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Federal Court Case Tests Strength of NC's Intellectual Property Laws
June 28, 2021 | Tort Reform & Legal Climate
Editor's note: Interested in aligning with other North Carolina job creators to shape a top-10 business legal climate here in our state? Contact NC Chamber Legal Institute President Ray Starling to learn what you stand to gain from your engagement and support.
A case unfolding in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina has invited our interest and involvement here at the NC Chamber Legal Institute (CLI). Its proceedings will test the application, scope, and validity of a key aspect of our state's intellectual property laws: the Abusive Patent Assertion Act (APAA). This important legislation was passed in 2014, with the support of the NC Chamber, to strengthen legal recourse for businesses and individuals targeted by predatory patent trolls while discouraging the kind of rampant patent abuse that can severely tarnish a state's business legal climate.
The case in question, NAPCO, Inc v. Landmark Technology A, LLC, commenced in January when NAPCO, Inc. – a North Carolina corporation specializing in custom product packaging – filed a complaint against Landmark Technology A, LLC – a limited liability corporation describing its business model as "patent licensing." The suit was filed only after Landmark sought patent license fees from NAPCO stemming from an alleged charge of patent infringement. Landmark's infringement allegation centered on a patent which the company claims is foundational in the processing of certain e-commerce transactions, including those conducted on websites associated with NAPCO.
NAPCO contends in their case filings, however, that Landmark and its affiliates have engaged in a pattern of abusive and legally unfounded infringement allegations against hundreds of job creators, from Fortune 500 corporations to small "Mom and Pop" operations, and that these actions violate North Carolina's version of the APAA. NAPCO's filings further seek to invalidate multiple Landmark patent claims while pursuing a declaratory ruling that NAPCO's websites do not, in fact, infringe on the Landmark patent in question. The CLI has joined aligned organizations in an amicus brief supporting NAPCO's key assertions. This brief contends that Landmark's dubious tactics amount to unlawful abuse of its patent holdings and exemplify "the dark underbelly of the patent system." Learn more
Landmark, for its part, has moved to dismiss NAPCO's claims. The company asserts, among other things, that the Constitution's Supremacy Clause preempts the APAA and invalidates the act in total due to the APAA's lack of a severability clause. This, perhaps, is what makes this case most relevant to business: The defendant is asking the federal district court to not just nullify the applicability of the APAA in this case, but to invalidate the entire APAA statutory scheme.
NAPCO v. Landmark will test the overall balance and strength of our state's patent system, which is vital for determining the legitimacy of claims to the ideas and inventions that power competitive advancements. Strong, clear, consistently applied patent laws are crucial for business vitality; they fuel innovation by giving inventors, designers, and other conceptual trailblazers a reasonable degree of certainty that they will reap the fruits of their successful ideas. Patent abuse, therefore, harms not only those entities it targets directly; worse, it discourages the pioneering spirit that, in recent years, has transformed our state from a regional player into the best place in the nation to grow a business.
Companies that engage in such harmful patent abuse are characterized as non-practicing entities (NPEs) or, more aptly, as "patent trolls." These shrewd entities operate by obtaining patent rights with little to no interest in using them for their intended purpose. Instead, they exploit them as snares to lure unsuspecting targets into a legal and financial pitfall. The troll "business" model centers on presenting their patents as significantly broader in scope than originally conceived, then contriving dubious infringement allegations to generate a payday. Potential targets of this abuse include any business or individual the troll can allege, however weakly, to be using their "patented" process or invention. In most cases, the troll's tenuous infringement claim is first presented as a demand for license fees, as occurred in the events precipitating NAPCO v. Landmark. If the alleged infringer resists this unscrupulous gambit, the troll can always seek their payment in the courts.
NPEs are essentially a joint ransom venture masquerading as a business, so they need not worry whether litigation might disrupt their operations or damage their reputation. However, they understand that legitimate businesses can and do suffer disruption and damage from litigation, often regardless of the facts in a case. Thus, patent trolls engineer their schemes around a carefully calculated asking price that's high enough to secure a sizeable payday but modest enough that the target accepts it as the desirable alternative to court. A troll striking on a winning formula with a specific patent achieves a sustainable and well-paying – if ethically bankrupt – stream of new "business" income. They then go about perfecting their tactics for exploiting this income source, endangering more targets. Sufficiently clever trolls can amass funds that allow them to easily cover the occasional court costs when the rare target decides to resist.
Like ransomware, this easy-money scheme has attracted its fair share of practitioners here in North Carolina, which is why the General Assembly saw fit to pass the APAA back in 2014. The act provides that, upon the showing of a "reasonable likelihood" that a "bad-faith assertion of patent infringement" has been made, the claimant may be required to post a bond in an amount equal to the cost of defending the litigation. This provision, by itself, puts the patent troll's skin in the game, immediately making their scheme decidedly less attractive. The APAA reinforces this provision by authorizing specific awards for entities found to be the targets of abuse; these awards include costs and fees, injunctive relief, and the greater of either treble damages or $50,000. To further disincentivize trolling, the act empowers the State Attorney General to open an independent investigation into alleged patent abuse.
It must be stated that there is nothing unethical about protecting a legitimate claim to intellectual property. On the contrary, enabling such efforts is as important as stopping patent trolls. Companies like Coca-Cola are famous for their extraordinary measures to safeguard proprietary formulas. On the other side of that coin are aspirin, escalator, and cellophane – everyday items that were once protected, but that became genericized because the holders of intellectual property rights neglected or chose not to defend them. The CLI believes patent laws must be strong enough to distinguish legitimate protection attempts from troll tactics – and to champion the former while penalizing the latter.
The stakes in NAPCO v. Landmark are significant, and not just for the businesses involved. The outcome will, in no small way, shape future applications of intellectual property laws in our state. The CLI will keep a close watch on this case and update you with any major developments. We stand ready to intervene further if we have reason to believe our intervention will help shape a positive outcome for business.
Ray Starling
NC Chamber Legal Institute


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At-home STD tests: Chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, and more
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Kristina Iavarone and Suzy Davenport — Updated on Sep 28, 2022
How we chose
Multiple STI tests
Are they reliable?
When to test
Low cost STI testing
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread through sexual contact. Many companies sell home testing kits for STIs.
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A quick look at the 10 best at-home STI tests:
Best STI test for fast results: HealthLabs
Best STI tests for pregnant people: QuestDirect
Best subscription service for STI tests: Everlywell
Best range of STI tests: PersonaLabs
Best HIV STI test: OraQuick
Best STI test for medical advice: LetsGetChecked
Best lab testing: STDLabs
Best for comprehensive STI testing: myLAB Box
Best for insurance coverage: Nurx
Best for hepatitis A and early HIV tests: STDCheck
An STI is an infection that people transmit from one to another during sexual or skin-to-skin contact. STIs can affect people of all ages but are most common in those 15–50 years.
STIs can cause complications if a person does not receive treatment, such as infertility. Additionally, those who are pregnant can pass on STIs during childbirth to the infant.
Learn more about STIs here.
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in CLIA-certified labs.
Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that are suitable for a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Chlamydia tests
The CDC states that chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the United States, and it can affect people regardless of their sex.
According to advocacy group Planned Parenthood, chlamydia can cause:
painful urination
swelling in the testicles or the urethra
pain during sex
The CDC states that those who receive a diagnosis for chlamydia should take another test 3 months after treatment. This is because retests may prevent onward transmission and complications.
The sexual partners of a person who receives testing should also undergo testing and treatment if required, so the infection does not pass back and forth or on to others.
Learn more about chlamydia.
Two home tests for chlamydia include:
HealthLabs offers lab-based testing, so once people receive the lab requisition form, they can take it to one of its 4,500 testing centers. The company states its laboratories are CLIA-certified, meaning they have obtained federal certifications.
People may choose to provide a blood or urine sample — the latter can check for bacterial infections in the urogenital area.
The blood test checks whether a person has contracted a nongenital chlamydia infection. It detects Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies and may also reveal past chlamydia infections.
Individuals generally receive their results within 1–2 business days.
HealthLabs sells a range of tests for STIs and other health concerns.
Pros: many testing centers, results available quickly, no appointment needed
Cons: no consultation with a healthcare professional
Learn more about HealthLabs here.
Best STI test for pregnant people: QuestDirect
Price: $139 + $6 physician fee.
QuestDirect's self-collection home testing kits look for both chlamydia and gonorrhea. This company also produces STI tests for use during pregnancy.
There is an additional charge that may cover laboratory tests and follow-up consultations.
Once they receive their home kit, people may collect their sample and return it in a prepaid envelope. Results are typically available within 7 business days through the company's patient portal.
The service also claims that its laboratories have certification with CLIA and the College of American Pathologists.
QuestDirect sells a range of tests for STIs and other health concerns.
Pros: convenience, suitable for use during pregnancy
Cons: additional charge for laboratory tests and follow-up consultation, longer turnaround time than other options
According to health experts, people with syphilis may have sores, rashes, and ulcers on the genitals and mouth. Without treatment, the condition can lead to blindness and paralysis.
Learn about the four types of home syphilis tests.
Two home tests for syphilis include:
Price: $49 or $24.99 with membership.
Everlywell offers a finger prick sample collection, providing individuals with all the tools they need to take the test at home.
After mailing the sample to one of its CLIA-certified testing facilities, people receive their results on the company's website.
If a person requires regular testing, they could subscribe to the membership plan to save up to 49% off the cost of separate tests.
Everlywell's tests reportedly feature 99% accuracy, and if an individual receives a positive result, a physician may contact them to discuss the next steps.
Everlywell sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.
Pros: CLIA-certified testing facilities, physician consultation, subscription discount
Cons: requires a finger-prick blood sample
Learn more about Everlywell here.
Price: $46-51, depending on the lab used.
Personalabs offers lab-based home STI testing, with the help of around 2,300 lab testing centers across the U.S.
After purchasing a home test kit, people receive a requisition order that they may have to present at the testing center. Once they provide a blood sample, they generally receive their results within 2–10 business days.
Personalabs recommends taking a test if a person does not use any barrier methods each time they engage in sexual activity.
Those with possible syphilis symptoms or who have had sexual contact with an individual who has received a diagnosis should also undergo testing.
Personalabs states that it works with Quest Diagnostics and that its testing centers comply with federal certifications.
Persona Labs sells a range of tests for STIs and other health concerns.
Pros: works with federally certified labs
Cons: can take up to 10 business days for test results
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV attacks a person's immune system. People with the virus may have an increased risk of developing other infections or diseases. Without treatment, an individual may go on to develop AIDS.
Learn how to test for HIV with an at-home test kit.
One option for at-home HIV testing includes the below.
Price: $38.99.
OraQuick offers an at-home HIV test kit that only detects antibodies after 3 months of exposure to the virus.
This is the only at-home oral HIV test with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The test kit includes a test stick that people use to swab their upper and lower gums. They then insert this into the test tube and read the result within 20–40 minutes.
People can order multiple packs at once for a discount.
OraQuick does not sell tests for other STIs.
Pros: convenience, privacy, fast results, free standard shipping
Cons: cannot detect HIV until 3 months after exposure
Many of the brands in this article, such as Everlywell, HealthLabs, and Personalabs, offer a range of different STI tests, including options for specific conditions such as herpes, trichomoniasis, or hepatitis.
Some companies also sell specialist STI tests. For example, QuestDirect offers STI tests for use during pregnancy.
Many of these brands also have comprehensive STI tests that test for multiple STIs simultaneously. This is usually a more expensive option but is more convenient and useful in some cases.
Price: standard 5 test for $149. Discount available with a subscription.
LetsGetChecked offers a range of multiple STI tests in collaboration with CLIA-certified laboratories.
The service provides a self-collection testing method, meaning individuals collect their sample at home and return it on the same day.
Those who require regular STI testing may purchase the subscription plan to save up to 30% off the price of separate tests.
People generally receive their results within 2–5 days. They may also contact the company's nurses at any time if they wish to discuss their results and treatment.
LetsGetChecked sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.
Pros: CLIA-certified laboratories, subscription discount, quick turnaround, access to consultation with healthcare providers, discreet packaging, medication sent at no extra cost
Cons: more expensive than other options
Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.
Price: complete STD panel for $199.
STDLabs allows a person to purchase tests online. They can then visit their local STDLabs test center, with over 4,500 locations available.
This complete STD test requires a person's blood sample. If the result comes back positive for any STIs, the company provides a follow-up test at no additional cost.
A person may receive their results in as little as 3 days, while all the company's laboratories have FDA approval and CLIA certification.
STDLabs offers a range of STI tests.
Pros: follow up tests for positive results, FDA and CLIA-certified labs, quick turnaround
Price: $379, or $399 with the HPV test included — subscription options available with a discount.
The most comprehensive STI testing kit from myLAB BOX is called the Total Box. It involves testing blood, saliva, and urine samples for 14 STIs.
The labs involved have Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and CLIA qualifications.
Using FDA-approved technology, the test screens for:
chlamydia (genital, throat, and rectal)
gonorrhea (genital, throat, and rectal)
HIV types one and two
People over 30 also have the option of testing for human papillomavirus (HPV).
This test kit costs $379, or $399 with the HPV test included.
The company says that providing the samples takes 5 minutes and that results are available on a secure online platform within 5 days. It also offers free consultations with certified physicians to anyone with a positive result.
myLAB BOX sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.
Pros: quick turnaround, free consultations with certified physicians
Learn more about myLAB Box here.
Price: $150–220 without insurance, $75 with insurance.
Nurx offers a range of screenings, including these three at-home tests for STIs:
Basics Covered Kit: This tests urine and finger prick blood samples for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Full Control Kit: This tests a urine sample, a throat swab, a rectal swab, and a finger prick blood sample for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C.
Healthy V Kit: This tests a vaginal swab, a throat swab, and a finger prick blood sample for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
The company says its labs have accreditations and approvals from CAP and CLIA, and that it protects personal and health information according to the statutes of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
One advantage of choosing Nurx is that the company allows payments from insurance plans. In this case, a person still needs to pay $75 plus any deductibles or applicable co-payments. The price without insurance ranges from $150–220, depending on the kit.
The first step is filling out a health history questionnaire on the Nurx app or website. Next, the person selects their kit, with or without advice from Nurx's medical team.
Once the kit arrives, the person takes their samples, packages them in the prepaid envelope, and drops them in the mail. The company says it provides results within 7 days.
Nurx sells a range of at-home testing kits for STIs and other health concerns.
Pros: insurance coverage, quick turnaround time
Cons: more expensive than other options without insurance, longer turnaround time than other options
Learn more about Nurx here.
Price: $139 for a 10-panel test, $258 for a 9- or 10-panel test, plus an HIV RNA early detection test.
STDCheck offers a range of FDA-approved STI tests and says it is the first to provide an early HIV detection test. Its labs have CLIA certification.
However, the company does not accept health insurance.
The most comprehensive option is the 10-Panel STD Test. This checks for 10 STIs, including:
hepatitis A, B, and C
herpes one and two
HIV one and two
The test costs $139. If a person adds the HIV RNA early detection test, it costs about $258.
The latter detects HIV as soon as 11 days after exposure, the company says, explaining that standard HIV tests may only detect the virus after 2–3 months of exposure.
A person needs to provide samples at one of the company's labs, which emails the results within 2 days. Physician consultations are also available.
Pros: FDA-approved tests, CLIA-certified labs, quick turnaround
Cons: does not accept health insurance
The table below compares the STI test kit brands listed above:
Subscriptions?
Collection location
Result timeline
$24–479 no lab testing centers 1–2 business days
QuestDirect
$49–379 no at home 7 business days
Everlywell
$49–149 yes at home unspecified
PersonaLabs
$46–799 no lab testing centers 2–10 business days
$38.99 no at home 20–40 minutes
LetsGetChecked
$99–249 yes at home 2–5 business days
STDLabs
$15–299 no lab testing centers 3 business days
$59–499 yes at home 5 business days
Nurx
$75–220 yes at home 7 days
$24–259 no lab testing centers 2 days
Some advantages and disadvantages of at-home STI tests, compared with lab tests, include:
greater privacy
speed and convenience
discreet packaging, potentially
multiple STI screening
potential delays in sending and receiving samples
potential unavailability of consultations
difficulty in interpreting results
no immediate treatment
How do home STI tests work?
There are two types of at-home STI tests: self-collection and lab-based tests.
Self-collection tests
After receiving their test kit from an online provider, people can take the STI test with all the tools provided by the company. This may include needles, tubes, alcohol swabs, and a prepaid envelope, among others.
An individual might need to take a blood or urine sample, or a rectal, oral, or vaginal swab, depending on the STI test. They can then return their sample to a testing center.
Lab-based tests
With lab-based tests, individuals receive a lab sample order and present it to a testing facility, where a healthcare professional performs the test.
Individuals generally receive results from both tests via email or through the company's patient portal within a few days.
People may also purchase individual tests to screen for one STI in particular or a kit that tests for multiple conditions.
Are at-home tests reliable?
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim that the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) has established quality standards for laboratory testing and an accreditation program for clinical laboratories.
However, not all online testing companies have received CLIA certification. Therefore, a person may wish to look for this certification when looking for tests to buy to verify their accuracy and quality.
When to take a test
The CDC mentions that STI tests may be beneficial for people who may have an increased chance of contracting a sexual infection. They include:
sexually active people
those that do not use barrier methods of birth control, such as condoms
pregnant people
The CDC also states that taking an STI test during pregnancy may help prevent complications.
It is important to note that STIs do not always cause symptoms. However, people may wish to take a test if they experience:
genital rash
itchiness and redness around the genital area
unusual discharge
sores or warts in the genital area
Individuals may wish to undergo a test if they believe they have had exposure to an STI.
Where to get free or low cost STI testing
Healthcare insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover some or all of the cost of STI testing. However, there are several places where a person may receive free or low cost STI screening.
Learn more about where to receive STI testing here.
Planned Parenthood is no longer eligible for federal funding through the Title X program. The organization can only offer free or low cost STI testing if it receives funding from the location state. Due to this, a person must call or otherwise contact their local center to check whether it offers affordable testing.
Community clinics and city health centers
A person's local community clinic or city health center may offer free or low cost STI testing. These clinics may provide a mix of walk-ins or appointments.
Find a local community health clinic here.
Additionally, the CDC offers a database where people can find centers that offer free or low cost STI testing and vaccinations. People can search via their ZIP code or state.
Access the CDC database here.
Student health centers
Student health centers may offer low cost STI screening for students enrolled in local colleges.
A person can find their student health center through their college website or by contacting their college unions.
LGBTQ+ community centers
People who consider themselves part of the LGBTQIA+ community may prefer to visit an LGBTQ+ community center.
These centers may be able to provide people with information on where to find low cost healthcare with an LGBTQIA+ friendly healthcare professional.
Find a local LGBTQ+ community center here.
Questions to ask a doctor after a positive STI test
Some people may feel nervous talking about their STI results, and may not know which questions to ask. Below are some examples that may help people have a conversation with their healthcare professionals about their results.
Will the STI have any short- or long-term effects on my body?
Are there ways of managing any side effects of the STI?
Is there any treatment for the STI?
Do I need to take any medication, and if I do, how long must I take it?
Does the medication cause any side effects?
How long will I have to wait before I can have sex without transmitting the infection?
How do I reduce my risk of contracting an infection in the future?
Are there any local centers or organizations that provide free or low cost condoms?
Frequently asked questions about at-home STI tests
Here are some of the most common questions about these tests.
Where can I get free STI testing?
Free or heavily discounted STI testing may be available. People in the U.S. can search in this CDC database to find free tests nearby.
Certain foundations and nonprofit organizations also provide free testing. For example, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation offers this in more than 28 locations nationwide.
What happens if the result comes back positive?
The next step is to receive medical advice. A doctor can suggest a treatment plan to alleviate any symptoms, for example, and prevent the infection from passing to others.
A healthcare professional can also provide guidance about any other sexual health concerns and describe ways of reducing the risk of contracting STIs.
How do at-home STD tests protect privacy?
This depends on the testing company's security and privacy measures, including HIPAA compliance. Some use internet encryption and discreet packaging and destroy samples and data after the test is complete and the person has seen their results.
As an STI test can easily link back to a person through their DNA, it is crucial to use a reputable service that protects personal information and healthcare data at all costs.
An at-home STI test may be suitable for people who need convenient, discreet testing. Various companies offer test bundles, consultations, and retests, and the results are generally available within a few days.
Follow the company's instructions carefully to increase the likelihood of an accurate result.
Last medically reviewed on September 27, 2022
Sexual Health / STDs
Centerlink LGBT Community Center Member Directory. (n.d.).
https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LgbtCenters
Chlamydia. (n.d.).
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/chlamydia
Chlamydia — CDC fact sheet (detailed). (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm
Chlamydia infections. (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/chlamydia.htm
Chlamydia treatment and care. (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/treatment.htm
CLIA law & regulations. (2018).
https://www.cdc.gov/clia/law-regulations.html
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). (2020).
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/ivd-regulatory-assistance/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments-clia
Facts about in-home HIV testing. (2020).
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-about-home-hiv-testing
Garcia, M. R., et al. (2022). Sexually transmitted infections.
Get tested. (n.d.).
https://gettested.cdc.gov
HIPAA. (n.d.).
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html
HIV/AIDS. (n.d.).
https://www.who.int/health-topics/hiv-aids#tab=tab_1
How to find low-cost healthcare in your community. (n.d).
https://www.healthcare.gov/community-health-centers
Laboratory Accreditation Program. (n.d.).
https://www.cap.org/laboratory-improvement/accreditation/laboratory-accreditation-program
Planned Parenthood Staff. (2020). Does Planned Parenthood do STD testing for free?
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/does-planned-parenthood-do-std-testing-for-free
Sexually transmitted diseases. (2021).
https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html
Syphilis. (2019).
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/syphilis-a-to-z
van der Helm, J. J., et al. (2018). What is the optimal time to retest patients with a urogenital chlamydia infection? A randomized controlled trial.
Which STD tests should I get? (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm
How long does it take for STD symptoms to show?
How long does it take for an STD to show up and when can people test for them? Read on to find out about the incubation and window periods of STIs.
Can you get an STD from a handjob or fingering?
Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH
Can you get an STD from a handjob or fingering? Read on to find the ways people may get STDs during manual stimulation and tips to avoid getting them.
Best home remedies to treat a herpes skin rash
Medically reviewed by Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC
What are some of the best home remedies for herpes? Keep reading to learn about which home remedies may be effective and the supporting research.
All About Chlamydia
The family Chlamydiaceae consists of one genus Chlamydia with three species that cause human disease: -- C.
Is bacterial vaginosis a sexually transmitted infection?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not a sexually transmitted infection, so it is unlikely to be a sign of cheating. Learn about what BV is, what causes it…

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The crucial role universities play in better lives for the disabled
When Dr Ben Gauntlett began his studying at the University of Western Australia two decades ago, he'd only recently begun adjusting to a significant life event.
"I had a spinal cord injury when I was 16 playing rugby union," Dr Gauntlett says.
"[University] was fabulous because it enabled me to both be part of the community while adjusting to my life circumstances."
Until the high school accident that changed his life, Dr Gauntlett was apparently no scholar. In 2007, the New York University law magazine described him as a "six-foot-tall Aussie [who] was a jock all the way, playing cricket, rugby and athletics".
In 1995, Dr Gauntlett's sporting days came to an abrupt end when he broke his neck during a rugby match. The resultant spinal cord injury left him a quadriplegic, with limited movement in his arms, hands and upper body.
He admits to dark thoughts in the period immediately after his accident.
"You think you're badly off, then you see someone on a ventilator, or a guy who gets just one visitor a year," he told the magazine. "You realise how lucky you truly are."
Dr Gauntlett started at the University of WA studying medicine, but soon switched to law. Since then, he's gone on to study and work at five universities in Australia, Britain and the US.
He has been a Rhodes scholar, a Hauser scholar (for his time at NYU) and – most recently – appointed to a five-year term as Australia's disability discrimination commissioner.
Now 40, Dr Gauntlett is drawing on his experience in academia for his new role.
"Throughout that time [on campus], I suspect I normalised this disability for a number of my colleagues, friends, people who I just came into contact with," he says.
"That normalisation lasts for generations."Having recently returned from Geneva, where he presented to the UN, Dr Gauntlett says university inclusion and diversity is an area of personal interest.
He has started visiting universities to encourage a more thoughtful approach. And, while he says the path to education for people with disability is far from barrier-free, he's encouraged by the work being done.
"We're on a process of improvement – [but] by no means can we say the job is done. But there is a commonality across all universities that they have the ability to make a lasting impression on communities, and when they see that, they can often implement wonderful ideas," he says.
"It's not about compliance, but really seeing themselves as drivers of social change … and that includes understanding that they can change the mindset of generations. What we want is a mindset that normalises diversity and understands its benefits."
Dr Gauntlett says the barriers people with disability face aren't always obvious – although he jokes that he doesn't miss the cobblestones of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes scholar in 2003.
"The barriers people face are often more foundational," he says.
"There's a clear need for students to be aware of the opportunities to attend university and be supported to get to that position."
"Universities need to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and the best way to do that is to be extremely mindful of the messages you seek to convey, and understanding that there is a diversity of people you are looking to appeal to."
Dr Gauntlett is urging universities to consider what further role they might play to enhance diversity and inclusion in Australia.
"Universities can accommodate a diversity of backgrounds quite easily because they have the economies of scale and scope to do so," he says.
"There's a whole raft of roles that exist within a university, and by being very open about inclusion we can ensure people, and particularly young people, are exposed to the benefits of diversity."
He says there are many ways universities can work towards better inclusion. For instance, by providing more opportunities for people from all backgrounds, offering mentorships and ensuring inclusion plans are co-designed by people with disability.
But he says, to really make the work meaningful, universities must collect data – and that data must be reported to the university executive. Currently, there is no such data collection and reporting.
"You need to be quite objective and transparent about what is occurring, not just within the student cohort, but the entire university footprint, where they operate, across what roles people have," he says.
"Whilst we have policy documents that reflect very laudable aims, we now need to implement those aims in a transparent and verifiable manner."
Source: Chloe Adams. The New Daily. 25 october 2019.
Read the article in The New Daily.
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The Destructive Power of Family Wealth: A Guide to Succession Planning, Asset Protection, Taxation and Wealth Management
Marcovici, Philip
Wealth owners are responsible for more than just assets
The Destructive Power of Family Wealth offers thoughtful, holistic planning to ensure that your wealth remains a positive force for your family. While today's…
Public Relations in Asia Pacific: Communicating Effectively Across Cultures
Devereux, Mary M.
Public Relations in Asia Pacific reflects the growing professionalism in the practice of public relations in the world's fastest expanding economy. It is a carefully drawn road map, both strategically and tactically, for all manner of entities, for profit and not-for-profit on how to establish…
The CCL Guide to Leadership in Action: How Managers and Organizations Can Improve the Practice of Leadership
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Small Money Big Impact: Fighting Poverty with Microfinance
Fanconi, Peter A.
…Explore the global impact investing phenomenon Learn how microloans work, and how they make a difference Discover why investors are increasingly leaning into impact investing Consider the factors that inform impact investing decisions
Part social movement and part financial strategy, impact investing…
The Struggle for Development
Selwyn, Benjamin
The world economy is expanding rapidly despite chronic economic crises. Yet the majority of the world's population live in poverty. Why are wealth and poverty two sides of the coin of capitalist development? What can be done to overcome this destructive…
Atlas of Ear Diseases of the Dog and Cat
Paterson, Sue
Bringing together a wealth of images of normal and diseased dog and cat ears, this is an indispensible diagnostic tool for the small animal veterinary practitioner seeing ear cases on a regular basis. This fully illustrated atlas covers the anatomy of the canine and feline ear, diagnostic…
Cosmesis of the Mouth, Face and Jaws
Guttenberg, Steven A.
…The first book on facial cosmesis written by numerous experts in various specialties, Cosmesis of the Mouth, Face and Jaws acts as a cornerstone for those studying and expanding repertoire into this vast and absorbing area. Clear and precise text is accompanied by…
Petrostate : Putin, Power, and the New Russia
Goldman, Marshall I.
…Based on extensive research, including several interviews with Vladimir Putin, this revealing book chronicles Russia's dramatic reemergence on the world stage, illuminating the key reason for its rebirth: the use of its ever-expanding energy wealth…
Oyster Culture: Fishing News Books Series
Matthiessen, George C.
…Oyster Culture is a thorough review of the subject, providing a huge wealth of practical and commercially vital information of importance to all those involved in this expanding industry.
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Forensic Psychology: Crime, Justice, Law, Interventions
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Introduces forensic psychology to students and professionals who want to better understand psychology's expanding influence on the study of law, crime and criminality
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Press releases » Prohibitive energy and carbon prices risk undermining EU steel industry decarbonisation: EU Leaders must act, warns EUROFER
Prohibitive energy and carbon prices risk undermining EU steel industry decarbonisation: EU Leaders must act, warns EUROFER
Brussels, 16 December 2021 – Continued prohibitive energy prices coupled with skyrocketing carbon prices, above 80 euros, risk derailing the ambitious decarbonisation plans of the steel industry. EU Leaders must act swiftly and ensure climate goals are met cost effectively, while preserving the viability of strategic industrial sectors. This is the warning of the European Steel Association (EUROFER) on the occasion of the European Council and ahead of the Environment Council of next week.
"Key European industries such as steel cannot bear all the energy and climate costs that we experience today and are likely to face also in the coming years if policymakers do not take the right decisions now. The EU needs to pursue its decarbonisation target of a 55% emissions cut by 2030 through a sustainable transition that allows the industry to invest and secure a living for its workforce and the millions of households dependent on it", said Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER). "If the transition is not sustainable, we risk that the European market will be flooded by 'dirty' cheap steel from third countries such as China, Russia or Indonesia".
In the last months, energy-intensive companies that are most exposed to price spikes have already been forced to react by curtailing and/or temporarily closing plants. Gas and electricity prices have been rising exponentially, registering 4-to-5-time increases in comparison with last year. In parallel, carbon price spikes up to 80-90 euros have an increasing impact on electricity prices.
"While this unprecedented crisis in the energy markets requires additional urgent initiatives, EU Leaders also need to take into account the implications of the upcoming climate legislation, in particular the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the revision of the EU ETS", said Mr Eggert.
According to EUROFER's impact assessment, the additional direct carbon costs for the steel industry – with the combined effect of CBAM/ETS on the free allocation phase out – will be of nearly 14 billion euros in 2030 with business as usual emissions, or 8,4 billion euros, if the sector is able to reduce its emissions by 30% by 2030 through the proposed 25 billion euros investments in clean technologies.
In practice, this means that in 2030 an average EU steel company retrofitting its plant with clean technology will face 400 million euros carbon costs, while a similar non-EU company exporting its 'dirty' steel in the EU market will bear only 30 million euros of costs, despite the CBAM levy at the border.
"This situation would be unsustainable and seriously threatens our low-carbon projects. We ask both the Member States and the European Parliament to reconsider the currently proposed ETS free allocation phasing out in close conjunction with the CBAM on the basis of a more realistic impact assessment, or it will become a Trojan horse for the EU's very own ambitious decarbonisation objectives. The EU steel industry should become the first industrial mover and the flagship, rather than the collateral damage of the EU climate policy", concluded Mr Eggert.
Lucia Sali, Spokesperson and Head of Communications, +32 2 738 79 35, (l.sali@eurofer.eu)
About the European Steel Association (EUROFER)
EUROFER AISBL is located in Brussels and was founded in 1976. It represents the entirety of steel production in the European Union. EUROFER members are steel companies and national steel federations throughout the EU. The major steel companies and national steel federation of Turkey and the United Kingdom are associate members.
The European Steel Association is recorded in the EU transparency register: 93038071152-83.
About the European steel industry
The European steel industry is a world leader in innovation and environmental sustainability. It has a turnover of around €170 billion and directly employs 330,000 highly-skilled people, producing on average 160 million tonnes of steel per year. More than 500 steel production sites across 22 EU Member States provide direct and indirect employment to millions more European citizens. Closely integrated with Europe's manufacturing and construction industries, steel is the backbone for development, growth and employment in Europe.
Steel is the most versatile industrial material in the world. The thousands of different grades and types of steel developed by the industry make the modern world possible. Steel is 100% recyclable and therefore is a fundamental part of the circular economy. As a basic engineering material, steel is also an essential factor in the development and deployment of innovative, CO2-mitigating technologies, improving resource efficiency and fostering sustainable development in Europe.
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Climate and energy Energy policy EU Emissions Trading System Carbon border adjustment
PDF of this press releaseDownload EUROFER Impact Assessement on ETS/CBAM
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Press release: Press statement on the extension of EU anti-dumping measures on imports of 'GOES'
Brussels, 18 January 2021 – EUROFER welcomes the extension for another five years of EU anti-dumping measures on imports of grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel ("GOES") from China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US. This important step will help EU GOES producers keep contributing to Europe's energy efficiency and climate targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Press release: Press statement on the imposition of EU anti-dumping measures on imports of steel wind towers from China
Following the European Commission regulation [1] imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of steel wind towers from China published on 16/12/2021, the European Steel Association has issued the following statement:
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Year : 2018 | Volume : 10 | Issue : 2 | Page : 94--97
Efficacy of combined proprioceptive exercises and conventional physiotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A double-blinded two-group pretest–posttest design
Veena Kirthika1, S Sudhakar2, K Padmanabhan3, S Ramachandran4, Mohan Kumar3,
1 Department of Neuro Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Department of Sports Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
3 Department of Ortho Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
4 Department of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Dr. S Sudhakar
Department of Sports Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University, Maduravoyal, Chennai - 600 095, Tamil Nadu
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative condition of the joint. Current physiotherapy interventions for OA focus on pain reduction, improve knee range of motion, and muscle strength. OA of knee impairs quadriceps function which affects balance and gait reducing patient's mobility and function. Therefore, there is a need to find out the effect of combined proprioceptive exercises with conventional physiotherapy in Patient with knee osteoarthritis (PKOA). Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of combined proprioceptive exercises and conventional physiotherapy in PKOA. Methods: A total of 40 female POAK were recruited for the study and were divided into two groups as follows: Group A (conventional group) and Group B (experimental group). Group B in addition to the conventional treatment received proprioceptive exercises. Both the groups were instructed to perform exercises for 5 days in a week for 3 months. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score were noted pre- and post-intervention. Results: On comparing the mean values of Group A and Group B on VAS and WOMAC scores, both the groups showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the posttest mean, but Group B (experimental group) was more effective than Group A (conventional group). Conclusion: The present study concluded that 3 months duration of combining proprioceptive exercises with conventional physiotherapy is more effective than conventional physiotherapy alone in PKOA.
Kirthika V, Sudhakar S, Padmanabhan K, Ramachandran S, Kumar M. Efficacy of combined proprioceptive exercises and conventional physiotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A double-blinded two-group pretest–posttest design.J Orthop Traumatol Rehabil 2018;10:94-97
Kirthika V, Sudhakar S, Padmanabhan K, Ramachandran S, Kumar M. Efficacy of combined proprioceptive exercises and conventional physiotherapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A double-blinded two-group pretest–posttest design. J Orthop Traumatol Rehabil [serial online] 2018 [cited 2019 Jul 19 ];10:94-97
Available from: http://www.jotr.in/text.asp?2018/10/2/94/245996
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in the world affecting 2693 of every 100,000 women and 1770 of every 100,000 men. The overall prevalence of knee OA was found to be (22%–39%) 28.7% in India.[1] Knee OA is the most common type of arthritis. While it can occur even in young people, the chance of developing OA increases after the age of 45 years. With the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints, women (31.6%) are more likely to have OA than men.[1] OA is a joint disease that causes the cushion layer between one's bones or cartilage to wear away.[2] Symptoms include pain, tenderness in the knee, stiffness when standing or walking, loss of flexibility, and grating sensations that can be heard when the knee joint is used.[3],[4]
Unilateral OA of knee has impaired proprioceptive accuracy in both the knees. Impaired proprioceptive accuracy could be a risk factor for progression of both knee pain and activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis (PKOA).[4] Proprioception is the process by which the body can vary muscle contraction in immediate response to incoming information regarding external force. Any pathology that adversely affects muscle function may impair force generation and proprioceptive activity system is essential for maintenance of balance, and production of smooth stable gait.[5]
OA of the knee impairs quadriceps functions which, in turn, impair the patient's balance and gait reducing their mobility and function.[4] The intent of proprioceptive exercises is to expose people to activities that challenge the stability of the knee and balance in a controlled manner during rehabilitation. Current physical therapy interventions for knee OA focus on decreasing pain and improving knee range of motion, muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility.[6],[7] It is necessary to focus on proprioceptive accuracy of the knee which when neglected can have a deleterious effect during rehabilitation. The present study was intended to find the effectiveness of combining proprioceptive exercises with conventional treatment to reduce pain and improve functional ability in female PKOA.
The study protocol was approved by the Institution Research and Ethics Committee, and the study was performed according to the guidelines laid by the Declaration of Helsinki, revised 2013. A total of 40 female PKOA were recruited for the two group's pretest–posttest experimental study by the simple random sampling method. Before the data collection, duly signed informed consent was obtained. They were randomly allocated into two even groups as follows: Group A (conventional group) and Group B (experimental group) by the block randomization (4 × 5 blocks).
Treatment protocol in Group A
Totally 20 PKOA were given isometric quadriceps exercises, high sitting knee extension, straight leg raise, hamstring stretching, hip abduction, hip extension, along with short-wave diathermy (crossfire method) wider spacing, and thermal dose for 15 min. All the exercises were performed once in a day, with 10 repetitions for each exercise.
Treatment protocol in Group B
Twenty PKOA were given proprioceptive exercises in addition to the conventional treatment. Pelvic tilts and knee flexion and extension using Swiss ball, sliding lunge, stepping lunge, step up and down in a footstool, stand up and sit down in a stool, squatting, and single leg squat were given as proprioceptive exercises. All the exercises were performed once in a day, with 10 repetitions for each exercise.
Both the groups followed the above-mentioned exercise protocol for 5 days/week for 3 months. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) score were noted pre- and post-intervention. The therapist who supervised the intervention and outcome assessor was blinded to the groups. Hence, the study was double-blinded. Detailed study layout was displayed in the standardized format, consolidated standards of reporting trials [Figure 1].{Figure 1}
The collected data were assessed for their normality using Shapiro–Wilk test. As the data follow normal distribution, all the descriptive were expressed in mean ± standard deviation. Paired t-test was adopted to find out the effectiveness within Group A and Group B in participants with stress-induced asthma, and independent t-test (Student's t-test) was used to compare the changes in mean values of all parameters between Group A and Group B. The data were analyzed using statistical software, statistical package for the social science (SPSS), and IBM SPSS version 22.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA). Value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
A total of 40 female PKOA were recruited for this experimental study. The demographic characteristic of the patient recruited was given in [Table 1]. Three PKOA (one – Group A and two – Group B) who lost to follow-up were analyzed using intention to treat analysis. There exists significant difference between pretest and posttest in VAS and WOMAC scores among both the groups, which are displayed in [Table 2] and [Table 3]. Between group analysis revealed significant difference among the groups. PKOA in Group B demonstrated significant improvement (P < 0.001) in VAS and WOMAC scores when compared with Group A, [Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3].{Table 1}{Table 2}{Table 3}{Figure 2}{Figure 3}
PKOA faces problems with reduced quadriceps muscle strength and a decline in balance and proprioception. Reduced proprioception in participants with OA knee weakens their thigh muscles and may limit their walking ability and dynamic balance. Joint pain associated with knee OA also has a direct impact on the muscle activation and strength of the thigh muscles and proprioception. Therefore while treating PKOA, an exercise program that could concentrate on strengthening exercise of the muscles in and around knee joint and proprioceptive exercise which could have an effect in improving joint proprioception should be considered.
Current therapy for rehabilitation of PKOA focuses on reducing pain and improving knee joint range of motion. Proprioception which could be gradually affected during the disease in PKOA has to be given importance during rehabilitation. Proprioception responses allow compensatory adjustments in the lengths of various muscles, muscle tension, and joint position to facilitate joint movements.[6] Proprioceptive activation exercises have a direct effect on mobility and pain, and restoration of proprioception is essential during the rehabilitation of PKOA.[8]
Diminished knee proprioception highly correlates with the level of pain[9] and the relationship between proprioception and muscle strength is closely related to functional movements.[4] The intention of this study was to combine proprioceptive exercises with conventional physiotherapy in participants suffering from knee OA. This study shows that proprioceptive exercises are helpful in reducing pain and improving physical function related to knee joint.[7]
Thus, the study demonstrates that combining proprioceptive exercises with conventional physiotherapy program are an effective treatment protocol to enhance knee joint functions and improve pain control in PKOA.
Three months combined proprioceptive exercises with conventional physiotherapy program might be an effective rehabilitation option over the convention physiotherapy program alone.
The authors are very thankful to Dr. Asir John Samuel, MPT, (PhD), Associate Professor, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, India, for providing logistic and technical support in manuscript editing.
1 Pal CP, Singh P, Chaturvedi S, Pruthi KK, Vij A. Epidemiology of knee osteoarthritis in India and related factors. Indian J Orthop 2016;50:518-22.
2 Sun HB. Mechanical loading, cartilage degradation, and arthritis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010;1211:37-50.
3 Sellam J, Berenbaum F. The role of synovitis in pathophysiology and clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2010;6:625-35.
4 Felson DT, Gross KD, Nevitt MC, Yang M, Lane NE, Torner JC, et al. The effects of impaired joint position sense on the development and progression of pain and structural damage in knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2009;61:1070-6.
5 Sekir U, Gür H. A multi-station proprioceptive exercise program in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthrosis: Functional capacity, pain and sensoriomotor function. A randomized controlled trial. J Sports Sci Med 2005;4:590-603.
6 Pinto D, Robertson MC, Abbott JH, Hansen P, Campbell AJ, MOA Trial Team. et al. Manual therapy, exercise therapy, or both, in addition to usual care, for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee 2: Economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2013;21:1504-13.
7 Nam CW, Kim K, Lee HY. The influence of exercise on an unstable surface on the physical function and muscle strength of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. J Phys Ther Sci 2014;26:1609-12.
8 Knobloch K, Martin-Schmitt S, Gösling T, Jagodzinski M, Zeichen J, Krettek C, et al. Prospective proprioceptive and coordinative training for injury reduction in elite female soccer. Sportverletz Sportschaden 2005;19:123-9.
9 Kramer M, Hohl K, Bockholt U, Schneider F, Dehner C. Training effects of combined resistance and proprioceptive neck muscle exercising. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2013;26:189-97.


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60 Minutes: Generating economic growth should not jeopardise our way of life
By Liam Bartlett • 60 Minutes reporter
2:08am Mar 25, 2019
Any half-decent manager will tell you that in order to manage, pretty much anything effectively, you need to set certain parameters.
The most obvious of these is the maximum amount you need, want or have to achieve. Some people call it a cap or a limit or a ceiling.
Doesn't really matter how you carve it up, common sense will dictate that without knowing where to set the bar, the chances of getting there are next to nil.
Makes no difference if we're talking household budgets or production line targets or commercial loan facilities, it's kindergarten stuff, isn't it?
So, how come a government ministry in charge of population has no idea how big the population should be? Isn't that fundamental to the whole notion of managing the country?
Why was it mission impossible to ask the Minister responsible to nominate a figure of how many Australians he sees living in Australia in the decades to come?
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Nobody is expecting a precise head count prediction over the next 20 years but what about spelling out an approximate vision of how big they see the country becoming?
Without that vision – that ceiling or wish list of a manageable number – the idea that our resources, our Aussie lifestyle or any part of our crucial infrastructure will be managed judiciously and adequately is, frankly, laughable.
So, how come a government ministry in charge of population has no idea how big the population should be? Isn't that fundamental to the whole notion of managing the country? (60 Minutes)
Dick Smith thinks our current fixation on "constant growth" is underpinning a system that is fundamentally flawed and he's a bloke who knows a thing or two about making money. (60 Minutes)
And don't get me wrong. Hats off to the coalition government for at least making a superficial attempt to install a population ministry in the first place.
The previous Labor administration didn't consider the issue was strategic enough to even allocate a brief. But both sides are letting us down in major fashion by ignoring the obvious.
The big picture is the big number and that number helps frame future policy direction, infrastructure planning and nation building.
We know that is true today because most of us now feel the pain of congestion that is groaning under the weight of an explosion in numbers that was undermanaged and massively under-forecast.
It all comes back to immigration, but immigrants are not the problem. Let me explain. Australia's population growth every year is fuelled by birth rates, family reunion, marriage imports, refugees and everyday garden variety immigrants wanting to become Aussies.
The previous Labor administration didn't consider the issue was strategic enough to even allocate a brief. But both sides are letting us down in major fashion by ignoring the obvious. (60 Minutes)
This last category comprises 60 percent of our annual increase – a total number that currently is running at more than twice the rate of bigger, more robust economies like the US, UK and incredibly China.
If we control this number alone – regardless of race, religion or ethnic origin – we can have much more certainty over future forecasts of total population numbers.
However, it's the aggregate of these "new Australians" that stoke the boiler of economic activity and keep consumption rates at a level that governments say they need to balance the books.
Proponents of larger, more populous cities in our country argue that they fatten the tax base and help pay for an ageing population. But critics say it's the ultimate false economy – a "Ponzi scheme" that is destined to fold as the immigrants themselves get older.
Whichever side you favour, it appears incontrovertible that our political leaders subscribe to the "perpetual growth" theory of economics in which you must grow, grow and keep growing or eventually perish.
This is the only conclusion you can come to from successive administrations that refuse to put a number on where they see Australia heading.
The only rider that is now imposed as a quasi-attempt to halt spiralling congestion in our major cities is the notion that some 23,000 migrants per year will only be granted entry and eventual citizenship based on "regional visas" which bizarrely includes Adelaide.
Notwithstanding the availability of fulltime jobs in those country areas, how the heck does the Morrison government think a form of urban apartheid based on ethnicity is going to positively contribute to a nationally sustainable population?
Dick Smith thinks our current fixation on "constant growth" is underpinning a system that is fundamentally flawed and he's a bloke who knows a thing or two about making money.
We need to get smarter about how we generate economic growth without destroying our way of life. It is, after all, the whole reason that so many immigrants want to come here in the first place.
Most of all we need political leadership that is not afraid of having the discussion and debating openly the merits or otherwise of a big Australia.
Property News: Eight of the best tiny houses from around the world - domain.com.au


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Chiang Rai | 2.2 million meth pills seized in Chiang Rai cross-border interception
2.2 million meth pills seized in Chiang Rai cross-border interception
In the game of 'catch me if you can' between drug smugglers and Thai police, this was another successful interception of a large drug cache making its way into Thailand.
Authorities intercepted 2.2 million methamphetamine pills and 11 kilograms of crystal meth (ice) in the hills north of Chiang Rai.
The Nation reports that Narcotics Suppression Bureau report that the drugs were supplied by the South Wa hill-tribal group based near Ban Pha Khao area in Myanmar, opposite the border to Chiang Rai's Mae Fa Luang district.
The illicit drugs were seized from a car that tried to break through a checkpoint in Tambon Mae Chaen in Mae Chan district at 11.23pm on June 11. Police chased the vehicle and cut it off near Wat Phra That Saeng Kham. Two suspects from the car fled into the darkness leaving behind the large haul of drugs in 15 sacks.
The following morning police searched a house in Tambon Pateung, where they arrested a male suspect identified as Jasor Nunuko.
The recent crackdown has also led to drug gangs shifting their approach from previously sending a large batch of narcotics to multiple distributors – at more than 10 million meth pills at a time – to now sending narcotics in smaller amounts in the hope of better avoiding detection.
Bangkok pair arrested over 4 million baht scam
Laotian ladyboy arrested for stealing from Finnish tourist in Pattaya
Read more headlines, reports & breaking news in Chiang Rai. Or catch up on your Thailand news.
Return to Tham Luang Cave – a personal perspective
by guest writer Mikko Paasi
Now that is has been a year since the successful rescue of the Thai football team and their coach from the Tham Luang cave, I think it would be appropriate to share some footage from inside the cave to show how it looks like after the operation and without the muddy water.
As we know, the 13 kids got out just in time before the cave system flooded again. A few rescuers ended up having to hold our breath to dive out to safety. The cave then stayed flooded for 9 months, until March this year, after which we could finally reach the chamber where the team took shelter for 17 days waiting to get out.
After a week of diving the cave system last year in zero visibility, I had absolutely no idea how the restrictions looked like or how was the chamber where the boys stayed nor did I know if there would have been alternative route to the kids. I had my head full of questions that needed answers so that I could get peace of mind.
Read his full account with lots of videos HERE.
When I heard in January that there was a plan to attempt to re-enter the cave, I volunteered immediately. I was called in, together with cave experts Vern Unsworth and Joshua Morris, a Thai Navy SEAL, local park rangers, and other rescue personnel, to survey the cave conditions and document the massive amount of equipment left behind when the floodwaters forced us out.
Inside the cave, there was literally tonnes and tonnes of all sorts of equipment that was used to keep the water levels down and support the diving attempts during the rescue. We found tens of kilometres of different kinds of hoses, zip lines, electric lines, telephone lines, hundreds of air cylinders (there was even one tank still jammed in the cave ceiling reminding us of the power of the floodwaters), dive equipment, industrial pumps, tools etc. I also found some of our team's equipment that we left behind, but this time we were not allowed to touch anything.
"Those who say it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt people doing it" – 13 kids all out safe and sound!
To our surprise, once we got to the T-junction (about 1.7 km in) we found out that the passage leading to the chambers #7, #8, and #9 was still blocked by the floodwaters after 7 months and we didn't get the permission to dive in so we had to turn around to come back another time.
We had gathered enough information on the state of the cave by now, so the Army could start forming a plan on how to move the equipment out and clean the cave, so that it could be opened to the public again next year.
The next attempt to get to the last chamber was planned for March, and the removal of the equipment would start then. By March the water level had dropped down enough to allow us to go further, but the Navy SEALs hit a dead-end approximately 2 km in, near the chamber #8. The sand level at that area had risen so high that it had blocked the whole cave system and there was no way in.
Our team was called in again, but this time to find a way through the sediment and to connect the now separated systems together.
Once again, I flew to Chiang Rai where Vern picked me up. We drove to Mae Sai, met up with Josh and his team of cavers from CMRCA, formed a plan and went in. This time we entered the cave with shovels. The plan was simple, we will dig our way in.
By the time we got to the cave, most of the equipment had been taken out. We found it fairly easy to get to the end of the cave where the sand met the ceiling.
To me it looked like there was no way of finding the right place to start digging. We had no idea if we would need to dig 10 or 100 meters to get through. Fortunately, for Vern and Josh, this wasn't the first time in this kind of situation. After a little sniffing around the corners, they gave me a shovel and told me to "start digging, get us out of here"! This would be my final test to earn my dry caver wings.
Over four hours and about 15 metres of digging later, we pushed through to the other side. Now the cave was reconnected again. Never have I ever felt more claustrophobic than here, digging my way through sand and mud, 2 kilometres inside a mountain, in a space the size of a coffin, with almost no air to breathe… not even when I was diving this same spot months ago.
Finally we were all through, and could find the way into the "Sam Sao", the chamber where the kids stayed.
The sand level was so high that it was impossible to recognise any of the places. We also realised that it would have been completely impossible to keep the children alive, and the life-line open to them, during the long monsoon, had they been left inside to wait for the cave to dry.
Once we reached the last chamber, we were greeted by a flashback of memories on what happened here in June/July last year. To our surprise, the chamber was at Pattaya beach and not after it, as told by many stories. Also, the size of the chamber was a surprise! How giant it was, measuring over 50 metres in length and over 10 metres in height, giving the kids plenty of dry ground to stay on. Everything was intact with all the space foils, air tanks, and other rescue equipment all over the place.
At the upper end of the chamber, there was a 6 metre deep hand dug tunnel, a desperate attempt to escape. Right next to it, there was a simple altar with some decorations and a 20 baht note that the boys had offered to the spirits to help them get out.
I remember thinking that this note did its job and was well spent, since here we are now. The youngest of the boys is now 12 and living his life fully. We took that note back, and it is now on display at the Rescue Museum in Mae Sai.
On the next day, we returned to the chamber. This time with the Navy SEALs and one of the boys, who was kind enough to tell us their story while sitting in the actual spot where it all happened. You can only imagine the emotions going through us at that time.
Later that day, we walked to the far end of the cave to discover many writings on the walls. These were writings by the desperate team of 13 young boys trapped in the dark.
As a conclusion for my search of answers, I can now say that the restrictions in the cave during the dive were pretty damn narrow. Even if at some point there would have been more space, we always had to push through and follow the line, we could not let go of the line. Also just the sheer amount of sand in the cave after the monsoon would have made the access to the kids impossible, had they been left there over the rainy season. And last, seeing the chamber #9 and its size makes it easier to understand how the kids were able to survive through the 17 days.
We got a million other answers too, learned a lot about the situation and I got to document the whole cave system during those first visits back to the cave. However, I will keep the secrets to myself, for now.
Amazing being the first ones in Sam Sao (9th chamber) after the rescue operation.
Most of our 'Euro Trash Team' – Erik Brown, Mikko Paasi, Ivan Karadzic, Claus Rasmunssen, Ruengrit Changkwanyuen, Narinthorn Na Bangchang and Ben Raymenants. Missing from the pic: Bruce, Chang, Maksym, Seva, Nick and Por
Hero Saman Kunan – Thai cave rescue. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. RIP Saman Kunan.
Written by Mikko Paasi
PS. Start young and never stop exploring.
19 million baht put aside to rehabilitate controversial Doi Suthep land in Chiang Mai
The Thai Judiciary Office says they will allocate 19 million baht for the rehabilitation of land at the foot of Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep – recently the subject of controversy and protests from local activists and environmentalists.
The plot was initially set aside, then developed as a site for court officials' residences, but Chiang Mai locals said the development was eating into forest land on hill considered historically sacred.
The construction of court officials homes, costing the government nearly 1 billion baht, was close to completion when persistent protesters brought construction to a halt.
Sarawut Benjakul, secretary-general of the Judiciary Office, told a Senate committee that the conflict should now be over.
"We have already vacated the plot and provided funds for rehabilitation."
He added that the government has already budgeted 800 million baht to build homes for court officials as well as buildings for courts within the Chiang Rai province instead.
FOUND. The day the team were found in Thailand's Tham Luang caves
It was twelve months, today, that the missing Mu Pa team, 12 young men aged between 11 and 16, and their 25 year old football coach, were finally located after nine days of frantic searching.
The team members had visited the Tham Luang cave after their routine Saturday afternoon football practice for a short excursion. After they headed in the rains started, flooding the cave, trapping them and forcing them deeper into the cave's twisted passages.
By the time the two British divers had located the team the world's media had become gripped with the story and an entire media camp city had started growing in the mud near the entrance to the caves. It would be another nail-biting week until the first of the team emerged from the caves.
Finding the team proved to be just the start of a challenging week as rescuers had to devise a safe way to get the team out. And there was more rain on the way.
Relatives had been waiting patiently in a make-shift waiting area next to the mouth of the caves
"The twelve boys and their coach have been discovered alive following nine days of frantic searching. They were trapped by floodwaters in a cave complex in the far north of Thailand. The governor of Chiang Rai Province said rescue workers were providing care and managing their extended stay whilst they await a supervised extraction.
Divers reached the group after enlarging a narrow, submerged passageway that was too small for them to get through while wearing their air tanks.
The group, captured on video by one of the English specialist diver, were alert, appeared in good spirits and engaged in conversation with the rescuers. The first worlds they said, in English, were "Thank you."
The Thaiger led the coverage of the missing team and their remarkable rescue.
• Read our first story when they were found HERE.
• And then a follow up story featuring the jubilant parents and carers who had been patiently waiting for some good news HERE.
And The Thaiger tribute to the rescuers and thousands of volunteers who worked to extract the team…
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Mindfulness exercises throughout the guide will help you slow down, reflect, and write down thoughts and goals that will help you on your way to living a more mindful life.
*Digital 29-page guide available for immediate download. Your purchase comes with two PDF formats: a printable version and a digital version.
I highly recommend printing the guide so you can easily read it and write in the mindfulness exercise sections. You should be able to get it printed and spiral bound at your local printer for under $15.
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Thank you for your purchase. Happy reading!


text:
Le baron Eugène Roissard de Bellet, né le  à Nice (alors province de Nice du royaume de Sardaigne) et mort le  à Nice (Alpes-Maritimes, France), est un homme politique français, conseiller général et député conservateur des Alpes-Maritimes sous la Troisième République.

Biographie
Après des études de droit à l'Université de Turin, il devient employé dans l'administration de l'enregistrement à Nice puis banquier.

Grand propriétaire foncier dans le canton de St-Martin-Lantosque, il y est élu conseiller général en octobre 1871, avant de devenir député de la circonscription de Nice-campagne en février 1876. Il siège alors au sein du Groupe constitutionnel (centre droit) et soutient le ministère du duc de Broglie lors de la crise du 16 mai 1877. Réélu en octobre 1877, grâce au soutien de l'administration préfectorale, il s'inscrit au Centre gauche mais ne se représente pas lors des élections législatives de 1881. Son échec marque celui de la droite dans le département. Il se retire ensuite de la vie politique.

Mandats
 Conseiller général de St-Martin-Lantosque (1871-1880).
 Conseiller municipal de Nice.
 Député des Alpes-Maritimes (1876-1881).

Décorations
 Officier de la Couronne d'Italie.

Notes et références

Voir aussi

Bibliographie
 Jacques Basso, Les élections législatives dans le département des Alpes-Maritimes de 1860 à 1939, Paris, LGDJ, 1968.
 Henri Courrière, Le comté de Nice et la France. Histoire politique d'une intégration, 1860-1879, Rennes, PUR, 2014.
 Dictionnaire biographique des Alpes-Maritimes, 1903.

 François, Alphonse, Camille Roissart (sic) de Bellet, sur le site de l'Assemblée nationale : https://www2.assemblee-nationale.fr/sycomore/fiche/(num_dept)/6057

Articles connexes
 Liste des députés des Alpes-Maritimes.

Député des Alpes-Maritimes (Troisième République)
Député de la première législature de la Troisième République
Député de la deuxième législature de la Troisième République
Conseiller général des Alpes-Maritimes
Naissance en octobre 1836
Naissance à Nice
Naissance dans la province de Nice du royaume de Sardaigne
Décès en octobre 1918
Décès à Nice

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Tulsa, Okla., Schools Plan To Use Latest Stimulus To Expand Learning Opportunities
Schools around the country are about to get a massive infusion of funds. The coronavirus relief package signed into law late last week will pump nearly $130 billion into K-12 schools across the country. And there's additional money for state governments, which will also help many of these struggling school districts. Twenty percent of the money that school districts receive is targeted at addressing what's called learning loss, and that's where Jorge Robles comes in. He's the CFO of Tulsa Public Schools, where the district has already announced a host of new programs aimed at helping students regain some of the learning that was lost during the pandemic.
JORGE ROBLES: Thank you for having me.
CHANG: Well, as we mentioned, your district has announced a lot of new programs. Can you just give us an idea of what's being offered?
ROBLES: Some of the things that we're offering are - for our high school students, we're having - we're setting up a series of programs that go from one-on-one tutoring to boot camps as well as a - we call it the Twilight Academy. So we're - students have flexible evening learning options so that our students who are in secondary can actually have an opportunity to work with teachers and counselors on catching up on learning and work to make sure that they're graduating on time and they're meeting all the graduation requirements.
And then we're also planning for next school year to make accessible our before and after care for all of our families that we know are very important opportunities for families to access enrichment programs and supports before and after school. And it's a great support for families overall and allows their - our students to continue to engage and learn in safe, joyous environments where they can engage with others and adults.
CHANG: I mean, it sounds like it could be very expensive. And I understand that these one-on-one tutoring plans were announced even before the relief package was signed into law in Washington. I mean, would you have even been able to do this one-on-one tutoring program without this extra funding from the federal government, you think?
ROBLES: It would be extremely hard to do those. So we would have - probably have to change the scale of which we could have been doing them. Having a stimulus package of the size that was authorized, it allows us to essentially put these programs in place for a longer period of time and then have a better degree of success on supporting our students.
CHANG: Well, let's talk a little more about how this money can be spent and how quickly it can be spent because the amount of money flowing into your school district and in other school districts is on a pretty historic level. As the CFO of your school district, how confident are you that you can all spend this money effectively and on the tight timeline the federal government has laid out?
ROBLES: We are essentially working with the different teams in the district to make sure that we understand the initiatives, that we're going to move forward, make sure that they meet the criteria that is established by the relief fund as quickly as we possibly can.
The other piece, which is the concern that I know is often discussed, which is, are we going to create a cliff at the end of this by investing on programs and resources and then once the funds expire, we're no longer going to have them there? - we are not essentially changing the structure of how the district functions. We are essentially leveraging these dollars to come back from the massive impact that this pandemic had on our students and be able to provide those additional supports that will allow them to recover from all of this and avoid then essentially having that cliff when these funds expire.
CHANG: Jorge Robles is the CFO of Tulsa Public Schools.
Thank you very much for joining us today.
ROBLES: My pleasure. Thank you so much for having me. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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