Having stumbled across Beverley Nichols thanks to the lovely Reading 1900-1950 blog, I must confess that I have become a total convert, completely addicted to his writing – so much so, that I am having to rein myself in and not buy every book of his I come across! However, I've long wanted to read "Merry Hall", one of his house-and-garden books, and so when I stumbled across a reasonably priced copy online I snapped it up. It's a Companion Book Club copy, alas without dustjacket – but more of the quality of the book later, first onto the content.
"Some fall in love with women; some fall in love with art; some fall in love with death. I fall in love with gardens, which is much the same as falling in love with all three at once.
For a garden is a mistress, and gardening is a blend of all the arts, and if it is not the death of me, sooner or later, I shall be much surprised. A pleasant sort of death, I venture to suggest, which runs in the family. One of my grandfathers died of a clump of iris stylosa; it enticed him from a sick bed on an angry evening in January, luring him through the snow-drifts with its blue and silver flames; he died of double pneumonia a few days later. It was probably worth it.
Then there was a great-uncle who expired because of his passion for pears-not the fruit, but the blossom. He could not, quite rightly, have enough pear blossom; he wanted to hug it, bees and all, as a nice old gentleman should. So he took to climbing up into the branches, and sitting among the wild white spray of the flowers, for hours on end, with none but the bees for company. And one day a branch broke, and they found him out there in the orchard, lying on his back, staring up to the April sky, with an expression on his face of the greatest serenity.
I cannot forecast, with any accuracy, the probable nature of my own horticultural demise; at the moment, in view of the fact that the water garden is claiming most of my attention, it will probably take the form of drowning. Indeed, by the time these words are published, I may already have been discovered floating under a clump of James Brydon nymphaeas, a variety of water-lily which is described in the catalogues as a deep old rose pink that somrtimes seems flushed with crimson. That sounds a good description of the prose in which many of the passages in this book will doubtless be written. When I begin to write about flowers I lose all sense of restraint, and it is far, far too late to do anything about it.
Basically, if that wonderful opening doesn't hook you instantly, have you chuckling out loud and make you want to devour the book, this is no place for you!!
"Merry Hall" tells of Nichols' escapades after the war, when he was looking for a particular type of house and garden to settle in. He's obviously an obsessive gardener and when he stumbles across the house of the title he's instantly smitten, despite the fact that there is an incredible amount of work which needs doing on both house and garden. Despite the misgivings of his friend Bob, he takes Merry Hall and moves in lock, stock and barrel, along with his cats known as "One" and "Four" and his miracle-working factotum Gaskin. As well as the house and garden, he also inherits the suspicious old gardener, Oldfield. Has Beverley taken on more than he can handle? He'll have to battle against the elements, the locals (Miss Emily and Our Rose), Oldfield and the ghosts of the previous owners, the Stebbings. But he's surprisingly stubborn….
This is a positive delight of a book on so many levels. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, there's Nichols' writing. I just *love* his phrasing, his wit, his way of putting things. He often wears his heart on his sleeve and isn't afraid to wax lyrical if the occasion demands it (and it often does); but his humour is a delight too and had me laughing out loud at places. He's an engaging narrator, someone you feel you would like to have an afternoon just gossiping with in the garden, with tea and cats and interruptions and sarcasm and delight.
Nichols has strong opinions on everything from politics to gardening and isn't afraid to state them, which I love, whether it's about roses or other gardeners (he says of Vita Sackville-West, "I am glad to learn that there is at least one great gardener who agrees with me – the poet Vita Sackville-West, who has less nonsense in her little finger than most women in their whole bodies, if you know what I mean" – he is not tolerant of silly women…) He also seems incredibly knowledgeable about plants and trees, and quite determined to track down what he actually wants – which is a useful trait to have when dealing with Miss Emily and Our Rose, who drive him to distraction (but whom he secretly seems to enjoy sparring with). This book is a joy from start to finish, and the the fact that there are follow-ups is wonderful and terrifying – I must restrain myself….
I really feel I have to say something about the physical book itself, too. My copy in 60 years old – I can't believe it was published as long ago as 1953 – and yet is in remarkably good condition. Although missing its jacket, this is compensated for immediately you open and see the lovely endpapers (reproduced below – excuse my rubbish scanning!).
The book paper has remained in lovely condition, the binding is still firm and the volume falls open nicely at whatever page you're on. This was a budget book at the time, and I only wish that more modern books were made so well!
I could rave about how fantastic Nichols is for pages, but I would end up boring everyone to death. I can't understand why he isn't more well-known, and I see he also wrote some mystery books which I really must read. Suffice it to say, he's one of my biggest author heroes and I *will* have to try to ration myself with his work!
I read Down the Garden Path a year – two years? – ago and was absolutely enchanted too. I have put his other books on my reading list but like you, must restrain myself. It is rare and thrilling to find someone who can talk so knowledgeably and so delightfully about gardening. Nichols never bores one, which is a feat in itself. I can't wait to read Merry Hall myself!
I find his writing such a joy – it's a pleasure to read and sometimes you just need someone who will make you smile. However, he's not just flippancy – I find he has a lot to say as well. It's probably a good thing it's the Christmas period so that I'd feel guilty going on a spending spree…!
Really lovely, this book sounds delightful! I read one of his books many years ago, borrowed from the library, forget which one, and meant to read more but just never have. The endpapers in your book are stunning, and I've looked at the covers for his other books before and they are beautiful too. It looks as if you'd better put some more of those books on your Christmas list!
Indeed! I really would like to read nothing but Beverley for a while, but I *will* ration myself!
I like the idea of a book by Beverley Nichols about his life – but I am not mad about reading abou gardens, although you make this sound very appealing indeed.
They *are* lovely aren't they? The book is about gardens, yes, but there's plenty that isn't and a lot about his life so I think you would enjoy!
I have the same edition and I really must get past the stage of admiring the endpapers and start reading.
🙂 It's definitely worth it!
Absolutely smitten with the lovely opening! What a great sense of fun to be found in those lines. And I envy you those beautiful endpapers and the illustration. I have been looking out for affordable copies of his house/garden books but so far have only been successful in getting one – Down The Garden Path. Am determined to look harder now, after reading your review!
Yes, some of the prices are quite high and I like to have an older edition rather than a modern reprint if I can. The opening *is* gorgeous, and if you don't like that, you definitely aren't going to like Beverley's books!!
Loved your review! His writing is full of charm, an unusual word to apply to works isn't it. You make it clear that nongardeners should have no hesitation in reading his series.
Yes, I'm a non-gardener in that most of my gardening goes on in my head! However, his writing is so lovely that it really doesn't matter if you don't like gardens – you're just happy to follow his adventures!
Ah, almost my favourite category of books – reading about household things rather than doing them (I'm particularly keen on 'domestic' and food-writing books in that sense!). This sounds lovely and what gorgeous end-papers.
🙂 Me too! It's lovely to read about these things and I have to confess it's much easier than actually having to do them!
Hello Karen! Sorry to have missed the conversation (and my life in books). I'm so happy to have introduced you to Nichols! I have that 1953 edition of Merry Hall too, with the lovely endpapers though my copy looks to have had a hard life along the way.
Have you had a look at the Bryan Connon biography? It suggests that Nichols was not much of a hands-on gardener and his 'gardening' books are rather more fictional than they may at first appear. Though I don't think this in any way matters; they are funny and charming and Nichols never let pesky reality get in the way of being funny and charming!
Oddly enough, I have the Cannon book on order from the local library! I never actually suspected Nichols would get his hands dirty much – I imagined he would be the one planning and buying and instructing the various practical gardeners on what to do. I agree that this doesn't matter – his lack of grubby fingernails doesn't stop the books from being such fun!
I'm afraid I did guess straight away – it was the Bulgakov that did it! But I could have been wrong! My Life in Books was a lovely thing to take part in, and I did enjoy reading your answers. I had to think long and hard when I was writing mine, and it left me feeling curiously vulnerable. A life in books is a very personal and revealing thing!
It *was* fun to take part, but you are right about this being such a personal thing – when books are so important to you, they reveal a lot about your life!!
I don't know if you're aware of Umberto Eco's comment in 'Travels in Hyperreality' on books talking to one another, but I'm beginning to think that blogs on books do the same thing!
I set up a blog of random thoughts a little while ago (http://www.moulderslane.wordpress.com) and when someone left a comment on a mention I'd made of P.G. Wodehouse, and I investigated further, I found an article from 'Plumtopia' he'd re-blogged. Looking round Plumtopia I found an article from 'Reading Books 1900-1950' that she'd reblogged. Looking round Reading Books I found a Nichols review by Erica, and following a link at the end of that, found you.
This is a very nice site and your love of books, particularly as a physical entity, comes through very strongly. It's also very nice to find someone else who loves Nichols too – I don't know anyone else outside the Blogosphere who does.
Your comments are very perceptive and I look forward to reading more of your 'ramblings'.
Long live the Beverley Bores!
Thanks for the tip about the little arrows – being a techno-idiot I just thought that was a normal WordPress thing, as it appears on all the blogs I look at. That would indicate it's my computer – but then I don't know why your computer would see the same thing??
(I've just checked my blog, and other blogs, on a tablet and the arrows don't come up.) Beyond me.
They don't show on my tablet either – most odd. Maybe there's a Firefox/Wordpress issue.


text:
Here's Why G-Dragon's YouTube Documentary Will Be Straight Fire
Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty Images
Fans of South Korean rapper G-Dragon can catch a new documentary about the K-pop star on YouTube.
The Korea Herald reported Kwon Ji-yong Act 3: M.O.T.T.E, a video and concert footage featuring the 30-year-old performer, born Kwon Ji-yong, will debut Sept. 5 on YouTube Originals.
Big Bang's agency, YG Entertainment, shared a trailer for the documentary Wednesday.
"(KWON JI YONG) Act III: M.O.T.T.E Official trailer #GD #GDRAGON #BIGBANG #ACTIII #MOTTE #YOUTUBEORIGINAL #YG," the company wrote.
YG Entertainment said the documentary focuses on G-Dragon as a person rather than his superstar persona.
"G-Dragon before glory and fame, Kwon Ji Yong was his name," the teaser reads. "G-Dragon & Kwon Ji Yong Inbetween the two, the moment of Truth."
G-Dragon and Big Bang, one of the most successful acts in Korea, celebrated their 10th anniversary as a group in 2016. G-Dragon has also had a successful solo career, and last released the EP Kwon Ji Young in June 2017.
Big Bang is presently on hiatus as G-Dragon and other members of the group complete their mandatory military service.
By Annie Martin, UPI.com
Copyright © 2018 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved
K-Pop Idols Born in America
Source: Here's Why G-Dragon's YouTube Documentary Will Be Straight Fire

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Discussion in 'SAMPLE Talk' started by cairnan, Mar 21, 2019.
Well The bjork example is predominantly solo strings and no more than two or 3 layered at a time.
Icelandic String Octet played on that recording, which suggests that even a chamber orchestra would somehow be overkill if the goal is to create something similar to the Joga strings.
Casiquire and Saxer like this.
The funny thing is, in the first track, the violin sounds sampled to me.
For the Björk-example I'd use a chamber library and add a few CSSS solo strings on top.
CSSS with the close mic will sound very close to the first example, except from the pitchwheel modulation. CS Series doesn't support pitchwheel bending.
CSSS has a very studio sounding progressive vibrato baked it. Beautiful tone of course, but I'd say that this is what's going to be the limiting factor in reproducing something like this - you're just going to be very limited in capturing to precise phrasings. Especially in the live version above where you can't hide behind an ensemble.
With some effort you can control the vibrato. There are cross points where the transition from non vibrato to vibrato is sounding very natural. But it requires some fiddling around and it isn't always doable.
ism and Saxer like this.
I´ve done some pieces using the CSSS and doubled up the solo instruments step by step. Close, yet full bodied. Then if you like to top it up with even more presence you can go for the Joshua Bell solo violin to get true emotional feel to the piece.
Dimension Strings would be my first call.
VSL Chamber Strings might be another option. I really like this library.
I think you'll need a combination to get to this sound. LASS could do it but i think you'd benefit from a good controllable set of soloists with even less room tone, such as Chris Hein or Dimension Strings, to blend in, give it more detail, and push back against the swell and gentle movement LASS has. Dimension Strings could also do it, but LASS has a more natural sound which i think would help as well. I don't think the First Chairs can give you that extra something because they blend straight into the ensemble and there are no non vibrato patches in the first chairs.
If anyone else is researching dry libraries / curious, with EDU discounts, I ended up going with Spitfire Studio Strings Professional and the Embertone ISS Solo bundle, since those together were about the same cost as LASS alone is right now. If not for the discounts, would have gone with ISS Bundle and LASS.
Studio Strings Professional is holding up pretty well - I have a slight preference for the LASS sound, but SStP is also very dry, has tons of articulations, and sounds great. Definitely a good 'workhorse' library that's similar to the LASS sound, but more clean and polished / less 'character'. So which one you like more depends on which of those two things you're after!
The Embertone ISS is recorded dry as well, and also sounds great. To my ears, like LASS, it has a pleasant woody and intimate sound. Very performative, and with just a little tweaking and reverb, it's phenomenal. To me, it stands in contrast to the super clean Chris Hein sound, which is also amazing. Again, depends on what sound you're after.
Thanks all for the help / recommendations!
sostenuto and cairnan like this.
Sounds like an electric violin to me.
Have lusted after LASS Full 2.5 forever …. but 'sale' at $700. and Strezov Afflatus at 'full-price' ~$900.
Yeah, it does. To me, it just sounds terrible. No phrasing, crescendos that make no sense. I'd try to find a sample library that "doesn't" sound like that.
Sorry, I'm still pretty new to string work. Does sounding 'sampled' in this context mean sounding like something too obviously from a string library / software? 'Sampled' could mean either recorded as a real instrument, or 'made with samples', which are practically opposites.
Agreed. Price has been stable for some time. LASS Bundle was my price reference and likely preference going forward.
Funny thing about LASS... I bought it years ago but found it difficult to use. I recently pulled up an unfinished track from a few years ago that used LASS and I was blown away. I couldn't believe how good it sounded, especially the first chairs. And that divisi, oh my. Sometimes we get sucked into the trap of newer = better, but sometimes the oldies are goodies. I just wish it was easier to use.
So yes, LASS will give you a nice first chair. Bohemian Violin and Cello have a nice raw sound as well.
I thought it actually sounds like something that was done with a sample library/virtual instrument. No idea which one, but it sounds sample-y to me.
Yes, the first track definitely sounds sampl-y, and I also agree with the thing about using a chamber library with solo strings on top, even if the original recording most likely is done with two cellos, two violas and four violins - because it's not always easy to make things sound good with two violas or cellos (or basses or violins). 3-4 players or more sound like a small ensemble, with only two it can easily sound out of tune.


text:
Norwegian scientists find way to make snow machines more environmentally friendly
Ski resorts around the world have been relying heavily on snow machines just to keep their ski runs open.
by Lorna Wroe 13th March 2017
If you've been hitting the slopes this winter, there's a good chance you've been carving in less than ideal conditions. Thanks to global warming, ski resorts around the world have been struggling with warmer, shorter seasons, and relying heavily on snow machines just to keep their ski runs open.
Over the past decade, it's become ever clearer that climate change has been ravaging the ski industry. The Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) has estimated that during this time, reduced snowfall and warmer temperatures have cost businesses in the United States alone, up to $1 billion, so is it any wonder they're turning to snow machines?
However, these machines are by no means a perfect fix. Not only do they still require temperatures to be below freezing to work, the biggest problem is that they use up huge amounts of energy, and end up pumping out so much heat, that in the long-run they're only adding to the detrimental effects of rising temperatures, and in turn, risking the future of snow sports. According to the NRDC, up to half of all the energy consumed by ski resorts now goes to making snow.
Thankfully, a team of Norwegian scientists have been working on a solution. Researchers at Scandinavia's largest independent research institute, SINTEF, and at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, believe that they can design an energy efficient snow machine, which will keep snow sports sustainable. They plan to do this by adapting the same technology a domestic fridge uses.
The theory is that nearby buildings could be heated up with the heat generated by the pumps in the machines, as they cool water to be turned into snow outside. With hopes of 100% heat recovery, this could put an end to the vicious, climate-warming circle current snow machines are a part of.
With the help of funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, the team hope to have a prototype ready next year. So here's hoping for a sustainable future in the snow.
Featured image: Sangudo/Flickr
Skiing on Dirt due to lack of Snowfall in California
10 secret ski destinations in Europe to avoid a packed piste
The ultimate ski trip checklist
Posted in: Environment Tagged: Environment| Skiing| Snowboarding
How animal agriculture impacts our environment
Moving to more sustainable animal agriculture practices is key in the fight against climate change.
Groundbreaking project aims to reduce plastic pollution across UK mountain bike trails by 75% in five years
The 'State of Our Trails Report' from Trash Free Trails is the first research project to investigate plastic pollution across the UK's trails and wild spaces.
Wild bison set to return to the UK after being hunted to extinction 6,000 years ago
The 'Wilder Blean' project will see a small herd of European bison be released in Kent during spring 2022.
Electric scooters to be made legal on roads in the UK from Saturday, but there's a catch
The move has been made in a bid to ease the pressure on public transport and thus reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Ashaninka people indigenous to the Amazon rainforest win decades-long court battle against illegal loggers
A historical agreement has been signed that ends a court battle, of more than 20 years, between a group indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and the forestry industry.
In search of sustainable building materials, this student grew her own canoe out of mushrooms
Made from mycelium, the canoe is self repairing because it continually grows mushrooms and releases spores after it is taken out on the water.
Renewable energy cheaper than 60% of operating coal plants, report finds
The report, conducted by Carbon Tracker, concludes that by 2030 it will be cheaper to build new wind or solar capacity than continue operating coal in all markets.
'Landmark' study concludes that marine life in the world's oceans can recover by 2050
If urgent action is taken the research found that the world's oceans could be restored to full abundance.
'Take care of nature' to prevent pandemics like Covid-19, says expert
Climate change scientist Lee Hannah explains how giving nature space could help curb future disease outbreaks.
Video: Beluga whale filmed playing rugby with South African crew in the Arctic
A beluga whale has been filmed playing 'fetch' with an official 2019 Rugby World Cup ball near the Arctic Pole.
Bottlenose dolphin observed adopting a melon-headed whale calf
The orphaned calf even learned to act like a bottlenose dolphin, but its presence may have contributed to the loss of the original calf.
First fully rechargeable carbon dioxide battery is seven times more efficient than lithium-ion and carbon neutral
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have successfully tested a lithium-carbon dioxide battery prototype running up to 500 consecutive cycles of charge/recharge processes.


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text:
class UserBlock < ActiveRecord::Base
  PROBLEMATIC_BLOCK_THRESHOLD = 3
  belongs_to :user
  belongs_to :blocked_user, class_name: "User"

  validates_presence_of :user
  validates_presence_of :blocked_user
  validate :only_three_per_user, on: :create
  validate :cant_block_yourself
  validates_uniqueness_of :blocked_user_id, scope: :user_id, message: "already blocked"

  after_create :destroy_friendships, :notify_staff_about_potential_problem_user

  def only_three_per_user
    if user.user_blocks.count >= 3
      errors.add( :base, I18n.t( "you_can_only_block_three_users" ) )
    end
    true
  end

  def cant_block_yourself
    if blocked_user_id == user_id
      errors.add( :blocked_user_id, "can't be you" )
    end
    true
  end

  def destroy_friendships
    Friendship.where( user_id: user_id, friend_id: blocked_user_id ).destroy_all
    Friendship.where( user_id: blocked_user_id, friend_id: user_id ).destroy_all
    true
  end

  def notify_staff_about_potential_problem_user
    if UserBlock.where( blocked_user_id: blocked_user_id ).count == PROBLEMATIC_BLOCK_THRESHOLD
      Emailer.notify_staff_about_blocked_user( blocked_user ).deliver
    end
    true
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


A new female clothing brand.
We are the makers of superbly comfortable and stylish maternity t-shirts that are specifically designed and cut to accent a woman's body throughout pregnancy, as well as after the baby is born (the fourth trimester). Our garments are made of eco-friendly, sustainable materials and use non-toxic water-based inks. They are manufactured in the USA. They will be sold direct to consumer and retail. I avoided using the word "maternity" in the description for fear of getting only submissions that illustrated pregnant women/bellies. The mission of our company is to provide superior quality products that enhance a woman's experience of pregnancy, while preserving her sense of individuality, confidence and youthful beauty/energy. Our target market is a 24-35 year old pregnant woman who loves being pregnant and can't wait to be a mom, but at the same time she values being able to maintain her unique identity. She's confident and independent. She appreciates sustainable living practices and products that are safe for her, the baby and the earth. She is what you would call a "cute pregnant lady"- vivacious and full of life.
RetroMetro Steve, so actually did like a couple of the ones you removed- would you mind putting them back so I can show my partner? Specifically, the one with the needle and stitch and the other all-cap one... Thanks so much!


Backcountry cabins: they're totally the perfect place to kick back, relax, lock Sergeant Doakes in a cage so he doesn't tell Miami Metro you're a serial killer, and -- thanks to Fette Sau -- get Stephen Starr BBQ. A collab with the Brooklyn restaurantrepreneur behind the original Sau in Williamsburg, Starr's counter-service Fishtown joint looks like the type of place the Hatfields would smoke the McCoys' prize hog with its tin roof-covered porch out front, picnic-tabled main dining room, and tin can light fixtures. The daily rotating Germanic-Texan-style 'cue's first-come, first-served and includes Duroc pork belly, Black Angus brisket, Pecorino sausages, and Berkshire pulled pork sidled w/ burnt-end baked beans, German potato salad, and bacon brownies, which'll leave you with a pork belly. Also awesome: there's a white-tiled, eight-saddled bar pouring 10 brews (Dock's PA Porter, Sly Fox Swanky Lager, Earth Bread's Dry Rub Amber...) sized from glass to gallon, plus 100 domestic whiskeys -- try too many and things're bound to get Harry.


text:
#482, December 16, 2007
Global warming for a White Christmas
COLUMBUS: There was big news this week from Indonesia, and it wasn't a tsunami, although the outcome could be just a calamitous for the U.S.
The other 186 nations had called a conference to arrive at a plan by which the United States would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. At least that was their original intent. But Al Gore flew in to show off the Nobel peace prize he won for global warming, gave a speech and got 'em so riled up they decided a 25 percent reduction ain't enough, make it 40. They took a vote on it, and the vote was 186 to 1, with us being the 1.
Now that's a mighty tall order, for us to cut back 40 percent on anything, let alone emissions. See, down in Atlanta they're running out of water, and with such dire predictions they have not even cut water use 10 percent. We know it's important, but whether it's conserving water or cutting gas, we ain't gonna do it, that's all.
The main argument up to now has been that most of these other 186 countries (where they still walk to work or ride a bicycle) did not want to cut emissions at all. They wanted us to do all the cutting, along with Europe, while they just kept on emitting. Well, last week they compromised. They said, "We will cut back the same as you, as long as you provide all the technology to do the cutting, and give us the money to pay for it." Well, that got wild applause, till the American representative jumped up and said, "I object. I object because we are already fighting a war where we're paying for both sides, and we're broke."
Then came a lone voice from the back of the room, "We seek your leadership, but if for some reason you cannot lead, leave it to the rest of us, and get out of the way." The American was surprised at this offer, and wondered which country could be so generous to take on this tremendous financial burden for the world. Was it Germany? England? Maybe even China with their new wealth?
No, it was Papua New Guinea, whose gross national product would about cover the hotel bill for the conference. And their diplomat was not offering anything; he wasn't seeking our leadership, just our money.
Meanwhile, from Oklahoma to Maine, the ice and snowstorms continued. If you folks huddle up close to keep warm, and only burn a candle when necessary for reading science journals, we'll come up with a solution to this problem way before New Guinea.
Historic quotes from Will Rogers:
"There's the one thing no nation can ever accuse us of, and that is Secret Diplomacy. Our foreign dealings are an open book, generally a Check Book." WA #45, October 21, 1923
"America has a very unique record. We never lost a war or won a conference." WA #2, December 1922.
"Merry Christmas, my constant readers, both of you. No scandal today. There is some, but it will be more scandalous by tomorrow." DT #121, Dec. 24, 1926
"And to the Senate and the House, a Merry Christmas. May the literacy test never be applied to your constituents." DT#752, Dec. 24, 1928


text:
Home » Vaccine Fever
Vaccine Fever
Adam Sakaria
Heralded as a "milestone in global health" by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in mid-December, the United Nations' global vaccine partnership COVAX has lined up nearly 2 billion doses of existing and candidate vaccines for use worldwide.
The 190-nation initiative seeks to ensure that all countries have equal access to coronavirus vaccines, with the initial delivery of some shots in the first quarter of 2021. According to the WHO, COVAX has agreements in place to access nearly 2 billion doses of several COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The deal lays the groundwork to secure additional amounts.
The United States is leading the global charge in vaccine manufacturing, distribution, and eventual adoption. Other significant players include China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, which are producing their own. However, there are substantial concerns over vaccines' overall efficacy in ultimately alleviating economic downturns.
"Going forward, I'm not pessimistic… Eventually, we'll get through this. But we should not be under the illusion that it will happen fast, it will take some time," UBS Chairman Axel Weber told CNBC in November. "It would be at least a year to go back to pre-crisis levels of GDP. It'll take another year or two to be anywhere near getting unemployment and pre-crisis growth back."
The international community looks to the U.S. as a bellwether for how the adoption of a vaccine might unfold. "The extent of improvement in COVID-19 cases by spring will depend crucially on actions taken between now and then," Johns Hopkins epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers told the Wall Street Journal in December. There will likely still be "millions of people out of work and many Americans' finances will be in horrible straits. But things will look better than they do now, and that will be a start."
Warp speed
Under a program dubbed "Operation Warp Speed" by the Trump administration in mid-July, the federal government has invested in six promising vaccines. There are also various agreements to finance clinical trials, large-scale manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
One of those agreements is with Pfizer and German BioNTech. It is a "$1.95 billion deal [that] would finance the production and nationwide delivery of 100 million doses of the vaccine," wrote Emily Barone for Time in December. Other pharmaceutical heavyweights, including Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Moderna (whose vaccine was approved by the FDA in mid-December), all received U.S. government funding and entered into approval-based acquisition agreements similar to Pfizer's.
On December 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, making it the first in the U.S. to get the go-ahead from the FDA. However, with recipients needing two doses taken three weeks apart, this initial batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is only enough to inoculate 50 million Americans out of a population of approximately 328 million.
"The government… secured 900 million doses [from] all six companies, which is more than enough for the U.S. population, assuming they all produce a winner," she continued. Accordingly, the world is closely watching the early adoption stages of the vaccine variants regarding their deployment, accessibility, and, most crucially, their efficacy.
Cautious optimism
Pfizer and BioNTech have promised 50 million doses in 2020 and 1.3 billion more in 2021. Yet, there still is an arduous path to comprehensive vaccination of the world's 7.5 billion people. "We've been waiting for some good news for some time now … And the latest news has been really received well by the market. But you have to take this with a grain of salt," Weber of UBS cautioned on CNBC. "The disappointing part of the news was that the much lower-than-expected number of vaccinations that can be produced in a year, and if you look at the rollout that will happen, it's going to take some time."
Commenting on the economic implications of the initial vaccine rollout, Weber noted it would mainly "eliminate some tail risks, but that it would be a long haul before we get anything… close to what people call mass immunity."
Writing for Business Insider in December, Cornell Law School Professor Daniel Alpert noted: "Given the encouraging news on the development of highly effective vaccines, it is very likely… that the massive logistical feat will be accomplished in the first half of next year. Market enthusiasm echoes my own optimism regarding the potential end of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Nevertheless, Alpert, like most other analysts, does not see early vaccine implementation "immuniz[ing] market economies against the renewed recession likely to arrive during 2021."
Protecting the markets
The unprecedented scale of economic calamity is most evident in "retail, air transportation, hospitality, restaurants, other leisure activities, and commercial real estate," said Alpert. Those sectors collectively employ between 25 to 30 percent of all U.S. private-sector workers. They "are going to experience enormous pressure due to changes in consumer and business behavior unrelated to either disease or … economic recession," stressed Alpert.
As Paul Hannon and David Harrison reported for the Wall Street Journal, "While a successful vaccine could indeed give the economy a shot in the arm in 2021… it will take longer to heal from a historic blow to jobs, investment and businesses." However, the current surge in infections in much of the West World may complicate the task.
Additionally, it could be several months before enough people receive the vaccine to ease extensive lockdown measures across much of the developed world. Accordingly, sectors like hospitality and entertainment will "endure months of weak demand."
In the U.S., "authorities have generally avoided new measures that are as strict as European ones, and the economy is expected to continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace," wrote Hannon and Harrison. News of the vaccine "hasn't immediately shortened expectations for the time it will take the U.S. and European economies to return to their pre-pandemic size," they added, predicting that pre-pandemic recovery won't happen until 2022.
Unfortunately, "many of the industries most affected by the pandemic — airlines, hospitality, retail — won't fully recover until it is once again safe for people to congregate in proximity, which will only happen once millions of people have been vaccinated. Bars, restaurants and hotels by themselves account for more than a quarter of the roughly 10 million jobs lost between February and October," according to the Labor Department, as reported in the Wall Street Journal.
However, some point to the fact there is a possibility that by mid-2021, the U.S. unemployment rate (which peaked at 14.7 percent in March) could return to the historical lows of 3.5 percent seen in February. "Potentially, you get a lot of the way back next year with the vaccine. Not only do you have faster growth, but that growth is more skewed to the services sector," said Michael Pearce, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics. "In terms of jobs, you're probably looking at least at another couple of years."
Citing a litany of possibilities, Justin Lahart of the Wall Street Journal contended that America's economic growth could transition from tepid to "really good."
According to UBS economist Seth Carpenter, "There will be a big turnaround in behavior." In the U.S., a wide array of service businesses that have borne the brunt of the crisis could see demand return.
Lahart no6ted: "People who have been vaccinated may finally take that flight to see family. More schools will return to in-person learning, freeing time for parents to work." Additionally, as COVID-19 numbers fall, people will likely start spending more freely. "Businesses, seeing where things are heading, will hire and spend in anticipation of customers' return," said Lahart.
But there is still the issue of Americans' willingness to take the vaccine. Some concerns are currently surrounding the fast-tracked production, lack of widespread trials, side effects, and that this is uncharted territory.
A December Pew survey "suggested people have grown numb to our grim reality, or don't accept the science that the vaccine is the only way out," wrote Philip Elliott for Time. Back in May, "27 percent of Americans surveyed by Pew said they would either 'probably' or 'definitely' not get a vaccine," noted Elliott. By November, that number reached 39 percent. A breakdown shows that those who said they definitely wouldn't participate in a vaccination regime climbed from 11 to 18 percent, according to Elliott. Conversely, participants who said they planned to get the vaccine fell from 72 to 60 percent.
"The Mayo Clinic estimates 94 percent of the population needs immunity, either through antibodies or vaccines… to stop the chain of transmission of the virus," wrote Elliott. "We are never going to get there without a shift in public opinion." That may prove hard, according to Elliott, as public interest in a vaccine has shrunk, given conflicting news and findings over the past months.
Daniel Salmon, who headed the now-defunct National Vaccine Program Office, pointed out that the lack of unified oversight in the United States is another reason why some are worried about safety issues with the vaccines. "Efforts are underway to develop systems for monitoring COVID-19 vaccine safety, but it is not yet clear who is in charge," stated Salmon in an op-ed on StatNews in November.
He, now the director of the Institute for Vaccine Safety at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said they need to swiftly investigate any vaccines because of their novelty and the uncertainty surrounding them. "If we don't have the data quickly, it can derail the vaccine program," he said. "It has to be rigorous, and it has to be credible."
In Person: Transforming healthcare, one city at a time Egypt on the Road to Herd Immunity Stepping Up to Save Lives


PELLSTON -- Three students from Pellston Middle School have been named local winners in the 44th annual America & Me essay contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance.
The three students, who earned first, second, and third place awards for their school, are Karissa Hardwicke, first; Jake Daily, second; and Molly Crossley, third. All three received award certificates for their achievement.
As the school's first place winner, Karissa's name will be engraved on a plaque for permanent display in the school.
Pellston Middle School's participation in the America & Me contest was sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance agent John M. Crinnion of Petoskey.
Karissa'a first place essay now advances to the state level competition, from which the top 10 essays in Michigan will be selected. The top 10 statewide winners, which will be announced in April, will each receive a plaque, a medallion and a cash award of $1,000. In addition, the top 10 essayists will be honored at a banquet in Lansing, meet with Michigan's top governmental leaders and be the featured guests at a Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball game dedicated in their honor.
A team of finalist judges that includes a top Michigan government official and the sponsoring teachers of last year's top two statewide winners will determine the ranking of the top 10 statewide winners this year.
Several thousand eighth-grade students from nearly 450 Michigan schools participated in the 2012- 2013 America & Me essay contest, which was conducted with the help of Farm Bureau Insurance agents across the state. The topic of the 2012 2013 contest was "My Personal Michigan Hero."
Started in 1968 and open to all Michigan eighth-grade students, the contest encourages Michigan youngsters to explore the greatness of America and its people. As sponsor to the contest, Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.


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Ecuador will allow the US to launch military planes from the Galapagos Islands
Photo: Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
The Galapagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, are often thought of as a relatively untouched paradise of crystal clear waters and exotic creatures, but that may be about to change. Ecuador will now allow US military planes to operate from the islands' San Cristobal airport in order to help combat drug trafficking. Ecuadorian lawmakers, however, are skeptical about the decision, as it could potentially have negative impacts on the islands' conservation and biodiversity.
Congressman Carlos Viteri said that this collaboration with the US was "unacceptable," especially if the agreement requires their country to "cede an inch of Ecuadorian territory." Former president Rafael Correa agreed, saying on Twitter that the island is "not an aircraft carrier" for the Americans. And indeed, Ecuador's own constitution seems to forbid such collaborations, saying that the "establishment of military bases or foreign facilities for military purposes shall not be allowed."
Despite the backlash, defense minister Oswaldo Jarrin seems unfazed. He insisted that the American presence would not be permanent and that, "Galapagos is for Ecuador our aircraft carrier, it is our natural carrier, because it assures us permanent replenishment, interception facilities, and it is 1,000 kilometers from our coasts."
Whether or not this military partnership proceeds smoothly remains to be seen, but it certainly looks like a few bumps can be expected in the road ahead, at least in public opinion.
H/T: BBC
More like this: 10 things you can do in the Galapagos Islands other than look at tortoises
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A WWII submarine base is being transformed into the world's largest digital art center
Same-sex marriage is now legal in Northern Ireland
2019 was a record year for elephant deaths in Sri Lanka
Sydney Opera House lights up in support of firefighters
Ikea to use 'mushroom packaging' that will decompose in weeks
'Rage Yoga' lets you curse and drink beer to achieve inner peace
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Noelle Alejandra Salmi
Russian volcano erupts for the first time in 95 years and astronauts captured the moment from space
Heavy rainfall brings some much-welcomed relief to Australia


Crest is a brand of toothpaste made by P&G.
HTML code allows to embed Crest logo in your website.
Crest logo image sizes: 937 x 245 pixels. Format: png. Filesize: 14 KB.
Please warn us if you consider Crest logo to be incorrect, obsolete or having wrong description.


text:
Charlotte Dravet es una psiquiatra y epileptóloga francesa, nacida el 14 de julio de 1936. De 1965 al año 2000, trabajó en el centro St. Paul de la Universidad de Marsella, bajo la instrucción de Henri Gastaut y Joseph Roger

En 1978, Charlotte Dravet describió la epilepsia mioclónica severa de la infancia o Síndrome de Dravet. Fue presidenta de la liga francesa contra la epilepsia. Se ha retirado.

Psiquiatras de Francia del siglo XX

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: connectedAccessories returns empty array I'm using the following method to check whether my Bluetooth accessory is connected to my iPhone:
- (BOOL)checkAccessory {
    NSArray *accessories = [[EAAccessoryManager sharedAccessoryManager] connectedAccessories];
    EAAccessory *selectedAccessory = nil;

    if ([accessories count]) {
        for (int i = 0; i < [accessories count]; i++) {
             selectedAccessory = [accessories objectAtIndex:i];
            for (NSDictionary *tmpDict in accessories) {
                if ([[tmpDict valueForKey:@"manufacturer"] isEqualToString:@"FOO"]) {
                    return YES;
                }
            }
        }
    }
    return NO;
}

I know ExternalAccessory framework only works with MFi device and I have all the needed protocols declared inside the Info.plist file.
This is working fine except in one case: when I restart the smartphone and launch my test app again, the connectedAccessories method returns zero accessories, even if the peripheral is turned on and connected to the iPhone (in the Bluetooth settings, the accessory appears connected and the Bluetooth icon in the status bar is active).
Could someone please help me solve this issue?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Welcome to the Office of the Secretary.
The mission of the Office of the Secretary is to maintain the official records and documents of the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).
The Secretary compiles and maintains the Commission's official records, including petitions, briefs, and other legal documents.
This office also issues Commission notices, reports, and orders, and it schedules and participates in all Commission meetings and hearings.
Other key functions include making determinations on requests for confidential treatment of information, requests for information to be released under protective order, and requests under the Freedom of Information Act.


This is a great side salad for chicken or fish, or toss in some shrimp, and call it a complete meal.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. To the noodles, add green onions, bean sprouts, carrots, cucumber, cashews, cilantro, sesame seeds, and the soy sauce mixture and mix thoroughly.


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Attackers can remotely disable Fortress Wi-Fi home security alarms
Fortress S03 Wi-Fi Home Security System was found to have new vulnerabilities which could be potentially abused by a malicious party to get unauthorized access and alter system behavior, including disarming the devices without the knowledge of the victim.
The two unpatched flaws dubbed CVE-2021-39276 (CVSS score: 5.3) and CVE-2021-39277 (CVSS score: 5.7), were discovered and reported by cybersecurity firm Rapid7 in May 2021. They also provided a 60-day deadline to fix the weaknesses.
The Fortress S03 Wi-Fi Home Security System is a do-it-yourself (DIY) alarm system that enables users to secure their homes and small businesses from burglars, fires, gas leaks, and water leaks by leveraging Wi-Fi and RFID technology for keyless entry.
The company website claims that their security and surveillance systems are used by "thousands of clients and continued customers."
According to the Rapid7 researchers, the vulnerabilities are trivially easy to exploit. The CVE-2021-39276 concerns an unauthenticated API Access that enables an attacker in possession of a victim's email address to query the API to leak the device's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which also doubles up as the serial number. The adversary who now has the device's IMEI number and the email address can proceed to make several unauthorized changes, such as disabling the alarm system via an unauthenticated POST request.
For this flaw, the hacker with the knowledge of a Fortress S03 user's email address can easily disarm the installed home alarm without that user's knowledge.
The CVE-2021-39277 flaw relates to an RF Signal replay attack, in which a lack of adequate encryption allows the threat actor to capture the radio frequency command and control communications over the air using software-defined radio (SDR), and playback the transmission to perform specific functions, such as "arm" and "disarm" operations, on the target device.
In this flaw, the attacker can simply stake out the property and wait for the victim to use the RF-controlled devices within radio range. The attacker can then replay the 'disarm' command later, without the victim's knowledge.
The researchers have reported their findings to Fortress Security on May 13, 2021 who has closed the report 11 days later on May 24.
As the issue still continues, it is highly recommended that the users must configure their alarm systems with a unique, one-time email address to work around the IMEI number exposure.
But for the CVE-2021-39277 flaw, there is nothing much a user can do to mitigate the effects. The researchers suggest that those who are concerned about this exposure should avoid using the key fobs and other RF devices linked to their home security systems.
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text:
Q: Netbeans: Can I change the way my project is displayed in the Projects tab? So, as you know, the Projects tab of Netbeans displays your project in a different structure than the real file system structure (as you see in the Files tab).
My problem is, I'm creating an Android project from a Maven archetype and Netbeans doesn't seem to know what it's doing in the Projects tab for this particular case. The "res" folder is missing, the "gen" folder (which I'd rather hide) is showing and there's another useless "generated assets" folder.
Note: The file structure was generated right. The problem is only the Projects view.
Edit:
This is the pom.xml generated when I use the "android-quickstart" archetype, which group id is "de.akquinet.android.archetypes"
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<project xmlns="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"
         xsi:schemaLocation="http://maven.apache.org/POM/4.0.0 http://maven.apache.org/maven-v4_0_0.xsd">
    <modelVersion>4.0.0</modelVersion>
    <groupId>uk.frequency</groupId>
    <artifactId>test</artifactId>
    <version>1.0-SNAPSHOT</version>
    <packaging>apk</packaging>
    <name>test</name>

    <properties>
        <project.build.sourceEncoding>UTF-8</project.build.sourceEncoding>
        <platform.version> 4.1.1.4
        </platform.version>
        <android.plugin.version>3.6.0</android.plugin.version>
    </properties>

    <dependencies>
        <dependency>
            <groupId>com.google.android</groupId>
            <artifactId>android</artifactId>
            <version>${platform.version}</version>
            <scope>provided</scope>
        </dependency>
    </dependencies>
    <build>
        <finalName>${project.artifactId}</finalName>
        <pluginManagement>
            <plugins>
                <plugin>
                    <groupId>com.jayway.maven.plugins.android.generation2</groupId>
                    <artifactId>android-maven-plugin</artifactId>
                    <version>${android.plugin.version}</version>
                    <extensions>true</extensions>
                </plugin>
            </plugins>
        </pluginManagement>
        <plugins>
            <plugin>
                <groupId>com.jayway.maven.plugins.android.generation2</groupId>
                <artifactId>android-maven-plugin</artifactId>
                <configuration>
                    <sdk>
                        <platform>16</platform>
                    </sdk>
                </configuration>
            </plugin>
        </plugins>
    </build>
</project>

Note: On my latest attempt, it didn't create "gen" folders, but still no "res" either.

A: Please post the pom.xml.
BTW: IIRC NB only shows generated sources in the project view when they match the maven standard convention.


Katy & Caleb had a perfect Xavier wedding day that started downtown at the chic Westin hotel! I had been looking forward to this day for what felt like forever! Katy had everything expertly planned and the biggest smile on her face and Caleb was calm and happy to marry his girl! I actually started prepping my camera bag, charging my batteries, and organizing memory cards a few weeks early. That is just how excited I was for their Xavier wedding day and to celebrate with these two!
When I arrived at The Westin, Katy was quietly getting ready and enjoying those last few single gal moments with her girls. Each bridesmaid wearing a different dress in Burgundy! So pretty. She did a first look with her dad, the sweetest, and her mom helped her place her grandmother's bracelet on her wrist and her veil in her hair.
Caleb & Katy exchanged gifts, handwritten cards, and then it was time for the first look. I love that it was in a private part of the hotel with a fun staircase. We then went downstairs for a first look with her bridesmaids, their faces seeing Katy in her dress, priceless and one of my favorite images from the day! It was such a pretty day downtown, despite the bit of rain.
They had a beautiful ceremony at the church Katy teaches at and her first class of students sung during the ceremony. Those sweet little voices added such a heartfelt moment to the day! We rocked family photos on a time crunch and then it was time to party! Off to St. Francis Xavier for cocktails, dinner, and dancing! What a day. These two are so sweet and kind and just make the cutest newlyweds ever. Happy first Christmas as husband and wife, Katy & Caleb!


text:
Sharpe, Peggy A.. "William Lewis Wright". The Canadian Encyclopedia, 07 December 2013, Historica Canada. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/william-lewis-wright-emc. Accessed 18 January 2021.
Sharpe, P., William Lewis Wright (2013). In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/william-lewis-wright-emc
Sharpe, Peggy A., "William Lewis Wright". In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Article published August 08, 2007; Last Edited December 07, 2013. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/william-lewis-wright-emc
Sharpe, Peggy A.. The Canadian Encyclopedia, s.v. "William Lewis Wright", Last Edited December 07, 2013, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/william-lewis-wright-emc
William Lewis Wright
Article by Peggy A. Sharpe
Published Online August 8, 2007
Last Edited December 7, 2013
William Lewis Wright. Teacher, organist, administrator, b Nova Scotia 16 Apr 1878, d Robson, BC, 1970; BA (Acadia) 1903, honorary D MUS (Acadia) 1946, honorary D MUS (Brandon) 1969. He was the first music graduate of Acadia University, then studied for four years in Germany with Leopold Godowsky.
Wright, William Lewis
William Lewis Wright. Teacher, organist, administrator, b Nova Scotia 16 Apr 1878, d Robson, BC, 1970; BA (Acadia) 1903, honorary D MUS (Acadia) 1946, honorary D MUS (Brandon) 1969. He was the first music graduate of Acadia University, then studied for four years in Germany with Leopold Godowsky. Returning to Canada he became the first director (1907-47) of the Dept of Music of Brandon College (Brandon University). He was a founding member of the MRMTA and president 1936-8. After retirement from the college as a director emeritus he was organist at the Community Church in Robson, BC, until his death.
'Dr. W.L. Wright,' CFMTA News Bulletin, vol 23, Sep 1969
French-speaking Louisiana and Canada
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan


To obtain the Montana Divorce County Records, please provide the information below. When you fill-up the form, make a note : The more fields you fill in, the more detailed result you will get.
Montana (MT) Divorce Database – Discover Online!
Lack of attention, trust and security leads to divorce. Thus one can quickly and comfortably obtain heaps of information regarding the date and location of divorce, the divorce records including full name of the couples, date of marriage, date of birth, property details, couple's age at the time of separation, name of the off-springs if any, cause of divorce, alimony and other specifics.
Your previous ancestral data along with many hidden facts linked to genealogy reports might be quickly accessed with the Montana divorce records search engine. Many different essential figures and other public particulars consist of vast records regarding military service, birth, ancestral SSN, immigration details, death reports, civil war particulars, matrimonial history, divorce decree information, property deeds and loads of other important reports that are carefully and readily available at an instant.
County-record.net is an incredible database dedicated to serve the genealogists in the best possible manner. I am extremely glad to have collected the divorce records and other significant transcriptions from this site.


Yep, it may have been a long time but I'd like to remind you of the joys of the deckchair. For, you know, sitting outside on. The sun has finally FINALLY got its hat on, so here's my selection of my favourite deckchairs to help you relax and enjoy the warmth while it lasts (I'll probably be showing you wellies this time next week).
For such a cause of celebration, only the prettiest chair will do. We wrote about the Lizzie Allen Habitat range a while back but the range now also includes her deckchair sling. It's got buses and the Eiffel Tower and gentlemen in uniform and all the things that make Lizzie's designs great. And it's only £10. Well, the sling is. The frame is £40 but once bought, it's usable with any Habitat sling that takes your fancy.
Wayne Hemingway and co. have done a whole line of deckchairs especially for John Lewis. While some of their Jubilee-inspired designs are just not my cup of Royal tea, the seagulls and misty-eyed patriotism on this number are rather pleasant. It will cost you £55.
Cornwall is a strong contender for number one place I'd like to be in Britain in the sunshine. Surely no surprise that that their Eden project shop stocks some very pretty deckchair designs, with a canvas showing lines of pretty trees designed by local artist Ley Honor Roberts. These are the cheapest chairs of the bunch too: buy one for £35, or - if you are sociably inclined - a pair for £65.
And moving from the cheapest chairs to the most expensive at £125 (I do also love this double deckchair design from Pedlars, but with a price tag of £495? Sorry, no.), this vintage rose design from Furniture divas. Its gentle colours and old fashioned floral image would sit pretty in gardens, patios or whatever scrap of outdoor space you can grab.
All that's now missing is a good book and something tasty to consume (try this). Oh, and for the warmth to last a little bit longer ... please?


text:
FNS Vol.6 No.13 , October 2015
Chemical, Nutritional and Organoleptical Characteristics of Orange-Based Formulated Low-Calorie Jams
Rafeek M. Abolila, Hassan Barakat*, Hassan A. El-Tanahy, Hamdy A. El-Mansy
Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Banha, Egypt.
Abstract: Twelve low-calorie orange-based formulated jams were prepared mainly from orange, pumpkin and papaya, and then sweetened using fructose (F), stevioside (St) and sucralose (Su). The nutritional value of formulated jams was estimated after the approximate chemical composition and total soluble solid have been determined. The effect of storage on total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, carotenoids content and vitamin C was investigated. Organoleptical attributes of prepared low-calorie jams were done as well. Results indicated that the nutritive value [kcal 100 g–1 fw] ranged from 88.10 ± 0.60 to 164.34 ± 0.41; total phenol content (TPC, mg GAE 100 g–1 fw] ranged from 188.52 ± 2.45 to 411.79 ± 3.3; the antioxidant capacity (μmol TE g–1 fw) ranged from 14.57 ± 0.86 to 32.39 ± 1.19; total carotenoids [mg 100 g–1 fw] ranged from 115.20 ± 5.66 to 204.33 ± 4.21; vitamin C [mg 100 g fw] ranged from 8.94 ± 1.07 to 28.77 ± 4.46; total soluble solids [Brix] ranged from 22.53 ± 0.05 to 43.37 ± 0.13. Jams storage for a period of 12 months at room temperature led to a decrease in vitamin C content, TPC, antioxidant capacity, while total soluble solids (TSS) and carotenoids increased during storage. The results of organoleptical attributes showed that the formulas O11, O1 had the highest score of color and odor respectively while O7 recorded maximum score for taste, texture and bitterness respectively. Statistical analysis showed that storage intervals and treatments had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on sensory quality of diet jam. The organoleptical characteristics were affected with the extension of shelf-life. Addition of stevioside and sucralose to formulate the low-calorie jam increased total phenol and antioxidant capacity, improved color, taste and produced targeted low-calorie jams. The use of sweeteners such as fructose, sucralose and stevioside in the manufacture of orange diet jam was shown to be satisfactory, resulting in low-calorie jams, improved the quality and could be produced commercially.
Keywords: Low-Calorie Jam, Chemical, Nutritional, Organoleptical Characteristics
Cite this paper: Abolila, R. , Barakat, H. , El-Tanahy, H. and El-Mansy, H. (2015) Chemical, Nutritional and Organoleptical Characteristics of Orange-Based Formulated Low-Calorie Jams. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 6, 1229-1244. doi: 10.4236/fns.2015.613129.
[1] Weaver, D. and Finke, M. (2003) The Relationship between the Use of Sugar Content Information on Nutrition Labels and the Consumption of Added Sugars. Food Policy, 28, 213-219.
[2] Dietz, W.H., Benken, D.E. and Hunter, A.S. (2009) Public Health Law and the Prevention and Control of Obesity. Milbank Quarterly, 87, 215-227.
[3] Silver, L. and Bassett, M.T. (2008) Food Safety for the 21st Century. JAMA, 300, 957-959.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.300.8.957
[4] Brownell, K.D., Schwartz, M.B., Puhl, R.M., Henderson, K.E. and Harris, J.L. (2009) The Need for Bold Action to Prevent Adolescent Obesity. Journal of Adolescent Health, 45, S8-S17.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.03.004
[5] Dabelea, D., Bell, R.A., D'Agostino Jr, R.B., Imperatore, G., Johansen, J.M., Linder, B., Liu, L.L., Loots, B., Marcovina, S. and Mayer-Davis, E.J. (2007) Incidence of Diabetes in Youth in the United States. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 297, 2716-2724.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.297.24.2716
[6] Ogden, C.L., Carroll, M.D., Curtin, L.R., McDowell, M.A., Tabak, C.J. and Flegal, K.M. (2006) Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in the United States, 1999-2004. JAMA, 295, 1549-1555.
[7] Cardoso, J.M.P. and Bolini, H.M.A. (2007) Different Sweeteners in Peach Nectar: Ideal and Equivalent Sweetness. Food Research International, 40, 1249-1253.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2007.08.004
[8] Pinheiro, M., Oliveira, M., Penna, A. and Tamime, A. (2005) The Effect of Different Sweeteners in Low-Calorie Yogurts—A Review. International Journal of Dairy Technology, 58, 193-199.
[9] Fernandes, F.A., Gall?o, M.I. and Rodrigues, S. (2008) Effect of Osmotic Dehydration and Ultrasound Pre-Treatment on Cell Structure: Melon Dehydration. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 41, 604-610.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2007.05.007
[10] Wiebe, N., Padwal, R., Field, C., Marks, S., Jacobs, R. and Tonelli, M. (2011) A Systematic Review on the Effect of Sweeteners on Glycemic Response and Clinically Relevant Outcomes. BMC Medicine, 9, 123.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-9-123
[11] Mattes, R.D. and Popkin, B.M. (2009) Nonnutritive Sweetener Consumption in Humans: Effects on Appetite and Food Intake and Their Putative Mechanisms. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89, 1-14.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2008.26792
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[49] Corrêa, R.C., Haminiuk, C.W., Sora, G.T., Bergamasco, R. and Vieira, A. (2014) Antioxidant and Rheological Properties of Guava Jam with Added Concentrated Grape Juice. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 94, 146-152.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6233
[50] Poiana, M.-A., Alexa, E. and Mateescu, C. (2012) Tracking Antioxidant Properties and Color Changes in Low-Sugar Bilberry Jam as Effect of Processing, Storage and Pectin Concentration. Chemistry Central Journal, 6.
[51] Rababah, T.M., Al-U'Datt, M., Al-Mahasneh, M., Yang, W., Feng, H., Ereifej, K., Kilani, I. and Ishmais, M.A. (2014) Effect of Jam Processing and Storage on Phytochemicals and Physiochemical Properties of Cherry at Different Temperatures. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 38, 247-254.
[52] Kopjar, M., Pilizota, V., Tiban, N.N., Subaric, D., Babic, J., Ackar, D. and Sajdl, M. (2009) Strawberry Jams: Influence of Different Pectins on Color and Textural Properties. Czech Journal of Food Sciences, 27, 20-28.
[53] Shukla, S., Mehta, A., Bajpai, V.K. and Shukla, S. (2009) In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 47, 2338-2343.
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Mondoweiss editorial on the Great March of Return
Israeli forces shoot unarmed protesters from across Gaza security fence
A statement on Gaza's March 30, 2018 Great March of Return from the editors of Mondoweiss.
We are closely following the horrifying news from Gaza this morning [March 30]. The Israeli government said it would meet Gaza protesters with live fire across the border fence and duly massed snipers on the border; and it has followed through today, killing at least nine Palestinians, according to early reports. Sadly the number keeps climbing: as of 4 PM EST, Haaretz was reporting that 15 Palestinians had been killed.
The outrage on the left is reminiscent of the Mavi Marmara onslaught in 2010, when Israeli commandos boarded a Turkish aid ship trying to reach Gaza and killed nine of the aid volunteers. Even Israel supporters are already making this comparison— to an event that brought global condemnation/diplomatic embarrassment to Israel.
The Associated Press reports 1000 Palestinians injured by tear gas inhalation and from being struck by live rounds or rubber-coated bullets. The Times of Israel reports "scattered" protests on the West Bank.
The first to be killed was a Palestinian farmer, said to be working his fields.
Number of protesters Israel killed in Gaza today rises to 9, with +1200 casualties. pic.twitter.com/bw8e9OtHGk
— Belal Aldabbour (@Belalmd12) March 30, 2018
The human rights group B'Tselem issued an unequivocal statement of condemnation of Israeli "crime"s:
Shooting at unarmed demonstrators is illegal and any command allowing such an action is manifestly illegal. Yesterday, B'Tselem warned against relating to demonstration areas as combat zones and against shooting live fire at demonstrators. Armed soldiers and unarmed demonstrators are not "at war." The illegal open fire regulations and the compliance with them are the reason for the number of dead and injured today in the Gaza Strip.
The protests were organized as "The Great March of Return," a nonviolent gathering of Palestinian refugees who demand the right to return to their families' homes inside Israel. Nearly 2 million Gazans are virtually imprisoned in the 140-square-mile strip, under blockade since 2007, after Hamas assumed political control of the area. The blockade extends to a 1000-foot "buffer zone" on the Gaza side of a fence from which Israel bars activity.
Many observers are noting the caged condition of the Palestinians. Nora Barrows Friedman of EI:
The "totally democratic" "start-up nation" once again using caged Palestinians as laboratory subjects, killing and injuring them solely because they are demanding their right to leave this concentration camp and go home
Ali Abunimah:
Yeah it's totally normal to cage people in a sealed ghetto after ethnically cleansing them for not being Jewish and then to shoot them if they demonstrate for their right to go home. Nothing to see just a normal "democracy."
Dimi Reider of 972:
10 demonstrators peacefully marching out of bondage already shot dead, from behind the safety of the Gaza border fence. Passover indeed.
Jewish Voice for Peace has issued a statement, saying it is "horrified" by the deadly response to a peace march, and also citing the Passover angle:
Tonight, as Jews across the world gather at the Passover seder to remember our own story as a people questing for a homeland, we honor and recognize the yearning for homeland propelling today's Land Day protests.
The Israeli military has yet again unleashed disproportionate violence against demonstrating Palestinians, the latest in a long series of deadly responses to popular protests by Palestinians.
Max Blumenthal:
Back in 2011, Thomas Friedman promised that an unarmed Palestinian mass march would "stimulate a real peace debate within Israel." Today, the #GreatMarchOfReturn happened and Israeli snipers have shot 13 marchers so far.
Noura Erakat:
Israeli forces HAD to shoot into a non-violent march of 20K protestors in order to have the usual pretext of violence. Journos should be asking critical questions why they used lethal force in the first place? This is about settler anxiety not self defense.
Scott Roth:
Israel knows it can get away with murder, literally. It knows that because it is never held to account for its crimes. For that reason many are morally culpable for what is happening today.
In stark contrast to The New York Times, the Washington Post just published an article on the killings that is a model of what mainstream reporting should be. The second sentence says that the Israeli army used live ammunition, killing at least ten people. The Post describes the Israelis as attacking the demonstrators. The writers Loveday Morris and Hazem Balousha use the word "riots" and burning tires and rock-throwing in quotation marks, thus treating the Israeli military authorities as highly-interested informants. There's no talk about "clashes"; the article is clear about who caused the violence. They actually quote a young Gazan, something the Times failed to do.
Media critics are assailing periodicals for describing today's action as "clashes." "Can you pls stop referring to soldiers shooting at unarmed civilians as 'clashes'. You're perpetuating the idea that this is a two-sided conflict as opposed to a powerful militarised state occupying & oppressing civilians." Nima Shirazi: "Only one side fired ALL the bullets, ALL the mortar shells, ALL the tear gas. Only one side has ALL the tanks, ALL the bombers, ALL the drones."
The Israeli army is seeking to stem international condemnation by characterizing the protests as "riots" and "terror."
Hamas tells the world about a peacful protest, it should be called a violent riot pic.twitter.com/RFjEP1dBnL
— IDF (@IDFSpokesperson) March 30, 2018
J Street the liberal Zionist organization has had nothing to say about the killings. Americans for Peace Now issued a statement on the shootings offering both sides of the issue, IDF and protesters.
US negotiator Jason Greenblatt is firmly taking Israel's side. He said: "Hamas is encouraging a hostile march on the Israel-Gaza border," he tweeted. "Hamas should focus on desperately needed improvements to the lives of Palestinians in Gaza instead of inciting violence against Israel that only increases hardship & undermines chances for peace."


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My vocal Debut EP.
Patrick Barnitt "Sway"
Eric J Morones "About Time!" Arabesque Records
The Brian Setzer Orchestra "Rockin Rudolph"
The Brian Setzer Orchestra "Songs From Lonely Avenue"
The Brian Setzer Orchestra "Don't Mess With A Big Band"
The Brian Setzer Orchestra "Christmas Comes Alive"
The Brian Setzer Orchestra "Jump, Jive an Wail" 1994-2000
The Brian Setzer Orchestra "It's Gonna Rock "Cause That's What I Do" live DVD
Brian Setzer "Nitro Burnin Funny Daddy" "Luck Be A Lady"-Bonus Track/Bonus Disc
The Brian Setzer Orchestra "Best of The Big Band"


The Independence Center and Friends of Man were able to collaborate to purchase an accessible van for Frank, a consumer of The IC. Frank had an automobile accident a little over a year ago and now is a wheelchair user. With the Friends of Man, in addition to The Home Modification / Assistive Technology grant, The Independence Center was able assist in the process of purchasing the van.
With this van Frank has gained a little of his independence back and improved his quality of life as well.
This entry was posted	on Saturday, May 9th, 2015 at 9:27 am	and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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HomeArchiveReturn of the Low-Fat Diet
Return of the Low-Fat Diet
healthnotes Newswire | Dec 01, 2005
By Kimberly Beauchamp, ND
Healthnotes Newswire (December 1, 2005)—Adhering to a low-fat, strict vegetarian (vegan) diet may lead to significant weight loss in overweight postmenopausal women, reports the American Journal of Medicine (2005;118:991–7).
Obesity and overweight are associated with higher rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, gallbladder disease, and certain cancers. Vegetarian diets may lower the risk of developing many of these conditions.
Vegetarians may choose to incorporate dairy products, eggs, or both in their diets. The vegan diet is vegetarianism in its purest form, excluding all animal products, including honey. In the early 1990s, Dean Ornish, MD, popularized an extremely low-fat, (nearly) vegan diet with his book, Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease. Despite its numerous health benefits, however, the vegan diet may be deficient in some key nutrients, including vitamin B12, calcium, iron, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids such as those found in fish.
The new study aimed to determine the effects of a low-fat vegan diet on weight loss and blood-sugar control in 59 post-menopausal women who were overweight. The women were instructed to follow either a low-fat vegan diet or a control diet that was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for 14 weeks. The vegan diet derived 10% of total calories from fat, 15% from protein, and 75% from carbohydrates. No added oils, avocados, olives, nuts, nut butters, or seeds were permitted on the diet. The control diet derived 30% or less of total calories from fat (no more than 7% from saturated fat), 15% from protein, and 55% from carbohydrates. Portion sizes and caloric intake were not restricted with either diet.
At the beginning and end of the study, body weight, hip and waist circumferences, body mass index (BMI), level of physical activity, and markers of blood-sugar metabolism were measured. Women who adhered to the vegan diet lost over 13 pounds during the study period, significantly more than the women in the control group. Women in the vegan group also ate significantly less protein, fat, and cholesterol and more fiber and carbohydrates than did the control group. BMI and waist-circumference measurements decreased significantly in the vegan group compared with the control group, suggesting a greater decrease in body fat in the vegan diet group. Compared with baseline measurements, women who followed the vegan diet had significantly improved measures of blood-sugar control.
Previous studies have pointed out that dietary adherence, not type of diet, predicts the amount of weight loss. For this reason, consuming a low-fat vegan diet without caloric restriction may appeal to some people who dislike calorie counting but who are able to stick to other dietary restrictions. Supplementing with a high-quality multivitamin-mineral formula should supply adequate amounts of vitamin B12 and most other nutrients that may be low in a vegan diet.
Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. She cofounded South County Naturopaths in Wakefield, RI. Dr. Beauchamp practices as a birth doula and lectures on topics including whole-foods nutrition, detoxification, and women's health.
Copyright © 2005 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. HEALTHNOTES and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc.
TAGS: Manufacturer and Brand Archive
[email protected]: Dairy firm Dean Foods takes majority stake in plant-based Good Karma | Kroger to test driverless delivery
Nutrition Business Journal: April 2018
[email protected]: New uses for almond waste | Competition heating up in meal kit market
Nutrition Business Journal: March 2018


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Slavs and Tatars | Molla Nasreddin: Embrace Your Antithesis
Lecture-performance: Molla Nasreddin: Embrace Your Antithesis
When | Wednesday 21 October, 6pm
Duration | Approximately 50 minutes
Presented in partnership with the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane, on the occasion of Slavs and Tatars solo exhibition Mirrors for Princes.
Artspace is pleased to present Molla Nasreddin: Embrace Your Antithesis, a lecture-performance by Slavs and Tatars, the acclaimed Eurasian art collective whose work focuses on the specific sphere of influence between Slavs, Caucasians and Central Asians.
Arguably the most important periodical of the Muslim world in the 20th century, Molla Nasreddin was a legendary Azerbaijani political satire read by an audience that stretched from Morocco to India. The weekly addressed issues such as gender equality, education, colonialism, and Islam's integration of modernity — all of which remain as relevant and pressing today as when the magazine was first published a century ago. Molla Nasreddin: Embrace Your Antithesis includes a discussion of the figure of the antimodern and the issue of self-censorship then and today.
Slavs and Tatars have exhibited in major international exhibitions and institutions including the Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou, Hamburger Bahnhof, New Museum, 10th Sharjah Biennial, 8th Berlin Biennale, Manifesta 10, St Petersburg, 9th Gwangju Biennale, and 7th Asia-Pacific Triennial at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. Select solo exhibitions include MoMA, NY (2012), Secession, Vienna (2012), Künstlerhaus, Stuttgart (2013), Dallas Museum of Art (2014), Kunsthalle Zurich (2014), GfZK, Leipzig (2014) and NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery (2015).
Molla Nasreddin: Embrace Your Antithesis is presented by Artspace in partnership with the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane, on the occasion of Slavs and Tatars solo exhibition Mirrors for Princes.


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Micropora normani är en mossdjursart som beskrevs av Levinsen 1909. Micropora normani ingår i släktet Micropora och familjen Microporidae. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Mossdjur
normani


A short drive later we are back at our homestay for tea and snacks, followed by dinner and a blissful night�s rest. Next morning we wake up by 7 AM to freshen up and have breakfast, following which we will continue to the Golden Temple. We begin for Bangalore a little before noon and are likely to reach here by about 9PM in the evening.
Total trekking distance 14 kms approx.


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What Payment Gateways support Zuora 3d secure?
Which payment gateways does Zuora's hosted payment pages implementation support with 3d secure?
I note that 3D Secure for Payment Pages 2.0 implies GlobalCollect is supported in Controlled Release. What about Cybersource and GMO Payments?
Hi! Only Ingenico ePayments gateway is currently supported, we will be adding more as we get customer feedback.


text:
<?php

namespace DI\Bridge\Silex\Container;

use DI\Bridge\Silex\Application;
use Interop\Container\ContainerInterface;

/**
 * Proxies container-interop methods to the application.
 *
 * ContainerInterface cannot be implemented directly by Application because it defines
 * a `get()` method already (to add a controller for a GET HTTP method). So we use this
 * proxy to have a ContainerInterop container but still use the application.
 *
 * @author Matthieu Napoli <matthieu@mnapoli.fr>
 */
class ContainerInteropProxy implements ContainerInterface
{
    /**
     * @var Application
     */
    private $application;

    public function __construct(Application $application)
    {
        $this->application = $application;
    }

    public function get($id)
    {
        return $this->application->offsetGet($id);
    }

    public function has($id)
    {
        return $this->application->offsetExists($id);
    }
}