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The economic contraction continues in 2016, as investments and private consumption contract further. Only in 2017 a very modest rebound is expected.
Political situation
Head of state: President Vladimir Putin (since May 2012)
Head of government: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (since May 2012)
Form of government: Government formed by the Party United Russia and non-partisan technocrats
Population: 144.1 million
Domestic politics: continued stability - but at the expense of democracy
The popular standing of President Putin increased significantly since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis and the annexation of the Crimea, and approval ratings remain high, despite the current economic recession. Nationalistic sentiment has risen, supported by aggressive propaganda through the state-controlled media. Playing the nationalist card, especially in relation to the EU and the US, appears to be the key to keeping approval ratings up.
Any opposition has been marginalised by a hardening of authoritarianism: hardliners have effectively been given license to attack liberals and crack down further on independent media and non-governmental organisations.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in September 2016 will be tightly managed and will most likely keep the current government in control.
Relationships with the EU and the US have deteriorated
Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis in early 2014, the relationships between Russia and the EU and US have gradually deteriorated. Russia´s intervention in the civil war in Syria added another area of conflict to the already strained relationships.
Moscow´s annexation of Crimea in March and its tacit support of separatist forces in Eastern Ukraine triggered several rounds of sanctions from the EU and the US, mainly in the form of a freeze on assets, travel bans on Russian and Crimean individuals, long-term financing limitations restricting access to EU/US capital markets for major Russian banks and some oil and defense businesses. Restrictions include certain types of products exported to Russia, including dual-use technologies and high-tech equipment for the oil industry. Russia itself imposed retaliatory sanctions on the import of food and agricultural products from the EU, the US, Australia, Canada and Norway.
The EU/US sanctions may have a very significant impact on the Russian economy in the longer term. In particular, they will influence the refinancing capacity of major domestic corporations and banks.
Economic situation
The contraction continues in 2016
The Russian economy contracted 3.7% in 2015, as the persistently low oil prices continued to negatively affect export revenues. Both investments and private consumption recorded sharp decreases of 9.4% and 7.7% respectively. Only net exports contributed positively to GDP, as imports decreased sharply (down 28% year-on-year) with domestic demand contraction.
Consumer price inflation increased to more than 15%, which was also due to the on-going sanctions that Russia has imposed on EU imports. This, together with the rouble depreciation had a damaging impact on household consumption. That said, unemployment is set to increase only modestly in 2016, as the Russian state supports firms and directs them if needed. Firms simply often impose wage cuts rather than mass redundancies to cope with demand decline. This serves to avoid potential social unrest.
The economic contraction is set to continue in 2016, as oil prices are expected to remain low for the time being. GDP is forecast to shrink 1.8% in 2016, with investments and private consumption showing further contraction and inflation remaining high. Only in 2017 a very modest rebound of 0.3% GDP is expected.
Corporate foreign debt remains an issue
In terms of exports, Russian corporate foreign debt is one of the highest among emerging economies. This is compounded not only by high interest rates, pressure on capital flows and the rouble, but also international sanctions that severely hinder foreign (re)financing. Therefore, despite the relatively deep coffers of the Russian state, Russian foreign corporate debt is indeed an issue to be watched carefully.
Most vulnerable in Russia are corporates operating in the construction and real estate sectors, which generate incomes denominated mainly in rouble, but used to rely on foreign currency funding, and companies in the transport sector (particularly airlines and automobiles).
Russia´s short-term economic policy in the current recession is rather prudent. Despite a very low public debt of 13% of GDP and pressure from the low oil prices on the budget, the government deficit is kept within acceptable margins.
The central bank pursues a tight monetary policy in order to combat inflation and inflation expectations, keeping rather high interest rates of more than 10% in place, which may be eased if inflation comes down with the expected gradual oil price climb. At the same time, the central bank allows the rouble to float. This has an impact on inflation if the currency depreciates, but also acts as a shock absorber for the current account, which is expected to remain in surplus in 2016 and 2017. At the same time the fairly large international reserve position of Russia hardly erodes as capital outflows are contained.
Major structural weaknesses remain
That said, the long-term prospect for higher and sustainable growth remains subdued. The Russian business climate is plagued by uncertainty regarding property rights, a weak transport infrastructure and lack of competition in goods and services markets. The authorities failed to seize the opportunity during the windfall years to strengthen Russia's economic structure and enhance its non-oil potential by prudently investing high oil revenues in other industries to diversify the economy away from the dominant oil and gas sector.
There is an underlying deterrent for investments, which are badly needed to modernise the energy sector and help to diversify the economy. Even before the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, the investment level was too low and foreign direct investment too limited, partly due to due to an unfriendly business climate and a firm grip of the state on large parts of the economy. This is now exacerbated by the international sanctions imposed by the EU and the US that aim to prevent technology transfers and financing to Russian firms, especially in the energy and military sectors.


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A wash of noise reminiscent of Loveless-era My Bloody Valentine introduces one of the strongest tracks on Dirty Side Down, the latest effort by the jam-band road warriors in Widespread Panic. The track wasn't written by John Bell and company; it's a cover of "This Cruel Thing" by the late Vic Chesnutt, complete with delicately plucked guitar and a thoughtful croon that perfectly evokes the longtime Panic collaborator. The rest of the record trades on greater complexity and more varied instrumentation—like the alternately hard-driving and ethereal opener, "Saint Ex," or the title track, which layers a friendly growl over insistent slide guitar that's initially content to echo organ riffs, but occasionally launches skyward and into the album's meatiest hooks.
Some of the best songs in Panic's catalog are about life on the road, and "Shut Up And Drive" marks another worthy addition, marrying a propulsive, brushed beat to down-home guitars that break for shimmering solos. Then the gears catch and the song lurches back onto the highway. Dirty Side Down is an uneven record at times, but given that the band has been hard-pressed to reproduce the energy of its live performances in the studio, Down's nimble rhythmic shifts and the playful lead-guitar work of Jimmy Herring provide a zip sorely lacking on the last two releases.

subset: commoncrawl


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Perfume made from the DNA of dead celebrities? Yes. It's kind of sad, in a way.
You would think we had reached some kind of critical mass of being fascinated with the famous. But it's all-consuming: pictures and interviews aren't enough. We want their jeans, their bags, their cute shoes. Celebrity-branded fragrances — from Liz Taylor's White Diamonds to Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely and Britney's Curious — bring in millions. Maybe it was just a matter of time before Antiquity fragrances hit the market.
The Antiquity scents are made from DNA tests performed on hair clippings provided by "renowned celebrity hair collector" John Reznikoff. Each fragrance comes in a sculpted aluminum bottle. Einstein's is called IQ and comes in a flask shaped like a light bulb; Entrance is made from Joan Crawford's genetic code and comes in a bottle shaped like a vaginal entrance. Or is that a shoe stretcher? You can also buy Marilyn, based on Marilyn Monroe; Monarch (Kate Hepburn), and Blue Suede (Elvis). But remember: These scents do not smell like a dead celebrities. They smell like perfumes… made from the DNA of a dead celebrity.
Of course these notable figures have a magnetic pull, whether for their charisma, talent or sex appeal. But honestly: Does anyone really believe that a little stardust will rub off and make a non-famous person more exciting? Or does buying into this stuff reek of desperation?
Okay, okay. I'll admit it: I'd be interested in Eau de Josephine Baker.
Perfume's Heaven Scent: New 'Antiquity' Fragrances Based On DNA Of Dead Celebs [NY Daily News]
Related: Antiquity [My DNA Fragrance]


text:
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This flat white kids thank you note features a blue background with a construction scene in the dirt at the bottom of the card. Includes white unlined envelopes.
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Ninja-like Parkour studio opens in Baltimore
'American Ninja Warrior'-style movement art growing in popularity
The TV show "American Ninja Warrior" has brought new attention to the movement art called Parkour, which is growing in popularity, so a Baltimore man has decided to open its first studio dedicated to training and teaching it.
The movements of Parkour make its users look like modern-day ninjas flying through the air with precision and grace, 11 News reporter Kim Dacey said.
"Parkour is kind of like the martial arts of obstacle course negotiation. We teach people to get over obstacles, around obstacles and through obstacles in the most efficient way possible," said Adam McConnell, of the new gym called Urban Evolution Baltimore, which will open its east Baltimore doors on Saturday.
It's the largest Parkour studio on the East Coast, and its creators are welcoming everyone to come and give it a try at its grand opening this weekend.
"We teach Parkour in a way that is accessible to anyone, absolutely anyone. If you can climb a flight of stairs, I can teach you Parkour. It's just that simple," McConnell said.
"What I like about Parkour is the freedom of expression of it, because there's no real rule about it. You can do it anywhere you want to," said gym-goer Goon Yaprak.
McConnell said the gym does classes for children and senior citizens.
Dacey tried it herself, starting small with precision jumps. She said she completely wiped out at first, but after a few more wobbles, she got the hang of it. She said the key is to end each jump squatting low because it's easier to keep your center of gravity.
She also tried a roll, which was not your average somersault. She said she had to learn to roll diagonally across her back and land so she could get up right away and continue running.
Then it was on to the vault. She again started slow with what's called a safety vault, and after only a few bangs of the knee, she graduated to the speed vault, hurtling over the 2.5-foot tall block with only one hand.
Dacey said with the step-by-step instruction, it was a lot easier than she expected it to be. She said she was having so much fun that she got a great workout without realizing it, and that's one reason it's becoming more popular.
"It's just a really great stress reliever, and it's so much fun. It's the best workout I can get without really having to work out. It's just so much fun. That's what I really enjoy about it," said Parkour practitioner Samet Caliskan.
The gym's owners said they hope more people will come check them out and give it a try this weekend at the grand opening, when classes will be free all day and they'll be offering 50 percent off monthly memberships. For more details, click here or on the link on Page 1.


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'Occupy' Opponents Missing on CBS, Plays Up Holdout Protesters
CBS's Early Show on Monday found yet another excuse to report on Occupy Wall Street, spotlighting the diehard protesters who stayed in Zuccotti Park during a winter storm. While correspondent Debbye Turner Bell noted the $3.4 million spent on police overtime in New York City and the complaints from businesses near the demonstrators' campsite, she didn't play one sound bite from the opposition.
Turner Bell first highlighted the "freezing temperatures and record-breaking October snow" over the past weekend in the Northeast and added, "And that does raise the question of how committed are these Occupy Wall Street protesters? But there's another question: can local city governments afford to pay the price tag that goes along with expressing this basic American right?"
Seven out of eight of the sound bites during the correspondent's report came from either the Occupy Wall Street demonstrators themselves or from those who sympathized with them, even as she reported on the $3.4 million in taxpayer money spent by New York City's government, and how "Boston has rung up a $2 million tab. Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Phoenix have all spent over $200,000." The remaining clip came from an unidentified woman who complained "I can't even talk, it's so cold."
Near the end of the segment, Turner Bell stated that she spoke to "a number of business owners in the community surrounding Zuccotti Park, and they're growing a little weary of the inconveniences of the protests- so many people, so much noise all the time- and then, even protesters using their restroom facilities....I would say that the welcome is wearing a little thin here in the community surrounding Zuccotti Park." However, she couldn't find one of the business owners or their employees to speak on camera, as there wasn't one sound bite from them or their employees during her report.
The Early Show has consistently given glowing coverage to the left-leaning protests during the past weeks. Correspondent Bigad Shaban omitted the far-left politics of Daily Kos contributor Jesse LaGreca during an October 10 report. The following morning, he touted the "hungry for change" demonstrators' "self-operating mini-community." On October 14, Jim Axelrod played up the "mood of jubilation and celebration" after Zuccotti Park's owners decided to rescind their decision to have the open space cleaned.
By October 18, The Early Show found it fit to play up the music of Occupy Wall Street and how "some believe if history is any indication, they could provide harmony to a movement." Just over a week later, Erica Hill downplayed the violence and anti-Semitic incidents at the protests as merely "the actions of a few." All of this is just a continuation of the trend set by the Big Three protestors from the beginning of the month, which the MRC documented in an October 13 special report, to give the movement overwhelmingly positive coverage, as opposed to the jeering they gave the Tea Party back in 2009 and 2010.
The full transcript of Debbye Turner Bell's report on Monday's Early Show, which aired 41 minutes into the 7 am Eastern hour:
ERICA HILL: Over the past six weeks, the Occupy Wall Street movement has spread to dozens of cities around the country.
JEFF GLOR: But after this early blast of winter, some are wondering, are the protesters ready to stick it out through snow and freezing temperatures? There is clearly more on the way.
Correspondent Debbye Turner Bell is in lower Manhattan with more on that. Debbye, good morning.
DEBBYE TURNER BELL: Good morning, Jeff and Erica. You know, over the weekend, Mother Nature staged her own protest, with freezing temperatures and record-breaking October snow. And that does raise the question of how committed are these Occupy Wall Street protesters? But there's another question: can local city governments afford to pay the price tag that goes along with expressing this basic American right?
[CBS News Graphic: "Mother Nature Vs. 'Occupy': Protestors Forced To Tackle Winter Weather"]
TURNER BELL (voice-over): (clip of protesters chanting, "Through the snow, through the sleet, occupy Wall Street!") As the unseasonably early nor'easter hit Zuccotti Park-
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN 1: I can't even talk, it's so cold.
TURNER BELL: Occupy Wall Street protesters hunkered down for a long, wet, raw night.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN 2: The fact that people are staying out here in this weather, I find, is amazing.
TURNER BELL: But some wonder whether the protesters' passion can stay hot in the New York City cold.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN 1: The people that are really determined and, I think, really want to make a change that they believe in, I feel that it will- they'll stay.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN 2: People are willing to fight-
TURNER BELL: Occupiers are convinced they can endure the test of time and temperature. But can city budgets handle the costs that come with the movement? The tab is adding up quickly, as cities provide police for crowd control and protection, firemen for emergencies, and sanitation services to address the growing mountain of refuse.
SCOTT STRINGER, MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT: This was not a predicted expense, but, obviously, we will absorb it as best we can. Democracy is expensive.
TURNER BELL: New York City has reportedly spent $3.4 million on police overtime. Boston has rung up a $2 million tab. Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Phoenix have all spent over $200,000.
STRINGER: When you're the capital of the world, you know, you're going to pay a little bit more because people are going to come here and express themselves.
BILL DOBBS, MEDIA LIAISON, OCCUPY WALL STREET: It is money well-spent because it enables people to register their grievances about the government, about Wall Street, and about greed.
TURNER BELL: It's a small price to pay for Esther Mack, who took time off her teaching job in Athens, Georgia, to join the cause.
ESTHER MACK, PROTESTOR, OCCUPY WALL STREET: We are all tired of the way our country is being run, so I want to change that. So, by being here, I hope to change that and have a better future for myself.
TURNER BELL: As protesters brace for yet another frigid night, it remains to be seen whether their resilience can match their resolve.
TURNER BELL (on-camera): The protesters, at least here in the Northeast, are in for a long, bone-chilling haul. Forecasters are predicting a very cold winter. And Jeff and Erica, I spoke to a number of business owners in the community surrounding Zuccotti Park, and they're growing a little weary of the inconveniences of the protests- so many people, so much noise all the time- and then, even protesters using their restroom facilities. In fact, most of the restaurants around this park, there are signs on the doors that say, restrooms are for customers only. So I would say that the welcome is wearing a little thin here in the community surrounding Zuccotti Park. Guys, back to you.
HILL: Debbye Turner Bell for us in Zuccotti Park this morning- Deb, thanks.


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NASHVILLE - Austin Maxwell first met Republican Rep. Scott DesJarlais earlier this year when Maxwell's home county of Rutherford became part of the 4th District.
"I'd heard great things about him from some other Republican folks out there," said the Rutherford County Republican Party chairman, adding he was impressed with both the Jasper physician and his wife of 10 years, Amy DesJarlais. "I've got friends who go to church with them."
Maxwell said he continues to stand by the anti-abortion freshman lawmaker amid revelations that DesJarlais, first elected in 2010, once encouraged a patient he slept with a dozen years ago to have an abortion.
"It's unfortunate," said Maxwell of the revelation that came out of records from DesJarlais' bitter divorce with his then-wife, Susan. "Divorces sometimes can be very pleasant. But they sometimes can be very nasty. This is obviously something from 10, 11, 12 years ago from his first marriage."
DesJarlais has acknowledged a transcript of his and the unidentified woman's 2000 conversation is genuine. But he says he was trying to get the woman, whom he had not seen in four months, to admit she was not pregnant.
There never was a pregnancy, and there was no abortion, said DesJarlais, who said the brief relationship came at a time when he and Susan DesJarlais had agreed during their divorce to see other people.
DesJarlais' opponent, Eric Stewart, is hammering the congressman over the transcript.
While some Republican elected officials are distancing themselves from DesJarlais, Maxwell and several other 4th District leaders last week said the controversy hasn't shaken their support, and they accept the congressman's explanations as posted in an open letter on his Facebook page.
After addressing his actions in 2000 as outlined earlier, DesJarlais said that "through grace and redemption, God has truly given me a second chance. I have had an incredible marriage to my wife Amy of ten years and have been blessed with an opportunity to raise three wonderful children."
Citing his "strong pro-life record in Congress and history of fighting for values important to Tennesseans," DesJarlais said, "I hope you will judge me on these facts because that is who I am."
That has resonance for retiree Tricia Stickel, president of the Maury County Tea Party.
"In the scheme of things, who he is now [and] the issues that we have in our government today, personal relationship mistakes [and] bitter divorces 12 years ago are personally insignificant," she said.
Franklin County Republican Party Chairwoman Iris Rudder said she got to know DesJarlais and his family when he campaigned two years ago and won an upset victory over then-U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn.
"He is a good man, and I'm proud to have him as my congressman," Rudder said. "I like the fact that he does what he says he will do. He represented the people according to their wishes" and opposed the federal health care law.
She said "talking about a divorce that's 12 years old, the past, does not get a job for anyone in the 4th District. ... It doesn't do anything to make lives better."
Maxwell cited Stewart's own explanation after the Times Free Press reported in August that the Democrat had had two Internal Revenue Service tax liens. One was paid off in the early 2000s, while the second was paid last month.
"Stewart said the voters really want to stay focused on the issues like jobs, the economy and fiscal spending. That's kind of my opinion," Maxwell said.
More than a week ago, however, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's campaign removed from its website a news release on DesJarlais' endorsement of Romney issued in May.
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., recently said of the controversy, "I don't go around telling people what to do about issues like that. That's between the congressman and the voters of his district," whom he said are capable of making up their own minds.
On Friday, Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker's campaign manager, Todd Womack, emailed a statement saying "as he has with other members of our delegation, Senator Corker has supported Congressman DesJarlais' re-election effort with events in Washington and in Chattanooga."
A campaign aide for U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., didn't respond to an email Friday.
Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has said he wanted to talk to DesJarlais about the matter before commenting. Asked last week -- a week after his initial remarks -- whether he has spoken to DesJarlais, Haslam said he had not, despite receiving a text message from the congressman.
Nor did Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, the Republican speaker of the state Senate.
The Tennessee Republican Party issued a strong defense of DesJarlais after the initial revelation, charging "this is the same type of desperate smear campaign used by Lincoln Davis in 2010 which voters overwhelmingly rejected, and we trust they'll reject these same attacks by Democrat Eric Stewart in 2012."
Asked where the party is now that DesJarlais acknowledged the transcript was genuine and his subsequent explanation, Chairman Chris Devaney said in a statement that "Congressman DesJarlais has spoken to the people of the 4th District on this issue and we have nothing to add to his comments."
But on Friday, DesJarlais got good news from the two top U.S. House leaders, Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va.
The Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call reported Friday that spokesmen for the officials are maintaining their support of DesJarlais.
"He supports every Republican incumbent who is running for office," said Cantor spokesman Doug Heye.
Meanwhile, a Democratic super Pac announced Friday it is airing $100,000 in ads highlighting the DesJarlais controversy. Earlier in the week, the Washington, D.C.-based Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics announced it had filed an ethics complaint with the state Board of Medical Examiners over the relationship with the former patient.


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What's the best or most memorable piece of advice your mom ever gave you?
How different is the advice you received from the advice children receive in the developing world?
Which bits of advice do you like best, find the funniest or think are most relevant? As parents, do you think you'll adopt any of this wisdom and share it with your children?


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Posts Tagged Kidsgrove
SMEs key to growing UK low-carbon exports Emerging 'MUSTs' offer low-carbon market growth opportunities
Posted by Daniel Killeen in energy-psa.co.uk - News on 17 May, 2014
A new report researched and written by the Carbon Trust and commissioned by Shell Springboard has revealed the UK has an opportunity to triple its exports of low-carbon goods and services. The current £12 billion low-carbon exports could rise to £30 billion by 2020, if the growth rate is increased to 10%*. This reflects the rate required to ensure exports reach the UK government's £1 trillion target by 2020.
Energy Performance Solutions on Facebook – Please add us to your Facebook social network and/or Like us today ! Thank You !
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Mandatory energy efficiency audits: an opportunity for business – Carbon Trust
What now for energy performance related policy developments in England and Wales ?
Posted by Daniel Killeen in energy-psa.co.uk - News on 6 April, 2011
Plans for how the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat government intends to create a new low carbon economy within the UK have been published in a Coalition Document.
Hackers Steal Millions in Carbon Credits
Posted by Daniel Killeen in energy-psa.co.uk - News on 5 March, 2011
By Kim Zetter
- February 3, 2010 |
- 5:04 pm |
- Categories: Cybersecurity, Hacks and Cracks
Credit card numbers are so passe. Today's hackers know the real powerhouse data to steal is emission certificates.


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- What's the problem with hopping on the bandwagon? Nothing. (10/29/14)
- Meet Belle (6/2/09)4
- Will you watch the Watchmen? (3/4/09)3
- A bit of a policy change (1/7/09)1
- In the press box at Arrowhead (11/2/08)
- Face of the Chiefs doesn't let circumstances dictate performance (10/20/08)
- Thanks, KSN! (8/16/08)2
The new store
Well, I think we all know which place I'm talking about. Hey, as long as I needed some stuff, I figured I might as well go. So Wednesday after work, I went down there on south Main.
I was a little stunned at how quickly the old building was stripped of its identity. They even painted over the big sign by the road. It's future use is the subject of much speculation.
Going in wasn't too bad, considering it was 5 p.m. I even found a space near the grocery entrance. I guess most of the curious ones had already done their shopping. I mean, seriously, I may never get a parking space that good ever again anywhere.
Even though I know the store is designed to maximize energy use, I was surprised that I perceived it as being so dark. My eyes actually adjusted to it though, and by the time I left, I could see fine.
The store is laid out slightly differently than some other stores of its kind, so you shouldn't expect that just because you know the layout of the stores in Nevada and Pittsburg, that what you're looking for will be in the same place here. The food and the garden center and the oil place are where you'd expect. So are the clothes. Some of the other stuff is maybe not quite where you think it should be but the store has more directional signs than some highways, so you should be okay when you look around.
In fact, the only particularly bad thing was when I tried to get out of the parking lot (Tangent warning).
Those cameras they put on traffic lights: Do they EVER work right? The one at 12th and the bypass never seems to detect my car. And this one at "25th Street" actually refused to change despite about eight cars pulled up to it and waiting. I think I saw the one at 23rd change twice before the new one changed to let us out.
But if that's all that's wrong with the new place...I guess I can live with that.


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Shailene Woodley is known for her "alternative" lifestyle, which she said is based on indigenous cultures. The aspiring herbalist — who plays the rebellious protagonist, Tris, in the post-apocalyptic film "Divergent," which hits theaters March 21 — has said during interviews that she makes her own medicine and cheese and collects spring water from the mountains once a month.
How difficult was it for Woodley to maintain this lifestyle while filming "Divergent" in Chicago last year for three months?
"It was a little bit tricky, actually," Woodley said at the Chicago premiere of "Divergent" at Showplace Icon Tuesday. "There was this one market (in Chicago) that was amazing, which is where I did all my shopping. It's a co-op. I found it online."
That's not to say Woodley didn't make time for the city's fine-dining restaurants. Upon arriving in Chicago in April she attended a cast dinner at Girl and the Goat with co-stars including Theo James, Zoe Kravitz and Miles Teller; she also visited The Publican and Avec. And as far as sight-seeing goes, she did some walking around Millennium Park. Woodley also visited Navy Pier, but that was to film a scene with Tris' love interest, Four (played by James) in which they climb up the Ferris wheel.
"That was pretty spectacular," said Woodley. "It was fun — it wasn't scary. There was a full moon. it was so lovely and beautiful."
James made time for Blackhawks games while in Chicago, which were all the more exciting due to the team's Stanley Cup run. "I got really into it," James said on the "Divergent" red carpet. "I loved it. It made me wish I played hockey as a kid. … I do (consider myself a 'Hawks fan), but I feel like a bit of a fraud because I'm English." During one game in June, James and his co-stars met and took a photo with Mayor Rahm Emanuel (who also attended the red carpet event). "I'm a fan of his," James said. "I think he's very cool."
Ansel Elgort plays Tris's brother, Caleb, in the film and will appear with Woodley again in "The Fault in Our Stars." Elgort said he got to know a different aspect of Chicago than some of his co-stars: The "L."
"I took the train a lot," Elgort said. "I'm from New York, so I like taking the subway. It makes me feel like I'm at home."
Amy Newbold was the lone Chicago resident among the main cast. The Roosevelt University alum plays Molly, who is a member of the same Dauntless faction as Tris and Four (one of five factions in the "Divergent" storyline). If you think Newbold's friends were constantly contacting her to see where the cast was filming and hanging out, you would be mistaken.
"My friends didn't care at all," Newbold said. "I have no friends who are at all interested in the movie, which is awesome. They're excited — I don't want to give the wrong impression — but none of them are 'Oh my gosh, we're going to stalk this.'"
"Divergent" filmed at Cinespace Film Studios as well as Navy Pier, Pioneer Court, the old Chicago Defender building and the field at 600 S. Wells Street in the South Loop. Because "Divergent" takes place in a dystopian society, Chicago appears decrepit and, to some extent, abandoned, in the movie. That Ferris wheel Tris and Four climbed? It's not functional. And our beloved Lake Michigan looks more like swampland.
Still, author and Northwestern University alum Veronica Roth, who wrote the young-adult books the movie is based off of, is optimistic the film will entice "Divergent" fans into visiting her hometown.
"I hope so," Roth said on the red carpet. "They should. It's beautiful. It does (look worn out), but it still looks like Chicago — sort of like wasteland Chicago. In a dystopia, you could be painting a city as a bad place to be, but I think Chicago comes off pretty well."
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Road Oiling Truck Driver is very similar to another occupation for which we have
a full profile.
Check out our full profile for:
Highway Maintenance Workers
Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement, repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road or plow snow from roadway.
Caltrans Equipment Operator
Caltrans Landscape Maintenance Worker
Equipment Operator (EO)
Equipment Operator, Materials Handling Equipment
Heavy Equipment Operator
Highway Maintainer
Highway Maintenance Crew Worker
Highway Maintenance Technician
Highway Maintenance Worker
Highway Worker
Hot Oiler
Lane Marker Installer
Material Handler
Oil Spreader Operator
Repairer, Road
Road Builder
Road Maker
Road Mender
Road Oiler
Road Oiling Truck Driver
Road Patcher
Road Sign Installer
Road Worker
Snow Plow Operator
Street Worker
Transportation Maintenance Operator
Transportation Maintenance Specialist (TMS)
Transportation Worker
Truck Driver


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FABArt Face Mask - Hand Drawn Ornamental Shapes
*** Production time around 15 to 20 business days, excluding courier time. Often sooner, depending on how many orders at our printers ***
Three-Layer Face Mask, locally manufactured to government specification.
Outer Layer - dye sublimated on a polyester material
Centre Layer - protection layer of a non-woven polypropylene
Inner Layer - breathable poly cotton, soft on the skin
Two behind-the-head black elastics for day-long comfort. Can be cut and re-tied if behind-the-ears elastic is preferred.
Outer layer printed by Dye Sublimation which is the permanent application of ink onto material via high pressure and temperature. The design, logos and numbers are all incorporated into the print, and will not crack or fade. Material remains breathable and comfortable. Unlimited colours. Graphics are sharp and eye-catching. Truly continuous tones that are equivalent to photographs.


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A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach or the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
If the ulcer is in your stomach, it is called a gastric ulcer. If the ulcer is in your duodenum, it is called a duodenal ulcer.
Ulcers are fairly common.
In the past, experts thought lifestyle factors such as stress and diet caused ulcers. Today we know that stomach acids and other digestive juices help to create ulcers. These fluids burn the linings of your organs.
Causes of peptic ulcers include:
Each person's symptoms may vary. In some cases ulcers don't cause any symptoms.
The most common ulcer symptom is a dull or burning pain in your belly between your breastbone and your belly button (navel). This pain often occurs around meal times and may wake you up at night. It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
Less common ulcer symptoms may include:
Peptic ulcer symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your health care provider to be sure.
Your health care provider will look at your past health and give you a physical exam. You may also have some tests.
Imaging tests used to diagnose ulcers include:
You may also have the following lab tests to see if you have an H. pylori infection:
Treatment will depend on the type of ulcer you have. Your health care provider will create a care plan for you based on what is causing your ulcer.
Treatment can include making lifestyle changes, taking medicines, or in some cases having surgery.
Lifestyle changes may include:
Medicines to treat ulcers may include:
In most cases, medicines can heal ulcers quickly. Once the H. pylori bacteria is removed, most ulcers do not come back.
In rare cases surgery may be needed if medicines don't help. You may also need surgery if your ulcer causes other medical problems.
Ulcers can cause serious problems if you don't get treatment.
The most common problems include:
See your health care provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
Untreated peptic ulcers may cause other health problems. Sometimes they bleed. If they become too deep, they can break through your stomach.
Ulcers can also keep food from going through your stomach.
Vidant Health can connect you to health care professionals to help you understand your condition and guide you through the treatment process. Let's chat.


text: CSR: Making the difference Corporate responsibility is at the core of our organization's culture We are a values-based business Our values underpin everything we do. ur responsibility to our clients, our colleagues and our local communities is shared by every employee in our organization through our code of conduct. Customers deserve total commitment We value quality highly, and we've built a strong reputation for it. We use our QUEST program to give you the opportunity to tell us how we're doing. In addition to values, we also have rules. Safety is our first concern and everyone makes it a priority across our global operations. All Crown operations worldwide also adhere to our binding corporate rules of data privacy and data protection. How can you be a global company and not embrace the world? As a truly global company, we embrace the best the world has to offer. As an equal opportunities employer we promote international and local market hiring to achieve a rich diversity across our organization. We encourage all new staff to represent and promote our core values both internally and to the outside world. A healthy work-life balance is equally important. We actively promote measures to make sure employees and their families maintain equilibrium in their lives. We want to grow, but only if everyone wins We know exactly how much our business impacts the environment. With ISO 14001, we measure how efficiently we're using natural resources. By investing in energy-saving buildings and vehicles, and by educating our supply chain, we're working hard to reduce our impact and give you a cleaner option. A big effort to have positive impact in society Crown teams around the world work with local schools, health initiatives and charities, to make each of our cities stronger as we grow. Together, we've built schools and libraries to support local and disadvantaged youth. We also partner to provide HIV and AIDS peer education and we support Move for Hunger, partnering with charitable organizations to help end hunger and famine. Through a university internship program, we give international experience to new graduates. Crown people are most central to this effort, finding innovative ways to support local issues. By giving everyone time and incentives for activities and business practices that create this shared value, we're all helping to improve things for others. And we invite our customers and service partners to join in.


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Have you noticed these funny looking checker-board codes sprinkled in the journal section of the Frances-Henry Library?
These QR codes can contain text or links. In the library, we're currently using them to connect you to the online versions of many of our journals. Use your smart phones to take a picture of the code – it should lead you directly to the website. Note that some phones require that you download an ap to do this.
We'll be experimenting with other ways to use the codes – let us know what you think!