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About This Quiz
Ready to drive around the world? Hop in and let's see how well you know the rules of the road!
Chances are, if you know them here, you will know them anywhere! Want to know why? Because on November 8, 1968, the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals was signed into action. This is a multi-nation treaty that was created in an effort to help increase road safety throughout the world. As such, it works to standardize the signage system for road traffic. This includes everything from road signs to traffic lights and even road markings - all of which are used internationally.
Though there are slight variations from country to country, the same categories of road signs exist. Danger signs are still danger signs; prohibitory signs are still prohibitory signs. In different countries, however, these signs might just vary in shape or color. And while not every nation has signed on to the Vienna Convention, there are 69 nations that have. Now wouldn't you say that is a step, or shall we say drive, in the right direction?
You see, road signs and rules are essential to the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians no matter where you live in the world. It's time to put your car in drive and see if you have what it takes to enter the no speed limit zone or if your parking meter is about to run out!
An expressway is known as a controlled-access highway. It is known as a freeway in some countries and a motorway in others. Similar terms include interstate and parkway.
The steep hill is a type of warning sign that indicates a hazard ahead on the road. In this case, drivers should use caution as they may not be able to see over the hill, or during inclement weather, they may lose control of their vehicle on the hill.
In most countries, the priority lane tends to be depicted as a white arrow, whereas the opposing traffic shows as a red arrow. In some locations, the words, "Priority over opposing traffic" are shown below the sign, but not always, so you better know its meaning!
According to the World Health Organization, road traffic injuries caused an estimated 1.25 million deaths worldwide in 2010. That statistic means that one person is killed every 25 seconds.
Sometimes the expressway just... ends. It could turn into a one-lane road or it could merge into another local route. Don't fret though, where one road ends, another begins.
Did you know the highest annual death toll for traffic-related incidents is in Africa? In 2015, Africa had 1.25 million deaths, while Europe came in last place with just 84,500.
Traffic signs for bumps are often found near construction or road work zones. They warn drivers to slow down because the bumps could cause loss of control or, in some cases, vehicle damage.
The "closed to automobiles" sign is known as a prohibitory traffic sign. These signs are used in certain areas to prohibit certain types of maneuver or types of traffic. In this case, no cars, but perhaps trucks, are allowed!
Though you may not find these signs in countries closest to the equator, you will certainly find them in colder areas where residents and tourists enjoy winter sports. Austria is an example of a country where snow chains are a requirement, not just a suggestion.
In road transport, a yield sign indicates that each driver must prepare to stop, if necessary, to let a driver on another approach proceed. A driver who stops or slows down to let another vehicle through has yielded the right of way to that vehicle.
Deer crossing signs are intended to warn drivers about deer in the vicinity. These signs are often seen around wooded areas. Drivers should exercise caution and slow down.
There is no mistaking the meaning of this sign. No motorcycles allowed! According to the United States Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities per mile traveled was 37 times higher for motorcycles than for cars.
Believe it or not, some roads require you to travel at LEAST a certain speed. In some cases, the maximum and minimum speed limits are displayed on a single sign.
Vehicles carrying goods are at a higher risk for accidents because of their weight. It is not safe for these types of heavy vehicles to speed up in order to pass a smaller vehicle, and most countries prohibit it.
When the road narrows, this tends to mean that the "shoulder" is eliminated. The shoulder is a buffer zone where cars may pull over for various reasons.
No matter what language you speak, when you see this sign, you know exactly what it means. So be sure to follow it! In the United States, drivers are required to come to a complete stop for three seconds before proceeding.
A train crossing without barrier sign indicates what is known as a level crossing. When approaching a train crossing without a barrier, cars must give way to trains or else!
Parking areas or rest stops are designated areas off of a highway intended for motorists to take a break from driving. These areas generally come equipped with restrooms, information and maps, as well as a variety of food options.
Though bicycles can travel around a city quite easily, there are certain areas where they are not permitted. This is usually for a very good reason - areas where their safety would be compromised due to high traffic or uneven roads.
Bike lanes have become more and more available throughout the world. They provide a safe path of travel for cyclists because cars and trucks are prohibited on them.
2 tons per axle is a LOT of weight! This is not exactly the type of vehicle you'd want driving over a bridge with you, right?!
Dead end signs mean exactly what they say. You have nowhere to go but turn around. Often these signs are seen with, or in place of, 'No Outlet' signs.
While it's true a good motorist should always yield to pedestrians, in some cases, it is the law. Not all crossings are at traffic lights, so it's up to the motorists to stop for the safety of the pedestrians.
The meaning of this sign is for motorists to slow down and be prepared to come to a complete stop on the yellow or red signal. Of course if the light is green...
Speed limits are determined based on a number of factors - the width of the road, the curvature of the road, the number of vehicles that travel the road. All of these factors are taken into consideration when determining the safest speed at which vehicles can travel.
The end of minimum speed sign generally means that you have come into a more dense or populated area where you should now use common sense as your guide to how fast or slow you should travel. In some countries, this is known as a 'thickly settled' area.
On a long stretch of open and straight roadway, cars may be permitted to pass one another. As soon as the characteristics of the roadway allow safe passing, this sign is sure to be posted.
Crossroads are also known as a junction - where two or more roads meet. Crossroads began forming as more and more roads were built throughout history. They are a place for motorists to decide if they want to stay the course, or change direction.
A superhighway is defined as a highway designed for travel at high speeds, having more than one lane for each direction of traffic, a safety strip dividing the two directions, and cloverleaves to route the traffic on and off the highway.
Modern train crossings come equipped with warning bells as well as safety gates to prevent motorists from accidentally driving through while a train is approaching or crossing. This is known as a train crossing with barrier.
Disc parking is a system of allowing time-restricted free parking through display of a parking disc or clock disc showing the time at which the vehicle was parked. The system is common in Europe.
"No entry" is a prohibitory traffic sign. It could mean one of three things: wrong way, road closed or no straight ahead.
A footpath road sign indicates the sidewalk or designated area where pedestrians should walk. On occasion, a footpath is under construction or closed - in which case city officials will designate an alternate safe route for pedestrians.
If your vehicle or truck is too tall, you better heed the sign! Oftentimes, drivers who do not pay attention to this sign will get stuck beneath an overpass or in a tunnel - causing a lot of traffic behind them!
One of the biggest rules of the road - beware of pedestrians! Using caution and being aware of the car's surroundings, not just in front, are crucial to successful driving.
This sign is used where parking and stopping are prohibited. It is usually shown as a red cross inside a blue circle with a red ring in Europe and parts of Asia, and an 'E' in a red circle with an 'X' through it in South America.
Hostls are establishments that provide inexpensive food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as students, workers, or travelers. They can be found in almost every city around the world.
When entering a two-way street, slow down and be aware of oncoming traffic. There may or may not be a dividing barrier in the road on a two-way street.
The end of speed limit sign does not mean, "Go as fast as you want." It simply means that the local speed limit applies unless otherwise noted. Most states in the United States designate 55 mph as the general speed limit.
This pennant-shaped yellow and black traffic sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. The sign is placed on the left side of the road, facing the driver. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane.
The proper way to drive through a roundabout is: Yield to drivers in the roundabout; stay in your lane; do not change lanes; do not stop in the roundabout; and avoid driving next to oversize vehicles.
This sign warns you of an uneven road ahead. It might have multiple severe bumps and general uneven surfaces that could throw your vehicle off its line. Therefore, please slow down!
The camping road sign indicates that you are near or approaching a campsite or camping area. Here you will find many RVs, pick-up trucks and excited vacationers.
The sign for parking with meters indicates that you may park in these spots but it will cost you. Generally, the meters are coin operated and may only be used for about two hours per vehicle. After that time is up, you must move your car.
Most trucks are considered commercial vehicles. Trucks are often unfit for traveling on certain roads for safety reasons. When these signs are posted, truck drivers must avoid the road and take an alternate route.
What else could an arrow to the right possibly mean? Be sure to follow the signs or you'll end up on the wrong side of the road!
A crosswind is any wind that has a perpendicular component to the line or direction of travel. This affects the aerodynamics of many forms of transport, including trucks and airplanes.
This is one of the most recognizable road signs in the world. It is usually shown as a red diagonal bar inside a blue circle with a red ring in Europe and parts of Asia, and a 'P' in a red circle with a cross through in North and South America, as well as Asia, Australia, Africa and Ireland.
The hospital road sign is a highly recognizable sign around the world. It indicates that you may seek medical attention nearby, usually within several miles of the sign.


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One of the relatives of Elimelech, husband of Naomi; a wealthy Judean, living at Bethlehem in Judah (Ruth ii. 1). He was one of the kinsmen of Ruth; as such he had the privilege of redeeming the family estate sold by Naomi after Elimelech's death. Therefore when Ruth appealed to his kinship, he redeemed the property (Ruth iii. 9, iv. 3). In consequence of this he had to marry Ruth, in order "to raise up the name of the dead" (Ruth iv. 5, 10). Their son Obed was, according to tradition, the grandfather of David (Ruth iv. 22).
Boaz is identified by some rabbis with the judge Ibzan of Bethlehem (Judges xii. 8). It is further said that he lost all his sixty children during his lifetime because he did not invite Manoah, Samson's father, to any of the marriage festivities in his house. For, since Manoah was at that time without children, Boaz thought that he need not consider on such occasions a childless man who could not pay him back in kind (B. B. 91a). According to Josephus, "Ant." v. 9, § 1, Boaz lived at the time of Eli. Boaz was a just, pious, and learned judge, and the custom of using the Divine Name in greeting one's fellow-man (Ruth ii. 4) formulated by him and his bet din received the approval of even the heavenly bet din (Mak. 23b; Yer. Ber. ix. 14c; Ruth R. to ii. 4).
Being a pious man, Boaz on his first meeting with Ruth perceived her conscientiousness in picking up the grain, as she strictly observed the rules prescribed by the Law (compare Gleaning of the Fields). This, as well as her grace and her chaste conduct during work, induced Boaz to inquire about the stranger, although he was not in the habit of inquiring after women (Ruth R. to ii. 5; Shab. 113b). In the conversation that followed between Boaz and Ruth, the pious proselyte said that, being a Moabite, she was excluded from association with the community of God (Deut. xxiii. 4). Boaz, however, replied that the prohibition in Scripture applied only to the men of Moab, and not to the women. He furthermore told her that he had heard from the Prophets that she was destined to become the ancestress of kings and prophets; and he blessed her with the words: "May God, who rewards the pious, also reward you" (Targ. Ruth ii. 10, 11; Pesiḳ, ed. Buber, xvi. 124a). Boaz was especially friendly toward the poor stranger during the meal, when he indicated to her by various symbolic courtesies that she would become the ancestress of the Davidic royal house, including the Messiah (Ruth R. to ii. 14; Shab. 113b). As toward Ruth, Boaz had also been kind toward his kinsmen, Naomi's sons, on hearing of their death, taking care that they had an honorable burial (Ruth R. to ii. 20).
Boaz and Ruth.Although Boaz was the prince of the people, he himself supervised the threshing of the grain in his barn, in order to circumvent any immorality or theft, both of which were rife in his days (Tan., Behar, ed. Buber, viii.; Ruth R. to iii. 7). Glad in his heart that the famine was over in Israel, he sought rest after having thanked God and studied for a while in the Torah (Tan., l.c.; Targ. Ruth iii. 7; and Ruth R. ib.). Aroused out of his first sleep by Ruth, he was greatly frightened, as he thought that she was a devil; and he was convinced of the contrary only after touching the hair of her head, since devils are bald (Tan., l.c.). When he perceived the pure and holy intentions of Ruth he not only did not reprove her for her unusual behavior, but he blessed her, and gave her six measures of barley, indicating thereby that six pious men should spring from her, who would be gifted by God with six excellences (compare Isa. xi. 2; Sanh. 93b; Num. R. xiii. 11; Ruth R. and Targ. to Ruth iii. 15; the names of the six men differ in these passages, but David and the Messiah are always among them). Boaz fulfilled the promises he had given to Ruth, and when his kinsman (the sources differ as to the precise relationship existing between them) would not marry her because he did not know the Halakah which decreed that Moabite women were not excluded from the Israelitic community, Boaz himself married her (Ruth R. to iv. 1). Boaz was eighty and Ruth forty years old (idem to iii. 10), but their marriage did not remain childless, though Boaz died the day after his wedding (Midrash Zuṭṭa, ed. Buber, 55, below).
- D. Hartmann, Das Buch Ruth in der Midrasch-Litteratur, 1901.
The historical value of the genealogy (Ruth iv. 18-22) is denied by Wellhausen, Cornill, and modern critics generally. They suppose it to be the product of a tendency that existed at one period in post-exilic times, of finding a foreign origin for the most renowned families. But others are of the opinion that David's flight into Moab (I Sam. xxii. 3) is a circumstance that lends historical plausibility to the Moabitic origin of Ruth (so Kuenen, "Historisch-Critisch Onderzoek," etc., i., § 36. g.; Nowack, "Ruth," p. 184.

subset: commoncrawl


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Chester IRS Tax Settlement
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A GOP state committee staff member has been charged with disorderly conduct after heckling New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Governor Maggie Hassan at this past Saturday's Old Home Day parade.
Michael Zona, of Manchester, was dressed in a chicken suit when he began to interfere with the parade, reports The Eagle-Tribune.
The 23-year-old allegedly ran out into the parade route toward Shaheen and Hassan, clucking at them.
"I believe Senator Jeanne Shaheen should be holding town halls and I have a First Amendment right to express that point of view. I wasn't bothering anyone. I wasn't disturbing anyone. In fact, I got a good deal of encouragement from people along the parade route," said Zona in response to the incident.
U.S. & World
Zona was escorted from the parade after failing to comply with numerous requests to stop.
"At one point, the governor had to take a few steps back toward her security staff," Detective Christopher Olson told The Eagle-Tribune.
Julia McClain of the New Hampshire Democratic Party used the incident to blast the state Republicans, saying the party "wastes taxpayer resources and local law enforcement time with these juvenile antics when we should be discussing critical issues that matter--like raising the minimum wage, creating good paying jobs, and protecting social security and Medicare for our state's seniors."


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Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina have discovered in mice how a single disrupted gene can cause a form of severe mental retardation known as Angelman syndrome.
In a study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, they found that the gene, UBE3A, is needed so that neurons in the brain can form and adjust their connections to other neurons for storing sensory information.
They also made a promising discovery: When the mice were deprived of sensory stimulation, the brain connections could be recovered — a finding that indicates a pharmaceutical or behavioral treatment might be possible in the future.
The scientists undertook this project because of the developmental-onset period seen in Angelman syndrome, typically when children are between one and two years old.
It is during this time in humans that the cortex, the sheet of convoluted folds at the surface of the brain, undergoes profound rearrangements driven by sensory experiences — the experience of seeing reorganizes the visual cortex, for example, during the same time period when the deficits are becoming obvious in Angelman syndrome, part of the autism spectrum of disorders.
"We wanted to look at an animal model to learn if this experience-dependent reorganization of the cortex was abnormal in animals that were missing the gene," said Michael Ehlers, MD, PhD, a Duke professor of neurobiology and co-senior author of the study.
"We looked at the visual cortex, because in this well-studied model, we could precisely control the sensory stimulus and study the mice in the light or the dark. We speculated that similar deficits may be happening in areas of the cortex that are important for language, cognition, and emotion, all of which are quite abnormal in Angelman syndrome patients."
The authors found that brains cells in Angelman syndrome mice lacked the ability to appropriately strengthen or weaken in the cortex, an area of the brain important for cognitive abilities. Angelman syndrome is one among a small family of single gene, autism-related, neurodevelopmental disorders.
Children with the condition appear to respond normally to stimuli during their first year, but around 12-18 months, they start missing milestones of cognitive development and language, typically learning only two to three words over their lifetime.
"When we have experiences, connections between brain cells are modified so that we can learn," said Ben Philpot, PhD, a University of North Carolina professor in Cell and Molecular Physiology and co-senior author of the study.
"By strengthening and weakening appropriate connections between brain cells, a process termed synaptic plasticity, we are able to constantly learn and adapt to an ever-changing environment."
"It is difficult to study how experiences lead to changes in the brain in models of mental retardation," said Koji Yashiro, PhD, a former University of North Carolina graduate student and lead author of the study.
"Instead of studying a complex learning model, we studied how connections between brain cells change in visual areas of mice exposed to light or kept in darkness. This approach revealed that brain cells in normal mice can modify their connections in response to changes in visual experiences, while the brain cells in Angelman syndrome mice could not."
The inability of brain cells to encode information from experiences in the Angelman syndrome model suggested that this is the basis for the profound learning difficulties in these patients.
The scientists didn't expect to find that the plasticity of the cellular connections could be restored in visual areas of the brain after brief periods of visual deprivation.
"By showing that brain plasticity can be restored in Angelman syndrome model mice, our findings suggest that brain cells in Angelman syndrome patients maintain a latent ability to express plasticity. We are now collaborating to find a way to tap into this latent plasticity, as this could offer a treatment, or even a cure, for Angelman syndrome," Philpot said.
Ehlers, who is also a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator, said that perhaps some of these developmental brain disorders are a form of social and cognitive blindness. In a condition known as amblyopia, or cortical blindness, the eye can function normally, but past a critical period, the brain cannot process the sensory input correctly.
"We think that children with Angelman syndrome may have a condition in which sensory experience dampens down plasticity and affects learning," Ehlers said. "One important aspect of our findings is that sensory manipulations recovered plasticity, suggesting that the underlying substrates for plasticity are intact in mice. If the same thing holds true for the human disease, there may be a chance to improve brain function."
Source: Duke University Health System, USA


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Employment Milton Keynes
- Ascendant Recruitment - Office and accountancy staff recruitment. Information about the company, their services to both clients and candidates plus location and contact details.
- Aster Interim Solutions - A provider of Interim Management services and managers to both public and private sector companies.
- Durler Consulting - National and international corporate recruitment, out-placement and development for senior managers and directors in commercial roles, finance, operations and general management across sectors. Company details, on-line registration and contact details.
- IT Executive Group - Independent supplier of IT candidates to a range of financial, commercial and government organisations. Company introduction, services for clients, searchable vacancy list for candidates along with location and contact details.
- Wilde Associates - Recruitment company specialising in finding personnel for the IT industry. Includes a job search facility.


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The Public Bank Group is the third largest banking group in Malaysia by asset size with total assets of RM305.73 billion as at the end of 2013. Public Bank is listed on the Main Board of the Bursa Malaysia Securities with a market capitalisation of RM68.67 billion as at the end of 2013, and is ranked second among all the public listed companies on Bursa Malaysia Securities in terms of market capitalisation.
The Public Bank Group primarily focuses on retail consumer banking business with leading market shares in financing for residential properties, commercial properties and passenger vehicles as well as in sales and management of unit trust funds in Malaysia. The Group has been achieving consistent growth in its financial performance, giving it a track record of unbroken profitability over 47 years since it commenced operations in 1966. Today, the Group delivers the best in return on equity, cost efficiency and asset quality when compared to its peer banking groups in Malaysia. As at the end of 2013, the Group achieved net return on equity of 22.4%, cost to income ratio of 30.7% and gross impaired loans ratio of 0.7%.
Public Bank was conceptualised and established as "a bank for the public" by Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow, its Founder and Chairman. On 6 August 1966, Public Bank first opened its doors for business in Kuala Lumpur with 32 pioneer staff. Within five weeks of its first opening in Kuala Lumpur, the Bank opened a branch in Melaka, followed by another branch in Ipoh the following year. Thereafter, the Bank continued to expand its network to cover Penang, Johor Bahru and progressively covering the Peninsular and by the mid-1980s, to East Malaysia. On 6 April 1967, Public Bank was listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities (then known as the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange).
In the early 1990s, Public Bank began its expansion overseas and ventured into banking operations in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Sri Lanka.
To-date, the Public Bank Group has grown into a premier banking group with over 17,900 employees within the Group. In Malaysia, the Bank has 258 well distributed branches. The Group's overseas operations comprise 124 branches, with 83 branches in Hong Kong, 3 branches in China, 25 branches in Cambodia, 7 branches in Vietnam, 4 branches in Laos, 2 branches in Sri Lanka and 2 representative offices in Shanghai & Shenyang.
The Public Bank Group has expanded its service offerings over the years and become a leading financial services provider. The Group currently offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services comprising, amongst others, personal banking, commercial banking, Islamic banking, investment banking, share broking, trustee services, nominee services, sales and management of unit trust funds, bancassurance and general insurance products. The Group is serving a large customer base of individuals and business enterprises totalling over eight million customers in Malaysia and in countries in which the Group operates.
Public Islamic Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Public Bank, commenced its full-fledged Islamic banking business in 2008. Its focus is on Islamic consumer financing and retail commercial financing to business enterprises.
Throughout its 47-year journey of growth, the Public Bank Group's sustained profitability track record showed its strong commitment and capability to deliver excellence in providing banking services to its customers, evidenced by the strongly visible PB Brand. Today, the PB Brand is synonymous with superior customer service, prudent management, strong corporate governance, strong asset quality and sustainable profitability.
The Public Bank Group's growth strategy remains consistent, which is to pursue organic growth in the retail banking business, focusing on retail consumers and small and medium enterprises ("SMEs"), and striving to further increase its leadership in the retail banking market. The Group's retail banking business continues to target retail consumer and commercial loans and financing, deposits and fee-based businesses.
To drive business growth and increase its market share in retail banking, the Public Bank Group leverages on its well-established customer service infrastructure, processes and practices to deliver prompt and consistent service to meet the needs of its customers.
In the retail lending business, the Public Bank Group continues to focus on growing residential mortgages, passenger vehicle financing and lending to SMEs. Given the increasingly competitive market where loan products are highly commoditised, the Group actively competes in the market for business growth and increased market share by differentiating itself through its highly efficient customer service delivery standards. As at the end of 2013, the Public Bank Group achieved total loans and financing growth of 11.8% which is higher than the domestic banking industry's growth rate of 10.6%. Public Bank continued to lead in residential mortgages, passenger vehicle financing and commercial property financing in Malaysia, with market shares of 19.6%, 26.5% and 33.8% respectively.
The Public Bank Group has a strong franchise in the deposit-taking business. Customer deposits have been expanding steadily, both in terms of deposit customer base and the amount of deposits placed with the Group. As at the end of 2013, total deposits from customers of Public Bank in Malaysia recorded a growth rate of 11.6%, which is above the domestic banking industry's growth rate of 8.5%. This demonstrates the high level of customer confidence in Public Bank in safeguarding their funds.
Growing fee-based revenue remains a key strategic focus of the Public Bank Group, with emphasis on its unit trust business, bancassurance and various fee-generating products and services. The Public Bank Group's wholly-owned subsidiary, Public Mutual, accounts for a significant proportion of the non interest income of the Group. Public Mutual remains as a dominant player in the private sector fund management industry in Malaysia with total assets under management of RM62.50 billion, commanding a leading market share of 41.2% as at the end of 2013 due to its superior fund performance, strong distribution capabilities and strong branding.
The Public Bank Group continues to be accorded strong credit and financial ratings. Standard & Poor's reaffirmed Public Bank's A-long-term rating and A-2 short-term counterparty credit rating with stable outlook. Moody's Investor Service also reaffirmed Public Bank's foreign currency long-term deposit rating of A3 and short-term deposit rating of P-2, and revised its foreign currency deposit rating outlook from stable to positive following the revision of Malaysia sovereign rating outlook to positive from stable. Rating Agency Malaysia reaffirmed the Bank's long-term rating of AAA, the highest rating accorded by Rating Agency Malaysia, and its short-term rating of P1.
The Public Bank Group continues to earn accolades and appreciation for its sustainable financial performance and superior management. In 2013, the Group was honoured with best bank awards and excellence in corporate governance by national and international publications, including the Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group. These were in recognition of the Group's consistent record of financial performance and distinction in the key areas expected of a banking institution by its shareholders.
Founder and Chairman of Public Bank, Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow, continues to be honoured with awards of excellence for his sterling leadership and extraordinary achievements, as well as his invaluable contributions to the Public Bank Group, and to the banking industry in Malaysia and in the region.
The Public Bank Group remains committed to support the community as a responsible corporate citizen. The Group's corporate social responsibility ("CSR") initiatives are focused on nation building, enhancement of the marketplace, promotion of the workplace and environment conservation. The Group supports the community through programmes such as education, graduate employment, professional development and healthcare as well as support of the underprivileged.
As a long-term business strategy, the Public Bank Group will consistently invest in staff development to enhance core competencies of the staff, in order to boost their contribution, productivity and efficiency. The Group also believes that implementation of CSR will enhance the reputation and standing of the Bank, leading to greater competitiveness and higher sustainability of returns to its stakeholders.
In an increasingly competitive financial landscape, the Public Bank Group will never rest on its laurels. In spite of its success, the Group will strive harder to deliver value to its stakeholders and sustain its legacy of strong growth and leadership. To its customers, the Group commits to deliver excellent customer service and to be more innovative in providing superior financial products and services to meet increasingly sophisticated customer demand. To its shareholders and investors, the Group will continue to enhance shareholder value via excellent financial performance and strong corporate governance. To its staff, the Group will continue to invest in human capital development to enhance core competencies and productivity.
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At the start of March I had the pleasure of photographing Sobana and Mark's wedding at the vast Wotton House set in 13 acres of Surrey countryside near Dorking. The forecast leading up to the day was a little suspect, but it cleared and turned out to be a beautiful sunny day.
These are just a couple of photos from the day with more to follow soon:
Please feel free to leave any comments or share on the social networks.


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Lone Star Culinary Mecca
Renowned Texas inn reopens with goal to become nation's culinary mecca
A culinary mecca deep in the heart of Texas — if Inn at Dos Brisas owners Jennifer and Doug Bosch have their way, that is exactly the moniker that will soon wrap the exquisite hideaway in award-winning notoriety.
Devotees of the luxe life have already discovered the bucolic caravansary less than three hours east of San Antonio in Washington, Texas. They have relished the splendid quiet and remarkable service in this posh Relais & Chateaux property, and they have savored the cuisine of a variety of chefs.
For those unfamiliar with the property spread across 313 acres in the rolling countryside, the inn offers accommodations in lavish Spanish-style haciendas and casitas, a total of nine overnight residences beautifully appointed and offering sweeping views of the verdant landscape. The restaurant, a destination in itself, serves fewer than 30 guests, and while already popular, it is poised to garner even greater praise.
This week, after five months of closure for retooling on numerous levels, the inn is open again for overnight guests with an invigorated team hand-selected by the Bosches to further enhance the property's already elevated status. Securing the inn's national reputation as a "culinary sanctuary" is the ultimate goal.
A new team
In addition to cosmetic touch-ups, the Dos Brisas leadership team is all new, starting at the top with GM Ruben Cambero Sedano, who honed his hospitality management skills as general manager of his family's Relais & Chateaux property, Hotel El Peregrino, in the Basque country of northern Spain. His mother, in fact, is a Michelin-starred chef, giving him a special appreciation of the culinary element.
"Basically, we needed new ideas, new blood, a new team," the soft-spoken Sedano explained. "But also the passion for what we do."
The leadership change included tapping Jonathan Cartwright, former executive chef and GM at the Forbes five-star-rated White Barn Inn Restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine, as the Inn at Dos Brisas' visiting chef in residence and Matthew Padilla, fresh from element 47 at The Little Nell in Aspen, as executive chef.
"My goal overall is to make this a culinary destination known around the country," Padilla said. "Really be able to showcase my food in the way I did learning under other great chefs that I worked with."
Delicious dining
Of the four dinners and several lunches experienced at the Inn at Dos Brisas over the years, our party found Padilla's work in the kitchen masterful and the best to date. From the Dos Brisas caprese salad loaded with fresh from the garden tomatoes to the soft shell crab with ratatouille to the Broken Arrow Ranch venison, the meal was superb. And who could forget the strawberries and cream dessert, an airy confection of white chocolate cremeaux, farm strawberries, and angel food cake.
"My food is a constant evolution," the chef said. "It's very simple food. I like to showcase the ingredients first. That's what was so great about coming to a place like this because the ingredients are first."
This is the ultimate farm-to-table menu, even if Padilla fears the word is overused. The resort boasts more than 40 acres of organic gardens, overseen by former Texas A&M professor Steven King, who holds a Ph.D. from Cornell. Affectionately known as "Farmer Steve" or "Dr. Steve," the new overseer of all things edible is bringing a fresh, more scientific approach to the farm products.
Under his guidance, the production of tomatoes alone has expanded to the extent that you can buy crop extras at the Urban Harvest Market and further surplus is delivered to food pantries in the area.
Padilla and King are in close partnership in the process. "This translates to more of a respect for the ingredients, all the way to the plate," Padilla said.
Summer offerings
The Inn at Dos Brisas is currently offering a four-course summer dinner menu priced at $95 per person, tax and gratuities extra. And, as Michelin judges might say, it is "worth the drive."
Overnight rates this summer are particularly attractive. Depending on the day of the week, casita room rates including breakfast range from $499 to $879; haciendas range from $869 to $1,699 a night. The inn also offers a "Farm Dinner Package," which includes dinner for two and breakfast. Those tariffs range from $689 to $879 for the casitas and $1,059 to $1,889 for hacienda accommodations.
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Tag: reiki
What is it? How does it heal?
by William Lee Rand
The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese words – Rei and Ki. When translating Japanese into English we must keep in mind that an exact translation is difficult. The Japanese language has many levels of meaning. Therefore the context the word is being used in must be kept in mind when attempting to communicate its essence. Because these words are used in a spiritual healing context, a Japanese/English dictionary does not provide the depth of meaning we seek, as its definitions are based on common everyday Japanese. As an example, Rei is often defined as ghost and Ki as vapor and while these words vaguely point in the direction of meaning we seek, they fall far short of the understanding that is needed.
When seeking a definition from a more spiritual context, we find that Rei can be defined as the Higher Intelligence that guides the creation and functioning of the universe. Rei is a subtle wisdom that permeates everything, both animate and inanimate. This subtle wisdom guides the evolution of all creation ranging from the unfolding of galaxies to the development of life. On a human level, it is available to help us in times of need and to act as a source of guidance in our lives. Because of its infinite nature, it is all knowing. Rei is also called God and has many other names depending on the culture that has named it.
Ki is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. Ki is flowing in everything that is alive including plants, animals and humans. When a person's Ki is high, they will feel strong, confident, and ready to enjoy life and take on it's challenges. When it is low, they will feel weak and are more likely to get sick. We receive Ki from the air we breath, from food, sunshine, and from sleep. It is also possible to increase our Ki by using breathing exercises and meditation. When a person dies, their Ki leaves the physical body. Ki is also the Chi of China, the prana of India, the Ti or Ki of the Hawaiians, and has also been called odic force, orgone, bioplasma and life force.
With the above information in mind, Reiki can be defined as a non-physical healing energy made up of life force energy that is guided by the Higher Intelligence, or spiritually guided life force energy. This is a functional definition as it closely parallels the experience of those who practice Reiki in that Reiki energy seems to have an intelligence of its own flowing where it is needed in the client and creating the healing conditions necessary for the individuals needs. It cannot be guided by the mind, therefore it is not limited by the experience or ability of the practitioner. Nether can it be misused as it always creates a healing effect. ( It must be kept in mind that Reiki is not the same as simple life force energy as life force energy by itself can be influenced by the mind and because of this, can create benefit as well as cause problems including ill health.)
The source or cause of health comes from the Ki that flows through and around the individual rather than from the functional condition of the physical organs and tissues. It is Ki that animates the physical organs and tissues as it flows through them and therefore is responsible for creating a healthy condition. If the flow of Ki is disrupted, the physical organs and tissues will be adversely affected. Therefore, it is a disruption in the flow of Ki that is the main cause of illness.
An important attribute of Ki is that it responds to ones thoughts and feelings. Ki will flow more strongly or be weakened in its action depending on the quality of ones thoughts and feelings. It is our negative thoughts and feelings that are the main cause of restriction in the flow of Ki. All negative or dis-harmonious thoughts or feelings will cause a disruption in the flow of Ki. Even Western medicine recognizes the role played by the mind in creating illness and some Western doctors state that as much as 98% of illness is caused directly or indirectly by the mind.
It must be understood that the mind exists not only in the brain, but also through-out the body. The nervous system extends to every organ and tissue in the body and so the mind exists here also. It is also known that the mind even extends outside the body in a subtle energy field 2 to 3 feet thick called the aura. Because of this, it is more appropriate to call our mind a mind/body as the mind and body are so closely linked.
Therefore, our negative thoughts are not just in the brain, but also collect in various locations through-out the body and in the aura. The places where negative thoughts and feelings collect is where Ki is restricted in its flow. The physical organs that exist at these locations are restricted in their functioning. If the negative thoughts and feelings are not eliminated quickly, illness results.
The negative thoughts and feelings that are lodged in the unconscious mind/body are the greatest problem as we are not aware of them and therefore, are we are greatly hampered in changing or eliminating them.
The great value of Reiki is that because it is guided by the Higher Intelligence, it knows exactly where to go and how to respond to restrictions in the flow of Ki. It can work directly in the unconscious parts of the mind/body which contain negative Ki-inhibiting thoughts and feelings and eliminate them. As Reiki flows through a sick or unhealthy area, it breaks up and washes away any negative thoughts or feelings lodged in the unconscious mind/body thus allowing a normal healthy flow of Ki to resume. As this happens, the unhealthy physical organs and tissues become properly nourished with Ki and begin functioning in a balanced healthy way thus replacing illness with health.
This non-invasive, completely benign healing technique is becoming more and more popular. As western medicine continues to explore alternative methods of healing, Reiki is destined to play an important role as an accepted and valued healing practice.


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AXS - Protech Plus Case For Samsung Galaxy S23
Reserve In Store:
Key Features
Axessorize PROTech Case Prone to accidental drops Rest easy with Axessorize8217s PROTech Dual-layered case. The inner silicone and outer shock-absorbing polycarbonate material has been tested and came back with military-grade durability! PROTech is designed to effectively defend a device against turbulent drops and shocks. The raised lip around the front screen and around the camera lift the display and lens off flat surfaces for extra drop and scratch protection. Pairing the protection of their shock resistant technology with elegant chrome push buttons PROTech is perfect for everyday use. Product Features Certified MIL-STD 810G and independently lab tested for drops in multiple real-life situations Double protection with durable polycarbonate outer shell and a soft impact absorbing inner silicone Chrome push buttons offer solid clean click-feel feedback and easy press Precise cutouts offer quick access to all controls and features Raised bezel to guard the screen from direct drops onto phone face No-slip grip technology is great for snapping pics on the go
Height | 8.33 inches |
Width | 4.32 inches |
Depth | 0.83 inches |
Weight | 4.064 ounces |


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Everything New on HBO Max in April 2021
We're entering the fourth month of Warner Bros. presenting all their big-screen movies simultaneously on HBO Max, and in April they've got a doozy: Mortal Kombat, the third attempt to turn the long-running fighting game series into a movie franchise, and the first in almost 25 years. The new version, directed by Simon McQuoid, reimagines the concept while still maintaining most of your favorite characters from the old arcade classic, including Sub-Zero and Scorpion, played by Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada, respectively.
Other new HBO Max originals include the premiere of The Nevers, the new show created by Joss Whedon (at least before he left the project during the production of Season 1) and the limited series Mare of Easttown starring Kate Winslet. If you want to dip back into the catalog, there's Goodfellas, The Mask of Zorro, Risky Business, and the Tracy/Hepburn classic Adam's Rib.
April 1:
A Shock To The System, 1990 (HBO)
Abandon, 2002 (HBO)
Adam's Rib, 1949
All Is Lost, 2013 (HBO)
Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl
Barbarosa, 1982 (HBO)
Black Dynamite, 2009
Blindness, 2008 (HBO)
The Bodyguard, 1992
Boogie Nights, 1997
Bringing Up Baby, 1938
The Butcher's Wife, 1991 (HBO)
Caddyshack, 1980
The Collection, 2012 (HBO)
The Color Purple, 1985
Dante's Peak, 1997 (HBO)
Dark Shadows, 2012 (HBO)
Dead Silence, 2007 (HBO)
Dirty Harry, 1971
The Eagle Has Landed, 1977 (HBO)
Early Man, 2018 (HBO)
Easy Rider, 1969
Ella Enchanted, 2004 (HBO)
The Evil That Men Do, 1984 (HBO)
Eye For An Eye, 1996 (HBO)
Fear, 1996 (HBO)
genera+ion, Season 1 Part One Finale
Ghost Rider, 2007
Goodfellas, 1990
The Great Pottery Throwdown, Max Original Season 4 Premiere
Green Lantern, 2011
Hardball, 2001 (HBO)
Happy Endings
Haywire, 2012 (HBO)
In & Out, 1997 (HBO)
Kicking & Screaming, 2005 (HBO)
King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword, 2017 (HBO)
Lassiter, 1984 (HBO)
Leatherface Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, 1990 (HBO)
Let's Go To Prison, 2006 (HBO)
The Longest Yard, 1974 (HBO)
Made For Love, Max Original Series Premiere
Man Up, 2015 (HBO)
The Mask of Zorro, 1998
The Man With The Iron Fists, 2012 (Unrated Version) (HBO)
Missing In Action 2 - The Beginning, 1985 (HBO)
Missing In Action, 1984 (HBO)
My Super Ex-Girlfriend, 2006 (HBO)
The Nanny
The Natural, 1984
Now, Voyager, 1942
One Day, 2011 (HBO)
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, 1985 (HBO)
Police Academy 3: Back In Training, 1986 (HBO)
Police Academy 4: Citizens On Patrol, 1987 (HBO)
Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach, 1988 (HBO)
Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, 1989 (HBO)
Police Academy: Mission To Moscow, 1994 (HBO)
Primal Fear, 1996 (HBO)
Reasonable Doubt, 2014 (HBO)
Red Dawn, 1984 (HBO)
The Return, 2006 (HBO)
Risky Business, 1983 (HBO)
Roger & Me, 1989
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939
Sneakers, 1992 (HBO)
Space Jam, 1996
Speed 2 Cruise Control, 1997 (HBO)
Spellbound, 2003 (HBO)
Stuart Little, 1999
The Shack, 2017 (HBO)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, 2006 (Extended Version) (HBO)
Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family, 2011
Wanderlust, 2012 (HBO)
The Warriors, 1979 (Director's Cut) (HBO)
The Watch, 2012 (HBO)
White Noise, 2005 (HBO)
The Wild Life, 2016 (HBO)
Within, 2016 (HBO)
Wolves At The Door, 2017 (HBO)
April 2:
On the Spectrum
April 3:
Ted, 2012 (Unrated Version) (HBO)
April 4:
Q: Into The Storm, Documentary Series Finale (HBO)
April 5:
Hard, Season 2 Finale (HBO)
April 6:
Genndy Tartokovksy's Primal, Season 1B
April 7:
Exterminate All The Brutes, Documentary Series Premiere (HBO)
South Side, Season 1
April 9:
Intemperie (Aka Out In The Open), 2019 (HBO)
The Other Two, Season 1
A Tiny Audience, Season 2 Finale (HBO)
April 10:
The New Mutants, 2020 (HBO)
April 11:
The Nevers, Drama Series Premiere (HBO)
April 13:
Our Towns, Documentary Premiere (HBO)
April 15:
Infinity Train, Max Original Season 4 Premiere
April 16:
Mortal Kombat, Warner Bros. Film Premiere, 2021
April 17:
The Dark Knight Rises, 2012 (HBO)
April 18:
Mare of Easttown, Limited Series Premiere (HBO)
April 20:
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO)
April 22:
1,2,3 All Eyes On Me, 2020(HBO)
First Ladies, 2020
Princess Cut, 2020 (HBO)
Rizo, 2020 (HBO)
April 23:
A Black Lady Sketch Show, Season 2 Premiere (HBO)
El Robo Del Siglo (Aka Heist Of The Century) (HBO)
April 24:
Dreamgirls, 2006 (HBO)
April 26:
The Artist, 2011
April 29:
Looney Tunes Cartoons, Season 1D
Gallery — The Best Twist Endings in Movie History:


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Under Review – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
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Question 1/9
Which weird emoji do you identify best with?
Question 2/9
To you, what color best matches 7x7 = 49?
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How do you sit in your chair?
Question 4/9
Choose a slime
Question 5/9
Which villain deserves a second chance?
Question 6/9
Which one is cake?
Water Bottle
Egg carton
Amazon package
None of them
Question 7/9
Favorite time of day?
Question 8/9
Sisyphus is rolling a boulder towards the Grand Hilbert Hotel. The hotel has an infinite number of rooms, but they are all full, so they may not be able to accommodate him or his boulder. If you choose to divert him, his boulder will destroy the Ship of Theseus. But the ship has had all of its constituent parts replaced, so it may not actually be the same ship. Is Sisyphus happy?
Question 9/9
What's your cutie mark?


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This contemporary artwork evokes a flurry of leaves as they fall from the trees to the forest floor. Inspired by Bellingen, an artistic retreat nestled in the lush, green Bellinger Valley just inland from the mid New South Wales coast. Perfect for bringing nature's variegated and changing colours into any room...
Signarture perspex artworks are created using premium quality materials and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor rooms. 3D Frames™ are available for all our artworks but suitable for indoor use only. Every artwork carries our signarture® brand as your guarantee of authenticity.
Read Reviews | Catalogue & Colour Guide | Order a Proof
Your artwork will be created & dispatched within 3 weeks of order and delivered to your door by TNT or Couriers Please. Transit times by road and/or air vary from overnight to several days depending on the destination. Shipping charges vary by weight & destination. To check yours, simply 'Add to Cart' and input your Country, State & Postcode.


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From Mexico to Qatar, obesity rates are soaring to unprecedented levels. The alarming trend is damaging economic performance, as well as the health of millions of consumers worldwide.
Take our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, mix in a generous portion of American fast-food and dubious agricultural practices, add a dash of corporate duplicity and you have a recipe for high obesity rates across the planet.
The newly released United Nations report on global nutrition does not make for very appetizing reading: Amid an already floundering global economy, the reality of a fattening planet is dragging down world productivity rates while increasing health insurance costs to the tune of $3.5 trillion dollars per year – or 5 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP).
31.8 percent of US adults are now considered clinically obese. This is a remarkable figure, especially considering that it is approximately double the US obesity rate registered in 1995, according to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
An individual is considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of the person's height in meters, exceeds 30 kg/m2, according to the World Health Organization.
Meanwhile, much of the international community is quickly catching up with the global consumption superpower. Mexico, for example, just surpassed US obesity rates with a whopping 32.8 percent of Mexican adults now considered to be clinically obese.
The unprecedented weight gains in Mexico, however, as well as many other countries, appear to be no accident.
Following the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico became the dumping ground for a slew of cheap fast food and carbonated drinks, according to a Foreign Policy report.
Thanks to NAFTA, there was a more than 1,200 percent increase in high-fructose corn syrup exports from the US to Mexico between 1996 and 2012, according to the US Agriculture Department. In an effort to place a cap on the high-calorie drinks, Mexican officials introduced a tax on beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup. American corn refiners, however, cried foul and the tax was voted down by the World Trade Organization.
Mexicans now consume 43 gallons of soda per capita annually, giving the country the world's highest rate of soda consumption, according to estimates by Mexico's national statistics agency.
Yet another disturbing casualty on the obesity trail is tiny Qatar, an oil-rich Arab nation of 250,000 people that is also rich in fast food diets.
"Like most people in the Arab Gulf, (Qataris) were traditionally desert-dwelling and therefore much more physically active," according to a 2012 report by Policymic.com. "Now, cars have replaced camels and fast food and home deliveries take the place of home cooking. Even housework and child rearing is left to maids and nannies."
Today, some 45 percent of Qatari adults are obese and up to 40 percent of school children are obese as well. Last month, nutrition experts from around the world shared their views at an obesity and nutrition conference in Sydney. For many of the attendees, the primary culprit in the global obesity scourge is out-of-control corporate power, where the free market decides everything.
The rise of global fast food outlets has been a key change in our environment leading to fattier foods and fatter people, Bruce Neal, professor at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney, told the Indo-Asian News Service.
"As fast as we get rid of all our traditional vectors of disease – infections, little microbes, bugs – we are replacing them with the new vectors of disease, which are massive transnational, national, multinational corporations selling vast amounts of salt, fat and sugar, Neal said.
John Norris, writing in Foreign Policy, explained some of the global dynamics that contributed to the so-called "globesity" epidemic, including the soft drink industry's move to use cheaper high-fructose corn syrup instead of sugar in many of their products.
"Suddenly, it was cheaper to put high-fructose corn syrup in everything from spaghetti sauce to soda. Coke and Pepsi swapped out sugar for high-fructose corn syrup in 1984, and most other US soda and snack companies followed suit," Norris wrote. "US per capita consumption of high-fructose corn syrup spiked from less than half a pound a year in 1970 to a peak of almost 38 pounds a year in 1999."
While some might be tempted to downplay the negative effects of such a harmless sounding additive, researchers from Canada's University of Guelph, as pointed out by Norris, discovered that a high-fructose corn syrup diet in rats produced "addictive behavior similar to that from cocaine use."
As obesity explodes, US fast food companies look abroad.
Americans, thanks in part to First Lady Michele Obama's 'Let's Move' program, have recently woken up to the unsustainability of their soda guzzling, fast food ways. Other politicians and activists have also weighed in on the debate, making the environment for the fast food industry not as comfortable as in the past.
In March, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg attracted the ire of the soft drink industry when he placed a ban on the sale of sodas in sizes larger than 16 ounces. Violators will be fined $200.
In his 2004 a documentary film, "Super Size Me," Morgan Spurlock stunned audiences by tracking the physical effects on his body – none of them positive – after consuming nothing but McDonald's food for 30 days. As a result of the experiment, Spurlock gained 24½ lbs. (11.1 kg), a 13 percent body mass increase, and a cholesterol level of 230, among other negative side-effects.
Perhaps the biggest wake-up call for the fast food industry came in 2002 when two teenagers accused McDonald's of deceptively marketing its menu from 1985 to 2002, causing them, they alleged, to become obese. The judge dismissed the case in 2010, but the message to the industry was crystal clear.
As a result of these and other public awareness campaigns, the American fast food industry – although slower than some may like – has been gradually rewriting their menus and marketing campaigns, many of which are aimed at kids. At the same time, the junk food industry – sensing the sea change of attitudes in the United States as the physical effects of junk food manifests itself – are investing increasingly in foreign markets where public awareness of the subject is not so developed.
Similar to the crackdown on the tobacco industry in the late 1990s, US fast food companies are busy setting up shop abroad for easy, unregulated markets to hawk their wares.
Already the size of their presence is breathtaking: "Coca-Cola and PepsiCo together control almost 40 percent of the world's $532 billion soft drink market, according to the Economist. Soda sales, meanwhile, have more than doubled in the last 10 years, with much of that growth driven by developing markets. McDonald's investors were disappointed that the company only turned $1.4 billion in profit during the second quarter of 2013, having become used to years of double-digit gains every three months," according to the Foreign Policy report.
So while the United States is steadily finding ways to regulate its fast food, soft drink industry, and thus nip the obesity epidemic in the bud, it is, at the same time, legislating on behalf of unhealthy exports abroad.
Now the question is, will the rest of the world bite the hand that feeds?


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It seems that I keep writing about the FAmSCo 🙂 I was reading Joerg Simon's post on the Membership statistics and wondered if the FAmSCo has considered the following aspects:
- the load on each Ambassador Mentor ie. how many candidates are they mentoring in a specific period of time
- whether there is a need to sponsor and approve new Mentors
- whether there is a need to focus on regions from where there is a single or, no Ambassador
- the pattern, if any, in the reasons for the candidates whose applications to be a Fedora Ambassador is rejected
- whether there is a need and, a way the FAmSCo can get back in touch with such candidates and see if they can be coached to become Ambassadors (once rejected isn't rejected forever)
I had earlier written about a few different things FAmSCo could look into. These are interesting times. The Wikipedia Ambassador/Campus Ambassador program seems to be partly based on the benefits derived from the structured workflow within the Fedora Ambassadors process. FAmSCo has an opportunity to reach out and collaborate to share knowledge about the process and at the same time incorporate suggestions which prepare the Ambassadors for higher achievements. More importantly, it would provide FAmSCo with a clearer way to measure its own success.


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In his speech in Belfast, President Obama talked at length about the transformation of that city from conflict zone to a city bustling with normal healthy daily life. He got the biggest burst of applause when he tossed in a bit of Irish vernacular.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Students lounge at cafes asking each other, what's the crack?
BLOCK: What's the crack? Translation, how you doin'? Are you having fun?
OBAMA: So to paraphrase Seamus Hayden(ph), it's the manifestation of sheer bloody genius. This island is now chic.
BLOCK: Well, for more on the newfound chic-ness of Northern Ireland, in particular, and how the province is hoping to benefit from hosting the G8, I'm joined by Peter Shirlow, himself a native of Belfast. He teaches conflict transformation and social justice at Queen's University in Belfast. Professor Shirlow, welcome to the program.
PETER SHIRLOW: Thank you very much.
BLOCK: We heard President Obama today telling young people you now live in a thoroughly modern Northern Ireland. How different is the Belfast today from the Belfast of your youth?
SHIRLOW: Well, it's completely unimaginable how different it is. When I was at university in Belfast in the 1980s, there may have been in a city of a quarter of a million people, maybe three or four restaurants. The city center in Belfast was actually a ghost town. We actually had a situation here where the city center was closed up until the late 1970s because people were being targeted in driveby shootings, et cetera.
When I was young, I actually saw people being shot. Some of my friends were killed. I have two teenage children. They live now in what is a very sophisticated city. It has a cathedral quarter in which everybody mixes. It has a whole range of art galleries now. It has become a much more chic place.
BLOCK: There are still some physical signs of the troubles in Belfast, right? Actual barricades, barriers between Protestant and Catholic communities that haven't been torn down.
SHIRLOW: No. We have walls that separate several Catholic and Protestant communities, but one of the things that has changed is people move between communities. So when I was young, I grew up in a Protestant community. I spent virtually all of my social life in Protestant areas, whereas today, people move between communities now in a way that they never did before.
BLOCK: Professor Shirlow, what signal do you think this G8 summit sends to the world about Northern Ireland and the lessons that you've learned there?
SHIRLOW: Well, I think what it really signifies is that it's a safe place. While we do still have some violence with (unintelligible) Republicans, we do sometimes have the odd event that takes place, such as the flag protest that we had around Christmastime. But this is a safe society. It's a friendly society.
The political elite of the world are safe to come to Northern Ireland and that's something that was completely unimaginable. If somebody said to me 20 years ago that the G8 would be held in Northern Ireland, I simply would have said, you're mad. That will never happen. We will never have that type of situation in our society.
BLOCK: Well, the G8 summit itself is being held at the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen and I was looking at their website. They're offering people, after the summit is over, a follow the leaders package, following in the footsteps of the world's most powerful. What can you tell us about the resort?
SHIRLOW: One of the problems is many American tourists actually stop at the border and they don't cross over. And one of the most beautiful places in Ireland is actually County Fermanagh. Now, this is not being biased because I'm from Northern Ireland but it's submerged hills set in a whole series of major waterways. The main town is Enniskillen. It was a site, actually, in the 1980s of a horrific Republican bomb attack and the town really turned that around into a very positive project which is bringing children together. And that really has healed many of the divisions that once existed there.
BLOCK: As you talk with people in Belfast and around Northern Ireland, do you get a sense of real pride that the summit is there and that this is a real moment in the sun for Northern Ireland?
SHIRLOW: Well, yes, because you have to make - I think it's very, very important to understand that whenever people like myself and others traveled, everywhere we went in the world, people said, oh, Belfast, IRA, bombs, Bloody Sunday, all of these events. So, of course, you're going to have pride whenever you go to America or go to Canada and go to France and people say, oh, gee, "Game of Thrones," or they say, isn't Rory McIlroy the famous golfer who comes from where you live? So people have a completely different understanding of what Northern Ireland is.
BLOCK: Peter Shirlow teaches conflict transformation and social justice at Queen's University in Belfast. Professor Shirlow, thanks so much.
SHIRLOW: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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Sat. 9am | Central Park
Recurring event
see all
March 22, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Weekly Group Run: six mile loop on the Bridle path or the Central Park Loop (Ted Corbitt Drive).
When: 9:00am every Saturday.
Where: meet at the lamp post at the North-West corner of the intersection of the 72nd Street Transverse and East Drive.
Pace: various, depending on group.
Duration: about 1 hour.
Leader: contact Ed Altman with any questions. Alternate leader, David Gaines.
Just show up! If you have any questions, please contact one of the leaders.
All attendees are expected to adhere to NYS, RRCA and USATF guidelines.


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Guys and Dolls tells the story of gangsters and gamblers, sure, but it does so for laughs — it's Boardwalk Empire by way of Bugs Bunny. From the outrageously colored zoot suits to the exaggeratedly colorful New York accents, everything is designed to elicit a chuckle.
And laugh you do, thanks to the cast assembled by the Westchester Broadway Theatre, which opened the show on April 11. The comedic cast is anchored — and carried away — by its two comedic leads, Nathan Detroit (Michael Brian Dunn) and Adelaide (Allie Shauer). (Shauer was last seen at the Westchester Broadway Theatre as Lina Lamont in Singin' in the Rain, making her the WBT's queen of squeaky-on-purpose voices.) Together, they're the perfect picture of a lovable-no-goodnik and the patient girlfriend who just can't shake him loose.
The true stars of the show, though, are the Frank Loesser songs, and Guys and Dolls has some of his greatest: "Luck Be a Lady," "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," "If I Were a Bell" — the list goes on. If you're a Loesser fan, this is a more-than-a-dozen-for-the-price-of-one opportunity, delivered by a talented cast that has no troubles with the eccentric rhythms of the overly formal street-thug dialect.
Guys and Dolls is also one of the few shows where the men in the cast get showier dance numbers than the women, and the WBT's guys were up to the task, putting on a fantastic "Crapshooters' Ballet" — one of the highlights of the evening.
Guys and Dolls will be at the Westchester Broadway Theatre until June 9. Afterward, it'll follow up with The Sound of Music (June 13 to August 11), and then Oliver! (August 15 to September 8). It's a strong summer lineup filled with perennial favorites, but, in my opinion, Guys and Dolls is the most fun one in the bunch, and perfect if you're looking for an evening of light entertainment.
» Get directions to Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, NY
» More theater reviews
» More from Poptional Reading


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Infertility and Acupuncture: Optimizing Your Chances of Getting Pregnant with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Free Chat with Julia Indichova
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If you receive errors like: "This server version doesn't support 'READ WRITE' and 'READ ONLY'. Minimum 5.6.5 is required" with versions of MariaDB that DO support them, this is due to an internal check in mysqli conflicting with a hack in MariaDB to allow replication with oracle mysql.
MariaDB prefixes its server version numbers with "5.5.5-" for example "5.5.5-10.3.7-MariaDB-1:10.3.7+maria~stretch". This is because oracle mysql would interpet the "10" as version 1. Mysql clients aware of MariaDB have been updated to detect and strip this prefix.
However the check for mysqli.begin-transaction sees the 5.5.5 prefix and so fails.
The workaround is to specify a custom version string without the prefix for MariaDB on the command line using the --version option. Then mysqli.begin-transaction functions as expected.


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On the heels of
tragic loss, the stunning and innocent Natalie Mason, meets handsome business mogul
Mac Carter. As Natalie attempts to pick up the pieces of her shattered life,
circumstances beyond her control draw her and Mac into a situation she wants kept
secret. The two are a matched set having both experienced immense loss in their
lives. Uncertain of what she should do, she decides to give fate a chance,
opening her heart to Mac, who just wants to love her.
But the past, who often
times takes no prisoners, rears its ugly head in a double dose. Mac's
ex-girlfriend cannot accept that their love affair is over and takes drastic
measures through deception and blackmail to ensure that Mac will be hers.
Natalie, on the
other hand, has to face the one responsible for her sister's death. As her
journey begins to bring justice and closure, the past transports to her feet an
unexpected surprise—a long lost love desiring to posses her as his once again.
Will Mac and
Natalie's newly blossoming love be able to endure what the past has delivered or
will the victors of their hearts be the old flames who are staking their claim?
Find Carlie here:


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You can't have too many knives! Ever sense I was a young boy I was fascinated with knives. My first knife was a Boy Scout pocket knife. My first sheath knife was a Case hunting knife, leather handle and chromed blade. I'm sorry to say but there both long gone now. I'm by no means a knife collector though. I buy knives I think I have a purpose for. Two years ago many of my knives were stolen along with a lot of other equipment. But the loss of the knives hurt the most. They were by far the least
It seems to me, as the years pass, the ability of man to provide for himself in the wild has become a lost art. In the United States our modern society has evolved into a proficient system of providing all necessities by monetary exchange. I feel this has led to much of society being insecure in a time of crisis. We depend on the dollar to take care of our needs, but this is dependant on a fully functioning infrastructure and a supporting economy. We've seen many tragic situations, due to weather