text:
What is social prescribing?
This content relates to the following topics:
Jump link block
How does it fit in with wider health and care policy?
The future of social prescribing
Posted:04 November 2020
Leo Ewbank
This explainer was originally written by David Buck and published in February 2017. It was updated in November 2020 by Leo Ewbank.
Social prescribing enables GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services to support their health and wellbeing.
But does it work? And how does it fit in with wider health and care policy?
Social prescribing, also sometimes known as community referral, is a means of enabling health professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. The referrals generally, but not exclusively, come from professionals working in primary care settings, for example, GPs or practice nurses.
Recognising that people's health and wellbeing are determined mostly by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people's needs in a holistic way. It also aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health.
Schemes delivering social prescribing can involve a range of activities that are typically provided by voluntary and community sector organisations. Examples include volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating advice and a range of sports.
Social prescribing is designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs, and many schemes are focused on improving mental health and physical wellbeing. Those who could benefit from social prescribing schemes include people with mild or long-term mental health problems, people with complex needs, people who are socially isolated and those with multiple long-term conditions who frequently attend either primary or secondary health care.
There are different models of social prescribing being employed across England. Most involve a link worker (other terms such as community connector, navigator and health adviser are also used) who works with people to access local sources of support. For example, at the Bromley by Bow Centre, a community and primary care hub in east London with a long history of social prescribing and other community-focused work, staff work with people, often over several sessions, to help them get involved with local services ranging from swimming lessons to financial advice services.
Social prescribing can be understood as one of a family of approaches, sometimes called community-centred approaches, which aim to mobilise the power of communities to generate good health.
Does social prescribing work?
There is a growing body of evidence that social prescribing can lead to a range of positive health and wellbeing outcomes. Studies have pointed to improvements in quality of life and emotional wellbeing, mental and general wellbeing, and levels of depression and anxiety.
For example, an evaluation of a social prescribing project in Bristol from the early 2010s highlighted improvements in anxiety levels and in feelings about general health and quality of life. And a study of a scheme in Rotherham (a liaison service helping people access support from more than 20 voluntary and community sector organisations), showed that for more than 8 in 10 people referred to the scheme who were followed up 3 to 4 months later, there were reductions in NHS use in terms of accident and emergency (A&E) attendance, outpatient appointments and inpatient admissions. Exploratory analysis of the scheme suggested that it could pay for itself over 18–24 months due to reduced NHS use.
More recent evaluations have pointed to similar opportunities. A community connector scheme in Bradford reported improvements in service users' health-related quality of life and social connectedness (among other measures). And a programme in Shropshire, evaluated between 2017 and 2019, found that people reported statistically significant improvements in measures of wellbeing, patient activation and loneliness. At three-month follow up, it also found that GP consultations among participants were down 40 per cent compared to a control group.
While experience – much of it positive – continues to accumulate about social prescribing, there remain weaknesses in the evidence base. Many studies are small scale, do not have a control group, focus on progress rather than outcomes, or relate to individual interventions rather than the social prescribing model. Much of the evidence available is qualitative and relies on self-reported outcomes.
Determining the cost, resource implications and cost-effectiveness of social prescribing is particularly difficult. Several studies highlight the importance of measuring the wider social value generated through social prescribing, for example, through reducing welfare benefit claims. Again, this can be difficult to measure, and may require a longer-term approach. A recent study found that more than half of the outcomes social prescribing can deliver are not being routinely measured in evaluation frameworks.
Overall, the evidence available today offers good reason to think social prescribing can deliver benefits for some people. But, as a number of recent meta-analyses and Public Health England have concluded, further work is needed to strengthen the evidence base and clarify expectations of what benefits can be delivered and for whom.
How does social prescribing fit in with wider health and care policy?
Social prescribing and similar approaches have been practised in the NHS for many years, with schemes dating back to the 1990s, and some even earlier (the Bromley by Bow Centre was established in 1984). For a long time, though, social prescribing was practised in pockets and largely unnoticed by national NHS bodies.
The past few years have seen an important change: national NHS bodies have embraced social prescribing and committed resource to rolling it out across England. The NHS five year forward view (2014) opened the door with its focus on prevention, its emphasis on the role of the voluntary and community sector, and by citing examples of social prescribing schemes having a positive impact. Subsequently, the General practice forward view (2016) noted the role voluntary and community sector organisations, and particularly social prescribing, can play alongside GP services in offering people community-based support.
The NHS long-term plan (2019) marked a step change in ambition by incorporating social prescribing into its comprehensive model of personalised care. Composed of six programmes including personalised care planning and personal health budgets, the model aims to enable people, particularly those with more complex needs, to take greater control of their health and care.
Rather than seeking to directly fund the groups that deliver social interventions, the Long-Term Plan commits funding to the link workers who connect people to the range of support and engagement opportunities – largely run by charity and voluntary organisations – in their local area. The Long-Term Plan set a target that by 2023/24 every GP practice in England will have access to a social prescribing link worker and 900,000 people will be referred by then.
Primary care networks (PCNs), groupings of GP surgeries serving populations of around 30–50,000 patients, are the channel for this resource and in many cases will host the link-worker service. In 2019, a new five-year contract framework for general practices came into effect, which allows every PCN with a population of 30,000 or more to be reimbursed the costs of employing a link worker (one full-time equivalent and more for PCNs with populations of more than 100,000). By autumn 2020 national NHS bodies were reporting that more than 1,200 link workers were in post.
Alongside funding link workers, national NHS bodies are seeking to grow the infrastructure that supports social prescribing. In 2019, the Department of Health and Social Care made £5 million available to establish a National Academy of Social Prescribing. The academy was officially formed as an independent charity in 2020, with support from a number of partner organisations, such as NHS England and NHS Improvement and Sport England; it plans to focus on raising the profile of social prescribing, building the evidence base and sharing promising practice. It also seeks to support voluntary organisations involved in social prescribing and explore funding partnerships.
Other government departments have shown a growing interest in the potential of non-clinical interventions in recent years. In 2018, the government's strategy to tackle loneliness backed the roll-out of social prescribing, and in 2020 the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced funding for a two-year trial of 'green social prescribing' – initiatives intended to help people engage with the natural world.
National policy-makers backing community-centred approaches to health, including social prescribing, is welcome. Implementing social prescribing at scale will see more people benefit than has been possible in the past. However, its incorporation into the NHS's national agenda also brings risks. It remains to be seen, for example, if the ethos of social prescribing will be changed by a more proximate relationship with NHS national policy-makers.
Looking ahead, it will be important that national roll-out of social prescribing is done in a way that pays careful attention to learning. For example, further insight is needed into the impact of different models of link working, and how link workers can be effectively supported and embedded within a wider multidisciplinary team. There is an opportunity to improve the quality of evaluation and develop a more granular understanding of which approaches from within the range of models deliver value, for whom, and how. National NHS bodies, and the National Academy of Social Prescribing, will have a key role to play in this.
Partnership between the NHS and the voluntary and community sector is integral to effective health and care; the national roll-out of social prescribing supports that. But its impact over the coming years will also depend on the scale and vitality of the voluntary and community sector, particularly small place-based charities. Covid-19 has seen the voluntary and community sector's income fall, while the need for the sector has increased. The policy support for social prescribing must be accompanied by adequate funding for those organisations, primarily local charities, receiving social referrals if it is to be sustainable in the long term.
Get the latest news from The King's Fund
Subscribe to our email newsletters and health care information bulletins.
Communities and health
The role of communities in improving population health is receiving increasing, and long overdue, attention in health policy and practice. This piece gives an overview of the different approaches to working with communities for health.
By David Buck et al - 14 February 2018
Health and care explained (February 2021) virtual conference
22 - 25 February 2021 - Virtual conference
Social prescribing: a part of something bigger
Beccy Baird highlights how social prescribing must fit within a well-connected and sufficiently-funded system if it is to be successful.
By Beccy Baird - 18 December 2018
Social prescribing reading list
A selected list of references held by The King's Fund library.
Library database
Bogdan Chiva Giurca: Engaging the future workforce in social prescribing
Bogdan Chiva Giurca, Founder and Chair, NHS England National Social Prescribing Student Champion Scheme, speaks at our event on November 2018, Social prescribing: coming of age.
Helen Stokes-Lampard: Social prescribing and the current NHS landscape
Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, discusses how the use of social prescribing supports general practice to deliver high quality, holistic care.
Debs Taylor: The impact of social prescribing on people and communities
Debs Taylor, Expert by Experience and Peer Project Support Officer, Creative Minds, describes the impact of attending Creative Minds' art classes in her recovery from mental illness.
Zoe Williams: The future for general practice using social prescribing
GP Dr Zoe Williams speaks at the closing plenary of our event in November 2018, Social prescribing: coming of age.
Health and care defined
Our jargon buster includes common terms used in the health and sector. You can also submit requests for terms to be added in the next revision.
Shaun Steiner-…
Healthcare Assistant,
Comment date
A social prescribing group helped me when my GP couldn't/wouldn't. (They couldn't even offer me psychotherapy, as there are no NHS psychotherapists in our borough.) I had severe problems last year (have schizophrenia, depression, binge eating disorder and possible hoarding disorder, and am also autistic.) I asked my GP (once) and a primary care mental health worker (twice) to refer me for an Eating Disorders Team assessment. Neither did. It was a member of First For Wellbeing staff who told me I could self-refer (no NHS staff did), and I finally got the help I needed. She assisted me with accessing support with employment skills (want to change my job), weight management and information on finding support for the emotional and sexual abuse that I haven't been able to deal with or properly disclose for over 30 years.
Retired,
As with the other "Cure all" therapy "CBT" (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) No one seems able to explain "How it Works"! As a retiree with a medical background, this causes me concern. We would not be able to carryout any form of invasive treatment unless we could clearly describe: A/ The method to carryout the procedure. B/ The outcome expected.
If anyone has the courage to attempt to explain the mechanism of "Social Proscription" I would be delighted to hear from you. This also applies to CBT.
Brenda Lammi
Having read this and other articles, and listened to an interview on Social Prescribing, I'm absolutely baffled on how this entire movement is claiming to be 'new' and 'innovative'. Occupational Therapy has been researching, advocating and prescribing meaningful activity (or occupations) for over 100 years. We know, and have researched, why it works, how it works, and the best way to prescribe it (client-centredness). These professionals should be collaborating with occupational therapy and not reinventing the wheel.
I think you are misunderstanding the term "prescription". Social prescribing refers to providing a service for GPs to refer people to if their problems are not necessarily medical related. As a former medic you will be aware that people present at the GP when their problem really is loneliness, or depression caused by financial stress. So with social prescribing, a GP will refer the patient to a link worker who puts the patient in touch with services in the voluntary that can support them through their non-medical issues, e.g. housing support, physical fitness, social clubs and organisations, legal services etc. What the research is starting to show is that demands on primary care fall when a patient's overriding issues are addressed and that medical prescribing also falls. Social prescribing is not a "treatment" like CBT, it is finding a social solution for the challenges that people face in life so they are less reliant on health professionals.
mike harvey
retired pharmacist,
Our Rotary Club in Chichester has been running a scheme to alleviate loneliness called "Bridging Generations".It brings together isolated people and Health and Social Care students at the local FE College.Meetings for converstaion take place every fortniht in term time -only cost is for some required transport. contact me to find out more Mike harvey Chichester Priory Rotary Club
Katherine Rice
Retired hospital doctor, now student of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture,
University of Coventry
I would like to understand how social prescribing is funded. When a GP 'prescribes' an intervention/activity, does funding go from the GP/CCG to the organisation providing the intervention? It seems unrealistic to expect all of the costs to be met by the voluntary sector as demand is potentially so great and many worthy projects are failing due to lack of funds. Even if projects are supported by volunteers, there are still capital and running costs to be covered. Unless funding does follow the client/patient, I think the term prescribing is misleading because a normal prescription for medication/physiotherapy etc would incur some sort of cost to the commissioner. And if funding does follow the patient, how much is it and is there a limit? I would love some clarity on this.
Ross97
OT Student,
Although not an expert, I am an Occupational Therapy Student. Unfortunately, social prescribing is not new and has been researched thoroughly and carried out by Occupational Therapists for 100s of years. Occupational Therapist's understand the importance of Occupation's and meaningful activities; one of the ways we use occupations to improve in health and independence is through the use of social groups such as knitting (or literally anything that is meaningful to the person Gym, walking, having a meal with friends, computer games). Social Prescribing Is not a new concept but has just been re-named as social prescribing, if you truly want to understand social prescribing and how it works read occupational therapy literature! I do agree with you that GPs should be able to explain how and why it works and therefore Just as Brenda Lammi said, the NHS and those offering Social Prescribing should be working with Occupational Therapists who do this day in and day out, know the importance of occupations to a persons physical and mental well-being and will be able to explain how it works and the importance of being able to carry out your occupations as well as a whole 100 years worth of evidence and case studies to back us up.
Roderic Morgan
Service User Consultant,
I think that Social Prescribing works very well in Leeds. It allows service users to get access to things which can help them in their recovery. The referral process is easy and efficient.
Michael Lingard
Orthopath,
TotalHealthMatters!
70 years ago at the inception of the NHS , a group from what was called The Peckham Experiment approached the government to propose establishing Health Promoting centers throughout the country based on the twenty years experience in Peckham. The doctors who organized the experiment were investigating the origins of health. All 1000 participants in the Peckham Experiment had improved health without significant medical aid. The conclusion was that health was founded on "becoming whole" and the key to this was the family mother and father in a supportive community. The Family Clubhouse of the Peckham Experiment provided such a rich environment. This was really the early pilot study of "Social prescribing " but the difference was that the doctor didn't prescribe, it was the families who chose this "prescription". The parcipants were encouraged to take responsibility for their own lives and their own health, totally the opposite to what 70 years of the NHS has created, a society that sees their doctor as being responsible for their health.
Pearl Baker
Carer/Independent Mental Health Advocate and Adviser,
Tydehams
Social Prescribing is a 'WORD' but actually means receiving the SUPPORT and HELP you are 'assessed' as needing to help 'cope' with your disability, and improve your 'being' and 'inclusion' into 'society.
If you suffer from Schizophrenia, it is NOT that easy to refer anywhere. It takes years, months of 'therapy' based on your illness, disability to even start the process of 'inclusion' based on Confidence.
I started a 'Walking' Group for three Adults, who suffer from a long term Mental Illness we have lunch then walk, one has been provided with a 'fit-bit' to encourage 10.000 steps a day. it is a slow process, but when you have been left isolated in your accommodation for years rehabilitation is a slow process.
Email (your email will not be made public)
Your job/role
Social prescribing and NHS facilities
How can NHS services use their facilities to better support social prescribing? Ben Collins highlights what's needed to make NHS sites more welcoming spaces for individuals and communities.
By Ben Collins - 4 December 2020
Social prescribing: coming of age
Tuesday 6 November 2018


text:
Володимир Михайлович Пільгуй ( 26 січня 1948, Дніпропетровськ) — радянський футболіст українського походження, воротар.

Насамперед відомий виступами за клуб «Динамо» (Москва), а також національну збірну СРСР.

Клубна кар'єра
У дорослому футболі дебютував 1968 року виступами за команду клубу «Дніпро» (Дніпропетровськ), в якій провів два сезони, взявши участь у 67 матчах чемпіонату.

Своєю грою за цю команду привернув увагу представників тренерського штабу клубу «Динамо» (Москва), до складу якого приєднався 1970 року. Відіграв за московських динамівців наступні дванадцять сезонів своєї ігрової кар'єри. Більшість часу, проведеного у складі московського «Динамо», був основним голкіпером команди.

Завершив професійну ігрову кар'єру у нижчеліговому клубі «Кубань», за команду якого виступав протягом 1982—1983 років.

Виступи за збірну
У 1972 році дебютував в офіційних матчах у складі національної збірної СРСР. Протягом кар'єри у національній команді, яка тривала 6 років, провів у формі головної команди країни лише 12 матчів.

У складі збірної був учасником чемпіонату Європи 1972 року у Бельгії, де разом з командою здобув «срібло».

Титули і досягнення
 Володар Кубка СРСР: 1970, 1977
 Голкіпер року в СРСР: 1973
  Бронзовий олімпійський призер: 1972, 1980
 Віце-чемпіон Європи: 1972
 П'ять разів входив у список 33 найкращих футболістів сезону в СРСР (1972—1974 і 1977 рр.)

Джерела
 Статистика виступів на сайті national-football-teams.com

Радянські футболісти
Футбольні воротарі
Гравці чемпіонату Європи з футболу 1972
Українські бронзові олімпійські медалісти
Футболісти «Дніпра» (Дніпро)
Футболісти «Динамо» (Москва)
Футболісти «Кубані»
Уродженці Дніпра

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Local Customs in the UK
Talking to people
Unless you're in a super fancy situation on your gap year in the UK – you'll be fine to call people by the first names. So long as the other person doesn't introduce themselves as a 'Mrs' or 'Mr' that is. It's quite common for the 'politer' among the UK population to skirt around a question or something they want to say – rather than just come out and say it. The United Kingdom are well known for being very indirect. They're a sensitive lot and asking questions directly can sometimes be seen as overly abrupt and rude.
Say 'Pardon?' instead of 'What?' and understand that Brits like to apologise a lot. If you stood on their toe on the train they'd most likely say sorry too.
'You alright?' – you'll hear this a lot as a greeting in the UK, but it's actually very unlikely the person posing the question will expect an answer. Just say it back. 'Hi' is another popular greeting – if in doubt just repeat. Handshakes, hugs and kisses are all used randomly too – in fact greeting people in the UK is a minefield as each person will have their preferred ways.
Chatting with strangers
People in the UK like their personal space. Go into a cinema or board a bus and the polite thing to do is to sit as far away from the person as possible. Don't go and sit next to them – although if you really have to you'll be better off in the north of England than in the south.
Small talk by people in the service industry is common. Become an expert at this and you'll be a hero. Weather and sport are the two favoured subjects, but be ready for anything.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The number one drummer in the world for the past 30 years. Get Purdie's legendary feel and style in one comprehensive product. 705 loops, 400 MIDI files and 400 sets of DNA Groove Templates. Tempos range from 60 to 120 bpm and needless to say every note is played with the confidence and power that comes from a life time playing with the foremost artists in the world.
Bernard Purdie has recorded albums with Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon,The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Jeff Beck, Frank Sinatra,Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Miles Davis, Isacc Hayes, Bob Marley and over 4000 others. He is by far the most recorded drummer in history.
Three professional Remix artists took these midi files and substituted their own "drum samples" and audio production techniques. This gives you a variety of contemporary drum loops. The drum samples used for each drum loop are included at the end of the audio CD and are also on the CD Rom in Aiff and Wave format for both Mac and PC users.
A 24 Page User's manual is included with a spreadsheet style listing of the loop points for all the drum loops on this CD. This way both Mac and PC users can listen to the loop then quickly extract and perfectly loop any drum loop on this CD.
The Turbo Edition includes a CD Rom with the DNA Groove Templates, Midi Files, Drum Samples in both Mac and PC format.


text:
La stazione di Campolattaro è la fermata ferroviaria della linea Benevento-Campobasso al servizio del comune di Campolattaro, di cui è sita nella parte alta.

Storia
La stazione, inaugurata il 12 febbraio 1882, si trova sulla ferrovia Benevento - Campobasso, alla fine degli anni novanta venne declassata a fermata. Venne infine soppressa a partire dall'orario 2008.

Dal 2018 è nuoveamente in esercizio, assieme alla ferrovia, a fini turistici.

Strutture e impianti
La stazione è composta da un fabbricato viaggiatori e del binario per il transito dei treni. In passato era una stazione vera e propria, avendo un altro binario ed uno scalo merci servito da dei tronchini; tutto ciò venne asportato alla fine degli anni 1990, con il declassamento a fermata.

Movimento
Fino al boom del trasporto su gomma la stazione mantenne un discreto traffico, sia merci che passeggeri.

Altri progetti

Collegamenti esterni
 Fermata di Campolattaro (Bn) su Lestradeferrate.it

Campolattaro
Campolattaro


text:
#ifndef ALITRACKCONTAINER_H
#define ALITRACKCONTAINER_H

class AliVEvent;
class AliVParticle;
class AliVCuts;
class AliTLorentzVector;

#include <map>

#include <TArrayC.h>

#include "AliVTrack.h"
#include "AliEmcalTrackSelection.h"
#include "AliEmcalTrackSelResultHybrid.h"
#include "AliParticleContainer.h"

#if !(defined(__CINT__) || defined(__MAKECINT__))
typedef EMCALIterableContainer::AliEmcalIterableContainerT<AliVTrack, EMCALIterableContainer::operator_star_object<AliVTrack> > AliTrackIterableContainer;
typedef EMCALIterableContainer::AliEmcalIterableContainerT<AliVTrack, EMCALIterableContainer::operator_star_pair<AliVTrack> > AliTrackIterableMomentumContainer;
#endif

/**
 * @class AliTrackContainer
 * @brief Container with name, TClonesArray and cuts for particles
 * @ingroup EMCALCOREFW
 * @author Marta Verweij
 * @author Salvatore Aiola <salvatore.aiola@yale.edu>, Yale University
 */
class AliTrackContainer : public AliParticleContainer {
 public:

  /**
   * @class TrackOwnerHandler
   * @brief Unique_ptr implementation for ROOT5 compatibility
   * @ingroup EMCALCOREFW
   * @author Markus Fasel <markus.fasel@cern.ch>, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
   * @since Dec. 20, 2017
   *
   * This class treats ownership over a shared object in the way a unique_ptr would
   * do this: Ownership can only be transfered.
   */
  class TrackOwnerHandler : public TObject {
  public:
    TrackOwnerHandler();
    TrackOwnerHandler(TObjArray *managedobject, Bool_t ownership);
    TrackOwnerHandler(const TrackOwnerHandler &other);
    TrackOwnerHandler &operator=(const TrackOwnerHandler &other);
    virtual ~TrackOwnerHandler();

    void SetObject(TObjArray *obj);
    void SetOwner(Bool_t owner);

    TObjArray *GetData() const { return fManagedObject; }
    Bool_t IsOwner() const { return fOwnership; }

    void TransferOwnershipTo(TrackOwnerHandler &target);
    void ReceiveOwnershipFrom(TrackOwnerHandler &source);

  private:
    TObjArray          *fManagedObject;            ///< Object managed by the handler
    Bool_t              fOwnership;                 ///< Ownership implementation

    /// @cond CLASSIMP
    ClassDef(TrackOwnerHandler, 1);
    /// @endcond
  };

  typedef AliEmcalTrackSelection::ETrackFilterType_t ETrackFilterType_t;

  /// Relates string to the track filter enumeration for %YAML configuration
  static const std::map <std::string, AliEmcalTrackSelection::ETrackFilterType_t> fgkTrackFilterTypeMap; //!<!

  /**
   * @enum ETrackType_t
   * @brief Status of a track after track selection
   */
  enum ETrackType_t {
    kRejected = -1,                  ///< Track rejected
    kUndefined = 0,                  ///< Track status undefined
    kHybridGlobal = 0,               ///< Track selected under the global hybrid track cuts
    kHybridConstrained = 1,          ///< Track selected under the constrained hybrid track cuts
    kHybridConstrainedNoITSrefit = 2,///< Track selected under the constrained hybrid track cuts without ITS refit
  };

  AliTrackContainer();
  AliTrackContainer(const char *name, const char *period = "");
  virtual ~AliTrackContainer(){;}

  virtual Bool_t              ApplyTrackCuts(const AliVTrack* vp, UInt_t &rejectionReason) const;
  virtual Bool_t              AcceptObject(Int_t i, UInt_t &rejectionReason) const                        { return AcceptTrack(i, rejectionReason)        ; }
  virtual Bool_t              AcceptObject(const TObject* obj, UInt_t &rejectionReason) const             { return AcceptTrack(dynamic_cast<const AliVTrack*>(obj), rejectionReason); }
  virtual Bool_t              AcceptParticle(Int_t i, UInt_t &rejectionReason) const                      { return AcceptTrack(i, rejectionReason); }
  virtual Bool_t              AcceptParticle(const AliVParticle* vp, UInt_t &rejectionReason) const       { return AcceptTrack(dynamic_cast<const AliVTrack*>(vp), rejectionReason); }
  virtual AliVParticle       *GetParticle(Int_t i=-1)                const { return GetTrack(i)           ; }
  virtual AliVParticle       *GetAcceptParticle(Int_t i=-1)          const { return GetAcceptTrack(i)     ; }
  virtual AliVParticle       *GetNextAcceptParticle()                      { return GetNextAcceptTrack()  ; }
  virtual AliVParticle       *GetNextParticle()                            { return GetNextTrack()        ; }
  virtual Bool_t              AcceptTrack(const AliVTrack* vp, UInt_t &rejectionReason)  const;
  virtual Bool_t              AcceptTrack(Int_t i, UInt_t &rejectionReason) const;
  virtual AliVTrack          *GetLeadingTrack(const char* opt="")          { return static_cast<AliVTrack*>(GetLeadingParticle(opt)); }
  virtual AliVTrack          *GetTrack(Int_t i=-1)                   const;
  virtual AliVTrack          *GetAcceptTrack(Int_t i=-1)             const;
  virtual AliVTrack          *GetNextAcceptTrack()                        ;
  virtual AliVTrack          *GetNextTrack()                              ;
  Char_t                      GetTrackType(const AliVTrack* track)   const;
  virtual Bool_t              GetMomentumFromTrack(TLorentzVector &mom, const AliVTrack* track, Double_t mass) const;
  virtual Bool_t              GetMomentumFromTrack(TLorentzVector &mom, const AliVTrack* track) const;
  virtual Bool_t              GetMomentum(TLorentzVector &mom, Int_t i) const;
  virtual Bool_t              GetAcceptMomentum(TLorentzVector &mom, Int_t i) const;
  virtual Bool_t              GetNextMomentum(TLorentzVector &mom);
  virtual Bool_t              GetNextAcceptMomentum(TLorentzVector &mom);
  Int_t                       GetNTracks()                              const   { return GetNParticles()         ; }
  Int_t                       GetNAcceptedTracks()                              { return GetNAcceptedParticles() ; }
  ETrackFilterType_t          GetTrackFilterType()                      const   { return fTrackFilterType; }
  Char_t                      GetTrackType(Int_t i)                     const   { return i >= 0 && i < fTrackTypes.GetSize() ? fTrackTypes[i] : (Char_t)kUndefined ; }

  void                        SetArray(const AliVEvent *event);

  void                        SetTrackFilterType(ETrackFilterType_t f)          { fTrackFilterType = f; }
  void                        SetFilterHybridTracks(Bool_t f)                   { if (f) fTrackFilterType = AliEmcalTrackSelection::kHybridTracks; else fTrackFilterType = AliEmcalTrackSelection::kNoTrackFilter; }   // legacy method
  void                        SetITSHybridTrackDistinction(Bool_t doUse)        { fITSHybridTrackDistinction = doUse; }

  void                        SetTrackCutsPeriod(const char* period)            { fTrackCutsPeriod = period; }
  void                        AddTrackCuts(AliVCuts *cuts);
  Int_t                       GetNumberOfCutObjects() const;
  AliVCuts                   *GetTrackCuts(Int_t icut);
  void                        SetAODFilterBits(UInt_t bits)                     { fAODFilterBits   = bits  ; }
  void                        AddAODFilterBit(UInt_t bit)                       { fAODFilterBits  |= bit   ; }
  UInt_t                      GetAODFilterBits()                          const { return fAODFilterBits    ; }
  Bool_t                      IsHybridTrackSelection() const;

  void SetSelectionModeAny() { fSelectionModeAny = kTRUE ; }
  void SetSelectionModeAll() { fSelectionModeAny = kFALSE; }

  void                        NextEvent(const AliVEvent* event);

  static void                 SetDefTrackCutsPeriod(const char* period)       { fgDefTrackCutsPeriod = period; }
  static TString              GetDefTrackCutsPeriod()                         { return fgDefTrackCutsPeriod  ; }

  const char*                 GetTitle() const;

  /**
   * @brief Test function checking whether the entries in the track array are the same as in the input array
   *
   * @return Bool_t CheckArrayConsistency
   */
  Bool_t CheckArrayConsistency() const;

#if !(defined(__CINT__) || defined(__MAKECINT__))
  const AliTrackIterableContainer      all() const;
  const AliTrackIterableContainer      accepted() const;

  const AliTrackIterableMomentumContainer      all_momentum() const;
  const AliTrackIterableMomentumContainer      accepted_momentum() const;
#endif

 protected:
  /**
   * Create default array name for the track container. The
   * default array name will be
   * - *tracks* in case of AOD event
   * - *Tracks* in case of ESD event
   * @param[in] ev Input event, used for data type selection
   * @return Appropriate default array name
   */
  virtual TString             GetDefaultArrayName(const AliVEvent * const ev) const;

  PWG::EMCAL::AliEmcalTrackSelResultHybrid::HybridType_t  GetHybridDefinition(const PWG::EMCAL::AliEmcalTrackSelResultPtr &selectionResult) const;

  static TString              fgDefTrackCutsPeriod;           //!<! default period string used to generate track cuts

  ETrackFilterType_t          fTrackFilterType;               ///< track filter type
  TObjArray                  *fListOfCuts;                    ///< list of track cut objects
  Bool_t                      fSelectionModeAny;              ///< accept track if any of the cuts is fulfilled
  Bool_t                      fITSHybridTrackDistinction;     ///< Distinct hybrid tracks via SPD information
  UInt_t                      fAODFilterBits;                 ///< track filter bits
  TString                     fTrackCutsPeriod;               ///< period string used to generate track cuts
  AliEmcalTrackSelection     *fEmcalTrackSelection;  //!<! track selection object
  TrackOwnerHandler           fFilteredTracks;                //!<! tracks filtered using fEmcalTrackSelection
  TArrayC                     fTrackTypes;                    //!<! track types

 private:
  AliTrackContainer(const AliTrackContainer& obj); // copy constructor
  AliTrackContainer& operator=(const AliTrackContainer& other); // assignment

  /// \cond CLASSIMP
  ClassDef(AliTrackContainer,1);
  /// \endcond
};

#endif

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


1. This wall mounted ashtray, outdoor ashtray is rust-proof and resistant to corrosion, suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas.
2. Heavy duty tamper-proof key lock helps prevent tampering.
4. Empties in seconds without the need to touch the contents of the cigarette receptacle. The bottom of the smoking bins can be open using a unique security key that is included.
5. The opening in the top of the pole is small enough to prevent most litter from being inserted into the ash tray, reducing the instance of smouldering and the risk of fire.
6. This container is recommended for the following industries and environments: Outdoor Weather-Resistant Cigarette Waste Receptacles, City and Municipal Smokers Cigarette Collection, Outdoor Office Designated Smoking Area Containers, Truck Stop Cigarette Waste Holder, Diner and Restaurant Outdoor Cigarette Disposal, Convenience Store Outdoor Cigarette Disposal.


Home » Ring Guidance » How much does an engagement ring cost?
How much do people generally spend on an engagement ring?
What most affects the price of an engagement ring?
How do I decide what carat weight to choose?
How can I ensure my ring looks great?
what shouldn't i compromise on?
what do other people choose?
how can i maximise the value i receive?
If you've ever thought about proposing, you'll also have wondered how much is reasonable to spend on an engagement ring.
In this article we explore how much each element of an engagement ring can affect its cost, how you can maximise your value for money and how much other people spend on engagement rings.
How much do people spend on an engagement ring?
While there is certainly no 'set' amount someone should be expected to spend on an engagement ring, there are plenty of myths surrounding it.
There's the three-month's salary rule, the one-month salary rule and even the split-the-difference rule.
The nation that spends the most on engagement rings is the US, where the average cost of an engagement ring was at an all-time high in 2017, at $6,351 which is 25% higher than 2011.
The average spend on engagement rings in the UK is significantly less, but this doesn't mean that people are buying 'less expensive' rings. It's more that consumers are steering away from tradition and exploring different designs, materials, styles etc.
Consumers understand that they can get better value by actually learning more about diamonds, gemstones and engagement rings online before committing to a purchase. They engage in "showrooming" – shopping both online and in-store – allowing consumers to see options in person, while keeping their online price-point by purchasing online.
An engagement ring is an enduring promise made to your beloved. Spend as much or as little as you are able to because no one should put a value on your love–it's priceless.
Millennials are now also designing and buying custom-designed rings from jewellers like us because they serve as expressions of their unique stories.
Couples find inspiration in anything and everything, and for this special occasion, they're keen to create something that connects them, a little secret only the two of them share. They aren't drawn to a ring by its monetary value anymore, instead they place greater value on how that ring uniquely reflects the style and personality of its wearer.
Once you know the price breakdowns of each engagement ring element, you can comfortably set your own budget and you'll understand what you're actually spending your money on.
So before we dive in, it's worth mentioning that at Taylor & Hart, our collection engagement rings start at around £865, set with a 0.3ct emerald-cut centre diamond.
While our bespoke engagement rings begin at around £1,300 with a similar sized diamond or coloured gemstone.
The main element that will affect the price of an engagement ring is the type of diamond or coloured gemstone and its quality characteristics. For example, when creating a solitaire engagement ring, the centre stone will often make up around 80% of the ring's value.
So how do I decide what carat weight to go for?
A diamond's carat weight refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size. A one carat diamond simply equates to 0.2 grams of diamond.
For the greatest balance of value and quality, for a platinum or white gold band, we recommend an Excellent cut, F or G coloured diamond with a VVS (very very slightly) or VS (very slightly) included clarity. You can browse through over 100,000 diamonds on our diamond search tool to discover how different quality grades of diamonds retail for. You will notice that as well as carat weight, the shape, colour, cut and clarity will also affect a diamond's price.
How can I ensure my ring looks great, regardless of my center stone's carat weight?
There are so many ways to design a ring in order to accentuate the size and appearance of your chosen centre stone. Here are some ways to ensure your diamond or gemstone is displayed the best way it can be.
If you're keen to stick within a set price point, it's worth noting that diamonds of the same carat weight, but of a different shape will be priced differently. Round diamonds carry a premium over other shapes like a cushion, oval or princess cut because they produce the most waste in their cutting process.
Choosing a fancy shape will often provide you with better value than choosing a much sought-after round diamond. Elongated diamond shapes like the marquise, oval and emerald cut can also appear larger in appearance, despite being the same carat weight.
For example, a one carat G colour VVS2 round diamond is currently retailing for around £5,800 compared to a 1ct pear shape with the same quality grade, for around £4,785. This demonstrates the level of potential savings if you're happy to choose a different shape to the traditional round.
Only one carat out of every 10,000 carats mined is a natural fancy colour diamond.
Their rarity and preciousness means that coloured diamonds carry a premium.
A great way to include coloured diamonds in your design is by featuring coloured diamonds in the halo or pavé setting, which would carry a lower price point but still allow you to feature the much-sought-after coloured diamonds.
Alternatively, sapphires, rubies and emeralds are a popular choice for a vibrant splash of colour. They tend to carry a slightly lower price point, which usually means you can allocate more of your price point to a centre stone with a higher carat weight.
If you want a traditional white diamond, you have the option to go lower on colour grade if you're having your diamond set in yellow or rose gold. Due to the very slight yellow tint in diamonds graded as 'near colourless' (G-J), their colour may be more apparent in a bright white metal, but would be masked when set against warmer tones of yellow or rose gold.
This is not to say that 'near colourless' diamonds will have a visible tint when set in white metals. It simply means that you have the option to drop the colour grade further than you might otherwise if your ring will be cast in yellow or rose gold.
A trilogy engagement ring, or sometimes called a three-stone engagement ring, or trinity engagement ring, is simply a design style that features three diamonds or gemstones at its centre. Each of the three stones singularly symbolises your past, present and future together as a couple.
Many people think that a trilogy is out of their price range because there are three stones, however the flanking stones will typically cost far less than the centre stone. Generally speaking, the centre stone will often be larger to signify the importance of the 'present' and will require the bulk of your budget.
A halo of diamonds or other precious stones surrounding your centre stone is a great way to enhance the overall appearance of your ring. The halo gives the illusion of the centre stone being larger than it actually is, while also providing a dramatic, cluster effect to your design.
The mount, or the metal of an engagement ring can affect the overall price of your ring. If you are struggling to stick to a tight budget, going thinner on your band width or tapering the band at either side of the centre stone will reduce the weight of your ring.
Metal value is charged in grams so naturally, the heavier your design, the higher the price. Comparably, platinum comes at a premium to gold.
Each engagement ring can feature a number of finishing touches– a design element, small or large, that gives the final 'look' to your ring. These range from milgrain (small beading used to frame a ring's design) to engraving or filigree metal cut outs.
These design elements will add to the overall cost of your design because they require more time and craftsmanship. However, these can be great ways to add detail to a design that features a single stone.
What shouldn't I compromise on?
Great! So I know how to accentuate the appearance of my ring. What shouldn't I compromise on?
The Gemological Institute of America is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to producing consistent, accurate and unbiased grading reports. Each stone is graded twice, by different graders, to ensure they arrive at the same grading report. GIA developed their grading system so you can choose a diamond without seeing it, yet still, trust you're getting exactly what you paid for.
While there are other diamond grading laboratories available, diamonds graded by the GIA are certainly the most highly valued and respected in the industry.
The chart below shows the high percentage of customers who opt for excellent cut diamonds.
Platinum and 18ct white gold share a similar bright, white appearance. To give white gold its sought after bright sheen, white gold engagement rings are plated with rhodium.
With time, rhodium plating will wear away and need replacing every 12-24 months to maintain its lustre and radiance. Platinum engagement rings, on the other hand, don't require the same level of maintenance due to its natural white colour.
So what do people actually choose when it comes to their engagement ring?
Round, VS1/VVS2, F/G, excellent cut.
As previously mentioned, cut quality grade is only applicable for round diamonds. 92.5% of round diamonds we sell are an excellent cut grade, which means they have the optimum brilliance, sparkle and light dispersion.
The most popular shape is the round, with over 50% of customers choosing this iconic engagement ring shape. The next most popular shapes are oval, cushion and princess, which often offer better value.
Platinum is the most popular metal choice amongst our customers with 58.8% of rings being crafted in this metal, while 41.2% of rings are crafted in 18ct gold.
Following the contemporary trend of blushy toned jewellery, 30.4% of rings are crafted in rose gold, 8.1% in yellow gold and just 2.7% are crafted in white gold.
White gold has a low percentage because while it offers a practically identical appearance to platinum, is should be re-plated with rhodium every 12-24 months. Platinum does not require the same level of maintenance, making it a preferred choice for an item of every day jewellery.
The average carat weight for a centre diamond averages at around 0.79ct. Coloured gemstones often provide slightly better value for money, resulting in an average carat weight for coloured gemstones averaging at around 0.96ct.
Throughout 2018, the average spend on engagement rings for our UK customers was £4,144.
In summary, as a smart shopper, how do I maximise the value I receive when considering the engagement ring's cost?
Choose a ring design from our collection. Fully custom rings carry a premium over our collection pieces because of the sheer amount of extra work that must go into them. With over 100 different designs in our engagement ring collection, you're guaranteed to find one that suits your requirements and taste.
If you're looking for a diamond engagement ring, choose a G/H colour and VS2 clarity. This combination looks stunning and does not carry the premium of higher clarity and colour grades.
Choose a ring setting with less side diamonds. Pavé and halo engagement rings have a higher price point than solitaires. Instead, you can add flair and detail using design elements like milgrain, engraving, filigree etc.
If the size of the centre stone is important, choose a fancy shape diamond or gemstone instead of a round. Fancy cut gemstones are priced lower than round brilliant diamonds.
Ultimately, there is no "right" answer for calculating what you should spend on an engagement ring. Dispel the myths and spend what you're comfortable with.
*The prices in this post are valid on day of publication but prices may change and most often increase over time.


Anne Hathaway and Insurgent Wilson are about to develop into your new favourite dynamic duo.
MGM dropped a trailer for his or her new film The Hustle on Tuesday. Within the film, the actresses play rip-off artists. Whereas they arrive from totally different financial backgrounds, the characters determine to group as much as take down the boys who've wronged them. In fact, there are a number of comedic moments alongside the way in which as they develop into the last word companions in crime.
Not solely is Wilson starring within the movie, however she's additionally producing it. Nonetheless, she's accomplished this earlier than. In truth, she simply starred in Is not It Romantic, which marked her producing debut.
To get your first sneak peek on the new comedy, try the trailer beneath.
It definitely has been a busy time for each actresses. Along with engaged on Is not It Romantic with Priyanka Chopra and Liam Hemsworth, Wilson is about to seem in Cats alongside Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Judi Dench, James Corden and Jennifer Hudson. Hathaway additionally lately appeared in Serenity with Matthew McConaughey and Ocean's Eight with Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, Rihanna and extra stars. She can be engaged on The Lifeboat.


A South Side man was ordered held in lieu of $150,000 bail Friday for allegedly throwing a concrete block into a West Englewood apartment, severely injuring a 7-month-old girl.
The infant, who was on a bed at the time of the May 3 incident, was hit on the head and suffered skull fractures, bleeding in the brain and head trauma, Assistant State's Attorney Lorraine Scaduto said.
The child has since been released from the hospital, Scaduto said at the bond hearing for Jeremy O'Neal.
Because of the victim's age, it's unclear how her injuries will affect her future development, Scaduto said.
O'Neal, however, has been charged with aggravated battery to a child under 13 causing permanent disability.
O'Neal angrily threw the concrete when the people inside the apartment in the 1400 block of West 73rd Place told him a woman he was looking for wasn't there, Scaduto said.
O'Neal's attorney said his 25-year-old client was not aiming for the child that night.
"While what happened was a tragedy, there is no evidence that he tried to intentionally hurt anyone," Nicholas Giordano said.
Giordano said some members of the girl's family have posted threatening messages on Facebook along with the address of a relative of O'Neal's where he often stays and young children reside. "A baby for a baby," one wrote, according to O'Neal's family.
But it was O'Neal's harassment that led to the girl's serious injuries, prosecutors said.
O'Neal first came to the apartment and pounded on the front door, asking for "Diana Black," Scaduto said.
A resident opened the door and told him that no one by that name was there. But O'Neil persisted and continued banging on the door, telling those inside: "You will all pay," Scaduto said.
O'Neal eventually left and drove around the block before returning with the piece of concrete, which he allegedly hurled at the apartment.
The concrete shattered through a window and then struck the baby, Scaduto said.
Scaduto did not know if anyone named Diana Black lived in the apartment. Black is a friend of O'Neal's, his attorney said after court.
Two days before the incident, O'Neal was released on his own recognizance in a criminal trespass case, Scaduto said.
He has two weapons and drug-related convictions.
O'Neal, of the 9500 block of South Houston, currently works at a temp agency packing boxes, Giordano said.


When does your adventure start?
Welcome to Acadia Mountain Guides!
Since 1993 AMGCS has been providing climbing instruction and guiding to discerning clients from around the world. Our diversity of clients and programs speaks to the quality and value provided by our premium service.
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is Maine's only full service climbing school. We are committed to sharing our passion for the mountains with you throughout the seasons from the shores of coastal Maine to the peaks of the world's greatest ranges.
Join us in Acadia National Park this summer for an unforgettable experience. Any age and any experience can climb. Half day, full day, and evening sessions available.
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is an American Mountain Guides Association and Professional Climbing Instructor Association accredited business. Owner Jon Tierney maintains an AMGA/IMFGA mountain guide certification, the highest level of guide certification in the US. Come climb with one of the most qualified guide services in the Northeast!


text:
NRA Adaptive Shooting Program Vision
by Dr. Joseph Logar, National Manager, NRA Adaptive Shooting Program - Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Shotgun shooting sports are growing by leaps and bounds especially at the high school and college levels. For instance, Bloomberg.com reported in a July 9, 2015 article titled "U.S. High Schools Embrace Shooting as Hot New Sport" that trap shooting is the fastest growing sport in Minnesota high schools while other sources report that nearly 300 colleges and universities offer some type of shooting program. Shooting sports at the college level are not new as some have programs dating back into the 1800's, but there has been a recent surge in interest and participation. The wave of interest has spread to a community not often associated with firearms—young people with disabilities. This is good news since that is a community with a dire need for opportunities and outlets for physical expression. According to Disabled-world.com, the June 2014 Active People Survey out of England found that "72.1 percent of disabled people take part in no sport or physical activity, compared to 47.8 percent of non-disabled people."
Combining this sobering statistic with the cultural expansion of the shooting sports has inspired the rejuvenation of the Adaptive Shooting Program of the Education and Training Division at the National Rifle Association. The NRA has a long history of inclusion when it comes to people of all ages, races and abilities so it was no great stretch to boost their flagship program for people with disabilities.
With a new National Manager heading up the Adaptive Shooting Program, the NRA was poised to blast away the barriers between people with disabilities and the burgeoning shooting sports community. The opening salvo was to establish a partnership with the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). ACUI is an international non-profit educational organization founded in 1914 with a mission to build campus communities through collaboration between college union and student activities professionals. To achieve their combined goal, the NRA and ACUI determined that a network of hand selected and specifically trained coaches and competitors would be best to introduce people in wheelchairs to the shotgun sports at the college level. Since the NRA has approximately 4,204 shotgun coaches and ACUI represents nearly 500 learning institutions, there would be no shortage of talent and experience from which to draw.
The challenge initially seemed to be narrowing the search to that one perfect place to start a team but then Derek Marshall and the Attica Consolidated School System of Indiana came to our attention. Mr. Marshall is the Superintendent of Attica Schools and an avid shotgun sportsman. Under his direct leadership, as not only the Superintendent but also the assistant coach of the Attica Trap Team, trap has become a Varsity sport. Their competition roster includes 20 different teams with each averaging three coaches and 15-20 athletes. This development is even more amazing when one considers that Mr. Marshall organized the first team in 2014. That explosive growth speaks volumes about the commitment and energy of Mr. Marshall and his coaches as well as the opportunities for students. As of this writing, there are no competitors in wheelchairs but Mr. Marshall feels that is a temporary condition due to the short time since the inception of the teams and somewhat limited exposure outside of Indiana. While nothing can change the flow of time, a union between the Attica Schools, the NRA and ACUI should be just the ticket to spread the word about shotgun sports for people in wheelchairs.
It is anticipated that there will be some trepidation on behalf of the students. Maybe they were rightly cautioned about the dangers of firearms as a small child but never revisited the topic as they matured. Perhaps because of their abilities they have heard more about the things they can't or shouldn't do rather than the things that they can and should. Either way, the diverse team of educators, competitors and health care professionals assembled by the NRA, ACUI and Mr. Marshall will be there to help them make an informed decision. Hopefully the effort will yield six to 12 candidates with an interest in shooting on one of the Indiana trap teams during the 2016-2017 season. Even if the students are on board, there is another large and powerful influence that should never be ignored—parents. Without their support no school system, activity or team can thrive. The Adaptive Shooting Program identifies parent questions and concerns as driving forces in the development of any program involving children. With that in mind, safety is of paramount importance. The NRA's legendary commitment to safety is known throughout the hunting, defensive and shooting sports communities. You will not read through the first chapter of an NRA publication or sit through the first 5 minutes of an NRA course without learning the three cardinal rules of gun safety.
More importantly, you will not earn the right to call yourself an NRA Instructor without knowing—and flawlessly adhering to—all 11 firearm safety rules. Safety compliance cannot be over stressed when handling firearms. An inability to safely handle and operate a firearm is an absolute contraindication to participation in any shooting sport or activity. In many instances additional training and/or adaptations to the size, weight or caliber of the gun will enable a student to achieve the required standard of safety, but the safety rules themselves will never be modified or adapted. With the dedication to safety firmly established, parents will also need to be assured about the quality of the training their children will be receiving. The excellence and depth of NRA training programs is as well known as its tradition of safety. So tightly entwined are the two, that it's hard to determine which element was the catalyst in the reaction that formed the NRA in 1871. Indiana's test pilots for the Adaptive Shooting Program probably won't know the answer either, but they will benefit from 144 years of world class experience. By combining the latest in technology with nearly 7,400 coaches and trainers around the world covering all age groups, shooting disciplines and abilities, the NRA is the most prepared organization in the world to responsibly escort these newly minted competitors into the shooting sports.
It should be noted that the objective of the NRA Adaptive Shooting Program is not to stop at high school trap teams. With the help of ACUI, and adventurous school administrators like Mr. Marshall, the plan is to expand opportunities for students with disabilities to include their favorite college trap and skeet teams. While this affiliation is a formidable one, nothing will happen without the interest, effort and enthusiasm of students and parents. Will some of these pioneering families be content with this brief introduction to the sport? Will some catch a spark from that original reaction in 1871 and fan it into a lifelong flame for training, competition and appreciation for the shotgun shooting sports? We certainly hope so.
nra adaptive shooting acui shotgun NRA Adaptive Shooting Program Vision
Review: Kill Cliff Ignite Performance Energy Drinks
New: Winchester Air Rifles Model 12 BB Gun


text:
You are here: Home / Lead Story / Roddick recaptures the magic; Wimbledon gets a splash of color — The Friday Five
Roddick recaptures the magic; Wimbledon gets a splash of color — The Friday Five
July 27, 2012 by TennisGrandstand
By Maud Watson
Before he jetted off to London, Juan Monaco was in Hamburg, Germany, where he picked up his sixth singles title. But this title run meant more than the previous five, as the win propelled him to No. 10 in the rankings – the highest the Argentine has ever been ranked in his professional career. While some may question his decision to not only compete in a tournament so close to the Olympic Games, but one that was staged on clay no less, I somehow think it's a decision he won't regret. Winning, like losing, is a habit. There's no substitute for confidence, and Juan Monaco ought to be feeling pretty decent about his chances of making a run in London, even if it is on grass.
Recapturing the Magic
Much like Monaco, pundits may question Andy Roddick's logic in choosing to play Atlanta before he made the trip to London, but this was a smart move on the American's part. After finding some success during the brief grass court season, Roddick knew he would be best served to attempt to continue to gain momentum during the time of year that has typically served as his bread and butter – the American summer hard court season. He played some impressive tennis in Atlanta, which included wins over John Isner and the always dangerous Gilles Muller. Much like with Monaco, there's no substitute for that winning feeling. Couple that confidence with Roddick's grass court résumé, and he could be a tough out for anybody during the London Games.
Positive Changes
Last week in California, the WTA saw a pint-size winner in Dominika Cibulkova. The Slovak with the deceptively big game persevered to take the title at the Mercury Insurance Open over Marion Bartoli in the final. The title comes nearly three months after she split with her previous coach of two years, Zeljko Krajan. Fans will remember Krajan as the coach of former No. 1 Dinara Safina. Safina frequently talked about how hard Krajan could be on her, and Cibulkova spins a very similar tale. While noting that Krajan was a "great coach," she also admitted that he could be overly hard on her, which led to her mentally blowing any unforced error way out of proportion. She has since promoted her hitting partner, Peter Miklusicak, to head coach, and it appears the change is already paying dividends. Cibulkova has always had potential. With a little more consistency and a new mental approach to the game, there's no reason she couldn't be Top 10 material and give the game's biggest names more than they bargain for.
Music to the Ears
Tennis fans in the United States were undoubtedly happy to hear that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has once again sided with the Tennis Channel in denying an appeal put forth by Comcast in its dispute with the sport network. Back in December, Tennis Channel won its case against Comcast, with the verdict being that aside from being slapped with a $375,000 fine, Comcast would also have to put Tennis Channel on the same tier of cable channels that included two of its own networks – Versus (now NBC Sports Channel) and the Golf Channel. Since being denied their appeal, Comcast has been told that they have 45 days to comply with the original December ruling, which hopefully means extensive tennis coverage that's readily available will be just around the corner.
The Olympics are rare enough given that they're only staged every four years, but this year tennis fans are going to see something that may never happen again in our lifetime – color at Wimbledon. Photographs show the purple and lime green colors of the Olympics splashed around the grounds, and the players are free to wear whatever color strikes their fancy. While it's understandable that the players may want to be decked out in the colors of their home nations, the colored backdrops are a bit much. In any case, the folks who have prepared the grounds have done a great job to do everything possible to ensure this feels like a whole different event and not just a second take at SW19.
Filed Under: Lead Story, The Friday Five Tagged With: Andy Roddick, color at wimbledon, Dominika Cibulkova, Juan Monaco, london olympics tennis, roddick, tennis at the olympcis


text:
By Keith-Thomas Ayoob, EdD, RD, FADAFebruary 17, 2020MSG
Why are Chemical-Sounding Food Ingredients Scary to Some People?
Cyanocobalamin, sodium ascorbate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, oh, my! These seem like scary chemical names that probably sound more like disinfectants. Actually, you'd die without them. They're vitamins; B12, v, and B6, to be specific. Other nasty-sounding ones are nicotinic acid and di-hydroxycholecalciferol, or in common language: niacin and vitamin D.
Perhaps a rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but vitamins by their chemical names just sound scary. So do many food ingredients. You've heard it before: "don't eat anything that has ingredients you can't pronounce." If you're not scared of food ingredients before hearing that, you are afterwards.
That's really unfortunate, too, because, as a registered dietitian who has counseled people for decades, I've learned that the more people know about food and food ingredients, the less they fear.
Umami: Perfect Example
Umami is a perfect example. Chefs speak about it all the time on food shows, websites, and articles. It's the "fifth taste" and "intensifies flavor" but isn't a flavor per se, as are sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Yet, it brings so much taste to foods like parmesan cheese, mushrooms, tomatoes, and on and on. Chefs can't say enough great things about "umami".
Consumers love hearing about the flavor benefits of "umami". I've had such conversations with my patients and also friends and acquaintances. When they know about umami, they're onboard all the way. If I speak of something like "MSG" or monosodium glutamate, however, they grimace tightly. "Wow, that's bad for you" or "I don't eat anything with MSG," are common reactions.
That's when I know they're misinformed and getting their food information from sources that are inaccurate, to say the least.
Fact: Umami IS monosodium glutamate. Yes, umami, the stuff the chefs are raving about, is glutamate. Some chefs are in the know. I've seen articles in publications like Cook's Illustrated, discussing how glutamate is responsible for the umami taste. Fear not the "monosodium" term, as it just refers to how glutamate exists in a salt form (one sodium molecule). As soon as it dissolves it becomes glutamic acid again in the body.
Glutamate is nothing to be feared in the least. Also known as "glutamic acid", it's one of the most common amino acids in our bodies and essential for vital body functions. Indeed, the GI tract, where much of our bodies' immune systems are located, is absolutely loaded with glutamate. Glutamate even has an active role in our immune system. There is far more glutamate in your body at this moment than you'd ever get from eating MSG in your food. That's because your body can make its own glutamate.
As for all the hype you may have heard about "MSG", my familiarity with the science helped me, long ago, to dismiss any concerns about MSG and glutamate. The research community has done the same, because dozens of studies indicate virtually zero concerns about glutamate, monosodium or otherwise.
Good thing. Since foods like parmesan cheese, tomatoes, eggplant, soy sauce, and mushrooms are loaded with glutamate; can you imagine eating Italian or Chinese cuisine without them? I can't, and luckily, I don't have to.
Neither do you. See? The more you know about food and food ingredients, the less you fear. Glutamate: no reason to fear, every reason to enjoy.
About Keith-Thomas Ayoob, EdD, RD, FADA
Dr. Keith Ayoob is an internationally known nutritionist and an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where he has maintained a clinical practice for more than 20 years. Keith also is Director of the Nutrition Clinic at the Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at Einstein. He has appeared on many national news programs and is a highly sought after speaker for his practical, consumer-friendly advice on a variety of timely nutrition issues. Keith contributes expert opinion pieces to ABCNews.com and USAToday.com. Read more about his background on the About page.
Previous PostEmbrace Umami and Learn to Add its Savory Goodness to Your Foods
Next PostMSG Can Help Satisfy Your Sodium Craving with Less Salt


text:
SENSE Jakarta
The Great Reset Business Schools Must Lead Business
The World Economic Forum describes business The Great Reset, which is the process of the world. Adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic as a Great Reset. Schools play a significant role in this. Schools need to change in order to reach their full potential. The same goes for universities and businesses who support and engage them.
During the pandemic, a lot of attention was place on universities in terms of their vital work in developing vaccines and medical equipment. These efforts can also be benefit by schools. They can help with the enormous challenge of manufacturing and distributing billions in vaccines.
Business schools can help businesses to redefine their role in the post-pandemic era. This starts by reexamining outdate models that have driven since 1970s under the motto of maximising shareholder wealth.
The business schools have the expertise to assess and manage risk in extremely uncertain situations and rebuild trust with stakeholders who might have negatively affect by the crisis. They can use their knowledge in organisational development and change management to support different types of work and organisational structures, such as more decentralised decision making and remote working.
Changes In Business Schools Are Necessary
Business schools have evolved in their mission. Their horizons now extend to improving the well-being of society. They are not limit to students or businesses, but also include governments and non-profits.
Already, business schools were under increasing pressure to adapt to technological change, social expectations and competition. COVID-19 provided an impetus for businesses to take leadership in social change.
Significant change management is key to meeting high stakeholder expectations. Businesses schools must be fully and authentically committed towards solving problems that affect not only but also humanity. Their agendas should include applying all of their knowledge and skills in dealing with wicked issues such as climate change and ethics, fairness and disruption by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Business schools are moving towards a focus on social impact through close research engagement with industry, society and society. This shift is being driven by increasing student, government, and philanthropic demand.
For example, the University of Queensland Business School has established research centers in trust, ethics, governance and business sustainability. The Imperial College Business School offers a program in the economics and financial aspects of climate change.
These changes do not help when metrics for success in schools are still driven primarily by graduate salaries. For example, the FT Global MBA rankings have a 40% weighting. A 3% weighting given to corporate social responsibility and ethics.
Business schools must encourage innovation and entrepreneurship to create new jobs and businesses that can replace the ones lost in the pandemic. Business schools are able to guide and stimulate start-ups as well as assist existing businesses in adapting to new realities. Businesses can benefit from their expertise in strategy, leadership, and governance.
Changes Must Also Made Among Stakeholders
Many students choose to study in schools. They continue to do so at many universities even after the epidemic. They often account for a large portion of university fees income.
Business schools cannot contribute to The Great Reset if they are not able to return the income they generate to university budgets. They must be fully recognize and support for their role in the creation of a new and exciting world. Universities must stop seeing business schools only as a cash cow and become jewels in the crown.
Business school perspectives can add value to research projects in sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Research funders need to consider this. Business schools offer a wealth of knowledge, from the economics of drug development and new energy resources to business strategies to diversity and equality to marketing the arts.
COVID-19 is a turning point for business schools that will use their knowledge to relaunch, reinvent and reset their roles in promoting sustainable and ethical practices. Business schools not only valuable for short-term advice but they should also use by leaders to reflect on and adapt their long-term vision. Benefit from learning with schools how to respond to the COVID-19 crises and apply that knowledge to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Business schools serve as a testing ground for more ethical. Trustworthy and dynamic leaders that can then influence wider societal issues.
Business Angels Economic They And Why Are They Important
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD), recently released a report on the financing of high-growth firms. It highlighted the importance of angel investors, or business angels. According to some, the term business angel originated in New York's Broadway musical theatre. Producers looking to start a new show would be able to get investment funding from wealthy patrons in the theatre. Angels would also come down-town to help them.
Today, business angels are a significant source of venture capital financing. They help to fill the gap between the seed capital and start-up stages typically less than $25,000. And the point at formal venture capital funds may take an interest. Typically, between $3 million and $5 million. The following diagram illustrates this.
A second OECD report on emerging trends in financing small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). And entrepreneurial ventures was published this year. It found that the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), had severely impacted. The bankruptcy rates have risen significantly, and bank funding has suffered a significant contraction. Large firms could access financing through bond markets but SMEs were limited to banks. Some countries, such as Portugal, South Korea, and Hungary, had SMEs that accounted for between 60% and 81% in total bank business loan portfolios.
The report also found a sharp decrease in venture capital financing growth from 2008 to 2010, which is much lower than the period before the GFC. In an earlier article, I noted that venture capital financing has not performed well since its peak at the end 1990s during the Dot.com boom. The OECD points out that business angels can be very important but there is not much data on them. This is partly due to their informal investment practices and because they prefer to keep their investing activities secret.
What Are Business Angels And Who Are They?
The amount of research into business angels remains very limited. It is not clear what business angel means. The terms informal investor, business angel, and informal Venture Capital are all interchangeable. Veland Ramadani, a 2009 journal contributor, wrote an interesting paper about business angels. He noted that many companies like Amazon, Bell Telephone, Ford Motor Corporation and Apple Computers all received funding from business angels in their early years.
A business angel is typically a middle-aged male with a high school education and a background in business or professional work. Many have either experience in managing or running businesses. A high net worth is also a common characteristic.
Business angels in the United Kingdom have been shown to invest between two and five investments per deal on average. Australian research suggests that this profile is similar. An average Australian business angel is a middle-aged male with a net worth of approximately $2 million and an income of more than $180,000. They invest between $200,000 and $14,000 in new ventures, while holding 10% to 14% of their capital.
Business Angels Economic
One of the things that sets business angels apart from other venture capital investors is their personal investment style. Venture capital fund managers are not able to take the same risks as business angels, who invest their own money. They are more likely to invest economic in local ventures, which is typically less than 1 to 2 hours driving distance from their home.
Privately held businesses are preferred by business angels, as they do not have to be publicly traded on the stock exchange. Their investing is high-risk and can lead to failure. They prefer to keep their investments private. They invest 5% to 15% of their assets in new businesses, and they seek returns between 20% and 30%.
Job Keeper Delivered What Was Needed To Save The Patient
The Treasury just marked its own keeper homework, according to critics. It produced a 60-page report called Insights, which covers the first six months of Job Keeper. It found that the A$89 billion program they designed and delivered to Australia held up well last year, when Australia most needed it.
Similar to the Labour government's financial rescue programs in the global financial crisis, critics claim it was wasteful. This time, however, they are from the Labour side. They have extremely short memories. Australia had 93 COVID-19 deaths and 93 COVID-19 case in the first week March 2020.
At a time when doctors were urging people not to do such things and 25% of Italy was in lockdown, the prime minister stated that he was going on to the footy with looking forward to it. It was easy for Italian tourists to come in. We were sleeping walking into a disaster.
We Were The Way We Were Keeper
Last March 10, I wrote that we must close the international border completely and immediately and spend around $100 billion to support workers while we shut down and put in place health measures. The borders were close on March 20. Treasury predicted that our economy (GDP), would plummet by 24% if we were to keep down as much as Spain or Italy.
It wouldn't just be a recession, or even a depression. It would be financial and economic Armageddon. The government had to quickly plug an inexplicable hole. It did. Job Keeper offered six months of financial assistance to businesses that expected to see their revenues drop. This was nearly every country-wide business at the time.
It was create to be simple to understand and to immediately transfer money to household and business balances. It was design to provide certainty for recipients in times of uncertainty. These facts are factual. These facts are not disputable.
Now, What Critics Think Keeper
Critics point out that Job Keeper excludes certain industries and workers, including short-term casuals and university students. They also claim $19.7 Billion was paid to businesses whose revenue increase during the three-month period they received the payment.
They argue that it would have been better not to spend money on businesses with rising revenues. It would also have been beneficial to include short-term casuals as well as universities. They claim Job Keeper should have had a clawback provision. They are correct. It would have been more effective if it was design that way. They are not taking into account the reality of the times.
What Were The Conditions Back Then?
Job Keeper's development was made possible by a once in a century event. The government at power had been railing against deficits and debt. Economists were worried that the government might do too much or not enough. These are three important points to remember.
Treasury needed to respond quickly and in just days. While I enjoy an academic seminar, Treasury did not have the luxury to spend years refining and debating. It was require to perform battlefield surgery https://107.152.46.170/togel-online/data-result/holland-7d/.
Job Keeper's effectiveness was a key reason many businesses were able increase their revenues. If the scheme had been smaller with more requirements and red tape, fewer workers would have received support and the economy would have suffered.
Job Keeper was less likely to be effective if it had more exclusions and carve-outs. Uncertainty is create by fine-tuning rules. This allows for gaming, or ignoring the rules. Public programs must be easy to understand if they are to be effective. The only real option in March 2020 was Job Keeper, or no Job Keeper at any point.
We Saved The Patient Keeper
The Australian economy was in critical condition at the beginning of March 2020. The patient was save by Steven Kennedy (Treasurer), and Josh Frydenberg, (Treasurer). That's what really matters. Were they using ECG machines, blood bags or gauze? You bet.
It cost economic resources. It was probably, even though it might have cost more economic resources if the worst had occurred. Although insurance can appear wasteful after the fact it doesn't mean that it isn't wise. It was a good thing they chose to use too many stitches over too few. They offered the only thing that can help in times of extreme uncertainty, certainty.
Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Singl by WordPress.com.


After a night of steady rain, Byron Bay yogis were blessed with a clear, albeit slightly soggy sunrise, in which to perform 108 Salutes to the Sun. Over 50 keen yoga students and teachers gathered for the Yoga Aid challenge at Main Beach Byron to do their part in raising money for children's charities.
The gathering coincided with a nation-wide event as people from Perth to Port Douglas, Broome to Bathurst, took up the challenge of performing 108 Salutes to the Sun over two hours.
More than $130, 000 has been raised so far, with the website – www.YogaAid.com – still open for donations.
A big thank you to our top Byron fundraisers: Sarah Freeman who raised $510 for the Nelune Foundation, Terri Kibler with $325 also for the Nelune Foundation, and Katie Scholtes who gathered $400 for the Barnardos Foundation.
We look forward to next year's Yoga Aid event being even bigger and better.


The new version of the popular Linux distribution offers long-term support, targeted at business users.
On a related note use SlackBook project book to get you started with the Slackware Linux operating system.
Update: Download latest OpenSuse Linux version 10.3.
I know most of us tired of answering questions about the Microsoft-Novell deal.. but OpenSuse Linux 10.2 is here….
openSUSE is a community project, sponsored by Novell, to develop and maintain SUSE Linux components (such as YaST).
* AppArmor: gives certain applications rights based on how they run and interact with the environment.
It's available for download on http://download.openSUSE.org in x86, x86-64, and ppc versions – via ftp from our mirrors and bittorrent.


text:
Q: Data quality Numeric Columns only I'm trying to setup a data quality check for numeric columns in a dataframe. I want to run the describe() to produce stats on each numeric columns. How can I filter out other columns to produce stats.   See line of code I'm using.
df1 = pandas.read_csv("D:/dc_Project/loans.csv")
print(df1.describe(include=sorted(df1)))

A: Went with the following from a teammate:
import pandas as pd
import numpy as np
df1 = pandas.read_csv("D:/dc_Project/loans.csv")
df2=df1.select_dtypes(include=np.number)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Thank you for your confidence in us and looking forward in serving you!
Established in NDG in 1984 by Al Macdonald. Can-Am was focused on serving the local restauration market. The first order of business being personalized service. It did not take long for this to become the company mantra. Now the MacDonald brothers and Mike Bono have teamed up to further help shape this entity.
For us at Can Am, the building of relationships reigns supreme. Developing a trusting atmosphere within our home is tantamount to the products and services we provide. We are able to tantalize tastes and cultivate success.
Can Am provides the greatest variety of fruits and vegetables available on the market. Our purpose is providing quality products and services to our customers. Working with our customers, we are able to evolve introducing new high-end products on a continual basis.
At Can-Am, we take to heart the quality of our service. Cleanliness and efficient organization is an important aspect for us and our customers. Maintaining our warehouse and vehicles is equal to the products they store. Our warehouse refrigerators have isolated thermostats, providing us the ability to control the temperature in each refrigerator individually. As well, allowing us to continually monitor refrigeration levels for produce longevity. All our produce is stored on Chip and GP palettes, simplifying storage and handling.
Our trucks are equipped with refrigeration units, guaranteeing product freshness upon delivery. The temperature of each vehicle is verified on a daily basis using an infrared gun. Products received are verified to meet our standards according to the season and availability. Once accepted, items are stored immediately in respective lots.
Shipping and receiving are orchestrated to function in tandem. Rather than having two vehicles, we use one according to location and time of day for delivery and pick-up of merchandise, reducing number of vehicles on the road.
Reduce hazardous effects for the earth.
In an effort to promote variety, we search the corners of the globe to find the most enticing products available. Our team in conjunction with our customers tirelessly seeks the finest and newest arrivals on the market. We diligently work with local Québec farmers to provide quality produce. Enticing and tantalizing are the wide range of products we provide our customers.
The effects of global warming and environmental conscientiousness have taken precedence here at Can-Am. We take pride in our efforts to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and maximize the potential of our entire infrastructure to minimize over-consumption. At Can-Am we have made an effort to promote environmental protection and local consumption without sacrificing customer service.
Proper insulation of refrigerated areas to ensure appropriate refrigeration levels and no loss of energy.


text:
Mini Reviews 23/02/2020
We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.
WOLVERINE #1
Writer: Benjamin Percy
Art: Adam Kubert, Frank Martin, Viktor Bogdanovic & Matthew Wilson
Jo S: In these days of big Marvel events and multiple high quality Hickman-led X-books, a $7.99 cover price on a late-joining 'Dawn of X' title is going to make your local comic book store owner wince - especially when it's on a big standard like Wolverine - so is it worth the doubled price and should you fork over the cash to hop on this new addition to the Krakoa project? Let me try to convince you... Ben Percy has Wolverine chops: having penned the Wolverine: The Long Night and The Lost Trail podcasts, he followed up the former with a comic book version, and it's clear in this new outset already that he 'gets' our cross-Patch protagonist, opening with a scene of devastation in the Alaskan snow, where Logan is agonising over slaying his own friends and yet is still compelled to chase after the last survivor. A giant side effect of the 'Dawn of X' stories is that Krakoa's regeneration protocols have altered the concept of death for mutant-kind: we know as comics readers that death is rarely final but now it's explicit that 'they will come back' - and yet Percy still manages to give us the full sense of Logan's despair, something of an achievement in this new world. The (first) story is a 'here's the penultimate scene, let's look at how we got here' approach, and each additional piece of backstory we see twists the knife in Logan's heart a little further: Krakoan 'product' is going missing, diverted to feed a growing drugs trade managed by the Flower Cartel, and multiple parties are getting involved, for nefarious reasons or otherwise, in the growing spread of mutie drug Pollen. If that wasn't complex enough a storyline, add a cult of vampiric mutant-worshippers and you have yourself a festival of flower-related infamy. Kubert's art is magnificent - well, I would say that, the Alaskan snow scenes alone are worth it for me, but his fabulous page structure has me hooked throughout as well... But that's just the first story! This is a true double issue, with the staples neatly marking the delineation between 'The Flower Cartel' and 'Catacombs'. Both are issue #1, both penned by Percy, but Bogdanovic now picks up the pencils, as Omega Red, covered in blood which may or may not be his own, storms through a Krakoan portal requesting amnesty - having escaped a nightmarish Paris overrun with the aforementioned vampire cult - to a very mixed reception. Vampire stories are a bit so-so for me generally but Percy pitches this one perfectly, with vampire hunter of the 'nightguard' Louise making a welcome debut, and Bogdanovic and Wilson creating the ideal underground gloom with gory bat-fest atmosphere. So, yes, all in all, this is more than a double issue, the fat cover price may be a little gasp-inducing but the content is much more so, and for all the right reasons. 9/10
BANG! #1
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artists: Wifredo Torres & Nayoung Kim
Dark Horse $3.99
James R: When no lesser personage than Keanu Reeves is providing the pull-quote for the cover of the first issue, you know you're in for a good time. Suffice to say, Keanu knows what he's talking about - Matt Kindt and Wilfredo Torres' BANG! comes out with all guns blazing. I've been a big fan of Matt Kindt since his reality-warping epic MIND MGMT, and BANG! feels like a spiritual sequel to that book. It's clear, however, that Kindt's ambitions are even grander here; in his introduction to the series at the back of the issue he says "That's what BANG! is. They're familiar types turned on their heads. The Spy, the Sleuth, the Hero, the Playboy and the Sci-Fi author." Here, we're introduced to the Spy and the Sci-Fi author, with Thomas Cord (who could easily be confused with a certain 00 agent) on the trail of author Philip Verve (who shares more than a forename with a celebrated and influential science fiction maverick). I could write hundreds more words on how the issue folds in on itself, and wrong-foots the reader at every turn, but I think it's just easier for me to say that this issue exceeded my expectations. Having been introduced to Torres' art in Black Hammer spin-off The Quantum Age, it's great to see him at work on series with the scope and scale of BANG! and I'm looking forward to seeing what he produces here. This sensational first issue immediately establishes itself as a favourite and I'm already eagerly counting down to issue #2. 9/10
PLUNGE #1
Writer: Joe Hill
Art: Stuart Immonen
Mike S: It might just be me, but I have always felt that the best setting for a horror is the ocean, with its myriad mysteries and monstrosities, so this title was a must. In this debut issue, Hill sticks to the formula of traditional horror as perfectly demonstrated by his legendary father: introduce an eclectic cast of characters, make them likeable, and then set them up for the horrors which await them. While, in that sense, this issue could feel formulaic and predictable, Hill sidesteps this stumbling block with an intrighing group of characters: a brilliant marine biologist, a snarky salvage captain with a line in 'interesting' cargo, his crew consisting of two brothers straight out of a teen comedy and the inevitable middleman from the shipping company with claims of 'noble motives'. The dynamics between them are great and Hill delivers humour and depth to make sure we like them before the inevitable horror begins. Immonen provides some stylish and beautifully rendered art, especially in the scenes when we see the reaction of Nature to the horrors of the returned vessel. While this issue is definitely a slow burn, the characterisation, humour and cliffhanger ending make it worth a look and will definitely be bringing me back for the sophomore instalment. 8/10
NEW MUTANTS #7
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Art: Rod Reis
Matt C: One of the most arresting books of the 'Dawn Of X' relaunch, all told. The back and forth between creative teams isn't ideal, but at least it focuses on different characters rather than carrying on the same story, although there can be noticeable tonal shifts from one issue to the next. That's not a problem when you get a chapter like this though as it delivers brilliantly on various threads from preceding instalments. Anyone who thinks Jonathan Hickman can't successfully do 'fun' just needs to read the way he handles Robert da Costa here, particularly in the insanely entertaining fourth-wall breaking opening pages. That vibe carries on through the rest of the issue, and it brings to mind how well Hickman developed both da Costa and Sam Guthrie during his epic Avengers run. It's also kind of refreshing to be this far away from Krakoa - in Shi'ar space instead - as there's obviously a lot overlap with so many other books operating in the same sphere. Rod Reis brings a vibrancy and enthusiasm to the art that captures the energy and sense of the absurd that resides within the script. If Hickman wants to give us the continuing adventures of Sunspot and Cannonball in outer space then I just need to know where I sign up! 8/10
Labels: James R, Jo S, Matt C, Mike S, Mini Reviews


text:
Spirits news Wine news Beer and cider news Business news Travel retail news
2018 The World's Most Admired Wine Brands 2018 The World's Most Admired Champagne Brands 2018 Annual Brands Report Rum Supplement 2017 The Global Bar Edition 2017 featuring The World's 50 Best Bars International Spirits Challenge 2017 The Millionaires' Club 2017 2017 World's Most Admired Wine Brands Iberia Bar Guide 2017 World's Most Admired Beers 2017 World's Most Admired Champagne Brands Annual Bar Report 2017
News » Business news
Brown-Forman veteran retires
By Christian Davis
Published: 26 November, 2015
Brown-Forman has announced the retirement of its veteran Middle East representative Tony McIver, effective June 30.
McIver will be replaced by Robinson Brown IV (pictured), currently the company's North American region territory manager for Florida. Brown will begin his new duties in Dubai, March 31 .
Over 20 years McIver built the the company's Middle East presence from a one-person operation in Dubai to a team with influence across the Middle East and North Africa.
B-F says he was instrumental in its brands becoming top sellers in several important markets including Israel and the UAE and was a driving force behind the creation of the world's first Jack Daniel's Bar & Grill in the Dubai Airport.
In his role as territory director, Brown will oversee Brown-Forman's business in India, the Middle East and North Africa. He and his wife, Jenny, and their three children will relocate to Dubai later this summer.
Also changing jobs will be Tim Young who will become marketing director for the company's India, Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, Central and South America region.
Previously, Young was the marketing director for the India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA). He now adds the Caribbean, Central and South America (CCSA) to his responsibilities.
The CCSA region's marketing function was formerly managed by Matias Bentel, who now becomes Brown-Forman country manager for Mexico. Both Young and Bentel's new roles are effective January 1.
Rachel Barrie given honorary doctorate for whisky services
Brown-Forman's new whiskey to rival top Irish brands
Brown-Forman to hold groundbreaking for Slane Distillery
Brown-Forman to build $50m Irish whiskey distillery
Farrer is md of Brown-Forman's global travel retail
ABOUT US CONTACT US ADVERTISE WITH US Technical Specifications SUBSCRIBE Newsletter Archives AGILE PUBLICATIONS Drinks Retailing News Harpers Wine & Spirit Class