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In our next programme we will be starting with music written long before the advent of the string quartet as we know it. The viol consort music of the early English baroque period in particular has a very strong affinity with the concept of the string quartet – four equal parts interacting and ‘talking’ together. It seems that as long as there have been chambers (as opposed to big halls), there has been chamber music.
Topsham, Devon, in 1788, bustling with life and trade.
Topsham was a key port with strong trading connections to places as far away as The Netherlands to the East and Newfoundland to the West. A century and a half before this picture was painted a boy chorister at nearby Exeter Cathedral brazenly inscribed his name in the stone structure of the organ loft.
It is not known why he used this spelling. Maybe he was worried that the correct spelling, Matthew Locke, would have taken him too long to scratch in the stone; he might have got caught vandalising the building and have been severely punished. One wonders what he was doing in the organ loft anyway. I suppose he must have had to pump the bellows occasionally.
Locke’s tutor at Exeter would have been Edward Gibbons, brother of Orlando Gibbons. This curious little piece ‘What Strikes the Clocke?’ by Edward Gibbons, originally for three viols but here played on recorders, shows that instrumental chamber music had a place even at that time.
After his time as a chorister Locke broadened his vision considerably, travelling to the Netherlands and subsequently becoming ‘Composer in Ordinary to His Majesty, and organist of her Majesty’s chapel’ (Charles II and Catherine of Braganza.)
When Locke died, Henry Purcell, who clearly considered Locke to be something of a mentor to him, was moved to write an ode with the sentiment ‘What hope for us remains now he is gone?’ That is quite a tribute, from Purcell.
When I was studying in my first year at the Royal College of Music, I attended a lecture/demonstration given by Francis Baines, co-founder of the Jaye Consort along with his wife June. (The Jaye Consort was at the forefront of the revival of interest in the well informed performance of baroque music on instruments of the period.) Ostensibly it was a one-man introduction to the wonderful viol consort music of the early baroque but it started with him coming on to the stage seemingly with instruments hanging off him and he immediately enthusiastically demonstrated their particular characters. He was decidedly eccentric. He eventually sat down and started playing the viol, showing us how to produce the sound. He was talking enthusiastically about the harmonies and intervals in the music, which is often surprisingly dissonant. He got so involved in what he was showing us that he was overcome with emotion and excused himself saying that he couldn’t do any more and walked off the stage, instruments in hand.
That really cut it for me. I wanted what he had. A few days later I sought him out and he very kindly encouraged me to come along and join in the viol consort group that he was teaching. I attended these sessions for a while but couldn’t continue with them as I had to focus on my viola studies but I will always be grateful for all that he showed me and for the unforgettable experience of intimate communal music making that is at the heart of viol consort music and that resonates strongly in string quartet playing too.
The suite by Locke that we are playing is basically a set of dance movements. Here is the Courante. By the time we get to the concerts it will run even faster. And you will be able to see all four of us.
Next blog post: From Topsham to… New York. The transatlantic connection and the music of Caroline Shaw.


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Pick your own pension
A CONSTANT stream of bad news about pensions - mis-selling and the closure of final- salary schemes - is focusing savers' minds on alternative retirement plans.
Standard pensions are also difficult to move if you change jobs, and they don't cater for all eventualities. For example, professional sportspeople, dancers and even deep-sea divers often end their careers at 40 rather than 65. Worse, pension fees can be high and investment management is often poor.
You can bypass these problems by managing your own money inside a self-invested personal pension (Sipp).
This special type of pension wrapper allows you to hold practically anything inside it, even commercial property, so you aren't restricted to investing only in the funds offered by the pension provider.
But, like most great ideas, there are some drawbacks. For example, AJ Bell charges a £375 set-up fee and £420 a year, while National Mutual charges £275 to set up and £450 a year.
On top of that are fees for investments (such as funds) held inside the Sipp. To get the maximum benefit, you need at least £20,000 or a regular saving of £500 a month, says Tom McPhail of independent financial adviser Torquil Clark.
But better Sipp deals are available. Stockbroker Killik & Co charges £100 to set up its Sipp and there is no annual fee or minimum investment.
With an official retirement age of 35 on his pension scheme, professional footballer Mike Stowell, now 36 and continuing his career, needed an alternative home for his savings or he would have been forced to buy an annuity at the age of 40.
His independent financial adviser, Bank House Financial Services in Stafford, suggested he switch to a self-invested personal pension (Sipp) with Intelligent Pensions in Glasgow. The Sipp costs 1% of the investment to set up and 0.5% a year thereafter. Investment management fees are extra.
Mike, who played for Everton and Wolves and is now with Bristol City, says: 'I can withdraw the money to suit my needs - I don't need to spend it all on an annuity which would give me a poor return.'
Most people under 74 can contribute to a personal pension (including Sipps and the new stakeholder) up to a certain limit depending on age. The exception is savers in a final-salary scheme.
Those earning less than £30,000 a year can put up to £3,600 gross into a personal pension on top of their usual contributions. Savers in a final-salary scheme earning more than £30,000 a year with no other income are barred from personal pensions.
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text: Every clinician is asked "What should I feed my pet?" Understanding the ingredients in pet food is an important part of making the best recommendation. Pet food can be as simple as one ingredient or as complicated as containing more than 60 ingredients. Pet food and its ingredients are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and state feed officials. Part of that regulation is the review and definition of ingredients. Existing ingredients change and new ingredients become available so the need for ingredient definitions grows. Ingredients for product formulations are chosen based on their nutrient content, digestibility, palatability, functionality, availability, and cost. As an example, a typical, nutritionally complete dry dog food with 42 ingredients is examined and the ingredients are discussed here. Safe, healthy pet food starts with safe ingredients sourced from well-monitored suppliers. The ultimate goal of both veterinarians and pet food manufacturers is the same--long healthy lives for dogs and cats.

domain: food


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domain: sociology


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Adsorption of nitrate from aqueous solution by magnetic amine-crosslinked biopolymer based corn stalk and its chemical regeneration property
- Song, Wen, Gao, Baoyu, Xu, Xing, Wang, Fang, Xue, Nan, Sun, Shenglei, Song, Wuchang, Jia, Ruibao
- Journal of hazardous materials 2016 v.304 pp. 280-290
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, adsorbents, adsorption, aqueous solutions, biopolymers, corn stover, effluents, electrostatic interactions, endothermy, ion exchange, kinetics, magnetism, models, nitrates, pH, phosphates, scanning electron microscopy, sorption isotherms, sulfates, thermodynamics, thermogravimetry, transmission electron microscopy
- A novel adsorbent of magnetic amine-crosslinked biopolymer based corn stalk (MAB-CS) was synthesized and used for nitrate removal from aqueous solution. The characters and adsorption mechanisms of this bio-adsorbent were determined by using VSM, TGA, XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR and XPS, respectively. The results revealed that the saturated magnetization of MAB-CS reached 6.25emu/g. Meanwhile, the studies of various factors indicated that this novel magnetic bio-adsorbent performed well over a considerable wide pH range of 6.0∼9.0, and the presence of PO4³⁻ and SO4²⁻ would markedly decrease the nitrate removal efficiency. Furthermore, the nitrate adsorption by MAB-CS perfectly fitted the Langmuir isotherm model (R²=0.997–0.999) and pseudo second order kinetic model (R²=0.953–0.995). The calculated nitrate adsorption capacity of MAB-CS was 102.04mg/g at 318K by Langmuir model, and thermodynamic study showed that nitrate adsorption is an spontaneous endothermic process. The regeneration experiments indicated its merit of regeneration and stability with the recovery efficient of 118∼147%. By integrating the experimental results, it was found that the removal of nitrate was mainly via electrostatic attraction and ion exchange. And this novel bio-adsorbent prepared in this work could achieve effective removal of nitrate and rapid separation from effluents simultaneously.

domain: chemistry


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Tamil Nadu's Madurai opened the first-of-its-kind restaurant, Madurai Trans Kitchen, which transgender persons would run. Located near Goripalayam junction, it was inaugurated on Friday, September 17.
The Swasti organisation has funded the establishment in association with Arghyam, Virutti Foundations and Sri Lakshmi Pengal Munnetra Sangam, The Hindu reported.
The social body works towards the upliftment of the individuals and communities belonging to the marginalised section of the society. Their work is spread across 20 districts.
From Catering Service To Opening A Restaurant
For the past few years, the group was involved in a catering service - Nambu Nayaki Amman Catering Service, at Ulaganeri. But the coronavirus pandemic put them in a dry spell.
At that time, they thought of opening up a restaurant and supporting the people to earn a livelihood. With the support of these four organisations, they achieved their dream.
But it wasn't an easy road. Despite having sponsors on board, the team found it challenging to find a place, as people in the city weren't ready to rent out their buildings until they met Arunkumar Menon.
"We ran from pillar to post for four months until we met one Arunkumar Menon, who gave us the building. We are happy as the restaurant is near Government Rajaji Hospital," Jayachitra, an employee of the restaurant told The New Indian Express.
Source Of Encouragement For Community
The Regional Program Manager of Swasti, Priya Babu, is a transgender person herself. Speaking to the media, Babu said the restaurant is an excellent source of encouragement for individuals who are not considered mainstream by society and would help remove the stigma associated with them.
Besides, this would also help the group become self-dependent and gain experience to have numerous opportunities further.
"There is no better way to connect with a human than serving them with tasty food. In that way, it will pave the way for trans people to form connections with the public who are generally hesitant to communicate with us," she told The Hindu.
Headed by T. Jayachitra, the restaurant has more than 12 trans employees working on different shifts. It has kept nominal prices for the food and beverages. Hot water and 100 ml milk to mothers of infants is provided free of cost.
The establishment has the solar power plant as the source of electricity, and the SELCO Foundation finances 80 percent of it. All the kitchen appliances, fans, etc., function using solar power.
"We want to show the society that we are socially responsible too, and there couldn't have been a better way," added Babu.

domain: news


Tokyo, Japan's Ena makes his debut for the Samurai Horo label with the 'Bacterium' EP. Now signed to Horo for a full album project later in 2014, this EP lays down the foundations for the unique experimental form Ena's music has developed into and has been refined for his Samurai Horo projects. Totally unlike anyone else operating in music today, his music is deceptively complex, focusing on transforming organic sounds into powerful motifs that haunt your consciousness.
More recently, I've discovered the sound of the "gray area". It was a revelation and inspiration for me. Sam KDC does some very deep stuff. I think people with a vision of "tradition" will appreciate it. His music and the inbuild ritual plays an important role. Enjoyed Your music. 93! Notnotice


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In today’s world, we are increasingly witnessing the rise of totalitarian regimes – those in which the government has complete control over its citizens. What is the difference between these two types of regimes? And what implications do they have for our current world? In this article, we will discuss the difference between Totalitarian and Authoritarian. Keep Reading!
What is the difference between Totalitarian and Authoritarian regimes?
There is a significant difference between totalitarian and authoritarian regimes.
Totalitarian regimes are characterized by one party rule, which allows for a centralized authority to dictate what people do and how they live. This type of regime also restricts freedom of speech and assembly, as well as the press.
Authoritarian regimes, on the other hand, are not as restrictive in terms of freedom. However, they do maintain a single-party rule and often use intimidation and surveillance to control the population.
Characteristics of Totalitarian regimes
There is a vast difference between totalitarian regimes and authoritarian regimes. Authoritarian regimes are characterized by a single leader who wields total control over the population. Totalitarian regimes, on the other hand, are characterized by a government that controls everything from the media to the economy.
In a totalitarian regime, there are usually much more oppressive than authoritarian regimes. They have a single ideology that is enforced through strict censorship and secret police. They often have a cult of personality around their leader, and the population is forced to adhere to their rules without question.
Authoritarian regimes are much more limited in their power. They rely on the consent of the population to rule, and they allow for some opposition and dissent. In fact, many democracies are considered to be authoritarian because they lack a strong central government.
Characteristics of Authoritarian regimes
Authoritarian regimes are characterized by a strong central government with dictatorial powers, zero tolerance for opposition, and a tight control over the media. A totalitarian regime is an extreme form of authoritarianism in which the government controls all aspects of life and the people are limited in their individual freedoms.
There are many different types of authoritarian regimes, so it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to correctly label a particular regime. For example, some countries may have a hybrid form of authoritarianism, which combines elements of totalitarianism and democracy. This is often seen in countries that have recently transitioned from a dictatorship to a democratic system, where the government still has some strong restrictions on civil liberties but there is more freedom of expression and assembly than under a dictatorship.
Overall, there are several key characteristics that make an authoritarian regime an undesirable place to live. The government is often very authoritarian and oppressive, limiting individual freedoms and restricting access to information. The media is tightly controlled by the government and often serves to propagandize its own views rather than presenting impartial news coverage. There is also little tolerance for opposition or dissenting views, which can lead to widespread censorship and suppression of free speech.
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Frequently Asked Question on the difference between Authoritarianism and Totalitarianism
What is Authoritarianism?
Authoritarianism is a political philosophy and system of government in which the state exercises extensive control over all aspects of citizens’ lives. authoritarianism is distinguished from totalitarianism, which is a far more extreme form of authoritarianism in which the state controls every aspect of citizens’ lives. In totalitarian regimes, the state controls not only the means of production, but also the thoughts and beliefs of its citizens.
An authoritarian regime is one in which the government has the power to direct or control all aspects of public life. Authoritarians typically rely on a strong central authority to maintain order and keep the populace in line. They may be willing to use violence or paramilitary forces to suppress opposition. Authoritarian regimes are not always totalitarian; in fact, many countries, such as the United States, have both forms of government.
What is Totalitarianism?
Totalitarianism is a type of authoritarianism characterized by a single party rule, pervasive surveillance and secret police, and regimentation of all aspects of life. The Nazi government of Germany is the most well-known example of totalitarianism.
Totalitarianism is different from authoritarianism because it is characterized by a complete merger of state and society. In totalitarian societies, the state controls all aspects of people’s lives. Totalitarian regimes also tend to be very paranoid and aggressive, monitoring everyone and suppressing any sign of opposition.
What are examples of Totalitarianism?
There is a big difference between totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. Under a totalitarian regime, the government controls everything, while under an authoritarian regime, the government only has limited control over certain aspects of people’s lives. The two regimes have different goals, which will determine where they place their emphasis: under a totalitarian regime, the goal is to completely control and manipulate people, while under an authoritarian regime, the goal is to keep things running smoothly without interfering too much with individual freedom.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the arrival of the first American-made Abrams tanks on Monday, significantly ahead of the initial timeline. These tanks are expected to play a crucial role in Kyiv's efforts to counter Russian forces. More M1 Abrams tanks are slated to be delivered in the coming months, as part of the Biden administration's commitment to provide 31 tanks to Ukraine. While exact numbers weren't disclosed by Zelensky, U.S. officials revealed that two platoons' worth of tanks, roughly eight to ten, were delivered.
The arrival of the Abrams tanks bolsters Ukraine's military capabilities and offers potential for operations in eastern and southern regions held by Russian forces. However, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov cautioned that these tanks should be deployed strategically for well-planned, specific operations to avoid destruction on the battlefield. It's anticipated that Ukrainian troops will take time to ensure proper support elements and select optimal deployment locations before the Abrams tanks are actively engaged. The successful delivery represents a remarkable effort by Western allies to expedite weapon delivery to Ukraine, contrasting with previous reluctance out of fear of escalating tensions with Russia.


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Everyone needs at least one quick, easy, no-look recipe dessert; for me that's apple pizza. I know the name is terrible, but this truly a fan favorite.
A handful of ingredients is all you need:
- Frozen Puff Pastry Sheets brought to room temperature
- 4-6 large apples (I like to use tart Granny Smith variety, but any will work)
- 2 Tablespoons butter (approximately)
- Cinnamon & Sugar
- Ice cream optional
Before starting, note that this dessert is best served IMMEDIATELY after baking. The oven needs to be preheated to 350 degrees, so either do it at the start of the process, or after you've assembled the pizza as below.
Begin prep by peeling the apples.Core the apples. If you're terrible at this, make someone else do the work for you. (Note - Billy doesn't enjoy this job either)Cut the apples in half and thinly slice. If you have a food processor, this is definitely a time to use it! A mandolin would also do the trick of getting perfectly even slices.Set aside the apples and roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it's about the size of a cookie sheet.Arrange the apples in rows with just the slightest bit of overlap. Spread with a little butter. If you aren't ready to bake yet, you can put the sheet in the refrigerator until you are ready. I typically assemble to this point and then preheat the oven about the time I'm serving the rest of dinner. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon and sugar. I almost always have cinnamon and sugar premixed for after-school snack toast, but for some reason I was out this time, so I did it the old-school way which always looks a little clumpy. (Fair warning!)Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cut into squares and serve immediately. Add ice cream because, well, ice cream!!Also feel free to add caramel topping.


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With border closures and lockdowns happening around the world right now, many of us had to cancel our travel plans and instead stay at home. But even though it’s still uncertain when we can pack our bags and travel again, it doesn’t mean that we should stop dreaming about it.
While we can’t physically travel at the moment, there are many ways we can keep our wanderlust alive in the safety of our homes.
Here are my tips on how to deal with wanderlust amidst travel bans:
1. Plan ahead
Even though we can’t travel now, it doesn’t mean that we can’t travel anymore forever. Take this time to refine your travel plans or get inspired for a whole new trip! Have a look at your bucket list, research about where you can go and what you can do and start preparing to book things once this is all over.
This situation may be unfortunate, but if there’s anything good out of it, it’s that this is a good time to save more money for an even better adventure.
2. Use Pinterest boards
Pinterest is a great place to create your dream boards. I personally use mine to get inspired for new trips — I pin travel destinations, activities, food, useful information and even outfits to wear!
3. Read books and/or travel guides
As they say, reading transports you to a new place. Though in this age of Instagram you can instantly picture yourself somewhere, the power of words in a book is incomparable in capturing the essence of a destination and letting your imagination run wild.
So while you can’t travel now, pick up a book and let it transport you somewhere. Or grab a travel guide and learn more about new places.
4. Go on a virtual museum tour
A good thing about technology nowadays is that you don’t actually have to go somewhere to travel. In light with the virus outbreak, more and more museums have now started offering virtual tours that you can do without leaving your couch. No need to book a ticket to Paris to see The Louvre, or go to Amsterdam to see the Van Gogh Museum. At Google Arts & Culture, there are over 2000 museums you can visit virtually.
5. Learn a new language
Who says you have to be in the country to learn their language? Through apps like Duolingo or Babbel, you can take this time to learn and practice some new words for when you can travel again.
6. Make traditional food
Traveling exposes us to different cultures as well as local cuisine that many tourists partake in cooking classes when traveling abroad. But don’t let this situation stop you from exploring them even at home! There are so many cookbooks, YouTube videos and recipes out there that will help you dive into different cultures through food. Missing Mexico? Make some tacos and create the Mexican vibe at your home!
7. Watch videos, movies or documentaries about another country
Not a fan of reading books? Well, there are tons of YouTube channels out there dedicated to travel that will surely keep your wanderlust burning. There are tons of movies and documentaries too, especially on Netflix!
8. Revisit old travel memories
It’s always fun to look back at memories from your past travels. Print your photos out, pin them on your wall or make a scrapbook, write a journal… you can do so much with them! This will help make you feel good about travel and look forward to many more adventures you can do!
There are so things we can do to stay inspired and to keep our wanderlust alive during this time. And once again, just know that this won’t be forever! Soon, we will all be able to travel again :)
Let me know, how do you deal with wanderlust at home?

domain: travel


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By Lisa Golden, MA.Ed.HD, CRC, CDCES
Diabetes technology has such an important role in the management of diabetes. There are so many apps out there. Last November, Dr. David Fedele gave a wonderful webinar on the Arts and Science of Recommending Apps: What Every DCES Needs to Know, which can now be found in danatech.org, your ADCES member-only technology website. He pointed out that there are over 1,000 diabetes apps, of which over 95% are patient facing. These apps are popular with many people with diabetes, and they will be coming to their diabetes care and education specialist (DCES) for recommendations.
The ADCES Technology Committee had already recognized the need to address diabetes apps and to provide a resource to answer your questions so you can provide the insight your patients are seeking. While some good information is available on the app store or by the app designer, you probably want some insight into how other DCESs view and use the app. With danatech, we are dipping our toe into the app review world. We hope to provide you with some insight into favorite apps and how they might be useful for your patients. We also want to give you information about which self-care behaviors may be influenced with the app.
We want to serve your needs so please let us know what information you need as a DCES and what population and practice space you serve. Let us know which apps you are most interested in seeing reviewed. Of course, we cannot possibly review all the apps out there, but we can do it for the ones most important to you.
We also need help with the reviews and are seeking reviewers from a variety of disciplines, practice settings, geography and even platform. If you are willing to assist the ADCES Technology Committee with app reviews, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.org.
And now, drum roll please. We are pleased to provide our first danatech app review on Calorie King. Check it out and check back regularly for new reviews. Also, while you are there, explore the information on products, education, resources and hot topics.
ADCES Perspectives on Diabetes Care
The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Perspectives on Diabetes Care covers diabetes, prediabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions. Not all views expressed reflect the official position of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.
Copyright is owned or held by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, to link to, quote, excerpt or reprint from these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered, and proper attribution is made to the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.
HEALTHCARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your diabetes care and education specialist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. To find a diabetes care and education specialist near you, visit DiabetesEducator.org/Find.

domain: medical


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Comparing brokers side by side is no easy task. For our annual broker review, we assess over a dozen brokers on hundreds of different variables to find the best online broker
. Yielding a database of over 5,000 data points, let's compare Firstrade vs Ally Invest.
To start this comparison, first, we will take a look at the online broker commission rates for placing regular stock and options trades. Ally Invest charges more than Firstrade for placing regular stock trades ($4.95 and $2.95, respectively). Looking at trading options, Firstrade's base fee is $2.95 while Ally Invest's is $4.95. Firstrade's per contract rate of $0.50 is less than Ally Invest which charges $0.65. It's important to note that not all brokers charge a flat fee per trade. Thus, it is important to read the full commission notes for each broker, which we include with each online broker review
Next to commission rates, being able to trade what you want is important. Ally Invest provides its clients with Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds, Forex Trading and Futures Trading while Firstrade provides clients access to Stock Trading, Options Trading and Mutual Funds. Looking at mutual funds, Firstrade offers its clients access to 12603 different mutual funds while Ally Invest has 10264 available funds, a difference of 2,339. Commission free ETFs can also be valuable for customers, Firstrade offers 703 commission free ETFs versus Ally Invest's total of 0.
Trading access aside, by comparing popular features and functionality, we can break down relevant differences between both brokers. Firstrade nor Ally Invest offers virtual trading. Taking a look at mobile trading, Both Firstrade and Ally Invest offer clients access to an iPhone App, iPad App and Android App. Not to be left out, online banking is also a nice benefit for many investors, and some brokerages provide these services to clients. Clients can have Checking Accounts and Debit Cards at Firstrade while customers at Ally Invest can have Checking Accounts, Savings Accounts, Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Mortgage Loans. On the whole, when it comes to tools, research, and mobile trading, both Firstrade and Ally Invest found themselves without awards for Best in Class - Platforms & Tools, Best in Class - Research and Best in Class - Mobile Trading.
Overall, Firstrade boasts 4.00 stars versus Ally Invest's 3.50 stars.


With the announcement of the OnePlus 7 and the OnePlus 7 Pro, the only smartphone missing from OnePlus' assortment is the 5G-compatible device the company alluded to at Mobile World Congress in February.
As PCMag's Sascha Seagan wrote at the time: "Is the screen a phone? Maybe. Can you see the phone? Certainly not. Does it do anything other than a canned demo? Doesn't look like it."
Now, however, OnePlus has confirmed that the new 5G device will be an iteration of the OnePlus 7 Pro, which runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor with up to 12GB of RAM, a 4,000mAh battery, a triple-camera lens and a HDR screen.
The 5G version was not on display at MWC because designing a 5G smartphone is not like designing a 4G one, OnePlus explained. On a 4G device, the printed circuit board (PCB) is spread out across the device, which helps keep your smartphone slim. A 5G device, however, requires more and differently shaped antennas, which makes it more challenging to make the 5G version as slim as the OnePlus 7 Pro.
Moreover, the company had to also find space for the 5G modem, a Qualcomm X50, and a cooling layer that is twice as large as the 10-layer one found in the OnePlus 7 Pro in order to keep the modem working efficiently.
And that is only half the battle. After designing and assembling a smartphone, any company needs to stress-test the device to ensure that it is usable and durable. In OnePlus' case, a tiny knock put the antennas out of sync and blocked its connectivity, requiring another round of redesigns and tests.
OnePlus says it is probably not unique in having these issues; other manufacturers will have similar obstacles to overcome. For now, the OnePlus 5G device is ready, and the company is now waiting for network partner EE, the mobile provider to roll out its 5G network, which is expected to happen before the end of the year. EE did not respond to a request for comment.
As such, by 2020 it's possible OnePlus will have three devices on the market: the OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, and the 5G device. It is unclear whether the company will also launch a 7T or 7T Pro, as it has done for its other smartphones since the OnePlus 3T in 2016.
In the market for a new phone? Compare mobile phone deals here.


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Ring in the New Year at Unicoi
What would New Year’s Eve be without a party? Well, we’ve got you covered. As one of the top Helen, GA events for New Year’s, the celebration at Unicoi State Park & Lodge attracts guests from all over the country.
But the fun to be had in the North Georgia mountains doesn’t begin and end with the annual December 31 bash. There are many ways to heat up the winter at Unicoi State Park & Lodge.
Have A Ball
As one of the most popular nights at Unicoi State Park & Lodge, the annual New Year’s Eve party is a can’t-miss event. A reference to the area’s Prohibition-era moonshine culture, the evening is billed as a “Bootleggers Ball.” Headlined by the wildly popular band No Big Deal, the event will include a dinner buffet featuring carved prime rib and pasta station, party favors and a midnight champagne toast.
There are two great ways to join the party this year. Our Overnight Package includes dinner for two and a lodge room, plus the party favors, champagne toast and preferred ballroom seating. The convenience of this $225 all-inclusive package, namely the short walk to your room after the celebration, beats any Helen, GA hotel option this time of year.
For guests who want to stay in our on-site Helen, GA cabin rentals, the Dinner Package may work best. At $50 per person, this package includes, of course, dinner, party favors and a champagne toast. If you still want to enjoy the party but would like to spend the night with a group in the only State Park cabins in Helen, GA, book your stay and reserve your spot today.
Take the Plunge
There are a lot of activities at our North Georgia State Park that aren’t for the faint of heart. From ziplining to mountain biking, we take our fun to the next level. For example, we think the transition from one year to the next should be commemorated with a refreshing dip in the crisp, clean waters of Unicoi Lake.
Every winter, more than 100 participants and spectators gather along the beach of Unicoi Lake on December 28th at 10 a.m., to brave the chilly weather and water at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Open to individuals and families, the event is organized by the Friends of Unicoi State Park, a public group that supports the park through a variety of initiatives and events. The Polar Bear Plunge features hot chocolate and a large bonfire on the beach to keep everyone warm, whether they’re taking the commemorative plunge or staying on dry land.
Register early for $10 per person or $25 per family and send an email to email@example.com to sign up yourself or family today. In addition, you may register the day of the event at 9:30 a.m. for $10 per person or $30 per family. Be sure to get there early.
Start 2020 on the Right Foot
Once 2020 arrives, there won’t be a better way to start off the new year on the right foot than our First Day Hike. A national initiative by America’s state parks, the First Day Hike is a way for families and friends to commit to healthier living on the first day of the year by getting out in nature on Day One.
Unicoi State Park’s hike follows the 2.5-mile Lake Loop Trail and is a great trek for all ages. Pets are welcome as well, provided they are on leashes 6-feet or shorter. While the $5 vehicle parking fee applies to access the park, this organized activity is completely free. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. The hiking group will meet at the Visitors Center at 1 p.m. Participants will receive a commemorative hiking stick medallion, sticker or pin.


BMW iX1 electric SUV spotted testing
BMW's next electric SUV has been spotted testing in Munich; it'll slot into the range below the iX3
BMW's newest electric car, the iX1, has been spied testing in Munich. The iX1 will be an electric version of strong-selling X1 SUV and is part of new electric BMWs on the way soon. alongside zero-emissions variants of the 5 Series and 7 Series saloons.
Smaller than the recently released BMW iX3, it's likely to have a smaller battery and therefore a shorter range as well. The iX1 is expected to sit on the second generation of BMW's 'FAAR' chassis, which is being designed to suit internal-combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains.
Although the iX1 was spotted wearing heavy camouflage, it will likely take its styling cues from its bigger brother, including the electric X3’s blue accents and aerodynamic alloy wheels. Like the iX3, we can expect a small compromise when it comes to the iX1’s boot space and practicality.
Wieland Bruch, a spokesman for the iX3 project when it was still in development, told DrivingElectric that BMW believed in offering its customers the “Power of Choice” – insisting it would continue to sell multiple powertrain options across its expanding SUV range.
Speaking exclusively to DrivingElectric at the time, Bruch said the team could "well imagine X1 to be fully electrified". BMW later issued an official statement announcing a battery-electric X1. The release said “comprehensive electrification will be rolled out throughout the model line-up.
“Further examples of the “Power of Choice” will be the high-volume BMW X1 and BMW 5 Series," it said. "[X1 and 5 Series] will also be available in the future with all four drivetrain variants – fully electric, plug-in hybrid, diesel and petrol with [mild-hybrid] technology.”
When challenged as to whether or not electrifying a larger, heavier model like the BMW X5 might have a greater impact on reducing overall emissions, Bruch said: “You can make a calculation; what is the global CO2 impact? You will always come to the conclusion that the total amount per model line is higher when you electrify another good-selling model series, compared with something like X5 or X6.
“For sure, per single car, the impact would be higher when you electrify [X5/X6], but we always look at the overall sales per model line,” Bruch said. “This is also how the lawmakers look at it.”
By electrifying models like the iX1, BMW would, in effect, have all the necessary parts to make an iX2 electric SUV. Other models on the same platform include the 1 Series hatchback, the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer MPVs, the MINI Clubman and the MINI Countryman. The iX1 will eventually join the iX3, as well as the forthcoming i4 and iX, both due by the end of 2021.
It’s not clear when the iX1 will launch, but rumours are BMW will unveil the car in late 2021 or early 2022, after the launch of the next-generation X1. The iX1 is expected to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, a starting price of just under £50,000 is likely.
Top 10 best plug-in hybrid SUVs 2022
Top 10 best plug-in hybrid cars 2022
Top 10 best luxury electric cars 2022


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111 K Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
- Toll Free 1.888.564.6273
- Local 202.783.3870
This may not be news to our regular readers and activists at FreedomWorks, since we all predicted such outcomes if Obamacare were to be implemented. In other words, we didn't need to pass the bill to see what was in it - we knew the whole thing stunk. But as time marches on, we've seen more and more studies indicating that healthcare costs have spiked and access is tightening across the country, and it's directly caused by the passage of Obamacare - even before all aspects have been fully implemented.
This week has seen several such reports. In fact, this has been a week chock full of remarkably bad news for this remarkably bad law.
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), for instance, came out on Monday with the results from a national survey of business owners, and it ain't pretty:
The National Business Group on Health this morning released their annual survey of employer health insurance policies. The survey found that health insurance costs are expected to rise another 7% next year. In addition, a majority (60%) of firms “plan to increase the percentage of the premium paid by employees in 2013,” while sizable numbers of firms plan to increase in-network deductibles (40%), out-of-network deductibles (33%), and/or out-of-pocket maximums (32%).
Candidate Obama repeatedly promised premiums would go down by $2,500 -- and would go down that amount by this year. Yet while candidate Obama promised that premiums would go DOWN by $2,500, they actually have gone UP by nearly as much -- from $12,680 in 2008 to $15,073 in 2011.
What’s more, even though candidate Obama promised that “you will not have to change plans,” today’s survey found that the number of firms able to keep their pre-Obamacare coverage has decreased yet again. Fully 57% of firms said they had no health plans with “grandfathered” (i.e., pre-Obamacare) status, and only about one-quarter (27%) were able to keep any portion of their coverage from before Obamacare’s passage – just two short years ago.
This goes to reaffirm what was reported at Ricochet in April 2012:
Even the estimates from the Congressional Budget Office before the passage of the law indicated premiums would increase by a significant amount because of its requirements:
Average premiums per policy in the nongroup market in 2016 would be roughly $5,800 for single policies and $15,200 for family policies under the proposal, compared with roughly $5,500 for single policies and $13,100 for family policies under current law. The weighted average of the differences in those amounts equals the change of 10 percent to 13 percent in the average premium per person.
And this is consistent with the continued projections we’re seeing from across the country. These have since been supplemented by reports at the state level about expectations of premium increases relative to what would have happened if Obamacare didn’t exist, such as in Indiana , where “The estimated ACA-driven premium rate change for the Indiana individual insured market beginning in 2014 is 75% to 95%.” And also Ohio , where premium rates in the individual market are expected to rise between 55% and 85% thanks to the law.
We also have the estimates of Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber, who sees increases in premiums (as opposed to the decreases he anticipated just a few years ago). In Wisconsin , he anticipates a premium increases of 30 percent by 2016 in the individual markes; in Minnesota , he claims the individual market will see increases in premiums by 29 percent. And in Colorado , he expects premiums will rise by 19 percent relative to what they would’ve been without Obamacare.
And this isn’t just about mandates on insurers – it’s also about the acceleration of health care spending. When you subsidize something, you’re going to get more of it. According to Health Affairs’ comprehensive look at national health spending projections through 2020 , we’re due to see a 10.7 percent increase in prescription drug spending in 2014, an 8.9 percent increase in physician and clinical services in 2014, and a 7.2 percent increase in hospital spending in 2014 – all higher than the spending anticipated without Obama’s law. And guess who’s paying for this new spending? The insurers. What do you expect to happen to premiums, exactly?
Of course, even if you agree that the United States should be forced to pay for healthcare for all citizens - the eternal refrain from the Left that thinks it's immoral that we spend so much on defense instead of domestic programs - the other defense of Obamacare also falls apart like a house of cards: namely, that it will reduce the deficit.
Writing in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, Betsy McCaughey eviscerates that line of reasoning:
Defenders of President Obama's health care law are flaunting a Congressional Budget Office claim that overturning the law would worsen the federal deficit. Repeal, said a CBO report late last month, would cancel $890 billion in new entitlement spending but eliminate revenues of even greater magnitude.
Don't be bamboozled. Even if it were true that ObamaCare raises more money than it spends, that would hardly be reason to keep it, or any law.
ObamaCare creates two costly giveaways—an expansion of Medicaid and new subsidies for people purchasing private insurance. It "pays" for both new entitlements by hiking taxes and penalties, and by raiding funds previously designated for Medicare.
The half-trillion dollars in tax hikes and half-trillion dollars in cuts to Medicare funding together total more than the cost of the new entitlements during the next 10 years, according to the CBO, and produce a small $109 billion surplus. Repealing ObamaCare would erase that tiny surplus.
So what? Repeal also would reduce government spending, lower taxes, and undo the evisceration of Medicare: all good results.
And yes, access to affordable care is already being reduced as a direct result of Obamacare. Sally Pipes noted in Forbes this week,
The law requires states to offer Medicaid to everyone making less than 138 percent of the poverty line — just over $30,000 for a family of four. In exchange, the federal government covers the cost of the expansion for the first three years — and 90 percent thereafter.
Sounds like a great deal for the states. But the administrative expenses involved in expanding the program will increase Medicaid costs for most states — even during the period when the government foots the bill, according to a new survey conducted by the Government Accountability Office.
Further, the federal “gifts” are only for the “newly eligible.” States would still have to pay for their share of the cost of coverage for those who were eligible for Medicaid before the passage of Obamacare but hadn’t enrolled. An estimated 14 million people fall into this category.
Thanks to the individual mandate, many of these previously eligible people will come “out of the woodwork” to sign up for Medicaid and comply with the law. That would add billions of dollars to already strained state budgets.
Indeed, she goes on to note that the mere fact that many states are opting out of these free federal "gifts" is already causing the cost analysis of the law to change, and it will ironically impact LOW INCOME patients the most:
Some of the folks that would have been eligible for Medicaid will seek coverage in the exchanges — where it’s 50 percent more expensive than under Medicaid. As a result, federal spending on subsidies for the exchanges will rise by $215 billion.
But only a third of those eligible for Medicaid under Obamacare’s intended expansion of the program will qualify for subsidies on the exchanges. The remaining two-thirds have incomes that are too low, according to the law.
That puts the Obama Administration in the uncomfortable position of subsidizing health coverage for the middle class — while leaving those with lower incomes to fend for themselves.
All told, the Supreme Court decision makes Obamacare $84 billion cheaper — a paltry 7 percent of the law’s total cost. Six million fewer people will be enrolled in Medicaid, and three million more will hit the exchanges. The three million remaining will be added to the uninsured rolls.
As if that weren't enough, this week's CBO analysis also gave an estimate of how many Americans will remain uninsured after full implementation of the law: 30 Million. Now, to be fair, the CBO states rather unreliably that the current number of uninsured is 53 million. This number is specious in large part because it includes illegal aliens - and after all, there are nearly as many estimates of the illegal alien population in America as there are Americans. The estimates range from 7 million to over 20 million, and possibly even more. However, the final estimate of those uninsured within 8 years of full implementation remains unaffected:
The CBO estimates that in 2022--8 years after the Affordable Care Act has been fully implemented--30 million people will remain uninsured.
Moreover, under Obamacare, 8 percent of legal U.S. residents will remain without health insurance in 2022, according to CBO.
In summary, it is clear that Obamacare fails to keep any single promise upon which it was forced and sold to the American public. No deficit reduction. No reduction in costs. No reduction in premiums. And you can't keep your doctor or your plan.
It has never been more clear that this abomination of a bill must be repealed. How do we get there? By implementing the Five Point Plan outlined by FreedomWorks:
1. Stop the healthcare exchanges in as many states as possible;
2. Stop the Medicaid expansion in as many states as possible;
3. Take a conservative majority in the Senate;
4. Keep or increase the conservative majority in the House;
5. Take the White House.
Another excellent analysis of how to repeal the law was done at CATO, which said, "A critical mass of states could literally force Congress to repeal the Obama health law."
We know what we need to do. We know how to get it done.


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Getting hurt or developing an illness while you’re on the job can be devastating to you and your family, especially if you become disabled and are unable to work for an extended period of time. Thankfully, Oklahoma has a workers’ compensation system that’s designed to help workers like you whose health prevents them from returning to their jobs for the foreseeable future.
But just because the system exists doesn’t mean it’s readily accessible to those who need it. In fact, getting approval for benefits by the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission is difficult. Many first-time claimants are denied, even if they suffered serious injuries or illnesses at work and they have the documentation to prove it. Many people who are denied workers’ compensation benefits simply give up, putting their finances and even their families’ futures in jeopardy.
We Know Workers’ Compensation Claims and Appeals
The Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission uses strict criteria when approving claims. One misstep, mistake, or oversight can result in an otherwise valid claim being rejected. At Parrish DeVaughn, our Oklahoma City workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to help you maximize your chances of getting your appeal approved.
We know the ins and outs of the process that the commission uses to approve or reject claims, and we know what it takes to get injured or sick workers like you the benefits they deserve. Don’t leave your claim, your appeal, and your future up to chance. Call us today and get our experienced and dedicated legal team on your side.

domain: law


text:
Pragmatic Play is one of the best-known content providers in the iGaming industry. It has a large catalogue of slot machines and other games for desktop and mobile players. With a presence in over twenty regulated markets, it has established itself as a top-notch content provider.
Pragmatic Play has a reputation for developing aesthetically-pleasing, immersive slot games. They also have a dedicated live casino solution, hosted in a state-of-the-art studio in Bucharest. The live casino solution is licensed to ensure that it is of the highest quality.
Pragmatic Play has a wide range of games in its portfolio, from classic slots to jackpot games. Their games are certified by Gaming Laboratories International, and are reviewed periodically for fairness. Besides offering a variety of high-quality games, Pragmatic Play is focused on socially responsible gaming.
In addition to its innovative video slots, Pragmatic Play offers table and scratchcard games. The company has an extensive collection of games, with over 80 titles, including a range of jackpot games. As a result, the company is a preferred partner of leading online casinos.
Pragmatic Play has a library of over 50 slot machines, which are grouped into different categories. Each title has its own unique style and theme. Whether it’s a five-reel, twenty-payline video slot or a board game, each game is designed to deliver the best experience possible.
Pragmatic Play is known for its innovation, and has won a number of industry awards. These include the 2018 Malta Gaming Award for Best Slot Game, the EGR B2B award for Innovation in Slot Provision, and several others.

domain: entertainment


text:
Quick and Easy Wheat-Free Sandwich Buns
This recipe is not low-FODMAP*
makes 6 buns
3 tablespoons oil (for neutral taste, use canola or extra light olive)
1/2 cup cold water
2/3 cup almond flour
1/2 cup flax seed meal*
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 6 - 4" ramekins or a 12-count whoopie pie pan.
- In a blender or food processor, pulse all ingredients together until well mixed. Pour evenly into ramekins or pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until dry on the tops.
- Cool in pans, then turn out and slice in half. If using a whoopie pie pan, slicing is not necessary.
*Almond flour is high in fructans and flax seed has not been tested for FODMAP content, so this recipe is not appropriate for the elimination phase of the low-FODMAP diet.
**Update 8/18/2012: I realized that for whatever reason, I forgot to type in the Parmesan cheese as an ingredient. I apologize for any confusion!


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PROVO — “What a piece of work is man!” “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio.” And of course, “To be or not to be.” These are the opening lines of some the most famous monologues from Shakespeare‘s work—and the Bard gave them all to the same character. No wonder Hamlet is one of the most coveted roles for actors. BYU Young Company’s touring production of Hamlet has all these lines and other memorable gems. However, their presentation is lacking, though not enough bother the show’s target demographic of tweens and teens.
Director Teresa Love set this production in contemporary times, with Hamlet and his cohorts portrayed as skater teenagers. The goal of the concept is to make Shakespeare more accessible to the production’s audience, but I fail to identify any scene where the actions or language were more understandable because the characters were dressed in 21st century clothes. But Love’s cast is committed to the setting, as the younger characters enter and exit on skateboards and embrace the brooding, moody teenage angst that is synonymous (to adults) with skater culture.
Where Love’s ideas succeed more is in the audience participation that peppers the show, especially having Rosencrantz, Guildenstern, and some of the players portrayed by audience members. It is an effective technique that gets the children in the audience to pay extra attention when someone their age is on stage.
But what I found disappointing was how the important, profound lines from the script were robbed of their impact through the direction. The “What a piece of work is man!” speech was accompanied by a series of silly gestures. “Alas, poor Yorick!” has a goofy gravedigger (played by Camden Wawro) making distracting sounds upstage and then ends with Yorick’s skull placed on a skateboard and unceremoniously pushed off stage. Antics like this make Hamlet seem trivial and may disappoint adults who expect some meat from their Shakespeare.
But will these decisions bother children? No. Kids do not care about the sublime meditations on death and suicide in the “To be or not to be” speech, nor do they attend Shakespeare to bask in the Bard’s linguistic genius. For adults, though, there is little to chew on in this production—even by the standards of theatre for young audiences.
Love’s cast is capable of meeting the needs of the production. Clark Allen plays Hamlet with a good handle on the diction of the language and the flow of the story. Allen is best in the extreme moments of the play, such as when swordfighting with Laertes or threatening Gertrude. The emotional connections with the other characters, though, seem more difficult for him. There is no spark of romance between Hamlet and Ophelia (played by Samantha Daynes), nor any indication of a meaningful relationship with Horatio (played by Emma Larsen) or Gertrude. Instead, Allen delivers his lines—well and earnestly—while other cast members stand nearby. I attribute this to his inexperience. Allen is a freshman whose credits in the program are all high school productions. Giving a lead performance as competent as his in a 60-minute college Shakespeare production of Hamlet at that age is no small accomplishment.
The senior cast members, especially Tommy Kindall as Claudius, Marion Pack as Gertrude, and Erik Rytting as Laertes, gave more nuanced performances that brought some depth to the production. Rytting’s return as Laertes in Act IV was full of emotional heartbreak that understandably turned to seething anger towards Hamlet—a transformation that was as realistic as it was interesting. Pack is a splash of dignity and grace in the production, and her Gertrude seems like the court peacemaker. Her bewildered reaction to Hamlet’s mood swings would be familiar to any parent of a moody teenager. Finally, Kindall was a strident Claudius, and it was believable that someone so decisive could usurp the throne through murder. Kindall has a knack for making a positive contributing to any ensemble scene, and his reactions during Ophelia’s funeral, the play within the play, or the final fight scene all enriched these pivotal moments. I felt sorry for Kindall, though, who has to wear an ill-fitting suit coat and baggy suit pants (from costume designer Hannah Liberatore).
Although I have misgivings, it is important to remember that BYU Young Company’s Hamlet is not designed to please a critic in his 30s. The real question is whether the show is an engaging show for its target audience of 10- to 15-year-olds. The answer is certainly yes. But there is not much in the production for adults who accompany children to see it. It is hard for me to ignore the gimmick of a teenage skater Hamlet and direction that pulled focus away from the beautiful script. Both flaws seemed to show a lack of trust in Shakespeare’s ability to engage audience members of all ages.

domain: literature