text:
SHANTEL DESTRA, HOST:
Former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin has resigned. Two weeks ago, he was charged with bribery and fraud for illegally funneling thousands of dollars in state funds to his previous campaigns. Jack O’Donnell is a political analyst who’s worked on the administrations of many high-profile politicians - from Senators Chuck Schumer and Hilary Clinton to President Bill Clinton. I asked how the charges Brian Benjamin is facing will impact New York:
JACK O'DONNELL: Well, I think that the impact on average, everyday New Yorkers is already felt right, whether he's found guilty or not the US Attorney found enough, enough reason to believe that he was, you know, he was guilty to bring these charges. And I think the other impact is on Governor Hochul. You know, she selected him that was one of her first big tests in office. And, you know, now she's got to kind of wear that as she introduces herself to New Yorkers and runs for election
DESTRA: How much would you say that every day New York will be paying attention to this trial as an unfolds as we saw recently, Cathy, hopeful when she was lieutenant governor, no one really knew who she was until the whole Cuomo scandal. So how much is that going to impact this situation?
O'DONNELL: I think a lot of New Yorkers would have been hard-pressed before or after this, to name the lieutenant governor. I think that the arrest and resignation oftentimes is a lot more sensational than the trial. You know, in federal court, a trial like this could be a couple of years away, and then it could drag on for months. By the time the trial comes, people tend to not pay as much attention to it. But at the end of the day, you know, this is a high-ranking elected official in New York. And so I'm sure the press and some of us in the public will be paying attention.
DESTRA: Thinking back before the Cuomo scandal, how often has it been that New York State has been involved in scandals to this magnitude before?
O'DONELL: Well, boy, we've had quite a run recently, I think. I think if you start with Eliot Spitzer and the the prostitution scandal around his resignation, I mean, that was national international news. You know, from then on, we had kind of a pretty bad run. Several members of the State Senate, the State Senate Majority Leader, Pedro Spata, Malcolm Smith, they all went to prison. And then we had Shelley Silva, the Speaker of the Assembly, who had been there was closing in on a record for the longest-tenured speaker in New York state history before he went down. So I think in terms of scandal, New York's had a really bad 20 years.
DESTRA: How Does New York Compare to other states in terms of scandal?
O'DONNELL: New York is is really up there with with some of the worst scandals and the worst records. It's something that I think voters need to ask some questions about elected officials about what what are we doing about that and what are we demanding?
DESTRA: Jack O'Donnell, Political Analyst with O'Donnell and Associates, thank you for being here today.
O'DONNELL: Thanks so much for having me. I really appreciate it.


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In which I propose to enter a Haiku with the inspiring photo each day.
What a beautiful snake! Of course...from the distance! Do not fancy the "muscled embrace"!Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice haiku behind! I appreciate it!
I am a green snakeI sit on this branch and roar!Or maybe just hiss
Thanks to you both

domain: artistic


text:
Quadruple Hammerhead Shark Sterling Silver and 14K Gold Accent Necklace MNC296
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domain: design


Badfinger No Dice (Remastered)
- Released: October 25, 2010
- Originally Released: 2010
- Label: Capitol
Rolling Stone - 12/2/70, p.52"...One of the best records of the year....great rockers...and gorgeously done pop rock and roll....Don't miss them..."
Uncut - p.1203 stars out of 5 - "[B]y NO DICE they hit their stride..."
Record Collector (magazine) - p.90"The real Badfinger stood up on NO DICE, a more consistent yet maybe even more Beatles-esque affair."
- 1.I Can't Take It
- 2.I Don't Mind
- 3.Love Me Do
- 4.Midnight Caller
- 5.No Matter What
- 6.Without You
- 8.Better Days
- 9.It Had To Be
- 10.Watford John
- 11.Believe Me
- 12.We're For the Dark
- 13.Get Down [#][*][Version]
- 14.Friends Are Hard To Find [Demo Version]
- 15.Mean Mean Jemima
- 16.Loving You [Alternate Take]
- 17.I'll Be The One [Demo Version]
Audio Remasterers: Sam O'Kell; Steve Rooke; Guy Massey.
Liner Note Author: Andy Davis .
Recording information: Abbey Road; Trident Studios, London, England.
Photographer: Richard DiLello.
Discovered by Paul McCartney and signed to the Beatles' Apple Records, Badfinger was, for many fans, the next best thing to the Fab Four. But even if the band did start as a Beatles wannabe, it eventually forged a successful power-pop style of its own. NO DICE, Badfinger's second album, exhibits a confident band with strong, melodic pop songs and a diminishing Beatles influence. Bandleader Pete Ham, with his distinctively tense vocals and guitar lines, carries the band through well-constructed melodies, well-conceived harmonies, and edgy instrumentals.
The track list includes a few genuine killers. "No Matter What," a compact gem that recalls the melodic innocence of the early Beatles, may be the band's apex. "Without You" is the band's original version of a quirky power ballad that Harry Nilsson would soon turn into a pop smash. The five extra tracks included with this reissue offer a variety of treats. The fiery "Get Down" displays a hard, bluesy edge and searing lead guitar, while "Friends Are Hard to Find" is all tight, gentle harmonies. These are welcome additions to Badfinger's great, underrated catalog.
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London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL) also applied to amend the day and night noise contours.
A decision has been taken on his behalf to hold a local inquiry in due course to consider "all the relevant aspects of the proposed development".
A LLAOL spokesman said today: (Thursday, April 7) “We're disappointed by the decision, but respect the Secretary of State’s request for the application to undergo further examination.
"The government understands that airports are an important enabler of wider economic growth. For London Luton Airport to play its part, it’s important we can maximise our potential.
"Our plan enables us to do that by putting the airport on the best possible footing for a long-term recovery which supports the local economy and creates jobs, after the worst crisis our industry has ever faced.
"This plan is consistent with our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality for our own operations by 2026, and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.”
The decision revealed in a letter to the local authority's planning consultant David Gurtler coincides with the end of a consultation period over airport expansion to cater for 32m passengers a year.
Recent exhibitions were staged at a number of venues in parts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire to outline future expansion proposals of the borough council's airport company, Luton Rising.
A Luton Rising spokesman said today: "The Secretary of State had signalled his wish already to consider reviewing the (LLAOL) application, so this development is in line with due process."
A date has yet to be set for the inquiry which will be arranged by the government's planning inspectorate, according to the letter, following the decision made by Minister of State for Housing Stuart Andrew on behalf of Mr Gove.
Local protest group Luton and District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (LADACAN) has welcomed the government's decision.
"We're really grateful for the support from local MPs, councils and other groups in helping to get this decision called in," said Andrew Lambourne, from the anti-noise organisation.
"We expect the hearings to shine some uncomfortable light on how the borough council and the airport failed to ensure the required balance between growth and mitigation, apparently focusing on maximising revenues instead."
The letter added that the local inquiry will focus on "the extent to which the development is consistent with government policies for meeting the challenge of climate change, and for conserving and improving the natural environment".
It will also consider "the extent to which it's consistent with the development plan for the area, and any other matters the inspector considers relevant".
LLAOL received permission in 2013 to expand capacity to 18m passengers a year over a 15-year period to 2028, but reached 19m by 2019.


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Seamless White Paper Textures - Textures
Seamless White Paper Textures - Textures - 1
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This graphics pack contains 20 seamless and tileable white paper textures. Each image is in JPEG format, measuring 12"x12" (30.48 cm or 3600x3600 pixels) at 300 dpi resolution.
These were created from a wide variety of unique, rare and handcrafted papers. Textures include pressed cotton, linen, silk, watercolor paper, among others. Because they are tileable, the size and resolution of your design is no issue! The natural fibers and imperfections are visible, making these paper textures perfect for your next creative project. Whether you need a paper background for your website, blog, business card, or poster, these will have you covered no matter the requirements of your design.
Thanks for checking it out :)

domain: hobby


First published in the Aug. 27 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
All these years I’ve been writing about children and other malcontents without much success, when I should’ve been writing about dogs, judging by reaction over a recent column about Dog Park Gary. Could’ve carved out a career as America’s favorite dog columnist, sponsored by Purina and various flea and tick sprays. I could’ve had a life.
Right now, yet another dog is sitting on my feet as I write this. Pair of silk slippers, this golden retriever pup. Probably should’ve named her Slippers. The best pair of slippers is a pair that snores, sleeping on your feet, wiggling as you write senseless columns about children and other malcontents.
For the record, the pup’s name is actually Penny Laine, a dog that belongs to my daughter and for the next seven weeks, to me and Smartacus. When I agreed to watch her, I didn’t know about the special baths she needs every other day. Or the pill and a half she needs each night. Suppositories? Whatever. I volunteered for this, after all. I’ve always been the kind of person who volunteers for things, then complains about it.
Hey, I’ll watch the dog. You can’t kennel the poor girl for seven weeks.
So, Slippers is ours as the lovely and patient older daughter vacations in New York City, as fine a place as you will find east of the Hudson, kind of a dirty-gummy concrete tomb, yet kind of not. Probably best known for its crime and corrupt public officials, I mean, really some of the worst people on Earth. Yet, New York City offers far more than that.
“Have the pizza,” I told my granddaughter on her first trip to New York.
I’m a little worried. Many L.A. kids go to New York and never return. No doubt, they are attracted by the crime, grime and corruption … the pizza, the choking sports teams, the rude vibe. Some of the finest people I know are from New York, my son-in-law Finn, for example. Some of the worst too. In that way, it’s very much like L.A., a magnet for madmen.
I was working with Suzanne the other night. Her diction is superb, and she speaks in the lilting tones of a fairy princess, in sonnets and sighs. So that was our first project. I was trying to get her to slur her words, like I do, to sputter and spit, so that we’d seem more of a couple.
As we worked, we looked out on the blanket of lights, admiring the view from the rooftop of her little castle, and I asked: Hey, have you ever gazed out across L.A. at night, across the canyons, the valleys, that quilt of stars that makes up the basin, and thought:
How many people are making love right now? How many are leaning in for a first kiss? How many dads are reading to their children? How many teens are texting, tweeting, writing sly and tooty notes to a friend in need?
In the million-or-so homes, apartments and yurts across L.A., how many people are taking a bath? How many are flushing? How many are finishing up another cringy screenplay about dragons and spaceships?
Have you ever looked out at that tranquil sea of lights and wondered: How many moms out there, within eyesight, are just now going into labor? How many kittens are being born? How many boyfriends are walking in on someone else?
How many game show hosts are tinting their hair? How many ingenues are wiggling out of their bikinis? How many ER docs are saving lives? How many chefs are blending scallops into butter? How many bank robbers are planning the morning’s hit?
How many possums, skunks, talent agents are out there right now?
They call this the City of Angels. I think they were being ironic.
But man, what a storybook, full of wonderful people, a few rude ones and the best noodle joints, hiking trails, Minions, mimics and horn players. There’s that bar just outside Sony where the Munchkins used to drink, that joint on Ocean where Marilyn used to wait for JFK … the stretch of Wilshire where Billy Joel crafted “Piano Man” (the Executive Room, now gone).
It’s nine o’clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There’s an old man sittin’ next to me
Makin’ love to his tonic and gin
Like all the other great cities, L.A. is rich in all the things that make a midnight interesting.
I like, especially, the little moments: the grace notes, the noodle joints, the shadows, the slippers.
Sleeping on my feet this minute …
Email the columnist at email@example.com. For past columns or books, please go to ChrisErskineLA.com.
– Chris Erskine


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Topic: Financial Planning And Forecasting
Detailed Question: The discussion portion of the paper should be 10 pages in length, double spaced, and employ APA style criteria. Also in text citations and a reference page is required when using other authors' works. Keep in mind that supporting data should be submitted in less than 4 separate attachments. The attachments and title page are NOT counted toward the total page count. For example attachments should include, proforma income statement, balance sheets, etc.
Details of the Research PAPer:
The company you select should be a publicly held company and be listed on a U.S. stock exchange. Your approach should include a discussion of the company's business model, core products or services, growth prospects and key cost items. If the company that is selected is engaged in foreign markets you will need to discuss the potential for growth of those markets and any special risks those markets may pose, and risk management techniques for managing those risks effectively.
The ultimate goal is to decide which company is best positioned to provide the most shareholder value in the future. This would require you to conduct the following analysis:
1) Identify an industry to focus on (It is suggested that you use an industry that is expanding rather than consolidating, but the choice is yours to make). Explain why you chose this industry and its environment.
2) Identify the top companies in the industry using your own selection of criteria (market capitalization, ROE, or any other financial criteria you wish to develop.) Your decisions on which set of criteria to use, are to be considered part of the project and your rationalization must be explained.
3) Compile a ratio analysis of the top competitors in the industry using the company's financial statements. You should limit the number of companies you are researching to between 3-5.
The ratio analysis should include:
a) a 5 year trend analysis of each company selected and compared to the industry averages and
b) a competitive analysis of the selected major competitors using four main standards: profitability, liquidity, debt and return on equity.
4) Establish growth projections for the top competitors using established methods, including pro forma income statements and balance sheets for the coming year.
5) Analyze the following elements of the major competitors:
[It is expected that you will discuss why you selected the measures used, interpret the data and explain what this information suggests about the company's financial situation and future financing needs.]
a) Each company's capital structure
b) Cost of capital, capital structure, CAPM, cash flow, value of common stock and MVA.
6) You are expected to look at a potential takeover target for the company (within the industry or closely related to the industry), evaluate the takeover and the price to be paid for the target using established valuation criteria. It is expected that you will discuss the selection of the criteria used and to comment on its relative value in the analysis.
The primary goal of the assignment is to utilize the concepts and formulas you have learned in your course of study and apply them to full effect in looking at this industry and its environment. It is expected that you will comment on the industry's environment, as well as the business and financial risks that face the industry and the major competitors in that industry. It will be necessary to discuss the near term economic forecast and include a discussion of any important changes that may take place in terms of the potential growth of the market, impact on the availability and cost of capital and any basic resources the company will need to succeed.
After selecting the main competitors and conducting your analysis you will need to choose one company as the projected future industry leader and project its future stock price in light of your review and analysis.
Your research should include a survey of business periodicals, industry data from scholarly sources, analyst reports, news articles and journals as appropriate. When using financial calculations, you must show your math. How did you do the calculations? Using a financial calculator is fine, Excel is recommended, but I need to know if you understand the data. For example, if you did a ROE calculation on a financial calculator, I need to see more than just the end result, i.e. what data you used to make the calculations.

domain: economics


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The business case for sustainability
Even if you aren’t convinced your company needs to be seen as a good corporate citizen, there’s a compelling business argument for sustainability.
To start with, it’s clear that customers and investors increasingly prefer to do business with companies that are proactive in their approach to society and the environment.
In the year to March 31, 2007, for example, corporate and government customers asked BT for evidence of its performance in these areas to be included in bids for business worth a total of £1.8 billion. The corresponding figure for the previous year was £1.3 billion.
Research has also shown that customers who believe that BT takes its responsibility to society and the environment seriously are 49 per cent more likely than others to be very or extremely satisfied with the company.
It is also clear that improvements in sustainability can generate big savings. By acting to reduce its impact on the environment, for example, BT achieved savings worth £229.3 million in the year to March 31, 2007. The majority resulted from productivity improvements achieved through increases in home and flexible working and the wider use of conferencing as an alternative to face-to-face meetings.
Independent research conducted for BT found that its home workers are 21 per cent more productive that their office-based colleagues and take less time off as a result of being sick. Other researchers estimated that the time that made available to BT’s people as a result of eliminating journeys to meetings was worth more than £100 million in 2006/7 alone.
Even something as simple as an audit of your IT infrastructure could produce a big savings. BT tries hard to run its business as efficiently as it can, but even so a recent audit of its data centres identified opportunities to decommission or consolidate around 3,000 servers, reducing electricity consumption by 23GWh a year and reducing CO2 emissions by 3,300 tonnes. Along with changes to the design of cooling and power supply systems, this helped BT reduce the energy bill for its data centres by £3.8 million over six months.
While compelling in their own right, these are just some of the more obvious examples of how a sustainable approach adds value to the bottom line. No matter what business you are in, the growing reality is that what’s good for society and the environment is good for your company. It reduces costs, mitigates risks, improves a company’s reputation, motivates employees, drives innovation and generally boosts performance – in short, it offers a wide range of benefits that any business would be foolish to ignore.
Thanks to BT for permission to reproduce this article from the paper “Understanding what matters, CSR and strategic focus”
BT has been recognised as the world's top telecoms company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the past seven years.
The index assesses 2,500 companies worldwide, looking at corporate governance and ethical practices, investor relations, environmental management and climate change, digital inclusion, community investment, human rights, health and safety, diversity, supply chain and risk management. See their website for more information on sustainability issues. http://www.btplc.com/Societyandenvironment/Socialandenvironmentreport/index.aspx
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A photo that Cee posted this morning led to an amazing discovery. We have photos of the same car—a purple Corvette that was the Official Pace Car of the 1998 Indianapolis 500.
I took my photo in 2014 at a Corvette club event in Ohio. It will be interesting to find out where and when Cee took her photo.
Click on image to enlarge.
Click here for more Odd Ball photos on Cee’s website.
Cee has selected this photo as one of her featured images for the week. Thank you, Cee, and congratulations to the other featured photographers.


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It’s official. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered is real, and it’s out right now – but only on PlayStation 4. It’s an exclusive to the Sony platform for one month, and will come to Xbox One and PC on April 30. As the name – and the leak – suggests, it’s a campaign-only remaster, so you won’t get Spec Ops or traditional multiplayer here.
“Beginning with Modern Warfare last year, the focus has been to bring players together seamlessly in one unified online multiplayer playground,” Activision says in an official blog post. The company adds, “rather than release a separate, multiplayer experience as a standalone pack, Activision and Infinity Ward are looking to bring more classic map experiences to new life within the Modern Warfare universe as it continues to grow and build over time.”
The campaign-only edition of Modern Warfare 2 is available on PS4 for $19.99 USD, so expect similar pricing on the PC version when it finally launches. And expect to buy the new Modern Warfare if you want to play the classic multiplayer maps on modern servers.

domain: entertainment


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Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Publishing Date: March 4th 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy,Science Fiction,Dystopia
Ever found yourself insanely jealous of someone who is really skilled at something? Cause I just did, god how beautifully this woman writes!!!
Of course I had read some pretty amazing reviews of the book, found myself immensely liking, Rutkoski’ style of writing after reading Bridge of Snow, the prequel to Arin and Kestrel’ story, which honestly makes more sense to me now, and in a way breaks my heart, if it’s in any way a foreshadowing of the events to come in the lives of these amazing characters.
My biggest grievance with YA literature is the insta-love angle, I understand the lure of attraction, I don’t get falling head over heels in love with someone you barely know for less than a week/month. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe its takes time for the kind of love to happen, for which you would sacrifice anything and everything, it’s not that SPONTANEOUS, as some books would have you believe. The process is more of a slow burn and not instantaneous combustion. Which is why I absolutely loved, LOVED the way Rutkoski has developed the romance between Arin and Kestrel, a slave and his owner.
They aren’t drawn to each other in a way that is sexual, yes there is a fair amount of sexual tension between them, but it simmers and grows. It simply does not take place overnight, but evolves at its own sweet pace.
The next thing at which Rutkoski absolutely scores in my opinion is her characterization of not just Arin & Kestrel but all the other characters.
But the thing which totally makes me a fan of her is the way she has made Kestrel as a gal I absolutely admire and love. Kestrel isn’t your usual in-your-face whiny annoying YA heroine, she is smart, she is ruthless and she is a fabulous strategist.
Raised by her father who practically lives and breathes war as a general in the military of the Valorian empire, Kestrel absolutely detests bloodshed, yet she hates losing. Her mind is her sword and that makes her an awesome kick-ass heroine to me, she has a clear idea of who she is and what exactly she is capable of. She makes no bones in admitting her strengths and realizing her flaws. She knows she can be completely lethal without raising a finger, is a quick thinker and doesn’t back-out under any circumstances. She knows how to turn even the odds against her in her favor and she is a pianist.
Yep the one thing Valorians don’t believe is vital is Music, is the one thing which Kestrel cannot live without.
It is in Arin, that she finally meets her match.
Though that is not exactly a good thing…. not really.The kind of situation these two find themselves in, you would loathe to be in their shoes.
You can’t help but root for them, you can’t help but think since the moment things begin to unravel – this is a disaster just waiting to happen.
It’s been a long time since I have found myself excited for the next book of a series as much as this one, (GRRM I am looking at you….) especially since that CLIFFHANGER. OMG!!!!! 2015 is simply too far away.
Do yourselves a favor and just pick up the first copy of this book asap, since it’s an absolute must-read and without a doubt will end up in most of the top ten books of year lists.


text:
The Corruptionist by Christopher G. Moore
Approx. 138,510 words.
Published on December 27, 2010 by
Hired by an American businessman, Calvino finds himself caught in the middle of a family conflict over a Chinese corporate takeover. This is no ordinary deal. As the bodies accumulate while he navigates Thailand’s business-political landmines, Calvino becomes increasingly entangled in a secret deal made by men who will stop at nothing—and no one—standing in their way.


text:
Happy Wheels Game Total Jerk Face
In the Complimentary Model component of the game you are able to total create your very own bouquets. Incase path overlaps, game will likely jerk to be finished. As part of this game you can grow your plants, in your little garden.
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text:
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Have A Question About This Topic?
Asking the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.
Change comes at us from every angle as people update and upgrade everything from their diets to their devices, seemingly every day.
Six out of 10 millennials regret buying a home because they weren’t prepared for the hidden costs.

domain: sociology


text:
A regular fit pair of tracksuit bottoms from Fred Perry, constructed from a premium synthetic fabric, and featuring an elasticated waistband with internal drawstring, two slash waist pockets, and loose cuffs. The tracksuit bottoms sport contrast panels to the side seams, tonal stitching throughout, and the iconic Fred Perry Laurel wreath embroidered to the thigh.
- Regular fit
- Premium synthetic shell
- Elasticated waist with internal drawstring
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Style & Fit:
- These tracksuit bottoms fit true to size. We advise you take your normal size.
Fabric Composition & Care:
- 54% Polyester 46% Cotton
- Machine washable


text:
India's healthcare sector continues to face increasingly complex challenges. A large population and low overall healthcare and public spending have led to skewed access to healthcare across the country. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) global health report, India's per capita health spending is only about 20% of China's.1
As India's growth has increased and as incomes have risen consistently, the country's disease burden also has shifted. In 2016, the majority of deaths in India (61.8%) were due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, whereas in 1990, the majority of deaths (53.6%) were due to communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional diseases, according to a recent study published in the medical journal Lancet.2
In responding to this shift, India's health system faces multipronged challenges. NCDs increasingly threaten the physical health and economic security of many lower- and middle-income people, and challenges from infectious diseases persist in the country. India ranks second in the world in prevalence of diabetes according to The International Diabetes Federation.3
Highly underindexed in delivery infrastructure
Unfortunately, India is severely underindexed in healthcare delivery infrastructure. The government infrastructure, in particular, is woefully inadequate. India's per capita public and private healthcare spending in 2016 was $87, compared with $10,203 in the US and $471 in China.4
India also has fewer hospital beds and nurses than either China or the US. In 2016, India could provide only 0.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people, whereas the US and China offered 2.8 beds and 3.5 beds, respectively. The private sector accounts for 63% of hospital beds in India, and government reports indicate that the country is 81% short of specialists at rural community health centres.5
India's per capita healthcare spending (as a proportion of GDP) and specifically public spending is among the lowest per capita in the world. (By comparison, per capita healthcare spending in China and in the US are, respectively, 5.4 times and 117.3 times that of India's.) Indians use their personal savings to pay for more than 62.0% of their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. This figure compares with 13.4% in the US and 54.0% in China.6
The rise of NCDs poses a major threat to India's health and economic security. New, costlier technologies, drugs and infrastructure are driving up delivery costs among private healthcare providers. As a result, the affordability gap is constantly widening, especially for lower- and middle-income groups.7 In addition, domestic healthcare infrastructure is developing slowly, and far too few people are choosing to become physicians, further straining the healthcare ecosystem.
The government has recognised the system's gaps and is introducing several healthcare schemes to benefit the country's underprivileged populations. The government's latest announcement of INR 5 lakh insurance coverage for poor families under the National Health Protection Scheme is notable in this regard.8
The existing healthcare infrastructure, however, simply cannot meet the population's needs. Despite universal healthcare services, free treatments and the availability of essential drugs at government hospitals, lack of staffing and financing often forces rural residents to turn instead to private physicians and hospitals.9
In this context, private Indian healthcare providers are a key link to solving India's burgeoning healthcare burden.
Strong case for change across private healthcare providers in India
Healthcare delivery in India requires a massive change at every stage including prevention, diagnosis and treatment and requires integration of care from each of those stages. Private healthcare providers have a complex and difficult responsibility to provide superior clinical delivery and patient experience while managing costs and providing optimum financial returns. The healthcare sector can only evolve if all stakeholders participate and innovate.10
The government also is trying to curb several costing and pricing practices that have crept into the system. As a result, the margins of private healthcare providers are under pressure. In this context, healthcare providers face multiple demands from multiple stakeholders, including increased pricing pressure from the government, cost and quality concerns and affordability issues from patients and the public, intense competition, increasing payer power and a pressure on margins straining returns on capital.
To better understand existing realities and perspectives, we conducted research among NATHEALTH members across India, engaging healthcare service, diagnostic service and medical equipment providers.
Our research made it abundantly clear that regulation, competition and public trust—or lack thereof—constantly tug at private healthcare providers in India. Eighty per cent of respondents said that regulatory uncertainty and pricing pressures were the top sustainability concerns plaguing India's healthcare providers. Competitive intensity, a severe deficit of public trust and intense activism were other leading factors (see Figure 1). Providers must judiciously manage all these demands to remain sustainable.
Considering the various pressures in the healthcare industry, the managing director of a leading hospital chain in India said, "If we study healthcare economics in more detail, across the sector, return on capital employed (ROCE) is just 10%, which is just enough to plough back into the business."11
Profitability of private healthcare providers is under pressure, and shareholder returns significantly lag market standards. The consolidated EBITDA margin of the top three hospital chains in India was 12% in March 2013. By March 2016, it had dropped to 9%, according to Bloomberg data. Worse, the annualised total shareholder return (TSR) of the top four hospital chains in the two-year period between August 2015 and August 2017 was negative 8%, compared with the TSR of BSE SENSEX companies offering a positive 11% TSR during the same period, Bloomberg indicates.
Private providers today face major challenges in delivering healthcare services across the country. Most healthcare professionals practice in urban areas, where consumers have a greater ability to pay for services. As a result, rural areas tend to be underserved.12 India meets the global average in its number of physicians, but three-fifths of its doctors cater to one-third of the urban population.13
Consequently, several healthcare service providers in India can’t invest because they are focussed on managing costs. The severity of each medical case varies, care is not standardised and the quality of clinical delivery is variable over time and across providers. Patient experience and service standards could suffer as providers struggle to manage costs in this evolving market.
There is thus a strong case for change across private healthcare providers in India.
Private healthcare: Issues and challenges
For the sake of both private healthcare providers' viability and patients' health, operational improvements are key. However, judging by providers' experience, few have succeeded in making such improvements. Failure of these efforts typically relates to organisational and change-management issues. Only about 20% of the respondents we engaged have benefitted from operational improvement measures. About 65% are still in the process of implementing solutions; most are attempting to optimise only procurement, processes and overhead (see Figure 2).
Indeed, operational improvement is easier said than done. Most respondents' goals were unambitious: Approximately 80% targeted a reduction in costs of less than 15%. Yet approximately 60% of respondents met only limited success (see Figure 3).
As the government makes patient needs the focus of policy decisions, large private hospitals and other healthcare service providers are also willing emphasise patient needs. For many, patient feedback has emerged as important input in their systems to monitor and improve quality of services. As an indication of this focus on quality, healthcare providers in recent years have opted for accreditations, which lead to higher-quality patient care and safety. This accreditation approach not only benefits patients but also distinguishes hospitals in a competitive environment.14
To be sure, cutting costs to improve profitability has not been easy for healthcare providers. Some are unable to make tough decisions and end up trying to cut costs in easy places that could adversely affect patient experience. Other barriers to operational improvement healthcare providers in India experience include their conservative approach, failure to engage the entire business organisation and lack of tangible improvement in business (see Figure 4).
Against such a stark backdrop, one thing is clear: To manage costs with quality, designing operations at hospitals, whether it is pricing, procurement, monitoring consumption or staffing, is at the top of the agenda for Indian healthcare providers today.
A zero-based lens
To improve margins and reduce costs, companies need to adopt a zero-based operations transformation approach. The traditional approach to margin enhancement and cost cutting is typically short-term and unsustainable. It often cuts muscle and there is little stewardship on clinical quality and customer experience. Suboptimal team staffing, weak process and accountability are other frequent issues (see Figure 5).
Naturally, improving revenues is the top priority. What short-term actions are needed to improve the top line and margins of a private healthcare provider? Our experience indicates a revenue-enhancement approach that combines value-based pricing, optimised contracting, service mix optimisation and removal of capacity bottlenecks yields the highest returns.
On the pricing front, healthcare providers have optionsfor improving their revenues (see Figure 6). Providers incur significant costs on accreditation, quality upgradation and maintenance, recruiting and building clinical teams. That cost is often designated to standard consumables and diagnostic tests, which angers their patients. Providers could instead take a different approach by focussing on delivering differential value to patients through an ability to handle greater complexity and superior outcomes, then charging differentially for those procedures and specialties.
On the costs front, hospitals can take a radical zero-based approach that is focussed on their major cost centres. That approach requires hospitals to distinguish between strategic and nonstrategic costs and to refocus resources for growth. Strategic costs help sell more products at higher prices and link with strategic priorities and "must-win" capabilities. They truly enhance the bottom line and build the business.
All other costs (especially SG&A) are nonstrategic and should be eliminated unless their value can be proved by asking: What would we lose without this spending?
Providers have shaved off substantial costs in the following areas:
- Front-end manpower cost optimisation focusses on the costs associated with staff members (nurses, doctors, residents and so on) who work directly with patients. In our experience, front-end facing staff spends no more than 20% to 25% of their time on patient care and a significant portion of their time on documentation, resolving cross-functional complexity and performing other nonvalue-added processes. In such situations, reducing documentation and process load or automating parts of the job can allow them to focus on the patient and helps energise the staff while eliminating costs.
- Materials cost optimisation harnesses our experience in healthcare to help hospitals buy better (supply tactics) and spend better (demand tactics).
- Overhead optimisation is one of the biggest tools for improving the cost structure. It is important for hospitals to buy better and spend better. Too often, we see hospital groups that are not ambitious enough on these fronts. Their approach is too incremental and focusses on bigger discounts on high-value items from the same suppliers. A segmented approach to physician preference items and nonphysician preference items, with early and fact-based engagement with the physician community, can lead to significant savings.
A good cost transformation strategy focusses on the need, profile and behavioural patterns of customers. This customer-centric approach formulates an integrated roadmap that includes change management as well as zero-based cost accounting.
We believe a well-structured operations transformation programme can create 8% to 15% top-line growth, a 7% to 22% reduction in manpower costs, a 12% to 20% reduction in materials spending and a 20% to 30% reduction in other spending, to achieve an EBITDA growth in the range of 15 to 20 percentage points per year (see Figure 7).
Change management and Results Delivery®
Behaviour change is often the biggest challenge during and after an operations transformation programme. Any management executive embarking on an operations transformation initiative in a provider setting is advised to focus on change management to realise its value. Using a data-based, objective approach identifies delivery risk areas early and measures and mitigates the risk by allowing early intervention.
Early alignment on a bold vision ensures leadership commitment. Additionally, creating clear sponsorship across the organisation, co-creating solutions with the team and ensuring appropriate incentives helps make change stick.
Instances: Case studies
A multispecialty hospital with several primary clinic satellites faced financial and patient advocacy challenges. In addition, the hospital's financial deficit was increasing due to high manpower costs, overstaffing of medical personnel, low legacy pricing and underutilisation of key medical facilities. For this hospital, we managed to achieve a 6% upside on EBIT within the first 12 months. Over the next five years, we expect to reduce the deficit by 30% to 40%. The hospital has seen a more than 20% increase in its Net Promoter Score ® (NPS®).
Another not-for-profit healthcare and senior care provider with which we worked was under margin pressure due to public funding cuts. The provider achieved a 5% savings on spending across eight opportunities in six months. A private hospital chain that had been facing customer loyalty, advocacy, pricing and clinical issues showed a 25% to 30% increase inpatient NPS after working with us. Referral traffic almost doubled, and revenue increased by 8% over baseline growth using strategic pricing.
In addition, another healthcare provider with multiple hospitals and pathology centres identified an 11% uptick in EBITDA through shared services.
1.The World Bank, "Health Expenditure per Capita (Current US$)," World Health Organization Global Health Expenditure database, accessed 18 February, 2018, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ SH.XPD.PCAP.
2.India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative Collaborators, "Nations Within a Nation: Variations in Epidemiological Transition Across the States of India, 1990–2016 in the Global Burden of Disease Study," Lancet, 2017; 390: 2,437–60. http://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancetPIIS0140-6736 (17)32804-0.pdf.
3.International Diabetes Federation, IDF Diabetes Atlas, Eighth edition 2017, http://www.diabetesatlas.org.
4. Business Monitor International (BMI) Research, "Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare: China, India, United States," accessed 12 February, 2018.
5."Rural Health Statistics 2014–15," Government of India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Statistics Division. http://wcd.nic.in/sites/default/files/RHS_1.pdf. Accessed March 8, 2018.
6.TNN, "Indians Spend over 62% of Their Savings for Health Expenses, Says PJ Kurien," The Times of India, 14 November, 2017, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/indians-spend-over-62- of-their-savings-for-health-expenses-says-p-j-kurien/articleshow/61635289.cms.
7.GE, "How India Can Overcome the Doctor Shortage and Exorbitant Costs of Healthcare," sponsored content in Quartz, accessed 18 February, 2018, https://qz.com/269392/how-india-can-overcome-the- doctor-shortage-and-exorbitant-costs-of-healthcare/; and Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health and Family Welfare, "Unstarred Question No. 2259," answered 28 July, 2017, http://18.104.22.168/loksabhaquestions/annex/12/AU2259.pdf.
8.Arun Jaitley, Minister of Finance, budget 2018–2019 speech given February 1, 2018. http://www.indiabudget.gov.in/ub2018-19/bs/bs.pdf. Acccessed March 8, 2018.
9.Nayan Kalnad, Niranjan Bose and Hari Menon, "India's Great Healthcare Challenge, Also an Opportunity," Hindustan Times, updated 7 June, 2017, https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ india-s-great-healthcare-challenge-and-opportunity/story-eB691Pj889x57TYo8MobaM.html.
11. Prabha Raghavan and Divya Rajagopal, "Healthcare's Dilemma: Balancing Public Needs with Business Sense," The Economic Times, updated 30 November, 2017, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/healthcares-dilemma-balancing-public-needs-with- business-sense/articleshow/61855883.cms.
12.Nayan Kalnad, Niranjan Bose and Hari Menon, "India—a Distinctive Healthcare Landscape," The Tincture Collective, Medium, 8 November, 2016, https://tincture.io/india-a-distinctive-healthcare-landscape- bb3d5b1c2452.
13.Kalnad, Bose and Menon, "India's Great Healthcare Challenge."
14.Manu Gupta, "Accreditation: India's Journey Towards Quality of Care," IHP, 22 September, 2017, http://www.internationalhealthpolicies.org/accreditation-indias-journey-towards-quality-of-care/.
Indrani Gupta and Mrigesh Bhatia, "The Indian Health Care System," International Health Care System Profiles, accessed 18 February, 2018, http://international.commonwealthfund.org/countries/india/.
John LaMattina, "India's Solution to Drug Costs: Ignore Patents and Control Prices—Except for Home Grown Drugs," Forbes, 8 April, 2013, https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnlamattina/2013/04/08/indias-solution- to-drug-costs-ignore-patents-and-control-prices-except-for-home-grown-drugs/#410354832cba.
J.S. Thakur, Shankar Prinja, Charu C. Carg, Shanthi Mendis and Nata Menabde, "Social and Economic Implications of Noncommunicable Diseases in India," Indian Journal of Community Medicine, December 2011, 36(Suppl1): S13–S22: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354895/.
Manu Gupta, "Accreditation: India's Journey Towards Quality of Care," IHP, 22 September, 2017, http://www.internationalhealthpolicies.org/accreditation-indias-journey-towards-quality-of-care/.
The World Bank Human Development Network, The Growing Danger of Non-Communicable Diseases, Conference Edition, vii (September 2011). http://siteresources.worldbank.org/HEALTHNUTRITIONAND POPULATION/Resources/Peer-Reviewed-Publications/WBDeepeningCrisis.pdf.
Parijat Ghosh and Satyam Mehra are partners in Bain & Company's New Delhi office and leaders in Bain India's Healthcare practice. Arunava Saha Dalal is a principal in Bain India's Healthcare practice.
Copyright© 2018 Bain & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
Net Promoter®, Net Promoter System®, Net Promoter Score® and NPS® are registered trademarks of Bain & Company, Inc., Fred Reichheld and Satmetrix Systems, Inc.
Repeatable Models® is a trademark of Bain & Company, Inc.

domain: health


A check on the Companies Office website shows The Media Counsel has not yet been officially placed in liquidation. But company directors have just five working days from the announcement of a liquidation to notify the Companies Office about it, whereupon its status will be updated and a liquidator will be appointed.
The spokesperson says there's no way of finding out exactly how much the company owes and who the secured creditors are until the first report is filed by the receivers, or unless someone from the inner sanctum decides to come forward and explain, which seems unlikely given the fact that Glenda Wynyard or representatives from Aegis/Carat are not returning calls.
The leaves are turning and time is running out to show your thinking at the TVNZ-NZ Marketing Awards – entries close Friday 2 June at 5pm. Enter now to showcase your skills in one of the new categories.


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Using a Modified Swear Jar System to Achieve Savings Goals
Saving for short or long-term savings goals doesn’t require that you completely change your lifestyle.
One way to steadily add to your savings is by using a modified swear jar system to add a certain amount to your savings every day.
What is the Modified Swear Jar System?
You may have heard of a “swear jar,” something used by parents to deter their children from saying curse words. Moms required their kids to pay a quarter (or more) if they were caught cursing and it was an effective deterrent to using profanity around the house.
As an adult, you could apply a modified swear jar system to build savings for yourself over time. Rather than dropping money into the jar each time you curse, you could contribute to the jar every time you mention (or think about) buying your dream house, boat, car, or some other savings goals.
If your savings goals are that important to you, you’re going to be talking about them quite a bit with others, and you’ll enjoy the game of focusing on your savings and contributing to them at the same time.
You might be able to get by using an average sized jar or cereal container, if your goal is less than $500, let’s say. For more sizeable savings goals, you might graduate up to using an empty 5-gallon water bottle or an oversized flowerpot to stash your savings.
Implementing the System
You’ll soon realize that simply dropping coins into a jar wouldn’t allow you to achieve your savings goals as quickly as you’d like, so you’ll probably want to up the ante and start placing some bills in there at least half the time.
A quick $5 or $10 bill might be a good initial investment, especially if you can afford to do this once a day or more. The end goal will keep you motivated, and you won’t feel a significant financial pinch with this approach.
If times are tough, even putting $1 into your jar each time you mention your goal could be enough to bring you closer to your savings goals.
Here are some additional techniques for growing your savings with the modified swear jar system:
1. Choose a denomination of money
Choose a reasonable amount between $1 and $100 to put in your jar each time, and stick to it.
- You can put 10 $1 bills in there or a single $10 bill, but keep the standard contribution in mind each time you contribute. Staying disciplined will help you reach your savings goal more quickly.
2. Set a minimum daily deposit
The other approach is to set a minimum deposit for a single day, without worrying about how often you mention your goal. This approach works particularly well if your goal is something you don’t want people to hear about (such as a set of new French doors), as a surprise.
- For example, if your standard denomination is $20, commit to putting at least that amount into your jar by the end of each day, regardless of whether or not you mention your goal. At the end of just the first month, you’ll have saved a minimum of $600 into your jar.
3. Don’t cheat
This is the hardest part of making this a successful venture. To reach that elusive savings goal, you’ll need to commit yourself to making a deposit in your jar each and every time you mention your goal. If you let yourself slide once, you’re more likely to do it a number of times thereafter.
- This emphasizes the importance of setting the right denomination to put in each time. If a $5 or $10 donation is a bit steep, stick with a $1 denomination for each donation. This way, if you end up talking about your goal five times that day, you’ll still have invested $5 at the end of the day, $150 by the end of the month.
This system is effective because it’s risk free, flexible, and user friendly. Sure, you may end up putting a considerable amount of money into that jar, but it motivates you to talk about your goals as often as you like while you see your savings mounting.
Another benefit of using this system is it allows you to create a personal fund you might need to rely on if a financial emergency develops (such as a termination notice from your utility company). You’ll have the opportunity to dig into your modified swear jar for help, then continue your efforts towards a specific savings goal once you’re on more solid financial footing.
Looking for Other Ways to Increase Your Savings?
We’ve got a free report that shows you 7 ways to
Increase Your Savings Without Decreasing Your Lifestyle.
Check it out to start a savings habit that will add up fast!


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A 6 block stroll or bike ride under shady live oaks and Spanish moss leads to the white sandy beaches of Anastasia Island. Near a variety of casual restaurants, surf shop, bars, and supermarket, the house is one side of a duplex, in a friendly residential neighborhood.
The Saint Augustine Beach Pier/Farmer's Market is 1 mile. A tad further is the Alligator Farm, Lighthouse, and Ampitheater. 5 miles away is the scenic Bridge of Lions, which leads to historic downtown St.Augustine.
You’ll love my place because it's fresh and tidy and right in the heart of one of the most beautiful and best loved towns.
We've made our guesthouse homey, with snacks and amenities, pillows, games and decor for a true beach vacation experience. Feel free to poke around and make yourselves right at home!
Accès des voyageurs
The whole apartment and fenced in backyard are yours to enjoy. There is also access to the one-car garage with bicycles and a child's bike trailer, which seats two tots.
The kitchen is fully stocked with appliances, dishware and utensils, and we provide coffee, tea, water and light snacks.
Standard personal care items can be found in the bathroom such as soaps and toothpaste as well.
Échanges avec les voyageurs
We live nearby and our adult daughter/co-host lives in the other apartment next door. We're here if you need us, but you will have complete privacy during your stay.
We want you to enjoy your time in St.Augustine, and just be respectful of our home and neighborhood. Lounge chairs and ashtrays are on a small patio out back.
My husband and I moved to St Augustine in 2015 and we totally love it here! The beach is my main attraction, and my husband, who plays guitar, is digging the local music scene a lot! We're happy to be able to host friends, family, and new acquaintances to this special place.

domain: geography


text:
The AVI team digs deep into Margot's past to uncover the truth about who is set on destroying the Kensington Firm. Meanwhile, Ben's plans for his future with Alice are more complicated than he ever imagined.
Episode Viewers and Ratings
Season 2 Episode 5 of The Catch was watched by 3,560,000 viewers, resulting in a 0.70 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
Unbeknownst to her slippery fiancé, a bride-to-be - who investigates fraud for a living - is not all she claims to be. And when the fiancé's expertly planned con collides with her perfectly constructed lies, they plunge into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Between her cases, she is determined to find him before it ruins her career.


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SPIRAL, FROM THE BOOK OF SAW, US, 2021. Police investigation, serial killer. Starring Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Samuel L Jackson, Marisol Nichols. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. 93 minutes. Rated R 18+ (High impact violence, blood and gore).
Most movie fans know how to react when they see Saw in the title of a film. (And something of a shock when they realise that the first Saw film opened almost 20 years ago – and that this is the ninth episode in what has become the Saw franchise.) No problem for fans. They will immediately want to see Spiral.
For audiences who are not sure that they want to see Spiral, to enter into the world of Saw, a grim world of capture, imprisonment, torment, death, they might like to watch the first five minutes of this film (but will probably need fewer than five) to determine whether they want to stay or not.
There is a chase, a capture, a gruesome hanging of the victim in the New York subway, a train approaching, a television monitor challenging the prisoner, accusing him of police corruption and lying in court cases, an impossible option whereby he might save his life…
Reassuring fans of the franchise, this kind of scenario is repeated regularly throughout the film. In the early 2000s, commentators coined the phrase “torture porn” citing the Saw films as examples of this graphic, grim, depiction of torture in close-up. Spiral will probably be cited also in this context.
But there is a shift in the storytelling. If the torture sequences were omitted or, at least, toned down, then this would be a police investigation story. There is the issue of the unexpected deaths, discovered to be vindictive executions, accusations of police brutality.
At the centre of the investigation is veteran policeman, Zeke Banks. He is played, of all people, by Chris Rock who, for many decades, has had a strong reputation as a stand-up comedian as well as over the years building up a catalogue of comedy movies, romantic comedies, dramas. In the initial minutes where he appears, waiting to go on a raid, he reminds us of his comic routines, an amusing riff on how to talk about Forrest Gump with politically correct vocabulary, about his disabilities. And there are some comic moments throughout the film.
However, all is deadly serious. Police are being killed. Zeke’s father, the former chief of police, now in retirement, becomes involved in the investigation – and, as a bonus, he is played by Samuel L Jackson. In the meantime, the officer in charge appoints a rookie, William (Max Minghella), to work with Zeke, who is initially resentful. However, immediately they are called out to the first above-mentioned torture/execution.
On the one hand, there is the buddy aspect of the two police working together. There are tense details of the developments of the investigation. Then there is a twist, three possible suspects as to who is behind all these Spiral killings – and a surprise (or not a surprise) to discover the truth and the credibility of the motivation.
Perhaps the most unsatisfactory aspect of Spiral is its final moment! Just as everything is resolved, Zeke turns towards the killer – and the final credits suddenly appear. Well, that obviously means a sequel!
Released 13 May
Peter Malone MSC is an associate Jesuit Media


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Carlsberg Beer Signs Vacuum Formed Light Boxes Exterior Wall Mounted Sign
Model Number: ISVLS 019
Material: Luminum Frame, Acrylic Board
Reference size: 42.3*14*8CM
Certification: CE, UL , ROHS
MOQ: 500 pcs
OEM&ODM and Customized Brands are welcome
Product type: Lighted up rotating indoor signs
Technics: Vacuumed form molding
Features: Display the produts; Light up your logo; enhance the brand awareness;
Application: Bar /club / promotion /advertisement
OEM design is welcome, we can make this kind of products according to customers' specification
We were authorized by Texwood Jeans Company to produce this indoor vacuum forming light sign. We are quite original at choosing the material. With the galvanized steel background the apple shape logo looks more vivid.
Florescent tubes inside.
Water resistant, applied with indoor anti UV painting. with Floor Stands, suitable for brands promotion
About Ideal Sign
Ideal Sign, established in 2007, specializes in providing high-quality Point of Sale (POS) materials primarily for clients in the alcohol and beverage industry. Our diverse product range includes Slim Light Signs, Outdoor Illuminated Pub Signs, Liquor Bottle Displays, Ice Buckets, Advertising Chalkboards, Wine packaging, racks, and various other bar-related products.
Our mission at Ideal Sign is to assist clients in fulfilling their promotional requirements and enhancing their brand values. We offer comprehensive services that encompass idea sourcing, technical analysis, design conceptualization, production management, and cargo transportation oversight.
With offices located in China (Guangzhou) and Hong Kong, Ideal Sign is strategically positioned to leverage the manufacturing capabilities of the region and facilitate efficient global distribution. We are proud to have achieved the SEDEX 4-Pillar audit, underscoring our commitment to ethical business practices and supply chain transparency.
The majority of our products are exported to European and American markets, where we have built a strong reputation for delivering top-tier POS materials that meet the rigorous standards of our discerning clientele. Notable among our esteemed clients are industry leaders such as Coca Cola, Heineken, Budweiser, Schweppes, and Campari.
At Ideal Sign, we are dedicated to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. By partnering with us, clients can expect tailored solutions that elevate their promotional efforts and contribute to the success and growth of their brands.
We aimed at elevating your brand presence !


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Eight new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the Northern Health region on Thursday – the highest single-day increase since the start of the pandemic.
The previous high was five cases reported on April 18, according to data reported by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. The total number of cases in the north since the start of the pandemic increased from 69 to 77.
"We have had 30 new cases today, including a significant number of new cases in the Northern Health authority," Health Minister Adrian Dix said. "We're going to be dealing with this for months, and we need to recommit ourselves to following the public health orders of Dr. Bonnie Henry and others."
Neither Dix or provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry provided any details about the cause of the spike in cases in the north. Earlier this week, it was identified that there was one Albertan worker at the Site C work camp who had tested positive.
The Haida Nation also issued an alert, warning there had been a confirmed case on Haida Gwaii this week.
Across the province, the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic increased to 3,392, Henry said. There were 304 active cases across B.C., with 16 of those people hospitalized – including three in critical care.
The B.C CDC reported three active cases in the north on Wednesday, with none of those patients hospitalized. The current number of active cases in the Northern Health region wasn't available as of Thursday afternoon.
Across the province, there are more than 1,000 people self-isolating because they've potentially been exposed to COVID-19, Henry said.
"A good portion of those people were exposed in the central Okanagan. Some of whom are people who have returned to other parts of the province. It shows us the actions of a few... can have a tremendous impact on all of us," Henry said. "Being around crowds, especially people you don't know, puts you and your family and friends at risk."
Henry announced there has been another death in the province, bringing the total to 190.
Earlier Thursday, Premier John Horgan expressed his disappointment seeing video and photos of an informal drum circle at Third Beach in Stanley Park in Vancouver attended by large groups of people, with little evidence they were maintaining a physical distance or wearing masks.
Horgan had a message for British Columbians, saying "Come on man, we're better than this."
“We have to appeal to people’s common sense and their general decency and their respect for their neighbours and their loved ones — that’s what we’re doing today, that’s what I’m trying to do today," he added.
“We’re only going to be able to defeat this if we do it together. The challenge ahead of us is enormous.”
— with files from Jess Fedigan and Arthur Williams in Prince George
Email Managing Editor Matt Preprost at firstname.lastname@example.org.

domain: news


If you’re a car enthusiast, you may have heard the term “crankshaft” being thrown around when talking about car engines. But what is a crankshaft exactly?
Well, it’s a mechanical part of your engine that plays an important role in converting reciprocating linear piston motion into rotation. Let’s take a closer look at how crankshafts work and why they are so important.
What is a Crankshaft?
A crankshaft is a rotating shaft in an internal combustion engine that converts linear motion from the pistons into rotary motion.
The crankshaft is typically connected to the flywheel, which helps to smooth out the engine’s power pulses and provides a more constant rotation speed.
The crankshaft’s position in the engine is crucial to the engine’s operation, and it is supported by bearings to ensure smooth and efficient rotation.
What Does a Crankshaft Do?
A crankshaft is responsible for transforming the force created by your engine’s pistons into rotational force. In other words, it transfers the energy created by the engine to the drivetrain of your vehicle. This is essential for making your vehicle move forward—without it; you wouldn’t be able to drive.
Crankshafts are typically made from forged steel or cast iron because both materials are strong and durable enough to withstand high levels of stress and pressure without breaking down easily.
The design of a crankshaft also includes several balancing weights located on each end of it that help reduce vibration caused by the combustion process in your engine.
How Does a Crankshaft Work?
The main purpose of a crankshaft is to convert the reciprocating linear piston motion into rotational motion that can then be used to power the wheels of your car.
To do this, the crankshaft has cylindrical offset sections called journals and connecting rods that attach to each cylinder in your engine block.
As these cylinders fire up, they push against their respective connecting rods, which then transfer force onto the crankshaft causing it to spin rapidly. This spinning motion is then transferred via the transmission system to your vehicle’s drivetrain so it can move forward.
Different Parts of a Crankshaft
Let’s take a look at the individual parts that make up this important component.
Main Bearing Journal and Crankpin Journal
The main bearing journal is the surface that connects the crankshaft to the engine block. The crankpin journal is the surface that connects to the connecting rod.
These two journals are connected by a web or connecting rod journal, which helps provide strength and stability to the crankshaft as it rotates in its housing.
Crank Web and Counterweight
The crank web is located between each main bearing journal and crankpin journal and helps to support them as they rotate.
It also helps reduce vibration in the crankshaft for better performance. The counterweight is located on either end of the crank web and serves to balance out any imbalances caused by asymmetrical loads on either side of it.
The flywheel flange is located at one end of the crankshaft and serves as a connection point for the flywheel, which itself connects to gears within the transmission system.
The flywheel helps keep the momentum going when starting up an engine or shifting gears while driving. Without a well-functioning flywheel flange, your car would stall every time you tried to accelerate or change speed.
Different Types of Crankshafts
In this section, we will explain the different types of crankshafts used in vehicles today.
The single-plane crankshaft is one of the most common types found in many vehicles today. This type of crankshaft consists of three rods connected at one end, which rotate around a central axis.
It is designed with a single crankpin that converts linear movement into rotational energy. This type of crankshaft produces even intervals between each firing stroke which helps provide smooth operation and efficient power delivery.
The multi-plane crankshaft is another popular type found in many engines today. This type has four or more rods connected at one end, which rotate around a central axis.
Unlike the single-plane crankshaft, this type has multiple crankpins, which allow it to convert linear motion into rotational energy faster than its single-plane counterpart.
This means higher revs per minute (RPM) and greater horsepower output for better performance on modern vehicles.
The twin-camshaft crankshaft is a unique design that combines two camshafts and a single main crankshaft into one unit.
This design allows for both camshafts to be driven by the same main shaft, resulting in improved efficiency compared to other types of designs.
However, this type of crankshaft is more complex and difficult to maintain due to its intricate nature, so it’s not commonly found in most vehicles today.
Types of Crankshafts in Marine Engine
There are four main types of crankshafts used in marine engines today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each one.
Fully Built Shaft
This type of crankshaft is built from several different components that are designed to work together as a unit. The components are connected using pins and keys that hold them together securely.
This type of shaft is best suited for high-performance engines because it can handle higher loads without failure. It also requires minimal maintenance and can last for many years with proper care.
Semi Built Shaft
This type of shaft utilizes some components from the fully built model but does not have all of the pieces connected together as one unit. Instead, each component has its own bearing surface, which allows them to be adjusted independently from each other if needed.
This makes the semi-built shaft a great choice for smaller engines, as it offers more flexibility when it comes to adjustments and maintenance.
However, it is not as durable as a fully built shaft, so it may need replacing sooner than expected if not properly maintained or operated under extreme conditions.
As the name implies, this type of shaft is made by welding multiple parts together into one piece using high-temperature heat and pressure applied by specialized machinery.
While this method is often used in larger engines due to its superior strength and durability compared to other types, it can be expensive due to the costs associated with welding equipment and materials required for the job.
Single Solid Piece
This type of crankshaft is machined out of one solid piece of metal or alloy and offers superior strength compared to other types since there is no welding involved during assembly.
This makes it ideal for large displacement applications as well as those requiring higher power outputs, such as racing engines where reliability under extreme conditions is essential.
However, this type can also be expensive due to the cost associated with machine tooling necessary for production purposes, along with material costs associated with high-grade metals or alloys used in construction.
Applications of Crankshaft
In this section, we’ll discuss three applications of the crankshaft to give you a better understanding of just how versatile this part really is.
One of the most widely-known applications of the crankshaft is its use in automobile engines. In an internal combustion engine, the crankshaft acts as a link between the pistons and the drive wheels.
As fuel is burned in the engine’s cylinders, it forces the pistons to move up and down; this motion is then transferred to the crankshaft, which converts it into rotation and sends it to the drive wheels via an axle or shaft.
Crankshafts are also used in many types of industrial machinery, such as pumps, compressors, grinders, and more. They are designed to convert rotational energy into linear force or torque for powering various tools or machines.
This makes them ideal for heavy-duty tasks that require powerful motors and precise control over speed and torque output. For example, they can be used to power saws and drills for cutting metal or stone with accuracy and efficiency.
Crankshafts are found in boats as well! While traditional boats rely on propellers for propulsion through water, some modern boats are powered by engines that use crankshafts instead.
These engines produce much higher levels of power than propeller-driven propulsion systems—allowing for faster speeds over longer distances—and offer greater fuel efficiency than traditional boat engines as well.
Can Your Company Offer A customized Crankshaft?
YIJIN Hardware specializes in providing parts processing, with high-quality product quality, perfect after-sales service, a fast quotation system, preferential price, and a fast delivery method, based on the world market.
The automobile crankshaft produced by our company is cast with alloy steel material, which has a good appearance and high density. After finishing, the finish is brighter and more durable. Each product has undergone strict testing, and each crankshaft has rounded corners and rounding technology, so the quality is more assured.
A crankshaft is made up of several different components that all work together to convert rotational energy into linear motion in order for an engine to run efficiently and smoothly.
By understanding each part of a crankshaft – from main bearing journals, crankpins, webs, counterweights, and flywheel flanges – we can gain better insight into how our cars work and become better informed about automobile maintenance.
Knowing more about our vehicles will help us save time and money when it comes time for repairs or replacements.
Whether you’re looking for an efficient way to power your car or boat engine or need a reliable motor for your industrial operations, a crankshaft could be exactly what you need. So, it was all about the crankshaft.


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The Particles is the ultimate power trio, consisting of two female and one male vocalists trading lyrics in the midst of a fiery hard rock tune (think Evanescence, but with three singers). However, be sure to throw your hard rock limitations out the window. “Taken Away” meshes the classic tightly knit guitar bass and drums combo with Eastern instruments like Sitar, Daf, and the Ney. The Ney has existed for around 5000 years and has been employed by early and original rockers like the Egyptians! “Taken Away” is also unusual lyrically, as each singer becomes a character in the song, drawing inspiration from mythological characters and storytelling.
This debut video is the result of many months spent in rigorous and dedicated hard work, and it shows. “Taken Away” is a visual masterpiece in every literal sense of the word, comparable graphically to high budget Hollywood action flicks. The video takes place on the verge of an apocalypse, as the world collapses into hell, burning up in a fiery storm of destruction. The Particles each embody different characters that are tied to the devastation around them, working along with the lyrical story of the track. The sheer graphical wonder of the collapsing world will astound you, we promise. As each character battles his or her demons, entire cities fall into ashes. If there was a hell according to Dante, this would be it.


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When I was reading an article on my Facebook, I found something that caught my attention, Shadow Fight 3 Pony Edition!
"How to make a great game perfect? Simple enough - just add a few ponies!
We argued a lot, analyzed many pop culture references and came to a conclusion that this is the best to way to develope the ideas of Shadow Fight 3.
And today we are thrilled and proud to announce you our dream game — Shadow Fight 3 Pony Edition!
The same perfectly adjusted formula of fighting genre, the same favorite characters, but only this time they will face a much more dangerous threat than Shadow energy... the disappearance of the magic of friendship!
We're serious! No, this is not a joke, no kidding!
(Reworking all the characters still take some time...)"
I know this might look absurd, but this article from their official website.

domain: game


Xiaomi Nepal has been extending its item one after another. Today, it carries the Redmi 9C in Nepal with an AI triple-camera, a gigantic battery, and an entirely moderate sticker price, which is not out of the ordinary from the entry-level phone.
Most importantly, Redmi 9C isn’t just an advanced cell phone that has gotten NFC support, yet in addition a decent MediaTek Helio G35 processor and a huge 5000 mAh battery. What’s more, the gadget got a triple principle camera and has a worldwide variant of the working framework.
Inside the container, the cell phone itself is situated in defensive delivery cellophane and a defensive film with the primary Features. The following are other average segments. This is a SIM plate needle, a 10W force connector, and a Micro USB link.
Design and Display:
The new Xiaomi Redmi 9C model is made of tough and organized plastic on the rear of the cover. On the rear of the Redmi 9C phone, there is a square island with a triple primary camera and a LED streak. In the focal part, there is a round mark finger scanner module. The force(power) button and the volume rocker are situated on the right side.
On the other side, there is a space for double nano-SIM cards and one memory card up to 512 GB. This is certainly not a crossover opening and each space can be utilized simultaneously. A 3.5 mm sound jack was introduced in the upper part, however, they didn’t give a standard infrared port to controlling home apparatuses.
Concerning the front, the device got a large 6.53-inch screen with HD + resolution or 1600 x 720 pixels. The screen got very rich and splendid hues. Indeed, even in a sunny climate, the brightness of the screen will be adequate for open to reading. The Redmi 9C got such markers as 70.8% NTSC and 1500: 1 difference proportion. Moreover, the cell phone has a wide scope of settings where you can pick blue eye security and a reading mode.
Battery and Memory:
Another good thing about the Redmi 9C is the 5000mAh battery limit. Taking into account that the screen goal is just 720p, the force utilization won’t be huge, for example, Full HD goal.
Additionally, the phone got two memory adjustments – 2 or 3 GB of RAM and 32 or 64 GB of inside memory. We have a 2/32 GB variant and it will be sufficient for regular errands. Furthermore, the cell phone got a different memory opening for up to 512 GB of room.
The main point of consideration must be the phone’s triple AI camera at the back. It involves 13MP primary shooter with a f/2.2 focal point, while the staying two is a 2MP f/2.4 module each utilized for large scale and profundity observation. For selfies, the telephone has a 5MP sensor put inside the waterdrop indent forthright.
Performance and OS:
The Helio G35 processor got eight centers with a greatest clock speed of 2.3 GHz. This chipset likewise works with the PowerVR8320 Graphics processor. In the event that we talk about games, at that point the cell phone runs even the most difficult and heavy games, yet remember this is a financial plan cell phone and it isn’t proposed for consistent interest in games.
The Redmi 9C got a clean working framework. It is based on Android 10 with the MiUI UI. The Redmi 9C got a clean working framework. It is based on Android 10 with the MiUI UI. The UI itself is quick and there are no delays. Any application opens rapidly and swipes easily and without twitching.
Xiaomi: Redmi 9C specifications:
|Dimesnion||164.9 x 77 x 9 mm|
|Display||6.53 inches IPS with 720 x 1600 pixels|
|Chipest||Mediatek Helio G35|
|CPU||Octa Core 2.3 GHz|
|RAM||2GB RAM with 32GB storage|
|Memory Extension||up to 512GB|
|Camera||13MP + 2MP + 2MP main camera and 5MP front camera|
|OS||Android 10 (MIUI 12)|
|Connectivity||Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band,3G, 4G, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC and GPS|
Redmi 9C Availability and Price in Nepal:
The Redmi 9C cost in Nepal begins at Rs. 12,999 for the 2GB/32GB variation. There’s additionally a 3GB/64GB variation which will cost you Rs. 14,999. The phone will go sale by means of Mi approved stores and online stores across Nepal.


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After the season he has had so far this year, Jeff Gordon will take a win anyway he can get it. Having everything that could possibly go wrong already happen to him so far this season, a little bit of good luck was bound to finally blow his way. And blow it did, as a major weather system blew in dumping torrential rain in Pocono, effectively ending the Pennsylvania 400 62 laps short of a full race, only 18 laps past the halfway mark, making it a complete race in the books. Not only was this a win for Gordon on the track, the points race looks a whole lot better from his perspective with this win. Moving into 13th in points + the win puts him in place for the wild card spot to get into the chase for the 2012 Sprint Cup, a spot he knew he needed a win to get to.
“It’s nice to know that things can still go our way,” Gordon said. “The way our year has gone, we’ll definitely take it like this. I tell you what, with all the things that have gone wrong for us this year, I’m hoping that this is the one that makes up for it all.”
Gordon took the lead when his teammate Jimmie Johnson got loose on the final restart of the race, sliding up the track into Matt Kenseth causing them both to slide back on the track and taking out Denny Hamlin’s #11 car as well.
“I’ve never seen the seas part like that,” said Gordon. “I got a good restart, so I really got up to fifth as we were getting into the braking zone going into 1. I don’t know what happened to the 48. I just saw he got loose, and when he got loose, it took everybody that was in front of us up the race track or into the wall.
“I just made it right to the bottom, stood in the gas and drove out … and we were leading.”
Hendrick teammate Kasey Kahne also got the benefit of the wreck moving up into the 2nd spot on the track and as the caution came out they realized that his left rear tie was flat and would need changing should the race go back to green, which of course never happened.
And to make the rain soaked miracle even better, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who had been knocked back to 32nd because of a blown transmission and was looking at a loss of 3 positions in the points, retained the top spot as Matt Kenseth slid backwards in the wreck with the 48. Greg Biffle was also moved backwards allowing Johnson to finish well enough to retain his 4th place standings in the points as well. All 4 Hendrick teams are now in contention to make the chase because of Jimmie Johnson’s accident. Funny how things work out like that.
“We had a good run going,” he said. “This Chevrolet was pretty fast. Jimmie [Johnson had] the quickest car out there. But we felt like we might be able to work on ours and get a little better.”
“We put it in [Saturday] and during qualifying it was fine,” said Earnhardt. “When we restarted [on Lap 23], it was kind of aggressive, and then [we experienced] a bit of a vibration. The car was just really out of time, and it just kind of started missing some shifts and [was] difficult to get in gear.
“Finally, in third and fourth [gear] coming out of the tunnel, it didn’t have any fourth. Then I didn’t have third.”
After Jr. lost his transmission, Kahne started feeling vibrations in his gear box as well. At first he was worried, but his fears were laid to rest when his crew chief talked with Letarte and they advised Kahne it was not the same issue.
“I don’t think I really had much of a problem,” Kahne said. ” I think I was worried because Junior broke one or broke something with the transmission, I’m not sure what. I was struggling with mine a little bit when that happened … so I just quit shifting for a while, and I was a lot slower.
“[Earnhardt’s crew chief] Steve Letarte said it wasn’t a big deal. What happened with them was not what I feel was going on with mine. So from that point on, I focused on shifting again and didn’t even have an issue. Once I quit worrying about it, we were flying.”
So it appears that Mother Nature is indeed a fan of racing, and her team of choice is none other than Hendrick Motorsports. Why else would all of the bad luck the Gordon has experienced all season be wiped out by a single rainstorm just when the timing was perfect?


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New York's obstetricians and prenatal care specialists have long been concerned with the problems of underweight newborns. But with the rise in adult-onset diabetes, particularly in Brooklyn and the Bronx, more New York City women are giving birth to overweight babies who face a life of health complications.
"These are big, chubby babies, in the 95th percentile [for weight] because the high sugar level in the mother goes to the baby,” said Dr. Peer Dar, director of fetal medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. “The baby tries to release insulin to treat it, and since insulin is a growth factor, the baby gets chubby."
Doctors are able to slow the unhealthy growth rate of fetuses by treating mothers with diabetes medications early in their pregnancy, he said. Such treatments have caused a furor in the U.K., where the number of women giving birth to babies that weigh more than 11lb has swelled by 50% in the past four years. Headlines like “Drug to stop babies from being born fat" describe fetuses on diets.
The British media has taken to calling big kids sumo babies because of their short necks and big shoulders. “But the idea of treating fetuses directly in-utero was not done and would never pass an ethics committee," Dr. Dar said. Treating a mother for diabetes reduces the risk of birth defects like thigh- and leg-bone malformations and other anomalies, and staves off hypertension and diabetes, he said.
Managing a mother's weight and her blood-sugar levels also reduces the incidence of difficult births and C-sections, said Dr. Daniel Faustin, director of obstetrics and gynecology at Kings County Hospital Center, where diabetic mothers account for around 10% of the clinic's 2,500 annual deliveries.
If diets fail, Dr. Faustin puts mothers on medications. In cases where a diabetic gets prenatal care late in her pregnancy, "I've absolutely delivered sumo babies, 11 pounds, 12 pounds,” he said. “Not a world record, but big.”


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Colorado Permanente Medical Group, PC (CPMG) is a physician-led organization that has pioneered the integrated health model in Colorado since 1969. We exclusively partner with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado and share the same mission — to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and improve the health of our patients and the communities we serve.
Our medical group is comprised of more than 1,100 primary and specialty care physicians serving 650,000 members at 30 medical offices throughout the state of Colorado.
As CPMG physicians we value evidence-based medicine, innovating and doing the right thing. We care about outcomes, our patients and each other. Health care in our country continues to evolve and we are physician leaders in shaping that change. CPMG physicians are regularly featured as “Top Docs” in a survey conducted by 5280 Magazine.
The advantages of working with us include our comprehensive network of support, state-of-the-art electronic medical records system (Epic-based), collegial team environment, focus on quality patient care and excellent compensation and benefit package.
To learn more about our group or physician career opportunities visit our website at: co.kpphysiciancareers.org.

domain: medical


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Dance Festival debuts, to sensitise citizens on malaria prevention
The festival, which is the brainchild of Dance and Art Alive in collaboration with Dance Guild of Nigeria (GONG) would be unveiled on World Dance day, today at the National Theatre, Lagos.
Dylan to headline Montreal Jazz Festival
The festival, one of the key events on the jazz calendar, will take place from June 28 to July 8 with Dylan playing June 30 in the 20,000-strong Bell Centre arena.
Kendrick Lamar scores biggest US album release of year
Kendrick Lamar has pulled off the biggest US album debut this year with "DAMN.," an introspective work of hip-hop storytelling that features Rihanna and U2.
Ex-Pink Floyd singer Waters makes first album in 25 years
Columbia Records said the album was a "forthright commentary on the modern world and on uncertain times" and a "natural successor" to Pink Floyd's "Animals" and "The Wall" albums.
Bob Marley serenades Zimbabwe on its birth
Could it happen in this age of greed? A leading international musician pays his own way to travel thousands of miles to celebrate the independence of an African nation. He spends a night in a run-down hotel; smokes marijuana with farmers....
Prince estate tries to block new music release
But Prince's estate, which is led by his siblings, quickly intervened and accused Ian Boxill, a sound engineer who recorded the tracks with the pop legend between 2006 and 2008, of violating an agreement.
Kendrick Lamar, Lorde show new sides at Coachella
Kendrick Lamar introduced a kung fu alter ego and Lorde dramatized the awkwardness of dance clubs as the stars presented new music Sunday at the Coachella festival.
Musicians chase fame on west Africa's musical islands
"During this fifth edition of the AME, foreign producers showed a lot of interest towards Cape Verdian artists like Lucibela and Os Tubaroes," said Jose da Silva, the festival's executive director, as the week drew to a close.


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Gates Foundation Renews Collaboration With Beijing Government and Tsinghua University on Innovative Therapies for Infectious Diseases Prevalent in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
BEIJING (June 15, 2023) – The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced a renewed collaboration with the Beijing Municipal Government and Tsinghua University to support the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI) in its efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide through lifesaving therapies for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, which disproportionately affect the world’s poorest.
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear 90% of the global burden of infectious diseases, but only 10% of global spending on drug research and development goes toward diseases that disproportionately affect these populations, underscoring a clear case of global health inequality. GHDDI, a nonprofit institution established in 2016 as China’s first public-private partnership on innovative research between the Beijing Municipal Government, Tsinghua University, and the Gates Foundation, aims to address this disparity in research priorities.
Over the next five years, the Gates Foundation will provide US$50 million to GHDDI, which will be matched by the Beijing Municipal Government, in order to bolster the institute’s drug discovery capacity. Tsinghua University will also continue to support GHDDI in areas such as building and sharing research platforms, translating research discovery, and developing talent. The commitment was announced after today’s visit by Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, to GHDDI, where he delivered a speech titled, “The Power of Innovation to Solve Global Challenges.”
GHDDI primarily focuses on developing new drugs for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, which have a significant impact on women, children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and other vulnerable populations in LMICs.
Over the last six years, the institute has built a state-of-the-art research center and established an extensive global drug discovery network, yielding promising preclinical and clinical assets. Its existing preclinical pipeline contains more than 10 projects, including a preclinical antimalarial candidate developed in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and Malaria Drug Accelerator (MalDA). The candidate has demonstrated promising potential in reducing drug resistance, minimizing dosage, and even preventing malaria.
GHDDI has also collaborated with several international research institutions in the discovery of a series of novel compounds that have synergistic effects with existing anti-tuberculosis drugs to potentially shorten the treatment regimen of tuberculosis. Though still in the laboratory stage, these studies, once clinically tested, will provide new tools for the prevention and control of malaria and tuberculosis, significantly reducing disease transmission and burden.
“GHDDI exemplifies our foundation’s commitment to catalyzing innovation for the discovery and translation of transformative solutions to global health and development inequity,” said Zhi-Jie Zheng, China country director at the Gates Foundation. “We are excited to see its growing potential within the global health drug innovation ecosystem. With this new funding, we hope GHDDI will continue to drive R&D breakthroughs, ultimately improving the availability and accessibility of drugs for those in need around the world.”
“We will continue to work closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Tsinghua University to provide strong support for GHDDI in its endeavors to develop innovative drugs for the most challenging diseases in public health,” said person in charge of Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park. “We are hopeful that GHDDI will produce more groundbreaking outcomes with global impact by further enhancing its innovation capacity through global collaboration, and establishing novel models and pathways for translational drug research. Ultimately, we strive to enhance the health and well-being of people around the world through our collective efforts.”
“New drug R&D is a systematic process that requires interdisciplinary collaborative innovation, translation of scientific research findings, and industry applications,” said Wang Hongwei, vice president of Tsinghua University. “Tsinghua University attaches great importance to the development of life sciences, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences. Over the past six years, with the joint support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Beijing Municipal Government, and Tsinghua University, GHDDI has become an innovative drug discovery institution with outstanding research and development capabilities. Now in its next chapter of development, with the founding parties’ continued support, we believe that GHDDI will continue to reach new heights and help inject new impetus to the development of related disciplines, talent cultivation, and international collaboration at the Tsinghua University. We believe GHDDI will continue to drive positive change in global health improvement.”
“GHDDI remains committed to addressing global health challenges through accelerated drug discovery,” said Dr. Sheng Ding, institute director of GHDDI and professor at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University. “The renewed strong support from the Beijing Municipal Government, Tsinghua University, and the Gates Foundation is vital for the continued success of our institute. In addition to accomplishing our missions of discovering new drugs and knowledge, cultivating new talent, and advocating for global health, we strive for sustainable development in this new phase.”
About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Co-chairs Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and the board of trustees.
About the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute
The Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI) was jointly founded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Tsinghua University, and the Beijing Municipal Government in 2016 through an innovative public-private partnership. It is an independent, nonprofit research organization that is the first of its kind in China. GHDDI is committed to improving global health and saving lives through accelerated development of new drugs and innovative technologies. GHDDI focuses on translational research—from the bench to the bedside. Its research areas include antivirals, tuberculosis, and malaria.