.5GHz, Adreno 330, 3GB RAM, and comes with a 5.7”Sharp/JDI Full HD display, along with Dual 4G SIM.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, the most expensive and most powerful phone processor ever.
Octa-core 64-bit processor (quad-core A57 + Quad-core A53). Smart your life with ease.
Mi Note GPU: Adreno 430
The best flagship phone built on Snapdragon 810. LPDDR4 is the latest and best RAM standard for mobile phones, 70% faster and 35% more expensive than LPDDR3.
Antutu benchmark of Mi Note pro. Geekbench3 4086, 3D Mark 25503, CFBench 75757, Vellamo 2298.
How do we work on the heating system of Mi Note pro, with a super slim body of 6.95 mm? To solve the heating issue of Snapdragon 810. Our engineers optimized the phone structure to dissipate the heat more evenly. Heat conductivity of CPU has been lifted and 4 graphite cooling fins are inserted inside, one of them being double-layered. Playing games for 20 minutes? The temperature on the back is 36.3℃, lower than that of human body. Xiaomi has applied for 5 heat conductivity patents.
Mi Note display
Mi Note comes with Sharp/JDI tailored 5.7" 2k display, with a resolution of 2560*1440. Xiaomi has applied for 32 patents of display.
Normal screen vs. Sunlight display
Mi Note battery
More power in the battery! 3090mAh it is, 3% more than Mi Note. Quick charge: 70% charged within 1 hour.
Mi Note camera
, with the latest Snapdragon graphic processor. A comparison of normal camera and Mi Note pro.
Auto-balance mode of Mi Note pro, making your selfie more beautiful.
HiFi audio system of Mi Note pro
On the press conference (Please note the following pictures are posted in reverse order.)
A free Mi Headphone to every partner enterprise of Xiaomi.
Bang! A perfect companion to Mi Note pro front camera: Mi Selfie Stick. It is as light as 150g and priced at 49 RMB. Connected to your Mi phone via bluetooth, take more than 10,000 pictures once charged.
Testing sunlight display with Xiaomi LED light
Now it is the high time! Everyone a free tailored Mi Note pro? That is not all. Engraved Mi Power Bank and Mi LED Light are among the gift list too! How awesome is that.
Wanna take a picture of the press conference with Mi Note pro? Give it a shot!
Mi Note pro is wrapped by a black classy package and delievered to every reporter, with their names engraved on it. So special, huh? Once get hands on Mi Note pro, invited media representatives are eager to put aside their own phones and whoohoo, enjoying the best Android phone, presented by Xiaomi.
Mi Note pro presented by Lei Jun. Beautiful?
Xiaomi will always stick to the philisophy of creating best phones. Mi Note pro is a powerful testimony.
Lei Jun introduced the complex manufacturing procedures of Mi Note pro on its 3D curved glass to ensure that every piece is elegant.
Mi Note pro has been quite popular both in China and abroad. Some Mi fans describe Mi Note pro as a piece of fine art, and Doctor Walt Mossberg has given his thumbs up to the phone.
The Mi Note is drop-dead gorgeous, like something I’d expect to see from Apple. The Mi Note is an impressive device. I believe that if it ever went head to head globally with Apple and Samsung, its quality and price would make it a tempting competitor.
According to the analysis from Strategy Analytics and IHS Technology, Xiaomi is now rising as the largest smartphone vendor in China.
2015 Q1 smartphone shipment statistics indicate that Xiaomi has sold out 14 million sets of Mi phones in the last 23 months, ranking the first in marketshare in China.
Lei Jun saying hello to all invited. Are you OK?
Do you want to Mi Note pro in your country? Tell us where you are from.
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Border force officers have detained 21 suspected illegal immigrants who were found on board a container ship that was sailing to the UK from Spain.
The vessel, carrying wind turbine parts, was held off the Norfolk coast before its arrival at Great Yarmouth Port on Wednesday.
Officers identified 21 stowaways on board who all presented as Albanian nationals.
The 19 men and two minors will be “dealt with in line with immigration rules”, according to a Home Office spokesperson.
A spokesman for Peel Ports, which operates the port, said: "We can confirm that stowaways have been identified on board the Rotra Mare heading for the Port of Great Yarmouth.”
Read more from Yahoo News UK:
Border Force was alerted to the vessel in the early hours of Tuesday while it was anchored five miles from the port.
Officers met the ship when it berthed at the port on Wednesday afternoon.
They worked together with Norfolk Police, the Coastguard, the Great Yarmouth Port Harbour Master and the vessel's agent to deal with the discovery.”

domain: news


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Alcohol abuse and exploitation can have severe consequences to one's health. Ignoring these risks can lead to a wide range of diseases that can cause long-term damage to the body and mind. This guide will provide an overview of alcohol-related diseases, their causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatments and prevention methods. We will look at statistics regarding the prevalence of alcohol abuse in various populations, as well as the complications associated with diseases caused by alcohol abuse. Finally, resources for those affected by alcohol abuse will be provided so that they can seek help.
Research has revealed that alcohol use can lead to a range of health issues, including liver disease, heart issues, and problems with mental health. These health issues are commonly seen in people who have a long-term history of heavy drinking or have been experiencing alcohol abuse for a significant period of time.
Liver disease can include a range of conditions, such as cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver. Cirrhosis is a condition where the liver is damaged due to long-term alcohol abuse and can cause fatigue, jaundice, and sometimes death if left untreated. Other liver diseases linked to alcohol abuse include alcoholic hepatitis, which is the inflammation of the liver due to long-term drinking and often results in severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and even death, as well as fatty liver, which is the accumulation of fat in the liver cells and is the most common disease caused by alcohol abuse.
In addition to liver disease, alcohol abuse can also lead to heart disease, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. People who consume alcohol on a regular basis are at an increased risk for developing high blood pressure, as well as heart failure and stroke. Chronic alcohol abuse is also linked to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Types of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
Alcohol abuse can take many different forms, ranging from the occasional bout of binge drinking to more serious patterns of alcohol dependence. Binge drinking is defined as a pattern of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, usually within a few hours.
Someone who drinks heavily on a regular basis may be dependent on alcohol, meaning they experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Alcohol dependence can have serious consequences for a person's health and wellbeing.
The most serious type of alcohol abuse is known as alcoholism. This is an advanced form of dependence in which a person is unable to stop drinking even though it’s causing serious harm to their health, relationships, and everyday life.
Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse can have serious physical and psychological effects on an individual. Some of the most common symptoms associated with alcohol abuse include:
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Cognitive difficulties, such as difficulty remembering, focusing, or making decisions
- Changes in mood, including irritability, depression, or anxiety
- Increased aggression
- Liver disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Weight loss or gain
- Sexual dysfunction
Individuals who engage in long-term alcohol abuse are at greater risk of developing more serious physical or psychological health conditions, such as cirrhosis of the liver or depression. It is important to note that different individuals may experience different symptoms due to their unique histories and underlying health conditions.
Alcohol abuse is a serious issue that affects many people around the world and comes with a number of risks. It’s important to understand the root causes of alcohol abuse in order to prevent it from occurring. In this section, we will explore the possible causes of alcohol abuse and how it can be triggered.
The most common causes of alcohol abuse include genetics, mental health issues, substance abuse, stress, and trauma. Genetic factors such as family history or an underlying genetic condition can put individuals at a higher risk of becoming dependent on alcohol. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can also lead to an increased desire to drink in order to cope with emotions or stress.
Substance abuse is another possible contributing factor to alcohol abuse. If a person is already taking drugs or abusing other substances, their risk of developing an addiction to alcohol increases. Stress and trauma are also known to trigger alcoholism, either as a means of self-medication or as a form of coping mechanism for difficult life events.
It’s important to remember that alcohol abuse is not always caused by an individual’s own choices. External factors such as environmental or societal pressures can also play a role in an individual’s drinking habits. It’s important to be aware of these external influences in order to better prevent and treat alcohol abuse.
There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Age is one of these factors; those under the age of 21 have an increased risk, as do people over 65. Family history also plays a role, with those with a parent or siblings who abuse alcohol having an increased probability of developing an alcohol use disorder themselves.
Gender also contributes to risk, with men being more likely than women to develop alcohol use disorder. Certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can also increase the risk of alcohol abuse. Certain life stressors, such as job loss or divorce, can also be a contributing factor.
Finally, social and environmental factors can contribute to alcohol use disorder, such as living in or among an environment where alcohol abuse is common. Those who do not have a strong support system or who have easy access to alcohol are also more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder.
Treatment and Prevention
Alcohol abuse can be a difficult condition to manage, but there are several options available for those who are looking to treat or prevent it. Depending on the severity of the problem and the individual’s circumstances, different treatment methods may be appropriate.
Therapy and counseling are two common approaches to treating alcohol use disorder. Therapy aims to help the individual identify and address the underlying causes of their drinking, while counseling helps them to develop healthier coping strategies. In cases where someone is physically dependent on alcohol, detoxification may be necessary in order to safely reduce or stop consumption.
In addition to therapy and counseling, various medications can also be prescribed to assist with treatment. Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are among the most commonly used medications for alcohol dependence. These medications help to block the intoxicating effects of alcohol, making it less pleasurable and reducing the desire to drink.
Another possible option is mutual support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups provide social support to people dealing with alcohol problems and allow them to share stories and experiences with others in similar situations. Participating in AA can help an individual strengthen their recovery process and stay motivated.
It is important to recognize that the only sure way to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol abuse is to abstain from drinking. Those with a personal or family history of alcohol problems should be especially cautious and consider seeking professional help if they find themselves facing a drinking problem.
Alcohol abuse can lead to long-term health risks, some of which have been linked to other serious diseases. Excessive consumption of alcohol has been associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including liver disease, heart issues, pancreatitis, cancer, and mental health issues.
The most serious complication of alcohol abuse is cirrhosis of the liver, which occurs when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. As a result, many of the body’s functions become impaired, such as digestion, production of hormones, and elimination of waste. Other serious diseases that can develop from alcohol abuse include stroke, certain types of cancer (such as liver, esophagus, and breast cancer), pancreatitis, and depression. Chronic alcohol misuse can also cause cognitive impairments, including memory lapses, difficulty learning new tasks, and decreased reasoning ability.
It is important to note that alcohol abuse can increase the risk of developing any one of these diseases, however, not everyone who abuses alcohol will experience them. Some populations, such as those with a family history of certain diseases, are more likely to develop an alcohol-related condition compared to others.
Complications of Alcohol-Related Diseases
Alcohol abuse can lead to a number of serious health conditions, each with their own range of complications. Cirrhosis is the most common form of liver disease, and is caused by long-term alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis of the liver can cause severe scarring, and complications such as fluid retention, jaundice, and increased risk of cancer.
Alcohol abuse can also increase the risk of certain types of cancers, including mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer. Cognitive impairment is also a common problem in people with an alcohol use disorder, as drinking heavily over time can damage areas of the brain related to memory, learning, and decision-making.
In addition to these physical complications, people with an alcohol use disorder may experience social and psychological issues. Alcoholism can damage relationships, lead to unemployment, and increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety or depressive disorder.
Alcohol abuse is a serious public health concern that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It has been linked to a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, including liver disease, heart issues, and mental health problems. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, around 14.4 million adults over the age of 18 had an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additionally, an estimated 88,000 people die each year due to alcohol-related causes.
It is important to become aware of the risks of alcohol abuse to protect oneself and others. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, seek help from a medical or mental health professional. There are many resources available to provide support and assistance.
Alcohol abuse is a serious issue, with a plethora of potential health risks. It can lead to liver disease, heart problems, mental health issues, and other diseases. In order to prevent alcohol abuse and its associated health risks, it’s important to understand the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with it. Alcohol abuse can also lead to complications such as cirrhosis, cancer, and cognitive impairment.
Ultimately, if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, there is help out there. Seeking treatment as soon as possible can greatly reduce the risk of long-term health complications and provide a person with the opportunity to live an alcohol-free life. By understanding the risks of alcohol abuse and intervening when necessary, we can help to protect our loved ones as well as ourselves.
Finding a resource for help with alcohol abuse can be overwhelming and intimidating. Fortunately, there are many resources available for those affected by alcohol abuse.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides free assistance through their National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). This helpline is available 24/7 and offers confidential referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a nonprofit organization that provides meetings and support groups for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. These meetings offer a safe and nonjudgmental space to discuss struggles and successes on the recovery journey.
Rehabs.com is a great resource for finding treatment centers around the country. Their website provides comprehensive information on various types of treatments available, cost estimates, and ratings for different facilities.
For those seeking additional support, online communities such as Alcoholics Anonymous Online or Moderation Management can be invaluable. These digital support groups provide an avenue to connect with others who have faced similar struggles and can offer understanding and advice.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, it is important to seek out professional help. There are a variety of resources available, from online support groups to inpatient rehabilitation programs, that can provide the support and guidance needed to begin the process of recovery.

domain: medical


British American Tobacco Zimbabwe (BAT) has recorded a total revenue of US$16.7 million for half year ended 30 June 2017 representing a 0.5% reduction from the comparative period in 2016.
According to the company chairman, Lovemore Mutasa, operating profit increased by 27 percent to US$4.6 million with basic earnings per share going up by 22 percent from US$0.18 to US$0.22 per share.
“Total sales volumes grew by 0.2% spurred by the growth of the low priced segment brand Ascot resulting from increased down trading by consumers driven by affordability challenges.
“Conversely, sales volumes for Dunhill, the company’s premium brand declined moderately compared to the same period in 2016,” says Mutasa.
He added that selling and marketing costs increased compared to the same period last year due to a change in the company’s route to market structure and increased investment behind the company’s brands.
“Selling and Marketing costs increased by US$0.2 million compared to the same period last year due to a change in the company’s route to market structure and increased investment behind the company’s brands.
“Administrative expenses went down by US$1.9 million compared to the same period last year, largely attributable to non recurring costs associated with a staff rationalization exercise carried out in 2016, said Mutasa.
He further noted that company earnings per share increased by 22% to US$0.22 from US$0.18.
“The company’s earnings per share increased by 22% to US$0.22 from US$0.18 generated in the same period last year.
“Cash generated from operations increased by 23% to US$9.9 million against US$8.0 million achieved in the same period last year.
“The increase was mainly driven by increased profitability, improved collections, delays in payments to foreign suppliers and a decrease on stock holdings,” noted Mutasa.


PictureTalks: Nik Antonio
In this series we will be reaching out to professional photographers to get insight into their practice. This week we reached out to Nik Antonio, a photographer, artist and filmmaker on his experience as a freelance photographer in Scotland and around the world.
What’s the first picture you remember taking?
I’m not really sure what the first picture I took is. I didn’t start getting serious about photography until high school and even then, I didn’t take any photos that meant anything until university. I used to take a lot of portraits so my first photo was probably a really bad portrait of one of my friends or cousins.
Do you only shoot analog? Is it more difficult to get commissions from clients when you’re working with film?
I shoot mostly film. Maybe like 99% of my photos are film but there are those few situations when the client needs the photos the same day which you can’t do with film. I think I’ve taken maybe 4 digital photos this entire year though. I get commissioned by a lot of my clients because I shoot film so I don’t think it’s too difficult being an analog creator. There’s a huge push for antique, and vintage feeling work right now in fashion and art and culture in general so a lot more people love it when you pull out a huge film camera. There are a few jobs I’ve turned down because they didn’t like that I wanted to shoot film but that doesn’t happen a lot.
When did you decide photography is what you want to pursue full-time?
I still haven’t really decided photography is what I want to pursue full-time. At least not only photography. I’ll never stop taking photos. Many times when I’m asked what I do, I simply say I’m a “photo enthusiast” or an artist because I don’t know what it means to just be a photographer. Right now, it is my main medium of art but I also design, curate, draw. Many photographers are more than just photographers now. I think I didn’t get serious about photography as a career until my last year of university. I was doing jobs much before then but simply because I was good at what I was doing. While living in Berlin, I began only shooting film and making work that actually mattered to me. After moving back to New York from Berlin, the imagery I was making began being received by both commercial and art groups and I knew I could do something I love and still make somewhat of a living.
What’s the most difficult part of this job?
I’m a freelancer so I never know when I’m going to get work or how long waves can last. There isn’t consistent pay and when you do work, you don’t always get paid right away. The most difficult thing about being a freelance artist is dealing with inconsistency in life. Sometimes you’re loaded for while and sometimes you have a few maxed out credit cards and an overdrawn bank account but I still choose the stress of working for myself over working for someone else everyday for not that much money.
You studied in New York but then lived in Scotland for a while - as a photographer, was it difficult to find yourself in this new environment?
I travel more than the average person so I didn’t think it would be as difficult as it turned out to be. Scotland isn’t for everyone and I learned that the hard way. I absolutely loved living in Glasgow at first but the change of pace and gloomy skies everyday really got to me. I’ve worked in London, Berlin, New York, and other cities and had no problem at all but something about Scotland just didn’t work for me. I created some of my favorite personal work while living in Scotland but for commercial work, I couldn’t find much to do. There were less available facilities and equipment was harder to come by for me but I made it work. Photographers just need to find the right fit for their communities and figure out where works for shorter and longer lengths of time.
What’s the most recent project you’ve been working on?
I’m currently working on a short film on depression and anxiety. I see it as a “part two” to my Tale of “i” project, using the idea of staged (fictional) photography showing non-fiction emotions and situations. I’m using more than just my own story this time, creating a character using a number of different viewpoints to tell a story. I am also continuing my nüd series both in photo and video.
You are also a curator - would you say curating other people’s art influences your own practice?
I think as an artist, everything you see influences you inevitably. I wouldn’t say the art I see helps me create my work but simply seeing art makes you a better artist. The more you know, the better you can create. I have a style that I tend to be more drawn to that many times doesn’t fit my own works aesthetic but shares underlying ideas such as sexuality, race, and emotions.
According to you, what makes a ‘good’ photograph?
Any photography that makes you feel something or evokes a response is a good photograph. Sometimes, a technically bad photograph is better than a super well composed photograph because at least you remember how bad it looked.
Would you say self-portraits are an important part of your practice?
Self portraiture is important to me but I wouldn’t say it’s important to my practice. I started taking self portraits as a way to confront my self-esteem issues but would never show anyone those photos. I started using self-portraiture in my own work when working on the Tale of “i” series with my partner at the time. For that project, I felt that I was the only one who could be the character I was trying to portray. When photographing yourself, you learn how to better direct others but also, you learn a lot more about yourself and your abilities as a photographer. You learn a lot more about posing, lighting on the body, and what looks good in general. It also gives you the ability to work at anytime and not rely on others schedules. Taking photos of yourself tends to be harder because you’re your biggest critic. Self-portraiture helped me but many photographers don’t take photos of themselves and still know how to create a beautiful image.
I have picked a few of my favorite photos from your portfolio. Would you mind describing these?
This photo was from a collaborative project highlighting my friends in Philadelphia. Many of my friends who live in Philly are musicians who needed visual content and commissioned me to do whatever I wanted. In this photo, I wanted to use color and placement to tell a story (kind of like a painting). I figured making the house a reddish-peachy color contrasting with the blue, cloudy skies with yellow pops of color throughout the photo would be an interesting composition.
In my nude work, I tend to create de-sexualised nude imagery defining the body through either movement or angles. I was drawn to how the light in my room every morning fell softly with hard lines and wanted to place the body in a similar way. Many times, I work with people who have never modeled before or never done nude before to get a slight tension in the photo while still being comfortable and calm.
I created this photo as a part of my Tale of “i” series. I shot this self-portrait (with assistance) while in Prague at an airbnb my friends were occupying. I wanted to visually describe the separation between me and my boyfriend doing a long distance relationship at the time.
Interview by Ania Juszczyk
All pictures by Nik Antonio https://www.nikantonio.com/