text:
Believe it or not, something that has been so revolutionary in our lives, something that has changed the world has only been around 5 years. The App Store, to my surprise, has turned 5. The App Store has changed the way we game, changed the way we entertain or are entertained. It has changed more fields of work than one could count and it has changed more lives than one could count. It's influence on our world has been truly remarkable. And because of all the difference it has made on our world, it is impossible to think that it is only 5 years old. This breakthrough service, this flourishing economy has changed so much in so little time. And it almost never happened.
It is 2007, the iPhone has just been released and it has changed the ball game for phones. It's abilities are remarkable, it is touchscreen, it can make calls, it can go on the internet anywhere, it's an iPod, it has utilities such as calculator and clock, it can use internet apps searchable through Apple's internet apps search service. But it did not have an App Store at the time. Steve Jobs felt that bringing an App Store where third parties could make apps on it was absurd because they didn't have the bandwidth or the technologies to do it. He didn't want people polluting the iPhone with bad apps and viruses, amongst other things. Apple directors, namely Art Levinson and Phil Schiller, however, convinced him they could do it. He became convinced and they pursued the idea. The App Store became into fruition on July 10, 2008, five years ago today. The App Store started out as an update to iTunes and it was shortly followed by an update to iOS.
Since the fateful day five years ago, there are almost a million apps available on the store and as of May, 50 billion downloads have taken place on the store. Of course, there were some milestones along the way. When the App Store first launched, it launched with 500 apps. 10 million apps are downloaded in the first weekend. 100 Million are downloaded by September. 500 Million are downloaded by January of 2009 and then top one billion by April of 09. This is probably about the point where Apple sees that they really have something truly spectacular. By September of 09, 2 billion apps are downloaded, further propelling Apple's biggest store. By the end of 09, Facebook and Paper Toss the two most downloaded apps. The game Angry Birds, which has slowed the Boredom disease since it's introduction, was released at the end of 2009 and became insanely popular starting in 2010. In June, app downloads reach 5 billion. In December, it is announced that Angry Birds was the most downloaded game on the App Store that year. By January 2011, 10 billion apps had been downloaded. Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja were the year's most successful games. In March of 2012, it is announced that the App Store reached it's 25 billionth download. In December of 2012, more than 2 billion apps are downloaded in the month alone. Temple Run and Draw Something are the two most popular games of 2012. The App Store surpasses 50 billion downloads in May 2013 and in June Apple announced that over $10 billion dollars has been paid to developers. And here we are, celebrating the App Store's wonderful existence, on it's 5th birthday.
Here is how you can celebrate. Apple is having a free app promotion. Go to the App Store to get your free apps. It is giving away 5 apps and 5 games. It is giving away Barefoot World Atlas, an interactive atlas app, Day One, an intuitive journal allowing you to record your days events, How To Cook Everything, a cook book app with many recipes to choose from, Over, a photo app that lets you add custom logos, captions and more to your photos, Traktor DJ is a professional grade DJ app for your iPhone, BADLAND is a stunning Apple Design winner game, Infiniti Blade 2 is a stunning, state of the art fighter game with incredible graphics, Super Brother: Sword and Sorcery is a 8-bit game that is super fun, Tiny Wings, a fun, popular game is also for free, and last but not least is Disney's Where's my Water?, a puzzle game with a fun mascot. All these apps are yours for free for a limited time. Make sure not to miss out on the opportunity. Don't forget to check out apps such as Free App A Day or FAAD that do these kind of promotions everyday. It is a great service with a great intent.
I conclude with my 5th paragraph, a simple dedication to the App Store. We thank you Apple for creating this life changing store where developers can develop stunning apps to change the world. Bono once said that music can change the world because music changes people. Well, that's the same for apps too. They change how we see the world, therefore helping us change the world. Long live the App Store.
Thanks for reading,
Image Courtesy: Apple


text:
First Stage Cyklon, Fixed Yoke
3720 10Air and TrimixYoke connection4 LP and 2 HP ports
The Cyklon 5000 has stood up to all the tests. This robust, high performance regulator is the regulator of choice for Royal Swedish Navy' US Submarine Rescue Team and the German Navy and is cherished by technical and recreational divers who prioritize breathability and durability.In many places, Yoke is still the norm. Therefore we offer our Cyklon Classic first stage with a fixed Yoke.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
With Module 6: The Thirteenth Eclipse, Turbine is proud to introduce a new feature - an early version of Stormreach's first crafting feature, called the Eldritch Device. The Eldritch Device allows players to create and upgrade items, and to create their own raid loot, using other items collected from their adventures! Much is still unknown about the devices, and their full potential and power remain a mystery. The greatest scholars in Stormreach are committed to studying these altars to find out more.
Getting Started
Here is what they've found out so far: There are several steps to creating your own loot and upgrading that item, so let's see how it works.
Everything starts with a recipe. Every recipe produces a different item or effect, so you'll have to tinker around to discover them all. Recipes are not physical items you find in the game, they're simply known combinations of ingredients that successfully produce another item or ingredient. Later, in our example, we'll start you off with some simple recipes but most recipes have not been discovered yet!
The Eldrich Device: VAST and MYSTERIOUS
Recipes are made up of up to five ingredients collected during your adventures, or manufactured from the items you've collected. We call these Raw and Manufactured ingredients. Many ingredients can be stored in the new "ingredient" bags introduced with Module 6, which work just like collectible bags.
At first, you'll need to collect a few Raw Ingredients, like pebbles, arrowheads, or chipmunk funk, to begin using the first Eldritch device in Meridia. Using these raw ingredients, you'll manufacture higher level ingredients, like taper candles, oils, and ores. These are Manufactured Ingredients to be used in other recipes you'll discover along the way.
Right: Various raw ingredients. Clockwise from top left: Green Briar Twigs, Lammanian Lily Petals, Locust Husk, Chipmunk Funk, Glistening Pebbles, Bitterscrub Fungus. Left: An assortment of manufactured ingredients. Clockwise from top left: Ore of Travail, Filaments of Toil, Red Taper, Wondrous Scarab, Wondrous oil, Wondrous balm.
Energy Cells
In most recipes, you'll usually need to include an Energy Cell to power the device, though some recipes contain enough magic on their own to power the altar. Energy Cells can be purchased from a vendor and are also found in the raid. For your first real recipe in creating a new weapon, you'll need an Eberron Energy Cell, which can be purchased from vendors in the game.
Top: A depleted energy cell.
Bottom: A charged energy cell
Later recipes require a Shavarath Energy Cell, which can be collected during your adventures. While there is only one type of Eberron Energy Cell, there are three types of Shavarath Energy Cell: low, medium and high.
When you find an energy cell, it may be charged or depleted. You can recharge energy cells by combining an empty cell with any weapon whose plus value is 6 through 10, depending on the type of cell. This is a great opportunity to put some of those unused items that you've been storing away in your bank to good use !
Use a +6 to +10 weapon to recharge depleted energy cells!
Eldritch Basics
Currently, there are several different types of Eldritch Devices, each one available to players as they progress through the raid and other areas of the game. Each device is made to accept different ingredients.
The Interface
The Eldritch Device interface is simple, and easy to use. There are five slots to accept ingredients and components of your recipes. To create a recipe, simply drag ingredients from your inventory to a slot in the Eldritch device. If your ingredients are not appropriate to the particular device you are working with, you will receive a message telling you that your item is not able to be used in the device.
The Eldritch interface.
Creating manufactured ingredients
Let's create our first manufactured ingredient by using our collected raw ingredients. (For this example, we'll assume you've collected Green Briar Twigs, Lammanian Lily Petals, Locust Husk, Chipmunk Funk, Glistening Pebbles, Bitterscrub Fungus.
First, drag an Eberron energy cell to a slot in the device, followed by four raw ingredients. In this example, we're going to use Glistening Pebbles, Green Briar Twigs, Chipmunk Funk and a Locust Husk, and an Eberron energy cell. After placing the ingredients in the device, click the "Mix Magically" button and you will notice that the recipe failed. This means that unfortunately, the combination of raw ingredients we've used does not produce anything special.
Let's try again, but this time instead of a Locust Husk, lets try a piece of Bitterscrub Fungus. Don't forget your energy cell! Click Mix Magically, and viola! You have one "blue taper" candle. Congratulations!
By repeating steps like these with other ingredients, you can continue to manufacture better ingredients which will in turn, allow you to make something REALLY special.
Creating an item
Shiny Green Steel Warhammer blank!
After you've created enough manufactured ingredients, you can use them to make weapons and equipment. The items you make from manufactured ingredients are called "blanks"… in the new module, all blanks are green steel. Usually these are base items which you can upgrade later, but have some neat effects even before you upgrade them, such as increased dice damage! For this example, we'll be creating a Warhammer!
Lets assume we've already created enough manufactured ingredients to create our blank. We need: One "Ore of Travail", one "Red Taper", and one "Wondrous Oil". We've also already created the signet stone we need to create the blank, and we have a charged Eberron Energy cell.
Just as before, drag your ingredients, signet stone and the energy cell into the proper Eldritch device, and click the combine button. If you've gotten the recipe right you should receive a bright shiny green steel Warhammer!
Upgrading your item
Now that you've made a weapon, you'll likely want to upgrade it! Upgrading an item is asimilar process to gathering and creating ingredients and items.
In order toupgrade your item, you'll have to combine it with a Shard of Power that has been imbued with a certain characteristic. You can collect Shards of Power during your adventures in the Shroud and combine them with other manufactured ingredients, like an essence, a focus (pl. Foci) or a cloudy gem, to give the shard a special characteristic that will apply to your weapon.
In our example, we are going to forge the following items to imbue our shard: One Shard of Power, one Inferior Foci of Fire, one Cloudy Gem of Escalation, one Diluted Material Essence, and of course a Shavarath Low Energy Cell.
Imbuing a Shard of Power. Upgrading your item.
Once you've already imbued your shard, you then can place it into the eldritch device along with an energy cell and your weapon, and you are now the proud owner of customized raid loot!
As you progress to the later phases of the raid, you can continue the upgrade process to further upgrade your weapon, choosing either the same type of effects (all fire for example) or mixing it up (such as combining some fire with earth in a higher tier of upgrades), it's your choice! Additional upgrades require higher quality imbued gems, but the scholars say that if you can figure out just the right combination of effects, your equipment will be granted a special bonus ability.
Green Steel Warhammer, with all three upgrades.
Unlock special spells for your weapons by specializing your upgrades!
Other uses of the Eldritch Device
The Stones of Change
Lesser eldritch devices have also been discovered by the Twelve, called "Stones of Change". While these stones lack the power of the eldritch devices of Meridia and The Shroud, a number of uses have been found thus far. These stones of change do not seem to require energy cells to power their recipes.
Dragonshard Combinations – Khyber or Siberys Dragonshards and Dragonshard Fragments can be placed in a Stone of Change to combine them into larger versions. For example, 10 Flawed Siberys Dragonshards can be combined to form an Imperfect Siberys Dragonshard, or 1,000 Khyber Dragonshard Fragments can be combined to form 10 Tiny Khyber Dragonshards, suitable for low level castings of Trap the Soul.
Binding and Attuning of items – Any equippable item can be placed into a Stone of Change with a number of Khyber Dragonshard Fragments to bind the item to the user and prepare it for the later addition of Eldritch Rituals. Binding and attuning an item requires (minimum level of item ^ 2) Khyber Dragonshard Fragments, so a minimum level 12 item would require 144 fragments. An item that is bound never takes permanent item damage when repaired, but can no longer be traded.
Eldritch Rituals – An attuned item can have one line of Eldritch Rituals placed upon it. Thus far, the only ritual that the Twelve have found is called the Adamantine Ritual, which increases the hardness and durability of an item. This ritual requires Adamantine Ore and Soul Gems: Essence of Earth (produced by the Trap the Soul spell), and can be placed on an item up to five times (though later applications increase only the durability of the item). In future modules, many more Eldritch Rituals will become available, but placing an Eldritch Ritual on an item will remove any others that are currently on the item.
The Twelve have placed a Stone of Change in the marketplace next to the Lordsmarch Bank and one at the base of their tower for common use.
It is suspected that once the scholars fully understand the powers of the device, we'll even be able to change effects on existing items as well as shatter shards into fragments, but these are dangerous powers which must be studied further, before we can attempt such deeds.


text:
Cherry Products
Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Preserves & Butters
Cherry Preserves and Butters by Traverse Bay Farms .
Cherry BBQ Sauce by Herkner Farms
Cherry BBQ Sauce by Herkner Farms with northern Michigan black cherries along with spices and seasonings, this Cherry BBQ Sauce is as good as it is versatile.
Cherry Drizzle Toppings by Herkner Farms
Cherry Drizzle Toppings with chunks of Michigan tart cherries in a delicious drizzle sauce.
Benjamin Twiggs Ice Cream Toppings
Fudge and cherries…a must-have for all cherry-chocoholics! Heat it up and put it on ice cream or mix the Cherry Fudge Topping in a cold glass of milk.
Cherry Snacks and Sweets
Cherry Snacks and Sweets by Benjamin Twiggs include Just Nuts, Cherry Sour Patches, Cherry Berry Deluxe Trail Mix.
Cherry Bing Tea
Benjamin Twiggs Cherry Bing Tea from Michigan Bing cherries is a soothing blend of black tea with a sweet cherry flavor.
Benjamin Twiggs Cherry Salsa's
Cherry Salsa's by Benjamin Twiggs
Cherry Summer Sausage
Cherry Summer Sausage by Benjamin Twiggs is delicious hardwood smoked cherry flavored sausage! Made in Traverse City, Michigan.
Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate by Traverse Bay Farms is made with 100% Pure Montmorency Tart Cherries – No Preservatives – No Additives – No Added Sugar.
Chocolate Covered Cherry Toffee
Chocolate Covered Cherry Toffee by Mel's Toffee has all the benefits of cherry and the benefits of a delicious treat.
Cherry Sweet Snacks
Benjamin Twiggs Cherry Sweet Snacks include Cherry Sour Patches, Cherry Malted Milk Balls, Cherry Gummies, Cherry Sour Balls and more.
Jam, Jelly, Preserves and Butters
Jam, Jelly, Preserves and Butters with Michigan Cherries by Benjamin Twiggs
Dried Sweetened Tart Cherries
Savor the unique taste of Northern Michigan dried tart cherries by Traverse Bay Farms.
Traverse Bay Farms Dried Natural Tart Cherries
Savor the unique taste of Northern Michigan cherries with no sugar added by Traverse Bay Farms.
Cherry Jam by Beckey's Kountry Kitchen
Beckey's Kountry Kitchen Cherry Jam in Cherry Brandy and Chocolate Cherry Jam. Only locally sourced Michigan cherries are used.
Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry – Joint Formula
Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry – Joint Formula is made with Montmorency Tart Cherries.
Chocolate Covered Cherries by Traverse Bay Farms
Fresh dried tart cherries by Traverse Bay Farms are covered in delicious gourmet sweet milk chocolate or decadent dark chocolate. Watch out they can be addicting!
Fruit Advantage Organic Tart Cherry Powder
Fruit Advantage Organic Tart Cherry Powder is 100% natural tart cherry.
Traverse Bay Farms Cherry Salsa
Cherry Salsa by Traverse Bay Farms is a fat-free fruit and gourmet salsa made with a combination of traditional tomato-based salsa and fresh tangy cherries.
Fruit Advantage Cherry Prime
Fruit Advantage Cherry Prime – Patented Formula Combining Tart Cherries with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
Milk Cherry Delights
Benjamin Twiggs Milk Cherry Delights are a dried cherry center surrounded by luscious milk chocolate and a red cherry coat.
Buttermilk Pancake Mix with Dried Cherries
Benjamin Twiggs Buttermilk Pancake Mix with Dried Cherries is a new twist on a morning favorite.
Chocolate Covered Dried Cherries
Benjamin Twiggs Chocolate Covered Dried Cherries are Sweet and sinful. Michigan dried tart cherries dipped in rich milk chocolate.
Dark Cherry Razz Delights
Benjamin Twiggs Dark Cherry Razz Delights are an intense raspberry-infused cherry covered with a triple thick layer of exquisite dark chocolate.
Benjamin Twiggs Cherry Garden Salsa
Cherry Garden Salsa Fresh from the garden and orchard. A gourmet cherry salsa with more veggie taste. Medium heat
Snow Yogurt Covered Dried Cherries
Benjamin Twiggs Snow (Yogurt) Covered Dried Cherries are Michigan dried cherries coated in creamy, vanilla yogurt.
Benjamin Twiggs Dried Cherries
Dried cherries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, essential minerals, and are a great add-on in snacks and recipes.
77% Michigan Cherry Dark Chocolate Bar
77% Michigan Cherry Bar, Chocolate and cherries – the idea behind it might be simple, but the reality of it is anything but.
Benjamin Twiggs Cherry Vanilla Coffee
Cherry Vanilla Coffee by Benjamin Twiggs.
Chocolate Cherry Festival Coffee
Benjamin Twiggs Chocolate Cherry Festival Coffee is locally roasted, always fresh!
Bavarian Inn's Alpine Gourmet Cookies
Alpine Gourmet Cookies by Bavarian Inn is made with Traverse City, Michigan cherries.
Northwoods Cherry BBQ Sauce
Benjamin Twiggs Northwoods Cherry BBQ Sauce has a hearty smoky flavor with a sweet country "twang".


text:
Running a secure ecommerce solution and keeping your online store safe is our number one priority. We continuously invest significant time and money to adjust to the latest threats. We appreciate feedback related to any security concerns you might have.
If you have discovered a potential security issue with Shopify, please report it through our HackerOne page. For all other security questions and concerns please open a support request.
Thanks to everyone who has worked with us to responsibly discover, report and fix security issues. Our Hall of Fame is located on our HackerOne thanks page.


text:
Sitting in a dentist's chair hardly rates as a vacation. But every year, tens of thousands of people go to a tiny border town near Yuma, Ariz., that has proclaimed itself the dental capital of Mexico.
Los Algodones is a virtual dental factory. Some 350 dentists work within a few blocks of downtown. Because of the low prices and fast service, most patients come for major work.
"Oh, boy, I had 22 crowns done, four root canals," says Brian Quade. He is still numb from the Novocain. His mouth is bloody. "Nine hours straight yesterday, and then today they did a deep-cleaning scaling, and tomorrow they're installing all the crowns."
What could possibly make those three jaw-dropping days appealing to this cabinetmaker from Seattle?
"It's $50,000 up there, about $5,000 down here," he says.
It's inexpensive; it averages two-thirds less than in the U.S. And it's quick. There are so many dental labs in town, it only takes a day or two to make a crown, a bridge, even dentures.
A long line of patients sit in the hallway of the Sani Dental Group clinic opposite a long line of exam rooms. Miguel Ibarreche — known to patients as Dr. Mike — runs the clinic's diagnostic department. He looks in patients' mouths, tells them what they need to have done and how much it will cost. The most common procedures patients get done here are implants and crowns, Ibarreche says.
He says dentistry is cheap here for some obvious reasons — inexpensive labor and real estate. He also says dentists in Mexico don't need to charge as much because they don't graduate with a lot of student debt. The government subsidizes many dentists' education.
"When we go out of school, we have to pay the government, but we do it by one year of free service, and that's it," Ibarreche says.
There's also no high-priced mandatory malpractice insurance as there is in the U.S.
Edmond Hewlett, a spokesman for the American Dental Association and a professor at UCLA, says Mexico has good dentists. But he warns potential patients to make sure they're getting a good one.
"My best advice is to plan very carefully ... and know what you are signing up for. What are the standards that are in place, say for regulation of the dentists in that country? What sort of safety guidelines are in place in the offices?" he says.
There are still some hawkers in the street as you enter Los Algodones who try to lure patients in, but not like decades ago when dentists began marketing to U.S. and Canadian patients. These days there are companies online that arrange trips.
That's how Ron Colvin came to Los Algodones. "Somebody told me about dental travel, and then research on the Internet and more research on the Internet and then more research on the Internet," Colvin says.
Colvin picked his dentist based on hundreds of online reviews. He came from Indiana for dentures. He just had his teeth pulled, and he's happy with how it went.
Most people who travel to Los Algodones need a lot of dental work. That makes the town both a destination for dental tourism — and a reminder to floss and brush so you can avoid the place.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
EPE 2009, the European Power Electronics and Applications Conference in Barcelona, sponsored by the EPE Association and the National Organizing Committee, will take place on September 8 – 10, in the Palau de Congressos / Fira de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
The conference includes six parallel lecture sessions where about 150 papers will be presented covering all areas related to Power Electronics, three dialogue sessions allowing face-to-face discussion with the authors, different workshops in power electronics, power systems and education and panel discussions on state-of-the-art topics. Fields like new devices, automotive, custom power systems and adjustable speed drives will be on the focus of the conference. Advances in Energy Conversion and Conditioning Technologies (ECCT), exploiting new power electronic systems, energy conversion devices and system control regimes, are all crucial to the development of the clean, efficient and sustainable technology of the future.
EPE 2009 will offer, co-organised with ECPE, state-of-the-art keynotes and several industrial sessions, running in parallel with the regular conference sessions, with invited presentations from industry world leaders as well as from relevant academic institutions and round table meetings to discuss in depth and focus on future developments in new or emerging topics as well as advanced industrial applications, of special interest to the power electronics community.
Active and Passive Components will be discussed on the first day of the Conference. The day will begin with a keynote presentation, coming from the University of Bremen on the state-of-the-art and future of wide gap devices. After the keynote, industrial sessions will highlight high frequency semiconductors for industrial power, with contributions from Infineon, Cree and Mitsubishi, high power semiconductors for industrial power, with speakers from Siemens, ABB and Infineon Tech, and bipolar, passives and related topics with contributions from In-Power Systems, Epcos and Semikron. The first Conference day will end with an invited lecture, coming from the Technical University of Chemnitz, on: design for reliability with IGBT-modules and a round Table on the topic of the day.
Mass Transportation Technologies presentations will happen on the second Conference day. Two keynotes speeches are planned, the first one coming from the University of Nottingham and devoted to the more electrical aircraft, and its future technologies and the second one from the Technical University of Munich related to hybrid electrical vehicle, heavy duty, fuel economy and hybridization factor. The following industrial presentations will cover the more electrical aircraft systems with speeches from Rolls-Royce, Liebherr and GE Aviation, advanced railway systems, with presentations coming from Siemens, Alstom Transport and Shinkansen R&D, and the more electrical ship technologies with contributions from Converteam, Ingeteam and Wartsila. The invited presentation of the afternoon, conducted by ECPE, will discuss reliability of power electronics systems and end the second Conference day industrial sessions with the corresponding Round Table discussion.
Technologies for Solar Power are the subject on the third Conference day. After a keynote, coming from the ISE Fraunhofer Institute, covering the topic of extreme efficiency PV-power converters, high power density PVconverters, with contributions from Altran, SMA and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, will be presented followed by presentations related to the grid of the future coming from the University of Nottingham, the University of Kassel and Saft Baterias S.L. The third day industrial sessions will end with an invited presentation on The Future of High Power Electronics in Transmission and Distribution Systems conducted by Areva -TD and the corresponding round table on the topic of the day.


text:
Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase still believes — falsely — that the wrong man is in the White House.
"We want the right president put in office!" Chase told a crowd in Florida last week at a rally headlined by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. "We the people will not shut up."
But there's another election Chase believes has been corrupted, one closer to home: a May 8 Virginia GOP convention to select nominees for statewide offices.
Chase, who is running for governor, has sent out fundraising emails with subject lines like "BREAKING: The Fix is In" and "PROOF OF CORRUPTION." She has unsuccessfully sued her own party to stop the convention and has publicly floated running as an independent if she believes the nominating process is unfair.
For months, Republicans like Chase have cast doubt on the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. The upcoming vote in Virginia presented the state party with the opportunity to run an election of its own.
It hasn't gone smoothly.
It's not unusual for Republicans in Virginia to gripe about the arcane rules of party-run nominating conventions, which attract a small fraction of the voters who participate in a state-run primary. But this year's complaints from Chase and other candidates come at a fraught moment for the party, said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.
"The pieces and factions of this state party are simply reflecting the kind of paranoia we're seeing from the Trump national party," Sabato said. "This has been instilled in the GOP now and I think we're gonna see a lot more of this in a lot more places."
Virginia allows political parties to choose between having a party-run convention or a state-run primary. Democrats opted for the primary. After months of debate, Virginia Republicans settled on their plan in March: More than 53,000 registered delegates will cast ranked-choice ballots next Saturday. The voting will happen at more than three dozen voting sites because of coronavirus restrictions. Delegates will choose GOP nominees for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The convention decision hasn't put to bed the bickering on the party's state central committee. In recent weeks, members has clashed on everything from vote-counting processes to whether to allow observant Jews to vote early, ahead of the Saturday Sabbath.
The back-and-forth has flummoxed the seven gubernatorial candidates as they try to deliver Republicans their first statewide election win since 2009.
Chase claims that the convention decision was designed to thwart her rise. Conventions attract far fewer participants than primaries and, with ranked-choice voting, they require majority support rather than a plurality — two factors that likely make for a steeper climb for Chase's divisive brand of populism.
At a GOP event last week at a farm outside Richmond, two other gubernatorial candidates shared concerns over the bumpy process.
Businessman Glenn Youngkin, who is running for office for the first time, said he had "great sympathy for Amanda Chase" and argued that "this has not been a straightforward process."
Kirk Cox, a longtime state lawmaker, made similar comments but stopped short of saying the election had been compromised.
"I don't think it's been a good process," Cox said. "But no, I don't think it's rigged."
Chase, Cox and Youngkin have all cried foul on attack ads from difficult-to-trace groups that they have suggested are tied to another candidate, Pete Snyder. Chase has gone further, alleging Snyder leveraged key contacts inside the party to tip the playing field in his favor. The former tech executive maintains he has played by the rules, and notes he, too, has been subject to attacks from third-party groups.
The Republicans' unease with the convention comes as they put forward "election integrity" plans designed to rewrite Virginia's voting rules. The top candidates for governor have all called for more restrictive voting measures, citing a lack of voter trust in the wake of former President Donald Trump's false claims of widespread voter fraud. Chase, Snyder and Youngkin have all played up connections to Trump, who lost Virginia by 10 percentage points but maintains strong support among conservatives.
All of the candidates voice confidence that they can overcome the process concerns to win the convention. And while Virginia GOP Chair Rich Anderson acknowledged the Trumpian rhetoric of fraud may have made his life a little more difficult, he thinks it will all work out well in the end.
"These are words flying," Anderson said. "This is not hot lead."
Anderson, a former state lawmaker, said staging the "logistically gargantuan" convention has not been easy. He personally favors primaries. Still, he understands convention advocates' argument that it's the best way to weed out Democratic voters, as any registered voter can vote in a state primary. Anderson says Republicans will also end up with candidates with broad support.
Former U.S. Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-Va., is skeptical. Riggleman lost his seat in a bruising convention fight last year, and he believes the "bulls***" system limits the party's ability to expand its voting bloc beyond the most conservative party activists.
"The convention is about disenfranchising as many voters as possible, which seems to be the GOP way lately," Riggleman said.
Anderson points out the convention has set a record for registered delegates. He believes the process will go smoothly and securely, with ballots protected by private, armed security.
But there's another parallel to the 2020 elections: It could take the party a few days to tally votes and to name winners.
Copyright 2021 VPM


text:
ExxonMobil to Fund Training Program for Houston Area Chemical Industry Jobs
- ExxonMobil commits $500,000 to workforce training program
- Houston-area community colleges to expand recruitment and training
- Fifty-thousand students and educators to benefit over five years
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ExxonMobil will fund a $500,000 workforce training program to enable Houston's leading community colleges to prepare thousands of local residents for high-paying jobs in the growing local chemical manufacturing industry.
The initiative will build on the success of the nationally recognized Lee College ExxonMobil Process Technology Program and will benefit 50,000 students and educators over the next five years. ExxonMobil has contributed more than $2.6 million over the last 10 years to manufacturing workforce training initiatives across the U.S. Gulf Coast area, impacting more than 15,000 students.
Lee College will work with Houston Community College, Lone Star College, San Jacinto Junior College, Alvin Community College, Wharton County Junior College, Brazosport College, Galveston College and College of the Mainland to train students seeking certification or completion of degree programs for instrumentation, electrical, machinist/millwright, welding, pipefitting and other skills and competencies needed by the chemical industry. There are also future plans to include area high schools in the program, which will provide training that aligns with skills and competencies defined by industry, as well as nationally recognized certification programs.
"The chemical industry supports 73,000 high-paying Texas manufacturing jobs and will add more under announced expansion plans by industry, including ExxonMobil," said Steve Pryor, president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. "Our industry has made Texas the top chemical producing state in the nation, driven in large part by abundant and affordable supplies of natural gas for energy and feedstock. We contribute to a strong economy for Houston and the state."
ExxonMobil is awaiting construction permits to progress plans for a world-class petrochemical expansion in Baytown, Texas. The multi-billion dollar project would include a new ethane cracker and premium product facilities at ExxonMobil's integrated complex and capitalize on abundant supplies of American natural gas.
If developed, the project is estimated to create about 10,000 construction jobs and 350 permanent jobs would be added to the company's workforce of more than 6,000 in the Baytown area. The estimated multiplier effect would create another 3,800 jobs in the local community.
At an announcement today at the Greater Houston Partnership, state Sen. Rodney Ellis said the proposed petrochemical expansions will require highly skilled workers.
"The jobs that will become available in our area over the next decade represent a life-changing opportunity for many in our community," said Ellis. "With the average annual salary in the Texas chemical industry at $86,000, this landmark partnership among our schools, business community and ExxonMobil can help make the dream of economic independence come true for a lot of families."
"This is great news for workers who will be retrained or want to enter the chemical manufacturing industry in the next few years," said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. "The ExxonMobil program is a great example of what can be accomplished when employers and educators work together."
The Lee College Center for Workforce and Community Development will implement the program to educate qualified students to meet the industry's current and future workforce needs. Marketing and recruiting to technical programs that support petrochemical workforce needs will increase, including targeting military veterans through existing programs at these community colleges.
Prospective students can enroll at the campus of their choice for classroom instruction, dual-credit courses, internships, certificate programs and two-year degrees. More information is available at www.HoustonNaturalGas.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130607005058/en/
ExxonMobil Chemical
Media Relations, +1-281-870-6607
Source: Exxon Mobil Corporation
Released June 7, 2013


text:
Hibiscus Monstera CGR
Color: celadon green/dark rose/light rose on off white
Measurements: Approximately 52″ x 20″
This table runner is made of 35% cotton and 65% polyester. We found this combination to be the best for durability and texture. We hand washed our quilts three times to ensure material integrity.
We use the traditional world famous Hawaiian quilting stitch/applique method.
This is a brand new, 100% HAND QUILTED and HAND APPLIQUED table runner. It can be used as a wall hanging, bed runner or counter spaces. Add some Hawaiian style and bring Aloha to your home or office. It makes a terrific gift for any special occasion! It can also be framed beautifully.


text:
Document Type
Amicus Brief
Publication Date
Below are entries in Bradley Joondeph's blog related to this case:
Florida nullification ballot initiative invalidated
Raich and the requirement that the regulated activity be "economic"
And the focus shifts to Pensacola . . .
NPR interview with Attorney General Cuccinelli
The current status of Virginia v. Sebelius (and what it might suggest)
U.S. files its notice of appeal in Virginia v. Sebelius
Fourth Circuit dockets Virginia v. Sebelius
Fourth Circuit sets briefing schedule in Virginia v. Sebelius
Fourth Circuit expedites Virginia v. Sebelius, calendars with Liberty University v. Geithner
Why the states lack standing to challenge the minimum coverage provision
Virginia to seek immediate review at the Supreme Court
Virginia files its petition for cert at the Supreme Court
Walsh on the lack of subject matter jurisdiction in Virginia v. Sebelius
A scorecard on the taxing power question
A very quick summary of the order
Virginia's serious standing problem
U.S. files its brief in opposition at the Supreme Court
Virginia's petition for certiorari scheduled for justices' conference of April 15
Chamber of Commerce's amicus brief
U.S. files reply brief in Virginia v. Sebelius
The United States' reply brief from Virginia v. Sebelius
Why the Court is likely to deny cert
Once more unto the breach, dear friends
Court denies certiorari in Virginia v. Sebelius
Six things to look for tomorrow
Fourth Circuit panel announced
Order for supplemental briefing in the Fourth Circuit cases
Supplemental briefing in the Fourth Circuit
Some speculation about what is coming from the Fourth Circuit
Fourth Circuit dismisses both challenges on justiciability grounds
A quick reaction to Virginia v. Sebelius
Name of Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Name of Case
Virginia v. Sebelius
Docket No.
Automated Citation
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, "Virginia v. Sebelius - Commonwealth of Massachusetts Amicus Brief" (2011). Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Litigation. 22.


text: The Textbook of Natural Medicine reveals what students of naturopathy are taught. It claims to be a scientific presentation, but it reveals just how unscientific naturopathy is. It mixes good science with bad science, pseudoscience, outright errors of fact, vitalism, philosophy, ancient history, superstition, gullibility, misrepresentations, metaphysics, religion, hearsay, opinion,… read more "Naturopathy Textbook"


text: The development towards a "Europe of the Regions" is accompanied by a complex system of cooperation and interdependence between the different levels of policy-making. In this paper, we ask how European integration impacts the partisan composition of regional governments. We argue that the EU classification system of regions – the so called "Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics" (NUTS) – sets incentives to form similar coalition governments among regions that belong to the same 'NUTS' area. We test our argument by analysing government formation in the Czech regions and thus in an EU member state whose regions benefit financially from EU structural policy. The results show that there is empirical evidence to support our main hypotheses: even when controlling for variables that reflect standard coalition theories and for patterns of party competition on the national sphere, we find that coalitions are more likely to form if the respective parties are also part of the government in the regions that belong to the same NUTS area.


text:
Home improvement - Not as quoted
How does Resolver work?
Free forever
Resolver is free. Just raise a case and leave feedback after. Simple! We've helped millions of people find a resolution. Get started now and let's get this sorted.
Know your rights
There's no jargon in our rights guides. Instead, they're full of the info you need to get things sorted. We'll always be on hand with guidance and support to help you get the results you're looking for.
Get your voice heard
You can be certain that you're talking to the right person at the right time. We automatically connect you to contacts at thousands of household names, ombudsmen and regulators to find a resolution.
There should always be a clear contract including the costs, between you and the trader for any works you are getting carried out. If the trader asks you to pay extra for works already quoted for they could be in breach of contract and in some cases, breaking the law. Always ask for a clear breakdown of extra charges and reasons for increases in invoices.
You should knowFaulty product supplied with service
You have a legal right that the goods supplied by any builder or home improvement trader must
- be of satisfactory quality
- be fit for purpose
- match the description you were given
- be fitted using reasonable care and skill
If the goods are faulty or are not fitted correctly, or are not what you ordered, it's up to the trader who is doing the work for you to put things right.
It doesn't matter if the problem is with the goods or with how the goods were fitted – it's still up to the trader to sort it out. You shouldn't be asked to sort the problem out yourself with the manufacturer or business which sold your trader the goods. If you are asked to do this, you should insist that the trader who fitted the goods, sorts out the problem.
Raising your concerns
Talk to the tradesman about the problem and give them a chance to put any problems right or to finish any work that is not finished.
If this has been a series of events that has leas you to complain what is the main cause and as important be clear and concise as to what you want done to resolve the issue.
Be fair and reasonable
Stay calm, even if you are angry, and give evidence and examples to support your claims. Be fair, ensure that you listen to the tradesman view and see if there is a reasonable compromise that can be reached.
Keep an accurate record
Through resolver record your communications, phone calls and supporting documents such as photos in case the issue cannot be resolved. Remember the resolver app allows you to record your phone calls and add photos to your take on your phone. The app is available on both Android & Apple.
If you cannot solve the problem
resolver will remind you what to do and when. The system will allow you to escalate your case if unresolved after the tradesman has been given a reasonable time to resolve the issue with you.
Dispute resolution
If your issues cannot be resolved by the trader and the issue is about the complaint and not how it is handled then you should consider mediation or arbitration of the dispute. This is low cost and the focus is on providing a cost effective resolution.
Your complete case from resolver will allow the mediator/arbitrator to quickly assess your case. Resolver can put you in contact with the right parties to resolve your issue effectively.
Taking legal proceedings
The alternative is to take your issue to Court. The focus is only to take cases to Court as a last resort and you should have tried to mediate or arbitrate first. Simply going to your solicitor and sending costly letters will not help your case, the intent must be to resolve and how you have tried to have a reasoned argument rather than simply turning to your solicitor.
Find the best rights for you
We have 5,115 pages of rights advice for you covering 10,923 companies and organisations across 16 public & private sectors. Feel free to browse companies for this specific issue - they're all listed below - but the quickest way to find the best rights for you is by using our unique Rights Finder to access our extensive database of advice.
Start by telling us the name of the company or organisation you have an issue with.
Who do you have an issue with?
Helping you with Not as quoted
Resolver covers the issue Not As Quoted for 44 companies and organisations:


text:
The following post was contributed by guest blogger and ACR Imaging 3.0 Content Manager, Chris Hobson
See the companion video here.
I arrived at Golden Gate Radiology Medical Group, located in an outpatient clinic in San Francisco's Chinatown neighborhood, on a crisp September morning. I had arranged to interview radiologist and group president Roger S. Eng, MD, MPH, FACR, about his role in convincing his client hospital to adopt electronic health records as part of his practice's journey toward attesting to meaningful use. Since many practices much larger than his had failed to participate in the meaningful use program, I wanted to discover the secret to his success.
As I began setting up my video equipment in a small reading room that also served as Dr. Eng's office, I heard a knock at his door.
"Can I get you to look at this CT? I need a second opinion…" It was a primary care doctor from a competing organization across town, calling on Dr. Eng as a friend to take a second look at a scan he'd recently had done on himself. Dr. Eng fed the CD into his computer to review it. Satisfied that the man's condition was not serious, he assured his colleague that there was nothing to worry about, and the clinician left with a smile on his face.
When I asked Dr. Eng why he'd reviewed the physician's scan, he said, "Not that this would have changed my looking at the study, but strategically providing support to clinicians outside our core practice community can increase opportunities to help this doctor's organization — which is a large community clinic — officially someday. Relationship building is an essential activity for today's radiologist."
"Well, I guess we should start—" I began, before being cut off by a ringing phone.
"Hello," said Dr. Eng into the receiver, nodding his head and listening to the person on the other end. "OK," said Dr. Eng finally. "Let me look into that and get right back to you." He hung up and turned to me. "That was the hospital chief of staff following up on a patient. So where were we?"
Right on cue, another knock sounded at the door.
"Dr. Eng, I have a patient with a history of renal insufficiency and a GFR of 31," said a radiology tech, leaning his head in through the door. "Should we give IV contrast?"
"This is how it is every day around here. Lots of interruptions," said Dr. Eng after answering the young tech's question. Sensing my growing anxiety that we'd never get through the interview, he went on: "But you know what? This is exactly what every radiologist should want." Noting my confused look, he explained that, although counterintuitive at first, a steady stream of interruptions should be seen as an opportunity. "It means I'm in demand," he concluded, "that different people are calling on my expertise."
We went on to have a very stimulating conversation, but I couldn't forget this statement: radiologists should actually welcome interruptions as a sign of their value to the patient care team. I was reminded of a recent JACR article titled "The Radiologist's Workflow Environment: Evaluation of Disruptors and Potential Implications." Lead author John-Paul J. Yu, MD, PhD, and his co-authors studied how phone interruptions affect on-call radiologists. The study found that "(a)lthough communicating with referring providers is perhaps one of the most important aspects of radiologists' responsibilities, it is also, unfortunately, one of the most disruptive."
During the study, researchers catalogued over 10,000 calls during a 90-day period, leading the authors to write, "The implications of this are far reaching; not only does it suggest a marked loss of workplace efficiencies … but it also raises a patient safety issue."
Despite the fact that interruptions inarguably disrupt radiologists' workflow, and although reading images should remain a radiologist's top priority, when seen from Dr. Eng's perspective, interruptions ensure that radiologists provide as much value to as many stakeholders as possible. "Yes, more interruptions can increase the risk of interpretation errors," concluded Dr. Eng. "The answer is not to close the door (literally and figuratively) to all consults, but perhaps to manage them efficiently on an organizational level. That way, our value added activities don't come at the expense of image consultation excellence."


text:
Thursday, February 25, 2016
The amazing Zatarra Research piece on Wirecard
You can find the report here...
Wirecard has long struck me as suspect - and I have maintained a short for years (yes, literally for years).
I have tried to verify the assets purchased by Wirecard that became corporate goodwill and I could not verify. Indeed I could not even confirm existence of some businesses they purchased.
Generally I follow the advice of Ronald Reagan: trust but verify.
In this case I could not verify Wirecard's assets but I have not verified Zatarra's claims...
So this post links an unverified report of a seemingly unverifiable company...
Even after the down-draft today I am showing decent losses on the position. Not all shorts work out...
(Hat-tip to Dan McCrum who has also been sceptical of Wirecard.)
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Valeant - links
The second is recent - going through cash needs this year. Valeant will be in acute financial stress at some point this year.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Mr Ackman, I forgive you. Mike fooled almost everybody...
I just remember this slide:
It says that Pershing Square's perspective is - and I quote:
- Volume is primary growth driver for ~90% of Valeant's business
It also states that there will be "no more "price increase" deals and that price increase deals were only four out of approximately 150 historical acquisitions.
Mike Pearson (the CEO of Valeant - now on medical leave at an undisclosed location) has repeatedly supported roughly this view. After all look at the first quarter conference call from last year (transcript here). Mike Pearson is asked specifically about price versus volume. To quote:
Gary Nachman - Goldman Sachs - Analyst
...And then if you could quantify a little bit how much was price versus volume that contributed to growth in 1Q? And what do you factor in your full-year guidance price versus volume?
The response:
J. Michael Pearson - Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc - Chairman & CEO
In terms of price volume, actually volume was greater than price in terms of our growth. Outside the United States it's all volume. In fact, we had negative price outside the US with FX. And in the US it's shifting more to volume than price, and we expect that to continue with our launch brands.
A lot of our prices for most of our products are negotiated with managed care. And there's only a limited amount of price that we can take. And then if you look at our consumer business, very little. Walmart doesn't like price increases. If you look at our contact lens business, we're not discounting contact lenses. We are keeping the prices the same. I think there is some noise in the market that there's discounting going on. We're not discounting, but that's all volume growth. And similarly in the cataract surgery market, again, we're just holding our prices. So it's primarily volume, and we expect that to continue.You see everything that Bill Ackman said was consistent with what Mike Pearson was saying.
Alas it is not true!
Today we got an insight into Valeant's price and volume strategy and it categorically demonstrates that Pershing Square's perspective (as quoted above) is false. The source is a summary of Valeant's documents given in response to Congressional subpoenas.
One tartly pertinent quote:
On May 21, 2015, then-Chief Financial Officer Howard Schiller sent an email to Mr. Pearson with the subject "price volume." He wrote: "Last night, one of the investors asked about price vs volume for Q1. Excluding marathon, price represented about 60% of our growth. If you include marathon, price represents about 80%."You see Mike Pearson apparently knew that growth was driven by price. If you include Marathon (the Nitropress and Isuprel acquisition) price represented 80 percent of volume. And that was an email from Howard Schiller (current acting CEO) to Mike Pearson (now CEO).
Mike Pearson lied in the conference call. This seems beyond dispute. Just compare the quotes.
Moreover the Congressional documents show that multiple acquisitions have been driven by a pricing strategy. Bill Ackman said that "price increase deals" were a minor part of Valeant's strategy. He has been proven wrong.
I do not think Mr Ackman was deliberately wrong. Mike Pearson misled the world in the first quarter conference call (and in other conference calls). Mr Ackman was wrong because Mike Pearson misled him.
And that is understandable. Mike Pearson convinced many people.
So Bill, you told the world untruths, but they were not deliberate. Mike fooled you.
Love as always,
Post script:
Some may ask why I picked on Pershing Square as the victim of Mike Pearson's apparent deceptions. After all Ruane, Cuniff & Goldfarb, T. Rowe Price, ValueAct Capital Management, Viking Global, Paulson & Co. and an ambush of Tiger Cubs are major Valeant holders.
I picked on Pershing Square because of this - a slide in an old Pershing Square presentation:
Pershing Square signed a confidentiality agreement (9 February 2014) and this allowed them to conduct "substantial due diligence" on Valeant. This included:
- extensive management interviews
- a review of parent and regional business plans
- a review of historical and projected organic growth by business unit and region.
We now know that many acquisitions were price driven and growth was driven by pricing but Mr Ackman told us otherwise...
(a) Mr Ackman knew that price not volume was the driver but told us otherwise
(b) Mr Ackman thought he was telling the truth when he said that volume, not price was the driver. But he thought that because the company systematically misled him. The deception came not only from Mr Pearson but was repeated throughout "extensive management interviews".
I believe Mr Ackman thought he was telling the truth. (I could be persuaded otherwise but at this time Mr Pearson's credibility is more questionable.)
And if Mr Ackman thought he was telling the truth and he was systematically misled it is pretty obvious what he must do. He must sell his stock. He owns lots of Valeant stock.
If he keeps his stock now he is stating loudly and clearly that it is acceptable for him to invest 30 percent of his clients' money in a company which systematically misled him not just at CEO level but during "extensive management interviews".
Pershing Square surely cares more about the investment process than that.
General disclaimer
The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Hempton. You should assume Mr. Hempton and his affiliates have positions in the securities discussed in this blog, and such beneficial ownership can create a conflict of interest regarding the objectivity of this blog. Statements in the blog are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors. Certain information in this blog concerning economic trends and performance is based on or derived from information provided by third-party sources. Mr. Hempton does not guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information or the assumptions on which such information is based. Such information may change after it is posted and Mr. Hempton is not obligated to, and may not, update it. The commentary in this blog in no way constitutes a solicitation of business, an offer of a security or a solicitation to purchase a security, or investment advice. In fact, it should not be relied upon in making investment decisions, ever. It is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author. In particular this blog is not directed for investment purposes at US Persons.


text:
1. O Prophet! Fear Allah, and hearken not to the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites: verily Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
2. But follow that which comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord: for Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do.
3. And put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs.
4. Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body: nor has He made your wives whom ye divorce by Zihar your mothers: nor has He made your adopted sons your sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech by your mouths. But Allah tells (you) the Truth, and He shows the (right) Way.
5. Call them by (the names of) their fathers: that is juster in the sight of Allah. But if ye know not their father's (names, call them) your Brothers in faith, or your maulas. But there is no blame on you if ye make a mistake therein: (what counts is) the intention of your hearts: and Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
6. The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood-relations among each other have closer personal ties, in the Decree of Allah. Than (the Brotherhood of) Believers and Muhajirs: nevertheless do ye what is just to your closest friends: such is the writing in the Decree (of Allah..
7. And remember We took from the prophets their covenant: As (We did) from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant:
8. That ((Allah)) may question the (custodians) of Truth concerning the Truth they (were charged with): And He has prepared for the Unbelievers a grievous Penalty.
9. O ye who believe! Remember the Grace of Allah, (bestowed) on you, when there came down on you hosts (to overwhelm you): But We sent against them a hurricane and forces that ye saw not: but Allah sees (clearly) all that ye do.
10. Behold! they came on you from above you and from below you, and behold, the eyes became dim and the hearts gaped up to the throats, and ye imagined various (vain) thoughts about Allah.
11. In that situation were the Believers tried: they were shaken as by a tremendous shaking.
12. And behold! The Hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease (even) say: "(Allah) and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion!"
13. Behold! A party among them said: "Ye men of Yathrib! ye cannot stand (the attack)! therefore go back!" And a band of them ask for leave of the Prophet, saying, "Truly our houses are bare and exposed," though they were not exposed they intended nothing but to run away.
14. And if an entry had been effected to them from the sides of the (city), and they had been incited to sedition, they would certainly have brought it to pass, with none but a brief delay!
15. And yet they had already covenanted with Allah not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allah must (surely) be answered for.
16. Say: "Running away will not profit you if ye are running away from death or slaughter; and even if (ye do escape), no more than a brief (respite) will ye be allowed to enjoy!"
17. Say: "Who is it that can screen you from Allah if it be His wish to give you punishment or to give you Mercy?" Nor will they find for themselves, besides Allah, any protector or helper.
18. Verily Allah knows those among you who keep back (men) and those who say to their brethren, "Come along to us", but come not to the fight except for just a little while.
19. Covetous over you. Then when fear comes, thou wilt see them looking to thee, their eyes revolving, like (those of) one over whom hovers death: but when the fear is past, they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods. Such men have no faith, and so Allah has made their deeds of none effect: and that is easy for Allah.
20. They think that the Confederates have not withdrawn; and if the Confederates should come (again), they would wish they were in the deserts (wandering) among the Bedouins, and seeking news about you (from a safe distance); and if they were in your midst, they would fight but little.
21. Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.
22. When the Believers saw the Confederate forces, they said: "This is what Allah and his Messenger had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger told us what was true." And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.
23. Among the Believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. of them some have completed their vow (to the extreme), and some (still) wait: but they have never changed (their determination) in the least:
24. That Allah may reward the men of Truth for their Truth, and punish the Hypocrites if that be His Will, or turn to them in Mercy: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
25. And Allah turned back the Unbelievers for (all) their fury: no advantage did they gain; and enough is Allah for the believers in their fight. And Allah is full of Strength, able to enforce His Will.
26. And those of the People of the Book who aided them - Allah did take them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts. (So that) some ye slew, and some ye made prisoners.
27. And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their goods, and of a land which ye had not frequented (before). And Allah has power over all things.
28. O Prophet! Say to thy Consorts: "If it be that ye desire the life of this World, and its glitter,- then come! I will provide for your enjoyment and set you free in a handsome manner.
29. But if ye seek Allah and His Messenger, and the Home of the Hereafter, verily Allah has prepared for the well-doers amongst you a great reward.
30. O Consorts of the Prophet! If any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the Punishment would be doubled to her, and that is easy for Allah.
31. But any of you that is devout in the service of Allah and His Messenger, and works righteousness,- to her shall We grant her reward twice: and We have prepared for her a generous Sustenance.
32. O Consorts of the Prophet! Ye are not like any of the (other) women: if ye do fear ((Allah)), be not too complacent of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak ye a speech (that is) just.
33. And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.
34. And recite what is rehearsed to you in your homes, of the Signs of Allah and His Wisdom: for Allah understands the finest mysteries and is well-acquainted (with them).
35. For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah.s praise,- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.
36. It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.
37. Behold! Thou didst say to one who had received the grace of Allah and thy favour: "Retain thou (in wedlock) thy wife, and fear Allah." But thou didst hide in thy heart that which Allah was about to make manifest: thou didst fear the people, but it is more fitting that thou shouldst fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to thee: in order that (in future) there may be no difficulty to the Believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved with the necessary (formality) (their marriage) with them. And Allah.s command must be fulfilled.
38. There can be no difficulty to the Prophet in what Allah has indicated to him as a duty. It was the practice (approved) of Allah amongst those of old that have passed away. And the command of Allah is a decree determined.
39. (It is the practice of those) who preach the Messages of Allah, and fear Him, and fear none but Allah. And enough is Allah to call (men) to account.
40. Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.
41. O ye who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah, and do this often;
42. And glorify Him morning and evening.
43. He it is Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of Darkness into Light: and He is Full of Mercy to the Believers.
44. Their salutation on the Day they meet Him will be "Peace!"; and He has prepared for them a generous Reward.
45. O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and Warner,-
46. And as one who invites to Allah.s (grace) by His leave, and as a lamp spreading light.
47. Then give the Glad Tidings to the Believers, that they shall have from Allah a very great Bounty.
48. And obey not (the behests) of the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and heed not their annoyances, but put thy Trust in Allah. For enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.
49. O ye who believe! When ye marry believing women, and then divorce them before ye have touched them, no period of 'Iddat have ye to count in respect of them: so give them a present. And set them free in a handsome manner.
50. O Prophet! We have made lawful to thee thy wives to whom thou hast paid their dowers; and those whom thy right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to thee; and daughters of thy paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of thy maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Makka) with thee; and any believing woman who dedicates her soul to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her;- this only for thee, and not for the Believers (at large); We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess;- in order that there should be no difficulty for thee. And Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.
51. Thou mayest defer (the turn of) any of them that thou pleasest, and thou mayest receive any thou pleasest: and there is no blame on thee if thou invite one whose (turn) thou hadst set aside. This were nigher to the cooling of their eyes, the prevention of their grief, and their satisfaction - that of all of them - with that which thou hast to give them: and Allah knows (all) that is in your hearts: and Allah is All- Knowing, Most Forbearing.
52. It is not lawful for thee (to marry more) women after this, nor to change them for (other) wives, even though their beauty attract thee, except any thy right hand should possess (as handmaidens): and Allah doth watch over all things.
53. O ye who believe! Enter not the Prophet's houses,- until leave is given you,- for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation: but when ye are invited, enter; and when ye have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet: he is ashamed to dismiss you, but Allah is not ashamed (to tell you) the truth. And when ye ask (his ladies) for anything ye want, ask them from before a screen: that makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs. Nor is it right for you that ye should annoy Allah.s Messenger, or that ye should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is in Allah.s sight an enormity.
54. Whether ye reveal anything or conceal it, verily Allah has full knowledge of all things.
55. There is no blame (on these ladies if they appear) before their fathers or their sons, their brothers, or their brother's sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the (slaves) whom their right hands possess. And, (ladies), fear Allah. for Allah is Witness to all things.
56. Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.
57. Those who annoy Allah and His Messenger - Allah has cursed them in this World and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating Punishment.
58. And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin.
59. O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.
60. Truly, if the Hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the City, desist not, We shall certainly stir thee up against them: Then will they not be able to stay in it as thy neighbours for any length of time:
61. They shall have a curse on them: whenever they are found, they shall be seized and slain (without mercy).
62. (Such was) the practice (approved) of Allah among those who lived aforetime: No change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of Allah.
63. Men ask thee concerning the Hour: Say, "The knowledge thereof is with Allah (alone)": and what will make thee understand?- perchance the Hour is nigh!
64. Verily Allah has cursed the Unbelievers and prepared for them a Blazing Fire,-
65. To dwell therein for ever: no protector will they find, nor helper.
66. The Day that their faces will be turned upside down in the Fire, they will say: "Woe to us! Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger."
67. And they would say: "Our Lord! We obeyed our chiefs and our great ones, and they misled us as to the (right) Path.
68. "Our Lord! Give them double Penalty and curse them with a very great Curse!"
69. O ye who believe! Be ye not like those who vexed and insulted Moses, but Allah cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered: and he was honourable in Allah.s sight.
70. O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right:
71. That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: He that obeys Allah and His Messenger, has already attained the highest achievement.
72. We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it;- He was indeed unjust and foolish;-
73. (With the result) that Allah has to punish the Hypocrites, men and women, and the Unbelievers, men and women, and Allah turns in Mercy to the Believers, men and women: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.


text:
AUSTIN, TX, Aug 1, 2022 – (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) – What role and purpose will businesses accept to impact the social contract, and how might consumer and provider empowerment might bring change to healthcare business models using technology?
The Partners in Digital Health blockchain in healthcare and telehealth portfolio both reflect and set trends in the marketplace. Here are a few trends and current issues to ponder.
Cost, place, and preference have prioritized the care at home care and care transitions as aging populations and a looming healthcare worker shortage impact the US health system, where virtual care presents an opportunity to build long term resilience into system.
Adopting Zero Trust Architecture to enhance security across agencies and businesses must quickly be adopted, following the executive order on improving the Nation's Cybersecurity (EO 14208). If you've been hacked recently, you understand the urgency.
A fully realized digital 3D world (Web3/Metaverse), creating virtual holographic experiences, including digital twins that operate in real-time, must be created for secure use. Healthcare is at the forefront with medical education initiatives and holoportation. Ambient AI, or real-time human perception technology, that enables intelligent environments is an area where technology can anticipate and respond to people's needs, customize and forecast behaviors across the continuum of care – and reduce the cost of care. Compliant AI-powered conversational patient intake can also increases time and quality time engagement with patients.
Diversity and inclusion present new market opportunities for drug discovery, startups, apps, payment models, cross boarder collaborations, market investment and more. Pandemics teach us there are significant differences in patient populations with sexual, cultural, age, and geographic diversities to consider.
The cash economy in healthcare is on the rise. A retail health revolution is occurring where employers give their employees cash instead of health insurance. Consumers pay cash for drugs and services that are cheaper than those covered through insurance – and participants don't have to deal with system bureaucracy.
Price transparency for health insurance market plans to make hospital pricing transparent for patients to compare costs for care is embraced by 85% of Americans. Consumers believe cost cutting and improving quality through transparency should be a priority. Site neutral payments are another way to level the playing field and could save the USA as much as $350 billion over the next decade.
Cryptography and applying quantum mechanics for uncrackable code for two parties to interact securely. The US is teetering on losing its competitive edge and may have already.
Blockchain will improve how the public interacts with government services and will have broad economic and social implications. Global health passes and interoperable permissioned global networks are examples and only the beginning of the wave impacting healthcare.
At ConV2X, just about every facet of blockchain technology is explored including cybersecurity and quantum computing, patient experiences, credentialing, data ownership, Metaverse, NFTs, DAOs, TradFi, privacy protection, joint workflows and processes, inventory management, fraud, chargebacks, precision medicine, zero trust frameworks, standards and more.
A real revolution of borderless interoperability, led by consumers, activists and pioneers, challenging market integrity and sensibilities is well underway.
For more information visit
Blockchain in Healthcare Today (https://blockchainhealthcaretoday.com/index.php/journal) journal, or
ConV2X Blockchain in Healthcare 2022 (https://conv2xsymposium.com/registration/) event
Telehealth and Medicine Today (https://telehealthandmedicinetoday.com/index.php/journal) journal, or
ConV2X Telehealth 2022 (https://telehealth2022.conv2xsymposium.com) event
Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)