text:
Too many residents of the 14th Congressional District are paying the price for federal limits on state and local tax reductions, according to the district’s congresswoman.
Lauren Underwood said because of that, she and her fellow freshman Illinois Democratic U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (6th District) have proposed increasing the tax deductions by another $5,000.
“Many (income tax) filers in the 14th District got a rude awakening,” Underwood said at a town hall meeting Saturday (April 13) at Yorkville Middle School. “The Republican tax law that was approved in the last Congress capped SALT (state and local tax) deductions this year. The 14th District is among the top districts in the country for filers itemizing to fully deduct local and state taxes.”
The SALT deductions, which had been unlimited, were capped at $10,000 for this year. Underwood said that the average resident of the 14th District deducted $13,000 in SALT payments last year.
While legislation has been presented to again return to no cap on SALT deductions, Underwood and Casten have presented legislation that would raise the SALT cap on federal income tax to $15,000.
She said that would be beneficial for 93-95 percent of residents in her district.
The Naperville Democrat said that going back to no SALT cap would be too beneficial to the top 1 percent of Americans, people who ought to pay more in taxes.
“Our solution puts middle-class families first,” Underwood said.
Underwood noted that Saturday was her 100th day in office.
“I’ve learned a lot and seen a lot,” she said.
The freshman congresswoman said she is happy to be serving on Education and Labor, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs committees.
“From Day 1, health care has been a focus, protecting people with pre-existing conditions,” Underwood said of her health care work, which falls under the Education and Labor Committee.
She noted that the U.S. House has had to defend the state of Texas’ lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act because the Trump administration will not.
“The House is the only federal body that will represent the government,” Underwood said. “We need to protect people with pre-existing conditions and the ability to keep kids on your insurance.”
She was proud to say the first bill she presented was to stifle junk health care plans.
“These plans are offered and they don’t have to cover pre-existing conditions, they don’t have to provide maternity services,” the nurse said. “A lot of people buy these policies thinking they have coverage for certain things when, in fact, they don’t.”
Underwood got mixed reviews from constituents during her first town hall.
“I’m really disappointed,” Joe Stupek of Aurora. “The government is on fire. The Republicans aren’t being blamed for starting the fire, but Democrats are to blame for not putting it out.”
Retired Air Force veteran Norma Garza of Yorkville, who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan, said she was thankful that Underwood came to the far west suburb to talk with residents.
“Thank you for being here,” Garza said. “I am excited you came. Thank you for coming out here.”
Upcoming town hall meetings with U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-14th) are:
May 4: 2-3 p.m. at River Trail School, 333 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee.
May 5: 2-3 p.m. at Plainfield Village Hall, 2441 Lockport St.

domain: politics


china mineral ore rock mini stone jaw crusher for mining find details about china small jaw crusher stone crushing machine from mineral ore rock mini stone our main products are jaw crusherimpact crushercone crusherhammer machine leadtime is 7 working days in standard specification 15~20 working
truck dumping ore into a primary gyratory crusher . jaw crushers are designed to impart an impact on a rock particle placed between a these are commonly used as primary crushers in the mineral industry. these dimensions vary as individual manufacturers have their own specifications and their catalogues are a
a crusher is a machine designed to reduce large rocks into smaller rocks gravel or rock dust. 3.4.1 horizontal shaft impactor (hsi) / hammermill; 3.4.2 vertical shaft throughout most of industrial history the greater part of crushing and mining use in bulk mining in the mid nineteenth century most initial ore crushing
the mobile crusher is flexible in configuration and is mostly used for construction waste crushing. in mining industry with the development of stone and ore
17 jun 2018 33. crushing of ore and minerals technical data impact crusher np series . major process equipment components of iron ore pellet plant
27 apr 2015 home made impact mill rock crusher for gold ore. this homemade crusher is one piece of mining equipment i use in gold prospecting.
most mined materials from hard rock ores to solid fuel minerals such as coal oil shale secondary and tertiary stages of crushing by equipment that utilizes impact consumers to verify the product they received meets their specifications.
after 20 years of self driving in underground mines we put our autonomous loader to the visit our technical specification center our stationary crushers and screens include jaw crushers cone crushers impact crushers roll crushers whether you're developing a decline drilling to break up ore or installing rock
19 nov 2015 in this video we crush and concentrate the gold ore through our 1 ton per hour turn key processin gold mining germany11 months ago. nice plant you got also i sent you an e mail requesting your price list and specs.


Julia Lopez’s political career began with her strutting along Downing Street with ‘secret’ papers. Eager photographers who’d been tipped off, zoomed in, making her front page news. Her reward was Hornchurch and Upminster. She’s held it since 2017.
Julia joined the extremist European Research Group (ERG) in parliament. This ideological group had an ‘all or nothing’ view of Brexit. In pursuit of their goals they wrecked Theresa May’s career and Johnson succeeded her. He won in December, 2019 with the slogan Get Brexit Done. Regardless of this, Johnson doesn’t have a Brexit implementation plan and negotiations have stalled. Unless Julia is a True Believer in the ERG view of Brexit, she may be dismayed by this outcome.
Julia became a minister in 2020 and in a Brexit related speech said Britain had a“bright future.” She explained how stalled negotiations would lead to her desired ‘No Deal’.
“As the Prime Minister has set out, there needs to be an agreement with the EU by the time of the European Council meeting on 15 October in order for it to be in force before the end of the transition period on 31 December. By then, if there is no agreement, there will not be a free trade agreement.”** (my emphasis)
(Her statement is ministerial hogwash as negotiations continue as of 14th November, 2020).
Julia’s political career began with brazen opportunism. She’s progressed from destroying Theresa May’s career to ministerial office. Now she’s faced by the 1st January, 2021 cliff edge, where there will, according to Julia, be a “bright future.” Let’s hope her careerism isn’t paid for by the people of Hornchurch and Upminster in higher food prices and delayed medicines.
* For Julia Dockerill’s (Lopez) ‘accidental-on-purpose’ revelations see https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3979302/No-single-market-Norway-style-deal-Extraordinary-blunder-Downing-Street-FINALLY-gives-glimpse-government-s-Brexit-tactics.html
** Parliamentary speech 5th October 2020
Relevant blogs from the archive


Published: February 2, 2022
A new Bloomberg report says that the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are looking for a replacement for ID.me after privacy concerns with the agency.
Alexandra LaMann a, a spokesperson for the IRS, said that they’re always looking for ways to make the filing process more secure since they believe in protecting taxpayers’ privacy.
LaManna pointed out that taxpayers don’t have to file taxes online if they have safety concerns. She added that the IRS doesn’t plan on establishing their own software for this purpose because of the lack of funding.
IRS first mentioned ID.me last year when they announced they’d require people who file taxes online to identify with facial recognition. As people file taxes online, they have to submit a video of themselves to confirm their identity.
The IRS still hasn’t rolled out this program. It is expected to happen in the summer. But, the government already uses ID.me to verify people for Veterans Affairs and Social Security benefits.
However, some people who used the software claimed that they were denied benefits or put on hold because of problems with the software.
At first, ID.me said they match a user’s face with images of the same face, but it later became apparent that they match faces against a larger database. CEO Blake Hall admitted that this is true.
It made security concerns higher, and many politicians, civil rights advocates, digital rights advocates, and regular citizens spoke out against the use of the software.


California’s foreclosure process legitimizes the large-scale extraction of billions of dollars of wealth from low-income communities. When a homeowner can’t pay back their mortgage loan, the lender often sells the property at an auction, takes back the loan’s remaining balance, and the homeowner receives any surplus funds from the sale. As properties at auction sell for far below value, the defaulted homeowner often loses tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of accrued home equity.
This bill requires nursing homes to spend at least 85 percent of their revenues on the direct care of residents. This ensures the billions of dollars we pay to nursing homes as taxpayers is actually spent on the residents and not to pad the profits of already very rich owners. Status: In Senate. From committee chair, with author’s amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee.


text:
It's always a good idea to get a prescription or medicine from a doctor. What is the best way to avoid heart Kalemie dapoxetine tablets price in india attacks in the future? In the past five decades, its abundance level has increased dramatically, which is mainly attributed to its use as a fertilizer and to the increasing demand for its applications in the field of ceramics, ceramics engineering, and food additives.
I have been having an awful time trying to come up with a way to deal with depression. It works by blocking the effects of the pain signal to the brain, https://dentistpune.co.in/aboutus/ thereby reducing the severity of pain. When the first drugs that the brand priligy brought to market were released on the market in 2002, the first person that had to take the drugs, that was the brand, because the drugs were very expensive for the person that had to take it.
I live in the u.k., but for years i heard about prescription pills from my american friends, and i was terrified when i heard the word: drug. Provigil has been zoloft without insurance aguishly widely used in the scientific community for many years. Most drug companies have long used their influence to lobby against laws that would limit the power of the pharmaceutical industry or remove protections for consumers.

domain: medical


Atomic Heart, the upcoming video game by Mundfish is turning heads by standing out in a spectacular way. The game developer continues to release gameplay footage and every second of video they offer to the world, anticipation for Atomic Heart skyrockets.
It’s based in a alternate timeline where the technological revolution took place in the thick of the Soviet Union. Creepy doesn’t do gameplay of Atomic Heart justice. Coming to Steam, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, Atomic Heart is ready to make gamers think about, and question reality.
Atomic Heart Latest Gameplay Trailer
At first glance, it’s clear Atomic Heart is cut from a different cloth. Weird creatures, floating masses of translucent goo, little round robots and absolutely breathtaking visuals all capped off with intense combat. Gamers play as a Soviet KGB officer, tasked with inspecting “facility 3826”. Exploring both aboveground and belowground, Atomic Hearts worlds are separated into different biomes. From the information on Mundfishs’ website, it seems as though combat will be split into two classifications depending on these biomes. Ordinary regions focus on melee weaponry and, what Mundfish classifies as PVP regions wont “limit the use of firearms.”
Robots will be found around every corner of this odd and uncomfortable world. In Soviet Russia, robots were a way of life. All of these machines were manufactured in “the Factory” and were designed to serve the needs of the state or help its citizens. Every one of these robots was given a combat program which is activated in time of war. These are all the threats players will be facing as they explore this upside down timeline.
The Beta is expected to arrive in Q4 of 2019. As of now, there is no official release date but pre-orders are available to purchase on the Mundfish website. With its Bioshock-esk feel and unique take on a post-apocalyptic landscape, Atomic Heart is near the top of the Gigamax Games must-play list. Be sure to stick around as more news breaks surrounding this interesting new project by Mundfish begins to surface.
City of Brass, the rogue-like adventure created by Bioshock veterans is now coming to the Nintendo Switch. This February 8th, Switch gamers will have the opportunity to enjoy this treasure filled journey on the portable console. Uppercut Games announced in a press release that the Switch version will launch with much of the newly developed content added since its release on May 4th, 2018.
City of Brass PC and PlayStation 4 Gameplay
Immediately upon release, Switch gamers will be able to get started unlocking the three new characters; the knife-fighting Brigand, spear-wielding Soldier, and lumbering Hellion genie. The original Fool and Traveler duo will also be available for new adventurers just starting out.
Along with the characters, all the new relics, weapons, enemies, and bug improvements are included in the Switch version as well. The move to bring the game to the Switch has fans excited about having the ability to bring City of Brass on the go (in bed, bathroom, or anywhere else).
It's a Shiny World Out There
Uppercut Games developed an exquisite world filled with mystery, action, and treasure. The procedurally-generated environments ensure every attempt to escape the cursed City of Brass with as much gold in players pockets as possible feels fresh and different . All the characters and items players can find add so much to create individual and unique experiences. Collecting treasure, finding creative ways to avoid or slay enemies, experimenting with all the modifiers, and working through each level is absolutely addicting.
Now that City of Brass is going to be available on Switch, the audience for Uppercut Games creation is only expected to grow. Nintendo Switch has had incredible success with indie games and City of Brass is a perfect fit for this versatile console. If the game performs like many of the other indie games to find glowing success on the Switch, it could encourage the developer to pour even more resources into the game. Only time will tell if Uppercut Games will keep adding to this exhilarating treasure-hunting roguelike but adding a Switch release is a promising development.
The Gigamax Games crew are big fans of City of Brass. There is sure to be even more gameplay available to see how the game stacks up against the PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 versions. With its upcoming release on the Nintendo Switch, be sure to keep checking back on GigamaxGames.com for the latest on Uppercut Games.
The Game Awards, Game of the Year 2018 announcement has come and went. Some of the awards handed out were expected, others caught the gaming community by surprise. 2018 brought the world unforgettable video game experiences. With such a spectacular selection to choose from, it’s only natural there were some surprise winners.
Out of the 23 categories, seven awards stood out. People might tune in to The Game Awards to see which game takes home Game of the Year, but there are 22 other categories that hold incredible significance as well.
Below is a list of the seven awards that caught the world by surprise at this years Game Awards.
Best Art Direction
Return of Obra Dinn by 3909 was awarded Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2018. Facing stiff competition, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, God of War, Octopath Traveler, and Red Dead Redemption 2, it is a miracle this little indie game rose above them all. This puzzle game with its unique black and white sketched art style was able to beat out games that cost millions, even hundreds of millions to develop and produce. This surprising win at The Game Awards 2018 is just a reminder that even small projects can have a massive impact on the video game industry.
Roger Clark as Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 put on a spectacular performance. However, the surprise is the performances Clark was able to outshine. Bryan Dechart as Connor in Detroit: Become Human, Christopher Judge as Kratos in God of War, Melissanthi Mahut as Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Yuri Lowenthal as Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spider-Man all put on performances that will stay with gamers for years to come. Each one of these talented voice actors had a chance to take home Best Performance at The Game Awards but Clark and his interpretation of Arthur Morgan was given the honor.
Best Action Game
Leaving jaws on the floor, this category winner was unexpected to say the least. Dead Cells by Motion Twin beat out Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Destiny 2, Far Cry 5. And Mega Man 11 for Best Action Game. Dead Cells is an amazing game but this side-scrolling roguelike-metroidvania video game taking home Best Action Game is the embodiment of a surprise win. Its Google card doesn't even categorize the game as an action game and it still won Best Action Game. This isn’t just a surprising win, it must have also been a massive hit for Treyarch, Bungie, and Ubisoft Montreal to lose to such an underdog.
Best Role Playing Game
Monster Hunter: World was awarded Best Role Playing Game of 2018. Up against some stiff competition, this grind-fest of a game rose above all others. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, Octopath Traveler, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire just didn’t have what it takes to beat it out Capcoms latest creation. Among the nominees for Best Role Playing Games, Monster Hunter: World is the least obvious RPG. Focused on gearing up by killing giant monsters, the story is usually only a means to open up new monsters to slay. Monster Hunter: World did stand out when compared to previous Monster Hunter titles. It offered gamers the most engrossing and RPG-like story that those that came before it.
Best Family Game
If anyone put money on who would win Best Family Game, this announcement may have cost them. Overcooked 2 took home the prize, beating out games like Mario Tennis Aces, Nintendo Labo, Starlink: Battle for Atlas and most surprisingly Super Mario Party. Gaming is for everybody and the entire the family can get involved. When looking for a video game that everyone can enjoy, Overcooked 2 might be the best choice according to The Game Awards.
Forza Horizon 4 by Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and Microsoft Studios scooped up Best Sports/Racing Game at The Game Awards 2018. Not even the massively popular FIFA 19 was able to strip the crown from Forza Horizon 4. The racing game also stood up against massive hits like Mario Tennis Aces, NBA 2K19, and Pro Evolution Soccer 2019.
Game of the Year 2018
God of War deserved this award. That opinion still doesn’t make it any less surprising it surpassed Red Dead Redemption 2 or Marvel’s Spider-Man. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Celeste, and Monster Hunter: World were also nominated but these games were clearly going to be overshadowed. God of War was able to leave such an impression on gamers, the community, and the industry that even its early year release in April didn’t hold it back. Red Dead Redemption 2 dropped only weeks before The Game Awards but God of War was still tattooed in the brains of those who first played it over seven months ago.
Every game that was nominated at this years Game Awards deserved recognition. It was especially pleasing to see indie games once again break barriers. The list above isn’t here to say these games didn’t deserve the win, it represents games that were able to break the mold and overtake any “obvious” winners. It goes to show that gamers are an enigma. There is no sure winner when art is judged, especially in the video game industry.
Destiny 2's latest expansion, Forsaken, on Xbox One, PS4, and PC failed to meet Activision's sales expectations and the DLC's ability to re-energize the franchise. This report comes from the most recent Blizzard-Activision earnings call.
"While forsaken is a high-quality expansion with strong engagement and new modes of play, it did not achieve our commercial expectations," Activision Publishing boss Coddy Johnson said during the earnings call. "And there is still work to do to fully re-engage the core Destiny fanbase." (https://bit.ly/2DaAMdt)
The images we've chosen for the article do not reflect our view of the situation...
Johnson also mentioned during the call that Activision plans on improving the pace of innovation and cadence of in-game content in Destiny 2. The company wants to create new ways for players to engage further with the game and purchase more in-game currency via microtransactions. This statement doesn't only reflect Destiny 2, but all of Activision's current franchises.
According to the company, those that are currently playing Destiny 2: Forsaken are deeply engaged with the content. However, Activision is starting to shift their focus on drawing in old players and bringing in a new audience. This is clearly evident with Activision's recent decision to make vanilla Destiny 2 free on PC for a limited time.
"We have not yet seen the full core re-engage in Destiny, which has kind of led to the underperformance against expectations to date," Johnson said. "Some players we think are still in 'wait and see' mode. If you're in, you're deeply engaged. If you're not, we're hoping now's the time to bring players back in and win them back." (https://bit.ly/2DaAMdt)
nope definitely not...
Despite not reaching sales goals, monthly active users for Destiny 2 grew quarter over quarter and year over year for the period that ended on September 30th. Activision attributes the increased player figures to the release of Forsaken at the beginning of September.
The next big update to Destiny 2 comes in the form of the Black Armory expansion in December, which hopefully will take the games sales numbers a little closer to their projections. We here at Gigamax Games are big fans of the Destiny franchise so be sure to check back at GigamaxGames.com for all the latest details.
Australia has incredibly strict censorship laws, especially when it comes to video games. We Happy Few was the most recent video game to face the Australian Classification Board (ACB). This game was at risk of becoming unavailable to Australian audiences when it's released on August 10th, 2018.
The ACB released a statement last week announcing that they would reconsider their initial ruling of completely banning the game. News broke yesterday (7/3/18) that We Happy Few would receive an R18+ rating instead of being completely banned from the country. This all comes after their decision in May where the ACB said the game incentivized drug use. A made-up drug called “Joy” is a primary plot point in the game and that was considered to cross a line.
“A three-member panel of the Classification Review Board has unanimously determined that the computer game We Happy Few is classified R18+ (Restricted) with the consumer advice Fantasy violence and interactive drug use,” read the official statement from the Classification Review Board.
History of Australia’s Video Game Censorship
Banning video games in Australia was a much more common occurrence before 2011. Before then, Australia could only rate video games up to MA15+ (similar to T in the United States). R18+ was reserved only for film, and video games with similar content would be completely banned from the country as the appropriate classification wasn’t available. In July and August of 2011, the Australian Attorneys-General finally opened up the R18+ rating for video games as well.
Some Games Banned In Australia Over The Past 10 Years
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
MeiQ: Labyrinth of Death
Omega Labyrinth Z
Saints Row IV
State of Decay
Shellshock 2: Blood Trails
Silent Hill: Homecoming
South Park: The Stick of Truth
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Valkyrie Drive: Bhikkhuni
A Close Call for We Happy Few
We Happy Few almost made it on this list above before the ACB came to their senses and awarded this video game an R18+ rating. Australia takes its censorship extremely seriously. There have been many games like the massively popular Left 4 Dead 2 that were initially banned from the country, but only after a highly edited version of the original game was it made available.
Since the R18+ rating began covering video games, Australian audiences have been granted access to some of the most popular titles on the global market. This was arguably the most important development in the Australian video game industry in the past 10 years. Especially now, as video games become more realistic, there's no telling which hits would have never made it to the massive island country.
Gigamax Games played the alpha of We Happy Few before the substantial updates the game received over the past year. This interesting universe was a colorful world filled with mystery and imagination. Gamers in Australia would have missed out on a potentially incredible adventure if the R18+ rating still didn’t cover video games.
Watch Gameplay of We Happy Few Early In Its Development
The studio behind the hit action game, Bayonetta, teased a new game in the same genre they perfected. PlatinumGames, also behind the canceled Xbox One game Scalebound, revealed their plan at the Bitsummit event when Platinum boss, Atsushi Inaba announced that the company has a number of new projects in the works. These games include Bayonetta 3 and something never before seen in the action genre.
According to the video game publication DualShockers, Inaba teased that the game would "turn the action genre on its head." Although, it sounds as if the game is still early in the development process as only a certain group of people are even aware of its existence at PlatinumGames.
Platinum is also behind the cult classic Metal Gear: Revengeance and the recent hit Nier: Automata. On top of Bayonetta 3 and this mysterious game, the company is co-developing Lost Order and Granblue Fantasy Project Re: Link for both mobile and PlayStation 4.
This Is Only The Beginning
Inaba also said that back in January that PlatinumGames was already in the beginning stages of developing new games. "We've pretty much opened the company up to 'Anybody can pitch a game,' and so over the last year we've gotten about 70 design documents from different people," Inaba said. "So [2017 was] about us basically diluting which stuff we wanted to focus on and not focus on, and drilling down to the point where we now have two designs that we're genuinely focused on." (https://bit.ly/2IDNyEt)
The studio head told fans to expect the next couple of titles to have a mid-range budget. "We can't put together a AAA, $10 million-plus game, because we just don't have that sort of cash as an independent developer. However, we don't plan to go the indies route with just a few people on a team making a game, so it'll be somewhere in the middle, looking at probably about 20 people on the staff making the game, so that'll still be a healthy [size]." (https://bit.ly/2IDNyEt)
PlatinumGames is certainly a trustworthy studio that specializes in making games that break the mold, not only in terms of gameplay but story as well. It'll be exciting to see what revolutionary ideas the studio will explore next and Gigamax Games will be sure to report the latest details when this new game is revealed.
Dungeons & Dragons Creator's Unpublished Work Will See New Life as Video Games
Gary Gygax, co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons may be gone but the Gygax family is ready to bring his legendary game back to life. It’s been 10 years since Gary Gygax's death but his family and youngest son, Alex Gygax are taking the first steps to bring a new generation into the world Dungeons & Dragons. Bankrolled by the Gaygax Trust, the Gygax family wants to take Gary’s unpublished works and turn them into video games.
"D&D: Curse of Strahd"
The Trust recently announced a new partnership with the crowdfunding and investment website Fig. The goal is to work together and start a global search for video game developers that will capture Gary Gygax spirit and carry his legacy on to a new generation of gamers.
In order for all this to happen, the Gygax Trust had to bring back Gygax Games and named Alex Gygax as CEO. Alex seems like the right fit to take the position. Gaming since he could walk and talk, both digitally and tabletop, he has a passion for his fathers work.
There is an open call to developers who want to propose content or ideas. Anyone interested can send reach out through email@example.com and they’ll be reviewed by Figs green-light committee and Alex Gygax.
A Young Adventure Sets Off On A Quest
“My first D&D adventure I’d say was when I was four or five years old, running a solo campaign with my father on his work breaks. So I was playing D&D before I knew what any of that was,” said Alex in an interview with Polygon. He continued to explain, “I’ve played everything from Xbox games to computer games, board games, over at my brother’s house or Magic: The Gathering events at the local game store.” https://bit.ly/2qGl9m5
Alex has been working in his hometown in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin as one of the lead bartenders of a local pub. Now he and the Gygax Trust believe he is ready to take his fathers' masterpiece and bring it into the modern world. His job will be to ensure that any future projects based off of Gary Gygax’s unpublished works retain the spirit of the legendary adventurer and storyteller.
The Trust is currently working on cataloging handwritten materials from Gary’s personal effects which are known to have played a large role in the creation of Dungeons & Dragons. He even said Gygax Games will be using Gary’s personal D&D campaign that was never released to the public.
Gayax Games and Fig have now entered into a licensing agreement according to Fig CEO Justin Bailey. The goal of the agreement is to locate the right developers to pair with the project. Fig’s platform will be utilized to run crowdfunding campaigns to fund the production of the games.
“It's a good opportunity to get some games produced and work with gamers and still be able to have some direction of where some things go,” Alex said, “making sure the spirit, the essence, of Dungeons & Dragons and the RPG Realm is kept in mind.” https://bit.ly/2qEsHWE
Gail Gygax, Gary’s wife has seen first hand the development of her husband’s IP for computer games. They have worked with numerous companies over the years and some even produced incredible games but as she says, “the developers could never quite achieve the vision Gary had laid out,” https://bit.ly/2qEsHWE. Now with the partnership with Fig, the family trusts that they will be able to find the right developers and work with capable enough technology to explore and produce Gary Gygax’s imaginative stories with the depth it deserves.
Any fan of Dungeons & Dragons may be a little rattled that this news is catching so much attention. It isn’t the first time Dungeons & Dragons games have been released. However, there is something a little different about this announcement. Gygax Games partnership with Fig isn’t the only unique factor, either. Reading the words from Gary’s son, Alex, it is hard not to feel his passion. The worlds his father created brought so much enjoyment to millions. Alex even had the chance to enjoy those stories and adventures with the creator, his very own father.
Where Will The Path Lead?
Now Alex is ready to help ensure his father's work makes it to this new medium while retaining that special something that made Dungeons & Dragons such a spectacular experience. It’ll be exciting to see what direction the new D&D video games take. There’s no telling how the adventure will play out or what kind of commercial success it will see. Only time will tell what comes of these new D&D games but be sure to check back on GigamaxGames.com as the crew continues to follow this story closely.
The French game publisher Ubisoft, well known for games like the Assassin’s Creed franchise and the massively popular shooter, Rainbow Six Siege fends off a hostile takeover from Vivendi, integrated content, media, and communications group. Ubisoft and fans are celebrating while Vivendi is forced to address the strategic step back as they pledged to make video games a key pillar of their business.
Vivendi’s two-year battle against the founders of Ubisoft comes to a close. The media group announced they’re willing to sell its 27.3% stake in the in the French video game publisher. Worth over $2.4 billion, Ubisoft made a call to long-time shareholders and new partners to help the publisher buy back the stocks. However, with an initial investment of 750 million Euros (around $919 million US), Vivendi walked away with a massive profit.
Ubisoft Breathes a Sigh of Relief
“The evolution in our shareholding is great news for Ubisoft,” said Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. “It was made possible thanks to the outstanding execution of our strategy and the decisive support of Ubisoft talents, players, and shareholders. I would like to warmly thank them all. The investment from new long-term shareholders in Ubisoft demonstrates their trust in our future value creation potential.” http://bit.ly/2ps0QJo
Even though Ubisoft is a butt of a lot of jokes throughout the gaming community, they have progressed in an amazing way. Constantly restructuring and making a point to address community feedback has taken them to new heights.
New Friends and Money
This decision to end the hostile takeover actually opened up even more opportunities for the publisher. Tencent, Chinese internet conglomerate is one of the major new parties who is helping Ubisoft out of the massive financial void Vivendi left behind. Tencent is well known for their work on major titles including League of Legends, Fortnite, PUBG, and Clash of Clans. They also recently spearheaded the release of the mobile PUBG game that released in China and holds a 48% stake in Epic Games.
“The new strategic partnership agreement we signed [with Tencent] will enable Ubisoft to accelerate its development in China in the coming years and fully leverage a market with great potential,” Guillemot stated. http://bit.ly/2ps0QJo
The decision to align with such a prominent Chinese internet conglomerate has the potential to open entirely new markets for Ubisoft. Western games have a difficult time reaching the massive Chinese audience because of their strict standards. Having a partner that has experience with bringing western games to the Chinese market could be a huge win for the French publisher.
This is sure not to be the end of the big news coming out of Ubisoft. With their new strategic partnership, there’s no telling what’s next for this extremely successful gaming company. The Gigamax Games crew is excited to see Ubisoft stand their ground. The path the publisher has been on in recent years has gamers of all kinds excited about a future where Ubisoft has the final say about the content they release.
Brigitte Shield Charges to Overwatch on March 20th
The 27th Overwatch hero, Brigitte is heading to all platforms including PS4, Xbox One, and PC on March 20th. Blizzard announced this exciting news today (3/15/18) on Twitter along with an announcement post on their blog. Players that own a PC and want to try her right now, she is currently available on the Public Test Realm.
Blizzard is calling the new hero an "engineer with peerless armor constructing abilities," and she definitely shows her prowess when deployed on the battlefield. Her primary weapon is known as the Rocket Flail, which extends when used and can hit multiple heroes at the same time.
Along with Brigitte's flail, she also gets a deployable Barrier Shield, which like Reinhardt can protect allies immediately behind her. She also has the ability to throw Repair Packs to heal teammates, while her passive ability, Inspire, heals all nearby allies when she deals DPS.
Blizzard Picks Up The Pace
Brigitte was officially announced by Blizzard only a couple of weeks ago and right beforehand they revealed a lore database that will host content revealing the backstory of many of their popular heroes. To start Blizzard gave some more insight into how Torbjörn lost his arm in a tear jerking letter to his wife. With the new heroes imminent arrival, we'll be sure to show her off in action the day she becomes available to the public, so don't forget to check out our Stream Page so you know exactly when you'll have a chance to see this exciting new hero!
Rocket Flail – Brigitte's melee weapon has an extended range, enabling her to strike multiple enemies with a single swing.
Repair Pack – Brigitte throws a Repair Pack that can heal an ally. Any healing over that ally's maximum health provides them with armor instead.
Whip Shot – Brigitte throws her flail a long distance, dealing damage and knocking an enemy away from her.
Barrier Shield – Brigitte deploys a frontal energy barrier to absorb a limited amount of damage.
Shield Bash – Once her Barrier Shield is deployed, she can dash forward to stun an enemy.
Inspire – When she hits enemies with her flail, she also heals nearby allies over time.
Rally – She moves faster and provides all nearby allies with armor that lasts until it's removed by damage.
Rainbow Six Siege: New Threats Await in the Tactical Shooter
Rainbow Six Siege is gearing up to release a monstrous update. Beginning in March, Operation Chimera and the highly anticipated Outbreak event will be available to the public. Operation Chimera and Outbreak are very different experiences. One is a regular Rainbow Six Siege update and the other is something completely new to Ubisoft's' tactical first-person shooter.
Find the latest details on all the new content coming the Year 3 of Rainbow Six Siege. Directly below is the latest cryptic trailer that hints at the origins of the new threat coming to the Outbreak event.
The new Counter Terrorism Unit making its way to the dangerous world of Rainbow Six Siege is the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Threat Unit. With biological and chemical attacks becoming a more serious threat, the CBRN is a different kind of CTU than those previously added to the game. Focused on advanced threats, both operators have incredibly unique special abilities.
Using a drone to maintain “quarantine perimeters”, one of the new operators is Lion, a French operator and comes with a mysterious backstory. The official Rainbow Six blog post on the update explained, “Their service record is astounding, but their list of regrets seems endless.”
The second, a Russian operator named Finka, discovered the incredible world of self-dissolving nanobots through their studies in the motherland. Not much else is known how these nanobots will impact the course of battle. Ubisoft did state that the entire team will benefit from the research carried out by Finka.
Now things start to get interesting with the Year 3 content. Ubisoft is releasing a limited time co-op event unlike anything Rainbow Six Siege has seen before. An epidemic has consumed the town of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico and things get interesting. A team of three will be tasked with neutralizing the alien threat.
The new mode will include three exclusive new PvE maps and will be larger, more open and more linear than the PvP maps. These new maps are specifically designed for co-op play but will have all the destructive elements people enjoy so much.
The limited time event is available to anyone with Rainbow Six Siege. It also comes with a host of cosmetic offers including headgears, uniforms, weapon skins and new charms. Gamers will be able to play Outbreak as the Two new Chimera Operators Finka and Lion, Smoke, Ying, Buck, Kapkan, Hibana, Zofia, Fuze, Ash, Doc, Thermite, Tachanka, and Glaz.
New information will continue to become available as the release nears closer. Details on the new threat coming to Outbreak as well as a more in-depth explanation of the new operators are still scarce. Gigamax Games will continue following this new content until Gigs and Mack are able to get hands-on with the update.
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds is currently undergoing some pretty big changes. The latest update, 4.1 added backstory to the game and visually revamped the first map, Erangel. The developer behind the game, PUBG Corp. has stated that it "improved the graphical quality of Erangel's various areas and terrains across the board." The various improvements range from minor […]
Phoenix Labs launches the first content update for Dauntless. The developer behind this impressive indie game launched “Fortune & Glory” on all consoles July 16, 2019. “Fortune & Glory” is now playable on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. This is the first content update for Dauntless and also kicks off the “High Skies” season. […]


text:
Your campsite in the Vendée by night
Are you looking for a weekend or a short stay to relax during your stay on the Vendée coast? Our
Camping in Notre-Dame-de-Monts
just 1200 meters from the beach, is the ideal destination! From as little as €65 per night, discover our campsites in the Vendée.
The 3 star Camping Le Lagon Bleu welcomes you for a stay synonymous with relaxation and change of scenery. Close to the fine sandy beaches of Notre Dame de Monts, the campsite offers you stays for couples, families or friends to discover the Vendée.
Escape at preferential off-season prices
Stay one or more nights in a mobile home, lodge or chalet. We welcome you in our campsite in the Vendée from April 01 to July 01 and from September 02 to October 31.
Discover our nightly rates from €65 per night, with a sliding scale for each additional night!
Your mobile home rental in Notre-Dame-de-Monts
During your stay with us, choose the accommodation that suits you from a wide range of choices. All comfort, our rentals can accommodate up to 6 people. They are ideal for a relaxing stay with family or friends. Each of our mobile homes are located on spacious plots in a green setting. Spend a pleasant vacation just a few steps from the beach.
Visits to do around the campsite during your stay
- Nature walks and discoveries in the Pays de Monts
- The Island of Noirmoutier
- Explora Parc in Saint Jean de Monts
- Saint Hilaire de Riez
- Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
You can now book your stay at the 3 star campsite Le Lagon Bleu. Take advantage of our overnight offer for a weekend or short break at a low price in our
campsite in Vendée
|FROM 01/04 TO 03/07 AND
FROM 28/08 TO 31/10
|MOBILE HOME BIKINI
|MOBILE HOME IBIZA
|MOBILE HOME PMR ANDARO SANTA FE
|MOBILE HOME BERMUDA

domain: travel


If you can not implement the project do not bid on it I want a game like this [se connecter pour voir l'URL] this is game for the iPhone [se connecter pour voir l'URL] Game programming is required in the Unity program, After the completion of programming all the programming files will be delivered Good luck
I want a game like this [se connecter pour voir l'URL] this is game for the iPhone [se connecter pour voir l'URL] Game programming is required in the Unity program, After the completion of programming all the programming files will be delivered Good luck
...help to build a puzzle game for iOS. The game's objective is to connect all the dots on the screen, following some simple rules. Some similar games (but not exactly the same): [se connecter pour voir l'URL] [se connecter pour voir l'URL] [se connecter pour voir l'URL] Requirements:
I need an iPhone app built similar to this game : [se connecter pour voir l'URL] Please downlod the app first and try it before you quote for the job. Developer will be required to design the app and develop it.
...are looking for experienced developers to build an APP/GAME that incorporates the OriginalCryptoCoin (OCC) in their app/game. IF you have an existing game/app to incorporate the token, then of course we will let you do that! We will be offering Stake in the Company and Incentives based on the app completion. Please message me for more ...
...developers to build an APP/GAME that incorporates the OriginalCryptoCoin (OCC) in their app/game. We will be offering Stake in the Company and Incentives based on the app completion. Please message me for more details. Please provide me a list of Project and Games you have built or want to Incorporate the Token in an Existing Game. API...
I need an iPhone/iPad app. I would like it designed and built. I would like a basic game developed. Throwing a sausage into a vagina shaped object. 10 levels with built in advertising. Ready to publish on android and Apple Store required
I need a Game Development, iPhone, Mobile App Development expert for my current project. If you have knowledge please bid. Details will be shared in message with the selected freelancers.
...create video advertisement for our mobile game. Here are the specifications: - 10 second, 15 second and 30 second spots - Video recording a person typing on an iPhone - Animation inside the iPhone with game characters and chat conversations You can find our mobile game here: [se connecter pour voir l'URL]
I need an iPhone/iPad app. I already have a design for it, I just need it to be built. I have purchased the Chameleon software and I love it. I love the 3D city feature but I am looking to edit or change the actual 3d feature to use it for a basketball game. I am looking for a developer to help develop the gameplay on a project. Chameleon software
Recruiting Scorecard is a game. It’s a google extension game. Eventually it can become a mobile app for iPhone and Android. The goal of this google extension is to turn the activity tracking that happens in the job of a recruiter into a fun baseball-like game. The game is a counting game where each count triggers an event and a situationa...
I need an iPhone/iPad app. I would like it designed and built. The app will be a game where you play / compete with your friends or a random component. Facebook integration required. I know how I want the interface to be like and how the game will be played. Also non-disclosure agreement required for this project.
I need a Game App or basically any kind of app for iPhone that will attract people and start up an online business. High quality easy usage is required with in game shopping or in app purchases. You can come up with ideas as well
I need a daily fantasy sports website that is mo...sports website that is mobile friendly along with an app for both iphone and Android. The focus of the game will be on teams and match outcomes as oppose to individual players so the concept is much simpler. I have included a detailed PDF that explains the concept of the app and what is required.
The purpose of this project is to have a Rummy card game built with Unity to be exported for IOS and Android. Please start your comment with "red mouse" to make sure you have read the project. Features screen-by-screen: Screen 1: Splashscreen We will be using Unity's splashscreen feature to remove the default one and use our own. One splashscreen
iOS game and app developers required. It is essential that applicants have a proven track record and experience in developing mobile games and applications on iOS for iPhone and iPad. Must be fully conversant in using Swift, Objective C and have experience of using X-code. An excellent command of the English language and communication skills are
I need an INDIVIDUAL game designer to work with me on my new business venture. I am establishing a game and app creation agency for IPhone and Android, and I need for someone to make the games. You need to have all of the skills required to create IPhone and Android games, including coding, design, etc. You ALSO need a large portfolio of games
Work commencing mid November. Ongoing testing of new iPhone mobile application required. (must have access and ability to test on multiple iPhone sizes) Data entry through iPhone app required as part of testing. Successful candidates who provides quality/constructive feedback will be hired on an ongoing basis. More details provided on project
I need an iPhone/iPad app. I would like it designed and built. I need someone to reskin / build this this game kit: [se connecter pour voir l'URL]!/content/16417 Required Services: Add new UI, Reskin all units, Add more units and building, Integrate ads, Add in app purchased, Setup pvp server, Extremely low on funds at the


text:
GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:A treaty upholds the peaceful lands of Ersarence— who have suffered from the spilt blood of their humble goddess, Titania, which stains the hands of the ruthless Urenphians.
Julian Rancewood— a small town delivery boy— wishes he could afford to save his dying mother. He never imagined a larger life for himself until he meets Adrina Hesfetter, the village seamstress’s daughter.
After striking a deal with the elusive King’s advisor and joining the royal army, he finds himself helping to search for a missing, unknown heir. Against all odds, Adrina and Julian soon meet again within the palace walls.
When Julian discovers Adrina’s fire magic— an impossibility among non-royals— they uncover a scandalous secret that will cause whispers of a Urenphian rebellion to travel through the kingdom. A thirst for revenge and a passionate romance causes the two villagers to set the events in motion which will bring down the entire Starlight Kingdom.
A Starlight Chronicles Novella.
All my love, always

domain: library


text:
Literary Review of "Fallen Angels" with citations and quotes from the book.
The novel, "Fallen Angels", was written by Walter Dean Myers in 1988 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The writing is of a war fiction genre and also a coming-of-age story. The tale is told in a first person point of view through a fairly young African-American soldier fighting in the controversial Vietnam War. The story takes place in 1967 to 1968.
The novel begins in 1967 with Richie Perry; a seventeen year old, black, high-school graduate joining the army. He decides to join the army because his mother cannot afford to send him to college, although he is very smart, and he does not want to ke…
E-pasta adrese, uz kuru nosūtīt darba saiti:
Saite uz darbu:


text:
As a music fan, consumer, and review, it’s hard for me to detach my reaction to a new album from the expectations game.
That’s especially true of fourth albums, like Adele’s 30.
Everyone loves an indelible debut record. When we love an artist’s first album, we fall in love with the songs, but we’re also deeply curious about their potential. What path will they take? How will their follow-up sound?
We applaud when an artist releases a strong second album. We are amazed when it is even better than the first. When we love an artist’s second album, we fall in love with the songs, but we’re beginning to measure a vector. They’ve moved in a direction, even if that direction is to provide more of the exact same. Will they continue to progress in that same way?
Third albums are tricky. That’s when things become interesting. Third albums are when we think we really know something about an artist. We have a reasonable sample size of songs. We have three points from which we can triangulate position and estimate future progress.We can say, “the artist usually does this or that.” We can decide if their progression has been linear or if it took a hard turn into unexpected territory.
That is why fourth albums are dangerous. They are the realm of proving or disproving all those things that we thought we understood. They have the potential take an artist’s progression from a line – or even a triangle – to some wild uneven quadrilateral that might even intersect with itself. They’re often the moment where an artist solidifies who they really are and who they will continue to be for many years to come.
I think most people navigate that musical map subtly. Unconsciously. The average listener has some expectations that might be fulfilled or shattered, but I don’t think they consider a fourth album to be particularly significant.
I’m not like that. I can’t turn off the part of my brain that dissects songwriting and production, and that draws out vectors of musical style and influences. I am graphing each release as a point on a musical map and drawing the vectors between them. I can’t help it.
Adele has had a textbook progression through these first three steps Memorable debut? Check. Explosive classic sophomore effort that raised her to worldwide acclaim? Check. Stylistically rangy third record that at once confirmed her strengths but pushed some of her boundaries. Check.
Now, 11 years after her debut but a whole 6 after her third record, we’re getting that fourth album. The dangerous one. It’s dangerous for Adele, but dangerous for me, too – because I feel the weight of all of those expectations.
I had to listen to it two different ways. First, just to hear the songs. Then, to hear them with the weight of all of that piled on top of them.
It was terrible both ways, which leaves me fearful of Adele’s future trajectory.
30 – Adele
Adele is the biggest blockbuster voice in popular music today, both in spectacle and in sales. That makes any album of hers a hotly anticipated release. 30, in particular, has been inflated even further. The first in six years! The first since she got divorced! Got thin! And it’s accompanied by a pair of pan-Atlantic concert specials! And an interview with Oprah!
I don’t know that the spectacle could get any bigger. It threatens to overshadow the features that made Adele so famous in the first place: her massive voice, her clear-eyed songwriting, and her biting sense of humor.
Adele is famous for using that massive voice to command attention on her emotional ballads just as well as she uses it to power surprising, genre-defying pop hits like “Chasing Pavements” and “Rolling in the Deep.” She has never lacked for strong material in either category. Her songwriting skills are as notable as her vocal power, even if her vocals sometimes overshadow them.
Now at a pinnacle of her popularity, 30 finds Adele coasting through a set of charmless songs without an earworm refrain to be found. Suddenly, she is putting the schmaltz at center stage rather than her songwriting acumen. I don’t begrudge her the sales, but I wish they came with a more enjoyable record. [Read more…] about 30 – Adele | the expectations game

domain: artistic


text:
Wildhearts lyricist and guitarist, Ginger, makes a return to Leeds and Liverpool in June for more of his legendary solo performances. Ginger’s talent is magnified when he hits the road to do his own thing. His energy, vibe and attitude make is solo performances unmissable. With his singles collection “Another Break in the Weather” released in January and the Silver Ginger 5 album “Black Leather Mojo” released at the end of March, Gingers solo gigs have received rave reviews. With acoustic Wildhearts songs and more, these gigs should not leave you disappointed and come courtesy of your favourite promoters link (check the website for more info). Support for the gigs has yet to be confirmed.
Catch Ginger on:
22nd June @ Josephs Well, Leeds
23rd June @ Barfly, Liverpool
Tickets are £10 in advance, available at 08700 600 100
Or at Radio City Box Office, Liverpool and Piccadily Box Office, Manchester.

domain: entertainment


text:
10 things to send delegates before a training event
Allan shares 10 things to send delegates before a training event, It’s critically important, before any training event, to get learners in a positive and receptive state for learning.
There is so much you can do before people ever turn up for a training session to deal with any potential anxiety, doubt or resistance which could get in the way of the learning. This will make a huge difference to the way people respond to the training and to the value they get from it.
Unfortunately, many organisations and individual trainers fail to put enough effort into this. They tend to send out minimal information about the training, often just a boring set of “Joining Instructions” with a bare outline of the course.
Not very inspiring!
Here are just 10 things you could send delegates before a training event to help make it more successful.
1. An outline of the course (with an interesting name) showing the key topics to be covered, stressing what people will learn and the benefits they will get from it.
2. Information about yourself, including a picture, contact details, background about who you are and some information which makes you sound like a friendly, approachable yet professional human being.
3. A puzzle or brain teaser related to the topic to make them curious.
4. Some questions about the topic to make them think and to get their interest.
5. A link to a webpage with a video or audio clip about the training or the topic, perhaps with testimonials from other people who have attended it.
6. A cartoon which relates to the topic.
7. All relevant logistical information, e.g. venue, date, timing, parking arrangements, travel.
8. A list of who will be attending so they know who else will be there.
9. A brief questionnaire to find out more about them and what they need to get from the training to make it worthwhile.
10. A short task related to the training to connect it to their real working lives, e.g. a time journal or a few questions to ask people they work with so they can discuss the answers when they come.
There are two key things here:
1. Don’t give people too much to do or it will seem onerous and put them off. So choose one or two from questionnaires, tasks, etc. Don’t ask them to do everything.
2. Make all your materials and information colourful, bright and interesting so they will assume that the training itself will be like that as well.
A few simple steps could make all the difference to people’s expectations of the training and their motivation to learn when they arrive.
Guest blogger – Allan Matthews is an experienced Trainer and Coach. Whether you’re a business presenter, a conference speaker or a trainer, I’ll help you be more engaging and memorable – and get better results! Hope you enjoyed his 10 things to send delegates before a training event blog today…

domain: psychology


Hi everyone! I’m excited to share a double treat today. First, I recently created an animated lesson about feedback using a free trial of Vyond, a popular animation software. I was happy with the results and the platform’s capabilities. Second, I wanted to take this opportunity to review Vyond based on my experience, offering insights for anyone considering using it.
Creating Feedback, Animated
Before diving into the review, let me quickly showcase my Vyond creation. My goal was to develop a clear and engaging lesson on the importance and techniques of effective feedback. The platform allowed me to easily bring concepts to life with its vast library of animations, characters, and props. It felt similar to building slides in PowerPoint, but with the added dynamic element of animation.
Vyond: Pros and Cons from a User’s Perspective
Now, onto the review! Vyond is reasonably user-friendly. Mastering the interface was intuitive, and the pre-made assets saved me tons of time.
However, navigating the sheer volume of options could be overwhelming for complete beginners. It’s easy to get carried away with the fun element and end up with a visually chaotic mess. To avoid this, I highly recommend planning your storyboard and maintaining a consistent style throughout.
Speaking of technical aspects, being web-based offers flexibility, but I did encounter some saving and exporting issues that required logging out and back in. While not major roadblocks, it’s something to keep in mind for users who prioritise seamless software performance.
I made sure to use high contrast colours and Vyond can also provided captions which works well for accessibility.
The Verdict: Should you use Vyond?
Overall, my experience with Vyond was mostly positive. It’s a powerful tool for creating engaging and informative animated content, especially for those comfortable with planning and maintaining a clear design vision. While there are some potential pitfalls and minor technical glitches, the ease of use, rich design library, and overall output far outweigh them.
So, should you use Vyond? If you’re looking to add a dynamic and visually appealing touch to your presentations, explainer videos, or even educational materials like my feedback lesson, I say go for it! Just remember to plan, design strategically, and be patient if you encounter any technical hiccups.


text:
Frosted Teal Lucite Flower Earrings, Bohemian, Swarovski Crystal Dangles, Antique Brass, Dangle Flower Earrings, Gift for Her
A lovely pair of teal and swarovski crystal flower earrings. The lucite flowers are 16mm lily flowers from which dangles swarovski crystals. Antique brass filigree encases the flowers and on top of this is a larger swarovski crystal. Two little swarovski's dangle from beneath. The earrings measure 3.5cm from the base of the hooks.
These lovely and feminine handmade vintage style art nouveau earrings feature two-toned frosted Lucite bell flowers that beautifully bleed amethyst to purple paired with violet Lucite daisy flowers. 4mm tanzanite Swarovski crystal bicones and iridescent glass bugle beads form the stamens.

domain: design


text:
In February, Frictional Games - the developer behind the Amnesia Collection - said it was interested in creating a Switch port. Although nothing has been announced since then, a recent interview with GameSpot has revealed the developer is still hoping to bring its series to the Nintendo Switch.
Creative Director Thomas Grip said the team was looking into it, and that he would personally love to do a Switch version of the survival horror games:
I grew up with Nintendo being the big platform, so it's like, 'Wow, we're actually doing video games for real now if we can get it on Nintendo! And it would just be cool to get it on a handheld as well, because I think that should work for Amnesia and other games as well. We're looking into it and seeing what can be done. We're hoping--if everything goes as we hope--we hope we'll have it [on Switch].
The Amnesia games would no doubt be a great addition to the horror library on Nintendo Switch, which already includes games such as Layers of Fear: Legacy and the Outlast series. The Amnesia Collection is comprised of Amnesia: The Dark Descent and its expansion, along with the sequel A Machine for Pigs.
Would you like to see the Amnesia games make their way across to the Switch? Are you a fan of the horror genre. Tell us below.

domain: hobby


text:
There are no products in your shopping cart.
With a rich beefy flavor and 250 mg of American grown hemp CBD, this daily supplement will help to keep your canine pal at his healthiest. You can provide natural calmness, relief from aching joints and chronic pain with this natural, easy to administer tincture with a beefy flavor that your dog is sure to love.
2 mg (4 drops) per 10 lbs of animal's weight.
Grapeseed Oil, Hemp Extract (CBD), Natural and Artificial Flavoring.

domain: pet


Rising to an elevation of 3,776.24m, Mount Fuji - also referred to as “Fuji-san” in Japanese, is considered the tallest mountain in Japan. Mount Fuji is situated close to the Pacific coast in the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in the heart of the large island of Honshu, about 100km to the southwest of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area. Geologists classify Mount Fuji to be an active stratovolcano, which last erupted from 1707 to 1708. The mountain is considered as the world’s 7th highest mountain peak of an island and Asia’s 2nd highest volcano that is situated on an island.
Mount Fuji is surrounded by the cities of Fujiyoshida in the north; Fuji in the south; Gotemba in the east and Fujinomiya in the southwest. The Fuji Five Lakes comprising of Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, Lake Sai, and Lake Yamanaka are found on the northern slopes of the mountain. All these lakes have been formed by blocking the lava flows and the lowest of these lakes is Lake Kawaguchi, which is situated at an elevation of 831m and is well-known for the inverted reflection of the spectacular Mount Fuji on its stagnant waters. This cultural icon and one of the most distinctive landmarks of Japan forms a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and has also been photographed from the International Space Station as well as various space missions. On clear days, Mount Fuji can be viewed from as far as Tokyo – the capital and largest city in Japan, as well as the cities of Yokohama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Saitama, Lake Hamana, and Tochigi.
According to the Köppen climate classification, the summit of Mount Fuji experiences a tundra climate. The symmetrical cone of Mount Fuji remains covered by snow for more than five months every year. The lowest temperature recorded in Mount Fuji is -38.0°C while the highest temperature that has been recorded here is 17.8°C.
Mount Fuji sits on a “triple junction” where the tectonic plates – Amurian Plate, Okhotsk Plate, and the Philippine Sea Plate converges. The mountain is also situated close to the Northeastern Japan Arc, the Izu-Bonin-Mariana Arc, and the Southwestern Japan Arc. Geologists believe that the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Philippine Sea Plate, drives the volcanic activities of Mount Fuji. The Four well-defined phases of volcanic activity that played a major role during the formation of Mount Fuji have been identified by scientists. These phases are Sen-komitake, Komitake Fuji, Ko Fuji, and Shin Fuji. The principal crater of Mount Fuji has a diameter of 780m and reaches a maximum depth of 240m. The base of the crater has a diameter of 100 to 130m. The jagged edges of the crater are surrounded by eight peaks including Hukusandake, Izudake, Jojudake, Kengamine, Komagatake, Kusushidake, Mushimatake, and Oshaidake. As per geologists, this active stratovolcano last erupted on December 16, 1707, which ended on January 1, 1708. It is believed that this Hoei eruption was triggered by a massive 8.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the region. However, since then there have been no signs of Mount Fuji’s eruption and in recent times the volcanic activities of Mount Fuji have been limited mostly to small earthquakes.
Besides Mount Tate and Mount Haku, Mount Fuji is revered as one of the “Three Holy Mountains” or sanreizan in Japan. It is also considered one of the country’s important historic sites and a special place of scenic beauty. On June 22, 2013, Mount Fuji was designated as a “Cultural Site” on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. About 25 sites have been recognized by UNESCO within the Mount Fuji area as places of cultural interest. Some of these sites include the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine and the Taisekiji Head Temple. Mount Fuji is therefore regarded as one of the most prominent symbols of Japan that has inspired poets, artists, climbers, and tourists for centuries.
Climbing Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji serves as the most popular tourist destination in Japan for both local and international tourists. It has been recorded that over 200,000 people climb the summit of Mount Fuji every year during the warm summer months of July to August. There are many “huts” that are located on the route up to the mountain summit, which caters to the requirements of the climbers during the climbing season. Most climbers start climbing the mountain during the night to get better views of the sunrise from the summit. The sunrise from Mount Fuji is termed “goraiko” which means the “arrival of light”. The four principal routes to the mountain summit include Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Kawaguchiko, and Subashiri, while the four additional routes from the base of the mountain include Murayama, Shojiko, Suyama, and Yoshida.
The origin of the mountain’s name is still quite uncertain. As per a 713CE government record, the mountain was initially referred to as “Fuji-no-Yama”. It is believed that the name had been derived from an indigenous Ainu term which meant “fire” and the Japanese word “san” which meant “mountain.” The current Chinese ideograms or kanji refers to the name “Fuji” as a sign of good fortune. The Japanese refer to the mountain as “Fujisan”, while in English it is referred to as “Mount Fuji.” Mount Fuji was first climbed in 663 by the Japanese aesthetic and mystic En no Odzunu. In September 1860, Sir Rutherford Alcock - the British Consul-General in Japan, became the first foreigner to climb Mount Fuji. In 1867, Lady Fanny Parkes became the first non-Japanese woman to ascend Mount Fuji. A Boeing 707 airplane carrying 113 passengers and 11 crew members crashed close to the Gotemba New fifth station of Mount Fuji on March 5, 1966. On June 22, 2013, Mount Fuji was designated as a “Cultural Site” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.


text:
Fall of Man Αθήνα, Greece
Fall Of Man is a 5 piece punk-rock/metal band from Athens – Greece formed in 2007. Tthey are officially members of Playfalse Records’ roster, and in early 2011 their first full length CD ‘Promises In Empty Words’ was released. Until today they have shared the stage with bands such as Parkway Drive, A Wilhelm Scream, Boysetsfire, Strike Anywhere, Municipal Waste, Pennywise and Strength Approach.
Streaming and Download help


text:
My scoliosis journey spans 3 countries – Nigeria, India and the UK. Soon after my son’s birth in Lagos, Nigeria, I started to experience terrible back pain. I couldn’t carry my son and walk around. I couldn’t bend forward and bathe him. My pain baffled the midwives and gynaecologist in Nigeria and was dismissed as having a low threshold of pain.
I travelled to India after 3 months to meet with an Orthopaedic specialist who diagnosed my scoliosis. I was not shocked or baffled by it as my sister was diagnosed with C-shaped scoliosis and had corrective surgery when she was 15 years old. But what made my condition different was that it was a non-surgical case. I had to do exercises and rest to keep the pain under control. While I could do the exercises, the one-hour bed rest after every 3 hours that was recommended was not practical. My pain continued and I learnt to live with it. It affected my personality and my temper. I started to lose my temper at a drop of a hat.
After two years of living with this pain, I saw a physiotherapist who immediately diagnosed the cause of my pain. To put it in layman’s terms, my right side was weak and couldn’t take any load, and my left side was overloaded and had become very sore.
She recommended a few stretching exercises that are meant to activate the muscles that I continue to do every day. However, to become pain free I had to learn to balance my weight every minute of my day. I would split my shopping and carry them in both hands. I stopped carrying a handbag, instead I started to use a backpack. Stopped putting weight on one leg, always conscious of balancing my body weight, not to overburden a single side of the body. This helped me to manage my pain for a while.
However, the pain returned with a vengeance when I moved to the UK and started to work in London as a digital marketing manager for a technology company. The daily commuting in London made my pain worse.
Every morning I used to get up from sleep more tired and in pain. So, I started to do my own research and decided to invest in an orthopaedic mattress and pillow which could support my weight. It was very unusual in the beginning to lie on hard surfaces but within a few days I started to notice that I didn’t experience any pain in the mornings.
I have to be mindful of how I stand, sit and lie down every minute of every day to remain pain-free and be an active mother to a very active five-and-a-half-year-old son. As a result of COVID, I have moved out of London and was working from home which has helped immensely to manage my condition.
I am sharing this story to make people understand how being in pain all the time affected every aspect of my life – personal and professional. By making a few adjustments to my lifestyle though, I can remain pain-free. A very critical element of it is avoiding the daily commute to work. If I can work from home, it could hugely improve the quality of my life.
I hope one of the positive legacies of Covid-19 is the employer’s realisation that not every job requires one to be at the office. If remote working becomes the norm, it would help people like me to earn a living and have a better quality of life.


text:
Canada has completely revamped its previous alcohol guidelines, and the updated version is markedly different. Canadian health experts have come together to drastically reduce the amount of alcohol consumption that is considered safe, CTV News reports. The update was released by the Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. This overhaul, which has been 11 years in the making, demonstrates a shift towards emphasizing zero drinks per week for both men and women; and further encourages authorities to add cancer warning labels to beer, wine, and spirits.
This guidance is a tremendous divergence from what was previously recommended – no more than 15 drinks for men and 10 drinks per week for women to reduce the chances of damaging their health in the long run.
According to the recently announced guidelines, drinking as few as three alcoholic beverages a week could lead to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. Furthermore, consuming more than seven drinks per week raises one’s chances of experiencing heart disease or stroke; and with each additional drink comes heightened danger. This report is based on nearly 6,000 meticulously examined studies that establish connections between alcohol consumption and at least seven varieties of cancers.
Despite the new research, many people appear oblivious or are content to ignore the potential hazards. The alcohol guidelines suggest that having more than a couple of drinks a week is bad for your health has left many Canadian beer drinkers simply shrugging. “I have mixed feelings about that because I live with my grandparents, who are drinking wine every single day. They’re 97,” Wayne White, a London, Ontario resident told the CBC. “It just doesn’t make sense. I don’t agree with it,” White said.
The New Canadian Alcohol Guidelines Have Some Beer Drinkers Balking
An anonymous patron outside of Toboggan Brewing Co., one of the city’s most popular establishments was even blunter. “We’re going to go over that [two-drink limit] right now if I actually listened to that sort of stuff,” he quipped. “I thought health was saying that one drink a day was good for you,” another nearby patron chimed in.
Drinking is such a part of the culture, many believe the new guidelines won’t make much of an impression. “I don’t think it would stop anyone anyway. My grandparents are definitely drinking more than two drinks a week, and they’re fine,” said university student Cheryl Mason. “Everything causes cancer nowadays.”
According to Canada’s Centre for Substance Abuse, more than half of Canadians surpass the recommended drinking limits. 40% listed that they drank more than six drinks a week. Another 17% reported consuming three to six drinks each week.
In light of the “sober curious” movement and a heightened awareness of mindful drinking, new low-risk standards have been established. As such, many alcohol producers are now responding to this trend by offering alcoholic beverages with lower ABV or even completely without alcohol.

domain: news


A few months back we posted an article outlining what a graphics card is, in layman's terms. We went one step further and demonstrated the overall graphics processing power of a single graphics card, then went beyond that by installing another graphics card in two card SLI configuration, with Zotac's GeForce GTX 680 AMP! Edition. But really, why do you need to have a graphics card in the first place? What is wrong with using integrated graphics, or using the graphics that come with my motherboard? That brings us to today's topic and comparison. Today we are going to provide you with benchmark testing of a previous solid state drive testing system, which only utilizes integrated graphics. In our analysis we will take these results and compare it to that of our single and dual graphics card SLI configuration we provided to you previous with Zotac.
Finding the right software program to clone a hard drive is one thing, but how about cloning Microsoft WindowsXP and the rest of a computer in one go? This guide to Cloning an Operating System explains all the steps involved. - PCSTATS Tips


text:
This culture is designed to take you down. Credit cards, car loans, student loans . . . they’ll keep you paying way too much money for way too long. But there’s one way out of the mess of debt, and it starts right here with you.
You can change your future today by joining my virtual Financial Peace University class. You’ll learn to pay off debt fast, save more money, and build lasting wealth.
Sign up today at fpu.com/1159304
AREA OF TOWN

domain: finance


text:
Legendary musician and one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, "Fats" Domino has passed away at the age of 89.
According to reports, the singer-songwriter died on Tuesday morning peacefully at his home surrounded by family.
Known as one of the inventors of rock 'n' roll, Domino paved the way for musicians such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard.
Hailing from New Orleans, "Fats" Domino released rock and roll-rhythm and blues hit after hit with producer Dave Bartholemew in the 1950s, starting with "The Fat Man." Domino became known for his piano style.
Other hits and chart-toppers included "Ain't That A Shame," "Blueberry Hill," "My Blue Heaven, "Whole Lotta Loving," "I'm Ready, "I Want to Walk You Home," "I'm Walking" and many more.
PBS' American Masters aired the film "Fats Domino and The Birth of Rock 'n' Roll" in 2016.
He gave his last public performance in 2007 at Tipitina’s.
Neil Portnow, President of the Recording Academy said in a statement, "Our Recording Academy™ family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of rock and roll visionary Fats Domino. In a career spanning more than five decades, Domino charmed audiences with his smooth vocals, boogie-woogie piano style, and unwavering humility. He is widely recognized for influencing artists across all genres, having a number of his hits covered by music industry giants, including John Lennon, Cheap Trick, and Led Zeppelin. In 1987, Domino received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, our formal salute to his remarkable contributions to rock history. He will be greatly missed, but remembered for paving the way for rock and roll. Our condolences go out to Domino’s family, friends, and collaborators during this difficult time."
Listen to Fats Domino's greatest hits…
George Floyd Forever Day Three Years After Protests


text:
ASEAN KEY DESTINATIONS
Thai minister to chair FM meeting in Jakarta Monday
Thailand will send its information and communication technology minister to chair a special foreign ministers' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Monday in Jakarta, Kyodo news agency quoted Foreign Ministry officials as saying Saturday.
Mun Patanotai was named to chair the meeting for Thailand because he is among only a few Cabinet members who are not members of parliament.
The Thai lower house of parliament is to convene a special session Monday to elect a new prime minister, the third since the general elections in December last year.
Thailand has been the rotational Asean chairman since July and it wants to retain the chairmanship through 2009.
On Monday, the 10 Asean countries will celebrate the Asean Charter's entry into force and the ministers will also have a 90-minute discussion hoping to find a convenient date for Asean leaders to hold their annual summit.
The Charter binds the region together as a community with shared common visions on politics, economic and social values.
But the recent political turbulence in Thailand has jeopardised Bangkok's chairmanship and the plan to host the annual Asean summits and related meetings with leaders from Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.
The meetings had been set for next week but the Thai government led by the now banned People Power Party was facing serious, long-running protests and occupations of government buildings and sites.
A court ruling December 2 unseated Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and left the Cabinet as simply caretakers.
On Friday, the Thai Foreign Ministry reaffirmed it plans to host the Asean summits at the earliest dates possible once a new government is able to fully perform its duties, possibly in the first week of February.
Vitavas Srivihok, head of the Foreign Ministry's Asean Affairs Department, said Thailand would not let any other Asean member country host the summits.
He said Thailand would be unable to continue as the Asean chair only if there were to be a military coup, which would be against the democratic principles in the Asean Charter.
Also Friday, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, expected to be a candidate for premier, said that if he wins the parliamentary election to lead a new coalition government, he would put Asean issues on the national agenda, according to Vitavas who met with Abhisit, who is now the opposition leader.
After a parliamentary process electing a premier, it will take another week or so to name a Cabinet and the administration can formally begin working only after a policy statement is declared to the House of Representatives.
That process is likely to take until the third week of January, according to Vitavas.


text:
Diamonds are popularly known to be a woman's best friend. A symbol of eternal love and commitment, these gemstones are gifted in a variety of jewelry forms, such as necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and of course, rings. Talking about these dazzling stones can really take up an entire day, and may be even more time than that. So, without wasting any more time, let us steer our direction towards diamond rings, and their remounting.
Diamond Ring Settings and Designs
Diamond rings really are the ultimate gift, especially if you are planning to present one to your beloved. The wide variety of cuts and shapes they come in is actually the secret behind their immense popularity, as it is these cuts that make them look even more attractive. Some famous cuts used in these rings include the princess cut, brilliant cut, step cut, rose cut, asscher cut. Each of these is uniquely beautiful and exquisite.
Another aspect that enhances the look of the glamorous stone is the setting. We all know that the diamond is set in a hard metal band, but the way it is set makes all the difference to its countless admirers, including you and me. The setting is like an individual style statement, and represents the buyer's taste and personality while enhancing the beauty of the stone, which is why it needs to be selected carefully.
When to Remount a Diamond Ring?
If you have a stunning ring already, you have many choices in hand. Remounting the existing ring is a great way to uphold the diamond for a longer period of time in a newer or in a different style than what it was before. This can be done for a variety of reasons, but when is it the right time to do so?
Remount Setting Designs
There are various designs available, and almost all of them can be used for this particular purpose. They are:


Invasive Species Resources
Displaying 1 to 10 of 10Search Help
King County Department of Natural Resources (Washington). Water and Land Resources Division.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
Are you a crabber, waterman, or concerned citizen? We need your help to detect and assess the status of Chinese Mitten Crabs. The "Mitten Crab Watch" website provides information on the invasion of the mitten crab and allows users to more easily report catches.
Please help us detect live mitten crabs by reporting any sighting in North America. We are especially interested in collecting sightings from the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, Hudson River, and San Francisco Bay --- where the crab has been common in the past. Please visit the Mitten Crab Watch website to learn more about the crab and to report sightings.
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.
The New York State Departments of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (Parks) today announced an innovative effort to combat the spread of Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in New York State. A new online interface will allow volunteer members of the public to assist in surveying for SLF and tracking associated data. The program encourages broader surveying for SLF and increased public awareness of this invasive pest, following confirmed finds of SLF in New York State this past fall.
The new initiative, which launched this week, invites volunteers to sign up to survey a specific area, or grid, of land on iMapInvasives. This online, GIS-based data management system is used to assist citizen scientists and natural resource professionals to protect against the threat of invasive species. Volunteers will also enter data from their survey work into iMapInvasives. More information about the program, including upcoming webinars, can be found at https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf.
Portland State University (Oregon).
Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Do you hike, ride, bird, camp, fish, or otherwise recreate in state parks, forests or wildlands? Lend YOUR eyes to help Maryland's biodiversity! The Maryland Natural Heritage Program designed Statewide Eyes to allow volunteers and researchers alike to collect more information about invasive plants on state lands quickly. Volunteers (like you!) use a free mobile application called the Mid-Atlantic Early Detection Network (MAEDN) to identify, photograph and map the location of invasive plants, focusing on ecologically significant sites.
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Washington Invasive Species Council.
Washington Pest Watch is a citizen science initiative led by agencies and universities at the front line in protecting our state’s natural resources and economy from invasive species. You don't have to be an entomologist or biologist to participate in the network; the majority of network members are everyday people who keep their eyes peeled for the signs and symptoms of high priority invasive species and report them to agencies to aid in detections and rapid response. Just keep an eye out in your yard, your neighborhood, or when enjoying outdoor activities. Be aware and report what you spot—it’s simple and easy.
University of Georgia. Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health; Wildlife Forever; USDA. Forest Service.
Wild Spotter is a nationwide effort to complete a comprehensive map and survey of prioritized invasive through on-the-ground activities accomplished by citizen science volunteers.
You can help fight back against invasive species in America's wild places by downloading the free Wild Spotter Mobile App on your smartphone or other mobile devices. You'll learn how to identify, map, and prevent the spread of these invaders in order to protect our rivers, mountains, forests, and all wild places for future generations. Learn more by watching the Wild Spotter Introduction Video. To become a volunteer, register either online or download the Wild Spotter Mobile App. Once registered, reach out to your nearest National Forest or Grassland to discover how you can volunteer to help support and protect these beautiful places from invasive species. Then, just get outside and enjoy America's wild places while keeping an eye out for those harmful invaders!


text:
The text of this article is only available as a PDF.
Copyright © 2018 World Policy Institute
Article PDF first page preview
Adriana Loureiro Fernández; A History of Violence: The breakdown of Venezuela’s social order. World Policy Journal 1 June 2018; 35 (2): 94–105. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/07402775-7085799
Download citation file:

domain: literature


text:
Relax and retreat in magnificent tropical surroundings on the shores of the Coral Sea. Take endless beach walks, watch rainforest sunsets. Swim, snorkel, sail, slumber. Be pampered in body and soul.
Inspired by the architecture in Bali, Port Douglas Villa Empat Puluh Dua is imbued with a monumental Asian feel. Experience luxury and 5 star waterfront accomodation.
The facilities and services available give Villa Empat Puluh Dua the feel of an exclusive mini resort where almost anything can be arranged, and complete seclusion is possible.
42 Murphy Street,
Port Douglas QLD 4877
Please note, no additional commission is charged from booking direct on this site.
All third-party websites and booking agents will attract additional commission fees.


Kuwaiti police said Sunday they had arrested 1,500 suspected drug dealers and seized 1,551 kilograms (3,412 pounds) of narcotics over the past year in a crackdown on the growing drug problem in the emirate.
More than 900 of the dealers arrested were Kuwaiti, while 190 were Iranians, 100 Pakistanis, 80 stateless Arabs, or beduin, and the rest of other nationalities, the police said in a report carried by Al-Qabas newspaper.
Authorities also seized 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of heroin, 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds) of hashish, 26 kilograms (57.2 pounds) of opium, and 115,000 pills, in addition to 35,000 bottles of liquor.
The crackdown was launched in October 1999 and instigated by Kuwait's Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled al-Sabah.
The Gulf emirate is in the grip of a drug menace, which in 1999 resulted in the death of 57 people from an overdose of drugs, compared to 28 in 1998 and 47 in 1997.
Kuwait's major difficulty remains the 290-kilometer (180-mile) coastline facing Iran, a key transit country for drugs, despite the signing in October by the emirate and Iran of an agreement to combat drugs and terrorism.
The emirate imposes the death penalty on those convicted of drug smuggling, and the criminal court has sentenced 15 dealers to death in the last two months.
But drug abuse has increased in the oil-rich Gulf state and more than half of the cases that come before judges concern drugs, according to official statistics -- KUWAIT CITY (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)