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Tag Archive for: Clean Cooking
Air Pollution, Clean Energy, Cooking, Fuel Source, Global Poverty
Envirofit Cookstoves Save Lives and Combat Poverty
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "more than three billion people worldwide rely on polluting energy sources such as wood, dung and charcoal for cooking." These practices are most common in impoverished areas within developing countries and come with severe health consequences. As women are usually tasked with the cooking responsibilities, the indoor air pollution caused by cooking with these traditional fuels disproportionately impacts women as well as children in the household. A social enterprise called Envirofit International aims to make clean cookstoves more accessible and affordable for families living in developing nations.
Polluting Fuels and Gender Inequality
Cooking with polluting energy sources not only leads to serious health repercussions but also contributes to economic gender inequality. Girls and women are the main gatherers of these polluting energy sources, which require more than twice as much time to gather in comparison to clean fuels. Girls from households that use polluting fuels spend roughly 18 hours per week collecting fuel in contrast to five hours a week for those from households that utilize clean energy sources. This time could go toward more productive activities such as learning and paid work. As a result, girls and women fall behind in education and economic advancement.
Health and Economic Repercussions of Indoor Air Pollution
According to the WHO, annually, almost four million people die prematurely as a result of household air pollution caused by "inefficient cooking practices using polluting stoves paired with solid fuels and kerosene." Indoor air pollution can cause ischaemic heart disease, strokes, lung cancer and pulmonary disease. Indoor pollution increases the risk of pneumonia in children by 50% and "is responsible for 45% of all pneumonia deaths in children" younger than 5. Gathering traditional fuels, a task typically performed by women and children can lead to musculoskeletal damage due to the arduous nature of this task.
Envirofit Cookstoves
Envirofit International works to replace dangerous and harmful traditional cooking methods with clean biomass cookstoves that are efficient, durable and inexpensive. The enterprise is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since its incorporation in 2003, Envirofit has manufactured and commercialized smart stoves that cook faster, use less fuel and produce less smoke and toxic emissions. Envirofit cookstoves reduce "fuel use, fuel cost and cooking time by up to 60%" and decrease smoke and harmful emissions by up to 80%. These fuel savings alone can increase household income by up to 15% a year.
Using a market-based approach, Envirofit has helped more than five million people in 45 nations around the world save money and time while also reducing their carbon footprint. Envirofits's clean, pollution-free technology has saved lives by reducing preventable deaths due to pollution. Envirofit cookstoves feature efficient combustion chambers to decrease emissions and utilize biomass fuel, which is accessible for people in rural communities.
With regional headquarters and production sites in East Africa, West Africa, Asia and Latin America, Envirofit can deliver local solutions tailored to each region's specific needs. Each regional headquarter also contributes to the local economy by providing new employment and business opportunities. Besides creating jobs and making cooking safer, more convenient and affordable, Envirofit promotes sales by conducting local awareness campaigns about the effects of air pollution on health.
Overall, Envirofit cookstoves contribute to the health and well-being of millions of impoverished people across the world, saving lives, time and money.
– Carolina Cadena
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg 0 0 Evan Winslow https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg Evan Winslow2021-08-22 06:54:542021-08-30 04:07:11Envirofit Cookstoves Save Lives and Combat Poverty
Clean Energy, Cooking, Developing Countries, Food & Hunger, Global Poverty
The Health Impacts of Cooking Fuel in Developing Countries
Finding a reliable and clean source of cooking fuel in developing countries is a persistent obstacle for poor households. From using animal dung in East Asia to wood and charcoal in Africa, the simple process of cooking varies greatly in both safety and reliability across the world. Adverse health effects from household smoke have encouraged governments to provide affordable and cleaner options for cooking fuel.
Cooking Fuel in Developing Countries
The youngest and most vulnerable in the developing world are most likely to benefit from cleaner cooking fuels. Since indoor air pollution is most prevalent with the extremely poor — those living on less than $1 a day — providing cleaner options for cooking has disproportionately positive health effects for them.
Traditionally, coal and biomass have been the primary sources of cooking fuel in developing countries and have been particularly damaging in countries that lack access to other viable options. Unhealthy levels of air pollution in homes lead to premature deaths every year. The prime culprit is smoke from coal and wood in poorly ventilated kitchens.
Convenience Over Safety
Until recently, however, convenience has trumped health and environmental concerns. Despite recent efforts to modernize energy use in the developing world, the number of people reliant on solid fuels, such as wood, is expected to grow to 2.7 billion by 2030. Although the adverse health effects of indoor air pollution contribute to 2.6 million deaths per year, there has been major resistance from people accustomed to their traditional way of cooking.
Established types of cooking fuel in developing countries, if not healthy or environmentally friendly, are hard to usurp as the primary source for energy use. Both India and Brazil have approached the problem through promoting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage but from distinctly different angles.
LPG in India
For decades India has subsidized cleaner energy sources such as LPG as an incentive to transition homes from less healthy options, such as wood, charcoal and animal dung.
Although subsidies have been historically inefficient, India has made progress in providing affordable and clean fuel to households through a biometric identification system. Since 2016, India has provided 34 million households with stoves and a free cylinder of LPG.
India has focused on targeted, subsidized fuel for those needing the greatest assistance. In 2012, in response to increasing graft and black market activity, India initiated a Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme of LPG. The subsidization program has only been possible due to access to individual bank accounts and biometric identifiers; which allows the government access to household's income levels in order to better target various need requirements.
LPG in Brazil
Brazil, on the other hand, has focused on the market development of the LPG gas industry and promoting education to consumers. Specifically, the government's approach to promoting efficient and healthy means of cooking has evolved into selling the public on the beneficial qualities of LPG. Rather than subsidized fuel or free LPG cylinders, Brazil has relied on educating Brazilian's on the use of new stoves, as well as providing a free trial period.
To get accustomed to the new fuel, LPG cylinders and accompanying stoves were offered on a short-term, three-day trial. Once completed, households involved were allowed to either purchase the new cooking equipment or return it. The majority of consumers felt comfortable enough with the more modern cookware to transition to LPG usage. Direct experience with the product, instead of handouts, has been the impetus in Brazil for creating a market for cleaner cooking fuels and stoves.
Allowing poor households to see the benefits firsthand has directly created a demand for LPG. This approach of consumer development, rather than India's direct cash transfer, could be replicated to provide cleaner cooking fuel in developing countries still reliant on wood, dung and charcoal.
The number of households who opt for cleaner and safer cooking fuel in developing countries will vary in approach. It depends on the level of poverty in the country and the policies the government, and the taxpayers, are willing to commit to.
Reducing deaths from indoor air pollution and providing a reliable source for cooking should be the ultimate policy goal of modernizing indoor fuel consumption. After all, making dinner in the developing world should not come at the price of smoke filled kitchens and declining health.
– Nathan Ghelli
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg 0 0 Borgen Project https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg Borgen Project2018-05-23 01:30:052019-11-18 12:16:52The Health Impacts of Cooking Fuel in Developing Countries
Environment, Fossil Fuel, Future, Global Poverty
The Wonderbag: Changing Women's Lives
The Wonderbag is a revolutionary non-electric cooker with the capacity to change the way people cook around the world. The Wonderbag website describes the product as "a simple but revolutionary non-electric heat-retention cooker. It continues to cook food that has been brought to the boil by conventional methods for up to 12 hours without the use of additional fuel."
The Wonderbag works by allowing the person cooking to heat any pot of food and then place the boiling pot into the bag and seal it. The initial heating can be done in any way whatsoever: on a stove in a modern kitchen, over a campfire or on a charcoal fire in a developing country's village. The heat from the initial boiling keeps the food cooking inside the Wonderbag for eight to 12 hours.
The Wonderbag is portable and can be used anywhere. In addition to heating food, it can also be used as a cooler. All you have to do is freeze it and it will keep food cold for hours.
In an interview with the Huffington Post, inventor Sarah Collins said "The biggest killer in the world is indoor air pollution related diseases; over 4 million people die annually from cooking related fire diseases," half of whom are under five years of age. Also, the burning of fuels causes hundreds of thousands of burns every year, according to the Wonderbag website.
Deforestation is a major problem around the world and is happening especially quickly in the developing world where they still use wood and charcoal as fuel and for the purposes of cooking. And by 2025, water shortages may affect up to two-thirds of the world's population. In an interview with Climate Action, inventor Sarah Collins stated that: "The bag can reduce the amount of fossil fuels that people use for cooking by 90 percent."
According to the Wonderbag website, the preparation of food can have a particularly damaging effect on the progress of women in developing countries. Preparing food can take hours, including the time spent gathering fuel. The use of the Wonderbag can free up several hours a day, allowing girls time to go to school and women time to do other work.
According to Climate Action, Collins says that through humanitarian work, she aims to get her product to "the people who live on a dollar a day in the developing world." In the developing world, the bag can be used similarly to a slow cooker in a modern kitchen.
Finally, for each Wonderbag purchased by someone in the developed world, one will be donated to a family in the developing world, linking people all around the world to each other.
– Rhonda Marrone
Sources: Wonderbag, Facebook, Huffington Post, Climat Action Programme
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg 0 0 Borgen Project https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg Borgen Project2016-03-21 01:30:022020-06-21 19:22:49The Wonderbag: Changing Women's Lives
Energy Consumption, Global Poverty, Sustainable Energy and Development, United Kingdom
New Study in UK Proposes a Solution to "Fuel Poverty"
"Fuel poverty" is generally defined as spending more than 10% of income on energy bills. The numbers don't make it seem like a crisis, but for half the world's population, it is. Fuel poverty affects the health of millions of people.
An answer to this problem, according to a study in the United Kingdom, lies in access to renewable energy and more efficient methods of cooking.
Some countries, like South Africa, heavily rely on coal and other fossil fuels while other countries like India rely on wood. Inefficient burning of these resources causes heavy indoor air pollution of carbon monoxide (CO) and respiratory suspended particulate matter. In the 21 most affected countries, this has caused a 5% death and disease rate.
U.N. Assistant Secretary General for Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination Robert Orr said, "Energy is central to everything we are trying to achieve on the development side of the equation. There are 1.3 billion people who don't have access to [modern] energy. If you hook them up to the most polluting, damaging forms of energy you are doing significant damage to the planet."
Indeed, through inefficiently burning solid forms of fuel, lasting damage is done to the planet and the overall health of millions worldwide. The United Nations crafted, within their Millennium Development Goals, an "agenda for action." The plan for improved energy efficiency involves cleaner and more efficient methods of cooking.
In India, through support from nongovernmental local associations, BP Energy India developed the "Oorja Stove." It's designed with a built-in fan that provides oxygen and eliminates smoke. It's also fueled by agricultural waste, so it's cheaper and uses much less kerosene.
"Independent research has indicated that the stove reduces CO by 71% and lowers suspended particulate matter by 34%. Other reporting suggests that biomass use would drop from 1.5 to 2 tons to 0.4 to 0.6 per family per year."
And to add to its benefits, the sale of these stoves has actually encouraged and convinced women to take on entrepreneurial roles.
The Netherland's equivalent to the Oorja stove is the Philip's Smokeless Cookstove, which can burn any biomass, and gasifies it before burning so it doesn't produce any smoke. The saucer beneath the cookstove contains the same kind of fan found in the Oorja stove.
Sustainability initiatives such as these are a stepping stone toward eradicating energy and fuel poverty.
– Anna Brailow
Sources: Optimist World, Scientific American
Sources: Daily Record
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg 0 0 Borgen Project https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg Borgen Project2015-07-24 08:08:282020-07-07 14:27:50New Study in UK Proposes a Solution to "Fuel Poverty"
Africa, Food & Hunger, Global Poverty, Health, Kenya
Clean Cookstoves in Kenya Save Millions of Lives
More than seven billion people live in this world. Yet, according to the World Health Organization, more than 3 billion risk experiencing serious respiratory infections and early death simply by cooking food and heating their homes using traditional wood stoves and solid fuels instead of clean biogas cookstoves.
The National Clean Cookstoves and Fuels Conference at Nairobi, Kenya in February was sponsored by the Global Alliance For Clean Cookstoves (GACC). The conference drew attention to a simple fact: "Cooking is essential and should not kill," noted Radha Muthiah, the executive director of GACC.
In Kenya alone, illnesses linked to cookstove smoke claim 15, 700 lives a year. Yet 84 percent of the country continues to uses solid fuels for cooking.
Naturally, the most affected group are mothers – responsible for the bulk of the cooking – and children. Muthiah shared this tragic figure: 8,300 Kenyan children die annually due to respiratory infections attributed to this indoor air pollution.
The solution, though clear, poses a high cost.
Isaac Kalua, chairperson of the Kenya-based Green Africa Foundation, asserted, "We are losing people because of indoor [air] pollution and we therefore need urgent transition from traditional methods of cooking to modern technologies." He continued by observing that the "affordability of the new technologies is a main challenge to providing clean fuels for all." Such technologies include reliable, safe biogas cooking stoves, used in conjunction with biogas digesters.
Despite the cost, a number of donors in place who recognize the needless loss of life and are committed to helping Sub-Saharan Africa address this issue. During the February GACC conference, several organizations pledged their continuing financial support. Benefactors include the UN Foundation, which has invested $3 million this year. GACC aims to provide reliable cookstoves and clean fuels globally.
The U.S. government awarded $1 million to three Kenyan organizations. This recent donation continues a lengthy history of support: since 2010, the US has contributed $125 million to GACC.
Though financial support is critical, outreach to those at risk equally addresses the harms of indoor pollution. These education efforts extend to women, as well as farmers. As the popularity of diary farmer grows in Sub-Saharan Africa, sources for biogas are expanding, According to SciDiv.Net, biogas "is a system that converts organic waste from livestock manure into energy for cooking" and heating. This system burns cleanly, because the biogas fuel does not release toxic emissions.
Consequently, biogas offers the opportunity to circumvent the health risks associated with traditional wood burning stoves.
Tradition, however, is formidable opponent. Mary Njoki, a rural Kenyan mother of five, shared this observation: "Biogas is good because it cooks fast but I still use wood fuel when it is the cold season to warm the house and cook food, since during this period, the heat produced by biogas is not sufficient." Organizations world wide are committed to changing not only Mary Njoki's mind – but the habits of millions of families heating their homes and cooking food for their children.
As Radha Muthiah observes, "using clean, efficient, and safe cookstoves" reduces fuel consumption, exposure to toxins and deforestation. And, most importantly, save millions of lives.
– Ellery Spahr
Sources: SciDevNet, Sci Dev Net, Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves
Photo: Burn Design Lab
https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg 0 0 Borgen Project https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg Borgen Project2014-02-26 04:00:132016-02-16 12:07:55Clean Cookstoves in Kenya Save Millions of Lives


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Rhinoceros Iguanas
Cyclura cornuta
About the Rhinoceros Iguanas
Rhinoceros iguanas are grey-brown lizards that have a crest and a row of spines on their backs. Males can be over 50cm long and weigh 10kg.
Habitat and Distribution
Rhinoceros iguanas are found in tropical dry forests in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
These iguanas can live alone or in groups, although males are territorial and will not live with other males. Female iguanas lay up to 30 eggs in a tunnel; these can take up to six months to hatch. They mainly live in trees when they are young as it is safer.
Conservation Status: Rare
Standard Membership
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Standard Membership is available for adults and children.
Gold Membership is available for children aged 2-12 years.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Acord is a global, nonprofit standards development organization serving the insurance industry and related financial services industries.
Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, is the oldest and largest voluntary professional membership association of financial advisors and planners in Canada.
CSI sets the standard for financial services education in Canada as the most experienced and trusted educator endorsed by regulatory authorities across Canada.
The Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA) is the national self-regulatory organization (SRO) for the distribution side of the Canadian mutual fund industry.
The Ontario Securities Commission administers and enforces securities law in the province of Ontario.
TMX Group is an integrated, multi-asset class exchange group. TMX Group's businesses operate cash and derivative markets for multiple asset classes including equities, fixed income and energy. They also provide clearing facilities, data products and other services to the international financial community.
The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) is a voluntary trade association that represents the collective interests of its member life and health insurers.
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers.


text:
angular.module('comparisonService', [])
    .factory('comparisonMetrics', ['$http', function($http) {
        return {
            getGensim: function(newData) {
                return $http.get('/api/getGensim/' + JSON.stringify({ 'TOC1': newData[0], 'TOC2': newData[1] }));
            }
        }
    }])

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
The Fist-Pump Gazette #6 and #7: BONUS DOUBLE ISSUE
Suffice it to say, the consciousness-expansion I experienced at Burning Man did in fact impact my values to the extent that I find it karmically questionable to chronicle the misadventures of eight irresponsible drunks gallivanting around the streets of Miami for no substantive reason, even if they comprise the cast of the most popular reality show of the season. But as I'm currently laid up with a sprained ankle and there doesn't seem to be anything better for me to do, I present to you the first ever Fist-Pump Gazette BONUS DOUBLE ISSUE!
Gah, everyone's still on about that note and who wrote it and what it said. The storyline has definitely been over-exploited, but I will say that The Situation's take on it is kind of interesting. He cautions Sammi to break things off because Ronnie's behavior was making her look stupid. While he didn't mention anything about feelings - either hers or his - appealing to Sammi's sense of how others perceive her might not be a bad strategy to actually inspire some action on her part.
Things finally come to a head when Snooki wants to tell Sam about the letter. But when it's rug-cutting time, she gets peer-pressured into not coming clean. I feel like this whole note drama is becoming like the trope in a long-running scripted show when the two popular characters who have big crushes on each other never get together for fear of ruining a successful dynamic. Only in this case, the dynamic is as frustrating as it is morally suspect.
I feel like I want the girls to come clean, because it's the right thing to do. But then I begin to wonder what would even happen on the show without this conflict. It seems like there are two distinct "Jersey Shores" within the same show. There's the one relationship trouble plotline, which takes care of all the drama and the human elements. There's lies, ostensible concern for their friend's well-being.
And the rest of the show constitutes one big sex-romp. Such as when Snooki hooks up with Vinnie and comments on his impressive size. ("It's like putting a watermelon into like a pinhole.") Or when Mike brings a girl home, does his thing, then abruptly kicks her out. Or when Vinnie sets his sights on Mike's sister Melissa, "The Little Situation." Then Pauly gets extra drunk and makes out with Angelina in the cab home. And that's just the first episode!
And, wow, am I glad I have another one to watch immediately afterwards, because it looks like Jenni's fight (actual fist fight this time) with Sammi is just about to get good. Everything developed so fast, I didn't even understand how it started. Apparently Vinnie had a problem with Angelina, brought it up with Jenni, who started some argument, with which Sammi got involved. Then after a straight barrage of pushes, punches, hair-pulls, and thrown kitchen appliances, Jenni and Snooki finally feel some regret for not coming clean.
What made Jenni snap so vehemently? I'm guessing it's some latent guilt for a) not coming clean to Sam about Ronnie and then b) lying to her repeatedly about the note. Why does Vinnie all of a sudden have such a problem with Angelina's phoniness? I guess because he's "the only one picking up the pattern of how shady this girl is." Very astute, Vinnie.
But the real kicker is that after all this drama, all this advice from everybody, all the revealed infidelities, Sammi and Ronnie still end up sleeping in the same bed. And going on dates. And TOTALLY making my prediction come true from my last gazette. Wow, am I good. I should consider a career in reality television. Oh, wait...
Now that the girls aren't talking to each other, Vinnie and Angelina kindly step up to fulfill our drama quota. They have a shouting match, she passes judgment on the ladies he brings home, and then... they make out with each other in the taxi. I guess that's why they were so antagonistic to each other - it was just a schoolboy crush. I wonder what her hopeful suitor Jose (who bought her a Fossil watch and told her to "behave" on the phone) will think about this development. I have a feeling I'll find out next week... whether I want to or not...
tag! you're it! Jersey Shore, review, shame, TV


List of interesting topics where users publish, discuss and vote on them.
Sharen is responsive, php script, built for users want to share links, viral content, ask questions, etc. It's easy to get up and running and edit all options with a powerful admin panel.
If you heard Hacker news website it's something like that.
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Keywords: ajax, codeigniter, content, gravatar, newsletter, questions, rating, responsive, share links, Share News, stories, trending, viral.


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Holothuria (Selenkothuria) glaberrima, also known as the brown rock sea cucumber, is a species of sea cucumber in the genus Holothuria, subgenus Selenkothuria. The cucumber is distributed in the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. The species is found at a depth of 0–42 meters.

Description
The body of Holothuria glaberrima is cigar-shaped, with a whorl of twenty bushy feeding tentacles at the anterior end surrounding the mouth. The cuticle is leathery and tough; the dorsal surface is smooth, while the ventral surface or "sole" bears three longitudinal rows of dark brown tube feet. This sea cucumber grows to a length of . The general colour is blackish, dark brown or occasionally grey, without any spots, while the tentacles are black.

Distribution and habitat
Holothuria glaberrima is native to the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico; its range includes the West Indies. Florida, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil. It occurs at depths down to about . It lives under rocks in areas with considerable water movement.

Research
Sea cucumbers are able to regenerate their complete digestive systems and grow back most parts of the body following injury. Because of this, and because of the closeness of the relationship of echinoderms to vertebrates, sea cucumbers have been used in regeneration research. Holothuria glaberrima has been widely used as a model organism for this purpose, and to facilitate these studies, the genome has been sequenced.

References

Holothuriidae
Fauna of the Atlantic Ocean
Animals described in 1867

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


At Turner, premium comedy is no laughing matter.
Super Deluxe has officially launched at its new headquarters in Los Angeles, debuting a versatile new content brand from Turner dedicated to delivering eccentric and subversive comedy across digital and mobile platforms.
Six months into operation, Super Deluxe now reaches more than 35 million viewers a month on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo, Twitter and Snapchat. This week's launch brought together Turner executives and Super Deluxe leadership, along with dynamic actors, musicians, and the creative minds and talents powering new and upcoming series matching the high standards of premium television with equally high digital audience engagement.
"Our belief in the value proposition of 'premium plus personalization' now extends into the emergent ecosystem of mobile centric consumers and next generation creators thriving in that space," said Kevin Reilly, chief creative officer for Turner Entertainment and president of TBS and TNT.
Check out some photos from the party below, and visit the Super Deluxe website for more information. Seriously.


text:
BPL Trail Days Online '23!
Enroll Today: $14.00
You are here: Home / Events / BPL Trail Days Online '23!
Presenter(s)
Enrollment: $14.00
What is BPL Trail Days Online?
Backpacking Light presents BPL Trail Days Online! a live, online user conference featuring backcountry experts and enthusiasts presenting on the topics of outdoor gear materials, design, and engineering; backcountry skills trends and experiments; make your own gear techniques and projects; backcountry routes, trips, and trails; outdoor industry trends related to hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry activities; and more.
BPL Trail Days Online '23 features 14 presentations from 13 speakers, with each presentation ranging from 20 to 30 minutes in length, followed by up to 10 minutes of live audience Q&A.
This is a three-day event spanning the evenings of February 23-25, 2023:
Day 1: February 23, 2023 @ 6-9 PM US Mountain Time.
Partial proceeds from ticket sales to this event will be donated to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, a 501(c)(3) national non-profit organization building a strong community of CDT volunteers, enthusiasts, and supporters who want to see the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) completed and protected.
Backpacking Light Members:
Tickets are FREE for all Backpacking Light Members (Basic, Premium, and Unlimited). Become a Member today and get free access to Trail Days Online live streams and recordings.
If you are a Backpacking Light Member, you'll see the GREEN "Access Event Content" button on this page when you are logged in with your Membership account – just click it to access the detailed program, live stream feeds, and recordings.
$14 provides access to all Trail Days Online live streams and recordings. Get your ticket by clicking one of the Orange "Enroll" Buttons on this page.
How do I access the events after I purchase my ticket/enroll?
You'll receive an email with the link to the event live stream/recordings. Or, you can access the event through the Account > My Education menu after you log in with your backpackinglight.com user account.
Is there a deadline to purchase tickets?
No – tickets may be purchased prior to, during, or after the event. If you miss any of the sessions, you can always go back and watch the recordings.
However, there is a cap on live event tickets so we can preserve a high-quality live-streaming experience for our ticket holders. When that cap is reached, ticket sales will be closed until the entire recorded event is made available on February 27.
The following companies are event sponsors, who help promote the event and donate raffle prizes. Backpacking Light does not charge a monetary fee for event sponsorship.
How do I become a Trail Days Sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities are now closed for this event.
BPL Trail Days '23 – Day 1
Introduction and Welcome, by Ryan Jordan (15 min)
Lightening the Load, by Glen Van Peski (40 min)
How to Thrive When You're Miserable, by Willow Belden (25 min)
Gear Standards and Marketing, by Rex Sanders (30 min)
The Rise of Cottage Brands, by Lloyd Vogel (35 min)
Day 1 Raffle! (10 min)
Lessons Learned on the Pacific Northwest Trail, by Anna Swarts (35 min)
State of the Continental Divide Trail, with Teresa Martinez and Ryan Jordan (20 min)
Building the Backpacking Athlete, by John Zombro (40 min)
Introduction to Tent Design, by Henry Shires (30 min)
Hiking the Desert: How to be Safe and Have Fun, by Drew Smith (40 min)
If the Shoe Fits: How to Select and Assess the Integrity of Hiking Footwear, by Nikki Stavile (30 min)
How to Efficiently Plan an Adventure (or Thru-Hike), by Jeff Garmire (35 min)
Dyneema Composite Fabrics Construction Techniques, by Dan Durston (30 min)
Cook Safer Inside Tents, by Rex Sanders (30 min)
How Much Do We Really Disturb the Ecosystem When We Recreate? by Ryan Jordan (35 min)
Meet Your Presenter(s)
Backpacking Light is a membership-based community that helps hikers and other backcountry users thrive outdoors. Our values are advocacy, expertise, and generosity. We provide trusted expertise so you can enjoy the backcountry with confidence.
WILLOW BELDEN is the host and founder of Out There, an award-winning podcast that explores big questions through intimate stories outdoors. She's thru-hiked the Colorado Trail, goes cross-country skiing almost every day in the winter, and is conquering her fear of heights by learning to rock climb. Out There Podcast Website
DAN DURSTON is equal parts outdoor adventurer and gear nerd. He has hiked the PCT, Great Divide Trail, set FKTs, and pioneered new high routes but is best known for the X-Mid tents he designed as part of his company Durston Gear. Durston Gear Website
JEFF GARMIRE has completed the Calendar Year Triple Crown (AT, PCT, CDT in one year), climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, The Great Western Loop, Nolans 14 in 59 hours, and broke the Arizona Trail self-supported FKT, Pinhoti Trail self-supported FKT, Long Trail Unsupported FKT, John Muir Trail record, and the Colorado Trail Unsupported FKT among other records. The Free Outside Website
RYAN JORDAN is the owner/founder of Backpacking Light and is based in Estes Park, Colorado. Backcountry passions include #alpinism #tenkara #paddling. Advocate for local community development (via the Estes Park Economic Development Center), coffee (via Kind Coffee), and public lands stewardship (via Rocky Mountain National Park). Backpacking Light Website
TERESA MARTINEZ is the Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. For over 30 years, Teresa has worked professionally to increase awareness, engagement, access, and stewardship of our entire National Trails System. Continental Divide Trail Coalition Website.
REX SANDERS started exploring the outdoors and sciencing long ago. That led to a career at the U.S. Geological Survey, two decades as a part-time whitewater raft guide, and many backpacking trips. Now a freelance writer, he also develops simple backpacking gear tests, and obsesses over backpacking jargon. Rex's Blog
HENRY SHIRES carried too much weight as an 11-year-old backpacker, cried all the way up the trail but fell in love with alpine lakes and snowfields. Fast forward to a physics degree, a 1999 PCT thru-hike, and my desire for lighter gear, and the first tarp tent was born. Tarptent Website
DREW SMITH grew up roaming the deserts and mountains of southern Arizona and started backpacking when he was 11. After a career as a molecular biologist and raising a family, he returned to long-distance hiking as those adult obligations faded away. Drew has hiked many short and long trails in the deserts of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and California. Drew's Blog
NIKKI STAVILE has been a long-distance runner for fourteen years, and has nearly 2,700 miles of backpacking experience, including an AT '21 thru-hike and a CT '22 section hike. She lives in the Sonoran Desert where she always fails to properly hydrate. Find Nikki on Instagram
ANNA SWARTS was introduced to backpacking at a young age and hasn't stopped adventuring since. She's the instructor for the Backpacking Light Womens Backpacking Masterclass and is passionate about removing barriers and helping others experience the benefits of outdoor adventure. She currently lives in Duluth, Minnesota. Anna's Blog
GLEN VAN PESKI is the Founder/Managing Director of Gossamer Gear, and a retired civil engineer living in Bend, Oregon. Glen has run ultra-marathons, and backpacked and bikepacked in the US and abroad. Watch for Glen's book take less. do more. 20 Life Lessons from Ultralight Backpacking in mid-2023. Gossamer Gear Website
LLOYD VOGEL is the Co-Founder and CEO of Garage Grown Gear. An avid backpacker and paddler, Lloyd first entered the outdoor industry through trip-leading and outdoor education. Based in Minneapolis MN, Lloyd is a huge fan of small brands, light packs, and large meals. Garage Grown Gear Website
JOHN ZOMBRO is a performance coach and physical therapist, specializing in backcountry athletics and online service delivery via The Lifetime Athlete. He has 39 years of experience in health education, fitness, sports, and rehabilitation. John resides in southwest Montana. The Lifetime Athlete Website
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Portrait of Philip Roth by The Paris Review in the Fall, 1984 issue.
"The sheer surprise of the Lindbergh nomination had activated an atavistic sense of being undefended. "
"A childhood milestone, when another's tears are more unbearable than one's own."
This blog post is dedicated to Philip Roth and Tom Wolfe who died this week, both in their 80's. They were tireless writers, prescient writers. They wrote fiction and nonfiction, though Wolfe was primarily a journalist who wrote his novel "Bonfire of the Vanities" on a dare. All journalists eventually turn to fiction and harbor the ambition to write The Great American Novel, his friends said to him, sotto voce. Hubris ascendant, Norman Mailer had always said he would write The Great American Novel. Instead, he wrote "The Executioner's Song," a nonfiction book that used fictional devices to tell a story. Roth wrote a tongue in cheek, not very successful novel called "The Great American Novel," in 1973. It was about baseball.
Tom Wolfe found it difficult to relinquish interviewing and the scaffold of a real-life story, so he disciplined himself to produce a certain amount of words every week, and made an arrangement with Rolling Stone to serialize the book. That was unusual, strange and nerve-wracking. He vowed never to do it again. Think of Dickens, Trollope and other 19th century novelists writing to deadline, much like journalists, every week, book after book after book.
Roth had always written fiction, fiction that reads like nonfiction, and only occassionally wrote nonfiction. His setting was more often than not Newark, the city of his birth, and he created a persona, Nathan Zuckerman , a writer, to tell his richest stories. Yet, my favorites are non-Zuckerman novels, both masterpieces: "Nemesis" and "The Plot Against America," which I reread this year. It was the One Book selection in several towns across America and for good reason; it is prescient indeed.
These days women are often offended by the old guard of white-American, sometimes misogynist male writers—Updike, Roth, Bellow, Mailer, etc. – men of the pre-women's movement generation. And though we may wonder what women writers were doing for them, and with them, as they were getting published and becoming famous, these essential contemporary questions do not diminish the writers' talent and accomplishments. Still, it's of interest that Roth's ex-wife, actress Claire Bloom, wrote a scathing memoir about her marriage to Roth, "Leaving a Doll's House," that paints the author as a self-centered misogynist. Her book faded into obscurity as his reputation soared. And is it fair and is it right? Fair, perhaps not. Right, absolutely. Books survive on their merit.
My husband, Jim, hadn't had time to get a haircut before we moved. It was long and looked unkempt, retro-hippie, which was not okay with him, even though we'd moved to a retro- hippieish town. But where to go? There was the barber shop on Main Street ($9 for students), closed Mondays, and a salon in the mall, so that's where we went.
Jim gets along with just about everyone and toggles easily between high and low culture. His cutter was a guy so he began with guy talk. They called each other "buddy," which is really retro. I sat and read my highbrow book, "Flowers of the Killer Moon," by David Grann about the Osage murders on their oil-rich reservation in Oklahoma in the 1920's. None of it was making me smile.
I looked up as the first skein of locks fell to the floor. The cutter had taken out the lawn mower when Jim said: "Short. I don't want a haircut for a while." So involved was he in conversation with the affable cutter that I don't think he noticed that he was getting a buzz cut. For an instant I rose out of my chair, but it was too late, there was no stopping it. I suppressed a giggle.
The guy talk continued: Motorcycles segued to California, Route 101 and driving 165 miles an hour without a cop in sight. (The cutter boasting, not Jim.) Then I heard the word "daughters." The cutter has four and they are mostly okay, he said. There is only one he's wanted to hit over the years, but stopped himself. Now Jim nearly got out of his chair: "Think of what we do to ourselves when we hit our children," he said, deadpan. I could see the cutter's face drop: the guy talk was over.
This story has a familiar ring to it! Your writing workshop was an extraordinary experience for me. Now I am officially hooked on your writing and have placed you on my blog reading list with all of my favorite (mostly garden) blogs.
It was a pleasure to meet you at the Inspired by Nature Writing Workshop last week in Stoneridge. I've looked at your blog, too, and am impressed. The writing is so lively. Thank you for trying all my prompts without complaint. I'm gratified that you enjoyed the experience.
I met Jennifer DuBois Bruntil in the women's locker room the first week I moved up to New Paltz. We're both lap swimmers and I'd noticed that she has a smooth competitor's stroke and mentioned that I ,too, had once been a competitive swimmer. I don't do flip turns any more, nor do I rotate my head side to side to breathe, though I still love to swim. That was the beginning of our conversation.
Jennifer is a trained teacher who, at the time, was working at Historic Huguenot Street as the School Programming Coordinator. She lives in New Paltz with her family, not in the original farmhouse--they were dairy farmers--but in a house her grandfather built when he retired. However, to say she "lives," in New Paltz is not accurate; her family has been anchored here for twelve generations. The DuBois name is everywhere in town.
I was intrigued and started to read everything I could about the history of New Paltz from the first Dutch settlements to the present day. Dear Reader, I went to the local library. There I found various books on the shelves, an archivist, a huge collection of memorabilia, and a link to 66 libraries in the Mid-Hudson Valley for loans.
What happened to the Esopus people? They were the First Americans to live here. Unlike the descendants of the Dutch, English and French Huguenot families who still reside in New Paltz, their history is mostly absent from a history of New Paltz photo book for sale at the library. Yet the Algonquin language the tribe (still) speaks is evident everywhere—the Esopus creek, the town of Esopus, Kerhonkson, and so much more.
The tribe was decimated by disease, enslaved by the Dutch "settlers," pushed west into Wisconsin and Canada by the US government—a trail of tears—and by the time the Huguenots arrived, their numbers had diminished significantly, they were in survival mode and struck financially beneficial deals. By all accounts, they lived mostly peacefully with the Huguenot settlers who themselves had escaped persecution. It's a complex, fascinating and troubling story that still resonates today.
Few families in Colonial America, including the Jews in New York and our Founding Fathers, remained innocent as the barbarity of the slave trade intensified. Either they owned slaves themselves, were complicit in the "legalization" of the institution, or succumbed to the temptation of free labor.
Jennifer DuBois Bruntil has ended her modest children's book with the arrival of the Huguenots in America, before they purchased slaves themselves. A sequel would undoubtedly have to include all this subsequent, disturbing history explained simply, but honestly, to young readers. During the educational tours at the Huguenot Historic Site, students are taken to different "stations" where they find out about the Esopus at one station, and family life, including slaves, at another. None of the local history is ignored. And during the summer months, SUNY New Paltz Professor Joseph Diamond supervises students as they dig for artifacts left by the settlers, the Native Americans, and slaves, in front of the DuBois Fort, the Esopus Wigwam, and elsewhere in the carefully preserved, landmarked area. This year he hopes to excavate part of the road. I plan to stop by to observe their progress and will report again in another blog post. Stay tuned.


What's benefits of Meta Tags ?
Discussion in 'Search Engine Optimization' started by anjalirai, Aug 25, 2010.
Will u tell me what's benefits of META TAGS for websites and Search Engine ?
If you have Wordpress.org plugins, add RV-All-In-One-SEO-Pack, from WP dashboard, click All in one Seo pack on the setting menu, add meta keywords description according to your site content, it will make your site page Search Engines friendly to increase your site rank more or less.
Meta description is what shows up as the google "snippet" in search results (most of the time), so that is one of the most important things to optimize in my opinion. You want to entice people to click through to your site after all.
Meta Tag is very important thing for Search Engine Spider because it shows that what you want to show to the world. In Title tag you can use your most of the important keywords and it helps very much to get higher rank in SERPs.
Meta tags are important thing in the field of SEO. There are many types of meta tags but meta description and meta keywords are important. But Google not gives importance to meta keywords. Basically all search engine's crawler started to crawl from top to bottom. In Meta tags description you can add keywords. Meta tags helps to get higher ranking in search engine ranking.
The major purpose of a meta tag is to allow search engine spiders to more accurately list and index your site thereby allowing you to tell the search engine what you want it to index.
These Meta Tags are of three types such as Meta title, Meta description and Meta keywords. Appropriate use of these tags helps you in boosting the page ranking of the website.
The meta description shows up under the URL in the SERP and is important from a click attraction perspective.
Meta tags is one type of on page optimization. Meta tags will boost up your keywords as well as rankings in SERP also.There are two types of meta tags such as meta keywords and meta description tags.
It is one of most important on-page factor as crawlers looks for it.
Meta tags are important, though not all of them. "Description" is something that should be always used. Google disregards the "keywords" one, but other search engines use it. Make also sure that you have the language meta-tag, in Google Webmasters there are quite a few complaints that pages are recognized in the wrong language. Google does not use it, but Yahoo! does. Most of the others (except "title") usually provide no added value.
They have been the focus of the SEO field of marketing research, where different methods are explored to provide a user's site with a higher ranking on search engines. In the mid to late 1990s, search engines were reliant on meta data to correctly classify a Web page and webmasters quickly learned the commercial significance of having the right meta element, as it frequently led to a high ranking in the search engines and thus, high traffic to the website.
it is not that important now but i still use it since it's pretty much available. placing it won't hurt my site so why not place it.
Meta tags are important for on page optimization where Meta description is an important role for SEO. You can give your keywords in meta description tag. google crawl meta description by which the ranking on search engines improves.
Meta Tags is important in seo because by the meta tags google cache your website and target you keywords.


text:
Council calls for public's views on flood strategy
THE WAY in which the county council works to manage the risk and impact of flooding has been set out in a revised strategy.
Members of the public and relevant organisations are now being asked to give their views on the draft East Sussex Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, before it is adopted by East Sussex County Council.
The document looks at the level of flood risk across the county from streams, groundwater and surface water, the way in which the authority manages flood risk and the advice it provides for developers and planners to ensure new schemes include effective drainage.
"We have all seen the devastating impact flooding can have," said Cllr Carl Maynard, lead member for transport and environment.
"With severe weather becoming increasingly prevalent, it is more important than ever to have an effective strategy in place to manage the risk and deal with the impact of flooding. The consultation gives residents, businesses and other stakeholders the opportunity to tell us if the proposed strategy provides the right type of advice."
East Sussex County Council was given a co-ordinating role in managing flood risk following a Government review which led to the introduction of the Flood and Water Management Act in 2010.
In 2015 changes were made to the planning system to make sure new major developments included sustainable drainage systems and the county council, as the lead local flood authority, was made a statutory consultee on this type of application.
The latest flood management strategy builds on the existing 2013-16 strategy, and takes into account the severe flooding of recent years.
"Working in partnership is key to the proposed strategy," Cllr Maynard. "We will need to work together with other agencies, authorities and developers to co-ordinate efforts in upgrading and maintaining the existing infrastructure, raising public awareness and responding to flooding."
The strategy recognises the need for an improved evidence base and understanding of local flood risk to ensure that resources are targeted in the areas of highest vulnerability. Once adopted, the strategy will be regularly updated.
Members of the public and other organisations have until Sunday, April 10 to comment on the East Sussex Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. To take part in the consultation click here
This entry was posted in Transport and Environment on March 2, 2016 by karenb.
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text:
Parasites Defy Koch's Postulates
Parasites are organisms that inhabit and get food from a host and often cause diseases. Once a parasite gets into a host, it can go unnoticed, or it can cause severe infections.[1] Usually when a microorganism is in a host, it can be found, isolated, and associated with a particular disease to then be treated. That is not always the case for parasites, which go against the criteria for identifying the relation between disease and microorganism.
Koch and His Postulates
Before a bacteriologist named Robert Koch, scientists were baffled about the idea of how a specific microorganism caused a particular disease[3]. After a series of scientific experiments, Koch and his colleagues came up with the Koch's postulates in the 1800's to help identify the relationship of the pathogen or microorganism and the disease it causes.[3,5] He and his colleagues used mice as the hosts in experiments to study the connection between microbes and diseases. Koch's four postulates are:
1) The organism/pathogen must be present with every case of the disease and absent in healthy individuals
2) The pathogen must be grown in a pure culture when isolated from the diseased host
3) Then, that isolated pathogen should cause the same disease when re inoculated into a healthy test subject/host.
4) The pathogen must then be re isolated from the new host and cause the same disease in a pure culture as the initial one.[5]
Parasites Disregard the Postulates
When the postulates were first introduced, they helped clarify questions in the scientific community about diseases related to pathogens. . The postulates could not be used for studying diseases caused by things such as parasites. Parasites are not the only ones that do not follow the postulates though; there were limitations to Koch's findings when diseases such as Cholera and some viruses were studied. For example, Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, can also be found in healthy hosts, invalidating the first postulate.[4]
An example for a parasite that does not follow the postulates is the plasmodium that causes malaria.
The problems found in the postulates for studying parasites were:
1) Many parasites are asymptomatic and so we cannot tell when the parasite is present or not present. Also, the parasite could be hidden or dormant for its own benefit. A female mosquito carries and transfers the plasmodium but it could be present in a healthy host in low levels and therefore go unnoticed, voiding the first postulate. [4,2]
2) The second postulate states that the microorganism must be grown in a pure culture and parasites are not easily grown in pure cultures. Parasites need adequate conditions to grow in and so the second postulate was not useful in finding a parasite causing a disease. The plasmodium of malaria cannot be grown in a pure culture outside of a host, defying the second postulate. [4,2]
3) The third postulate states that the pathogen must infect another animal host and produce the same outcome. This cannot be tested because there may not be adequate animal hosts that would cause the same outcome as in humans. For malaria, humans cannot be tested on due to ethical issues. It would not be ethical to use humans as test subjects and perform experiments on. Some parasites only cause the disease when in humans and not in other animals. Also, some animals may not carry the parasite in the same way as humans. For another example, Kuchenmeister, a scientist, studied parasites that were seen as bladder worms in pigs but tapeworms causing Taeniasis in humans.[1] This showed that there are different stages of a parasite's life cycle expressed in different hosts making it difficult to say that the same parasite causes the same disease. There can be many intermediate hosts of parasites before reaching a definitive or final host.[4]
4) The dilemma with the fourth postulate is that since the life stages of the parasites could be different in different hosts, it would be difficult to re-isolate the microorganism and grow it in a pure culture to produce identical results. Again, the plasmodium cannot be isolated and re-grown in a pure culture due to the nature of the parasite and the environment it needs to grow. [4,2]
The Postulates Now
Today, Koch's postulates are still used in determining the links between microbes and the disease they cause but are not very useful in finding the relationship between certain microorganisms such as viruses and parasites and diseases they cause.
1) http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/2) http://www.microbemagazine.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3664:kochs-postulatesthen-and-now&catid=812&Itemid=1095
3) http://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/koch%E2%80%99s-postulates
4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3158372/
5) http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Koch_s_postulates.html
6) http://wordpress.as.edu.au/tlane/2013/02/20/clonorchis-sinesis-pork-tape-worm/
7) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffrq1lIfE1o
8) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb32g02IIs8
9) http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/biology/
Symbiosis: Relationship Status
Hygiene Hypothesis and Helminthic Therapy
Defense Evasion: Molecular Mimicry
Adaptations of Organisms Upon Encounter
Fight or Flight?
Pathogenicity and Virulence
Parasite Manipulation of the Host
Host Encounters


CELEBRATE FAMILY LITERACY DAY WITH US!
The 2018 Let's Read book is The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson, Illustrated by Dusan Petricic.
Who is playing that beautiful music in the subway? And why is nobody listening? In The Man with the Violin, bestselling author Kathy Stinson has woven a heart-warming story that reminds us all to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
Your family can pick up a free copy of the book The Man with the Violin, and meet author Kathy Stinson! We'll also enjoy craft activities and snacks provided by the Healthy Kids Community Challenge!
Visit our Let's Read webpage to discover full details on ALL the fantastic Let's Read events will be hosting in 2018!


text:
// Copyright (c) 2009-2010 Satoshi Nakamoto
// Copyright (c) 2009-2013 The Bitcoin developers
// Distributed under the MIT/X11 software license, see the accompanying
// file COPYING or http://www.opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php.

#ifndef BITCOIN_CHAIN_PARAMS_H
#define BITCOIN_CHAIN_PARAMS_H

#include "uint256.h"
#include "core.h"
#include "bitcoin_core.h"

#include <vector>

#include "subsidylevels.h"

using namespace std;

#define MESSAGE_START_SIZE 4
typedef unsigned char MessageStartChars[MESSAGE_START_SIZE];

class CAddress;
class Credits_CBlock;

struct CDNSSeedData {
    string name, host;
    CDNSSeedData(const string &strName, const string &strHost) : name(strName), host(strHost) {}
};

/**
 * CChainParams defines various tweakable parameters of a given instance of the
 * Credits system. There are three: the main network on which people trade goods
 * and services, the public test network which gets reset from time to time and
 * a regression test mode which is intended for private networks only. It has
 * minimal difficulty to ensure that blocks can be found instantly.
 */
class CChainParams
{
public:
    enum Network {
        MAIN,
        TESTNET,
        REGTEST,

        MAX_NETWORK_TYPES
    };

    enum Base58Type {
        PUBKEY_ADDRESS,
        SCRIPT_ADDRESS,
        SECRET_KEY,
        EXT_PUBLIC_KEY,
        EXT_SECRET_KEY,

        MAX_BASE58_TYPES
    };

    const uint256& HashGenesisBlock() const { return hashGenesisBlock; }
    const MessageStartChars& MessageStart() const { return pchMessageStart; }
    const std::string AddrFileName() const { return addrFileName; }
    const vector<unsigned char>& AlertKey() const { return vAlertPubKey; }
    int GetDefaultPort() const { return nDefaultPort; }
    const uint256& ProofOfWorkLimit() const { return bnProofOfWorkLimit; }
    virtual bool RequireRPCPassword() const { return true; }
    const string& DataDir() const { return strDataDir; }
    virtual Network NetworkID() const = 0;
    const vector<CDNSSeedData>& DNSSeeds() const { return vSeeds; }
    const std::vector<unsigned char> &Base58Prefix(Base58Type type) const { return base58Prefixes[type]; }
    virtual const vector<CAddress>& FixedSeeds() const = 0;
    int RPCPort() const { return nRPCPort; }
    int ClientVersion() const { return nClientVersion; }
    int AcceptDepthLinkedBitcoinBlock() const { return nAcceptDepthLinkedBitcoinBlock; }
    int DepositLockDepth() const { return nDepositLockDepth; }
protected:
    CChainParams() {}

    uint256 hashGenesisBlock;
    MessageStartChars pchMessageStart;
    std::string addrFileName;
    // Raw pub key bytes for the broadcast alert signing key.
    vector<unsigned char> vAlertPubKey;
    int nDefaultPort;
    int nRPCPort;
    int nClientVersion;
    //How deep in the bitcoin blockchain the hashLinkedBitcoinBlock reference must be
    int nAcceptDepthLinkedBitcoinBlock;
    //At what depth is a deposit released for spending
    int nDepositLockDepth;
    uint256 bnProofOfWorkLimit;
    string strDataDir;
    vector<CDNSSeedData> vSeeds;
    std::vector<unsigned char> base58Prefixes[MAX_BASE58_TYPES];
};

class Bitcredit_CMainParams : public CChainParams {
public:
    Bitcredit_CMainParams();

    vector<SubsidyLevel> getSubsidyLevels() const { return vSubsidyLevels; }
    virtual const Credits_CBlock& GenesisBlock() const { return genesis; }
    virtual Network NetworkID() const { return CChainParams::MAIN; }
    virtual int FastForwardClaimBitcoinBlockHeight() const { return 340874; }
    virtual uint256 FastForwardClaimBitcoinBlockHash() const { return uint256("0x000000000000000005a50dde9c4522c05b6b9051dd04b450b9c6721483c213b9"); }

    virtual const vector<CAddress>& FixedSeeds() const {
        return vFixedSeeds;
    }
protected:
    vector<SubsidyLevel> vSubsidyLevels;
    Credits_CBlock genesis;
    vector<CAddress> vFixedSeeds;
};

class Bitcoin_CMainParams : public CChainParams {
public:
	Bitcoin_CMainParams();

	int SubsidyHalvingInterval() const { return nSubsidyHalvingInterval; }
    virtual const Bitcoin_CBlock& GenesisBlock() const { return genesis; }
    virtual Network NetworkID() const { return CChainParams::MAIN; }

    virtual const vector<CAddress>& FixedSeeds() const {
        return vFixedSeeds;
    }
protected:
    int nSubsidyHalvingInterval;
    Bitcoin_CBlock genesis;
    vector<CAddress> vFixedSeeds;
};

/**
 * Return the currently selected parameters. This won't change after app startup
 * outside of the unit tests.
 */
const Bitcredit_CMainParams &Credits_Params();
const Bitcoin_CMainParams &Bitcoin_Params();

/** Sets the params returned by xxx_Params() to those for the given network. */
void SelectParams(CChainParams::Network network);

/**
 * Looks for -regtest or -testnet and then calls SelectParams as appropriate.
 * Returns false if an invalid combination is given.
 */
bool SelectParamsFromCommandLine();

inline bool Bitcoin_TestNet() {
    // Note: it's deliberate that this returns "false" for regression test mode.
    return Bitcoin_Params().NetworkID() == CChainParams::TESTNET;
}
inline bool Bitcredit_TestNet() {
    // Note: it's deliberate that this returns "false" for regression test mode.
    return Credits_Params().NetworkID() == CChainParams::TESTNET;
}

inline bool Bitcoin_RegTest() {
    return Bitcoin_Params().NetworkID() == CChainParams::REGTEST;
}
inline bool Bitcredit_RegTest() {
    return Credits_Params().NetworkID() == CChainParams::REGTEST;
}
bool FastForwardClaimStateFor(const int nBitcoinBlockHeight, const uint256 nBitcoinBlockHash);

#endif


Director Aneesh Anwar's Basheerinte Premalekhanam has hit screens all over Kerala today. The movie starring Farhaan Faasil and Sana Althaf in the lead roles was publicized as a rom-com entertainer. Let's see if it truly lives up to that tag.
Basheerinte Premalekhanam, as the name suggests has it's core element in the love story of Basheer and Suhara. The tale happens in the fictional village of Chakkarakadavu, where development is in it's nascent stages. The locals want a bridge that will connect the two shores of the river and there are several opinions amongst the villagers on the same issue. In between all this, Basheer-Suhara love story becomes a topic of discussion.
Aneesh Anwar, noted for his films like Kumabasaram and Zachariyayude Garbhinikal, has evolved much as a filmmaker and that is evident from his work in Basheerinte Premalekhanam. Unlike his previous films, Basheerinte Premalekhanam is a romantic-comedy. The songs and promo trailer had already created a buzz in social medias.
Basheerinte Premalekhanam is scripted jointly by newbies Shinod Sivam, Bipin K Paulose and Shamseer Ahamed. The writers and director have emerged partially successful in delivering an entertaining product. The first half was not up to the mark but the latter half was convincing enough.
Farhaan Faasil has grown miles as an actor from his Njan Steve Lopez days. He has given a very convincing performance as Basheer. Similarly, Sana Althaf has shown how promising an actress she is with her balanced performance as Suhara. Kammatipadam fame Manikandan Achari was impressive once again. On the negative side, veteran actors Sheela and Madhu did not have much of a scope for performance.The supporting cast, which includes Aju Varghese, Harish Kanaran, Manikandan Achari, Nobi, Joy Mathew, Sunil Sughada, Sreejith Ravi have all justified their casting.
Sanjay Harris, the 20 year old cinematographer has captured the alluring beatuy of the rural Kerala and successfully created a retro feel as the movie is set in the 80s. However, works by the art department was a let down as we could see many new age elements on screen. Mohan Sithara's songs are already trending on top in several music platforms and they are laced perfectly with the narrative. Ranjith Touchriver's seamless editing has not affected the movie's flow.
Eventhough, Basheerinte Premalekhanam has it's share of flaws, it is a good entertainer that can be enjoyed with families.
Basheerinte Premalekhanam actress Sana Althaf is a black belt holder now!


If you are reading this you might be thinking about coming to the south of Spain. We are going to explain what are the main points of interest in Malaga, monuments and ideas about top things to do in Malaga.
Visit the links on the left side of this website for reading about highlights in the city centre and other municipalities. Check also our website to know when are held major festivals and events for planning your visit.
The months of October and November are perfect to discover typical Andalusian villages. If nature and outdoor exercise sounds good to you then hiking or trekking is an option to take in consideration.
The climate in autumn is good enough for you to enjoy any activity, remember that there are many activities available also for Halloween.
Even though in the middle of winter it is usually cold, the weather and temperature is mild when compared to the North of Spain and Europe. Consider Malaga for your city break as a weekend getaway or a long-term holiday.
You can enjoy Malaga region at any time. While this is true consider bringing some winter clothes if coming for New Year's Eve or around that date. It can be cold throughout the early morning or the night.
During the winter many streets markets are available, feel and breath the Christmas ambiance. Christmas lights from Calle Larios are is one of the most beautiful in Europe, an event not to miss.
Winter months are colder than the rest so what about visiting monuments and museums? A superb plan is to stroll the city around and enjoy a warm tea or coffee at the old town.
Flights to Malaga increase by June but in April and May there are already visitors looking for the good weather.
Spring is a perfect season for doing outdoor activities such as hiking or golf at any golf course on the Costa del Sol. Spring season is perfect for practicing any sport as it is not too hot yet.
Mild temperature in spring invites to practice active tourism. Driving to white villages or strolling through the city centre is a nice option. Those who like beach can rent a hammock and spend a relaxing day next to a beach restaurant with drinks and seafood, doesn't it sound nice?
Don't forget Easter festivity and the feast of San Juan with bonfires and celebrations along the coast.
Malaga is a very popular holiday destination all along the summertime. If you require a quiet destination in summer we recommend July or September. The excellent weather conditions invite the visitor to the beach at daytime and the promenade with restaurants and places where having a marvellous dinner at night.
Are the kind of person looking for festivals and nightlife? Then summer is your best choice, check our guides to find where is the vibrant nightlife in Malaga.
There are beaches in Malaga for every taste: Natural and quiet beaches without services or well-equipped shores with restaurants, hammocks, umbrellas and many water activities.
If coming with family or friends maybe the water park and the zoo sound tempting to you.
In august you can't miss the popular fair of Malaga , check more festivities in summer.
When to visit Malaga or which month is the best?
After reading this page you can have an idea of activities to do or the area you would like to visit. There is not really a best month to come as it depends on your planning, it doesn't really matter what month you pick as there is always something to do and a new place to discover.
There is a wide entertainment offer throughout the year, summer or winter, rainy or sunny...Malaga, a place where there is always something to do.
Gibralfaro is one of the main attractions and also the symbol of the city. Once inside there is a viewpoint, use it for taking a representative picture of Malaga to show your friends. The photo will feature the port and the bullring in the bakground. This fortress is a monument not to miss.
Picasso museum and Plaza de la Merced, both related to Picasso as at the square is located the birthplace home and where Picasso used to play when he was a child.
Enjoy the gastronomy of the region, there are restaurants and bars for everyone. White villages are an excellent location for trying a typical Spanish dish...good food is always welcome, don't you think so?
Botanical gardens and parks: Malaga cares very good of its parks and natural spaces so they are a worthy visit. Among the parks are Jardín de la Concepción botanical garden, Parque de la Paloma in Benalmádena or Parque de la Bateria in Torremolinos.
Strolling Ronda and discover the old district, you can finish the day having a drink at the main square and taking a beautiful photo of Ronda bridge from the viewpoint.
Hiking and trekking routes: In the area and in Andalucia there are many hiking routes inside the Natural Parks. Beautiful walking routes where enjoying the natural beauty of southern Spain.
Visit the blog entry where we review the best month for visiting Malaga depending on your vacation plan.
Finally, another blog entry that could be of interest is about the top 10 places you shouldn't miss in Malaga.


Rowan University events, such as football games and talk shows, will now be featured in podcasts, so listeners can take the game with them.
Frank Hogan, general manager of 89.7 WGLS-FM said a joint decision was made at the Rowan radio station to feature podcasts on its Web site for the campus community, and parents.
"We have already heard from several parents who are thrilled to be able to download the games to their iPods," said Hogan in a recent statement.
Hogan, in an interview on Monday, said Rowan shows such as "Your Health Matters" with Dr. Craig Wax and "The Women's Room will be featured. Rowan's recent convocation ceremony and all football games are available for download. This is also the first year that Glassboro High School football games will be broadcast on WGLS, and they will also be available on podcasts.
"It's all a public service," said Hogan. "It's a triage of things." Programs dating back to 1995 will be featured, said Hogan, primarily Henry Rowan's press conference when he announced he was donating $100 million to the school. "It's a good 12-year history of the university," said Hogan.
Listeners can tune in to WGLS podcasts by visiting the station?s new Web site, www.wgls.rowan.edu and following the podcasts link.
Hogan hopes to open up the podcasts choices over the course of the school year. "We will expand it," said Hogan. "We have about seven students working on the project. I got a good group. It should be an interesting project."


Maria Pogorzhelskaya (born 06.11.1971, Moscow) is a Russian artist, living in Moscow and Milan. She graduated from Moscow Art Academy Liceum and after that from Academic Institute of Arts, Moscow (1989-1996) as a painter. At the same time, she had master classes in NCCA Moscow (1996-1997).
Ekaterina Art Foundation Moscow, Russia collection of MDM bank and private collections.
Pogorzhelskaya is a member of the Moscow Union of artists.
The two series of Maria Pogorzhelskaya's paintings in our gallery seems at first glance very apart, both in expression and content. The Time Machine pictures are painted quite crudely with nail polish, eyeshadows, iodine, greenery and foundation, and show her personal collection of popular Soviet porcelain figurines of the 50's, collected on flea markets in Moscow about 20 years ago.


Innovators of temperature sensitive, color changing building materials, art and custom designs.
Moving Color products are beautiful and when the product goes through color change because of light or heat it is an experience. It is living art in your home. A shower isn't just a shower, seeing sun shine on your tile throughout the day with varying colors is just so cool. I highly recommend this company and Blane the owner has many artistic ideas that can help enhance any decorating idea you might have. Highly recommend.


In the section of the Letter to the Colossians with the quoted verse Paul is speaking about becoming new creations in Christ. We become the image of God before the fall (the moment our first parents disobeyed and stepped away from God) through Baptism. We strip off our old self, pushing away things like; anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language. We are the image of the creator, a new creation in Christ. Having stripped off our old self we put on our new self; God's chosen, holy, beloved, compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving. We put on love and the bond of perfection. We let the peace of Christ be in our hearts. By peace we mean being in right relationship, self-giving, self-denying love practiced in Christian community, which models the self-emptying love of the Son for the Father. Then we let the Word of God dwell in us and we go on singing and praising with gratitude to God. For Paul this is a very real conversion. We can see it as being dipped into the waters of Baptism and our old ways are washed off, and as we come up the water appears like new armor of Christ. We put on Christ and remain in His image.
We have a purpose, and it is not lived without meaning and then we die. Our purpose is to be Christ like, to serve one another, to worship God, and to join together becoming brother and sister in Christ. We are to live the love God has for us, for one another. We do this becoming new, accepting Christ in us and us in Him. Then we see the world with our new Christ image, not trying to be the best, to defeat others, but to raise others up and work so that all win.
Do you see yourself as someone new having been baptized? Are you self-denying like Christ?


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Home Bike News New Yamaha R15 V3 World Launch Soon!
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Launch Soon!
The new Yamaha R15 V3 World launch could be merely months away from us. The new model made its debut in Indonesia many months ago and we are hoping that the Yamaha R15 would make it to World towards the end of this year. Prices of the new R15 V3.0 are likely to start at Rs 1.32 lakh. Akin to the V2.0, the new version of the R15 is a comprehensive update over its predecessor. The new model 2017 R15 V3 features many new body panels, a new engine, and more features. Going by the popularity that this motorcycle still enjoys, we think Yamaha World has another winner here. You can find out the available details on the 2017 Yamaha R15 V3 World price, launch date, specs, top speed, and other details on this page.
The new Yamaha R15 V3 2017 model made its Global debut in Indonesia several months ago
Also See- New 2018 Yamaha R3 Facelift | Yamaha M Slaz World Launch
The new Yamaha R15 V3 2017 model not only looks better but also has a more power powerful engine than the current model. The new body panels that the bike features lend it a very aggressive and sportier look. Other than this, the engine is new and displaces roughly 155cc. Of course, it generates more power, which, in turn, leads to a higher top speed. Another important highlight is the introduction of upside-down front telescopic forks. Sadly, the new motorcycle misses out on ABS.
The R15 has been among the most popular motorcycles in its segment. However, the advent of newer rivals has seen it losing some of the limelight. The upcoming V3.0 update, however, should help this bike re-claim the top spot in its segment. The new R15 V3.0 2017 is only on sale in certain South East Asian markets. It is only a matter of time before this new bike makes it to World. The new bike comes with a handful of new features, which include impressive bits like LED headlamps. The most important addition, however, is that of the slipper clutch.
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Launch Date
Launch Date (Expected) November 2017
Yamaha World is yet to make an official announcement regarding the launch date of the new V3.0 of R15 motorcycle. However, speculations are rife that the new motorcycle will launch in the coming months. An early November launch date can't be ruled out. The company is likely to launch the new motorcycle during this year's festive period. This will help the new model to set off to a good start due to higher demand for new motorcycles in this season.
The Yamaha R15 was first launched in World in 2008. Back then, it took the entry-level performance segment by a storm. This was due to the mini-me R1 looks, high performance, high refinement, and sharp handling. The motorcycle received the V2.0 upgrade in 2012, which brought in an even racier look. Now, it looks like the bike is about to get its most comprehensive update ever. The V3 update will not only make the bike look sportier, but will also bring a new engine and features such as a slipper clutch.
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Price
Base Model Rs 1,42,000
Top Model Rs 1,50,000
There are fair chances of the new R15 going on sale in two variants. The base price should be roughly Rs 1,42,000. The fully-loaded model cost around Rs 1,50,000. Currently, the R15 has an ex-showroom price of roughly Rs 1,30,000. However, the all-new look, along with a more powerful engine and several new features, should help the 2017 R15 V3 justify the higher price tag.
At this price point, the R15 will become a direct rival to two similarly priced motorcycles. One of them is the excellent KTM 200 Duke, which has an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.44 lakh. This street-naked has a more powerful engine but lacks the sharp handling characteristics and the racy bodywork of the V3.0. Other is the Bajaj Dominar 400. Equipped with a 373.3 cc engine, the motorcycle has an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.39 lakh. The Dominar is far more powerful than the R15, but then, again, lacks the handling prowess and the supersports design.
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Specifications
Engine Type Single-cylinder, fuel-injected
Engine Displacement 155 cc
Max. Power 19.31 PS @ 10,000 rpm
Peak Torque 14.7 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
Transmission 6-speed Manual
The major highlight of the specs of this motorcycle is the new 155.1cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine that features a SOHC head. The new motor outputs a maximum power of 19.04 BHP at 10,000 RPM. Peak torque is rated at 14.7 Nm at 8,500 RPM. The engine boasts bits like forged pistons and DiASil (Diecast Aluminium Silicon) cylinder. The latter enhances the life of the motor. Also, it's expected that the new engine will offer a higher mileage, in spite of the increase in power.
Suspension duties are courtesy of upside-down front forks and a monoshock with automatic load adjuster at the rear. The new motorcycle gets slipper clutch. A slipper clutch (also known as a back-torque limiter) is a specialised clutch with an integrated freewheel mechanism, developed for performance oriented motorcycles to mitigate the effects of engine braking when riders decelerate.
2017 Yamaha R15 V3.0 Images
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Mileage (expected)
City 40 KMPL
Highway 45 KMPL
The new R15 should offer an average mileage of at least 40 KMPL in the urban environment and up to 45 KMPL out on the highway. The new motorcycle is more frugal than the V2.0 in spite of the gain in power. This is due to the several new technologies that the new motor boasts. We believe that the YZF-R15 has always provided an optimum mix of performance and mileage. Well, it looks like things are bound to get even better with the launch of the V3 model.
New Yamaha R15 V3 Top Speed
True Top Speed 145 KMPH
The new motorcycle has a true top speed of 145 KMPH. This makes the new motorcycle around 20-22 KMPH faster than the V2.0. That's quite an increase here, no? The higher top speed is due to the new engine that outputs more power and revised gear ratios. The speedo-indicated top speed could be in tune of 160 KMPH.
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Features
Dual LED headlamps
LED taillamp
Front full fairing
Fully digital speedo console
Rev limiter warning light
Slipper Clutch
Optional ABS
Front and Rear Disc Brakes
140-cross-section rear tyre
DiASil (Diecast Aluminium Silicon) cylinder
Upside down front forks
Rear monoshock
Split seats
Split grabrails
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Design
The new 2017 R15 V3 is definitely a generation ahead of the model it is about to replace. The new motorcycle offers an updated Delta Box with an aluminium swingarm. The bike comes with an all-new front-fairing that sports dual LED headlamps. Also, the new bike is longer, wider, and taller than the existing model. The seat height has been raised slightly to offer a more comfortable riding posture. The updated motorcycle comes with upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. Bits like LED taillamp and a fully digital speedo console further enhance the sportiness of the design.
Even the fuel tank seems to be new and better sculpted. It has a fuel carrying capacity of 11-litres. The design of the exhaust is a lot like that of the one on the M-Slaz. It won't be wrong to say that while the R15 V1 paid homage to the R1 of the last decade, the new V3.0 model looks like a slightly smaller version of the R6.
New Yamaha R15 V3 World Dimensions
Length x Width x Height 1990 mm x 725 mm x 1135 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 11L
The new Yamaha R15 V3 is longer, wider, and taller than the V2.0. This further enhances the 'big bike feel' that the R15 is known to offer.
2017 Yamaha R15 V3.0 Colours
Matte Red
New vs Old – Yamaha R15 V3 vs R15 V2 – Comparison
Well, the new R15 is definitely leagues ahead of the predecessor. For starters, it looks a lot racier and gets many new body panels. The new motorcycle is longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. Also, the new model comes with a more powerful engine. The additional power can be attributed to everything from a larger displacement to bits like forged pistons. It is being said that the new model will be more comfortable, too. This will be because or the new pillion seat and a slightly higher seat height for the ride. While the V2 gets conventional front forks, the V3 gets upside-down forks at front. Of course, all this will make the new model more expensive than the V2.0. However, our guess is that the new Yamaha R15 V3 will be able to justify this increase in price through many new bits that it has on offer.
Of course, all this will make the new model more expensive than the V2.0. However, our guess is that the new 2017 Yamaha R15 V3.0 will be able to justify this increase in price through many new bits that it has on offer.
What do you think of the R15 V3? Are you waiting for the new Yamaha R15 V3 World launch of the new 2017 R15 V3.0? Share your views with us by writing them down in the comments section below.
3.4 / 5 (113 Reviewers)
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Classic FM conducts itself from Liverpool
14-hour live broadcast marks Philharmonic's 175th birthday
WATCH: Liverpool student's pop video becomes a Chinese sensation
Shaun Gibson to perform My Little Apple in Williamson Sq world record attempt
The Cribs, Peace, Swans join Liverpool Sound City
Bramley Moore Dock to become a 'post apocalyptic environment'
ELBOW To Headline Kendal Calling 2015
Manchester indie old-boys will be joined by Snoop Dogg, The Vaccines and Kaiser Chiefs in the Lake…
REVEALED: 'Unsung Heroes' line-up for Liverpool Sound City conference
Wayne Coyne, Julian Cope, Viv Albertine and Mark E Smith call the shots
REVIEW: Julian Cope/Epstein Theatre
John D Hodgkinson leaves beatified after an audience with the Saint
Read more from Liverpool
You are here: Liverpool Confidential › Entertainment › Music.
Tickets Now On Sale: For The Lightning Seeds
They're coming home, they're coming home....on February 11
Written by Liverpool Confidential. Published on January 6th 2012.
IAN Broudie, who is part of the fabric of Britain's and Liverpool's music culture, is something of an accidental pop star. In 1989, when he could not find a vocalist to front his latest outfit, The Lightning Seeds, he had no choice but to give it a go himself.
It proved to be a good call: The Lightning Seeds have been entertaining audiences since, and, back out on the road, they appear next month at the 02 Academy.
Broudie is widely remembered for penning Three Lions on a Shirt, the 1996 official song of the England football team for that year's European Championships. The track became the unofficial anthem of lad culture. But in Liverpool Broudie had already cut his teeth with numerous notables: as a teenager he brought musical structure to Big in Japan and later collaborated with Paul Simpson in a band called Care as well as producing Echo and The Bunnymen, The Coral and Zutons.
The Lightning Seeds' 1994 album, Jollification, saw the hit singles Lucky You, Change, Perfect and Marvellous. In 2006 they released of The Very Best of the Lightning Seeds and in 2010 the band returned to the live arena with a full UK tour and studio album 'Four Winds', the first crop of Lightning Seeds songs in 10 years.
"Growing up in Liverpool in the sixties was like being in the centre of the Earth. I was going to the football and the Kop would be singing 'She Loves You'," says Broudie.
" Both my brothers had a lot of records: Dylan, Cream, bluesy guitar players. Plus I had a little transistor radio and got Radio Caroline, from when pop music was very free. Then it was the Seventies and Bowie played The Liverpool Empire and it was as if everybody who was going to go on and make music in Liverpool was at this gig."
*The Lightning Seeds, Liverpool 02 Academy, Saturday February 11 2012. Door time: 7.00pm. £22.50 advance Ticketweb.
How No Guarantor Loans Help in Availing Credible Finance? Jul 10, 2017 - No guarantor loans help…
David St Hubbins
Great drawing, love the mini Stonehenge.
Julian Cope the real thing compared with his halfwitted ex-associate and professional scouser Pete…
They make a lovely SOUP, even when they end up like the so called performer........WASHED UP!!!!…


This space wallpaper by NASA's Kepler spacecraft shows the telescope's full field of view taken in a new demonstration mode in late October.
This space wallpaper by NASA's Kepler spacecraft shows the telescope's full field of view taken in a new demonstration mode in late October. A new mission concept, dubbed K2, would continue Kepler's search for other worlds, and introduce new science observation opportunities.


Do you love that pure and fresh smell that wafts through your home after you've just cleaned your windows? If so, you'll love wearing this clean windows cologne! Take the scent around with you wherever you go with this fragrance that's suitable for both men and women.


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Smithsonian Magazine ranks Joseph Smith, Brigham Young high as influential Americans
Jenna Koford
The Spring 2015 Collector's Edition of Smithsonian Magazine celebrates the 100 most significant Americans of all time. (smithsonianmag.com)
Smithsonian Magazine chose Joseph Smith and Brigham Young as two of the top three American religious figures of all time.
In the Smithsonian Magazine's Spring 2015 Collector's Edition, 100 Americans were selected and ranked according to their influence in society and culture.
Joseph Smith ranked No. 1, and Brigham Young No. 3, under the "Religious Figures" category for the magazine.
The magazine's informational piece about Joseph Smith includes information about the religious excitement during his time, his experience known as the First Vision and the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brigham Young's biography in the magazine starts with a quote by the LDS leader: "Mormonism has made me all that I am."
Other religious figures include Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, Ellen G. White, Cotton Mather, Mary Baker Eddy, Billy Graham and Jonathan Edwards.
Senior editor Tom Frail wrote that Smithsonian Magazine has "highlighted what we decided was the most interesting choice within each category."
The magazine used an algorithmic method developed by Steven Skiena and Charles B. Ward to rank American historical figures, similar to the way Google ranks web pages.
Skiena and Ward analyzed data and took into account the number of links to each person's online pages, the length of the entries and the number of edits made to each entry.
Other categories of featured influential Americans include "Trailblazers," "Outlaws," "First Women," "Empire Builders," "Athletes" and "Pop Icons."
brigham-young
BYU religion
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Jenna Koford is a life editor, studying journalism and editing. She has written for Deseret Digital Media, Healthy Utah and LDS Magazines.
BYU Tennis' Jack Barnett discusses Australian fires


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Tobacco Industry Thoughts - Q3 2021
This is from the FDA's "deeming" rule that was published in 2016:
In the case of ENDS hardware/apparatus components, FDA expects that it may be difficult for manufacturers to make the showing necessary to meet the statutory standard, given the great extent of possible variations in combinations of hardware components, if all are considered and sold separately. Thus, with respect to apparatus, FDA expects that manufacturers will be most successful where authorization is sought for entire delivery systems, rather than individual components. In the case of these complete delivery systems—systems for which the application covers all potential parts, including customizable options as applicable, and where labeling, instructions for use and/or other measures are used to help ensure use as intended—FDA expects that the range of possible outcomes may be narrow enough for the manufacturer to demonstrate, and for FDA to assess, public health impact.
In other words, everybody will need to buy a closed tank (or "pod") format vape device from Big Tobacco. This is in keeping with Big Tobacco's plan for the industry that we first realized two years ago:
Build a regulatory moat around [Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems]: Push legislation which will require FDA submission and ingredient disclosure for e-liquid based [Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems](consumer safety regulations, labeling, etc.). Regulate nicotine levels. Keep chasing MRTP for IQOS. The U.S. regulatory environment would then be the model for the rest of the world. This would effectively cede the ENTIRE electronic cigarette space to the big players. Only the big players can afford to comply with a complex approvals/disclosure process--it would put all the small importers of various Chinese-made products out of business in the U.S. because they will not be able to afford this kind of testing/QC. The more burdensome/labyrinthine the regulatory process becomes, the better it is for PM/MO with their armies of lawyers and quality engineers.
We recently finished reading two books about Juul (which will be in Q4 book reviews): Big Vape and The Devil's Playbook. Some themes:
Juul was a Stanford startup, so it exhibits some of the dark traits that we associate with the lawless "disrupter" companies from California. For example, very poor quality control in the vape pods. Rolling out new flavors and scaling production so quickly that there were impurities in the juice. Pretty gross.
"Disruption" in the sense of typical regulatory arbitrage or lawbreaking. Even if Altria had been clever enough to come up with the Juul product (which they weren't), they would not have been willing to market it to young people, sell it indiscriminately over the internet to underage people, roll out flavors with ingredients that weren't tested.
Juul cleverly exploited the research documents disclosed by Big Tobacco in the master settlement to find a great chemistry for their vape juice: instead of freebase nicotine, a salt with benzoic acid. Vaping is endless unlike cigarettes, which are discrete. Vape users develop a tolerance for nicotine.
When Altria negotiated the Juul purchase, it had missed its opportunity to create a knockoff. Only products that had been on the market as of a certain date are allowed to be sold (temporarily) while waiting for an FDA decision on their PMTAs.
Looking at Q3 2021 results for tobacco companies. In the U.S., Zyn sales were up 43% vs Q3 2020 (prior year) and up 9% over Q2 2021 (sequential). The market capitalization of Swedish Match is $13 billion US. Last year they earned $587 million, this year they are on track to earn about $750 million. So about an 17x P/E but with massive growth in a hot product.
I have surveyed nicotine users and Zyn is considered by far the best oral pouch product. As with Juul vs other vape devices, little differences in chemistry (and other design aspects) matter a lot.
Swedish Match announced that they are going to spin off their cigar business (Garcia y Vega, Game by Garcia y Vega, 1882, White Owl, Jackpot) which contributes 28% of revenue and 25% of operating profit. Also interesting was this comment in the announcement:
"[T]he new stand-alone cigar business, with its strong cash flow profile, could be capitalized at a higher level of leverage than has been the case for Swedish Match historically, which would create the opportunity for Swedish Match to use financing proceeds upon separation to further enhance shareholder returns."
We take that to mean that the cigar business will be put into a new entity ("in the second half of 2022"), that entity will borrow money, dividend it to the parent (Swedish Match), the entity will be spunoff to shareholders, and Swedish Match will use the money received pre-separation for buybacks.
The smallest tobacco company that we follow is Turning Point Brands (TPB), with a market capitalization of $771 million. For Q3 2021, TPB sales increased 5.5 percent to $109.9 million and net income increased 49.3 percent to $13.4 million. (Trading for about 14x Q3 annualized earnings.) TPB gets 38% of revenue from Zig-Zag Products (rolling papers), 28% from Stoker's Products (loose leaf chewing tobacco), and 34% from NewGen Products. Zig-Zag and Stoker's are the moneymakers, earning $40 million of gross profit in the 3rd quarter (vs $54 million for the company as a whole) on $72 million of sales.
In the NewGen segment, TPB has essentially been acquiring (rolling up) open-tank vaping companies at low multiples. This is a risky strategy. On September 14th, the FDA issued a Marketing Denial Order in response to TPB's PMTA covering "certain of" its vapor products. (Neither FDA nor TPB said which products.) TPB sued the government and the FDA actually rescinded the MDO and is reviewing further.
The good news for TPB shareholders is that the NextGen vaping segment isn't contributing any income; it is actually making losses because the PMTA process is so expensive. If TPB manages to get their open tank vape products approved (against all odds), it may be one of the only players to do so, and earnings should grow significantly. If not, the PMTA expenses should stop and shareholders will be left with the legacy tobacco and rolling paper businesses at a reasonable multiple.
Here is our guess (or hope) for how the next several years in the tobacco business will play out. The FDA will deny the PMTAs filed by small tobacco, leaving big tobacco (PM, MO, BTI, and Swedish) as the only players granted PMTAs in the reduced risk product game. There will be a handful of legal lozenges and pouches, there will be a handful of legal closed tank ("pod") vape products.
At that point, it will be time for some M&A activity and consolidation. If Juul's PMTA is approved, it makes sense for Altria to take-under the remaining Juul stake that it doesn't own, possibly structuring the transaction in a way that sheds the startup-era liabilities. (Maybe a bankruptcy or purchase an exclusive license of Juul combined with a sale of their minority stake back to the company for $1 to realize the tax loss.)
Altria should reunite with Philip Morris, and together they should buy Swedish Match. Together they would have the #1 cigarette (Marlboro), #1 closed tank vape (Juul), #1 oral nicotine lozenge (Zyn), #1 snus (General), #1 heat not burn tobacco product (IQOS), and the #1 and #2 dipping ("moist snuff") tobaccos (Copenhagen / Skoal).
And then... no more acquisitions! All that cash flow could roll on home to shareholders.
The chief executive of Philip Morris International has said the two houses of Marlboro will not be reunited, telling the Financial Times that PMI will no longer pursue a combination with fellow tobacco group Altria.
Jacek Olczak said at the Financial Times Global Dealmaking Summit on Tuesday that the "chapter with Altria is closed", when asked about reviving merger talks between the two tobacco giants, which last took place in 2019.
Instead, Olczak said he was focused on expanding PMI's "pharmaceutical and therapeutic" knowledge and suggested the group may move into the cannabidiol (CBD) market.
https://www.ft.com/content/bebc116d-f2ad-49b7-83a4-8bc1b3cc798a


Bitter Truth Orange Bitters 200ml - Morton Williams Wine & Spirits Park Ave.
The fruity sweetness at the beginning is quickly followed by a very bitter taste. The aroma of bitter orange peel is in the foreground, completed by spicy flavors of cardamom, carraway and nutmeg.