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August 20, 2019 Noise Pollution
Slinging Mud with The Vendettas!
Earlier this year, after a brief hiatus and a change in band personal, The Vendettas returned to the Australian music scene, bringing the epic new single, Slinging Mud, with them. On top of the new single, the band will be supporting Danko Jones at his Melbourne show in September.
If that's not enough, The Vendettas are working towards the release of their next album, and if Slinging Mud is anything to go by – it's going to be a belter!
Shayne recently had a chat to guitarist, Jared Mattern, about all things Vendettas – past, present and future…
Tell us in brief, the history of The Vendettas.
Collectively we have existed as a band for around 10 years now. We have had a a few line up changes to get to where we are today. Our style has always been in the Melbourne pub rock scene, just rock and roll you can tap your foot to and have a beer.
You list a pretty diverse range of rock n roll bands as your influences. How do you think that diversity informs your sound?
Rock and roll IS pretty diverse as it already has a lot of precursors from blues, punk, R&B and country. But once you listen to music for a while you seem to pick up that all musical styles are just a way of getting a message across – so it can be anything it wants really, so long it has energy.
After a handful of albums and an EP, you guys recently took a hiatus, and underwent some personnel shifts in the bands line up – What was Behind the break, and the line up changes?
Yeah we have had a few line up changes. The most recent one was getting a new drummer (Rick) and we downsized to a four piece (only one guitarist, as our lead guitarist left). There was nothing in the break that was personal just a few of the guys wanted to do different things and felt it (the timing) was easier as we were looking to write some new songs and hit the studio. It worked out pretty good as we could tailor the new songs to the new line up
Was there a point during all of this, that you might have thought the band was finished?
Really what is a band other than a few mates wanting to collaborate and write and play music together. There was no bitterness in our previous members moving on. To answer the question; not really.. there were still 3 of us that wanted to charge forward, our energy was still there so all we needed was a new drummer. Once we got Rick on board and we locked in our sound, it was easy.
So how has the hiatus and the changes refreshed The Vendettas?
We're a bit more chilled out in our approach as a few of us have families now so we're just happy to still be jamming and playing regularly. We dont put as much pressure on ourselves and just enjoy what we are doing and let the songs happen.
You recently dropped the Slinging Mud single. Give us the dirt on how that all came together.
Just another rocking riff for the verse. But the chorus is where we went a little different with going for a more sonic direction but using alot of ringing open strings that stay the same and moving the top bass chords around ( I think I was listening to alot of Sonic Youth at the time). I like how the bridge breaks down and kicks back into a rockier last verse.
How does it stand apart from your previous music?
Its not too different just simpler with the removal of an extra guitar, which allows the main melodies to be the only theme. We always struggled a little in the past by cramming too much in.
Is Slinging Mud a stand alone single, or the first taste of an album or EP to follow?
Its a taste of an upcoming album. We have been working on a deal for the release with a few different parties and its finally coming together. The only downside is it takes time, so the release is a little later than we envisioned.
The Song has received some excellent feedback. That must be reassuring for the band?
Yeah its always good to hear nice things, we have worked hard to overcome a few set backs
Tell us what to expect from the upcoming album/ep? Anything out of the ordinary?
You should always be progressing and trying new things. We have done that but not moved too far away from our previous work. Although it would be interesting to pull a few older songs back into the set list to see how it fits together, We haven't done that yet just due to time.
How do you think your sound has grown or matured through the years?
I have some grey hair these days maybe I'm turning into a wizard? But really I think we know what works and what doesnt work for us anyway. If you cant do it live then why put it on a record?
I haven't had the pleasure of seeing you live as yet, so fill me in on a Vendettas live show..
Its loud and fun. we try to make sure the record is represented well live.
I imagine it to be very loud and energetic..
Yeah the rock moves are still there.
You're about to share the stage with Danko Jones – How did you guys land that gig?
We approached the booker about the show and threw our hat in. We were very pleasantly surprised that we got the gig, as you can imagine the competition – there are so many good rock bands in Melbourne that could have landed it. It's great that The Credits are playing too.
It has to be an exciting opportunity for you?
We're massive Danko fans. We would have gone to the gig anyway so now its a double win.
Do you have any special plans for your set list?
We will just belt out our new songs – we think that will be enough.
Who else have you supported over the years?
We have supported our mates in other bands in countless gigs and in turn been supported. The more national and international bands would be the likes of Child, Mammoth Mammoth, The Casanovas, Palace of the King and Thirsty Merc.
Are there any nervous moments when preparing to support a "larger band"?
I guess you get nervous. You want to do right by the Melbourne music scene and also your band mates.
What bands are on your bucket list to play with?
That's too tough to really pin down and we're not picky! Maybe if KISS could let us open for their farewell and we could borrow some of their pyro.
If you could re-record one album from any band in history, what album would you choose?
I wouldn't re-record anything from my heroes as they're all better than me. But if I could play on an album maybe Exile on Main Street.
So, if a fan of rock music expressed no interest in checking out The Vendettas, what would you do or say to change their mind?
Buy them a beer and get them to play tambourine with us.
After the Danko gig, what's next for The Vendettas?
More gigs to promote the upcoming album. Would like to get out on the road to a few other cities.
Lastly, what's your beverage of choice to prepare for a gig?
Just a strong coffee to wake me up and a few beers on stage….. Then a few more afterwards.
Interview by Shayne McGowan.
Previous Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Next Pure Tonic – Bliss N' Bleakness (2019)


In an alternate Victorian England where social prestige stems from a trifecta of blood, money, and magic, sixteen-year old Anna Arden is barred from the society she yearns for by a defect of blood. She believes herself Barren, unable to perform the most rudimentary spells. Anna would do anything to belong, but after inadvertently breaking her sister's debutante spells, Anna finds herself exiled with her aging grandmother to her grandmother's native Hungary.
But in Hungary, Anna finds that nothing about her world or her own lack of magic is quite as it seems. Fissures in the Binding that holds her world's magic are expanding, and the ancient creatures bound by that spell beg Anna to release them. As rebellion sweeps across Hungary, Anna's unique ability to break spells becomes the catalyst everyone is seeking. In the company of nobles, revolutionaries, and Roma, Anna must choose: deny her unique power and cling to the life she's always wanted—or embrace her ability, destroy the Binding, spark a revolution, and change the face of magic itself.
This book will appeal to fans of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy and Naomi Novik's UPROOTED.
"This book will appeal to fans of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy"
But then the synopsis goes on to talk about a female MC, cast away from her family, and with a new power she's struggling to accept? I mean, it's like this book was catered to me. I don't think I've read any book that's set in Hungary before, so I'm really curious about how that's going to play into the story. And who is Roma? I neeeeed to know immediately!
I am definitely waiting on this one! I think it is on Edelweiss maybe, and I think I requested it! Great pick! Thanks for stopping by my WOW earlier!
Added this after I saw it on another WoW earlier. Great pick!
Yay! I bet this one is on a lot of people's WoW posts ^_^ Thanks for stopping by!
I hadn't heard of this one until today but OMG I NEED.
Books are never set in Hungary, and I'm Hungarian, so I'm even more excited!!!! The cover is gorgeous and the synopsis is really intriguing.
I hope you end up loving this one!
Grisha, Uprooted, say no more! Usually the comparisons that the publishers make don't work for me, but I am definitely on board with this book. I hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to read it, Brittany!
It's hit or miss for me when it comes to the tag lines BUT any book that's compared to The Grisha trilogy has my attention.


Spend your holiday in an authentic trullo from the 1600's that sleeps 6 people in 3 bedrooms. You can rest under the shady trees, sunbathe by the pool or explore the beautiful and exotic nearby towns.
This beautifully renovated villa has existed since the 1600's, and today it has been restored in bright tones with attractive furnishings. The villa is surrounded by century-old trees offering privacy and shade and cooler temperatures during the summer's hottest periods. A few metres from the house you will find an oasis of a pine forest.
You can make the most of the beautiful outside space in the garden and on the furnished terrace with the pool and a barbeque area. There is parking at the house, and since it is on a fairly busy road, you should expect to hear some passing cars. On the other hand Villa Rotondo is the obvious place from where you can discover and explore Apulia.
- The villa consists of a beautiful dining room with a long table, a kitchen made of tiles in warm tones decorated with modern comfort as dishwasher, a gas stove and an oven, then there are three bedrooms, each with two beds, two of which are air-conditioned and are situated on an elevated floor side (one with a double bed, the other with two single beds). The third room (double bed) is situated in the area typically trullo that are associated with the house. There is of course a bathroom with a toilet and shower. Finally, here with satellite TV and a washing machine.


Thank you for noticing an old review of mine.
It has been a while since I last wrote one for an Amazon purchase and you led me to do a few this morning, including of a book I only recently finished.
While I've not posted reviews on a regular basis on Amazon, I HAVE posted product and book reviews, from time to time, on my 2 blogs and have a couple planned soon.
I do not have much of an audience on the blogs or my other social media, but some attention is better than no attention at all, I feel, so I share my thoughts.
As a history buff, and after checking out the book on its Amazon page to learn more about it and the author, I think it would make for an interesting read and something work blogging about and writing an Amazon review for as well.
I am only now getting back into action, slowly, but surely.
"Unfortunately, I am unable to send a physical copy at this time. Will epub, mobi, pdf, or audio work for you?"
"Ahh, well....thanks anyway...never have used any of those formats...call me old school. :-D"
An interesting response to my interest from the publisher of a relatively new imprint based, apparently, in Buffalo, WY.
Out of curiosity, I decided to do a little more exploring.
The Amazon listing offers both a Hardcover (9/5/18) and a Trade Paperback (8/30/18) and has had several editorial reviews, presumably not just of the electronic edition set for release at the end of the month.
There are 2 copies of the Hardcover available from sources other than Amazon and 6 copies of the Paperback, as well, from other sources, including one listed as "Used-Like New".
If you are not going to offer an edition to someone YOU are interested in getting an opinion from, then you should be straightforward from the get-go so that person can tell you in their initial response that they are not interested in the edition being offered.
The Facebook Page for the Publisher has not had an entry since October of last year, and little in the way of comments.
The Twitter was set up in Feb. 2017, and has only 19 tweets, 18 last year and the most recent in Feb. of this year.
The Youtube has 3 videos, all over a year old.
Their website offers no list of previously published works and no individual pages promoting them or offering them for sale, not even links to their Amazon pages.
Not very enlightening, or encouraging to someone looking for a possible publisher of their work, if you ask me.
Sort of makes me wonder if he even read my 15-year-old review or any of the other 60 plus reviews under my name on Amazon.
I am a little-known writer, poet, storyteller, journalist, commentator, reviewer, walker, cyclist, and photographer, with little audience, but I am damn well proud of what I have done the past 16 years, especially the product, book and event reviews that can be found on all 4 of my blogs, 2 active, and 2 retired.
The opportunities that were offered me to review books and products, led to reviews that have always been well received by those making the offer and by those who discovered and read the reviews.
The opportunities offered to attend events led to blog posts that were well received.
I have also been paid, once, for a multi-part series on a new cat food by Science Diet.
One of the proudest accomplishments in my career was the opportunity to be an unpaid concert reviewer for a Symphony in Orange County Ca....2 years of some of my best writing, and another was being invited to attend the preview of a new cycling documentary and write about it on my old bike blog.
I have shared reviews of books I have purchased, on my blogs and on Amazon, though it has been maybe 3 years since the last Amazon Review before this past weekend.
The responses to my reviews on Amazon have been kind, as have reviews of businesses that I have shared over the years on my blogs and on Yelp.
I wish Mr. Diehl and the author of this book success in finding an audience.
As someone who prefers to hold an honest-to-God book, printed on paper and everything, as he reads it, I appear to be a bit behind the times, but I am sure I am not the only one, especially when it comes to digging up long out of print tomes, judging from the number of people I see frequenting used bookstores.
I had nothing to gain, from accepting this offer, except the possible pleasure of a good read and sharing my thoughts with others who might let me know what they think.
The publisher certainly had nothing to gain considering I have little audience, but HE asked and made a specific offer, no ifs, ands, or buts.
As I wrote him: "some attention is better than no attention at all."
While I have no opinion on the book in question I encourage the curious to check out its page on Amazon, read what you find there, in the description and reviews and decide for yourself if you want to buy it and in what format.


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Top 20 Films Challenge #9: Thirst (2009)
Finally an Asian title in my list. I do lament its lack of variety somehow but I wanted to be honest and put my favourite 20 films, not a list carefully designed to show off a vast filmic knowledge.
In Thirst, a failed scientific experiment to find the cure for a virus goes terribly wrong and sees the only surviving guinea pig, an idealist priest, afflicted with a terrible thirst for human blood. And it all goes from bad to worst when he embarks on a murderous affair with the bored wife of an old friend.
As much as I lament the lack of Asian titles in my top 20, you have to give it to South Korean cinema for having been consistently brilliant over the last decade, and indeed, several titles found themselves just below my top 20. I remember a Q&A with a young filmmaker at the ICA for the London Film Festival 2 years ago, where he explained that the South Korean government had launched an aggressive policy to develop their cinema and nurture its young talents through films schools, and it shows.
Among so many of their talents over there, Park Chan-Wook is by far my favourite. With several films behind him already, including Sympathy For Mr Vengance, he exploded on the international scene back in 2004 with the wonderful Oldboy, which was unleashed to the wide world at the Cannes Film Festival, and where it came second behind Bowling For Columbine who won the Palme d'Or. The latter had 5 votes, the former only 4. Five members of the jury will have to live the rest of their lives knowing that they made the wrong decision.
Interestingly, as much as I admire Oldboy, and would probably concede that it is a better film, it is Thirst that has resonated with me and left more of an impact ever since I saw it. And despite being slightly flawed, it was such a shock that it has confidently taken its place in the top 10 of my favourite films.
While I have been to its close neighbour Japan several times, I have never visited South Korea, and I had the misguided preconception that their cultures were similar. But solely basing myself on their cinema, I can now see they could not be any more different, and in fact, if there is a country that seems much closer to it, it is Italy. Both seems fertile ground for over the top drama, passion, family intrigues and bloody revenge!
And all the things I love about South Korean cinema are present in Thirst and in abundance: the passion, the fury, the extremely well written script, the visual prowess and inventiveness... (and the bloody revenge.)
I remember being very intrigued when I first heard of this, as it was described as an adaptation of French litterature classic Thérèse Raquin with added vampirism. While it is not a strictly faithful adaptation, it does borrow several plot elements, as well as its underlying themes.
And while I did find the first half to be dragging a little, putting all the plot elements into place, the second hour is among the most impressive I have ever seen in film. Make no mistakes, it is a horror film, with several very violent and almost unpleasant scenes that are certainly not played for laughs. But it is also a film with much philosophical undertones, and once the story gets going, a compelling and demented romance that grips you and constantly dazzles with its unexpected turns. Park Chan Wook is not so much interested in reinventing the vampire mythology, rather, he uses its narrative conventions to brace such themes as morals, depravity, conscience, and he does it with his unique visual flair.
Most impressive is the acting by the two leads, Kang-Ho Song as the priest torn between his morals and the appeal of lust and blood, and especially Ok-Bin Kim as his temptress lover, with them two making one of the best pair of doomed lovers in cinema. Finally, the ending has got to be one of the most affecting I have seen recently, a cruel and fitting conclusion to what has preceded. It is an exciting, tensed, compelling, and always surprising film that feels like a punch in the guts, I could not recommend it enough.
In on joint interblogs films challenge, Martyn Conterio picked I Was A Male War Bride as his number 10, you can ready his post here.
Tomorrow, get ready for some cold paranoia.
Thirst. South Korea 2009. Directed by Park-Chan Wook. Starring Kang-Ho Song
Parker Posey Film Festival 2012
Who Likes A Surprise? The Imposter!
Dark Horse - Todd Solondz Lite...
The Witch Who Came From The Sea
FilmLand Empire: Refocused
Top 20 Films Challenge: The Reserve List And Comments
Top 20 Films Challenge #1: INLAND EMPIRE (2006)
Top 20 Films Challenge #2: The Thin Red Line (1998)
Top 20 Films Challenge #4: Ghost World (2001)
Top 20 Films Challenge #5: Crimes Of Passion (1984)
Top 20 Films Challenge #6: Cruising (1980)
Top 20 Films Challenge #7: Videodrome (1983)
Top 20 Films Challenge #8: The Thing (1982)
Top 20 Films Challenge #10: Sister Act (1992)
Top 20 Films Challenge #11: Full Moon In Paris (1984)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The U.S. has levied heavy sanctions against Iran, seriously damaging its economy. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani recently said, "Today the country is facing the biggest pressure and economic sanctions in the past 40 years."
Those same sanctions appear intended to threaten Tehran with regime change, put additional pressure on Iran's 80 million people, drive wedges between us and our European allies and force Iran from the bargaining table. Longer term, they increase U.S. international isolation and reduce the power of the U.S. dollar and Treasury as instruments of world leadership.
Sanctions are applied to impel an adversary to seek an agreement on a problem that threatens U.S. interests. U.S.-led sanctions against Iran eight years ago combined with oil price declines and mismanagement of Iran's economy put its nuclear bomb program under stringent limits and unparalleled monitoring. The result showed an effective use of the sanctions tool.


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The British Journal of Psychiatry (5)
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine (1)
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology (1)
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (5)
College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (1)
Malaysian Society of Otorhinolaryngologists Head and Neck Surgeons (1)
A comprehensive review of otorhinolaryngological global health concerns
Declan C Murphy
Journal: The Journal of Laryngology & Otology / Volume 133 / Issue 11 / November 2019
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 October 2019, pp. 930-935
Print publication: November 2019
ENT disease prevalence, risk factors and treatment vary between developed and developing countries. Health provision, particularly disease prevention strategies and surgery, in developing countries is poor, manifesting as a high frequency of common and preventable diseases. Healthcare systems in developing countries are unsustainable, and the technological advances that provide ENT surgery with novel diagnostic and treatment opportunities are inaccessible.
A multifaceted approach is essential to improve the care of patients with ENT diseases in developing countries. Public health efforts must focus on educating the local community, reducing high-risk behaviours and decreasing the frequency of preventable diseases. Governments must be pressured to prioritise the funding of long-term, sustainable efforts with effective disease prevention strategies. Providing local healthcare professionals with high-quality ENT training so that self-sustaining and low-cost care can be delivered, mainly in a primary care setting, is key.
Immune signatures and disorder-specific patterns in a cross-disorder gene expression analysis
Simone de Jong, Stephen J. Newhouse, Hamel Patel, Sanghyuck Lee, David Dempster, Charles Curtis, Jose Paya-Cano, Declan Murphy, C. Ellie Wilson, Jamie Horder, M. Andreina Mendez, Philip Asherson, Margarita Rivera, Helen Costello, Stefanos Maltezos, Susannah Whitwell, Mark Pitts, Charlotte Tye, Karen L. Ashwood, Patrick Bolton, Sarah Curran, Peter McGuffin, Richard Dobson, Gerome Breen
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 209 / Issue 3 / September 2016
Recent studies point to overlap between neuropsychiatric disorders in symptomatology and genetic aetiology.
To systematically investigate genomics overlap between childhood and adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Analysis of whole-genome blood gene expression and genetic risk scores of 318 individuals. Participants included individuals affected with adult ADHD (n = 93), childhood ADHD (n = 17), MDD (n = 63), ASD (n = 51), childhood dual diagnosis of ADHD–ASD (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 78).
Weighted gene co-expression analysis results reveal disorder-specific signatures for childhood ADHD and MDD, and also highlight two immune-related gene co-expression modules correlating inversely with MDD and adult ADHD disease status. We find no significant relationship between polygenic risk scores and gene expression signatures.
Our results reveal disorder overlap and specificity at the genetic and gene expression level. They suggest new pathways contributing to distinct pathophysiology in psychiatric disorders and shed light on potential shared genomic risk factors.
Catatonia – case report and review
Finian M O'Brien, Joan Moroney, Declan Lyons, Kieran C Murphy
Journal: Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine / Volume 27 / Issue 4 / December 2010
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 June 2014, pp. 205-209
Catatonia is a neuro-psychiatric disorder that can occur in medical, psychiatric and drug-induced conditions but is often unrecognised. A 64 year-old woman was admitted to hospital for assessment of a significant deterioration in her ability to communicate and function normally so that she had become completely dependent on others for all activities of daily living for nearly three years. Outpatient medical and psychiatric assessments failed to clarify diagnosis. On admission to a general hospital, the neurology team initially believed she had a Parkinson's-like syndrome but after further investigation and comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment, including neuro-psychiatric review, she was diagnosed with catatonia. She was subsequently admitted to a psychiatric hospital where she received electro-convulsive therapy and changes to her psychotropic medication regimen. She responded well to treatment and within a short period of time was able to function independently again.
Psychosis and autism: magnetic resonance imaging study of brain anatomy
Fiona Toal, Oswald J. N. Bloemen, Quinton Deeley, Nigel Tunstall, Eileen M. Daly, Lisa Page, Michael J. Brammer, Kieran C. Murphy, Declan G. M. Murphy
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 194 / Issue 5 / May 2009
Print publication: May 2009
Autism-spectrum disorder is increasingly recognised, with recent studies estimating that 1% of children in South London are affected. However, the biology of comorbid mental health problems in people with autism-spectrum disorder is poorly understood.
To investigate the brain anatomy of people with autism-spectrum disorder with and without psychosis.
We used in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and compared 30 adults with autism-spectrum disorder (14 with a history of psychosis) and 16 healthy controls.
Compared with controls both autism-spectrum disorder groups had significantly less grey matter bilaterally in the temporal lobes and the cerebellum. In contrast, they had increased grey matter in striatal regions. However, those with psychosis also had a significant reduction in grey matter content of frontal and occipital regions. Contrary to our expectation, within autism-spectrum disorder, comparisons revealed that psychosis was associated with a reduction in grey matter of the right insular cortex and bilaterally in the cerebellum extending into the fusiform gyrus and the lingual gyrus.
The presence of neurodevelopmental abnormalities normally associated with autism-spectrum disorder might represent an alternative 'entry-point' into a final common pathway of psychosis.
Processing facial emotions in adults with velo-cardio-facial syndrome: functional magnetic resonance imaging
Therese Van Amelsvoort, Nicole Schmitz, Eileen Daly, Quinton Deeley, Hugo Critchley, Jayne Henry, Dene Robertson, Michael Owen, Kieran C. Murphy, Declan G. Murphy
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 189 / Issue 6 / December 2006
We studied the functional neuroanatomy of social behaviour in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) using a facial emotional processing task and functional magnetic resonance imaging in adults with this syndrome and controls matched for age and IQ. The VCFS group had less activation in the right insula and frontal brain regions and more activation in occipital regions. Genetically determined abnormalities in pathways including those involved in emotional processing may underlie deficits in social cognition in people with VCFS.
Autistic-spectrum disorders: lessons from neuroimaging
Fiona Toal, Declan G. M. Murphy, Kieran C. Murphy
Journal: The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 187 / Issue 5 / November 2005
Autistic-spectrum disorder is approximately half as common as schizophrenia but its cause remains unknown. Recent studies have begun to clarify the underlying neuroanatomical abnormalities and brain-behaviour relationships in autism. In the past decade, great advances have been made in our understanding of the neurobiological basis of autism.
Structural brain abnormalities associated with deletion at chromosome 22q11: Quantitative neuroimaging study of adults with velo-cardio-facial syndrome
Therese Van Amelsvoort, Eileen Daly, Dene Robertson, John Suckling, Virginia Ng, Hugo Critchley, Michael J. Owen, Jayne Henry, Kieran C. Murphy, Declan G. M. Murphy
Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is associated with deletions in the q11 band of chromosome 22, learning disability and psychosis, but the neurobiological basis is poorly understood.
To investigate brain anatomy in adults with VCFS.
Magnetic resonance imaging was used to study 10 patients with VCFS and 13 matched controls. We carried out three analyses: qualitative; traced regional brain volume; and measurement of grey and white matter volume.
The subjects with VCFS had: a high prevalence of white matter hyperintensities and abnormalities of the septum pellucidum; a significantly smaller volume of cerebellum; and widespread differences in white matter bilaterally and regional specific differences in grey matter in the left cerebellum, insula, and frontal and right temporal lobes.
Deletion at chromosome 22q11 is associated with brain abnormalities that are most likely neurodevelopmental and may partially explain the high prevalence of learning disability and psychiatric disorder in VCFS.


2007 was definitely a Eurovision-themed year.. here's why!
I wrote this for the rather strange b3tavision competition. The whole point was that readers should represent a county of the UK and submit a piece of music to this board. Nobody seems to have won, but I'm not overly fussed.
Shopping High was written for the BBC Audio & Music Festival Live radio station in March 2007, as a culmination of the feature 'Anatomy of a Eurovision Song'. There's more about this in my blog.
With any luck (and flooding aside) I'm hoping to make at least one more piece of music in 2007... a slightly louder, rockier song. My guitarist talents are almost as woeful as my web design skills, so don't hold your breath!


Powder foundation conceals easily for a natural look.
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Use as a finishing powder or mix with beyond complexion Vitamin C+ Sheer Defense SPF 30 to make a tinted sunscreen. At night, mix with Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 for more moisture, if desired.
Use in place of foundation or on top of foundation and/or sunscreen, such as beyond complexion Matte Foundation Sunscreen.
We stand behind our products and want you to love them as much as we do. If for any reason you aren't satisfied with your products, we will happily accept your return and issue a refund within 30 calendar days of the purchase date. Please note we do not cover return shipping costs. Please email yourorder@beyondcomolexion.com with the order number to initiate your return. A return made to our warehouse or one made without initiating a return by emailing yourorder@beyondcomplexion.com will not be accepted and a refund will not be issued.
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Powerful anti-aging treatment for the body that stimulates cellular regeneration. This unique formula is designed to smooth and hydrate rough, dry skin, and improve the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris.


Lovely Soup - beautiful, beautiful Soup!!
This is originally a French carrot soup recipe, but with red lentils added as an excellent protein source.
Red lentils have had their hulls removed, cook faster and are excellent to add to soups.
Use this carrot soup recipe as inspiration and you'll soon find ways to alter you favorite vegetable soup recipes by adding lentils for a more balanced meal.
Vegetables offer carbohydrates but you also need protein that keeps your hunger at bay for longer.
Olive oil is the best choice of fat for this yummy soup.
1.	Peel and chop the vegetables. You will be blend the soup later so there is no need to chop finely.
2.	Heat the oil in a big pot and add the onion and cook until it softens.
3.	Add the rest of the vegetables and the spices and cook for a few minutes while stirring.
5.	Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
6.	Add the lentils and leave to cook for another 10 minutes or until the lentils are soft. Add some water if necessary.
7.	Let the soup cool a bit and remove the bigger sage leafs before mixing the soup in the blender.
8.	Pour the soup back in the pot. Warm it up again and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with a salad if you want to keep it low-carb, otherwise try the Mediterranean way and dip whole wheat bread in the soup.


Dedicated to food safety in all its forms.
At Jennie-O Turkey Store, protecting your business is our business. And that is why we do so much to safeguard turkey. We start with the key industry initiatives (such as HACCP and NTIS certification) in all our facilities. Then we go far beyond these measures to ensure you the utmost in food safety.
Our advanced, proprietary, self-imposed food safety programs are among the most stringent in the industry. Our entire reputation rides on our products' quality, safety and performance on your menu. So we don't take shortcuts with our reputation -- or yours.
Proper and safe food handling practices are essential because the health of customers is involved, as well as the efficiency and profitability of the foodservice operation.
At Jennie-O Turkey Store, we take food safety as seriously as we take great taste. That's why we're arming you with the knowledge to properly prepare and cook raw meat to ensure food safety and a delicious meal for your family.
Follow these 4 rules to ensure food safety.
Keep hands, face, hair and personal clothing clean. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Employees with nasal discharges or skin infections should not handle food.
Clean cutting surfaces, knives, pans, cutting equipment and thermometers frequently and sanitize after each use.
Use commercial chemical sanitizers or hot water (180°F.) as a final spray rinse in a mechanical dish machine or immerse equipment in 171°F. rinse water for 30 seconds.


text:
<?php
namespace mapdev\FacebookMessenger\Messages;

use mapdev\FacebookMessenger\Enums\AttachmentType;
use mapdev\FacebookMessenger\Exceptions\CouldNotCreateMessage;
use mapdev\FacebookMessenger\Interfaces\MessageInterface;
use mapdev\FacebookMessenger\Traits\MessageTrait;
use JsonSerializable;

class AttachmentMessage implements MessageInterface, JsonSerializable
{
    use MessageTrait;

    public $attachment_type;

    public function type($type)
    {
        $this->attachment_type = $type;
        return $this;
    }

    public $attachment_url;

    public function url($url)
    {
        $this->attachment_url = $url;
        return $this;
    }

    public $is_reuseable = false;

    public function is_reuseable()
    {
        $this->is_reuseable = true;
        return $this;
    }

    public $attachment_id = null;

    public function attachment_id($id)
    {
        $this->attachment_id = $id;
        return $this;
    }

    public function file($url)
    {
        $this->type(AttachmentType::FILE);
        $this->attachment_url = $url;
        return $this;
    }

    public function image($url)
    {
        $this->type(AttachmentType::IMAGE);
        $this->attachment_url = $url;
        return $this;
    }

    public function video($url)
    {
        $this->type(AttachmentType::VIDEO);
        $this->attachment_url = $url;
        return $this;
    }

    public function audio($url)
    {
        $this->type(AttachmentType::AUDIO);
        $this->attachment_url = $url;
        return $this;
    }

    public function __construct($type = AttachmentType::FILE)
    {
        $this->type($type);
    }

    public static function create($type = AttachmentType::FILE)
    {
        return new static($type);
    }

    public function toArray()
    {
        $this->checkRecipient();

        if (is_null($this->attachment_type)) {
            throw CouldNotCreateMessage::noAttachmentType();
        }
        if (is_null($this->attachment_url) && is_null($this->attachment_id)) {
            throw CouldNotCreateMessage::noAttachmentUrl();
        }

        $payload = [
            'url' => $this->attachment_url
        ];

        if ($this->is_reuseable) {
            $payload['is_reuseable'] = true;
        }

        if(!is_null($this->attachment_id)){
            $payload = [
                'attachment_id' => $this->attachment_id
            ];
        }

        return [
            'recipient' => [
                'id' => $this->recipient_id
            ],
            'message' => [
                'attachment' => [
                    'type' => $this->attachment_type,
                    'payload' => $payload
                ]
            ]
        ];
    }

    public function jsonSerialize()
    {
        return $this->toArray();
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


For our Six Cs of Education Unit we have these bus commercials (1:22) as one of our ways to represent collaboration.
Collaboration or teamwork as it is often referred to can sometimes be a major challenge for educators. As students are more and more engrossed in their own devices they can find working together in person a struggle and sometimes just not necessary.
In this 1:22 second clip from three different commercials made by the same bus company we see team work in full effect. The first commercial shows how a group of penguins work together to protect themselves from a shark. The second commercial shows how a group of ants work together to survive the attack of an ant eater. The third commercial shows how a series of crabs work together to survive the attack of a seagull.
Recommendation: Have the class enjoy the entire video once uninterrupted. The second time through stop the video after each commercial and discuss what they see.
Which video do you think they had to work together the most?
Which video do you like the most and why?
Do you think most people prefer group work? Why or why not?
Creativity: Despicable MeCitizenship debate: Was Rihanna socially responsible by not performing at the half time show?


text:
(function($){
	var settings = {
		url: null, // Required: e.g. "/chat/{cmd}/1"
		analytics: function(){}, // Optional (ga-object)
		isAdmin: false,
		isQueue: false,
		feedSelector: '.feed',
		imagesSelector: '.images',
		searchSelector: '.search',
		pinnedSelector: '.pinnedFeed',
		searchRefreshTimeout: 300, // 300 milliseconds
		refreshRate: 20,
		messageCount: 20,
		maxMessages: 0, // 0 = unlimited
		maxLength: 140,
		showUserImages: true,
		showTimestamps: true,
		allowReply: true,
		threaded: true,
		highlightNewAfter: new Date()-2*60*1000, // 2 minutes ago
		highlightNewDuration: 2*60*1000, // 2 minutes
		highlightBackgroundColor: '#fafa77',
		strings: {
			noComments: 'No messages yet',
			noMoreComments: 'No more messages available',
			sendError: 'Error sending message.',
			reply: 'reply',
			cancelReply: 'cancel',
			nicknameInput: 'Insert your nickname',
			msgPlaceholder: 'Write new message',
			msgMaxLengthReached: 'Maximum message length reached',
			admin: {
				pinMessage: 'Pin this message',
				unpinMessage: 'Unpin message',
				removeMessage: 'Remove message',
				restoreMessage: 'Restore message',
				approveMessage: 'Approve message',
				confirmRemoveMessage: 'Delete this message permanently?'
			}
		}
	};

	var linkPattern = /(http(?:s)?:\/\/(?:.+?))(\. |, | |\)|\(|\")/ig;
	var linkAtEndPattern = /(http(?:s)?:\/\/(?:\S+?))(\.?)$/ig;
	var hashtagPattern = /#([\wäö]+)/ig;
	var twitterUserPattern = /@([A-Za-z0-9_]{1,15})/g;

	var methods = {
		settings: function(options){
			$.extend(true,settings,options);
		},
		init: function(options){
			return this.each(function(){
				var chat = $(this);

				if( options ) {
					$.extend(true,settings,options);
				}

				chat.data('chat',{});
				$('.readmore',chat).attr('rel',settings.messageCount);
				$('.nickname-modal',chat).modal({
					show: false
				}).on('click','.nickname-save',function(){
					var username = $.trim($('.nickname-modal input',chat).val());
					if( username.length === 0 ) {
						// Do not close if the nickname is empty
					} else {
						$('.my_username',chat).text(username);
						chat.chat('registerUser');
						$('.nickname-modal',chat).modal('hide');
					}
				});

				chat.on('keypress','input.messageText',function(event){
					// Enter-key sends the message
					if( event.keyCode === '13' ) {
						event.preventDefault();
						chat.chat('sendMessage');
					}
				}).on('keyup','input.messageText',function(event){
					// Check maximum length
					var mentionLength = 0;
					var parentMessage = $(this).closest('.message');
					if( parentMessage.length > 0 ) {
						// Sender account mention is required when replying using twitter
						mentionLength = parentMessage.find('>p .sender-account').text().length + 2;
					}
					var messageLength = $(this).val().length;
					var usernameLength = $('.my_username',chat).text().length;
					if( messageLength + usernameLength + mentionLength > settings.maxLength  ) {
						event.preventDefault();
						$(this).val($(this).val().substr(0,settings.maxLength-usernameLength-mentionLength));
						chat.chat('showInfo',settings.strings.msgMaxLengthReached,'warning');
					}
				}).on('click','button.send',function(){
					chat.chat('sendMessage');
					return false;
				}).on('click','.message a.reply',function(){
					// Clicking 'reply' moves message input under the message that user replies to
					if( $(this).text() === settings.strings.reply ) {
						$('.message a.reply',chat).text(settings.strings.reply).removeClass('cancel-reply');
						if( $('.msg-placeholder',chat).length > 0 ) {
							$('.msg',chat).remove().appendTo($(this).closest('.message'));
						} else {
							$('.msg',chat)
								.replaceWith($('
'+settings.strings.msgPlaceholder+'
'))
								.appendTo($(this).closest('.message'));
						}
						$('.msg .messageText',chat).focus();
						$(this).text(settings.strings.cancelReply).addClass('cancel-reply');
					} else {
						$('.msg-placeholder').replaceWith($('.msg'));
						$(this).text(settings.strings.reply).removeClass('cancel-reply');
						$('.msg .messageText').focus();
					}
					return false;
				}).on('click','.msg-placeholder',function(){
					// Clicking placeholder (original message input) cancels reply
					$('a.cancel-reply',chat).click();
					$('.msg input',chat).focus();
					return false;
				}).on('click','.readmore',function(){
					// "Read more" -link loads older messages
					var offset = parseInt($(this).attr('rel'));
					if( settings.maxMessages > 0 ) {
						settings.maxMessages += offset;
					}
					chat.chat('updateFeed',offset);
					offset += settings.messageCount;
					$(this).attr('rel',offset);
					return false;
				});

				if( settings.isAdmin ) {
					// Admin can remove, restore and highlight messages
					chat.on('click','.admin-delete-message',function(){
						var message = $(this).closest('.message');
						var messageid = message.data('id');
						var teksti = message.find('>p .message-content').text();
						var viesti = '"'+teksti+'"\n\n'+settings.strings.admin.confirmRemoveMessage;
						if( !confirm(viesti) ) {
							return false;
						}
						message.prepend('

');
						$.post(settings.url.replace('{cmd}','deleteMessage'),{
							messageid: messageid,
							time: new Date()
						},function(data){
							if( data.error ) {
								$('.loader',message).remove();
								alert(data.error);
							} else {
								message.remove();
								settings.analytics('send','event','Chat','AdminMessageRemoved');
							}
						});
						return false;
					}).on('click','.admin-restore-message',function(){
						var message = $(this).closest('.message');
						var messageid = message.data('id');
						message.prepend('

');
						$.post(settings.url.replace('{cmd}','restoreMessage'),{
							messageid: messageid,
							time: new Date()
						},function(data){
							if( data.error ) {
								$('.loader',message).remove();
								alert(data.error);
							} else {
								message.remove();
								settings.analytics('send','event','Chat','AdminMessageRestored');
							}
						});
						return false;
					}).on('click','.admin-pin-message',function(){
						var message = $(this).closest('.message');
						var messageid = message.data('id');
						message.prepend('

');
						$.post(settings.url.replace('{cmd}','pinMessage'),{
							messageid: messageid,
							time: new Date()
						},function(data){
							$('.loader',message).remove();
							if( data.error ) {
								alert(data.error);
							} else if(data.message) {
								var parentFeed = $(settings.pinnedSelector,chat);
								if( parentFeed.length === 0 ) {
									parentFeed = $(settings.feedSelector,chat);
								}
								message.data('pinned',data.message.pinned);
								message.detach();
								chat.chat('insertMessageElement',message,parentFeed);
								message.addClass('pinned');
								settings.analytics('send','event','Chat','AdminMessagePinned');
							}
						});
						return false;
					}).on('click','.admin-unpin-message',function(){
						var message = $(this).closest('.message');
						var messageid = message.data('id');
						message.prepend('

');
						$.post(settings.url.replace('{cmd}','unpinMessage'),{
							messageid: messageid,
							time: new Date()
						},function(data){
							$('.loader',message).remove();
							if( data.error ) {
								alert(data.error);
							} else if(data.message) {
								message.removeClass('pinned');
								message.data('pinned',data.message.pinned);
								message.detach();
								chat.chat('insertMessageElement',message,$(settings.feedSelector,chat));
								settings.analytics('send','event','Chat','AdminMessageUnpinned');
							}
						});
						return false;
					}).on('mouseenter','.admin-icon',function(){
						$(this).closest('.message').addClass('admin-hover');
					}).on('mouseleave','.admin-icon',function(){
						$(this).closest('.message').removeClass('admin-hover');
					});
					// Admin can approve messages
					if( settings.isQueue ) {
						chat.on('click','.admin-approve-message',function(){
							var message = $(this).closest('.message');
							var messageid = message.data('id');
							message.prepend('

');
							$.post(settings.url.replace('{cmd}','approveMessage'),{
								messageid: messageid,
								time: new Date()
							},function(data){
								if( data.error ) {
									$('.loader',message).remove();
									alert(data.error);
								} else {
									message.remove();
									settings.analytics('send','event','Chat','AdminMessageApproved');
								}
							});
							return false;
						});
					}

					// Admin sends admin-messages
					$('.msg').addClass('adminmessage');
				}

				// If username is not set, prompt for username
				if( $('.my_username',chat).length > 0 && $('.my_username',chat).text() === '' ) {
					chat.chat('changeUsername');
				}
				chat.on('click','.change-username',function(){
					chat.chat('changeUsername');
					return false;
				});

				// Updaters for chat
				chat.chat('updateFeed');
				chat.data('chat').lastUpdate = null;
				chat.data('chat').feedUpdater = setInterval(
					function(){chat.chat('updateFeed');},
					settings.refreshRate*1000
				);

				// Messages are shown/hidden when search term is changed
				chat.on('keyup',settings.searchSelector,function(){
					var searchInput = $(this);
					clearTimeout(chat.data('chat').searchUpdater);
					chat.data('chat').searchUpdater = setTimeout(
						function(){
							if( searchInput.val().length > 0 ) {
								chat.chat('filterFeed',new RegExp(searchInput.val(),'i'),searchInput.data('content'));
							} else {
								chat.chat('filterFeed',false);
							}
						},
						settings.searchRefreshTimeout
					);
				});

			});
		},
		insertMessage: function(message){
			var chat = this;

			if( message === null ) {
				return this;
			}
			if( $('#message_'+message.messageid,chat).length > 0 ) {
				// The message already exists
				return this;
			}

			var feed = $(settings.feedSelector,chat);

			var newMessage = $('

');
			newMessage.data('id',message.messageid);
			var text = message.text;

			// Create links
			text = text.replace(linkPattern,'$1$2');
			text = text.replace(linkAtEndPattern,'$1$2');
			// Link hashtags to twitter
			text = text.replace(hashtagPattern,'#$1');
			// Link twitter usernames
			text = text.replace(twitterUserPattern,'@$1');

			if( message.twitter_username ) {
				text = '@'+message.username+': '+text+'';
			} else if( message.username ) {
				text = ''+message.username+': '+text+'';
			} else {
				text = ''+text+'';
			}
			if( settings.showUserImages && message.userimage ) {
				newMessage.addClass('withimage');
				text = ''+text;
			}

			newMessage.data('replyto',message.replyto);
			if( settings.allowReply && settings.threaded ) {
				// Append reply-butto
				text += ' '+settings.strings.reply+'';
			}

			newMessage.data('timestamp',message.timestamp);
			if( settings.showTimestamps ) {
				// Append send time to text
				var time = $.timeago(new Date(message.timestamp*1000));
				text += ' - '+time+'';
			}

			text = text.replace(/\s*(.*)\s*/,'$1');
			var newMessageContent = $('

').appendTo(newMessage);
			newMessageContent.html(text);
			if( settings.isAdmin ) {
				if( !message.deleted ) {
					newMessageContent.prepend('');
					newMessageContent.prepend('');
					newMessageContent.prepend('');
				} else {
					newMessageContent.prepend('');
				}

				if( settings.isQueue && !message.approved ) {
					newMessageContent.prepend('');
				}
			}

			// If there are images in the message, add them to the end of the message
			if( message.images ) {
				if( message.images.length > 0 ) {
					newMessageContent.append('

');
					$.each(message.images,function(key,image){
						if( $('#messagemedia_'+image.id).length === 0 ) {
							var src = image.media_url;
							if( $.inArray('thumb',image.sizes) > -1 ) {
								src += ':thumb';
							}
							var img = '';
							$(''+img+'').appendTo(newMessageContent);
						}
					});
					newMessageContent.append('

');
				}
			}

			// Mark pinned messages
			var parentFeed = feed;
			newMessage.data('pinned',message.pinned);
			if( message.pinned ) {
				newMessage.addClass('pinned');
				var pinnedFeed = $(settings.pinnedSelector,chat);
				if( pinnedFeed.length > 0 ) {
					parentFeed = pinnedFeed;
				}
			}

			chat.chat('insertMessageElement',newMessage,parentFeed);
			feed.trigger('jquerychat.messageInserted', [ message.messageid ]);

			// Mark admin-messages
			if( message.adminmessage ) {
				newMessage.addClass('adminmessage');
			}

			newMessage.hide().fadeIn('slow');
			var highlightDate = null;
			if( message.approved ) {
				highlightDate = new Date(message.approved*1000);
			} else {
				highlightDate = new Date(message.timestamp*1000);
			}

			if( settings.highlightNewAfter && highlightDate > settings.highlightNewAfter ) {
				var originalBg = newMessage.css('backgroundColor');
				newMessage.css('backgroundColor',settings.highlightBackgroundColor).animate({backgroundColor:originalBg},settings.highlightNewDuration,'easeOutQuint');
			}

			// Ensure feed length is within limits
			if( settings.maxMessages > 0 ) {
				if( $('.feed .message.parent',chat).length > settings.maxMessages ) {
					$('.feed .message.parent:last',chat).fadeOut('slow',function(){
						$(this).remove();
					});
				}
			}

			return this;
		},
		updateFeed: function(offset){
			var chat = this;
			return this.each(function(){
				var feed = $(settings.feedSelector,this);

				if( feed.children().length === 0 || offset > 0 ) {
					feed.append('

');
				}

				var sinceId = false;
				if( !offset ) {
					var newestComment = $('.feed .message.parent:first',chat);
					if( newestComment.length > 0 ) {
						sinceId = newestComment.data('id');
					}
				}

				$.getJSON(settings.url.replace('{cmd}','getFeed'),{
					count: settings.messageCount,
					offset: offset,
					since: sinceId,
					lastUpdate: chat.data('chat').lastUpdate,
					cache: $.now()
				},function(data){
					$('.loader',feed).remove();
					chat.data('chat').lastUpdate = data.lastUpdate;
					if( data === null || data.inserted.length === 0 ) {
						if( feed.children().length === 0 ) {
							feed.prepend('
'+settings.strings.noComments+'
');
							$('.readmore',chat).remove();
						} else if( offset > 0 ) {
							// There's no more messages to read
							$('.readmore',chat).replaceWith(settings.strings.noMoreComments);
						}
					} else {
						$('.no-comments',feed).remove();
					}
					$.each(data.inserted,function(key,message){
						chat.chat('insertMessage',message);
					});
					$.each(data.deleted,function(key,messageid){
						$('#message_'+messageid,chat).remove();
						feed.trigger('jquerychat.messageDeleted', [ messageid ]);
					});
					chat.chat('pinMessages',data.pinned);
					$('abbr.timeago').timeago();
				});
			});
		},
		filterFeed: function(pattern,contentSelector){
			return this.each(function(){
				var chat = $(this);
				$('.message',chat).each(function(){
					$(this).removeClass('filteredOut filteredIn');
					if( pattern ) {
						if( $(contentSelector,this).text().match(pattern) ) {
							$(this).addClass('filteredIn');
						} else {
							$(this).addClass('filteredOut');
						}
					}
				});
			});
		},
		sendMessage: function(){
			return this.each(function(){
				var chat = $(this);

				var message = $('.msg input.messageText',this).val().trim();
				if( message.length === 0 ) {
					return chat; // Do not send empty messages
				}

				var username = $('.my_username',this).text();
				var parent = $('.msg',this).closest('.message');
				var replyTo = '';
				if( parent.length > 0 ) {
					replyTo = parent.data('id');
				}

				$('.msg input',chat).attr('disabled','true');
				// Show loading animation
				$('.msg',chat).append('

');
				// Send message
				$.post(settings.url.replace('{cmd}','sendMessage'),{
					message: message,
					reply_to: replyTo,
					username: username,
					time: new Date()
				},function(data,status){
					// Stop loading animation
					$('.msg .loader',chat).remove();
					if( data.error ) {
						chat.chat('showInfo',settings.strings.sendError,'error');
					} else {
						$('.msg input.messageText',chat).val('');
						$('.no-comments',$(settings.feedSelector,chat)).remove();
						if( data.message ) {
							chat.chat('insertMessage',data.message);
						}
						// Track analytics
						settings.analytics('send','event','Chat','MessageSent');
					}
					if( data.info ) {
						chat.chat('showInfo',data.info,'info');
					}
					$('.msg input',chat).removeAttr('disabled').focus();
					$('.message a.reply',chat).text(settings.strings.reply).removeClass('cancel-reply');
					$('.msg-placeholder',chat).replaceWith($('.msg',chat));
				}).error(function(){
					$('.msg .loader',chat).remove();
					chat.chat('showInfo',settings.strings.sendError,'error');
					$('.msg input',chat).removeAttr('disabled').focus();
				});

				return chat;
			});
		},
		pinMessages: function(pins){
			return this.each(function(){
				var chat = $(this);
				var feed = $(settings.feedSelector,this);
				var pinnedParent = $(settings.pinnedSelector,chat);
				if( pinnedParent.length === 0 ) {
					pinnedParent = feed;
				}

				$('.message.pinned',chat).each(function(){
					var message = $(this);
					if( !pins[message.data('id')] ) {
						message.removeClass('pinned',400,function(){
							message.data('pinned',null);
							message.detach();
							chat.chat('insertMessageElement',message,feed);
						});
					}
				});
				for( var messageid in pins ){
					var message = $('#message_'+messageid,chat);
					message.addClass('pinned',400,function(){
						message.data('pinned',pins[messageid]);
						message.detach();
						chat.chat('insertMessageElement',message,pinnedParent);
					});
				};
			});
		},
		insertMessageElement: function(newMessage,feed){
			// Clear old parent/child classes
			newMessage.removeClass('child parent');
			// Search for place to append
			var parent = null;
			// If the message is reply to existing message, append to that (if using threaded chat)
			if( settings.threaded && newMessage.data('replyto') && !newMessage.data('pinned') ) {
				var parentMessage = $('#message_'+newMessage.data('replyto'));
				// Do not show replies on pinned messages
				if( parentMessage.length > 0 && !parentMessage.data('pinned') ) {
					// Replied message is in the feed
					parent = parentMessage;
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Convergint Technologies has built a strong expertise within the utilities vertical market. Utilities-specific solutions provided by Convergint include integrated security, fire, and life safety systems designed to protect assets and mitigate risk.
When it comes to integrated security solutions for the utilities vertical, there are few people with a better understanding of this market than Convergint's Matt LaRue. Here Matt shares some of his thoughts on emerging trends and provides real-world insights for security professionals in the utilities industry who are looking for answers on how to solve their most pressing challenges.
I have been working in the security industry for 17 years as an installer, a programmer, and account manager, and I currently specialize in connecting people within the utilities vertical. I have been working with utilities for the past seven years and enjoy the ever-changing technologies, policies, and guidelines.
What is your role at Convergint?
I currently manage a large, multi-tiered utilities client that operates in the Midwest, far South, and along the East Coast. I also am working with other utility partners and am pursuing projects and customer relationships throughout the United States.
What are some examples of utilities customers?
Utilities customers include public utilities, local co-op utilities, and large companies that offer a variety of energy solutions, from transmission to distribution, power generation, nuclear, and localized commercial office space environments. Most of the work performed is done within substations, which are very dangerous environments and require strict safety and compliance policies.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges faced by the utilities vertical as it relates to security?
One of the biggest challenges is compliance with with NERC / CIP 014. Detailing those plans to the government is an ongoing challenge for utilities. Selecting a specific manufacturer to handle the primary alarms, and being able to monitor and report data using the alarms from various manufacturers, may also pose a challenge to utilities companies who may have multiple disparate systems currently in place. Integrating those disparate systems to a common platform, organizing the alarm reporting tools, and delivering a system to the respective command and control center is challenging but achievable through proper planning.
How do regulations impact security in the utilities industry?
The NERC / CIP 014 regulation is a guideline regarding hardening infrastructure to outside threats. Some of our clients refer to these programs as anti-terrorism efforts, substation hardening, and facilities enhancement programs, to name a few.
What are some common problems and solutions you see in the utilities  vertical?
Common problems we have encountered within electrical substations are theft of copper, theft of assets, and general property destruction. Securing the perimeter is the first line of defense which typically requires upgrading and/or replacing fence line with new chain link fence, including razor wire, or higher-density, impact-resistant fence. Video cameras, motion detection, and anti-climbing / anti-digging deterrents and technologies are often used when enhancing the perimeter fence line and gate entrances.
Are there any other benefits that security technology can offer to a utilities company, other than protecting its people and property?
Security technologies and their respective databases not only protect people and assets, they are also used for administering and tracking credentials, locks and keys, vehicles, and personnel at various locations. Convergint encounters many instances where HR management systems compile the data from the security system and collect the information centrally. The data is then used for investigations, incident management, and general situational awareness.
What benefits can be gained from having a standardized system across multiple locations?
In addition to what was outlined above, by limiting the number of credentials and various systems required to gain access to different locations, downtime is mitigated and productivity increases. As an example, Convergint has encountered situations where waiting for an authorized host to grant access to a specific site can sometimes take hours because the site's access control system was not standardized.
What role, if any, does cyber security play in this industry?
Convergint is currently working with one of our utilities clients on evaluating rules and procedures around the receipt and distribution of third-party email attachments that may contain possible viruses or threats. As security is very closely tied to and managed by various components of the IT Department, using cyber security rules and procedures plays a critical part in the success of the security platform.
What makes Convergint Technologies the best choice for the utilities  vertical?
Convergint's experience in designing, implementing, and servicing both existing technologies and new CIP 014 Substation Hardening security systems. Convergint also has strong relationships with construction management, civil and environmental engineers, and various contracting companies that specifically work within the energy and power vertical markets. We can bring those partnerships and experiences to customize a solution for our customers.


Multiple Teams · Nov 8 Signing Day, 11/8!
Multiple Teams · Oct 30 8th Grade Gold Volleyball CYO Champs!
Congratulations to our 8th Grade Gold volleyball team on winning the CYO 8th Grade "Super" Tournament on Saturday, October 28th! See the bracket: http://toledodiocese.org/images/uploads/page_assets/CYO/volleyball/20178SuperTyfinal.pdf The team will next play in the CYO 8th Grade Diocesan Tournament on Saturday, November 4th. Details on the Diocesan Tourney: http://toledodiocese.org/images/uploads/page_assets/CYO/volleyball/2017%20CYO%20Dio%20Tournament.pdf Go Eagles!
Multiple Teams · Oct 3 NDA v. SUA Volleyball- SOLD OUT!


1. All train traffic between Trivandrum – Ernakulam and Trivandrum via Kottayam with immediate effect till 16 hrs of 17/8/18.
2. All train traffic between Ernakulam – Shoranur and Palghat with immediate effect till 16 hrs of 17/8/18.
3. All train traffic between Palghat – Shoranur and Shoranur – Kozhikkode with immediate effect till 16 hrs of 17/8/18.
It is reported that water levels are overflowing on track and passed the danger level of bridges at different places. Railway Officials are closely monitoring every sensitive section.
However, the train service between Trivandrum- Ernakulam via Alleppey and Trivandrum –Tirunelveli via Nagercoil will be operated under suitable speed restrictions as required.
3. Train No 12695 Chennai Central – Trivandrum Central Superfast Express will run up to Palaghat and return run as Train No 12696 from Palaghat on 18.08.2018 to the existing timings.
4. Train No 12602 Mangalore Central – Chennai Central Superfast mail partially cancelled between Kozhikkode – Chennai Central and same rake will be run as Passenger Special to Mangalore to the convenient time.
5. Train no 12685 journey started on 16.08.2018 Chennai-Mangalore will run up to Palakkad Jn. and will return on 17.08.2018 the existing timings from Palakkad JN.
Hi ! Can you please let me know if there are trains from Kozhikode to Gujarat on Saturday or tomorrow? Will they be running from Kozhikode that is? My parents were traveling to Kollam by 19332, which was termianted at Kozhikode today. If you could provide the info, it would be better if they could travel back. Please let me know.
Please let me know the 22640 Alleppey – CHENNAI express position on 18th SATURDAY 2018 from PALAKKAD . It will help to plan suitably.


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Rated 5 out of 5 by dominique from I'm impressed! This is the first time I use a setting spray so I can't compare to any other product. I wasn't sure if this would really help my makeup last longer, but it definitely does! It also makes my skin feel much smoother and fresh. I have combo skin, and in my case it prevents the oily spots around the nose. Very happy with this product.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Tamala from Magic! I have very minimal makeup everyday. Along with aging, the makeup can only last very few hours. By the end of the day, my face will look tired, lack of energy. With the easy spray, the light makeup will really last until late afternoon! And it is the water, spray, no burden on my face. I will continue using it and will recommend it to anyone!
Rated 5 out of 5 by Busyretiree from Excellent I love this prduct. Your makup looks fresh all day long. So refreshing when you spray it on. It is part of my makeup routine.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Mariella99 from Glad this is as good as the original I was freaking out when I saw that the "old" Fix Make-Up had been discontinued. When I saw this new version in the pink bottle, I was worried it wouldn't be as good but I needn't have worried. This is every bit as good as the original, which I've been using for ages, but you get more product in the bottle and the bottle isn't as tippy as that tall, narrow cylinder. I love the rose scent - it is so calming and soothing. Great as a setting spray (I've put it to the test many times in the hot, humid summers of Southern Ontario) and so refreshing as a facial mist.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Anne from One of the products I can't live without It truly does set my eye makeup and foundation. I spray twice. One after my foundation, before I put on my powder-based products (blush, contour, highlight, etc.), and a layer to set it all. I've been using it for years! The new formula and bottle improved an already super product. The spray is finer and easier to control now. Thank you Clarins.


Abstract A planar reflectarray/transmitarray antenna which reflects/transmits the incident fields radiating from feed antenna is presented. The antenna works as a reflectarray at 13.85 GHz and a transmitarray at 8 GHz. The unit cell is composed of three layers. The first layer consists of a crossed-dipole element and a square ring frequency selective surface (FSS) on the top and bottom surfaces of a dielectric substrate. The second and third layers are identical and consist of a square ring slot element on both sides of a dielectric substrate. An air gap is inserted between layers. The aperture of the antenna is 225 mm which equals 10.4 wavelengths at 13.85 GHz and 6 wavelengths at 8 GHz. The reflectarray/transmitarray antenna is fabricated, and NSI planar near-field system is used to measure the performances of the prototype. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results has been achieved. The measured gain is 27.1 dB in reflection mode at 13.85 GHz resulting in a 38% aperture efficiency and 23.1 dB in transmission mode at 8 GHz resulting in a 45.7% aperture efficiency. © 2017, Electromagnetics Academy. All rights reserved.
GB/T 7714 Xue Fei,Wang Hongjian,Dong Xingchao,et al. Design of a novel Ku/X-band reflectarray/transmit-array antenna with frequency selective surface[J]. Progress In Electromagnetics Research C,2017,73:17-25.
APA Xue Fei,Wang Hongjian,Dong Xingchao,Liu Yang,Zhang Xingwei,&Wang, Hongjian .(2017).Design of a novel Ku/X-band reflectarray/transmit-array antenna with frequency selective surface.Progress In Electromagnetics Research C,73,17-25.
MLA Xue Fei,et al."Design of a novel Ku/X-band reflectarray/transmit-array antenna with frequency selective surface".Progress In Electromagnetics Research C 73(2017):17-25.


Whether you're running a business or simply looking for funds for a personal matter, applying for a short-term loan could be the solution to your financial worries. However, borrowing money is never something that should be considered lightly, as it could come with serious consequences if you're unable to repay the debt. It's important to take the time to ensure you're making the right decision when studying your various options.
Taking a loan can be beneficial or a hindrance to your finances depending on the particular circumstances involved. Though loans are designed to help people in financial need by offering a temporary source of economic relief, they can also be a dangerous tool. Failure to pay your loans can lead to bankruptcy, a damaged reputation, enhanced debt, and even jail time if you're not careful. Considering the different options available when looking at the various lenders in the market can help you make the right decision.
A short term loan may look like an attractive aspect, especially if you're in desperate need of money at the time. However, it's crucial to remember that you will have to pay this money back at one point or another. You should always apply for a loan with the knowledge that it's a temporary relief that will need to be paid back sooner rather than later. Some people make the mistake of viewing loans as "extra money" instead of an additional financial responsibility that you will have to contend with in the future.
The kind of lending institution you choose for your borrowing activities will play a significant role in how easily you can pay back the amount involved. Finding a reliable online financer such as Loanski.co.uk can greatly improve your odds of comfortably clearing your debt due to the low interest rates and flexible payment plans involved. Choosing to work with a bank, on the other hand, can lead to higher interest rates that will make it difficult for you to repay the money in a short period.
It's always crucial to read the various terms and conditions involved with any loan agreement to ensure you're not walking into a financial trap. In cases where a deal might appear too good to be true, you should take the time to browse through the entire agreement. In some cases, small clauses are placed within the loan agreement that can greatly lift the interest rates involved in some circumstances. If you're not sure about anything, then it's important to have a professional clearly explain the matter before making a final decision.
The amount you intend to borrow is also something that cannot be considered lightly. It's wise only to acquire the particular amount you need and not tempt yourself with any additional funds. Some lending institutions may make the sum of money available a flexible, allowing you to borrow as much money as you want once you meet their criteria of qualifications. Remember, the more money you borrow, the more you have to pay back.
Brexit and Trade Deal – What Will be the Impact on the Pound?


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chronicles of the black company
Book Review: The White Rose
The final installment in Glen Cook's The Chronicles of the Black Company which are also known by the moniker 'The Books of the North' in the greater chronology of his Black Company series, The White Rose is very much unlike any finale that I've read to date. I shouldn't be surprised because, if you've read my reviews of the previous novels The Black Company and Shadows Linger, then it's obvious by now that Glen Cook knows how to weave a unique tale that simultaneously embraces and eschews the fantasy norms.
The White Rose resumes about four years after the conclusion of Shadows Linger and the ragged dregs of the Black Company have retreated to the Plain of Fear, a wild region of the world where windwhales and change storms sweep the coral-covered desert. After suffering the Black Company's betrayal at Juniper, the Lady is tightening the noose around them on the Plain. Darling, the girl around whom magic ceases to work, is plotting the downfall of the Lady and her northern Empire when a familiar shadow casts itself across the north: the Dominator.
One of my few issues with this book is that the story comes dangerously close to be an almost exact retread of the plot from the second book. In The White Rose, our protagonists and antagonists find themselves at odds with one another but must band together, setting aside their personal differences temporarily, in order to subdue the greater evil. What The White Rose boasts that Shadows Linger never managed to accomplished, and luckily elevates it therein, is a more mythic feel that arises from the fantastic locations in which it is set. The Plain of Fear and the Barrowlands, bought lively and monstrous in their own ways, are so integral to the plot of the novel that they almost become their own characters respectively.
Another great feat is the continued humanization of the Lady. Cook, through Croaker, really takes to task the notion of good and evil. Through the Lady, readers are asked to consider the idea that people can do terrible things in the pursuit of a higher goal and, therefore, not necessarily be evil. The Lady has massacred hundreds of thousands in her effort to maintain power and, just as willingly, sacrifices even more to secure the world from the return of her malevolent husband. Darling is another unique break from the status quo because she projects a null, a field in which magic can't work. Therefore, any lasting resolution to the question of the Lady and the Dominator will almost certainly involve her specifically for practical, if not prophetic, reasons.
Cook lines up the many displaced pieces of his story to tell the story of what must be done for the greater good, even if the resolution is far from whatever happy ending readers might feel entitled do. In essence, The White Rose is about people doing the work that needs to be done—fantastic, realistic, good, or bad.
Generally, I'm wary when recommending series. Typically, they require an investment with little promise of a worthy return. I can safely say that The Chronicles of the Black Company, the compendium volume that includes The Black Company, Shadows Linger, and The White Rose, is certainly worth the time of any reader looking for a series that will refresh their appreciation for the genre.
UP NEXT: A review of "Leviathan Wakes" by James S.A. Corey!
Tags BLACK COMPANY, book review, chronicles of the black company, fantasy, fantasy book review, fantasy review, glen cook, literary review, literature, review, review blog, shadows linger, the black company, the chronicles of the black company, the white rose, white rose
Book Review: Shadows Linger
Four years have passed since the epic final battle at the Tower of Charm in The Black Company, the first novel in The Chronicles of the Black Company, and readers once again experience the mercenary brigade's adventures through the eyes of Croaker, the Company historian. Shadows Linger does not so much concern itself with the aftermath of the war against the Rebel but with the growing specter of the Dominator (the male counterpart to the first novel's antagonistic sorceress and chief-employer of the Company, the Lady) and the forces that seek to return him to corporeal world.
As the Black Company purges the North of the last Rebel elements they are unhappily drawn to the distant fringe city of Juniper, a cold and religious place where a dreaded black castle inhabited by monstrous beings is engaged in the latest attempt to revive the Dominator. Currently entombed in the Barrowland, the Dominator's minions are trying to build another portal through which he can return and usher in ten thousand years of darkness.
The Lady, ruler of the northern Empire, orders the Black Company to spearhead the siege but Croaker and the others inadvertently find themselves on the trails of Raven and Darling. Darling is the girl prophesied to be the White Rose who will ultimately destroy the Dominator and the Lady, and is a friend to the Company, which puts them on the defensive in more ways than one.
Shadows Linger is a strange sophomore installment because, in almost every way, it breaks from the traditional middle-book mold fairly regularly. Rather than center itself as a bridge between the first and third books Shadows Linger produces its own plot that is secluded enough that it can be read independently of the first book, but inclusive enough that it fits well with the trilogy. What's more, it expands the narrative from Croaker to Raven and a Juniper-native called Shed. By doing so it better explores the depths to which these men will sink in order to advance their individual goals: Shed is a study in poverty and immorality; Croaker's unusual relationship with the Lady grants us a peculiar view into the inner workings of a ruthless but almost humane tyrant.
But, like its predecessor, Shadows Linger shines when it's Croaker that's doing the talking. He, along with the rest of the novel, genuinely wrestles with what it means to ally with the lesser of two evils because as the Dominator nears his return, Croaker and the rest of the Black Company must fight even harder to keep him down; and therefore in defense of the Lady. This central conflict overshadows Shed's acts of heresy against Juniper's dominant religion; and compliments Raven's architecting the destruction of one of Juniper's criminal overlords. Repeatedly, this book provides instances of characters picking the least worst option and never gets close to something as naive or unrealistic as a happy ending.
Shadows Linger provided a strong second installment in The Chronicles of the Black Company and is an excellent introduction to the final novel in this first trilogy. Succeeded by The White Rose, Shadows Linger did a great job of giving us more of the characters that we love in a world where the only choices are either bad or worse.
Tags action, adventure, BLACK COMPANY, book review, chronicles of the black company, croaker, darling, fantasy, fantasy book review, fiction, glen cook, Juniper, literature, novel review, raven, science fiction, shadows linger, shadows linger review, the black company, the books of the north, the chronicles of the black company, the lady, the white rose
Book Buying Bonanza
After my shopaholic stint at Barnes & Noble on my birthday, it's safe to say that I'm stocked up on books for the foreseeable future. Eight books later, I'm still trying to figure out the order that I'm going to read all these excellent-looking novels. Also, I've noticed a trend: anything steampunk or urban fantasy wound up in the pile without hesitation—with a few exceptions. From smallest to largest, my purchases were: Continue reading
Tags 2312, a thousand perfect things, amazing journey, books, chronicles of the black company, daniel o'malley, fantasy, fiction, george mann, gifted storyteller, glen cook, james s. a. corey, kay kenyon, kim stanley robinson, leviathan wakes, literature, nature of literature, passion, patrick rothfuss, purchases, reading, science fiction, shopping, stephen baxter, terry pratchett, the affinity bridge, the long earth, the name of the wind, the rook


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Mitt Romney – Like An Aggressive Litigator Defends His Wealth – "Something to be proud of"
/ Press Releases / January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012
Lawfuel.com- Mitt Romney hit the ground running in his debate with principal GOP contender Newt Gingrich in the presidential faceoff in Jacksonville FLA.
Romney, looking to get the better of his main rival, started with the issue of illegal immigration, arguing against Gingrich's claim that he's 'anti immigrant.' Unfortunately for Gingrich, Romney's comeback was unanswerable, that both his parents were born outside the US.
"The idea that I'm anti-immigrant is repulsive," Romney said. "I'm glad you withdrew it. I think you should apologize for it, and I think you should recognize that having differences of opinions on issues does not justify labeling people with highly charged epithets."
But Romney hadn't finished with Gingrich. So far as the attacks on his personal wealth and income tax issues are concerned, he went on the attack, defending his wealth as an asset.
Romney said that his investments were in a blind trust and full taxes were paid.
"I think it's important for people to make sure that we don't castigate individuals who've been successful, and try and by innuendo suggest there's something wrong with being successful and having investments and having a return on those investments," he said.
Romney said he earned his money and made investments that resulted in job creation and it was something he was proud of.
"I'm proud of being successful; I'm proud of being in the free-enterprise system that creates jobs for other people. I'm not going to run from that. I'm proud of the taxes I pay. My taxes plus my charitable contributions this year, 2011, will be about 40%," he said. "So look, let's put behind this idea of attacking me because of my investments or my money, and let's get Republicans to say, you know what, what you've accomplished in your life shouldn't be seen as a detriment; it should be seen as an asset to help America."
Finding the Right Environmental Lawyer for You: How to Choose the Best Fit for Your Needs


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Behold, the Power of Figs
BY Esther D. Kustanowitz | Sep 18, 2019 | Columnists
Photo from Pixabay
Growing up in New Jersey, the only kind of fig I was aware of was the dried fig, which arrived in a nested clump in a round plastic package. The figs' sweet taste were negated by the gritty innards that ground disturbingly against my teeth when I chewed and the weird feeling they left in my mouth. It was only in California that I started giving a flying fig about figs.
Fresh figs are delightful in salads, with any kind of cheese and balsamic vinegar; with yogurt; or as a sweet, fleshy ingredient in fruit smoothies. And they're outstanding plain. Grip them by the stems to eat them and, as one comedy writer pointed out, they're like "turkey legs for squirrel kings."
This year, though, was the first time I sensed that figs could be powerful — physically and spiritually. Figs are rich in minerals including potassium, which can lower blood pressure; calcium, which aids in bone density; magnesium, iron, copper and vitamin A. A great source of soluble fiber, they are good for your intestines and act as a natural laxative. (OK, so don't eat too many.)
Figs are Jewishly significant, as one of the seven agricultural products — two grains and five fruits — listed in the Bible as being special. Only the first fruits of these seven could be brought as offerings in the Temple. The others are wheat, barley, grapes, pomegranates, olive oil and dates (literally, "honey"). Although Canaan is known as the land of milk and honey, Deuteronomy 8:8's list of Canaan's plentiful products leaves out the dairy, perhaps as a precursor to current times, when many Jews are lactose intolerant, or out of respect to the marketing department, working on a new all-dairy holiday called "Shavuot."
Figs remind us of this time after the wandering and the manna, when we landed in spiritual Oz and everything turned to polychrome: diverse, flavorful, colorful, tasty new crops to eat.
"One might extrapolate that if you persistently give a fig about what happens in the world, that's perseverance."
The kabbalists explain that each of these fruits corresponds to one of the sefirot, attributes that make up the Divine presence. Figs are netzach, perseverance, or eternity. One might extrapolate that if you persistently give a fig about what happens in the world, that's perseverance. Interestingly, a horticultural support for this kabbalistic association is a type of tree called a "strangler fig," which starts life as a seed, then wraps its roots around a host tree and "strangles" it. The original tree dies shortly thereafter and the strangler fig thrives. Talk about perseverance.
As fig season hits, I stalk neighborhood fig trees. If only their fruits were in reach and clearly on public property, I could save these poor figs from being crushed on the sidewalk. Surely I know a person with a tree that can keep me in figs during this season of plenty?
Ask on Facebook, and ye shall receive. A friend brought me some figs, which I enjoyed and put on Instagram. Then someone on social media invited me to claim her figs from her husband, who was at home with the kids. So I knocked on the door of a house I'd never visited, talked to the man who answered, met his kids and claimed the figs. I messaged my Instagram buddy to say thanks and she invited me for Shabbat dinner. I deepened my relationship with the family and reconnected with an old friend who happened to be their guest. My online request for figs reconnected me with people in the real world, for a marvelous Shabbat experience and new history to build from and renewed my well of energy for my creative pursuits.
You still may not give a fig about figs. But if you learn anything from this story, learn that speaking needs into the world allows people to volunteer items that may help. My initial request was about figs. But those bulbous little fruits also connected me back to community. Go figure.
Esther D. Kustanowitz is a Journal contributing writer.


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Sandiganbayan to Enrile: Don't complicate your plunder case proceedings
COA rejects ex-PNP chief Razon's motion in procurement case
1MATCH URL: https://static.rappler.com/images/Philippine-money-revenues-taxes-peso-bills-AFP.jpg
Economy Watch
Debt-to-gov't ratio hits 38.1% in end-March
The general government debt went down due to the strong GDP performance and slower debt accumulation for Q2 to Q4 2013, the Finance department says
Rappler.com
Published 11:29 PM, September 23, 2014
Updated 11:29 PM, September 23, 2014
LOWER DEBT. The government aims to reduce the national debt to below 45% by 2016. File photo from Agence France-Presse
MANILA, Philippines – The ratio of the general government debt to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) stood at 38.1% as of end-March 2014, lower than its year ago level of 38.5%, data from the Department of Finance (DOF) showed.
The general government debt amounted P4.49 trillion ($100.9 billion*) or 38.1% of the GDP, the DOF said on Tuesday, September 23.
The GG debt went down due to the strong GDP performance and slower debt accumulation for the second and fourth quarters of 2013, as part of the government's priorities on proactive liability management.
The debt-to-GDP ratio is one of the indicators that credit rating agencies look at when evaluating the country's credit worthiness. A low debt-to-GDP ratio shows the country is producing enough and unlikely to default on its debts.
"We will continue to bring down government debt as part of our efforts to minimize government risk and liabilities," National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said.
"As our economy continues to grow, we want to ensure that we do so on sound and strong fiscal foundations," De Leon added.
The foreign component of the consolidated general government debt decreased from 43.39% to 42.06% during the same period behind government efforts to reduce exposure to foreign currency risk.
As a result, the domestic component rose slightly, from 56.61% to 57.94% in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the combined investment in government securities of the Government Service Insurance System and the Social Security System rose from P474.6 billion ($10.66 billion) to P481 billion ($10.82 billion) between 2013 and the first quarter of 2014.
The Aquino administration is aiming to cut the debt-to-government ratio to below 45% by 2016.
The general government debt to GDP ratio was at 44.3% in 2009, prior to the Aquino administration.
This marks an improvement of 6.2 percentage points over the course of the administration, the DOF said. – Rappler.com
($1 = P44.46)
Filed under:Department of Finance•GSIS•Government Service Insurance System•Gross Domestic Product•National Treasury•SSS•Social Security System•debt-to-GDP ratio•outstanding debt•GDP


Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi women have extended a warm welcome to pink taxis, the female-only taxis introduced last week, a senior official told Gulf News.
"About 25 pink taxis have been introduced in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain cities," Abdullah Sultan Al Sabbagh, General Manager of TransAD, the taxi regulatory authority in the emirate, said.
As per a Gulf News report on January 28, pink taxis are meant for women and children younger than 10 years of age. The fare for the pink taxis remains the same.
Al Sabbagh said that the latest move has raised the number of female-driven taxis to 75 in the emirate. There were already 50, he added.
Explaining the difference between female-driven taxis and women's taxis, the official said men with families are allowed to travel in female-driven taxis.
"But in pink taxis, men are not be allowed to travel even with their families," he explained.
Al Sabbagh said existing female-driven taxis will be converted into pink taxis gradually.
A total of 25 pink taxis have been introduced by four franchises — Al Ghazal (10) Tawasul (nine), Q-link (three) and Emirates Taxi (three), he said.
"The feedback we received suggests that Emirati women have found it more convenient," Al Sabbagh said.
He added that although female drivers are free to work 24 hours, TransAd prefers them working only during daytime.
Female taxi drivers are safe drivers compared to their male counterparts, Al Sabbagh said.
"There are women drivers who [have] never caused even a single minor accident in [the] past two years," he said.
Pink taxis are also controlled by a centralised tracking and dispatch system.
The service could be booked calling 600535353.
Do you think such a service gives women greater freedom to travel around the city? Do you see this move catching on in other emirates? Will you be using it. Tell us.


text:
Sergio Mattarella (udtalelse: [ˈsɛrdʒo mattaˈrɛlla]; født 23. juli 1941, Palermo) er en italiensk politiker, dommer og præsident for Italien, han overtog posten den 3. februar 2015. Han er medlem af Partito Democratico.

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Italiens præsidenter
Politikere fra Italien
Personer fra Palermo
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Storkors af Sankt Olavs Orden

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