Carver Mead bargains a greatly new method of the traditional difficulties of electromagnetic concept.
Lorrain and Corson hide electromagnetism - from Coulomb's legislation to Maxwell's Equations. Many renowned beneficial properties in their longer paintings (see lower than) look during this model together with labored examples and bankruptcy summaries, with the extra benefit of true-perspective drawings.
Therefore on top of the existing energy consumption will be added the accumulation of energy in the numerous, newly-built Oscillatory Chambers. The energy accumulated in them over this short period of time will later be consumed gradually, during entire decades or even centuries of the stable period of the chamber's utilization. In the second half of the change-over period, the energy demand will begin to decline, till it reaches the level characteristic for the stable period. The energy-related situation of our civilization during this change-over period can be described by the following factors: - The number of chambers used by each person will gradually increase.
It produces DC impulses, whose variation in time approximately follows a square curve. A diagram of his generator can be supplied on request. The voltage of his impulses was about 300 kV. The current was fed in fast pulses whose frequency tries to match the resonance frequency of the chamber. It should be stressed at this point that the power supply to the chamber constitutes the most difficult and expensive part of the experimental station's set up. So far only Mr Zudzin has found enough dedication and persistence to continue his experimental work past this significant obstacle.
The first of them is the ability to intercept, total, and accumulate randomly appearing, small portions of energy. g. ). The second property of the chamber to be applied will be the production of a very powerful magnetic field. g. the magnetohydrodynamic effect of running water and wind, pulsating electromagnetic signals originating from natural sources such as crystals or free space, or a technological form of telekinesis used in the so-called free energy devices. 2 and D6) may completely eliminate from further exploitation all our present fuel-based sources of energy.


text:
package com.amazonaws.services.sagemaker.model.transform;

import javax.annotation.Generated;

import com.amazonaws.SdkClientException;
import com.amazonaws.services.sagemaker.model.*;

import com.amazonaws.protocol.*;
import com.amazonaws.annotation.SdkInternalApi;

/**
 * TransformInputMarshaller
 */
@Generated("com.amazonaws:aws-java-sdk-code-generator")
@SdkInternalApi
public class TransformInputMarshaller {

    private static final MarshallingInfo<StructuredPojo> DATASOURCE_BINDING = MarshallingInfo.builder(MarshallingType.STRUCTURED)
            .marshallLocation(MarshallLocation.PAYLOAD).marshallLocationName("DataSource").build();
    private static final MarshallingInfo<String> CONTENTTYPE_BINDING = MarshallingInfo.builder(MarshallingType.STRING)
            .marshallLocation(MarshallLocation.PAYLOAD).marshallLocationName("ContentType").build();
    private static final MarshallingInfo<String> COMPRESSIONTYPE_BINDING = MarshallingInfo.builder(MarshallingType.STRING)
            .marshallLocation(MarshallLocation.PAYLOAD).marshallLocationName("CompressionType").build();
    private static final MarshallingInfo<String> SPLITTYPE_BINDING = MarshallingInfo.builder(MarshallingType.STRING).marshallLocation(MarshallLocation.PAYLOAD)
            .marshallLocationName("SplitType").build();

    private static final TransformInputMarshaller instance = new TransformInputMarshaller();

    public static TransformInputMarshaller getInstance() {
        return instance;
    }

    /**
     * Marshall the given parameter object.
     */
    public void marshall(TransformInput transformInput, ProtocolMarshaller protocolMarshaller) {

        if (transformInput == null) {
            throw new SdkClientException("Invalid argument passed to marshall(...)");
        }

        try {
            protocolMarshaller.marshall(transformInput.getDataSource(), DATASOURCE_BINDING);
            protocolMarshaller.marshall(transformInput.getContentType(), CONTENTTYPE_BINDING);
            protocolMarshaller.marshall(transformInput.getCompressionType(), COMPRESSIONTYPE_BINDING);
            protocolMarshaller.marshall(transformInput.getSplitType(), SPLITTYPE_BINDING);
        } catch (Exception e) {
            throw new SdkClientException("Unable to marshall request to JSON: " + e.getMessage(), e);
        }
    }

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


In looking at mattresses, I've seen King and King Split options available. What is the difference? Is it only a difference in the box springs?
Does the answer vary by brand at all? If so, how is this term used by Restonic?
Hi Dan, A regular king set consists of two twin xl (38" x 80") boxsprings and one mattress (76" x 80"). A split king would have two twin xl mattresses...usually much more expensive. There are only a couple of reasons for getting a split king. The most common would be a delivery issue...not being able to fit a king mattress up the stairs. Also, there are religious reasons for having separate mattresses.
A split King is just 2 twin extra long mattresses, side by side, making a King. A Cal King Split would be two pieces that when placed side by side constitute a Cal King.
No, it is universal to all brands.
Great question! A split king mattress refers to either two identical mattresses placed side by side to make up one king sized mattress or a king size mattress that's split from the head lengthwise to about midway.
Split mattresses are used for adjustable bases. If one partner wants to sit up and read but the other wants to sleep, both can have what they want without disturbing the other one.
That's a very good question! A split king is really two twin extra long sets joined. The dimensions are the same as a king, but it's easier to move arounds it allows two people to have their own comfort level (for example soft or firm) across their half of the bed.
The only caution is to test how well the two sets can be fastened together so they don't drift apart while you're sleeping.
A split King is two Twin Extra Long 38' x 80" mattresses put side by side as opposed to one big, giant king size mattress which is 76" x 80". Most people use split kings with adjustable beds so their head and feet can go up individually to aid digestion, acid reflux, snoring and improve poor circulation also it's better for the heart.
Adjustable beds works best with mattresses that don't have coils or foam edge encasement. Our mattresses work well with adjustable beds. You can also customize each mattress to suite each individual sleeper so one person can have it firmer than the other person. Plus, you can change the feel of the mattress by moving the layers around yourself.
It is so much easier to handle a mattress in layers as opposed to a giant King sized mattress that doesn't have a zipper.


text:
Thank You, John Singleton, for Opening the Door for Some of My Fave Actresses
The legendary director cast Taraji P. Henson, Regina King, and Angela Bassett in key roles, helping them become household names.
By Ashley Simpo
Getty Images / Brianna Ellis-Mitchell
I loved growing up in the '90s — before everybody had a cell phone, before the internet, and before Beyoncé was a mom. If I close my eyes I can practically smell the steam rising from the hot comb straightening my hair, or hear the muffled snap of barrettes closing around my ends. I can also remember the shock I felt over the Rodney King verdict and watching the Los Angeles riots spill across the evening news. The '90s were a crazy time of cultural and social change. Hip-hop had finally reached the mainstream, igniting a battle over censorship; the decade-long crack-epidemic was ravaging cities; and black Hollywood was at the beginning of a renaissance, thanks in part to John Singleton and his tribe of leading ladies.
The groundbreaking writer and director passed away on April 29 — the exact day his hometown erupted in flames nearly three decades ago. Like the L.A. Uprisings, Singleton wrote his name in the history books. At just 24, he earned two Oscar nominations for his 1991 film, Boyz n the Hood. The critically acclaimed project not only made him the youngest person to be recognized by the Academy, but he also became the first black director to be nominated for his immense talent as well.
Early on, Singleton decided to tell stories that spoke to his experience growing up in South Central. After watching Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing, Singleton was inspired be a voice for his community. "I said you know what 'I gotta do something for Los Angeles'. I gotta define myself different from any other filmmaker. It has to be something unique to me and who I am," he explained in 2017.
Unlike some who only focused on the aspirational tales of middle-class black folks, Singleton's films told stories that had only previously been depicted through the lens of police helicopter cameras and white voices on the five-o'clock news. But perhaps the most lasting impact of Singleton's trio of companion films — Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice, and Baby Boy — were the women he chose for each project.
From the very beginning, Singleton made sure his female characters were whole people, too.
The women in Singleton's film weren't just there to be eye candy, serve as romantic interests, or balance out male energy. From the very beginning, Singleton made sure his female characters were whole people, too. "In Boyz n the Hood, every female character was three-dimensional," Singleton said of the women in his debut. "Whether it was the mother or the young girl or the lady across the street."
In Boyz n the Hood, Singleton took a chance on a little-known actor named Angela Bassett. Though Bassett has gone on to become a bona fide star, when Singleton met her, most of Bassett's roles had been on TV, which, at the time, was seen as a less serious medium. "I had recently come to L.A. to get into film and television. I sort of landed in television and felt like I was being kept there," Bassett said earlier this year, explaining she had been boxed into TV roles and ignored by casting directors for movie roles. "For this young director to not be concerned with that at all and just want to see actors and the casting director bringing me in, it was a big opportunity."
In Boyz n the Hood, Bassett plays Reva, a hard-working single mom who's trying to make ends meet and raise her teenage son, Tre. While the role could have dabbled in ugly stereotypes about black women, Singleton's choice to allow Reva's more well-rounded, vulnerable side to shine through on screen keeps her from looking like just another statistic.
Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice.
For his second project, Singleton tapped Janet Jackson for the lead. Though the singer had appeared on shows like Good Times, Diff'rent Strokes, and Fame in the 1970s and '80s, Poetic Justice allowed Jackson to prove she was more than just a pop princess. Despite Jackson and her character Justice inhabiting completely different worlds, Singleton always knew he wanted the Rhythm Nation singer to helm the film.
"Janet was the the person I had in mind from the beginning," he recalled of the singer's first film role. His decision not only exposed Singleton to a new audience, but Jackson's portrayal of Justice — with her signature long box braids — made many black girls feel seen for the very first time.
The film, which centered on the aftermath of the murder of Justice's boyfriend, also illuminated a sad reality many black women and girls have had to endure. While Justice brooded and scribbled poems in her notebook to deal with the loss, her best friend, Iesha, played by Regina King, drank to cope with her issues. Through Justice and Iesha, Poetic Justice explored abuse, alcoholism, sisterhood, and the subtle concept of loving yourself enough to be loved by others. They were also two very different, visibly black women, rocking chunky braids, door knocker earrings, with an unapologetic presence fans still appreciate today.
In 2001, Singleton returned to his filmmaking roots, after spending the later part of the 1990s exploring other narratives. After Rosewood and Shaft, Singleton once again trained his lens on South Central for Baby Boy, a coming-of-age story about a young man named Jody struggling to finally grow up. Like Boyz n the Hood and Poetic Justice before it, Singleton once again reached into the world of music to find his stars. Singer Tyrese and rapper Snoop Dogg joined an all-star cast, which included Ving Rhames, Omar Gooding, and a fresh-faced Taraji P Henson in her feature film debut.
It's difficult to define '90's black girlhood without recalling the impact of Singleton's work.
In Baby Boy, Henson (who would go on to be nominated for an Oscar like Bassett and King) plays Yvette, Jody's girlfriend and the mother of his child, but she's not relegated to the sidelines. True to his mission to create three-dimensional female characters, Henson's powerful performance ensures Yvette doesn't become a stereotype, but rather a young, black woman just trying to make it the best she can. Throughout the film, the audience can't help but root for Yvette as Singleton touches on concepts of self-love and emotional abuse of young love in the 'hood in his film. The movie would not only kick start Henson's career, but it once again showed that Singleton loved creating complex female characters and allowing the beauty of black women shine through.
It's difficult to define '90s black girlhood without recalling the impact of Singleton's work. Reva, Justice, Iesha, and Yvette all mirrored our aunts, mothers, cousins, neighbors, and friends, and gave us permission to grow up at our own pace, and in our own way. Today, as we continue to demand more space and representation in mainstream media, I'm even more thankful to have experienced Singleton's work in real time.
Thanks to his commitment to write what he knew about, we were introduced to Regina King way before Beale Street, and Taraji P. Henson before she ruled network TV as Cookie Lyon. Singleton's work, which often centered on the stories of men, showed a generation that you could be a strong man and also make space for strong women, too.
More From The Screen & The Arts
Why Kathleen Turner Is Having the Time of Her Life
15 Shows to Binge Before the New Year
Why Laura Dern Champions Complicated, Flawed Women
The Film Dream Team of Destin Daniel Cretton
30 Fans on Why 'Star Wars' Has Always Mattered
5 Hollywood Stunt Women Teaching Female Strength
How Nicole Kassell Helped Bring 'Watchmen' to Life
Why Lake Bell Decided to Share Her Trauma
New Music You Need to Hear: Ed Balloon
The Screen & The Arts
10 Songs You Need To Add To Your Weekend Playlist
Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation' Still Resonates
Angela Bassett Still Isn't Afraid to Take Risks
Cookbooks You Need If You Can't Cook
How Jillian Bell's Film Upped Her Body Confidence
In My Feelings, in My 30s

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I'm published in romance fiction, children's and nonfiction. When time allows I love to teach creative writing workshops.
I have an Associate of Arts degree in English from San Jacinto College.
I'm a graduate from the Institute of Children's Literature, a CTM - Competent Toastmaster and a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA). I belong to the following RWA chapters: Northwest Houston, Celtic Hearts, Kiss of Death Romantic Suspense, the Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance chapter, Gothic Romance and Young Adult chapter.
I love my husband, our dogs, chocolate, coffee, hot tea and I'm a foodie.


Tony Hawk Signature Series complete skateboards are in the warehouse! The 180 series are designed for beginners as a perfect "first skateboard"
Join Tony Hawk's team with this Signature Series Complete! Built from a Hardrock Maple deck, heavy-duty trucks and polyurethane wheels, this set up is ideal for the budding skater in search of their first board!
The SS 180 series are the entry level boards designed with help from the skateboarding legend that is Tony Hawk. This board is perfect for those looking to start their journey in to the world of skateboarding. For a full breakdown of the components please see the features tab.
The 540 series is the next step in skateboarding once you've started learning tricks. Once your "first skateboard" has lived it's full life upgrade to the Tony Hawk 540 series and continue progressing with the right set up!


About Our Business: McGinty & Belcher, Attorneys, P.C. is a premier law firm with more than 20 years of experience representing clients in Salem, Oregon. McGinty & Belcer handle estate planning and administration cases, including but not limited to wills, trusts, probate, guardianships and conservatorships. Our office is here to help you and your family with the details and demands of estate and trust administration. Call for effective legal counsel at 503-371-9636.


Are you searching for new options for your auto? If your answer is 'yes', then you should read the article carefully. Today, the contemporary automobile has something more than four tires and wheel. It possess plenty of improvements and digital gadgets.
In the modern times people tend to live in a world full of various novelties. The innovations that are really impressive are being built in front of our eyes.
How to care about our health professionally? What are the most meaningful hints we need to not forget in this field?
Currently increasing number of people tend to be interested in improving health as well as protecting it for the future. It is connected with the fact that, first of all, many older people complain about the way they feel and wish they would care about the way they live, what they eat etc.


Knowing how to get rid of gingivitis using home remedies can come in handy since it is a common gum disease that affects many people. Although it is a mild form of gum infection gingivitis can pose increasingly serious threats if it is left untreated. Common symptoms of gingivitis include swelling, redness, and irritation of the gums. Bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, or bleeding gums can also be signs of an increasingly severe form of gingivitis. We can help you figure out how to get rid of gingivitis at home with these simple home remedies detailed below.
Learn how to get rid of gingivitis using the ancient oil pulling method. This can help reduce plaque by countering the bacteria that gather in our mouth and cause gingivitis. This practice can also help strengthen gums and improve overall oral hygiene if practiced over a certain period of time. Moreover, it can also be used as a home remedy for cavities.
Use either sesame oil or coconut oil for oil pulling.
Put a tablespoon of oil into your mouth and swish it around for about 20 minutes.
Spit the oil out and rinse your mouth with warm water until it is clean.
Repeat this process every morning before brushing your teeth over the course of a month.
If you are wondering how to get rid of gingivitis with salt you must learn that salt is well known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can be successfully used to remedy gingivitis as it can treat inflamed or sore gums. Salt can also draw the infection out from any abscesses in your mouth and prevent bacteria from gathering and forming plaque, improving overall oral hygiene.
Mix ½ tablespoon of salt into a glass of warm water and stir thoroughly until the salt dissolves.
Rinse your mouth with this solution every morning and every evening if your gums are swollen.
Repeat this process until the swelling has subsided..
The curcumin contained in the turmeric root has a very strong anti-inflammatory effect and encourages wounds to heal faster. Curcumin can not only reduce swelling but also eliminate plaque, gum pain, and bacterial activity in the gums. Its anti-microbial properties make it ideal for preventing plaque, which is caused by bacteria gathering on the teeth and gums.
Mash fresh turmeric root into a paste.
Brush it over your teeth and gums using a soft toothbrush.
Spit and rinse after you've massaged the paste onto the teeth and gums thoroughly.
Mix turmeric powder with a bit of water to create a paste.
Brush your teeth and gums with it.
Learn how to get rid of gingivitis using a cheap remedy such as lemon. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C which can help protect your gums against infections. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can aid in reducing gum inflammation and treat gum disease.
Squeeze the juice out of a lemon and mix it into a glass of warm water.
Rinse your mouth with this solution every time after brushing your teeth.
Mix some lemon juice with a bit of salt to make a paste.
Apply the paste on your gums and massage it in for a few minutes.
Then rinse it out with warm water.
Sage has been used in medical treatments for centuries and it's not difficult to see why. The plant has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties that can help remove bacteria from your gums and reduce local swelling.
Chop fresh sage leaves or a bit of dried sage and rub it onto the affected areas on your gums.
Pack the sage on the area and leave it for a couple of minutes.
Clean it out and rinse your mouth.
Rub sage and salt together and grind them into a paste.
Add a bit of warm water.
Brush the paste on the teeth for a couple of minutes.
Baking soda is known for its antacid properties and it can be used as an effective home remedy if you're wondering how to get rid of gingivitis fast and easy at home. It's inexpensive and works wonders to neutralize the acids in your mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease as well as tooth decay.
Use ¼ to ½ a tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with a bit of warm water to create a paste.
Brush your teeth and massage your gums with this paste and leave it to rest for 2 minutes.
Repeat the treatment two or three times a week.
The antifungal and antibacterial properties that Aloe Vera has will help ward off gingivitis by reducing the bacteria that accumulate in your mouth. This bacteria causes plaque which leads to gingivitis and other oral health issues. Aloe Vera is also one of our most go to home remedies for receding gums as well.
Break an Aloe Vera leaf in two and rub the pulp directly on the affected area.
Leave the pulp there for about 10 minutes.
Rinse it out using cold water.
Repeat a few times every day until the inflammation subsides.
Because of its analgesic and antioxidant properties, clove has been used in natural remedies for different afflictions. As it is also a strong antiseptic and it has anti-inflammatory effects, clove is a great option for treating gingivitis at home and an abscessed tooth. Cloves or clove oil can be used to reduce gum swelling and eliminate bacteria and infection from the gums and teeth.
Chew on two or three cloves twice a day to benefit from its effects.
Rub clove oil on your gums and leave it on for a few minutes as an alternative.
Not only is tea tree oil a natural antibiotic, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat gingivitis by reducing swelling and help soothe irritation. This is also one of the most popular home remedies for dry socket.
Use tea tree oil gel to brush your teeth regularly.
Dissolve a drop of tea tree oil into your regular toothpaste each time before brushing.
Rinse it out and repeat regularly.
Known for their strong antioxidant effect, guava leaves are extremely beneficial for treating gingivitis. They also have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties which can help reduce gum swelling and prevent infections. Guava leaves can also relieve pain and keep plaque away.
Wash a few guava leaves.
Chewed a few leaves twice a day.
Spit them out after chewing them for a few minutes.
Ground some guava leaves into a paste.
Use it as a regular toothpaste to maintain gum and tooth cleanliness.
Brush your teeth with this regularly.
It's important to know how to get rid of gingivitis using easily accessible ingredients. Peppermint is a very effective gingivitis remedy because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is also useful to eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath and it can help reduce inflammation.
Crush a few peppermint leaves and place them in water for about half an hour.
Use this solution as you would use a regular mouthwash.
Repeat twice or three times a day.
Neem is a popular plant in India because of its many healing effects and it is used in many natural remedies. It can also help improve dental health by preventing plaque from forming. The plant has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties which keep bacteria away from teeth and gums.
Get neem gel and use it along with the normal dental cleaning products that you have.
Simply brush your teeth with the gel then rinse your mouth.
Use mouthwash or toothpaste that contains neem extract as an alternative.
Mustard oil can be used for oil pulling or in combination with other beneficial ingredients to improve dental health. This oil has been a popular way of maintaining good oral hygiene for centuries as it has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
Combine mustard oil with a bit of salt and some lemon juice.
Use the mix to brush your teeth and massage your gums.
Rinse with warm water after brushing.
Try oil pulling with some mustard oil for 10 minutes as an alternative.
It is well known that garlic has many beneficial effects on our health. However, garlic is also a great option for those wondering how to get rid of gingivitis using a completely natural option. It has anti-bacterial properties that help keep bacteria away from your gums and teeth. It can also be used to soothe irritated gums and reduce swelling, as well as for treating tooth infections.
Crush a few garlic cloves and turn them into a paste.
Add some turmeric powder and mix well.
Brush your teeth and massage your gums with this paste.
Rinse your teeth thoroughly afterward.
Use the garlic cloves directly on affected gums as an alternative.
Cranberry juice has antioxidant and antiseptic properties that can help you avoid infections and maintain good oral hygiene. It is also a natural anti-bacterial that helps prevent plaque from forming on teeth by eliminating most of the bacteria that remains in the mouth after each meal.
Crush and blend some cranberries and add water to create a liquid.
Drink cranberry juice or use it as a mouthwash to reduce plaque and bacteria.
Gingivitis is caused by a build-up of plaque which irritates the gums and teeth and which can lead to severe infections if it is left untreated. That is why we thought we should help in case you are wondering how to get rid of gingivitis in the comfort of your own home. Try out some of the natural remedies we suggested here and find out which one works best for you, then let us know all about it in a comment below!


Air fares to soar in wake of ash crisis.
Air fares are forecast to rise by more than five per cent this year in the wake of the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis and increasing oil prices.
From a study made in the UK travelers can expect to pay an additional £1.8 billion or £48 each on average, according to figures from the Centre for Economics and Business Research.
The study warns that fares are set to rise by 11.5% by 2012, adding £62 to the cost of an average economy flight from London to New York – from £518 to almost £580.
The rises are predicted as carriers attempt to claw back an estimated £1.3 billion in costs due to the ash cloud disruption by the end of last week.
It is believed that up to two thirds of the costs will be borne by European airlines.
Most airlines were already struggling prior to the crisis, but this, combined with soaring oil prices, will have a knock-on effect on consumers as carriers are forced to pass on rising operational costs to passengers.
Oil prices – the main cost factor for carriers and representing 33% of total operating costs – are up by more than 74% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 2009.
Additionally, increasing competition and falling demand mean that airline operators have struggled to remain profitable.
Profit margins have been under pressure fro some time as established carriers had to adjust their business models following the market entry of low cost airlines in the 1980s.
In Canada we will not escape these increases either and to add to the misery the new HST Tax due to come into effect on 1st May will increase the tax portion of the airfare.
So if you have been procrastinating about booking that flight, DO IT NOW! before it's too late to still get that deal.
Ash Alert: Updated airline advisories.
Air Canada advises that it plans to operate a full schedule of 40 flights from Canadian cities and the following destinations in Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Geneva, Rome, as well as Tel Aviv. Some airspace restrictions continue to be in place as a result of the spread of volcanic ash over Europe due to volcanic activity in Iceland. Operating schedules remain subject to change. Go to http://www.aircanada.com for updates or call 1-888-422-7533.
Air Transat Reports that all flights are back on schedule.
British Airways Reports all flights are operating on schedule. BA have a customer webform for stranded pax. In an effort to repatriate passengers as soon as possible, British Airways has introduced a new webform on ba.com.
The webform requires passengers who are still trying to get to their original destination and who have not yet rebooked or cancelled flights, to provide the airline with details that will assist in prioritising its flight schedule.
Information submitted through the form will be used to understand where passengers are and also which areas the airline need to prioritize for extra flights or larger aircraft. Passengers are urged to use the form if they are unable to get availability for flights.
KLM will operate all scheduled intercontinental destinations, and most of the European network, except a few early departures from United Kingdom and Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Go to http://www.klm.com for more information.
Lufthansa Resumed normal operations on Thursday, April 22.
Flights from UK airports will be able to resume from 22.00 this evening BST.
Much of the UK airspace will re-open in phases, the Department for Transport said.
"Most of the skies over the UK has been closed to commercial airliners due to the volcanic ash plume over the UK.
The Civil Aviation Authority made the ruling to lift restrictions following increasing pressure from airlines.
The CAA will continue to monitor the situation with tests both in the air and on the ground.
"It will take time for flights to settle down to normal timetables. If you are hoping to travel, you should contact your airline before travelling to the airport," the DoT said.
There will continue to be some 'no fly zones' where concentrations of ash are at levels unsafe for flights to take place, but very much smaller than the present restrictions, according to the CAA.
The Met Office advice is that 'no fly zones' do not currently cover the UK.
"Making sure that air travellers can fly safely is the CAA's overriding priority," the authority said in lifting the ban after five days.
"The CAA has drawn together many of the world's top aviation engineers and experts to find a way to tackle this immense challenge, unknown in the UK and Europe in living memory.
"Current international procedures recommend avoiding volcano ash at all times. In this case owing to the magnitude of the ash cloud, its position over Europe and the static weather conditions most of the EU airspace had to close and aircraft could not be physically routed around the problem area as there was no space to do so. We had to ensure, in a situation without precedent, that decisions made were based on a thorough gathering of data and analysis by experts.
"This evidence based approach helped to validate a new standard that is now being adopted across Europe.
Ash Cloud Permits Some European Flights To Resume.
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, April 20 – A new ash cloud spewed from a volcano in Iceland forced Britain to ground flights and operate a nearly flight-free zone Tuesday.
Limited air services began operating in Scotland and Newcastle, but aviation officials scrapped plans to reopen the rest of Britain's airspace as a new ash cloud moved toward the country, The Times of London reported.
"The situation regarding the volcanic eruption in Iceland remains dynamic and the latest information from the Met Office shows that the situation today will continue to be variable," Britain's National Air Traffic Systems said in a statement.
Eurocontrol, Europe's air regulation agency, expected as many as 60 percent of flights to be allowed Tuesday but while many flights remain grounded, some planes took off from Paris, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Frankfurt. Air traffic controllers said more than 10,000 of Europe's 27,500 daily flights were scheduled to fly.
To address the situation created by volcanic ash drifting over Europe from Iceland, the European Union transport ministers created three levels of airspace: a no-fly area, a limited service zone and an open skies area after receiving criticism from the world's airlines who say that it was safe to fly days ago.
In Spain, where all airports were open, the government offered European countries use of its airports to get passengers moving again.
The International Air Transport Association pegged losses at more than $1 billion since most of Europe's airspace closed last week because of the volcano.
Breaking News Ash Cloud, Which Airports Are Open So Far?
THE National Air Traffic Service's (NATS) latest statement on the Icelandic volcanic eruption – based on the latest information from the Met Office, advises that the current restrictions across UK controlled airspace remain in place until 01h00 (local time) on Tuesday, April 20.
Conditions around the movement of the layers of the volcanic ash cloud over the UK remain dynamic.
AUSTRIA – Airports expected to reopen 04h00 GMT Monday.
BELGIUM – Airspace closed until at least 18h00 GMT Sunday. Main airline, Brussels Airlines, has cancelled all flights until Monday.
BRITAIN – Airspace closed until at least 01h00 GMT Tuesday. British Airways cancels all Monday flights.
BULGARIA – Sofia and Plovdiv airports open as of 11h00 GMT Sunday. Other airports closed. Transit flights permitted at 8 000m altitude.
CZECH REPUBLIC – Airspace closed until at least 10h00 GMT Monday.
DENMARK – Airspace closed until 12h00 GMT Monday.
ESTONIA – Airspace closed until 12h00 GMT Monday.
FINLAND – Airspace closed until at least 15h00 GMT Monday.
FRANCE – Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse and several other southwest airports will remain open until at least 13h00 GMT Monday. Airports north of Nice-Bordeaux line remain closed at least until Tuesday morning. Air France said a test flight from Paris to Toulouse on Sunday had ended without problems; tests continuing.
GERMANY – International airports shut until 12h00 GMT Monday. Temporary opening permission to Berlin's Tegel (TXL) and Schoenefeld (SXF) airports to end at 22h00 GMT.
HUNGARY – Airspace to remain closed until at least 10h00 GMT Monday, although some flights at the discretion of traffic control may be allowed to take off or land.
IRELAND – Airspace closed until at least 12h00 GMT on Monday. Ryanair cancelled all flights to and from northern Europe until at least mid-Wednesday. Aer Lingus cancelled all flights Monday.
ITALY – Northern airspace to reopen from 05h00 GMT Monday.
LATVIA – Airspace closed until 06h00 GMT Monday.
LITHUANIA – Lithuania airspace is now open, Vilnius Airport said on its website on Sunday.
LUXEMBOURG – Luxembourg airport closed until at least 16h00 GMT Sunday.
NETHERLANDS – Airspace shut until at least 06h00 GMT Monday.
NORWAY – Main airport, Oslo Gardermoen, opened for take-offs, but so far no landings. Airspace opened for some traffic north of Bergen, with some northern areas still closed.
POLAND – Six Polish airports, including Warsaw, reopened for commercial flights.
ROMANIA – Airspace closed until at least 09h00 GMT Monday.
RUSSIA – All airports open. Aeroflot is flying to the United States via the North Pole.
SLOVAKIA – Airspace closed as of 13h00 GMT on Friday.
SLOVENIA – Airspace was opened around 18h00 GMT Sunday and will stay open until at least 04h00 GMT Monday, national news agency STA cited Traffic Ministry as saying. However, the ministry expects it to be closed again because of more ash reaching Slovenia around 06h00 GMT, STA said.
SPAIN – The 17 airports closed on Sunday morning by the Spanish airport authorities now open.
SWEDEN – Airport authority has opened airspace north of 62 degrees latitude, about 250 km north of Stockholm. The rest remains closed into Monday. SAS said most of its flights on April 18 and 19 had been cancelled.
SWITZERLAND – Main carrier Swiss says cancelled all European flights from and to Switzerland until Monday, 18h00 GMT. Swiss also says cancelled all intercontinental flights from Switzerland for all of Monday.
TURKEY – All airports open. Planes flying out of the Black Sea cities of Samsun, Sinop and Zonguldak have been advised not to fly higher than 20,000 feet (6 km).
UKRAINE – Kiev's Borispol airport open.
Ash cloud: Scottish airports May open tomorrow?
Airports in Scotland will open from 7am tomorrow and England and Wales could follow later in the day.
National Air Traffic Control Service said the volcanic eruption in Iceland had reduced and the volcano was no longer emitting ash at altitudes that would affect the UK.
"Assuming there are no further significant ash emissions we are now looking at a continuously improving situation," it said.
Nats said restrictions across the UK would remain until 7am on Tuesday, but from that time Scottish airspace would open down to a line between Teeside and Blackpool.
It added that there was a chance restrictions to airspace above England and Wales could also be lifted tomorrow.
"This is a dynamic and changing situation and is therefore difficult to forecast beyond 07.00 local time; however, the latest Met Office advice is that the contaminated area will continue to move south with the possibility that restrictions to airspace above England and Wales, including the London area, may be lifted later tomorrow," it said.
The latest update is due at 9pm tonight (BST).
BAA, the UK's largest airport operator, reacted cautiously: "The decision to lift airspace restrictions will be taken by others, and as things stand all flights remain suspended," it said in a statement.
U.K. Airspace Closed Until 0600 GMT Sunday!
Scientists are warning that activity at the volcano in Iceland has increased and showed no sign of abating —which would seem to be causing more travel chaos to come. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an end in sight and that the situation is unlikely to change in the coming days. Scientists say that because the volcano is situated below a glacial ice cap, the magma is being cooled quickly, causing explosions and plumes of grit that can be catastrophic to plane engines if prevailing winds are right.
Aviation experts are saying that the volcanic plume has caused the worst travel disruption Europe — and the world — has ever seen, except during wars.
Anxious passengers have told stories of missed weddings, graduations, school and holidays because of the current situation and some world leaders canceled plans to attend Sunday's state funeral for Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria in the southern city of Krakow.
So at the moment most of northern and central Europe's airspace has been shut down, affecting airports from New Zealand to San Francisco.
Today, the French prime minister extended the closure of airspace in northern France until Monday morning. British airspace is closed until at least 0600 GMT Sunday, and forecasters said the ash cloud would progressively cover the whole of the U.K. later Saturday. British Airways is canceling all short-haul flights to and from London airports Sunday.
There always seems to be from a black cloud a silver lining, there has been a huge rush on ferry and Eurostar bookings from the U.K. to the Mainland Europe as passengers rushed to book a ride on ferries, in rental cars or taxis. P&O Ferries said its ferry services from France's Calais to Britain's Dover were overbooked and there was no space left on their ferries for foot passengers, whilst dozens of people have called in to ask about trans-Atlantic crossings to New York aboard the Queen Mary 2 cruiser.
There are more implications due to the flight ban. Shoppers were warned today that continued flight bans could spark shortages of imported fresh fruit and vegetables. Until now there are no shortages yet, but exotic fruit and flowers as well as other products which are usually flown in could be in very short supply.
The Belgian and Swiss governments extended their ban until Saturday evening. Italian aviation authorities were closing airspace in northern Italy on Saturday until 1800 GMT. Spain's Iberia airline is canceling most of its European flights until further notice. In the Nordics, air space in the central and southern parts of the region was expected to remain closed at least until Sunday afternoon.
At least 45 flights between Europe and Asia were canceled Saturday. Australia's Qantas canceled all flights to Europe, and passengers were being offered refunds or seats on the next available flight.
The European air navigation safety agency Eurocontrol says that only some 5,000 flights will take place in Europe on Saturday compared to 22,000 in normal circumstances. On Friday, U.S. airlines canceled 280 of the more than 330 trans-Atlantic flights of a normal day. The International Air Transport Association says the volcano is costing the industry at least $200 million a day.
In Iceland, torrents of water have carried away chunks of ice the size of small houses. Sections of the country's main ring road were wiped out by the flash floods. More floods from melting waters are expected as long as the volcano keeps erupting — and in 1821, the same volcano managed to erupt for more than a year, let's hope that history doesn't repeat itself or we will be in for a summer of air travel chaos.
INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR AIRLINE.
The ash cloud became a menace to air travel as it drifted south and east toward Northern Europe, including Britain, about 2,000 kilometres away.The ash plume drifted at between 6,000 and 11,000 metres, where it could get sucked into airplane engines and cause them to shut down. The smoke and ash also could affect aircraft visibility.Dozens of overseas flights cancelled from across Canada Canadian air carriers have cancelled dozens of overseas flights from across Canada as a cloud of volcanic ash continues to scuttle air travel across northern Europe, the Canadian Press reported.
Air Canada says it has cancelled all flights to and from London's Heathrow airport, Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and the Frankfurt airport until further notice.
Air Transat has cancelled all flights to Heathrow.
Experts say the ash, comprised of bits of sand and glass the consistency of talcum powder, compromises pilot visibility and aircraft engines.
Both Air Canada and Air Transat are advising travellers to check their websites for future flight status updates.
The disruption that stranded tens of thousands of people in Europe began to trickle down to Canada as the day progressed.
Just a handful of cancellations were reported at Canadian airports early Thursday, but the number had swollen to more than 30 by late afternoon.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority said a total of 11 flights were cancelled, while authorities at the Aeroport de Montreal said nine of its flights were scrapped.
The volcanic cloud scrubbed six flights in and out of the Vancouver airport, four in Calgary and one in Halifax.
Non-emergency flights in Britain were cancelled, and most will stay grounded until at least midday Friday. Authorities in Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Belgium also closed their air space. France shut down 24 airports, including the main hub of Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Germany's Berlin and Hamburg were shut Thursday evening.
Britain's air traffic service said late Thursday it was extending a ban on most air traffic until 1 p.m. local time (8 a.m EDT) Friday, but flights to Scotland and Northern Ireland may be allowed to resume before then.
In addition Lufthansa has cancelled 17 North American flights to Frankfurt today as a result of deteriorating weather conditions in Germany caused by an Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.
Please note that due to the evolving weather situation, Lufthansa has added that additional flight delays and cancellations are possible.
Customers can rebook free of charge by calling Lufthansa reservations at 1-800-563-5954 in Canada or 1-800-645-3880 in the U.S. Passengers can also check lufthansa.com for an updated list of flight cancellations and additional information.
As a result of the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland all airlines flights to and from Scandinavian and U.K. airports have been disrupted. Icelandair does not know if further disruptions may occur. However, they have provided up to date information on any flight delays or further cancellations on their website icelandair.com.
Two additional flights to Glasgow have been added to accommodate passengers heading to the U.K.
Since the ash is blowing eastward, many Icelandair flights have operated on schedule or with slight delays including flights to/from Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and the U.S.
It is recommended that passengers check their flight status before departing for the airport.
Affected passengers should contact our Icelandair customer service line +354 5050300 in Iceland or 1-800-223-5500; prompt 2 for North America.
A full refund of unused flights, if travel has not commenced.
– Travel must be completed within ticket validity or within three months from the original flight, whichever is longer.
– The return flight, if applicable, can be re-booked at the same time.
– Passengers on through tickets involving other carriers must notify us before travel commences. Passengers with connecting flights issued on separate tickets must make their own arrangements with the other carrier including the payment of any additional costs and amendment fees.
– Passengers on package holidays must refer to their tour operators who may not operate the same policy. Passengers should also be aware that any applicable refund would only relate to the airfare portion of the inclusive package and not the whole cost of the holiday.
To recap, passengers scheduled to depart on an Icelandair Holidays package through April 18, 2010 will be offered a full refund with no penalty.
Volcanic Ash Causes U.K. Airport Chaos.
More disruption to B.A. flights but this time not due to cabin crew action, this time it's a natural disaster.
Airports in the U.K. and northern Europe shut down as a cloud of volcanic ash swept south from an eruption in Iceland, disrupting travel for thousands of people booked on flights.
U.K. airspace is closed until at least 7 a.m. tomorrow, according to flight-control body National Air Traffic Services, while Norway and Sweden also shut airports as the ash threatens to stall jet engines and affect the air quality in plane cabins. British Airways scrapped flights for the rest of the day as well as other major carriers.
Iceland's 5,500-foot, ice-covered Eyjafjöll volcano erupted for the second time in four weeks, prompting the evacuation of more than 800 people as river levels rose three feet.
At the moment there is no indication of how long it will take to clear. Disruption was worst in the U.K., which has more than 5,000 flights a day. Flights from the U.S. should have been grounded from 7 a.m. eastern time, coinciding with the closure of Britain's skies, and any planes already in the air would be diverted elsewhere.
British Airways, Europe's third-biggest airline, said it can't be sure that services will resume tomorrow. Customers booked to travel on a canceled flight will be able to claim a full refund or rebook for a later date.
The latest eruption is a further blow to a country struggling to rebuild a crippled economy after financial collapse prompted the world's fifth-richest nation per head in 2007 to turn to the International Monetary Fund.


text:
Q: How to use device_calendar plugin in flutter? I'm developing an application where the user can add a reminder in their local calendar from our app.
The user selects the date and time, and books a service. After the booking, I want to provide them with a button that takes them to the calendar app and creates an event filled with given date, time and title.
I've tried to use the device_calendar plugin for this but the documentation is not clear to me.
Image - This is a screenshot of a demo app with the time, date and service name. When user clicks on the calendar button, it opens their device's calendar with a new event on this date and time with the service name as title.

Code/Resources I've tried till now:

*

*Example on device_calendar github. (Not easy to understand) Link

*This article. (Lots of errors and outdated dependencies) Link

A: I think that for your purpose you should use this plugin: add_2_calendar.
It basically triggers an intent towards calendar apps.
device_calendar provides methods to interact with calendars without exiting from app.
I hope this helped you!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Resize the UIViewController View I am new in iPhone/Ipad Application development and Just learning the UIViewController, UIView etc with Xcode and while using uiviewcontroller want  to resize but my tricks logic are not working. please let me know if you have any Idea with this.
Thanks

A: i think your are looking like this.
(IBAction)buttonPressed:(id)sender
{
menuView.backgroundColor = [UIColor colorWithPatternImage:[UIImage imageNamed:@"bgground.jpg"]];// i used 1 view name is menuView
UIViewController *menu =[[UIViewController alloc] init];menu.view = menuView;
[menu setModalTransitionStyle:UIModalTransitionStylePartialCurl];
[self presentModalViewController:menu animated:YES];
[menu release];
}

A: After resize try this code
UIViewController* view = [[UIViewController alloc] init];
[self presentModalViewController: view animated: NO];
[self dismissModalViewControllerAnimated: NO];
[view release];


My garage began life as a typical double, but we opted to expand the width by four feet. The width was not applied to the entire length of the garage because a pole would have been necessary to support the living space above, or an expensive metal beam would have had to been added. I was not keen on having a pole in the garage and I wasn't at all comfortable forking over $4000 for the beam so the 4' extends for only 18 of the total 24 feet in depth. I am happy with that choice since it resulted in a more practical footprint and allowed me a to use the leeward 6' stretch of wall for storage of various detailing products. The extra width was well worth the extra cost since it allows me to easily park two cars in the garage while allowing for various storage cabinets and carts along the perimeter.
In addition to the 4' of extra width, we sprung for a few other upgrades to the garage. We had a gas line roughed in for a future heater which was buried in the wall to the left of the man-door. Four fluorescent lights were installed as opposed to the single bulb on the builder's plan. A cold water service was run to the garage and installed in the back corner on the right. We paid a little bit extra to have the window glass obscured. We had four pot lights installed on the exterior of the garage and some extra stone was also required to finish off the exterior around the bump out/window. Lastly, we had the builder double tape and sand all the walls and ceiling. There were a few other upgrades I wish we made, such as a floor drain, but I'm satisfied with the choices we made.
Upgrading the garage door to a cedar carriage style door was something we were very excited about. At $2800 it was a costly upgrade, but one we feel enhances the curb appeal of our home. The sheer mass of a solid wooden door resulted in the installation of a heavy duty spring along with beefed up mounting brackets for the door rails. We added some hardware to the door to give it the appearance of an authentic carriage door. The builder had the door stained in a natural tone, but I was never quite happy with the color. Recently, I sanded the entire door and applied a coat of Cabot's Australian Timber Oil and it looks great. Now the door has the appearance that we had envisioned at the onset. I have also painted the back of the door.
During our pre-possession "walk through", I pointed out numerous deficiencies in the garage, a few of which were addressed by the builder. While we were fortunate that a fully drywalled garage was the new standard when we made our home purchase, the level of craftsmanship evident in the finishing in and around the garage was noticeably lacking. Since garages, by code, don't qualify as "living space" here, the trades don't pay a high level of attention to detail. Upon possession, I began trimming out various drywall gaps around the car door, window, and attic access panel. To mask the gap between the stem wall and drywall, I ran a 6" baseboard around the perimeter. It now rivals the rest of the home in terms of finishing.


text:
Sports, May 2015
Men's IronOaks Nine Hole golfers fund raiser for Hamilton High Boys' Golf Team
The Lakers Niners and members of the Hamilton Boys Golf Team. Photo taken by Jonathon Yu.
David Mork, Member, Niners League
In March 2015 there were 41 Niners and 15 Hamilton players and their coach for a fundraising event during our normal course play on the Palms Course in Oakwood, along with 22 empty pizza boxes and light refreshments served after the event. The initial setup was that each group of Niners would play with a member of the team. Due to other commitments (it was during the school's spring break), three team members could not play. Handicaps of the Hamilton players ranged from 0 to 9, and that is their 18 hole handicap! The golf coach, Steve Kanner, was very proud of his players, as he should be, as they are the Arizona 2014 A1A Division 1 State Champions, achieving that ranking in the fall of 2014!
The event was discussed in November 2014 during a meeting with the coach and the principal of Hamilton when they were at a Sun Lakes Rotary Club meeting; I asked them if the team would like to arrange a day to play with the Niners League. The team had just won the state championship weeks earlier and they were happy to showcase their talents to a group of retirees who, on average, have a nine hole handicap that is two times any of the Hamilton Boys Players/Team 18 hole handicap!
Those groups who played as a foursome or a threesome (one from Hamilton and the rest of the group from the Niners) were amazed at the swing talent and the accuracy of the shots by the team! The lowest score was not by a Niner, but by a Hamilton player, who was one under par and he was a sophomore! There were pastries in the morning, and the entire team was assembled and on the driving range long before many of the Niners were in their slots at the cart lineup.
Needless to say, the boys certainly outscored the Niners, but it was all in the spirit of a fundraiser for their team. All of the Niners contributed to the team's golf fund and all contributions were eligible for an Arizona tax credit. In all, the event raised $905 for use by the golf team, which is administrated by the coach and the school. At the conclusion of the event, Papa John's had opened early and delivered, just in time, 22 freshly baked assorted pizzas, which were gone in a flash! The Clubhouse lawn was the perfect place for all to discuss the round and distribute the prizes to the Hamilton Golf Team, (provided by the Niners) and prizes to the Niners (provided by Hamilton) for the low gross, low net and closest-to-the-pin! The team has their own Facebook page, and later that afternoon, Mr. Yu (father to two of the players from Hamilton) had posted over 70 photos of the event. Thanks to all who participated and we will do it again next year!
Tags:golf Niners IronOaks Nine Hole Golfers
← Oakwood Nine Hole Couples League news and scores
Zumba with Mary →


We want to have a positive effect on the community we are serving. If you would like us to support you, please fill out our Contact form and let us know how we can support you. We'll consider it and get back to you as soon as we can.
© 2016 Eldersburg.life. All Rights Reserved.


text:
The British Journal of Psychiatry (8)
Psychological Medicine (2)
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (8)
Migration and psychosis: a meta-analysis of incidence studies
Jean-Paul Selten, Els van der Ven, Fabian Termorshuizen
Journal: Psychological Medicine , First View
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 February 2019, pp. 1-11
The aims of this meta-analysis are (i) to estimate the pooled relative risk (RR) of developing non-affective psychotic disorder (NAPD) and affective psychotic disorder (APD) among migrants and their children; (ii) to adjust these results for socioeconomic status (SES); (iii) to examine the sources of heterogeneity that underlie the risk of NAPD.
We included population-based incidence studies that reported an age-adjusted RR with 95% confidence interval (CI) published 1 January 1977–12 October 2017 and used a random-effects model.
We retrieved studies performed in Europe (n = 43), Israel (n = 3), Canada (n = 2) and Australia (n = 1). The meta-analysis yielded a RR, adjusted for age and sex, of 2.13 (95% CI 1.99–2.27) for NAPD and 2.94 (95% CI 2.28–3.79) for APD. The RRs diminished, but persisted after adjustment for SES. With reference to NAPD: a personal or parental history of migration to Europe from countries outside Europe was associated with a higher RR (RR = 2.94, 95% CI 2.63–3.29) than migration within Europe (RR = 1.88, 95% 1.62–2.18). The corresponding RR was lower in Israel (RR = 1.22; 0.99–1.50) and Canada (RR = 1.21; 0.85–1.74). The RR was highest among individuals with a black skin colour (RR = 4.19, 95% CI 3.42–5.14). The evidence of a difference in risk between first and second generation was insufficient.
Positive selection may explain the low risk in Canada, while the change from exclusion to inclusion may do the same in Israel. Given the high risks among migrants from developing countries in Europe, social exclusion may have a pathogenic role.
Transdiagnostic dimensions of psychopathology at first episode psychosis: findings from the multinational EU-GEI study
Diego Quattrone, Marta Di Forti, Charlotte Gayer-Anderson, Laura Ferraro, Hannah E Jongsma, Giada Tripoli, Caterina La Cascia, Daniele La Barbera, Ilaria Tarricone, Domenico Berardi, Andrei Szöke, Celso Arango, Antonio Lasalvia, Andrea Tortelli, Pierre-Michel Llorca, Lieuwe de Haan, Eva Velthorst, Julio Bobes, Miguel Bernardo, Julio Sanjuán, Jose Luis Santos, Manuel Arrojo, Cristina Marta Del-Ben, Paulo Rossi Menezes, Jean-Paul Selten, EU-GEI WP2 Group, Peter B Jones, James B Kirkbride, Alexander L Richards, Michael C O'Donovan, Pak C Sham, Evangelos Vassos, Bart PF Rutten, Jim van Os, Craig Morgan, Cathryn M Lewis, Robin M Murray, Ulrich Reininghaus
Journal: Psychological Medicine / Volume 49 / Issue 8 / June 2019
The value of the nosological distinction between non-affective and affective psychosis has frequently been challenged. We aimed to investigate the transdiagnostic dimensional structure and associated characteristics of psychopathology at First Episode Psychosis (FEP). Regardless of diagnostic categories, we expected that positive symptoms occurred more frequently in ethnic minority groups and in more densely populated environments, and that negative symptoms were associated with indices of neurodevelopmental impairment.
This study included 2182 FEP individuals recruited across six countries, as part of the EUropean network of national schizophrenia networks studying Gene–Environment Interactions (EU-GEI) study. Symptom ratings were analysed using multidimensional item response modelling in Mplus to estimate five theory-based models of psychosis. We used multiple regression models to examine demographic and context factors associated with symptom dimensions.
A bifactor model, composed of one general factor and five specific dimensions of positive, negative, disorganization, manic and depressive symptoms, best-represented associations among ratings of psychotic symptoms. Positive symptoms were more common in ethnic minority groups. Urbanicity was associated with a higher score on the general factor. Men presented with more negative and less depressive symptoms than women. Early age-at-first-contact with psychiatric services was associated with higher scores on negative, disorganized, and manic symptom dimensions.
Our results suggest that the bifactor model of psychopathology holds across diagnostic categories of non-affective and affective psychosis at FEP, and demographic and context determinants map onto general and specific symptom dimensions. These findings have implications for tailoring symptom-specific treatments and inform research into the mood-psychosis spectrum.
Hypothesis: social defeat is a risk factor for schizophrenia?
Jean-Paul Selten, Elizabeth Cantor-Graae
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 191 / Issue S51 / December 2007
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 January 2018, pp. s9-s12
The increased schizophrenia risks for residents of cities with high levels of competition and for members of disadvantaged groups (for example migrants from low- and middle-income countries, people with low IQ, hearing impairments or a history of abuse) suggest that social factors are important for aetiology. Dopaminergic dysfunctioning is a key mechanism in pathogenesis. This editorial is a selective literature review to delineate a mechanism whereby social factors can disturb dopamine function in the brain. Experiments with rodents have shown that social defeat leads to dopaminergic hyperactivity and to behavioural sensitisation, whereby the animal displays an enhanced behavioural and dopamine response to dopamine agonists. Neuroreceptor imaging studies have demonstrated the same phenomena in patients with schizophrenia who had never received antipsychotics. In humans, the chronic experience of social defeat may lead to sensitisation (and/or increased baseline activity) of the mesolimbic dopamine system and thereby increase the risk for schizophrenia
Mood disorders and migration: Meta-analysis
Sanne G. H. A. Swinnen, Jean-Paul Selten
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 190 / Issue 1 / January 2007
Print publication: January 2007
Migration is a risk factor for the development of schizophrenia.
To examine whether migration is also a risk factor for bipolar affective disorder, unipolar depressive disorder and mood disorders in general.
Medline was searched for population-based incidence studies concerning mood disorders among migrants and mean relative risks were computed using a mixed-effects statistical model.
Only a few studies of unipolar depressive disorder were retrieved. The mean relative risk of developing bipolar affective disorder among migrants was 2.47 (95% C11.33–4.59). However, after excluding people of African-Caribbean origin in the UK this risk was no longer significantly increased. The mean relative risk of mood disorders of unspecified polarity was 1.25 (95% CI 1.04–1.49) and that of any mood disorder was 1.38 (95% CI 1.17–1.62).
There is no conclusive evidence for a large increase in the risk of mood disorders associated with migration.
Emergency psychiatry, compulsory admissions and clinical presentation among immigrants to the Netherlands
Cornelis L. Mulder, Gerrit T. Koopmans, Jean-Paul Selten
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 188 / Issue 4 / April 2006
Black individuals in the UK have higher rates of contact with psychiatric emergency services than their White counterparts. It is unknown whether this is also the case in other European countries.
To compare the risk of contact with psychiatric emergency services and of compulsory admission between immigrant groups to The Netherlands and Dutch natives, and to determine the unique contribution of ethnicity to compulsory admission.
Study of 720 people referred to emergency psychiatric services in Greater Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The relative risks (RRs) for contacts with psychiatric emergency services, for having a psychotic disorder and for compulsory admission were significantly higher in most immigrant groups. Moroccans, Surinamese and Dutch Antilleans had the highest risks of compulsory admission. After controlling for symptom severity, danger, motivation for treatment and level of social functioning, non-Western origin was no longer associated with compulsory admission.
Non-Western immigrant groups were overrepresented in psychiatric emergency care and were admitted compulsorily more frequently, possibly owing to a different clinical presentation.
Social defeat: Risk factor for schizophrenia?
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 187 / Issue 2 / August 2005
The hypothesis that chronic and long-term experience of 'social defeat' may increase the risk for schizophrenia is proposed. This increased risk may result from sensitisation of the mesolimbic dopamine system and/or increased baseline activity of this system. Data supporting the social defeat hypothesis are presented.
Migration, family dysfunction and psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents
Luis R. Patino, Jean-Paul Selten, Herman van Engeland, Jan H. M. Duyx, René S. Kahn, Huibert Burger
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 186 / Issue 5 / May 2005
A cross-sectional study of 3426 referred children and adolescents showed that the presence of both migration history and family dysfunction was associated with a fourfold (95% CI 2–9) higher risk of psychotic symptoms compared with the absence of these factors. The relative risk was 2 (95% CI 1–4) for migration history only. Interaction between migration history and family dysfunction accounted for 58% (95% CI 5–91%) of those with psychotic symptoms. These results suggest a relationship between family dysfunction and migration in the development of psychosis.
First-contact incidence of schizophrenia in Surinam
Jean-Paul Selten, Caroline Zeyl, Rudi Dwarkasing, Vincent Lumsden, Rene S. Kahn, Peter N. van Harten
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 January 2018, pp. 74-75
We tested the hypothesis that the increased incidence of schizophrenia among Surinamese immigrants to The Netherlands could be explained by a similarly high incidence in Surinam. We conducted a 1-year first-contact incidence study in Surinam and compared the findings with data from a similar study conducted in The Netherlands using the same inclusion criteria and instruments. The risk of developing a schizophrenic disorder was 2.4 times higher (95% CI 1.3–4.2) in Surinamese immigrants than in residents of Surinam. The increased risk is probably due to environmental factors in The Netherlands.
Diagnostic stability in a Dutch psychosis incidence cohort
Natalie D. Veen, Jean-Paul Selten, Diede Schols, Winfried Laan, Hans W. Hoek, Ingeborg van der Tweel, René S. Kahn
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 185 / Issue 6 / December 2004
No study outside the UK has examined the diagnostic stability of psychotic disorders in a population-based sample.
To determine diagnostic stability in a Dutch population-based psychosis incidence cohort, to examine the frequencies of diagnostic shifts to and from schizophrenic disorders and to report the revised relative risks of schizophrenic disorders for immigrants.
A 30-month follow-up study assessed the cohort (n=181) by means of face-to-face diagnostic interviews.
Diagnostic stability of schizophrenic disorders was high (91%), but lower for other psychotic disorders. At follow-up, the initial diagnosis was adjusted to schizophrenic disorder more often than that the reverse occurred. Almost half (49%) of the patients who were not initially diagnosed as having a schizophrenic disorder received this diagnosis at follow-up. The relative risks for most immigrant groups were stable.
Schizophrenic disorders are underdiagnosed, rather than overdiagnosed, at first presentation.
Prenatal exposure to maternal stress and subsequent schizophrenia: The May 1940 invasion of the Netherlands
Jim Van Os, Jean-Paul Selten
It has been suggested that prenatal exposure to maternal stress increases the risk of subsequently developing schizophrenia.
The five-day invasion and defeat of The Netherlands by the German army in May 1940 constituted a severe, well-circumscribed national stressful event. Individuals exposed and non-exposed to this stressor in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy were followed up for lifetime schizophrenia outcome through the National Psychiatric Case Register.
Cumulative incidence of schizophrenia was higher in the exposed cohort (risk ratio (RR): 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28), especially in those exposed in the first trimester (RR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07–1.53). Significant interaction with gender was apparent in second trimester exposed cohorts (RR men: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05–1.74; RR women: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.61–1.12).
Maternal stress during pregnancy may contribute to the development of vulnerability to schizophrenia. The apparent longer window of exposure in male foetuses may be related to the slower pace of male early cerebral development.


Earlier today, American TV host Steve Harvey made an epic mistake on live TV as he crowned the wrong girl in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant. Apparently, the Family Feud host and comedian misread the card on which the winners were listed.
Harvey had no choice but to own up his terrible mistake and interrupt Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez-Arévalo who was already crowned and waving at the audience inside the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino. In probably the most awkward moment in pageant history, Harvey had no choice but to do the right thing and announce the rightful winner: Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.
In an instant, the Internet exploded with various reactions on Harvey's legendary error. In just a matter of minutes, Harvey was reduced into hilarious memes and tweets by disappointed viewers and equally crazy and creative people in social media. Indeed, the Internet is one cruel place for imperfect people like Harvey.
Here are the 10 funniest reactions to Colombia's most hated man today.
4. The man has gone down in Miss Universe pageant history.
5. Does anyone need an interpreter?
6. It was tough day for Harvey.
7. You gotta give Leo his shining moment!
8. Guess who's not invited?
9. You only had one job.


text:
Commentaries on the Annapolis Conference Regarding Israel and Palestine
November 17th, 2007 - by admin
Washington Post & International Crisis Group & IWC & Tehran Times – 2007-11-17 22:13:53
Abbas Sees Palestinian State Soon Achievable
Leader Says Success Possible in Bush Term
Karen DeYoung / Washington Post
RAMALLAH, West Bank, (November 6, 2007) — Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday that he believes the path to peace with Israel is now clear and that a Palestinian state can be achieved before the end of the Bush administration in January 2009.
Echoing a statement made Sunday night by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Abbas said that an upcoming peace conference in Annapolis would mark the start of serious negotiations over core issues that have posed insurmountable obstacles for decades — the status of Jerusalem, the borders of Israel and Palestine, the removal of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the rights claimed by Palestinian refugees who left or were forced from their homes when the state of Israel was established.
Abbas praised Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's efforts and her "insistence on . . . concluding peace within the presidential term of Mr. Bush." Her persistence, he said, had turned the Annapolis conference into "a serious occasion to launch a genuine peace process."
The statements by the Israeli and Palestinian leaders exceeded Rice's most optimistic expectations for a diplomatic effort that appeared to be faltering as recently as last week. The leaders' agreement to attend the conference and their professed optimism are likely to open the door for Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, to take part.
"It is a historic time, a time of real opportunity," said Rice, standing alongside Abbas at a news conference here. The negotiations, she said, "could achieve their goal within the time remaining within the Bush administration."
Others, while claiming genuine progress, were less certain of where it would lead. One senior State Department official, recalling decades of dashed hopes, cautioned that "you never say never in the Middle East. You've always got to be ready for bad news."
It was similarly unclear whether Olmert and Abbas, both of whom are politically weak, will be able to carry others along with them.
"The assumption on this side is that the Palestinians can't deliver," said one Israeli Labor Party lawmaker. "Speeches are wonderful, but we have heard speeches for too long."
The Palestinians, riven by their own differences and long suspicious of US intentions, set the bar similarly high. Abbas had told Rice, Palestinian officials said, that they expected substantive agreement on key issues within six months after the Annapolis meeting, expected to be held in the last week in November or soon after.
Abbas noted that Olmert, in a nationally televised speech Sunday night, had said that "all issues" between them would ultimately be on the table. "I agree with Prime Minister Olmert that this is a real opportunity to achieve peace," Abbas said.
Rice's last trip to the region only three weeks ago — her seventh this year — appeared to leave her Annapolis proposal in limbo as preparatory talks became mired in procedural as well as substantive disputes.
Revisiting old arguments, the Israelis wanted the conference to begin with a general statement of "intentions" for future talks. The Palestinians demanded a specific agenda, with an agreed timetable for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The divisions were finessed in proposals last week and firmed up during Rice's visit. Instead of beginning with a negotiating agenda, Annapolis would end with one. "The day after" Annapolis, Rice said Sunday, would be the first day of direct negotiations toward Palestinian statehood.
To build public support and enable both sides to approach Annapolis with momentum, Israel and the Palestinians have agreed to begin implementing confidence-building measures that were agreed on years ago but that never got off the ground.
The Palestinians have moved to deploy more police, with more aggressive mandates, against extremists in several West Bank cities, a process that began last weekend in Nablus. Israel reportedly intends to release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.
Both sides want more results before Annapolis. For his part, Abbas on Monday enumerated Palestinian demands that will be difficult for Israel to meet in more than a symbolic way, including a halt to all West Bank settlement construction and the reopening of Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem.
At the news conference, Abbas also listed "the need for Israelis to commit to stopping military aggression" in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Israel, he said, must also agree not to prohibit food, medicine, electricity and water from reaching the Gaza Strip, which was forcibly seized last summer by the Hamas movement that has challenged Abbas's leadership. Palestinian fighters continue to launch rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel.
Despite worries about whether enough will be accomplished over the next several weeks, Rice appeared content to bask in a rare moment of at least temporary success. "I am quite confident that the will is there on both sides," she said. "People want us to end this conflict."
Bipartisan Foreign Policy Leaders on Annapolis Conference
Prospects for Peace.com
Below is the full text of a letter just released to President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as part of an effort supported by the US/Middle East Project, Inc., the International Crisis Group, and the New America Foundation/American Strategy Program. The letter is signed by Zbigniew Brzezinski, Lee H. Hamilton, Carla Hills, Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, Thomas R. Pickering, Brent Scowcroft, Theodore C. Sorensen and Paul Volcker. It is an initiative that I am very involved with and keen to encourage.
The statement correctly identifies that after seven lean years of disengagement from peace efforts, the November conference creates both opportunity and risks. The administration is finally showing some political will to move on Middle East peacemaking. It must now combine that with political skill to achieve positive results and a good place to start would be a listening to the wise and experienced counsel of the letter's signatories.
The text provides reasonable, meaningful and sufficiently detailed suggested language for an agreement that could be announced at the conference. It suggests that if the parties cannot reach this bilaterally, then the international Quartet, led by the US, should step in with bridging proposals along these lines. The authors explain that to invite Syria to attend the conference is a useful, but insufficient step that needs to be backed up by "genuine engagement."
Likewise, dialogue with Hamas (led by others, not the US) is preferable to isolation and should begin with a ceasefire between Gaza and Israel (as advocated here on ProspectsforPeace). Most importantly, the statement conveys an understanding of how the different issues are inter-related and connects the dots for the administration on a process that deals with substance, is inclusive, and delivers visible improvements on the ground for both sides. A diplomatic gauntlet has been placed at the door of the administration. Now, they must rise to the occasion.
The full text follows:
'BECAUSE FAILURE RISKS DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES, IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE CONFERENCE SUCCEED.'
The following letter on the Middle East peace conference scheduled for Annapolis, Maryland in late November, was addressed by its signatories to President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The statement is a joint initiative of the US/Middle East Project, Inc., the International Crisis Group, and the New America Foundation/American Strategy Program.
The Israeli-Palestinian peace conference announced by President Bush and scheduled for November presents a genuine opportunity for progress toward a two-state solution. The Middle East remains mired in its worst crisis in years, and a positive outcome of the conference could play a critical role in stemming the rising tide of instability and violence. Because failure risks devastating consequences in the region and beyond, it is critically important that the conference succeed.
Bearing in mind the lessons of the last attempt at Camp David seven years ago at dealing with the fundamental political issues that divide the two sides, we believe that in order to be successful, the outcome of the conference must be substantive, inclusive and relevant to the daily lives of Israelis and Palestinians:
The international conference should deal with the substance of a permanent peace: Because a comprehensive peace accord is unattainable by November, the conference should focus on the endgame and endorse the contours of a permanent peace, which in turn should be enshrined in a Security Council resolution. Israeli and Palestinian leaders should strive to reach such an agreement. If they cannot, the Quartet (US, EU, Russia and UN Secretary General)—under whose aegis the conference ought to be held— should put forward its own outline, based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the Clinton parameters of 2000, the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and the 2003 Roadmap. It should reflect the following:
• Two states, based on the lines of June 4, 1967, with minor, reciprocal, and agreed-upon modifications as expressed in a 1:1 land swap;
• Jerusalem as home to two capitals, with Jewish neighborhoods falling under Israeli sovereignty and Arab neighborhoods under Palestinian sovereignty;
• Special arrangements for the Old City, providing each side control of its respective holy places and unimpeded access by each community to them;
• A solution to the refugee problem that is consistent with the two-state solution, addresses the Palestinian refugees' deep sense of injustice as well as provides them with meaningful financial compensation and resettlement assistance;
• Security mechanisms that address Israeli concerns while respecting Palestinian sovereignty.
The conference should not be a one-time affair. It should set in motion credible and sustained permanent status negotiations under international supervision and with a timetable for their completion, so that both a two-state solution and the Arab peace initiative's full potential (normal, peaceful relations between Israel and all Arab states) can be realized.
The international conference should be inclusive:
• In order to enhance Israel's confidence in the process, Arab states that currently do not enjoy diplomatic relations with Israel should attend the conference.
• We commend the administration for its decision to invite Syria to the conference; it should be followed by genuine engagement.
A breakthrough on this track could profoundly alter the regional landscape. At a minimum, the conference should launch Israeli-Syrian talks under international auspices.
• As to Hamas, we believe that a genuine dialogue with the organization is far preferable to its isolation; it could be conducted, for example, by the UN and Quartet Middle East envoys.
Promoting a cease-fire between Israel and Gaza would be a good starting point.
The international conference should produce results relevant to the daily lives of Israelis and Palestinians: Too often in the past, progress has been stymied by the gap between lofty political statements and dire realities on the ground. The conference therefore should also result in agreement on concrete steps to improve living conditions and security, including a mutual and comprehensive cease-fire in the West Bank and Gaza, an exchange of prisoners, prevention of weapons smuggling, cracking down on militias, greater Palestinian freedom of movement, the removal of unjustified checkpoints, dismantling of Israeli outposts, and other tangible measures to accelerate the process of ending the occupation.
Of utmost importance, if the conference is to have any credibility, it must coincide with a freeze in Israeli settlement expansion. It is impossible to conduct a serious discussion on ending the occupation while settlement construction proceeds apace. Efforts also should focus on alleviating the situation in Gaza and allowing the resumption of its economic life.
These three elements are closely interconnected; one cannot occur in the absence of the others. Unless the conference yields substantive results on permanent status, neither side will have the motivation or public support to take difficult steps on the ground. If Syria or Hamas are ostracized, prospects that they will play a spoiler role increase dramatically. This could take the shape of escalating violence from the West Bank or from Gaza, either of which would overwhelm any political achievement, increase the political cost of compromises for both sides and negate Israel's willingness or capacity to relax security restrictions. By the same token, a comprehensive cease-fire or prisoner exchange is not possible without Hamas's cooperation. And unless both sides see concrete improvements in their lives, political agreements are likely to be dismissed as mere rhetoric, further undercutting support for a two-state solution.
The fact that the parties and the international community appear—after a long, costly seven-year hiatus—to be thinking of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is welcome news. Because the stakes are so important, it is crucial to get it right. That means having the ambition as well as the courage to chart new ground and take bold steps.
• Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Adviser to President Jimmy Carter
• Lee H. Hamilton, former Congressman and Co-chair of the Iraq Study Group
• Carla Hills, former US Trade Representative under President George H.W. Bush
• Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, former Senator
• Thomas R. Pickering, former Under-Secretary of State
• Brent Scowcroft, former National Security Advisor to President Gerald Ford and President George H.W. Bush
• Theodore C. Sorensen, former Special Counsel and Adviser to President John F. Kennedy
• Paul Volcker, former Chairman of the Board of Governors of the US Federal Reserve System
IWC Position on the Annapolis Conference
The International Women's Conference
The International Women's Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian-Israeli Peace (IWC) recognizes that the US-sponsored Annapolis conference scheduled to take place in November could provide a unique opportunity to end the occupation and to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is concerned, however, that if the meeting is not used to launch expeditious negotiations on all outstanding issues within a clear time frame, it will not succeed. Failure will have disastrous results for both peoples and the region as a whole.
The IWC views the adoption of a new, embracing, consultative approach, replacing the failed one dominated by men guided by military perspectives, as imperative at this critical juncture to achieve our common vision of a dignified existence free of fear and want. The only way to achieve human security and the right to life with dignity is to end the occupation through a negotiated agreement on all remaining permanent settlement issues.
The Arab League Initiative provides the essential framework for freedom for Palestine, legitimacy for Israel, normalization of relations in the region, and human security for all.
Previous experience shows that general statements lacking specific substance are a prescription for further deterioration. What is needed now is a detailed framework for ending the occupation and creating an independent Palestine alongside Israel on the 1967 borders, with two capitals for two states in Jerusalem.
Implementation of these understandings must be monitored by the international community with verification and arbitration mechanisms according to a strict and speedy timetable. Only a political solution will resolve the extensive humanitarian crisis and the perpetuation of the conflict.
The international community, along with the majority of the publics in Israel and Palestine, recognizes the need to move urgently, directly, and firmly to final status negotiations now. Civil society in both communities continues to play an important role in promoting this objective.
The IWC calls on the leaders of Israel, Palestine and the international community, in accord with UNSC Resolution 1325, to grant the IWC consultative status as a way of incorporating women into negotiations and taking into account our perspective in order to ensure the achievement of a substantive, comprehensive, and lasting peace.
The IWC appeals to the international community and to the Israeli and Palestinian authorities, as well as to civil society in both communities, to join together in an inclusive and transparent effort to extricate us from the shackles of the past and help us create a just and peaceful future based on the principles of justice, equality, tolerance and mutual respect.
The International Women's Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian-Israeli Peace (IWC) is a body of Israeli, Palestinian, and international women established in 2005 under the auspices of UNIFEM in the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
• IWC International Coordinator: iwc.int@iwc-peace.org, Telefax: +44-20-7839-3659
• IWC Israeli Coordinator: iwc.il@iwc-peace.org, Telefax: +972-2-563-7633
• IWC Palestinian Coordinator: iwc.pl@iwc-peace.org, Telefax: +972-2-297-4650
The Annapolis Conference and Challenges
Hassan Hanizadeh / Opinion, Tehran Times
TEHRAN (November 8, 2007) — Large-scale military strikes against the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip by the Zionist regime along with tough economic sanctions hint that the Palestinian people are facing a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Zionist regime, which declared the Gaza Strip a hostile entity on September 19 under the pretext that resistance forces fire Qassam rockets into Jewish settlements in southern Occupied Lands, has enforced a collective punishment against the inhabitants of the seaside strip which is considered the largest "open prison" on the earth.
Since economic sanctions and blocking international aid to the Gaza Strip have failed to cause a crack in the will of the people to resist occupation, the Zionist army has reinforced its attacks against the people especially as the US is preparing to host a so-called Middle East conference in late November or December in Annapolis, Maryland.
One of the reasons behind the extreme violence against the Gaza residents originates from the Hamas government's opposition to any conference without outlining an acceptable plan for resolving the Palestinian people's problems.
Despite the fact that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has announced his readiness to attend the conference, the Zionist regime has strongly rejected a proposed a six-month timeline to discuss in detail the prospects for establishing a Palestinian state.
While the US, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority are trying to isolate the democratically-elected government of Hamas, President George W. Bush has proposed to grant a $440 million aid to Palestinian Authority with the aim of brokering a deal between Israel and Palestine, and strengthening the PA.
The aid proposal has been submitted to the Congress which is expected to be okayed before the autumn conference would be held.
The US discriminatory approach toward Palestine and its support for one faction against the other shows that Bush is trying to create a situation for normalization of ties between the Zionist regime and most of the Arab states before the end of his presidency in 2008.
Being aware of the plot, the Hamas government has announced its opposition to the Annapolis conference and insists on its position despite all military and economic pressures.
Now the Gaza Strip with a 1.5 million population is considered the last stronghold of the Palestinian resistance, and if this bastion collapses the Palestinian nation will not definitely be able to attain its legitimate rights through peace conferences.
Such conferences are surely arranged to provide security for the Zionist regime and break up the psychological hurdles for an open relation between Arabs and Israel. But despite all the hardship and problems created by regional and extra-regional powers, the Palestinian resistance groups will never allow the political compromises between the US and Arabs to determine the destiny of Palestinian nation.


CHAMPS Group Purchasing, the supply chain specialists, announced it has awarded an aggregation agreement with Action Bag, on their Premier contract for specialty bags. Through this new aggregation, Action Bag will offer even lower pricing to CHAMPS' members - effective Oct.1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.
Action Bag is an approved WBE (Women Business Enterprise) Diversity Supplier supporting buying members' diversity goals. Their strong distribution network with approved wholesalers and distributors offers ease of conversion. Cross-reference value analysis with extensive analytic data will confirm savings. A dedicated representative for all CHAMPS and Premier members provides a personal touch with a point of contact for excellent customer service.
CHAMPS Group Purchasing leverages the purchasing power of 5,000+ members across the United States allowing them access to significant savings in product categories, including medical supplies, foodservice, wireless, office supplies and facility maintenance. As an owner of Premier, one of the largest buying groups in the country, CHAMPS sponsors its members allowing them access to more than $40 billion in purchasing volume, 2,000+ agreements, GPO contract management and unparalleled customer service. It's simple to start realizing significant savings - with zero fees and no cost to join - the sign-up process is seamless. CHAMPS is honored to be named as one of The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Top Workplaces in 2014 and to ERC's Northcoast99 List in 2003, 2004, 2010, 2012 and 2014. For more, visit www.champsgpo.com.
Action Bag is a leading WBE/HUB diversity supplier of quality healthcare packaging products. Founded in 1980, they have 30+ years of experience providing the broadest line of medical products from re-closeable zip bags, specimen and laboratory bags, certified amber UV protection bags, biohazard packaging, equipment covers, temperature controlling shipping products and more. Action Bag is also a Practice GreenHealth approved supplier offering eco-options and reusable packaging. Visit www.actionbaghealthcare.com for more information.


One of the key discussion these days is Facebook's Cambridge Analytica leak & after the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with Mark Zuckerberg a lot of things has got clear. One thing that's obvious is that Facebook will now become more secure and content sharing on Facebook will be much clean & versatile.
Yesterday at Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Mark Zuckerberg gave a clear statement that Facebook will hire 20,000 people to look after content shared across their social media platform. On the hearing Mark Zuckerberg also mentioned about how they have a this auto mated AI tool that monitors which content is right and non-violent so that the content shared on Facebook is clean and clear.
He also mentioned that there will be a new update on Facebook content sharing, where Facebook will develop a new AI tool that will identify the certain classes of bad activity and report it to the team proactively so that Facebook can look after the content shared and take proper action against them.
Considering the fact that all this bad content have been generated by the fake accounts to manipulate the audience; Facebook has also decided to develop a new AI tool to identify these fake accounts generating malicious content & ban them. Apart from this, they have also made things very clear that other Facebook pages supporting activities like this will automatically get banned with these new developing AI tool.
One of the key challenge here is that Facebook is not yet that capable to track these malicious content in different languages, as he says that the sentiments shared might differ from what exactly people are saying. Hence he has also committed that in coming future (4-5 years) Facebook will make such a tool to help monitor this & take clear actions against them.
With yesterdays hearing it is quite clear that content sharing in Facebook will be quite different from what it use to be.


Your Daily Cute: Winner of the "Crafting With Cat Hair" Book Giveaway!
How I'm Celebrating National Feral Cat Day!
Winner of the "Crafting With Cat Hair" Book Giveaway!
Concats to Mary who was comment #25 out of 114 for winning the Crafting With Cat Hair book giveaway!
She has a bunch of kitties (eight of them!) so I'm sure she'll be able to make lots of crafts of all colors, thanks to Cutie Pie, Pancake, Pooka, Loki, Pixi, Zsa Zsa, Chessie and Sissy!


Michel's Landing is within a couple of blocks to Snowmobile and ATV Trails, Fishing, Boating & Hiking all located (2) blocks from Lake Gogebic. This is every outdoor enthusiast's place to be due to the location, views and the coziness of your own home. The house attracts all ages, couples, solo adventurers and families. With (4) bedrooms and all amenities included this house is not one to pass up, come stay with us today! (2) Car heated garage available to use during your stay.


The possibility of topping up Biscay's contactless card, Barik, using smartphones was launched on 29 February 2016. The Biscay Transport Consortium (CTB) activated an app on Google PlayStore, Barik NFC, which makes it possible for any Barik user to top up their card, as many times as they want, anywhere and at any time in the day.
After a pilot group of people comprising 740 users successfully tested an experimental application for more than six months (since mid July 2015), the CTB launched it to the market, incorporating some improvements suggested by this group of users.
The CTB's application makes it possible to top up transport tickets online, using a smartphone with NFC (Near Field Communication) activated and by paying the amount via a secure payment channel. Thus, the user, from any geographical location and without having to go to a fixed top-up point, can increase the balance of their card or purchase a transport ticket supported by the Barik. CTB's application is a technological milestone in the Barik system that facilitates the use of public transport.
The project is part of CTB's policy to progressively incorporate in Biscay the latest technological advances in the field of ticketing systems. Up until now it was possible to carry out the top-up operations at the usual physical locations of the Barik card (Metro Bilbao, Ferrocarriles Vascos, Bilbao Tram, Renfe -including Feve-, Funicular of Larreineta, Funicular of Artxanda, urban and inter-urban bus ticket offices (Bilbobus and Bizkaibus) and at newsagents, kiosks, commercial premises and ATMs), and since December on the website ctb.eus.
Right now, there are more than 1.4 million Barik cards in circulation and more than 800 top-up points distributed throughout Biscay.
The smartphone top-up application developed by the CTB consists of a mobile application for Android devices with NFC technology, which enables short-range and high-frequency wireless communication between devices; in this case, between the card and the mobile phone. The system also contemplates the section of cryptographic and authentication operations of Barik cards, that is, a secure payment channel and the appropriate applications that enable fully guaranteed transactions.
During its first three months of operation, the "Barik NFC" application by the Biscay Transport Consortium (CTB) has reached a total of 25,137 top ups. In addition, more than 18,000 users have already downloaded this free app which makes it possible to top up the Barik card using an Android smartphone. During this period there were 178,880 information requests.
Of the 27,888 operations carried out, 26,884 were to top up Barik travel money and another 1,004 to purchase monthly tickets.