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10 Ways to Gain FREE Publicity
How can we feature our new products in Electronics For You? Is there any opportunity for electronics manufacturers to get featured in Electronics Bazaar? How do I list my organisation in EFY's Annual Directory? These are some of the common queries we receive. We realised that for every query that reaches us, there could be ten that may not. Hence, we decided to share a list of the various opportunities that you can avail to gain free publicity through EFY Group's publications and websites… The Electronics For You group's mission is to connect the creators of technology with those who can benefit from them. To achieve this goal, we produce a range of stories across our publications and websites. These stories present YOU with an opportunity to gain free publicity for your organisation, your products and your team.
#1. Get Listed for FREE on EFY's Supplier Directories
You can get your firm listed for FREE on EFY's Electronics Industry Directory and its online avatar-- eleB2B.com. To register, go to: http://register.eleb2b.com or call at +91-9811155335.
#2. Announce Your New Products
You can submit press releases of your new products for publication in Electronics For You and Electronics Bazaar magazines and on eleB2B.com by sending these to us. If you are not sure how to draft a Press Release, EFY has created a simple online tool to help you create the same at http://pr.eleb2b.com. In compliance with media ethics, EFY does not charge any fee for publishing New Products in any of its publications or websites. All products are reviewed by respective publication teams and the ones selected get published.
#3. Share Your News with the Industry
Starting a new factory? Signed a new principal? Won an award? Feel free to share your news with readers of EFY's publications and websites by sending a Press Release featuring all the details of the development. Once again, EFY does not charge any fee for publishing these, but retains the discretion to accept or reject any news. You can send in your news to our central email ID (given below).
#4. Have Developed an Innovative Product
Developed an innovative electronic product in India, which is already out in the market? If yes, then our journalists want to talk to you, and try and feature your product and your team in our monthly Innovators' series published in Electronics For You magazine and its website: www.electronicsforu.com. Contact us with details of your innovative product, and we will get in touch within two working days.
#5. Supply Test & Measurement Equipment
Test & Measurement equipment is a product category that finds customers across all segments of the electronics and tech eco-system. And, it's a segment where technology keeps evolving rapidly. To ensure our readers stay up-to-date with this segment, Electronics For You (and www.electronicsforu.com) features a monthly series on Test & Measurement equipment, which talks about the latest in a specific product category. If you want to get featured in this series, contact us.
#6. Supply Electronics Manufacturing Equipment
If you are a supplier of electronics manufacturing equipment, then you should get connected with the editorial team of Electronics Bazaar (EB) magazine. The EB magazine, and its website www.electronicsb2b.com, features a monthly series on What's New in electronics manufacturing equipment for a specific product category.
#7. Supply Consumer Electronics
Through the eStyle section of Electronics For You, the magazine aims to keeps its highly tech audience up-to-date with what's the latest in the consumer electronics segment too, so that they can take informed decisions for this category of products. eStyle features new products every month as well as a Buyers' Guide on a particular product category. Feel free to send your press releases.
#8. Provide Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS)
In order to promote 'Make in India', Electronics Bazaar magazine has been featuring leading EMS players of India, their manufacturing setup and their best practices in the magazine. If you are ready to share your knowledge with the readers of Electronics Bazaar—many of whom could be your customers—please reach out to us.
#9. Manufacture Electronic Products
Again, to promote 'Make in India', the EB team focuses on other types of electronics manufacturers too, such as manufacturers of electronic products, components, equipment, etc. Here, again, the aim is to share details about your manufacturing setup and best practices with others, so that the overall manufacturing capabilities in India keep rising. If you are ready to share info, contact us.
#10. Implemented an Interesting Project
Through the recently launched Smart World section, the Electronics For You team is promoting benefits of technology by sharing case studies and success stories where a certain project implementation has benefited an organisation or a society. If your firm or your system integration partners have implemented a project that has made something smarter, greener or more efficient, then we want to hear from you.
- EFY Group adheres to media ethics, and hence does not charge any fee--for any of these editorial features.
- You can send all your Press Releases to our central email ID at [email protected].
- For any of these editorial opportunities, you can also contact us at the same email ID.
- We have a designated editorial operations team that will monitor your submissions, connect you with the right team member(s), and be your interface with our editorial team. This team can be reached at [email protected] or at +91-11-40596606.


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Ms. Sireerat Corvanich (right), Vice President - Credit Card Business, "KTC" or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, jointly with Dr. Kamthorn Siriphan,MD (left), Chief Executive Officer, W Plastic Surgery Hospital, a specialized hospital for world standard beauty that provides cosmetic and plastic surgery for total beauty solutions, in organizing the "All-over beauty with W Plastic Surgery Hospital" marketing promotion. Members with purchases for the following services using KTC credit cards enjoy the following privileges: 1. SmartLyft Facial Skin Lifting program - beauty without pain - receive 50% discounts off the original price 2. Laser Treatments - as solutions to a variety of skin problems - receive 50% discounts off the original price; 3. Facial Design - treat face shape issues - receive 30% discounts off the original price; (Botoxin, jaw size reduction, facial construction, wrinkle reduction, FillorHA and injections for facial fillers) and 4. Surgery by Specialized Doctors - receive 30% discounts off the original price and pay in installments for up to 10 months for liposuction, eye cosmetic surgery, and rhinoplasty surgery with the exception of breast implants from June 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019 (the option to pay in installments is up to the hospital's terms and conditions).
For more information, please contact KTC PHONE 02 123 5000 or visit www.ktc.co.th, apply for a credit card at any "KTC TOUCH" branches or click link: http://bit.ly/2uPcS19. #UnlimitedBlissful with KTC Card.

subset: commoncrawl


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J.Crew just launched exclusive underwear with help from Mack Weldon
The retailer teamed up with the designer for boxer briefs and undershirts
June 20, 2018
Mack Weldon, a direct-to-consumer basics brand, has been a fan favourite since its launch a few years back.
And now, the fabric-focused company's goods are about to be even more accessible. Mack Weldon just dropped an exclusive collection for J.Crew, offering trunks, boxer briefs, and undershirts. The pieces are specifically designed to keep you aired out, which is especially handy come summer.
Grab one in every colour.


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- Euro advances against US Dollar – Mixed performance elsewhere after production stats
- US Dollar crumbles after Trump comments – Inflammatory rhetoric triggers further concerns about election outcome
- Portuguese unemployment and inflation data incoming – US mortgages data out at noon
As trading opens during the middle of the week, the Euro has made positive motions against the US Dollar, rising by 0.2% against the 'Buck'. Overall, the Euro has been a more mixed option, on account of June's industrial production results falling for both Slovakia and France. More positively, Finland's result has shown a rise from 1.9% to 4.3%.
The US Dollar has fallen against virtually all of its usual peers, on account of the latest controversy coming out of Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Although not explicit, Trump was thought to have encouraged gun violence against his opponent Hillary Clinton, which has only raised further concerns about what could happen if the Republican candidate takes power.
Looking ahead, the morning will bring Portugal's positively-predicted unemployment rate for Q2, as well as rise-estimated inflation stats for July.
The US will bring its big news shortly after, when the MBA mortgage applications up to August 5th are announced.
Data for the Eurozone is thin on the ground until the close of the week, when final German inflation figures and second quarter Eurozone growth numbers will be published.
(Last updated August 9th, 2016)
The Euro has reversed its prior lacklustre performance against the US Dollar lately, having appreciated in the area of 0.2% against the US Dollar; this has come against considerable declines in other pairings. Closing off Eurozone movement of late have been the still deficit-ridden Cypriot, Latvian and Portuguese trade balances for June.
The US Dollar has been thrown into disarray by the afternoon's ecostats, which have damagingly showed an increasing percentage of unsold wholesale goods in June, as well as a -0.5% outcome for preliminary non-farm productivity.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the Finnish and French industrial production stats on the year in June are due for release, as is the Portuguese unemployment rate. Briefly, France's production is forecast to have increased, while Portuguese unemployment in Q2 is expected to drop from 12.4% to 11.1%.
From the US, MBA mortgage applications are due up to August 5th, with a shift from -3.5% to -0.65% on the cards.
(Last updated August 9th, 2016)
The EUR/USD exchange rate advanced to a high of 1.1096 on Tuesday, although it later eased back to trend around the day's opening levels.
Generally speaking, demand for the Euro has been slightly higher this week as a result of several better-than-forecast ecostats for Germany.
The US Dollar has been similarly strong, in the wake of a denunciation of Donald Trump as a potential president of the United States.
Eurozone Economic News: Euro gains as Germany Steps up with Trade Balance Stats
The value of the Euro has increased by a small degree lately, thanks to Germany's trade balance and current account stats for June both rising above forecasts. The trade surplus outcome was particularly beneficial, as it climbed from 21bn to 24.9bn, against an estimated drop to 20.8bn.
Other data out of the Eurozone lately has covered France's negative budget balance in June as well as the reduction of the current Estonian trade deficit in June.
Positive movements seen for the Euro recently have included 0.2% against the Pound (EUR GBP) and 0.3% against the New Zealand Dollar (EUR NZD). In most other pairings, the Euro has risen by a small amount.
US Dollar on the Rise after Trump's Viability as US President is Questioned
The US Dollar has also found itself in demand today, thanks to political and economic events yesterday.
On the data front, the Fed labour market conditions index for July rose from -0.1 to 1, while the political support for the 'Buck' stemmed from Republican candidate Donald Trump, despite markets usually reacting dovishly to the presidential hopeful.
Delivering his economic policies to 'make America great again', Trump promised to cut corporation tax by -20% to 15% and 'easily' jump-start the economy, but the delivery was marred by Republican security experts who stated in an open letter that;
'[Trump] weakens US moral authority as the leader of the free world. He appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the US Constitution, US laws, and US institutions, including religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and an independent judiciary. None of us will vote for Donald Trump'.
Among the US Dollar's gains have been a slight uptick against the Euro (USD EUR) and 0.3% against the Pound (USD GBP) and the New Zealand Dollar (USD NZD).
Future EUR USD Forecast: Exchange Rate could be Shifted by Portuguese Trade and US Inventories
The next pairing data to watch out for will come from the Eurozone, where Portugal and Latvia will announce their trade balance results for June. At present, reductions in the current deficits are expected for both nations.
From the US, the afternoon may bring disappointment, as June wholesale inventories figure has a continued positive result forecast, which shows an unsold quantity of goods.
Current EUR, USD Exchange Rates
The Euro US Dollar (EUR USD) exchange rate was trending in the region of 1.1084 and the US Dollar Euro (USD EUR) exchange rate was trending in the region of 0.9026 today.


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As one ages, it is a stunningly consistent phenomenon that what is held most precious above all commodities are one's memories. When a body is old and not able to do all that it once did, the mind reminisces about the days of former glory. When life is difficult and unpleasant, it is a comfort to remember better days when life was good, and comforts were many.
The ability to remember is an interesting and powerful capacity. A good memory can take us to a place of joy and contentment. Juxtaposed, a bad memory can be debilitating and defeating. Proverbs 10:7 states, "The memory of the righteous is blessed" (NKJV).
Memorials were so important to the children of Israel. Passover, the Sabbath, feasts, memorial stones… They were to remember that God brought them out of Egypt when they were tempted to complain in the desert. They were to remember that they were slaves in Egypt when they were tempted to treat others poorly. Memorials celebrated good memories which enhanced present celebration. Bad memories, including consequences for bad behavior, were to be used as present motivation for good behavior.
After the death of Christ on the cross, the disciples encouraged themselves with the memories of what Christ shared with them while He walked among them. Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). In 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, the apostle Paul asserts, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (NKJV).
Memory can be a positive tool or a destructive weapon. Obviously, the more positive memories one makes, the greater his storehouse or reservoir of undergirding strength he has from which to draw in times of hardship. Than is why we are encouraged in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things" (NKJV).
Conversely, memory can be used as a weapon. In 1 Corinthians 13: 5, we find this admonition concerning love's activities, "It keeps no record of wrongs" (NIV). A record of wrongs, whether held against oneself or others, can be incredibly destructive and debilitating. Perhaps that is why there is such an emphasis in the Scripture concerning forgiveness. It is forgiveness that breaks the power of the chains of hate and bitterness forged in the crucible of bad memories.
It is often incorrectly stated by sincere, well-meaning individuals that, "God forgets our sin." The truth is that God, by an act of His will, chooses to "remember our past no more" (Hebrews 8:12). He will keep no record of wrongs. The case against us has been dismissed. Jesus satisfied the justice of God, paid our debt, and erased the handwriting of requirements that was against us (Colossians 2:14). If one could forgive and forget, then it would be much easier to heal from past hurts. The problem, however, is that the power of forgiveness is not found in forgetting, but willfully choosing to stop rehearsing the wrong. It is a matter of choosing to remember it no more.
When one's focus is negatively centered on past unpleasantries, he tends to make his present, and everyone's present around him, miserable. Life is too short to spend it revisiting bad memories. Work to make so many good memories that the bad memories pale in consideration. A life lived for the love of God and others leaves little time for regrets. Live well, and when all you have left are your memories, life will be a continual feasting on the goodness of God.
Gary Schlenz, pastor of Crossroads Chapel, and his wife, Linda, have served the community of Lucerne Valley for 26 years.


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text: SharkRF openSPOT2 Most folks who know about DMR or DSTAR or YSFG hotspots have heard about, or probably own, the SharkRF Openspot. This was a very versatile plug-n-play hotspot from SharkRF out of Estonia for a couple of years. The only draw-back to it was the fact that it was […] Read more »


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Crazy that Tom Herman has a chance to send Ohio State to the College Football Playoff again. Here's hoping the founder of MENSA can pull it out.
- Ohio State is No. 6 in the penultimate College Football Playoff Rankings.
- Oklahoma still has the edge over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff rankings.
- Buckeyes to honor Thad Matta at halftime against Syracuse.
- Northwestern scouting report.
- Stock up/down.
- Snap Counts.
Word of the Day: Persiflage.
OK COOL. HOOK EM. That's basically where we're at right now, because I just don't think the Buckeyes make the College Football Playoff without help from Texas Tom.
That's because even after absolutely dismantling the nation's top defense and beating a team the committee put in the top-four of its rankings by three touchdowns, Ohio State is still behind a team that hasn't held a team to less than 40 points since before Halloween.
And the explanation for that decision is still pretty much non-existent.
CFP chairman Rob Mullens on Ohio State: "The defense played better against Michigan, but that still is probably the shortcoming. Their offense has been able to carry them."— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) November 28, 2018
Rob Mullens on Oklahoma: "While their defense has been a challenge, their offense has been superior."
Look, I'm not stupid. The reason Ohio State is behind Oklahoma is because the Buckeyes lost to Purdue by 29. And the longer the committee tries to talk around that instead of coming out and saying it, the more ridiculous this entire process looks.
Ohio State's offense just carpet bombed the No. 1 defense in the country and has an above average defense that's held 25 percent of the teams on its schedule to less than a touchdown. The Buckeyes have the better strength of record and two wins better than Oklahoma's best.
Don't spout bullshit about "body of work." Just tell me it's because of Purdue and I'll be happy. Until then, I'm going to be frustrated.
Meanwhile, though, Dwayne Haskins seems unconcerned:
Ok cool, Go Bucks! https://t.co/Wgko3JGHoc— Dwayne Haskins, Jr (@dh_simba7) November 28, 2018
BANNER YEAR FOR THAT TEAM? If you're wondering how the Michigan Men are handling Saturday's evisceration, they're doing great. In fact, they're ready to raise a banner to commemorate the extremely successful season.
No, that's not a joke. Jack Harbaugh, father of Jim, wants to erect a "Big Ten East Champions" banner, since Michigan and Ohio State have the same conference record and "tied" for first place.
From Jack Harbaugh on Attack Each Day: The Harbaughs' Podcast
"This team in my judgement, and Bo Schembechler taught me this, I have 5 Big Ten rings, championship rings, 5, but two or three of those were ties. Bo never looked at them as ties. So we this year tied for the Big Ten East Conference Championship. We were 8-1 and Ohio State is 8-1. I think if I would have the means to do this I think we ought to make a little bit of a banner and stick that somewhere to remind us that we were champions. There were only two teams that finished with only one loss in the Big Ten. Ohio State and Michigan and I understand the tie break. But I do understand too that we were the co-champions of the Big Ten."
This is right up there with Ole Miss' Peach Bowl participation rings. If they're this desperate for some hardware to commemorate the game, maybe we should start giving them some Gold Pants, too.
CHRISMAN SNUBBED. Drue Chrisman got absolutely heisted of the Big Ten Punter of the Year award, which instead went to Michigan's Will Hart.
Cam Johnston was quick to come to Chrisman's aid on Twitter.
How did @DChrisman91 not get Big Ten punter of the year? Best net average in the Big Ten, only 9 returns all year for a total of 34 yards and over 50% of his punts were inside 20 #robbed— Cameron Johnston (@Cam_Johnston) November 28, 2018
Also nothing against the Michigan punter, he had a great year too, but Drue Chrisman was dominant all year, flipped the field and had the stats to prove it #GoBucks— Cameron Johnston (@Cam_Johnston) November 28, 2018
I love how with that last Tweet, Cam pretty much hits him with the "Yo Will, I'm really happy for you, imma let you finish, but Drue had one of the best seasons of all time."
Stats aside, how many punters have a performance so dominant it pretty much wins the game for his team? Because Chrisman did that against Michigan State. And that has to be worth something.
In the end though, he seems pretty stoked with his consolation prize.
Im fine with the gold pants https://t.co/fKolO6KnCC— Drue Chrisman (@DChrisman91) November 28, 2018
HEISMAN HOPEFUL HASKINS. Dwayne Haskins ain't going to win the Heisman, but he should absolutely be invited to New York for the ceremony.
He agrees – at least with the latter part of that statement.
Dwayne Haskins on whether he should be a Heisman finalist: Yes— Ari Wasserman (@AriWasserman) November 27, 2018
Tossing six touchdowns and accounting for over 400 yards of total offense against what I was led to believe was the '85 Bears' defense should seal that. Especially since Gardner Minshew and Will Grier lost last weekend.
SNOWY INCOMPARABLE. The Best Damn Band in the Land ended up with the best damn snow angel in the land after their practice.
As beautiful as The Incomparable looks, the scholar who trudged "SEND NUDES" into the snow earlier – as you can still faintly see in the photograph – certainly deserves a hat tip for their efforts.
LINK LOCKER. Wedding photographer had sex with guest, peed on tree and threatened police... An opioid victim's friends and family speak out... China opens a pandora's box of human genetic engineering... The future of robots wont be like The Terminator, it'll probably be worse...


text: The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), will revolutionise our understanding of the extragalactic variable sky by discovering millions of transient detections per night. The key to fully exploiting this exciting science will be rapid spectroscopic classification of transients, combined with a systematic and unbiased follow-up strategy. The Time-Domain Extragalactic Survey (TiDES) has secured a quarter million fibre hours on 4MOST (4-metre Multi-Object Spectroscopic Telescope) to follow up LSST-era transients and their host galaxies (see Swann et al. 2019) . We present an overview of the science aims and goals of TiDES as well as details of our simulations predicting the success of our rapid spectroscopic follow-up programme. TiDES will generate the largest ever sample of spectroscopically confirmed supernovae (SNe), including tens of thousands of cosmologically useful SNe Ia and their host galaxy properties.


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The annual Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Conference, powered by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), comes to a close at the end of today.   Presenters and attendees have gathered from around the world to discuss the many challenges associated with wildland fires in the WUI.  Pre-conference workshops, educational sessions, exhibits, and a field trip for Sand-Table Exercise have been taking place throughout the week.
via nfpa.typepad.com


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Allergy Therapeutics plc (LON: AGY) is a long-established specialist in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies. The Pollinex Quattro (PQ) platform, an ultra-short-course subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy (SCIT), continues to gain market share despite its availability in the EU on a 'named-patient' (NP) basis only. Several products are in clinical development, with the aim of moving the platform to full registration under the new regulatory framework. AGY has issued a positive trading update highlighting the strong operating performance of the group. Also, it has reached a successful settlement of an ongoing legal dispute with one of its third-party R&D contractors.
- Strategy: AGY is a fully-integrated pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of allergies. There are three parts to its strategy: continued development of its European business via investment or opportunistic acquisitions; the US PQ opportunity; and further development of its pipeline.
- Trading update: Underlying sales growth appears close to expectations, rising 8.7% to £74.0m (£68.3m). Although further Brexit costs (-£0.5m est.) have dented any prospect of gross margin improvement, this has been more than offset by lower spend on marketing (+£1.0m), G&A (+£1.0m) and R&D (+2.0m).
- Legal settlement: AGY has settled a legal dispute with Inflamax Research Inc (Inflamax) regarding the inconclusive US Phase II Grass MATA MPL trial. Inflamax has paid AGY $7.4m/£6.0m in full settlement of the dispute. In addition, Inflamax has agreed to pay a 'substantial portion' of AGY's legal costs.
- Risks: AGY's primary risk lies in the timings of the regulatory approval process, mostly outside of its control, related to the PQ Birch immunotherapy and the European TAV process for full approval. Ongoing trials do represent a risk, but this is limited by the products' use on a named-patient basis.
- Investment summary: The share price continues to recover from the overly pessimistic view of the PQ Birch trial primary endpoint failure in March and the positive trading update and news that the legal dispute has been settled will help. Despite the recovery to date, AGY is trading on an EV/sales of only 0.93x 2019E, down to 0.86x 2020E – well below the multiples commanded by its direct competitors.


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Plan The Perfect Honeymoon With These Albany Travel Agencies
Find travel agents and services in Albany and the Capital Region to help you plan the perfect honeymoon. Trying to plan the perfect honeymoon would be a daunting task, even without a wedding to work on at the same time. Make it easier on yourself by working with a travel agency here in the Albany area to find great deals on hotels, excursions, restaurants and more.
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A Huffington Post article on December 8, 2009 reported that legislation has been proposed in Uganda that would impose the death penalty for some gay Ugandans and put their family and friends in jail for up to seven years if they fail to report them. Gay rights activists contend that this bill is part of a reaction to Africa's gay community becoming more vocal.
The article explains that "the Ugandan legislation in its current form would mandate a death sentence for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape. 'Serial offenders' also could face capital punishment, but the legislation does not define the term. Anyone convicted of a homosexual act faces life imprisonment." In addition, "anyone who 'aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage of acts of homosexuality' faces seven years in prison if convicted. Landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals also could get seven years and anyone with 'religious, political, economic or social authority' who fails to report anyone violating the act faces three years."
Opponents point out that the bill signals a return to the brutal regime of Idi Amin, which would throw citizens in prison for life for merely touching another person in a gay way and put them to death if convicted of a crime called "aggravated homosexuality."
Uganda is only one of several African nations who are criminalizing homosexuality, which they say is increasing because of "foreign influences." High school teacher David Kisambra says that "the youths in secondary schools copy everything from the Western world and America. A good number of students have been converted into gays. We hear there are groups of people given money by some gay organizations in developed countries to recruit youth into gay activities."
However, apparently there are also foreigners who are encouraging the Ugandan government's homophobic reaction. According to the article, "The measure was proposed in Uganda following a visit by leaders of U.S. conservative Christian ministries that promote therapy for gays to become heterosexual. However, at least one of those leaders has denounced the bill, as have some other conservative and liberal Christians in the United States."
Rachel Maddow, host of The Rachel Maddow Show, debated the point with Richard Cohen, author of Coming Out Straight. Here is a video of their exchange:
Health officials are concerned because they fear this will hinder efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. See "Stigma Driving AIDS Crisis Among African Gays." I remember the AIDS hysteria in the U.S. in the '80s. One of the most appalling things I heard during that time was that AIDS was God's way of getting rid of homosexuals. The problem is, AIDS is also spread by men to women and is in fact the leading cause of death among African men and women. (The African Region has 11% of the world's population, but an estimated 60% of people with HIV/AIDS.) Source: World Health Organization.
The only way to combat this disease is to let homosexuality out of the closet, not put it in prison.


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New blood pressure guidelines will increase hypertension diagnoses
Heart experts recently released new guidelines for blood pressure, and that means millions more Americans will likely be diagnosed with the condition.
Anyone with blood pressure higher than 130/80 will be considered to have hypertension, or high blood pressure, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology said in releasing their new joint guidelines.
"Rather than one in three U.S. adults having high blood pressure (32 percent) with the previous definition, the new guidelines will result in nearly half of the U.S. adult population (46 percent) having high blood pressure, or hypertension," the groups said in a joint statement.
Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), of the 32 percent of Americans with hypertension under the old guidelines, only about half (54 percent) have their condition under control.
"The first step is to get your blood pressure checked," said Cindy Weston, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. However, don't panic if you have one high reading.
"A single elevated blood pressure is not the diagnosis of hypertension," Weston added. "You need two to three readings confirming an elevated trend."
Before this change, people were not considered to have hypertension until the top number (systolic) hit 140 mmHg.
Rather than going straight to drug treatments, the statement recommends that health care providers advise the importance of lifestyle changes first: exercising more, eating less salt and more whole foods and good sources of nutrients. "Sometimes just losing five or ten pounds will bring your blood pressure into a healthy range," Weston said.
High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, so many people don't realize they have it until they're getting it checked by their health care provider. Hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. However, there is some good news.
One study has shown that lowering your systolic blood pressure 5mmHg can lower the risk of stroke by 14 percent, and others suggest a 7mmHg drop can lower the risk of stroke by up to 31 percent.
Untreated high blood pressure damages your organs over time. If you have elevated blood pressure, talk to your health care provider about ways to manage it, and if you don't know what your blood pressure runs, have it checked.
"If you have a family history of hypertension, you need to bring it up with your health care provider," Weston said. "From there, you can talk about the best course of action to get your blood pressure regulated."
Media contact: Dee Dee Grays, 979.436.0611.


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If you have a website – it needs maintaining.
It needs to be backed up, kept running fast enough, comments and spam might need to be managed, updates need to be applied, security measures need to be kept secure and perhaps you need to keep a watch on whether the site is still up and live or how many visitors it's getting.
VANEL's WebClub Gold service is here to help maintain the upkeep of your website so that you don't have to.
If your site is using a tool such as Squarespace or Wix then almost all of this will be managed for you.
If you're a WordPress user but using WordPress supplied hosting for a WordPress.com website then, again, WordPress will be keeping your site safe and maintained.
But if your site is self-hosted – where you have purchased hosting and your website is built there – then you really should be keeping it maintained.
You could of course do this all yourself.
Make sure you do it regularly – every month at least, because you don't want to be caught out with a security issue, some nasty spam, creeping speed issues or a problem recovering if your hosting goes down.
But you do need to know what you are doing (from a technical perspective too).
or, WebClub Gold can do it for you
For a setup fee and then a monthly fee, we'll monitor and review your site regularly and then carry out monthly maintenance for your peace of mind.
We'll even do one 'edit' per month of your choosing in addition to the maintenance work. That might be to rebuild a menu, setup a plugin, manage some configuration settings or more. (An edit is not major development work – rather it's something that might take around 30 minutes of an expert to do).
How much?
Year one (including the setup work) is £140 (£20 setup plus £10 per month).
After that it's £120 per year.
Payment is in advance for a minimum of 6 months (e.g. £80 first payment then £60 six months later).
For that we think you get a lot – including the peace of mind that your website keeps running along nicely without any worries (or the need for technical knowhow on your part).
Don't just take our word for it. There are firms out there who offer this service for your WordPress website too – here's just one example, WPmaintain. If you visit their website here you'll see they offer a similar maintenance service for just £360 per year for charities. Perhaps they do more, but we think you'll want to save some money and have a local service supplied by VANEL instead!
Note: WebClub members can knock £25 off the fee. On the flipside, groups buying WebClub Gold maintenance automatically get WebClub membership too.
Not WordPress? If you have a Joomla or Drupal site we can also offer the service, but there is a +£60 extra fee per year.
If you'd like to add in an extra 'edit' per month, then we call it WebClub Gold+ and it adds +£50 per year to the fee.
Got more than one website needing maintaining? The setup fee stays the same for each (we have some work to do in advance to get your site ready to be maintained) but there's a potential discount for each site (depending upon the complexity of the site). i.e. one site = £140year one, two sites £250 year one. All open to discussion.
What next?
If you have a website that you'd like maintaining, just contact Karl Elliott at VANEL for a discussion around suitability, needs and pricing.


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Cool acoustic song which I kinda tried to play off OLGA about 2 years ago. Unfortunately, they didn't use the capo and it was tough to play. So here I have figured it out again using a capo and it sounds cool. Hope you enjoy it.
Capo 2nd The one tab you will need is this descending tab. door G G/F# Em7 G/D C + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + e:-3---3-3-3---3-3-|-3---3-3-3---3-3-|-0---0-0-0---0-0-|-0---0-0-0---0-0-| B:-3---3-3-3---3-3-|-3---3-3-3---3-3-|-1---1-1-1---1-1-|-1---1-1-1---1-1-| G:-4---4-4-x---x-x-|-0---0-0-0---0-0-|-0---0-0-0---0-0-|-0---0-0-0---0-0-| D:-5---5-5-4---4-4-|-2---2-2-0---0-0-|-2---2-2-2---2-2-|-2---2-2-2---2-2-| A:-----------------|-----------------|-3---3-3-3---3-3-|-3---3-3-3---3-3-| E:-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
INTRO: Em D Em C
Em Bm Start tearing the old man down D Am7 Run past the heather and down to the old road Em Bm C Start turning the grain into the ground (C) Roll a new leaf over Em Bm In the middle of the night D Am7 There's an old man running around in the gathered rain Em Bm Well mister if you're gonna walk on water D C G Oh could you drop a line my way
CHORUS D Omaha Em C Somewhere in middle America G D Get right to the heart of matters C It's the heart that matters more G D Em Am7 I think you'd better turn your ticket in C And get your money back at the door play descending riff
Start threading a needle Brush past the shuttle that slides through the cold room Start turning the wool across the wire Roll a new life over In the middle of the day There's an old man threading his toes through a bucket of rain Hey mister you don't wanna walk on water You're only gonna walk all over me
CHORUS play descending riff 4x
Start running the banner down Drop past the color come up through the summer rain Start turning the girl into the ground Roll a new love over In the middle of the day There's a young man rolling around in the earth and rain Hey mister if you're gonna walk on water You know you're only gonna walk all over me
CHORUS 2x play descending riff C D G I'm coming home today


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Volunteer Manual
Step 1: Choose your Team
This manual is designed to provide MLS & CO volunteers the necessary tools and documentation to develop dynamic technology ecosystems. Our vision is to create a global Data+Science community, and we hope that one day, dozens of cities around the world will use our collaboration framework to cultivate a culture of innovation, leading to global impact. Let's show the world what happens when brilliant minds come together.
The Machine Learning Society is searching for the most passionate members of the technology community to help up expand our global vision to magnetize intelligence. As chapter leaders, your goal will be to develop relationships with every active participant in the Data Science world and bring them onto the CO Network, our Science | Technology collaboration network. A self-organized technology movement requires a cutting edge organizational management system with a strong leadership infrastructure.
Step 2: Submit Application
What to expect after you submit an Application
- Work with teams of passionate people to expand the community.
- Manage projects and resources.
- Create strategies to solve technical challenges.
- Develop useful resources for Data Scientists around the world.
- Grow your personal and professional network.
Step 3: Infect the World
A revolution needs to spread. From person to person, company to company and country to country. Infect the world with great ideas by following and sharing these posts on social media.


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Analyst: Auto to Steer Banner Upfront Haul
Increased sales will lead to record windfall in spring bazaar
While client budgets have not been finalized, at least one analyst believes that a surge in auto sales will lead to a record windfall in this year's upfront.
In a report issued this afternoon, Moody's Investors Service svp Neil Begley said U.S. auto sales in 2012 are on pace to grow 9.3 percent to around 14 million units, a spurt that should lead to increased spending on national broadcast and cable TV.
Auto dollars account for 13 percent of all ad sales revenue at the Big Five broadcast nets, which last year added up to $21.1 billion. On the local side (stations and cable systems), dealers and manufacturers account for as much as 25 percent of all sales.
"Strong demand for automotive advertising will magnify the expected impact of political campaign spending and the London Olympics," Begley said. "Owners of broadcast networks and TV stations will benefit the most from this surge, and among diversified media companies, CBS Corp. stands to see the most advertising revenue gains."
As it derives as much as 64 percent of its overall revenue from advertising, CBS Corp. is best situated to take advantage of big gains in the auto category. By comparison, NBCUniversal is less exposed to the vicissitudes of the marketplace (36 percent). Walt Disney Co. and News Corp. are "the most diversified of the media conglomerates and will therefore be the least affected by growth in auto ad spending," Begley said.
The analyst went on to add that Moody's anticipates record-high pricing in the 2012-13 upfront and in the subsequent scatter markets, which coincide with the launch of new car and truck models. In such a scenario, the networks can be expected to hold back as much as 5 percent to 10 percent of their inventories in order to take advantage of higher scatter rates.
Last year, the networks booked 80 percent of their available time, for an aggregate haul of $9.25 billion. CBS commanded broadcast's highest price increases, writing deals at a 13 percent premium over its year-ago rates.
The Moody's assessment does not take into account significant factors such as available GRPs, client budgets and General Motors' cancelation of its Q2 upfront commitments.
"I like the way they're thinking, but if I told you I had any idea how things were going to play out in June, I'd be grossly overstating my position," said one ad sales exec. "It's too soon to tell."
CBS chief Les Moonves is characteristically bullish on his prospects. In what has become a rite of spring, the media mogul told investors at the annual Deutsche Bank Media and Telecom confab that his sales team will command "double-digit increases" in the upfront.
If Moonves is reading the tea leaves correctly, CBS can expect another banner upfront bazaar. Last year the network took in about $2.65 billion in early commitments, an increase of some $150 million versus the 2010-11 upfront.
Automakers account for four of the top 10 TV advertisers. Last year, General Motors invested $1.11 billion in TV time, outspending Chrysler ($890.4 million), Ford ($781 million) and Toyota ($767.4 million).


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Turkish prosecutors expand investigation into Gezi Park protests
Turkish prosecutors have invited lawyer Can Atalay and city planner Tayfun Kahraman to testify in investigations into the 2013 Gezi Park protests, the biggest anti-government demonstrations since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002, news website Artı Gerçek said on Wednesday.
Thirteen people, including academics and civil society activists were detained this month in Istanbul for what the prosecutors said their role in organising the protests.
The detentions were linked to the case of Turkish philanthropist and businessman Osman Kavala, who has been held in prison for more than a year without an indictment.
Kavala and the detainees are reportedly accused of spreading the protests to other cities in Turkey, recruiting foreign activists from abroad, and promoting the demonstrations in the media.
Twelve of the detainees were later released with travel bans, while Yiğit Aksakoğlu, a civil society professional who mostly campaigns for children rights, was officially arrested for taking part in a meeting on non-violent protests after the Gezi Park events ended.
The prosecutors also took statements of a large number of people in relation to the investigation, Artı Gerçek said.
Both Atalay and Kahraman, who are invited by the prosecutors to give statements, were members of the Taksim Solidarity group, an initiative that was founded mainly by architects and city planners to oppose the government's plans to build a shopping mall modelled on the Ottoman military barracks that had previously stood on the site of Gezi Park.
The prosecutors also invited Ahmet Saymadı, a journalist who in late May 2013 was the first person to inform the Turkish public via Twitter that municipality workers had started cutting down trees in the Gezi Park to begin construction.
A small number of activists later started a sit-in in the park, but the protest turned into country wide events that lasted for almost a month.


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Noise Amelioration Plan for the Wagerup Alumina Refinery
After the consultation
Wagerup Alumina Refinery Noise Ameliroation Plan3.48 MB amended in response to the consultation outcomes.
DER's response to submissions is available:
Wagerup Alumina Refinery Noise Amelioration Plan: Consultation Outcomes report 202.96 KB
Appendices to the Wagerup Alumina Refinery Noise Amelioration Plan: Consultation Outcomes report 3.44 MB
Also available is the Alcoa Refinery Wagerup Noise Monitoring Report
- T & S Cockerham9.38 MB
- Community Alliance for Positive Solutions Inc (CAPS)4.76 MB
- Primary Business Services for Ferraro2.43 MB
- P Ferraro2.54 MB
- E Walmsley3.02 MB
Feedback request
Under the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 Alcoa of Australia Ltd (Alcoa) was issued a Regulation 17 approval by the Minister for Environment to exceed the assigned noise levels, the Environmental Protection (Wagerup Alumina Refinery Noise Emissions) Approval 2012.
The approval was amended after appeal by issue of the Environmental Protection (Wagerup Alumina Refinery Noise Emissions) Amendment Approval 2013. Under Clause 6 (1) of the consolidated approval Alcoa was required to submit a Noise Amelioration Plan (the plan) to the Department of Environment Regulation (DER) within three months of the start day of the approval. The plan was received by DER on 10 March 2014.
Clause 6 (3) of the approval enables DER to request that Alcoa revise the Wagerup Alumina Refinery Noise Amelioration Plan1.72 MB. DER sought submissions to identify matters that may require revision.
The consultation period for public submissions closed on Friday 9 May 2014.
All submissions received are listed above.
For any questions related to this consultation, contact DER on 6467 5000.


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Being Black in Corporate America: An Intersectional Exploration
Corporate America needs to awaken to the challenges faced by black professionals. Black professionals are more likely to encounter prejudice and microaggressions than any other racial or ethnic group in the workplace. They are also less likely than their white counterparts to have access to senior leaders and support from their managers. Yet few white professionals see what their black colleagues are up against. In Being Black in Corporate America: An Intersectional Exploration, the Center for Talent Innovation delivers a multifaceted analysis on the obstacles that prevent many black professionals from reaching the C-Suite. This ground-breaking research hands top leaders approaches and best practices to advance and retain black professionals. By absorbing and acting on this research, employers can create transformative solutions that will generate meaningful change. The findings in this report are essential for all professionals and leaders. (12/9/2019, Report - 75 pages)
Sponsors: Danaher, Interpublic Group, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, Morgan Stanley, Pfizer, Unilever, The Walt Disney Company


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Moist and delicious. Pretty enough for a party!
1 strawberry cake mix with pudding in it
1 3 oz. box strawberry gelatin
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed but not drained
1 3 oz. box of white chocolate instant pudding
1 8 oz. tub of whipped topping
Make cake in a 9×13" pan according to directions; cool. Use a meat fork to poke holes all over it. Dissolve the gelatin in 1 C. boiling water, cool slightly, and then pour this liquid evenly over the cake.
For the topping, stir the pudding mix into the thawed berries until blended, then add the whipped topping. Spread over the cake. Store, covered, in the fridge. Freezes well, too.
Kitchen Hint: Sugar-free gelatin, pudding, and lite whipped topping work fine.


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- And all to improve his chances on Twitter.
We all want to be younger. Well, everyone over the age of 21 anyhow. But did you ever want to legally change your age?
There was a man who did want to change his, not to be older but instead to be 20 years younger. However, the courts had other ideas for him.
Emile Ratelband filed a lawsuit against the Dutch Government requesting his birth date be changed. He was born on March 11th, 1949 and wanted to change the date to reflect being born March 11th, 1969.
The courts in the Netherlands, city of Arnhem, rejected the application to change his birth date legally. The report said that while Ratelband "is at liberty to feel 20 years younger than his real age and to act accordingly," changing the birth certificate is not possible and will not be done.
"Amending his date of birth would cause 20 years of records to vanish from the register of births, deaths, marriages and registered partnerships. This would have a variety of undesirable legal and societal implications," the court explained.
Ratelband wanted to change his birth date to improve his chances on Tinder. "I feel much younger than my age, I am a young god, I can have all the girls I want but not after I tell them that I am 69. I feel young, I am in great shape and I want this to be legally recognized because I feel abused, aggrieved and discriminated against because of my age."
He even went as far as to compare his attempt at changing his age to identifying as transgender. "We live in a time when you can change your name and change your gender. Why can't I decide my own age?"
The court recognized that the law was changed to allow people to change their gender after the issue was debated globally and that Ratelband is the only person advocating for legal age change. The court also told him there are other legal means at his disposal if he truly feels that he is a victim of discrimination.


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Houston ~ Shaw Montgomery
A Dom who likes wearing panties and lace isn't what most submissives expect when they look at Houston. Doms are supposed to look intimidating in leather, not sexy in leather and lace. When long looks and a curious encounter with his new roommate make Houston think there might be some interest from Reece, he isn't sure what to do. Reece is straight, isn't he?
Reece has known he was bi for a long time, but the Doms he's met don't seem to be able to accept that. When his new roommate makes Reece's submissive side want to roll over and beg for a spanking, he's not sure what to do. Houston gives orders like a seasoned Dom, but is taking a chance worth the possibility of embarrassing himself and being asked to leave?


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It would appear that HomeKit support is imminent for the Doorbell Pro and Spotlight Cam. The HomeKit mess started in 2016 when Ring announced HomeKit support for their DoorBell Pro. But despite many promises, HomeKit support has not arrived.
But it looks like things are about to change for Ring neighbours that use HomeKit, as reported on zatznotfunny.com earlier today.
Since 2016, the Ring Twitter account had been copy and pasting the same repeated PR messages of "HomeKit support Coming soon." But it looks like we have movement on the Ring HomeKit support. After Twitter user @mrdanielfeo spotted two new entries in Apple MFI program, the Ring Doorbell Pro and Spotlight Cam.
Until recently, Apple required manufacturers to use a special MFi chip for all HomeKit certified devices. However, since 2018, Apple removed the need for the chip and now only requires a software authentication method.
While we saw this move by Apple as a big step forward for smart home manufacturers. It has still taken time for devices to come onboard with Ring being one of the slow adopters.
However, with these latest revelations, could we now see Ring Homekit support arrive and with WWDC around the corner, will this announced inline with Apples big event and rumoured changes to Homekit?


text: steelnut 4,440 Report post Posted June 15, 2019 I am sorry to be constantly asking for advice and tips, but every year I seem to be finding new things that I want to learn about. So, I started planting cabbage made 7-8 years ago and I had heard about sprinkling egg shells around the base to prevent cut worms, slugs, whatever. It's always worked. I just finally got the rest of the garden planted on 6/4. I did the sprinkling of the egg shells, I checked today and two were cut right off at the base??? Any ideas on what would cross the egg shells and do this? Thanks so much! Oh and so far, the eggplant and kohlrabi that are in the same raised bed are okay. Quote "If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." -- Jack Lambert -- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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For our podcast's second birthday we wanted to revisit a movie that is kind of the source of our podcast's existence! That said, it is important that we make a couple things clear.
- We love Hilary Duff.
- This movie doesn't make much sense.
- There is NOT a kiss at the end of this movie.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


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Are you qualified? Can you apply?
Preliminary Qualifications:
• Long-standing JW.
• Reasonably available on a flexible basis on any day of the week in the British Museum.
• Interest in Bible history.
• Reasonable health.
• Strong and clear voice.
• Pleasant and attractive personality.
• Good with people.
How to Apply: Simply send an overview of your background, and the reasons why you think that you would make a good Bible Tours guide, to our email address. Apply by email here.


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Monument to a World Without White Supremacy
Document Description: Around 250 students and community members gathered on August 20, 2018 at the Peace and Justice Plaza onContinue Reading
Reclaiming the University of the People
Racial Justice Movements at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Document Description: Around 250 students and community members gathered on August 20, 2018 at the Peace and Justice Plaza onContinue Reading
Document Description: In October 2015, the Real Silent Sam Coalition held a continuous reading of slave narratives in front ofContinue Reading
Document Description: In August 2011, a new organization formed comprised of both students and Chapel Hill and Carrboro permanent residents,Continue Reading
The University's Confederate Monument, which has been known since the 1950s as "Silent Sam," operated for over a century asContinue Reading
McCorkle Place is the memorial nexus of the University and the campus's symbolic front lawn. Within the space, there areContinue Reading
Excerpt Description: Mars Earle describes how the movement to rename Saunders Hall prioritized the leadership of Black women, Black femmes,Continue Reading
Excerpt Description: Michelle Brown remembers the renaming of Saunders Hall and the activism of the Real Silent Sam Coalition, statingContinue Reading
Excerpt Description: Michelle Brown explains how difficult communicating across student organizations and interests can be, but how necessary it isContinue Reading
Excerpt Description: John Bradley explains that when movements stall, there is a need to shift the public narrative in orderContinue Reading
Excerpt Description: Donelle Boose explains that the need for institutional self-preservation operates against student activism. https://uncofthepeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/boose-donelle_pressure1.mp3 Interviewee Name: Donelle Boose Interviewer:Continue Reading


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With less than 72 hours to the take off of the 2010 MTV Africa Music Award all eyes is already on Alex Okosi, the senior Vice President and Chief Executive of MTV Africa Networks.
Everyone thinks he has to prove a point. The event must be worth every bit of the promo.
He told gistmaster.com and other present at Eko Hotel and Suites, venue of the pre- award press conference on Tuesday that MTV is ready!
To many people, the outcome of the MTV Africa Music Award 2010 would determine the biggest entertainment award in Nigeria.
Yes, MTV is bigger than other channels providing entertainment to viewers in Nigeria and Africa at large but an event is not determined by that level. We are eagerly waiting for the award to take place and then say where it is the biggest event or not.
Okosi assured us that things would done properly at to make the event. For now, it is the most anticipated event of the year.
The first edition of MAMA took place in Abuja, Nigeria while the second one took place in Kenya, a east African nation.
Yes, people see it as one of the highest level of recognition one can attain in the music industry because of the worldwide reach and reputation of the organization behind it.
By Niyi Tabiti


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The exhibition was opened on 21 December 2010 in the restored premises at Totorių street 2/8 in Vilnius (author of the project — architect D. Juškienė). The exhibition's area is 260 m2. It is adapted for the different needs of visitors, it is convenient for people of various ages as well as those with handicaps. Lifts for handicapped people operate at the museum. The handles for pulling out the stand drawers are at a comfortable height. Some of the exhibition's stands have automatic moving transporters that, with the help of a button, allow regulating the height for viewing the plates with the exhibits and the magnifying glasses. The key information at the museum is presented in Lithuanian and English, but a multi-language audio-guide has been installed with portable electronic devices that have touch sensitive screens and this allows the user to select a tour of the museum in another language. Visitors who are visually impaired are provided with a special audio-guide that has easy-to-find buttons. Visitors that are hearing impaired can use a tablet computer that presents the exhibition in sign language.
For visually handicapped visitors, the Museum offers a special audio guide. For people with hearing disability, the narration about the Museum's exhibition is translated into sign language on the screen of a tablet computer.
The Money Museum is an interactive museum not only adapted to passively viewing the exposition, but also to the visitor's active participation in the cognitive process. The Museum is equipped with computer terminals that have special programmes, specially-oriented internet access, thematic, educational and documentary films, games, presentations, virtual exhibitions. A lot of attention is paid towards the encouragement and promotion of economic education. The Money Museum's visual graphic solutions, integration of pieces of art, various interactive means, visual, sound and light effects have not only been employed to interest and provide the visitor with knowledge, but to help accumulate and consolidate that knowledge, to encourage them to go into detail, interpret and search for answers on their own. For the convenience of individual visitors, an informational terminal is available about the set-up of the halls, exhibitions in the Museum. The first surprise awaits visitors as soon as they enter the Museum. As they approach a phone that was used at the Bank of Lithuania during the inter-war period, it suddenly rings and a message lights up: "Please pick up the phone". When visitors answer the call, they can hear a greeting from the Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania and are invited to explore the Museum.
There are five exhibition halls in the Museum: History of Money, History of Banking, Modern Money, Lithuania's Money, Exhibition and Education.
Taking the stairs down to the History of Money Hall, visitors are met with an artistic composition above the door — "Architectural Exposure" — made from the national banknotes of European Union states with built-in calculating machines (artist L. Pivoriūnas).
The disintegrated banknotes became for the artist their construction material, a perfect means of artistic expression and a symbol marking Europe's transition into a new epoch.


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Review by Dr. Douglas L. Hazen
Review of Puddles of Ithaca by Dr. Douglas L. HazenThe new children's picture book Puddles of Ithaca by author Richard Davison chronicles a bygone era missing from today's Americana. Reading Mr. Davison's book is like a journey into a Norman Rockwell painting. What is provided for the reader is a brief look into our past, a time when life was immeasurably simpler. This was the pre-Sputnik period. People had no cell phones, few had TV's, milk was delivered twice per week to the front door in glass bottles, children who played in the communities were actually known by their neighbors, the drive-in-movie theater entertained whole families, and movie houses offered ¢.50 three-hour Saturday afternoon matinees for the kids. Towns still had corner grocery stores and pharmacies had soda bars. Such is the setting of Mr. Davison's new book.
Puddles of Ithaca is a story of young boy – it so happens the boy is the book's author – set during this idealic time in a small town in Upstate New York. The boy is given a choice by a neighbor of selecting a puppy from a dog's litter. Puddles of Ithaca is a delightful short story of the relationship that develops between this boy and his dog. It even has a heroic moment when Puddles saves the family from a house fire. For parents who might want to share with their young children a wonderful view of America that is lost to our yesteryear, Puddles of Ithaca provides this opportunity. Enjoy!Dr. Douglas L. HazenPublished by Xlibris Publishing and Illustrated by MikeMotz.com


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"Volcano" singer Brooke Candy threw one of New York Fashion Week's wildest parties, which doubled as a late-night presentation for South Korean brand Kaimin. The spring '18 collection, titled "Slut From the Future," was unveiled alongside live performances from Candy, special guest Lizzo, and a lineup of queer NYC hosts including Ugly Worldwide, Ian Isiah, Sateen and Richie Shazam. Presented by nightlife ringleader Susanne Bartsch at On Top, Kaimin's NYFW show was as much an unruly party as it was an over-the-top fashion spectacle, packed with Vogue dancers, bondage and hot tub makeout sessions.
Photography: Emily Lipson


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Our staff at Richmond Hill School are being encouraged to wear blue to work today as the January blues catch up with everyone!
We are also asking other staff to speak to someone they wouldn't normally speak with to coincide with today!
Happy Blue Monday!
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Click here for more information.


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At the Posh Paw Resort, we want your dog to experience a comfortable relaxing stay along with active play time and plenty of staff interaction and affection. We understand dogs need active healthy stimulation and human contact to enjoy a balanced stay.Our overnight boarding options include Luxury Suites (individual bedrooms), Small Dog Boarding Room suites, and modern Medium and Large suites in our main kennel area. Play time is included in overnight stays, either as group play or one on one with our staff, in one of our indoor Rubberized play rooms, Luxury lounge with a tv, or outdoors in one of the spacious Turf yards. If your pet currently takes medication, we will be glad to ensure that they receive the proper dosage while you are away, for no additional fee. However, we do not give injections so would recommend boarding at a veterinary facility for these needs. Our experienced staff consists of both Vet Technicians and certified CPR and first aid techs to evaluate all guests. During the day, Daycamp approved dogs play while being monitored by our caring staff members. Your dog does not need to be spayed or neutered in order to board with us but they do have to be in order to participate in daycamp. Separate play time with a human is also provided for those not attending daycamp. Sundays we do not offer organized Daycamp but guests will be going out 5-6 times during the day with their playgroup friends or a human. Closed holidays will follow the same routine. We also have webcams onsite where you are able to view your dog at play. Your pet may also enjoy a spa visit prior to leaving their vacation at The Posh Paw by booking a grooming appointment at check in. Check-out time for overnight guests is 3:00 pm Mon-Fri. Pickup after 3:00 will incur a $10 late pickup fee. Saturday and Sunday the fee is waived. If your pet receives a grooming service while boarding, the late pickup fee is waived.
Overnight stay includes:
- Clean and Inviting Suite with raised bed
- Webcam access to the Facility
- Daycamp – supervised play time with other dogs (if qualified) or one on one play with staff
- Outdoor time 6 to 7 times a day including once before bedtime
- Administration of medicine(s)
- Dhlppv, Bordetella, and Rabies Vaccinations
- Completed enrollment form
Posh Paw Suite- 6 x 4' overnight rate
- $44/night
- 2nd guest or more – $34/night
Royal Paw Suite – 6 x 7' overnight rate
- $58/night
- 2nd guest – $48/night
- 3rd guest or more – $38/night
Petite Paw Suite – 4 x 4' overnight rate
- $39/night – Single Occupancy only
Luxury Queen or King Suite – 7 x 7' overnight rate
- $68/night
- 2nd guest - $58/night
- 3rd guest or more- $38/night
Posh Paw Perks available online or at check-in
|All Natural Banana & Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt by Yoghund
|$3 per cup
|All Natural Apple Juice & Cheddar Frozen Yogurt by Yoghund
|$3 per cup
|Bark Avenue Bakery Baked Treat
|$1.50 per treat
|Kong Toy with Treat
|$2.50 per treat
|Spa & Pampering
|Ear cleaning
|Nail trim
|Nail grind
|Pawdicure - Nail grind & Polish
|Teeth brushing
|Grooming Special - nail grind,teeth,anal glands
|Cuddle session - 10 minute private one on one with staff member
|$10 per day
|Private Dining - Meal time with a staff member or in private room
|$4 per meal
|Snack Package - Includes Frozen Yogurt, Bark Avenue treats, Kong with treat
|$5 per day
|Pamper Me Posh Package - featured on our Facebook page and cuddle session
|$15 per day
|Ultimate Posh Package - Includes the Pamper me Posh and Snack Package
|$18 per day


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Dr R Lal Tummala, Professor and chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering, San Diego state University visited Department of Electronics and communication Engineering to address the students on 'Higher education and Research' on 24.1.2018. His scientific contributions include 28 publications and projects in the areas of Control, Robotics and Embedded System.
He talked about one of his projects which aim at saving civilians after natural disaster/ building collapse through robots. The concept was inspired by lizards to create robots that can track and locate people who are trapped under the debris after natural disaster/ building collapse. The robots can crawl over standing walls and on ceilings without falling off. His motive is to manufacture robots and contribute to the Ministry of Defense to use in the war situations and reduce human death toll.


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I can help you improve your recruitment and retention, reduce sickness absence, build really effective teams and provide great management and leadership.
Case Studies
Find out some of the organisations I have worked with in the public, private and charity sectors, and the difference made to individuals and teams.
Choose from a range of programmes to help you recruit and build a productive team. Understand the causes of absenteeism and how to manage it effectively.
" Gill's expertise helped us to quickly and effectively understand the legal implications and requirements in relation to data protection that will result from our development of a national patient registry for inherited progressive sight loss." Max Griffin, RP Fighting Blindness
"Approachable, organised, competent and effective…We know Gill will keep us on the straight and sustainable path."
Anne Davidson, COO, Ultramed


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As a music producer, Mark Ronson has been responsible for some of the best, most respectfully-orchestrated updates on '60s and '70s soul music, which showcase his prowess as a sampler. With this in mind, he's a great choice to serve as an advocate for sampling in this new TED Talk, as his compositions are easier on the ears of the elderly and intellectual elite than, say, Girl Talk's. Watch the above video to hear Ronson talk about the importance of sampling in our "collective consciousness," and even demonstrate the power of the medium.
When preparing for this talk, Ronson must have quickly realized that the best way to make a TED Talk audience appreciate sampling is by remixing the webseries' theme song, which he does to kick off this video. After winning the audience's attention (and garnering considerable applause), Ronson explains the origins of sampling in music, tracing them back to twin pillars of the art form: De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising and Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique. He calls the two albums the "Sgt. Pepper's of their day," and goes on to explain the impetus behind the dawn of sampling:
"They weren't sampling these records because they were too lazy to write their own music, they weren't sampling these records to cash in on the familiarity of the original stuff. To be honest, it was about sampling really obscure things. Except for a few obvious exceptions like Vanilla Ice thing we know about. But the thing is, they were sampling those records because they heard something in that music that spoke to them, that they instantly wanted to inject themselves into the narrative of that music. All of the sudden, they found themselves in possession of the technology to do so."
In an attempt to legitimize this to his older audience, Ronson compares this moment of hip hop's first flirtations with sampling to the "co-opting" of Delta blues done by Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and others in the 1960s -- "In music, we take something we love and build on it."
Ronson then embarks down the very interesting path that Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh's "La Di Da Di" has travelled in the sampling world, with elements of the song popping up in over 540 different pieces of music after it was released in 1984. Using his DJ setup, he shows how Snoop Dogg, The Notorious B.I.G. (who he calls "Thoroughly Modern Biggie" in yet another attempt to cross generation gaps) and lastly, Miley Cyrus have co-opted lyrics, themes and musical elements of the song. His points are illustrated beautifully by his deft DJing skills, which are enough to make even the stodgiest rockist -- who he describes as "racists but only about rock music" -- impressed.
The talk closes with another mashup of TED ephemera, combining previous TED Talks by pianist Derek Paravicini and spoken word artist Emmanuel Jal into an emotionally-impactful composition. Ronson's talk is interesting, informative and bolstered by his "showing" rather than "telling." Check out more of his music right here on Zumic.
Source: TED.com


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GlaxoSmithKline awarded $40,000 each to The Healing Place of Wake County, Raleigh; Helping Hand Clinic, Sanford; Housing for New Hope, Durham; Moore Free Care Clinic, Southern Pines; North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center, Mebane; and Senior PharmAssist, Durham.
Bowl Away CF raised over $23,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at inaugural event at Buffaloe Lanes, Cary.
City Market Pig Wars, new First Friday event at City Market, Raleigh, raised over $4,800 for Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Greensboro-based Market America and SHOP.COM donated $5,000 to Earlier.org to help fight breast cancer.
Mission Foundation reached $15 million goal to help fund SECU Cancer Center, Mission Hospital, Asheville; SECU Foundation jumpstarted campaign with $5 million grant in 2010.
N.C. Rural Economic Development Center awarded 62 grants totaling $9.6 million, through appropriations from N.C. General Assembly and other funders, to create 1,211 new jobs and assist projects benefiting 51 counties.
John Rex Endowment, Raleigh, making capacity-building grants totaling $97,900 to N.C. Pediatric Society, Pan Lutheran Ministries, Alliance of Disability Advocates, and Autism Society of North Carolina.
Waste Industries USA donated commercial front-end loader worth $115,000 to Heavy Equipment and Transport Technology program, Wake Technical Community College.
Greensboro Urban Ministry's 20th annual Feast of Caring on Nov. 7 raised $46,092 in donations and pledges, and attracted 2,105 guests.
Winston-Salem Symphony received $40,000 grant from Samuel A. and Roslyn S. Harris Fund, The Winston-Salem Foundation.
PCL Construction Services, Charlotte, donated $10,000 to help kick off annual Harvest Feast Marathon, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Charlotte.
Arts Together, Raleigh, awarded $5,000 grant from Verizon for organizational sponsorship.
SunTrust Foundation, Durham, will make grants of $15,000 each to Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Raleigh, and to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, Winston-Salem. SunTrust branches in both regions will support both food banks by conducting public food drives through December 2011 and January 2012.
CORRAL Riding Academy, Cary, received grant from Stephenson Pope Babcock Foundation.
Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture, Duke University, received $1 million pledge to endow its directorship from Merle Hoffman.
Blue Water Spa, Raleigh, donated $107,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County.
Carolina Hurricanes' Kids 'N Community Foundation, Raleigh, awarded $35,000, its largest grant ever, to Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem to feed over 800 families who stay there annually while their children receive medical care at local hospitals.
Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, Winston-Salem, received two match grants totaling $20,000 from State Farm, and grant of $59,772 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Minneapolis, or 55 percent of cost of building Habitat home for local family.
Biogen Idec Foundation, Research Triangle Park, and Triangle Community Foundation, Durham, awarded 17 grants totaling nearly $30,000 to Triangle-area schools and nonprofits for science education.
Jacob's Ladder Job Center, Charlotte, raised $17,000 at 13th anniversary celebration.
John William Pope Foundation, Raleigh, awarding $1.24 million in grants to humanitarian, arts and education nonprofits, and to universities in Raleigh area; Foundation also raised $300,000 at its 25th anniversary dinner for StepUP Ministry, Raleigh.
Harris Teeter, Greensboro district, giving $8,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, Winston-Salem.
Junior League of Charlotte received $3,000 from Speedway Children's Charities.
Blue Water Spa, Raleigh, donated $107,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County.


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I have an HP Laserjet 1536dnf MFP which is connected by a Lan wire to the hub and there are three conmputers on the network having windows 7 ultimate. All three computers have the HP installed on it and they can print and scan expect one which strangely prints but scanning doesn't work.
I should mention that this computer has windows 7 professional comparing the other two which have windows 7 ultimate edition.
I removed and reinstalled the driver again but still the same problem?!
Any solution is very much appreciated!
It's a widespread problem with older HP multi-function and standalone scanners even though they supply Win7 drivers for it. The driver seems to allow printing only, no scan or copy on Windows 7. I was unable to find a fix to recommend.
Thanks! I eventually connected the third computer using the USB port of HP and now both print and scan functions well - meanwhile it is still connected by Lan wire but this way it only functions for printing.


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- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups panko
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut
- 4 8-ounce halibut fillets
Place flour in a pie plate or other shallow dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk egg and coconut milk in another shallow dish until blended.
Mix panko and coconut together. Season with salt and pepper.
In assembly-line fashion, dip each piece of fish into flour; shake off excess and dip it in the egg mixture, followed by the panko mixture, pressing to coat. Place on baking sheet in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add halibut and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until crisp and brown. Knife should slide through top of fish when it is done. Lower the temperature if the fish gets too dark.
Serve hot.


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Paxful is a Peer to Peer Bitcoin marketplace connecting buyers with sellers. The company's platform allows people to trade in Bitcoin. Paxful is not an exchange that stores crypto-assets, but rather an exchange platform for the currency.
The company was founded in 2015 by Ray Youssef the firm's CEO and Artur Schaback, Paxful's CTO, and now plans to expand its operations across various parts of the African continent.
According to Youssef, African Bitcoin traders accounted for 41% of all of the platform's new users in 2018. On average, their transactions are worth less than $90 each. African users now make up roughly 35% of accounts on Paxful, a platform with 160,000 monthly users.
Why is Paxful interested in Africa?
Simply because Africa is interested in Paxful. Africans are genuinely skeptical people and that's what makes them great. They use that skepticism and focus on what is essential for them to use to be able to succeed or get ahead and control the way they spend and send money. And with that idea in mind, they focused on using Paxful because they see it as a helpful tool to take control of their finances. It's quite simple, the African people needed something to help them and they decided that Paxful is the right peer-to-peer platform to use.
What makes Paxful different from all the other Bitcoin marketplaces out there?
We are three things in one – Firstly, we are a marketplace where you can buy and sell bitcoin. Secondly, we have a free Bitcoin wallet that our users can use within our platform. Lastly, we listen to our customers. That's not only a marketing statement. We really do. We have a customer support that is dedicated to hear out our users' concerns. And our users from Africa is a big part of that. We can honestly say that our Africans helped us grow the platform into a user-centric platform.
Paxful is currently active in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, among other countries. Does Paxful plan to branch out into other markets in the African region or beyond?
Within Africa we are also looking at South Africa, which is our 5th biggest market. Outside Africa, we are currently looking at the Latin America Region. Countries there like Colombia and Venezuela are in desperate need of an alternative financial system and we believe that Paxful can help the people living in those regions to bounce back and take control of their finances. Lastly, we are also looking at Southeast Asia. There is a hidden technological hub in that region and people are looking straight at cryptocurrency. I believe that the next big crypto step will come from the Southeast Asian Region.
Why do you think some Africans are distrustful of cryptocurrency?
Though the African people are well-versed with trading Bitcoin, the information that they need do not reach them. That is the void that we at Paxful are trying to fill. That's why we are currently going through an African tour so we can spread the information that will equip the African people the edge that they need to be successful using our platform. We are slowly and surely spreading the word about how peer-to-peer finance can change the way we see, use and send money.
There is a whole side of Bitcoin that many people should know and that's peer-to-peer finance. Most Africans when they hear Bitcoin they know about two things: mining and day trading. Mining now generates low returns and many people get burned with day trading. I personally don't encourage people to do both things. Imagine sending money to anyone in the world with low to absolutely no fees. It's instant, and in several cases, you can make more money out of it. You can be an entrepreneur from your own home. If we provide the right information, a new generation of empowered young African entrepreneurs will lead this new financial ecosystem.
According to Paxful, African Bitcoin traders accounted for 41% of all the platform's new users in 2018. Do you think this trend will continue in 2019?
Absolutely. 2018 was just the beginning people started to naturally adopt the peer-to-peer system. In 2019, we will push for more adoption by providing accessible information to everyone on this new financial ecosystem.
What are Paxful's plans in the near or distant future?
We are looking to focus more on Africa – understanding the people, listening to their problems and finding a solution to those problems. This means opening up a new space on the ground, finding trusted partners that understand the true mission of Bitcoin and Paxful, going around the universities for meet-ups and empowering young minds. If we plant the idea that they can change the current status that they are in, the African people's resiliency and determination will be enough motivation.


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30 YearsCelebration
To be the most admired
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Leave your suggestions here
Share your feedback and ideas on how we can be the most admired. Win rewards.
Your home will be your most valuable asset for years to come. And now is the best time to buy one at Brigade Orchards in Devanahalli, a 130-acre smart township with 80 acres of open space, located just ten minutes from the International Airport. Self-contained, ecologically sustainable and future-ready, you can choose from multiple choices of residential and lifestyle options here. Whether you are an investor or looking for your next residence, Brigade Orchards is the place that truly offers you a better Bangalore.


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The Chickpea is one of the oldest cultivated legumes still in cultivation today. Its history dates back thousands of years in the Middle East, where it remains a staple crop. But Chickpeas have garnered a global fan base over the last few decades, and today, hummus made from Mediterranean Chickpeas is an incredibly healthy and popular snack around the globe, and Chickpeas are a must in modern Bean salads. You've likely only seen them dried or canned in the supermarket, but it's easy and rewarding to grow your own. Chickpeas love full sun and well-drained soil, and require a long season. Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting them out into the garden on or after the last frost date. Or direct-sow 1 to 2 weeks prior to your last frost date. Plants grow up to 18" tall and bear white to pale purple flowers that yield 1-inch-long pods containing one or two Chickpeas each. Chickpeas can be harvested and eaten fresh, but they are usually dried for storage. When the entire plant has turned brown in late summer, pull it from the soil and lay it out to dry entirely, then remove the Chickpeas and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot.
Average seed life: 3 years.
Average seed life: 3 years.
Pascia Chickpea#1272


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Warner Bros. Adjusts 'Birds Of Prey' Name Due To Underwhelming Box Office
By Mikelle Leow, 12 Feb 2020
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Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
DC superhero movie Birds of Prey clawed in underwhelming results at the North American box office over the weekend, forcing Warner Bros. Pictures to tweak the film's title for more recognition.
The film reaped US$33 million at the opening in North America, which was less than the amount executives were expecting despite clinching the top spot this weekend.
The disappointing box office could be influenced by the movie's 'R' rating, in addition to viewers' unfamiliarity with its characters.
To boost ticket sales, Warner Bros. decided to replace the movie's official title, Birds of Prey: the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, with Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey on ticket merchants' sites like AMC, Cinemark and Regal. As audiences are more acquainted with Harley Quinn, the name tweak will hopefully grab more attention.
A representative of Warner Bros. told CNN Business that the original title hasn't actually changed. Rather, the new name was created to help moviegoers find the title on ticket websites.
Birds of Prey's lackluster opening in North America might have been a head-scratcher for executives, since it received an 80-percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
#BirdsOfPrey has been retitled for movie audiences, the new marketing name:— MoviesMatrix 🎥 (@MoviesMatrix) February 10, 2020
🤔 What do you think about the updated title? Good idea, too late, don't like it, etc?#HarleyQuinn #HarleyQuinnBirdsOfPrey pic.twitter.com/pQtbTxhLdk
[via CNN Business, cover image via Warner Bros. Pictures]
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Prime Social answers the call for helpShare this story:
Prime Social is donating games and toys Tuesday, December 18th in Galveston for a Christmas party helping orphaned children.
On Sunday, they heard the story that thieves had stolen games ordered for the party so that volunteers could play with the kids.
On Tuesday morning, Prime Social will deliver toys to the party to make up for what was lost. For the past few weeks, Prime Social has held a toy drive at their location on Westheimer, collecting toys from members who want to give back to the community.
The Children's Center is an orphanage in Galveston that helps hundreds of kids in need.
"We thought the timing was perfect during our toy drive to help lend a hand to a group that was going through an unfortunate situation right before their big event," said Prime Social Founder Dean Maddox. "Our members have been generous, and we are happy to help out."
The Children's Center is also accepting donations tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sea Star Base, located at 7509 Broadway St in Galveston. They are accepting toiletry items and children's clothes.Keep up with us on social media:


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• Gemvas' P5 million system remains idle
• Some employees on six months contracts
• Gemvas value estimated at P600 million
• BOFEPUSU sets up newspaper business
The termination of a multi-million pula contract for administration of Government Employees Motor Vehicle and Residential Property Advance Scheme (GEMVAS) from Unigem in May 2015 has crippled the trade union investment company leading to some employees retained on six months contracts, The Patriot on Sunday has learnt. Three months after government, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), pulled the plug on Unigem the company is alleged to have retained skeletal staff on contracts for six months. Government has now trained their sight on acquiring the services of Unigem executive management with whom megotiations are ongoing. Following the takeover, government engaged Unigem on consultancy basis for P1 million in June 2015 to facilitate the process.
Unigem Chief Executive Officer Julian Willie rubbished allegations that the withdrawal of Gemvas has thrown his company into financial doldrums. He said except for only two temporary employees who remained behind when the Ministry of Finance took over 98 per cent of staff working on the scheme and some short term employees, they do not have employees on temporary contracts. He said just like in any other organisation Unigem employees work on contracts ranging between six months and two years, which are reviewed when the term ends. He explained that currently some staff members' contracts come to an end in December 2015, some in 2016 and others in 2017. "(Ministry of) Finance got almost 98% (33 out of 35) of staff working on the scheme. Only two remained and have been given six months temporary arrangement.
The status of all other employees in our subsidiarises has not changed," said Willie. He said despite that Gemvas was their biggest source of revenue its withdrawal cannot be said to have crippled the company as it was not their only livelihood. Unigem is a 50 per cent shareholder and administrator of Botlhe Medical aid, and owns 60% Federated Insurance brokers, which Willie said sustain the business. Sources close to the company said it is on the verge of announcing two major investments in financial services sector (asset management and legal insurance), which Willie declined to discuss.
The Patriot on Sunday can also confirm that government has paid Unigem P5 million for the purchase of a computerised sytem for processing public servants' applications under the scheme. Despite the transaction government has not collected the system and employees at the ministry of finance are forced to process applications manually, three months since takeover of the scheme.
It has also emerged that the MFDP has over the years rejected innovations proposed by Unigem to improve benefits and service delivery for public servants in the scheme. MFDP failed to approve a suggestion for in-house registration of mortgage bonds for free; to review government guarantee with participating banks to favour government and reduce risk;consideration of permanent allowances when calculating the ceiling as in the case of nurses and Botswana Defence Force (BDF); ellegibility criteria to be raised from 25% to 33%;combination of salaries for public servants and that opf the spiuse working in parastatals; and considering financing agricultural implements and machinery, multi-residential developments and other commercial developments since government employees can now engage in private business.
The report reveals that even though Botswana savings bank revised their pricing from 7.5% to 8.75% effective December 2014, majority of public servants were still using the bank for residential applications ast at 15 May 2015. This appeared to be risky on the bank side as the turnaround time for disbursements increased tremedously due to liquidity crisis in the banlking sector. The MFDP was noticfied of the challenge but never intervened, leading to a sharp decline in applications at the bank. While the bank handled 94% of applications under the scheme in January 2014, which amounted to P23.496 million this decline to just 47% percent applications worth P5.513 million in May 2015. From as far back as 2013 the MFDP has refused to implement a decision to reduce interest rates under the scheme with some banks after Unigem succesfully negotiated the best rates at First National Bank and Standard Chartered bank. Since being notified on June 25, 2014 MFDp has never acted on the proposal leading to public servants to continue to suffer exhorbitant interest rates.
Meanwhile BOFEPUSU leadership has by-passed Unigem management and made a decision to take up majority shareholding in a new publication set to be launched soon. The publication is partly co-owned by local journalists-cum-businessmen. However the decision has set the federation leadership on a collision course with their investment company-Unigem, The Patriot on Sunday is reliably informed. Documents seen by this publication show that the federation has made a request to Unigem to fund the newspaper business and avail resources ( a loan for P150 000, two vehicles and office space at Babereki house) to support its establishment despite that the decision was never sanctioned by investment experts at the company.


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Joining the crisis in Tripoli on the side of the UN-backed Presidential Council have been groups such as the Benghazi Defence Brigades, designated by the US and the UK as a terrorist organisation, and the militia run by Misratan radical Salah Badi.
With the offensive by the Libyan National Army into its second month, the battle for Tripoli remains bogged down. Increased use of air power by both sides has had little consequence on the ground.
There was a major battle May 2 for Esbeia, south of Tripoli's destroyed international airport, in which an estimated 70 fighters loyal to the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj were reported killed.
The Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar, appears to have retained control of the strategically important town on the road to the LNA bastion of Tarhouna.
There were reports of the LNA sending reinforcements to Gharyan, 80km south of Tripoli — again strategically important, controlling the main route from the south to the capital. However, the lines remain the same.
Observers inside and outside Libya said there are fears that the fighting could empower militants to gain control of the city.
There have been militants travelling, mainly from Turkey, to join the fight, including Tripoli Revolutionaries Brigade commanders who had been ordered out of the country by the brigade's leader Haithem Tajouri.
Joining the fray on the side of the UN-backed Presidential Council have been groups such as the Benghazi Defence Brigades — many of its fighters having been in al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Al-Sharia movement, designated by the United States and the United Kingdom as a terrorist organisation — and the militia run by Misratan radical Salah Badi. Until the LNA began its offensive, he was a foe of the Presidential Council.
Also taking part in the GNA's defence are prominent militants such as Murad Shetaw, Bashir Khalfallah and UN-sanctioned Abdulrahman al-Milad.
Nicknamed "Bija" and head of the Coast Guard in Zawia, 40km west of Tripoli, Milad is accused of collaboration with human traffickers and brutality against migrants. Like Badi, Khalfallah — known as "Bugra" ("The Cow") — had been a bitter opponent of the Presidential Council and the GNA. In the last year and a half, he has attacked Tripoli's Mitiga airport three times trying to free Islamist prisoners held there.
The militants' position towards the Presidential Council was made clear by Misrata's Mohamed Bayou, who was quoted as saying: "We do not trust them but today we are in the same trench."
Known as "Shere Khan" after "The Jungle Book" tiger, Bayou was killed in fighting in southern Tripoli in late April, a few days after his brother was killed. His leaderless forces have reportedly returned to Misrata but it has had little effect on the battle on the ground
The prospect of fighting running into months on end and fears about the empowerment of militants in Tripoli appears to be having effects outside the country, making key international supporters of the LNA, notably Russia and France, think about the way ahead.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, in an April 29 phone conversation with GNA Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala, said there had to be a political solution to the crisis, as proposed by UN Special Envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame.
The following day, Moscow reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed on the need for a ceasefire and the restart of Salame's political process.
In an interview with Le Figaro published May 2, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, while appearing to defend France's support of Haftar, referred to Haftar's "imprudence" in attacking Tripoli, agreed that it had not worked and said Paris was making efforts to ensure a ceasefire and relaunch of a political solution through Salame.
He also stressed the fears about extremists backing the GNA.
Among those supporting the GNA, he said, were "certain groups" linked to political Islam that maintained links with jihadist groups. There were also "mafia gangs of smugglers who torture and enslave migrants." They were not fighting for Sarraj "but for the protection of their criminal activities," he insisted.
There was also distinct criticism of Libyan Interior Minister and Interim Minister of Defence Fathi Bashagha and Turkey, which strongly supports Sarraj, and the GNA. This may open a war of words between Paris and Ankara.
Bashagha, Le Drian said, had criticised France for its supposed interference in the Libyan crisis but he noted that Bashagha "does not hesitate spending time in Turkey," so he did not know who was really interfering.
US President Donald Trump's move to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group confirms his stand against pro-Sarraj allies in Tripoli. Quoting US officials, Bloomberg News reported that Trump had indicated in an April 15 phone call with Haftar that the United States "supported an assault on the country's capital to depose its UN-backed government."