Recorded at the Lensic Theater in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 6, 2019.
Why and by whose power were you sent?
What do you see that you may wish to steal?
Drink up all the light?
Smith has published four books of poetry: Wade in the Water (2018); Life on Mars, which received the 2012 Pulitzer Prize and was selected as a New York Times Notable Book; Duende (2006); and The Body's Question, winner of the 2002 Cave Canem Poetry Prize. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard, earned her MFA at Columbia, and was a Stegner Fellow in Poetry at Stanford University from 1997 to 1999. She is the Roger S. Berlind '52 Professor in the Humanities and director of the Creative Writing Program at Princeton University. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey.
In this episode, Tracy K. Smith joined Joy Harjo in conversation. You can find the companion conversation here.
This entry was posted in Poetry, Video and tagged awards, memoir, poems, Poet Laureate on February 7, 2019 by Lannan Foundation.


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Froch knows date but not opponent
by Doug Fischer
Carl Froch will defend his IBF super middleweight title on November 17, at his hometown Nottingham Capital FM Arena, England, against an opponent now to be confirmed this time next week.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn announced Monday, via Twitter, that three-time 168-pound holder Froch (29-2, 21 knockouts) is returning to the scene of his sensational fifth-round KO of Romanian Lucian Bute in May.
However, as of yet, just who the 35-year-old British star will be fighting in the Midlands remains a mystery. Hearn is saying all will be revealed on August 28 – the day tickets for the show, which will be screened live on Sky Sports, go on sale. Finding a suitable, credible name, willing to travel to the UK, is clearly proving hard.
As long as Froch survives that first IBF defense, and previously-unbeaten Bute (30-1, 24 KOs) wins his November 3 comeback against Russian prospect Denis Grachev, an anticipated rematch between the pair is scheduled for March next year, this time in Bute's adopted backyard of Montreal, Quebec.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Archive from category "Optical inspection"
Is an advanced vision system, designed to integrate in production lines. It will allow you to check bottle dimensions, black spots, ovality, scrap, bottle deformation, colors, etc .
Maximum up to 8 camera's from different resolutions, up to 12MB, available.


Includes bibliographical references (pages 336-361).
© 1976 Delbert E. Gan, All rights reserved.
Gann, D. E., "The geology and microscopy of the Prewitt Copper Shale (Permian), Jackson County, Oklahoma" (1976). Doctoral Dissertations. 389.


Elder was one of her principal assistants in acquiring new pieces for the Executive Mansion, and this fabulous collection of letters illuminates the thorough, thoughtful yet intense process behind her successful mission to develop the White House as a symbol of American history and accomplishment.
Jacqueline Kennedy had first visited the White House as a tourist with her family in 1941 and left wholly disappointed, dismayed by the absence of period furnishings and lack of information on the history of the house. Unbeknownst to her at the time, she would move into the great home twenty years later. She began planning to correct this problem as soon as her husband was elected in 1960, with one of the first steps being the declaration of the White House as a museum and establishment of the position of curator of the White House. The first to serve in this capacity was Lorraine Pearce, whose work helped to make enough progress to reveal the newly restored White House to the world in a famous February 1962 hour-long CBS special in which Jackie gave a guided tour, explaining the various rooms and historical value of the pieces within. However, Jackie—demanding control over the project—could not tolerate Pearce's independent decision making without asking for approval and her failure to subordinate her voice in drafts of the introduction to the White House guidebook. Thus, Pearce resigned 'for personal reasons' on August 2, 1962, and the White House staff registrar, William Elder, was promoted to the curator position; an original typed copy of the press release announcing these changes is among the unsigned ephemera in this archive.
The Baltimore desk, represented as dating to about 1800, was placed in the Green Room and one of the featured items in the broadcast of Jacqueline Kennedy's guided tour. In the television special, Kennedy cited Mrs. Noun by name and effusively praised her generosity, noting that the desk was the first piece of unsolicited fine furniture donated to the White House. The desk was already in place in the Green Room when Elder was hired as registrar in November 1961, and he was unsure of its authenticity from the beginning. Upon examination by more experts, enough suspicion arose that the desk was disassembled and found to be constructed of newer wood. They determined it to be a reproduction from about 1880—still old, but not a gem of early American furniture. Given the circumstances—the televised publicity and the fact that Mrs. Noun had already taken an $18,000 tax deduction—Elder and Jackie had decided to keep the piece in the White House but remove it from the Green Room and replace it with a legitimate period piece. While JFK was upset with Elder for the position Mrs. Noun was put in, Jackie was even more enraged with the press—she feared that fallout from this mishap could derail her plans for further restoration, but skillful damage control quieted it quickly.
ANS in pencil, on White House notepad paper, signed "J.," directing Elder to have a picture taken of her bathroom for a new edition of "G.B.," the White House guidebook.
Also present is a fantastic January 22, 1964, TLS from RFK, signed "Robert Kennedy," two pages on embossed "Office of the Attorney General, Washington, DC" letterhead, plus a four-page attachment. Lengthy letter regards Mr. Elder's inclusion in the Kennedy Administration's Oral History. The archive also includes a substantial amount of related ephemera, including Elder's handwritten notes and lists of furnishings, his rough draft of a letter concerning the future of the restored White House from December 1963, magazines from the period discussing the subject, letters to Elder from various other figures, a plaque seemingly for a Benjamin Franklin portrait, and an array of other material. In overall very good to fine condition.


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Season 2 of '1883' Isn't What We Were Expecting
Billy Dukes Published: February 28, 2022
When additional episodes of 1883 were announced, many speculated that would amount to a second season of the 19th century western drama. That's not quite true.
Season 2 of 1883 is actually 1932, the other Yellowstone origin story announced two weeks ago. That's according to executive producer David Glaser, who talked to the Hollywood Reporter for a story published on Sunday (Feb. 27).
"I don't want to give away too much, but (1932) was always intended to be the second season (of 1883)," he says.
Glaser wouldn't share too much — OK, anything — about what the new 1883 episodes will be, nor would he would reveal if they've already been filmed or if filming is set for later this year. The new episodes of 1883 are slated for the fall.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill starred as James and Margaret Dutton in 1883, a show that chronicled their family's journey north from Texas. The season finale came on Sunday and — without spoiling too much — it's fair to say a continuation of that plot would come without several key characters.
In 1932, young characters that viewers met during 1883 are now grown up and running the ranch with prohibition and the Great Depression happening all around them. No actors have been attached to this show.
The other breadcrumb that Glaser dropped is that the 6666 spinoff of Yellowstone that's rumored to include Jefferson White won't come out until 2023. Some speculated it could come as early as this spring or summer to fill the gap between 1883 and Season 5 of Yellowstone, set for the fall. For now, fans of these Taylor Sheridan shows are going to have to wait at least six months for new episodes.
1883 aired on Paramount+, while Yellowstone airs on the Paramount Network, with older seasons (currently Seasons 1-3) moving to Peacock.
PICTURES: See Inside Kevin Costner's Spectacular Colorado Ranch
Yellowstone star Kevin Costner lives the ranch life when he's off the set of the hit show, too. The Oscar-winning actor owns a 160-acre ranch in Aspen, Colo., that's a spectacular getaway, complete with a main residence, a lake house and a river house.
The luxury retreat also features a baseball field, a sledding hill, an ice rink, multiple hot tubs and views of the Continental Divide. The ranch property comfortably sleeps 27 people, and it's currently available to rent for 36,000 a night.
Source: Season 2 of '1883' Isn't What We Were Expecting
Filed Under: 1883, Yellowstone
Which Wildly Popular Yellowstone Star Was Seen in Syracuse?
Faith Hill Admits That There Was One Part of Filming '1883' That 'Really Grossed Me Out'
'Dutton Rules' Podcast: Is Harrison Ford 'Yellowstone's Newest Dutton?
'1883' Fans Couldn't Have Been More Wrong About the Show's Encore Episodes
Sam Elliott Has Harsh Words for 'Yellowstone'
Grading '1883': The 'Dutton Rules' Team Offers Praise and Criticism [Watch]
What the '1883' Finale Told Us About 'Yellowstone' Season 5 + Beyond
'Dutton Rules' Podcast Roundtable: The '1883' Clue We All Flat Out Missed
Faith Hill's '1883' Character Is Just Like Her Late Mother, Star Says


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atomic bombs
SOURCE: LitHub
Zachary Shore discusses the contrasting decisions to drop atomic bombs on Japan and rebuild Germany.
SOURCE: TomDispatch
This Vanishing Moment and Our Vanishing Future: John Hersey, Hiroshima, and the End of World
by Nick Turse
Lesley Blume's new book Fallout describes how John Hersey and his editors punctured official myths about the Hiroshima attacks to write his influential book.
Who Shaped the Story of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
by William Johnston
Most Americans' knowledge of Hiroshima and Nagasaki reflects how American leaders in 1945 wanted the atomic bombings remembered more than their real history.
SOURCE: Flatland (Kansas City)
A Tale of Atomic Bombs and Paper Cranes: Harry Truman's Grandson Pursues Reconciliation
For a decade, Harry Truman's oldest grandson has engaged in dialogue with the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
SOURCE: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
What Europeans Believe about Hiroshima and Nagasaki—and Why it Matters
A European's belief that the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was a military necessity that ultimately saved lives correlates with less acceptance of nuclear disarmament. History is important for citizens' ability to judge issues related to the dangers of nuclear weapons.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Women Survivors of the Atomic Bombs
Those who survived the bombings are known as hibakusha. Survivors faced a horrifying aftermath in the cities, including radiation poisoning and psychological trauma.
Who Was Our Worst President? Think About it When a Grim 75th Anniversary Arrives
by Paul W. Lovinger
The anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki should inspire consideration of the global fallout from Harry Truman's presidential decisions.
Samantha Smith's Dream of Peace and Nuclear Disarmament
by William Lambers
Samantha Smith taught us your voice matters and you can make a difference in ridding the world of nuclear weapons and achieving peace for all.
"Mr. Straight Arrow," John Hersey, and the decision to drop the atomic bomb
by D. M. Giangreco
What recent histories getsright--and wrong--about Harry S. Truman's decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan.
U.S. Cold War Nuclear Target Lists Declassified for First Time
According to 1956 Plan, H-Bombs were to be Used Against Priority "Air Power" Targets in the Soviet Union, China, and Eastern Europe
Why Americans Have Been Duped over the Use of the Atomic Bomb
by Paul Ham
One day somebody in high office in Washington will have the intellectual honesty to acknowledge, if not apologise for, a grotesque distortion of the truth that the Truman Administration visited on the American people in the pages of Harper's Magazine in 1947.


I grew up in Essex, before getting the travel bug and working all over the world… ending up in Canada for 13 years, before moving back to France in 2009.
I am part of the sales team and wine is my not-so-secret passion. My aim is to help businesses offer the right product to their guests, to maximise their enjoyment of every single bottle.
I am a trained chef and started my career at the age of 18, working for an events caterer in London. I then went to work on an oil tanker for a few years (the extreme opposite of London!), before changing completely again and having lots of fun doing a few ski seasons as a chef in France. I eventually settled in Canada, where I went into ski area management; another complete turnaround, but a great way to learn new skills. It was there that I trained as a Sommelier and, ultimately, an instructor for the International Sommelier Guild. I returned to France in 2009 and opened a Chambres d'Hôtes, which quickly gained a reputation for its food and wine. I now live in the Alps where I impart a wine education to anyone who will listen!
I'm lucky to be both a trained Chef and a trained Sommelier, which gives me a deep understanding of what ensures a perfect pairing of food and wine. My goal is to advise and educate our lovely LVG clients on the best product fit and choices for their business model resulting in happy, returning customers.
The range of products LVG has to offer is extensive and easy to be excited about. The team is pretty cool too!
I love to hike, run and am a keen road cyclist so I'm pretty active, which is a necessary evil when you're as into food and wine as I. When not out enjoying the mountains, I can be found checking out vineyards (another passion) or tinkering in my kitchen.
Good friends, good food and a bunch of different wines to round out the experience.
All of them! I truly believe that there is a wine for everyone… and they all have their positive attributes, although I am partial to a (full) glass of Gevrey Chambertin, a Gran Reserva Rioja or Chassagne-Montrachet.


We offer you a viable and affordable healthcare option for medical emergencies without the hassle of going to the hospital.
Our walk-in services are designed to care for patients with minor conditions. Through this service, you will get the medical services that you need without prior appointment and will be queued on a first-come-first-served basis.
For your inquiries and concerns, reach out to us by calling 734-480-0990 or messaging info@shuconline.com.


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Monitoring
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   supported-metrics.md
   viewing-metrics.md
   creating-an-alarm-rule.md

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Disclaimer: I cannot guarentee that all of the results are correct, since these are not the results of my own testing. Also, the results were obtained in different systems under different conditions, so they should rather give you a rough idea of the cooling performance of different coolers.
Also, using a different motherboard may result in slightly different temperature readings, since the sensor might sit at a different location.


A financial account that is owned and used by a business or corporation. Checking or other types of demand deposit accounts are considered commercial accounts. The Federal Reserve instituted Regulation Q which prohibits banks from paying interest on this type of account.


text:
Eugenie Lumbers AM
Emeritus Professor Eugenie Lumbers AM
Pregnancy & Reproduction
2013 Project Grant
What are your research interests?
The role of the placental renin-angiotensin (hormone) system in formation of the placenta.
Factors regulating the expression of the placental renin-angiotensin system.
The decidual renin-angiotensin system and its role in preterm birth.
Tissue renin-angiotensin systems and cancer.
Maternal health and pregnancy outcome in Indigenous Australians
Medicine cannot advance unless there is strategic basic research; it underpins all major advances in human health. As a medical graduate I was frustrated at the lack of knowledge in treating disease. Over the years I have seen many great advances in health care but many problems still exist.
Working to improve our knowledge of placental development and function, to better understand factors underlying preterm birth and the impact of maternal health on pregnancy outcome, will help to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous morbidity and mortality; a major problem in Australian health.
What would be the ultimate goal for your research?
I want to show that;
Maternal levels of prorenin, soluble prorenin receptor are biomarkers of pregnancy outcome
The decidual-amniotic renin-angiotensin system plays a role in maintaining integrity of the fetal membranes and hence in preterm birth.
Drugs that block the activity of the prorenin receptor and/or tissue renin angiotensin systems are effective anticancer drugs.
That early screening of pregnant Indigenous women for diabetes and renal dysfunction will lead to better pregnancy outcomes.
I aim to continue to improve pregnancy outcomes particularly for Indigenous Australians and to provide new effective safe adjuncts for treatment of cancer by proving that widely used antihypertensive drugs are effective anticancer agents.
Emeritus Professor Eugenie Lumbers AM, FAA, Dist FRSN gained a national and international profile for her early discovery of an inactive form of renin (prorenin) that is activated by proteolysis and the prorenin receptor. She studied the role(s) of the renin-angiotensin system in human pregnancy and in oral contraceptive induced hypertension.
She has also studied foetal programming, particularly the impact of maternal renal dysfunction on fetal renal development. In 2008 Emeritus Professor Lumbers began work on the role(s) of the human intrauterine renin angiotensin system (RAS). In partnership with Dr Kirsty Pringle, she has developed a productive research team at University of Newcastle.
Our team has expertise in placental explants
Real-time PCR and transfection
PRC reproductive biology,
Honorary adjunct professor University of Queensland,
Emeritus Scientia Professor UNSW
Eugenie Lumbers has written a children's book titled "Mystery in Mer". Purchase a copy online today. 50% of all proceeds will support life changing medical research at HMRI.
Does a novel biomarker of renal function in pregnant Indigenous Australian women predict their future renal and cardiovascular health?
Emeritus Professor Eugenie Lumbers, Kirsty Pringle, Kym Rae, Roger Smith
Predicting future renal and cardiovascular health in pregnant Indigenous Australian women
Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system; repositioning their therapeutic targets to endometrial cancer
Professor Rodney Scott, Professor Eugenie Lumbers
The role of the intrarenal renin angiotensin system in preeclampsia and gestational hypertension - HMRI Project Grant
Dr Kirsty Pringle, ER Lumbers
The role of Prorenin in the First Trimester Placenta: Key to Pregnancy Success
Dr Kirsty Pringle, E Lumbers
The risk of intrauterine (pro)renin / (pro) rennin receptor system in prostaglandin synthesis.
Dr Eugenie Lumbers
Regulation of prostaglandin synthesis by the protein / rennin system in preterm labour
Professor Eugenie Lumbers, Professor Tamas Zakar
Purchase "Mystery in Mer" by Eugenie Lumbers
View Eugenie's University of Newcastle profile


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People's Choice Awards Full Winners List: Lizzo, 'The Kardashians', Selma Blair, Carrie Underwood & More Take Trophies
December 8, 2022 E M
The people were in control of all the winners announced at the People's Choice Awards 2022. The show hosted by Kenan Thompson saw some of the biggest names in pop culture come together to celebrate music, television and film in the fan-voted event.
Ryan Reynolds was recognized with the People's Icon Award, Lizzo received the People's Champion Award and Shania Twain was honored with the Music Icon Award.
Other big winners of the night included Stranger Things as The Show of 2022 and The Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of 2022. The Kardashians was honored as The Reality Show of 2022 and Khloé Kardashian received an award for being The Reality TV Star of 2022.
Marvel's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness picked up The Movie of 2022 award, Top Gun: Maverick received The Action Movie of 2022 and Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling won The Drama Movie of 2022 category.
Selma Blair took the stage when her friend Sarah Michelle Gellar announced her as the winner of The Competition Contestant of 2022. Carrie Underwood received The Country Artist of 2022 award while Taylor Swift was honored with The Female Artist of 2022.
See the full list of winners below.
THE MOVIE OF 2022
THE COMEDY MOVIE OF 2022
THE ACTION MOVIE OF 2022
THE DRAMA MOVIE OF 2022
THE MALE MOVIE STAR OF 2022
THE FEMALE MOVIE STAR OF 2022
THE DRAMA MOVIE STAR OF 2022
THE COMEDY MOVIE STAR OF 2022
THE ACTION MOVIE STAR OF 2022
THE SHOW OF 2022
THE DRAMA SHOW OF 2022
THE COMEDY SHOW OF 2022
THE REALITY SHOW OF 2022
THE COMPETITION SHOW OF 2022
THE MALE TV STAR OF 2022
Noah Schnapp
THE FEMALE TV STAR OF 2022
THE DRAMA TV STAR OF 2022
THE COMEDY TV STAR OF 2022
THE DAYTIME TALK SHOW OF 2022
THE NIGHTTIME TALK SHOW OF 2022
THE COMPETITION CONTESTANT OF 2022
THE REALITY TV STAR OF 2022
THE BINGEWORTHY SHOW OF 2022
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
THE SCI-FI/FANTASY SHOW OF 2022
THE MALE ARTIST OF 2022
THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2022
THE GROUP OF 2022
THE SONG OF 2022
About Damn Time – Lizzo
THE ALBUM OF 2022
Midnights – Taylor Swift
THE COUNTRY ARTIST OF 2022
THE LATIN ARTIST OF 2022
THE NEW ARTIST OF 2022
Latto
THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2022
Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift
THE CONCERT TOUR OF 2022
THE COLLABORATION SONG OF 2022
Left and Right – Charlie Puth and BTS
THE SOCIAL CELEBRITY OF 2022
THE SOCIAL STAR OF 2022
THE COMEDY ACT OF 2022
Kevin Hart: Reality Check
THE GAME CHANGER OF 2022
THE POP PODCAST OF 2022
Archetypes: Meghan Markle
Carrie Underwood Wouldn't Take No for an Answer From Axl Rose
How Carrie Underwood Re-Centers When She Needs a Mental Break
Carrie Underwood Attends Preds Game With Husband: 'I Missed It'
February 23, 2020 I
"What's Your Country Song" Tops 'MusicRow' CountryBreakout Radio Chart
January 16, 2021 I


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Why Claude is the Most Unintentionally Hilarious GTA Character
September 23, 2019 by ForeverGeek Leave a Comment
Think fast: what's the first thing that pops in your mind when you're thinking about mob flicks? Dinners at glitzy restaurants? Drive-by shootings? Mobsters being ''made''? Waiters getting shot for no reason? Tony Soprano gorging on a bowl of ice cream while breathing heavily?
Regardless of your answer, all mob flicks have one common denominator that transcends eras and interpretations: fast-talking, verbose, and hysterical mobsters with an endless resource of street-wise one-liners and swear words that would make Gordon Ramsay blush. Which makes Claude, GTA 3's legendary silent protagonist, one of the most unintentionally hilarious characters in video gaming history.
Unlike the smooth-talking, slickly dressed Italian-American Tommy Vercetti from Vice City, the ambitious gang-banger CJ Johnson, and the tormented Slavic mobster Niko Bellic who are fully-fleshed characters, Claude doesn't utter a single word throughout the entire game. Apart from a few quiet grunts when he is injured and killed, which could indicate – if I'm allowed to speculate – that Claude doesn't like to be hurt or killed, we get no information related to his background or personality. Though his oversized shoes might be proof that he used to skate, as one coworker jokingly put it, but I digress.
Though the decision to make Claude a silent protagonist had more to do with the realities of game development than zaniness – "[they] had so many other problems to solve and this did not seem like a major issue" -, one could argue that it went beyond offering players a character they could easily identify with.
The first titles in the series were simplistic, albeit entertaining, crime simulators that allowed players to commit whatever heinous crimes they had in mind. Grand Theft Auto 3 laid the groundwork for the franchise's affinity for crime stories, colorful characters and satirizing modern American culture. Of course, contemporary media pundits weren't ready to accept the scientifically proven benefits of video games in general, much less the cultural and historical significance of Grand Theft Auto 3, so the game was shunned for containing violence and graphic language.
Looking at the cast of characters, you can't help but wonder how Rockstar, then a small-time studio, managed to bring over so much talent. There's Michael Madsen as mobster Tony Cipriani, Frank Vincent (of The Sopranos and Goodfellas fame) in the role of mob boss Salvatore Leone and rapper Guru from Gang Starr as 8-Ball, to name a few. They even got freaking Stretch Armstrong, the reputed New York underground radio DJ, to play the host of Game Radio, the game's hip-hop station.
So what better way to make this ensemble of hysterical sociopaths to shine than by making the protagonist mute as a fish? Throughout the game, Claude serves the double role of being the Mafia's triggerman and drug mule and couch psychologist. He becomes an outlet through which the seedy characters that he interacts with vent their frustrations and Claude, the brave soul, doesn't even flinch.
Because Claude doesn't speak, these violent sociopaths are exposed for exactly what they are – deeply insecure, power-hungry, hypocritical and idiosyncratic 30-40-year-old man-children who believe they are entitled to everything. In a scene echoing Tony Soprano's relationship with his manipulative and controlling mother, Tony Cipriani, the fearsome caporegime of the Leone Crime Family, is seen being dominated and belittled by his larger-than-life mother. This, of course, is followed by him bitching about his mother to Claude while driving to an objective. Amusingly, the final mission in Liberty City Stories has Toni Cipriani fighting the hoards of hitmen his mother sent to kill him, echoing another memorable Sopranos moment.
Out of all the characters that Claude interacts with, Toni Cipriani is the most important because it best showcases the advantages of opting for a silent protagonist. In contrast with his criminal peers, Claude seems calm, collected and in control. Sure, let's not forget that Claude is a murderous piece of crap himself and he could very well share the same personality traits as the people who employed him, but we'll never know – because again, he doesn't talk.
However, we know he's capable of some semblance of emotion, as proven by his drive to kill Catalina, his ex-girlfriend who shot and left him for dead during a heist (though we don't know if his quest for vengeance is driven more by criminal pragmatism or raw emotion), and the fact that he went out of his way to save Maria, his on-again, off-again girlfriend. So, right off the bat, Claude has two redeeming qualities that separate him from the plethora of criminals populating the seedy streets of Liberty City.
With that being said, is Claude the funniest main character in the GTA series? That's highly subjective, and the competition is quite fierce in this regard. CJ Johnson, Tommy Vercetti, and even Niko Bellic deliver some of the most hilarious moments from the GTA canon. But what Claude lacks in, well, personality, makes up with his uncanny ability to trigger arguably the best moments of situational comedy in the series. So here's to Claude, the unsung antihero of the franchise.
Marco Giuliani – Midwestern emo by night, video game journalist by day. Big fan and self-declared connoisseur of pop-culture. If I like something, you'll probably hear me talk about it ad-nauseam, to the exasperation of everyone around. Lead editor at UnleashTheGamer; I sometimes tweet at https://twitter.com/unleashthemarco.
Filed Under: Games Tagged With: GTA, opinion, video games
Please prove you're human * 6 × = 54


North Coast Music Festival was forced to end early on Friday and Saturday nights because of severe weather, but Sunday fared much better, ending in a headlining set from Jamiroquai.
Coachella 2018 is coming up very soon. Here's a guide to some of the acts we're most excited about on this lineup of 150+ artists, from the headliners to great small-font acts.


The LoowFAT Kids brand was founded in 2015 as a Slovak sub-brand of LoowFAT from 2011. The driving force of the founder was to create original clothing for his two sons that would also stay playful. The symbol of LoowFAT Kids is a panda, that appears on most pieces in various forms. The brand is primarily focused on its local production, perfect handling and comfortable cuts that make exploring of the world more enjoyable for the kids.


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Peter Sommer Travels > About Italy > Italian Geography
Italian Geography
Italy consists of a 1,000km (620 miles) long peninsula extending out into the central Mediterranean, together with a number of islands to the South and West. It is dominated by mountains, with the Apennines (which run north-south through the peninsula) connecting the Alps in the North to Etna and the Peloritani mountains in Sicily in the South.
At 301,200 km2 (116,000 miles2), Italy is one of the larger countries in Europe, and one of the most diverse in terms of geography, flora and fauna. It is easiest to describe when divided into discrete regions:
Northern Italy is dominated by the extensive valley of the Po river (the longest in the country), which is one of the most productive agricultural regions in Italy (specialising in cereals) and the centre of Italy's industrial output. A large percentage of Italy's population lives in this area, scattered through the major cities of the region such as Milan, Turin and Genoa, and in spite of (or because of) historically large influxes of people from the rest of Italy, there is a strong secessionist movement (the Lega Nord) that wishes to create a new country based solely on Northern Italy.
Central Italy includes the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and Lazio. It is dominated by the hills and mountains of the Apennines, from which a few major rivers flow. There are few natural plains of any size in this region, but those that do exist are famously fertile. They have been supplemented over the years by a process of land reclamation that has turned the coastal swamps and marshes into highly productive agricultural land, and provided space for the expansion of cities and towns.
The cities of Florence, Pisa, Siena and Rome are all located in Central Italy, and as such this region is a noted destination for travellers interested in art, archaeology and religion, and is widely considered to be the heartland of Italy.
Southern Italy includes the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, Apulia, Basilicata and Campania, and is rich in sites of great natural beauty, but poor in industrial potential. It is largely dependent on tourism and agriculture, and millions of people are drawn each year to its long sandy beaches and world-famous archaeological sites. It is a seismically active region that is regularly affected by earthquakes, and is home to the only active volcano in mainland Europe: Vesuvius.
The Islands: Sicily, Sardinia and the Aeolian Islands
Characterised for much of the 20th century as the football at the toe of Italy's boot, Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean (25,708 km2 = 9,925.9 miles2), and one of the most diverse in terms of geography, flora and fauna. Separated from Italy by a strait just 3.1km wide (1.9 miles) at its narrowest point, and only 140km (87 miles) from the African shore, Sicily dominates the sea-lanes of the Mediterranean from east to west and north to south.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean (23,800 km2 = 9189 miles2), and is blessed with abundant mineral deposits (e.g. gold, coal, zinc and granite) and superb agricultural land. It is geographically the most isolated region in Italy, but its excellent airports and ferry connections mean that you never feel too far away from the rest of Europe.
The Aeolian Islands to the north of Sicily are volcanic in origin, and are a popular tourist destination for Italians. With their sea vistas, active volcanoes, prehistoric villages, great seafood and superb walking, they make a wonderfully varied setting for a holiday.
Italian Tours About Italy Italian Recipes Gulet tours in Italy Italian Gulet Charters
About Italy
History of Italy
Weather in Italy
Geography of Italy
Folk Traditions of Italy
Italy Suggested Reading
It was excellent. There is everything to praise Peter Sommer Travels for in offering this exploration of Rome. We had been to Rome decades ago and this was a perfect revisit. The hotel Voi Donna Camilla Savelli was just perfect. The knowledgeable guides and their ability to share their passion for history made the trip very special. The daily schedule was thoughtfully planned. The leader, Dr.Michael Metcalfe, was wonderful and very professional. The city guide, Valeria, was delightful. Paul, the ancient Roman history guide, was extraordinarily filled with knowledge and passion and good stories. I felt he saw Augustus walking in the Forum. The restaurants chosen were very nice. Our driver was excellent as well. From the first time I contacted Peter Sommer Travels, it was a pleasurable experience. We feel they are the best travel operator we have ever used.
Joan Kahr, New York, USA Exploring Rome
Excellent. A perfect blend of history and architecture blended with food and wine. A true immersion in Sicilian culture. We felt like Sicily was opened us in a way that only our guides, Marcello and Lucia could have accomplished. We have been traveling internationally for nearly 25 years, often multiple trips a year. No other trip exceeded our week in Sicily. We hated to leave.
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Indentation hardness test methods for bamboo
Yang, X., Chai, Y., Sun, Z., Liu, H., and Jiang, Z. (2019). "Indentation hardness test methods for bamboo," BioRes. 14(1), 954-964.
Bamboo hardness test standards are not available. This study developed a new test method for bamboo indentation hardness with the U-shaped cylindrical and V-shaped compression heads in bamboo rings with different lengths. The mechanical behaviors of bamboo rings under two kinds of compression heads were analyzed. The results showed that U-shaped indentation hardness and V-shaped indentation hardness were closely correlated with compression strength and that the difference between U-shaped indentation hardness and V-shaped indentation hardness was significant. However, the bamboo rings with different lengths showed no significant difference in indentation hardness.
Xiaomeng Yang,# Yuan Chai,# Zhengjun Sun, Huanrong Liu,* and Zehui Jiang *
Keywords: Moso bamboo; Indentation hardness; Compression strength; Behavior
Contact information: International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China, 100102;
# Co-First Author: Yuan Chai, equal contributors as first author
* Corresponding authors: Jiangzehui@icbr.ac.cn; liuhuanrong@icbr.ac.cn
In many countries, especially in Asia, bamboo is an important natural resource. Due to its rapid growth rate and excellent flexibility and machinability, bamboo is widely used as a material in construction, furniture, pulping, and handicraft works. It resembles a hollow cylinder with many nodes (circular discs inserted into the hollow cylinder). The function of these nodes is to prevent buckling caused by bending. In addition, they may also act as axial crack arresters. Compared with wood, bamboo has a unique structure.
Hardness reflects the ability of a material to resist the entry of other rigid bodies. It is the common parameter in testing the mechanical properties of materials (Tsoumis 1991). This property is particularly important in processing and utilization of wood and bamboo. For bamboo products such as flooring, hardness is a very important strength standard (Berndsen et al. 2014).
The indentation method is derived from the hardness test. By establishing the connection between the partial indentation test and the conventional mechanical test, the characteristics of the material can be obtained. The main application in the field of wood is the nano-indentation technology, which has the advantages of simplicity and rapidity (Oliver and Pharr 1992; Yu et al. 2007). The mechanical properties of the cell walls and the hardness of the fibers at the cell level were obtained. However, bamboo is a porous, layered, and heterogenous natural polymer biomaterial with a multistage structure, and it has different mechanical properties on the macro scale. Nano-indentation characterization determines the mechanical behavior of a single fiber at the microscopic scale.
At present, the international standard of wood hardness testing is ISO3350 (1975), and Chinese National Standard is GB/T-1941 (2009), which is a revision of the international standard. The principle of the standard is the Janka hardness testing method. The hemispherical head of 11.28 mm is pressed into the wood, and the maximum load value is the hardness. However, because of its heterogeneity, large differences in the outer and inner wall, and wall thickness limitations, it is not suitable to use wood hardness testing directly. There are no international standards, Chinese national standards, or industry standards in bamboo hardness testing methods.
To date, wood hardness and half pressure hardness have been used as reference for radial hardness of bamboo (Dong et al. 2009; Ge et al. 2012; Trujillo and Jangra 2016). However, because of the thickness limit of the bamboo and its own arc, the loading of the end and the tangential direction is difficult, and the specimens easily crack when the contact surface is the bamboo green in the radial loading. Thus, there is no definite method for measuring the hardness of the end face of bamboo.
In this paper, a new method was used to study the macro hardness indentation of bamboo based on previous studies and the hardness and compression tests of wood in relevant standards. Based on the traditional material processing machine, according to the principle of depth measurement pressure, a pressure machine was developed for the macro depth measurement instrument. This study developed an indentation hardness test method to provide a fast testing and grading method for bamboo culm.
Nine four-year-old moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel) culms with a total height of about 13 m and the diameter at the breast height of 9 to 15 cm were harvested from Huoshan Town, Anhui Province, China. The specimens were exclusively taken from three successive internode sections of the fresh culms at the height of 1.3 to 2.0 m. Bamboo rings at three different heights were obtained in two methods (Fig. 1(a)-(b)).
Fig. 1. Schematic diagram of specimens cut in two sectioning ways
To explore the effect of the height of bamboo on the indention hardness, bamboo with the heights of 20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm were cut successively from the bottom to the top of the three internodes. Nine bamboo rings for each height were obtained from three culms according to each sampling method. A total eighteen specimens for each height were obtained.
The upper and lower surfaces of all the specimens were absolutely smooth and parallel to each other and both perpendicular to the axial direction. The height of each bamboo ring was measured at four points, which were respectively in the longest axis and the shortest axis (Fig. 2). The measurement error was controlled within 5%. The moisture content was measured immediately after the test. The average moisture content of all specimens was 42%.
Fig. 2. Height measurement of a bamboo ring
Indention hardness tests were performed on a universal testing machine (TENSON, WDW-T50, Jinan, China) equipped with a load cell with a capacity of 10 KN. According to ASTM D143-14 (2014), wood hardness was determined by with a ball-shaped compression head with a diameter of 11.3 mm (Fig. 3(a)). Bamboo is a hollow cylinder, so to consider the properties of bamboo more completely, a roller compressing head was used across the end of bamboo (Fig. 3(b)-(c)).
Fig. 3. Determination flow chart of round bamboo indentation test: (a) wood hardness test model; (b) round bamboo indentation test model; (c) indentation dimension
Fig. 4. Schematic diagram of round bamboo indentation test system
Fig. 5. Centering device of the specimen
For the pipe shape of bamboo culm with thin culm walls, indention hardness of bamboo was tested by U-shaped and V-shaped compressing heads as shown in Fig. 4. The U-shaped and V-shaped compressing heads were fixed on a compression platen. The height of both heads was 3 mm. The surface of platen was smooth. Before the test, the specimen was fixed at the center of the pressure plate, and the position was adjusted using a centering device (Fig. 5).
Indentation Hardness
For each specimen, three indices were tested. Six points (A, B, C, D, E, and F) were marked along three axes of each bamboo ring. The three axes pass through the center of bamboo ring. The AB axes were long axes for the U-shaped indentation test, and the CD axes were short axes for the V-shaped indentation test. Immediately after the indentation tests, the bamboo ring specimens were sewed at the points of E and F for the longitudinal compression test (Fig. 6).
Fig. 6. Indentation test position on specimen
First, indentation hardness was tested on each specimen with U-shaped and V-shaped compressing heads. The specimens used in compression strength tests with the dimensions of 20 mm (longitudinal) × 20 mm (tangential) × t mm (radial) were obtained at E and F points after indentation hardness tests. Compression strength was tested according to GB/T 15780 (1995). Before the tests, the height and thickness of bamboo ring at four points (A, B, C, and D) was measured. The longitudinal, tangential, and radial dimensions were measured for compression strength tests.
In indentation hardness tests, the specimen was fixed on the bottom platen with the centering device. The specimens were loaded at a displacement rate of 3 mm/min until the head was completely embedded in culm wall. The corresponding load and displacement values were recorded. The indentation hardness was calculated as follows,
where σ is indentation hardness at indentation depth of 3 mm (MPa, precision of 0.1 MPa), and P is the indentation load when it is pressed into the depth of 3 mm, N, as shown in Fig. 8, Pmax. S is the indentation area when it was pressed into the depth of 3 mm, in mm2 and can be calculated as follows,
where w is the width of indentation in the tangential direction of bamboo culm; t is bamboo wall thickness at the indentation, mm.
Compression Strength
In compression strength tests, the small specimen was set at the center of bottom platen and compressed by the top smooth platen. The specimens were loaded at a displacement rate of 3 mm/min until the failure. Compression strength was calculated according to GB/T 15780 (1995). The average value of 18 specimens was calculated.
Effects of Bamboo Ring Height on Indentation Hardness
Higher bamboo rings increase the preparation difficulty, but short bamboo rings do not represent the property completely. In order to confirm the effects of bamboo ring height on the indentation hardness, the indentation hardness of three bamboo rings with different
heights was tested with U-shaped and V-shaped compression heads. The representative load-displacement curves of the specimens are shown in Fig. 7.
Fig. 7. Load-displacement curves of bamboo rings in different lengths (L20: Bamboo ring length is 20 mm, L30: Bamboo ring length is 30 mm, L40: Bamboo ring length is 40 mm)
The load-displacement curves of three rings with different heights were similar. The load increased with the increase of the displacement. However, the increasing trends of the curves obtained with U-shaped and V-shaped compression heads were different. The curves of three rings with different heights obtained with the V-shaped compression head were linear curves, and the compression load increased linearly with the increase in the displacement. However, in the curves obtained with the U-shaped compression head, the load linearly increased at first and then it increased nonlinearly when the displacement exceeded 0.5 mm due to the stiff opposite response. Compared with the contact area in the V-shaped compressing head method, the contact area was larger in the U-shaped compressing head method, and the circular surface presented the slight yield response.
Table 1. Indentation Hardness of Bamboo Rings in 3-Different Length under U and V Shaped Compression Head
Std., standard deviation; and Cov., coefficient of variation
Table 2. Significant Difference Analysis at the Level of 0.05
SS, sum of squares; df, degree of freedom; and MS, mean square.
Table 1 shows the indentation hardness of three kinds of bamboo rings. Indentation hardness obtained with the U-shaped compression head was slightly higher than that obtained with the V-shaped compression head for all the specimens. However, there was no great difference in indentation hardness at different heights. As shown in Table 2, the indentation hardness of bamboo rings at different heights showed no statistically significant difference. Although the height showed no significant influence on indentation hardness, bamboo ring at the height of 20 mm was selected in the subsequent analysis of indentation. The indentation hardness of all the 54 specimens with three different heights was tested in this study.
Compression Strength and Indentation Hardness of Bamboo
A total of 54 specimens were used to test indentation hardness, and 108 specimens were used to test compression strength. The indentation hardness obtained with U-shaped and V-shaped compression heads was lower than compression strength (Table 3). Compression strength was 53.7 MPa, which was slightly lower than corresponding values in previous reports (Wang 2002; Li 2009). The difference might be interpreted as follows. The moisture content in the testing specimen was higher than the saturation moisture content, and the mechanical properties decreased with the increase in moisture content. Though the indentation compression process was similar to the standardized grain compression test method, compression loads were different in the two test methods. The maximum compression load was the compression load at the failure point in the compression strength test, whereas the maximum compression load was the compression load under the displacement of 3 mm in the indentation hardness test. Moreover, the compression strength values of different specimens were also different. In compression strength tests, each specimen was separately tested, and their cross sections were compressed completely.
The U-shaped indentation hardness was compared with the V-shaped indentation hardness in Table 3. U-shaped indentation hardness and the grain compression strength were greater than the V-shaped indentation hardness. According to the paired specimen test in Table 4, there was a significant difference between U-shaped and V-shaped indentation hardness. The difference may be interpreted as follows. In the indentation process, the end face of the bamboo ring obtained with U-shaped compression head and in CIS compression process has a larger yield area than that obtained with V-shaped compression head. In the displacement-load curve obtained with V-shaped compression head, the slope of the rear part of the linear segment is slightly smaller, indicating that the slight yield. In summary, the yield area obtained with V-shaped compression head was smaller and the overall yield area was smaller. Therefore, V-shaped indentation hardness was lower than U-shaped indentation hardness and the compressive strength.
Table 3. Paired Specimen Statistics of U-shaped Indentation Hardness and V-Shaped Indentation Hardness
N, number; Std., standard deviation; Cov, coefficient of variation
Table 4. Paired Specimen Test of U-shaped Indentation Hardness and V-shaped Indentation Hardness
Std., standard deviation; df, degree of freedom.
The correlation between indentation hardness obtained with the U-shaped and V-shaped compression heads and compression strength is shown in Fig. 8. The coefficient of determination between V-shaped indentation hardness and compression strength (R2 = 0.6924) was higher than that between U-shaped indentation hardness and compression strength (R2 = 0.558), indicating that V-shaped indentation hardness test was more similar to standardized grain compression tests. Therefore, V-shaped indentation hardness was used to grade bamboo rings in subsequent tests.
Fig. 8. Relationship between the U-shaped (a) and V-shaped (b) indentation hardness and the compressive strength
Compression Behaviors
The representative load-displacement curves of the specimens obtained in three compression methods are shown in Fig. 9. These curves were different in the curve shape and trend. Three representative compression load-displacement curves of bamboo in three different compression head are presented in Fig. 9, which contained three typical segments: linear elasticity segment, non-linear viscoelasticity segment, and failure non-linear segment. The long non-linear segment indicated a long-term deformation behavior until the failure under a maximum load.
Fig. 9. Load-displacement- curves of bamboo in three different compression heads.
In contrast, the load-displacement curve obtained in V-shaped indentation test method only had the linear segment until the critical point. However, the load-displacement curve obtained with the U-shaped compression head was similar to that obtained with the V-shaped compression head except that the former curve was smooth, whereas the latter curve was the linear curve. The load-displacement curve could be divided into two segments: the first linearly increasing segment and the second gently increasing segment.
Fig. 10. Indentation under U-shaped compression head (a) and V-shaped compression head (b)
The characters of these curves reflected their compression behaviors. In compression tests, only elastic deformation corresponding to the linear segment in the curve occurred. The viscoelasticity was evaluated under the increasing load within a longer period. Finally, the specimen was crushed under the critical load. The failure modes of bamboo included rupturing the inner layer and humping the outer layer (Fig. 10).
The special failure characteristics of bamboo rings in U-shaped indentation tests were the circular column indentation, the shear rupture of the inner layer, and the brooming of the outer layer (Fig. 10(a)). The failure mode was associated with the circular surface of compression head.
The failure mode of bamboo in V-shaped indentation tests involved V-shaped indentation on the cross section, which was similar to the circular indentation in U-shaped indentation tests. However, the lowest middle line of V indentation was deep. The outer layer was ruptured and the inner layer was crushed on the line (Fig. 10(b)).
According to bamboo indentation modes and compression characteristics in three compressing tests, the outer part of bamboo culm with a high fiber volume fraction (~50%) (Zhang 2000; Li 2014) exhibited the excellent compression property. The stiff fibre bundles mainly bore the axial compression load. The inner part of bamboo culm with the lower fiber volume fraction and higher volume fraction of parenchyma tissues presented a slightly weak structure. The inner layer with silicon mainly bore the compression load, but it was slightly weaker than that of the outer layer.
Indentation hardness of bamboo was tested in two kinds of compression heads. In order to clarify the effect of bamboo ring height on the indentation hardness, specimens with three different heights were tested.
The difference in indentation hardness between bamboo rings with different heights was not significant. Considering the measurement accuracy of specimens, the specimens at the height of 20 mm were used for indentation hardness tests.
Indentation hardness values were different in U-shaped and V-shaped indentation tests. U-shaped indentation hardness was slightly higher than V-shaped indentation hardness. However, indentation hardness in V-shaped indentation tests was correlated with compression strength and its load-displacement curve could well describe the compression properties of bamboo.
The specimens showed different failure characteristics in the compression strength test and U-shaped and V-shaped indentation harness tests. The bending of the outer layer was the main failure characteristics in compression strength test. Circle indentation of the inner layer and crushing of the outer layer was main failure characteristics in U-shaped indentation hardness tests. Triangle indentation of the outer layer rupture was the main failure characteristics in V-shaped indentation harness tests. In compression strength tests and U-shaped and V-shaped indentation hardness tests, the stiff fiber bundles bore the compression load in the axial direction. The outer layer with more fiber bundles was stiffer and bore the more compression loads in compression strength tests.
This research was financially supported by the 13th Five Years Plan-Study National Key Research & Development Program of China (Grant No. 2016YFD0600905).
ASTM D143-14 (2014). "Standard test methods for small clear specimens of timber," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.
Berndsen, R. S., Klitzke, R. J., Batista, D. C., Nascimento, E. M. D., and Ostapiv, F. (2014). "Mechanical resistance of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) Part 2: Axial tensile strength, hardness and wear resistance," Floresta 44(3), 505. DOI: 10.5380/rf.v44i3.33311
Dong, D. Y., Guan, M. J., Zhu, Y. X., Mo, C. Z., and Mo, X. F. (2009). "The hardness test and analysis solidness of moso bamboo in different ages," (	In Chinese) Journal of Forestry Engineering 2009(5), 48-50.
GB/T 1941 (2009). "Wood hardness testing method," Standardization Administration of China, Beijing.
GB/T 15780 (1995). "Test method of physical and mechanical properties of bamboo," Standardization Administration of China, Beijing.
GB/T 21838.1 (2008). "Instrumented indentation test for hardness and material parameters of metal materials," Standardization Administration of China, Beijing.
Ge, J. C., Tong, T. P., Sun M. Y., Yan, W., Guan, M. J., and Zhu, Y. X. (2012). "Hardness properties of bamboo based on indentation loading curve," J. Bamboo Res. 31 (4), 28-30. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-6567.2012.04.007
ISO 3350 (1975). "Wood – Determination of static hardness," International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Li, X. Z. (2009). Research on Mechanics and Failure Properties of Moso Bamboo, Ph.D. Dissertation, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing.
Oliver, W. C., and Pharr, G. M. (1992). "An improved technique for determining hardness and elastic modulus using load and displacement sensing indentation experiments," J. Mater. Res. 7(6), 1564-1583. DOI: 10.1557/JMR.1992.1564
Trujillo, D., and Jangra, S. (2016). Grading of Bamboo–INBAR Working Paper 79, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing.
Tsoumis, G. (1991). Science and Technology of Wood: Structure, Properties and Utilization, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
Wang, Z. H. (2001) Study on the Relationship between Variation of Wood Properties and Processing and Utilization, Ph.D. Dissertation, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing.
Yu, Y., Fei, B. H., Zhang, B., Yu, X. (2007) "Cell-wall mechanical properties of bamboo investigated by in-situ imaging nanoindentation," Wood Fiber Sci. 39(4), 527-535. DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/18/18/S03
Zhang, J. Y., Yu, T. X., Kim, J. K., Sui, G. X. (2000) "Static indentation and impact behaviour of reformed bamboo/aluminium laminated composites," Compos. Struct. 50(2), 207-216. DOI: 10.1016/S0263-8223(00)00104-5
Article submitted: October 23, 2018; Peer review completed: November 30, 2018; Revisions accepted: December 10, 2018; Published: December 11, 2018.
DOI: 10.15376/biores.14.1.954-964


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Hungary: MTVA confirms Eurovision 2019 participation and opens window submission for A Dal 2019
The Hungarian national broadcaster, MTVA, confirmed its Eurovision 2019 participation and opened submission window for A Dal 2019 the country's formula through which Eurovision act and entry are determined.
Follwing the confirmation for Eurovision 2019 participation, the Hungarian broadcaster released the terms and deadlines for taking part in the next national selection process of A Dal 2019. Apart from the general EBU regulations, MTVA released the following conditions in order for acts to compete in A DAl 2019:
Submissions are acceptable by singers or groups that have released an album or their song have entered the country's radio airplay list or have perfomed on TV or have a contract with a label.
The acts must be Hungarian citizens or use Hungarian as their natinve language.
The national broadcaster has the final say on the final song presentation in Tel Aviv.
MTVA feels strongly for songs in Hungarian. However acts can submit their songs in English or other in other minority languages but in that case must attach a translation in Hungarian.
The deadlinde for applications expires on November 8 while until December 14 the final form of all songs must be finalized . All submissions must include the following:
The application form
Sound material in flac, m4a, mp3, ogg, wav or wma form
The song lyrics and Hungarian translation if in other language
High definition photos of all people to perform on stage , the composers and all bio information in English and Hungarian.
the video clip of the song, which can be submitted afterwards once completed
The submission form and all the regulation on A dal 2019 can be spoted here .
The Eurovision Story So Far
The Hungarians made an attempt to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993. They participated in the special prelimary semi-final in Ljubiana with Andrea Szulak's Arva reggel. The country failed to win one of the three spots that led to Millstreet in Ireland.
In 1994 the country finally debuted in the contest with Friderika Bayer and her song Kinek mondjam el vetkeimet achieving a 4th place in Dublin, which is the Hungary's best placing up to date. In 1999 the country withdrew from the contest and came back after a six years break, in 2005. In its 16 participations has achieved 6 top 10 placings, specifically: 4th in 1994, 5th in 2014, 8th in 2017 and 9th in 2007 and 10th in 2013.
In 2018 the winners of its traditional national selection A Dal, Rock band AWS represented the country in Lisbon with their entry Viszlat Nyar. The band achieved a 21st placing in the Grand Final.
A Dal 2019AWSeurovision 2019Hungary 2019MTVA


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Home > Sun-Surf Realty Blog > The Weird and Wonderful World of Sea Turtles
The Weird and Wonderful World of Sea Turtles
As sea turtle nesting and hatching season begins to draw to a close in the next month here in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, we thought it would be the perfect time to remind you of how amazing these marine reptiles really are. Not only are they absolutely adorable, but they are utterly fascinating, too!
We have rounded up some of the most weird and wonderful sea turtle facts to share with you. We promise you'll learn something new!
Sea Turtles Go Way Back
Sea turtles are some of the most ancient creatures on planet Earth. They have been around since the time of dinosaurs during the late Jurassic period. What's really interesting is how little they've changed over time. All sea turtles species, except for the leatherback, belong to the Cheloniidae family. The leatherback belongs to the Dermochelyidae family and is its only type that is still in existence.
Sea Turtles vs. Other Turtles
Unlike other turtles, the sea turtle cannot draw up its legs and head into its protective shell (also known as the carapace). The sea turtle's major difference from other turtles is its shell. They have big shells that are made of bone and cartilage. Their color varies from species to species. The shells of all sea turtles, except the leatherback, have a layer of thin plates called scutes as a covering, which are flexible but firm. The species of sea turtle is mainly identified by the number and pattern of scutes. The leatherback turtle is the exception. It's shell has a leathery skin instead of scutes covering it, which acts as an insulator and enables the leatherback to easily survive in cold waters.
Sea Turtle Stats
There are seven species of sea turtles, six of which are either threatened or endangered. Humans pose the biggest threat to a sea turtle's survival, which contributes to problems such as entanglement, habitat loss, and consumption of their eggs and meat. So incredibly sad!
Life at Sea
Male sea turtles spend their entire lives at sea. Since they don't have to return to land to lay eggs, male sea turtles almost never leave the ocean. This can make it difficult to keep track of population numbers and to track in general. They are tricky creatures.
Swimmers and Travelers
Sea turtles are master swimmers and they love to travel. Leatherback sea turtles can travel more than 10,000 miles a year. That's a lot of swimming!
Deep Breaths
Green sea turtles can stay underwater for up to five hours, but their feeding dives usually only last five minutes or less. Not only are they master swimmers, but master divers, too.
Sea turtles tip the scales when it comes to weight. Leatherback sea turtles can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Despite their size, they are still elegant and graceful in the water.
Sea Turtle Tears
Don't worry, they aren't sad. Sea turtles have glands that help to empty excess salt from their eyes, making it appear as though they're crying. They're just doing some spring cleaning.
During nesting season when it's time to lay their eggs, female sea turtles return to the same nesting grounds where they were born. It's pretty amazing that no matter where they may be on their travels, sea turtles return to the beach of their birth to lay their eggs.
Boy or Girl?
During incubation, the sex of a sea turtle is determined by the temperature of the surrounding environment. Warm temperatures tend to produce more female hatchlings, whereas cooler temps result in males. When younger, sea turtles appear the same externally irrespective of their gender. As the turtles grow older, the males show longer and thicker tails as compared to their female counterparts. The tail of the males tends to extend further than the hind flippers. This is because the male's reproductive organ is situated at the base of its tail.
It's a cruel, cruel world. It is estimated that only one hatchling in a thousand will make it to adulthood. Whether it's the treacherous journey from nest to ocean, the predatory dangers of the open sea, or plain old human interference—the odds are stacked against them.
Well, did you learn something new about these fabulous reptiles of the sea? Hope so! If you'd like to learn even more, read more fascinating facts about sea turtles right here.
Remember, sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through October 31 in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Keep an eye out for hatchlings on the beach!
What do you think is the coolest fact about sea turtles?


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The twenty-acre site, located at Said-Ul-Azaib village, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi, is spectacular area in New Delhi, is spectacular. The Garden was inaugurated in February 2003. Majestic rocks stand silhouetted against the sky, others lie strewn upon the ground in a casual yet alluring display of nature's sculptural genius. It was the ideal ground on which to realize the concept of a public leisure space that would awaken a sensory response and thereby a sensitivity to the environment.
Secluded, away from the heart of the garden, on the other side of the walkway is the food and shopping court. A series of terraces provided with seating face the food court.
Wander down the meandering paths to Neel Bagh, a pool of water-lilies encircled by pergols covered with climbing plants of different colours and textures.
Overhead, hundreds of ceraminc bells chime, whispering secrets to the breeze, teasing you with their gentle laughter.
Almost two hundred varieties of plants are introduced. in addition, there are large areas where the existing vegetarian , consisting mostly of trees such as the local Kikar and he thorny Ber bush, has been left untouched.
The Garden has been designed to the imagery suggested by the name Garden of Five Senses. Colour, fragrances, texture and form all come together in an evocative bouquet that awakens the mind to the beauty of life and invokes a grateful prayer for the gift of sight, sound, touch , smell and taste.


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Spirituality, Society & Psychology
Spirituality & Psychology
Misc/Diverse
EDIV | Clinical Psychologist | Stockholm
I've been interested in mental health and spirituality in general and so-called "New Age" and variants of contemporary spirituality in particular. This page is mostly about the latter.
Spirituality, society and psychology. This and that. Existential stuff. Diverse, miscellaneous.
Stefan Hellsten
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As I said, I have an interest in psychology and spirituality. An overview: Psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychology originated with Sigmund Freud. At the beginning of the 20th century, he developed psychoanalysis in theory and clinic. Others have further developed his ideas: Donald Winnicott, Wilfred Bion, Melanie Klein and others. Humanistic psychology emerged partly as a counterforce. Instead, focus on the "healthy": Abraham Maslow. The next step was transpersonal psychology, which was even more (as I understand it) open to higher aspects of man: Stanislav Grof, the experimentation with drugs for personal development and psychological healing. From this, integral psychology has emerged. Ken Wilber. Positive psychology: Míhály Csíkszentmihályi. Religion has always existed. Therapeutic: Spiritual care, Christian deep meditation. In the 1960s and early 1970s, what we now call new age and new age emerged. Inspired by Eastern spiritual practice and theology – yoga and meditation, reincarnation and karma, gurus and disciples. And Theosophy, among others: Madame Blavatsky. Important names in this context: Jiddu Krishnamurti, who was raised by Theosophists Annie Besant and Charles Webster Leadbeater and predicted to become the new World Teacher. He dropped out in his thirties. In connection with this, the Theosophical Society went through a crisis. Rudolf Steiner defected and founded the Anthroposophical Society, which we know through Walldorf pedagogy, biodynamic cultivation, Vidarkliniken, etc. A Scandinavian of the same genre: Martinus Thomsen, "Martinus", whose doctrine is usually called Martinus cosmology. At the intersection of newness and psychology/therapy, we have phenomena such as: Pre/trans fallacy (Wilber), spiritual bypass/bypassing (John Welwood). Even what are commonly referred to as "therapeutic sects". Who should bring this is not clear: Scientology by L. Ron Hubbard, et al. Div spiritual gurus/inspirers/teachings/systems that focus on personal/spiritual development should also be included: Byron Katie, Deepak Chopra, The Secret, The Miracle Course – A Course in Miracles. Many of the things that fit within the holistic spirituality have also received great acceptance among the public. Interest in yoga, meditation, astrology, etc. Reincarnation and karma. Several studies have shown that as many as 25% of people in the West embrace the belief that you are reborn, live life after life. There is also an anti-cult movement, more or less agitated. Many with their own experiences, so-called defectors, or affected relatives, but also psychologists, psychotherapists, etc. who are interested in this area. In Sweden among others: Håkan Järvå, Helena Löfgren, Anette Nyman, Clas Svahn. In this context, the religious skeptic, Sigmund Freud should be highlighted, of course. Magical thinking in all its expressions. In recent years, the term Conspirituality has begun to be used. A mix of New Age Spirituality and Conspiracy theories. Not least in the wake of Donald Trump and the conspiracy culture that has thrived around him. QAnon. Here, things like Chem trails, notions about the danger of vaccines for Covid-19 are also sucked up, 5G, Illuminati, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and others, up. It is suggested that this mix of newness and conspiracy thinking in Swedish could be called conspiracy spirituality.
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text:
July 6, 2008 / 12:15 AM / 11 years ago
Siberian jail is champion in fight against TB
James Kilner
TOMSK, Russia (Reuters) - Alexander Pushkarev, head doctor at the 1,000-bed hospital in a Soviet-era prison nestling at the edge of Siberia, flashed a row of metal teeth with his smile.
An inmate holds the hands of his partner in the visitors' room in a tuberculosis prison hospital in the Siberian city of Tomsk some 2175 miles east of Moscow June 4, 2008. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
"Welcome to Tomsk Correction Facility No. 1," he said. "This is the best treatment for TB in Russia."
In the mid-1990s, virulent tuberculosis was killing prisoners here every week, but with the help of a group of American doctors, the jail near one of the world's biggest swamps has set an example to others worldwide dealing with drug-resistant TB.
Following an initiative from the U.S. Public Health Research Institute which was funded by George Soros, the Tomsk project now run by Boston-based doctors' group Partners in Health (PIH) has overturned conventional medical thinking that drug-resistant TB strains are extremely difficult and expensive to treat.
"Without the Tomsk project, drug-resistant TB treatment would be years behind where it is now," said Jussi Saukkonen, a doctor from Boston who was in Tomsk to inspect the project.
"It's been an important benchmark in dealing with this problem."
Under the project, which has now extended beyond the prison to the general population in the region, deaths from TB in Tomsk have nearly halved in eight years to around 12 per 100,000 people — a third of the average in Siberia.
Its main thrust is simple: just to ensure existing treatment is adhered to properly, rather than introducing new high-tech solutions or expensive drugs.
About 2 million people die each year from TB, a rate which is accelerating, making it one of the world's biggest killers: there are around 3 million deaths a year from AIDS and 1 million from malaria.
Drug-resistant TB emerged over the last couple of decades mainly because patients failed to complete courses of medication, so the Tomsk Correction Facility is an appropriate place for this project: one of its core weapons has been discipline.
The most effective response was produced by rigorously enforcing a series of existing measures, including improving ventilation, ensuring medical staff have proper training, paying for essential drugs and establishing a strict monitoring system to make sure patients complete their treatments.
Among the non-prison population, doctors do rounds and physically watch their patients take their TB medicine. State benefits are withdrawn if the patient skips their treatment, while testing and education about TB have improved.
Doctors use a range of antibiotics and are ready to switch patients between treatments if they don't respond.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) now promotes such a strategy, called the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) programme.
KILLER OF CHOPIN, ORWELL
Previously known as consumption, TB killed millions including the 19th-century Polish composer Frederik Chopin, Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and 20th-century English writer George Orwell.
Rising living standards and antibiotics virtually wiped out TB — bacteria spread via droplets which commonly attack the lungs invoking a bloody cough and sapping energy — in the developed world during the second half of the 20th century.
But it still stalks poorer countries, where people infected with HIV are most vulnerable, and figures show there are more people with the disease now than ever.
The WHO estimates that nearly half a million people a year worldwide become infected with a form of TB that is resistant to two or more of the primary drugs used to treat it.
Parts of the former Soviet Union are among the worst affected areas: around 15 percent of new cases in Tomsk are drug resistant, against a world average of just over 5 percent. Baku in Azerbaijan has the world's highest rate of drug resistance in new cases, at 22 percent.
But PIH says it has achieved nearly an 80 percent cure rate for drug-resistant TB. The group, founded to provide medical care to the poor, is using the experience from Tomsk to set up projects to treat drug-resistant TB in the African countries of Rwanda and Malawi, and other former Soviet states.
Since PIH took it over, the Tomsk project has also been funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and pharmaceutical group Eli Lilly, and in 2004 received a grant worth $10.8 million over five years from the Global Fund to Fights AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, set up by the world's wealthiest countries.
The Russian prison service now sends inmates from other regions to the jail to receive treatment, and the regional authorities plan to set up a global TB research unit there this year.
In a wing of the prison cordoned off from the rest of the hospital, a few dozen inmates infected with drug-resistant TB have been locked away. People only enter wearing protective clothing — plastic hats, overalls and face masks.
Before the U.S. doctors launched their project here, few inmates could expect to leave this wing alive.
"Maybe that's why Tomsk was so receptive," said Ed Nardell, another PIH doctor. "They were literally counting the bodies and knew that something had to be done."
Groups of men dressed in black overalls stared out from behind high wire fences which segregate courtyards or peered through mucky, barred dormitory windows. Their heads were shaved, their expressions blank, their faces gaunt and hollow.
A prisoner who gave his name as Rakhid said life in the hospital prison has vastly improved: "I've been here eight years," he said and then chuckled.
"And I'll be here a while longer."
(For a factbox on the Tomsk project, please double-click on)
Editing by Keith Weir and Sara Ledwith


text:
A Description Of The Library At Merly In the County of Dorset. Description De La Bibliothèque De Merly Dans le Comté de Dorset.
Ralph Willett
RA Collection: Book
Description De La Bibliothèque De Merly
London:: Printed For The Author, Ralph Willett, Esq; Dean-Street, Soho, By John Nichols,, 1785.
[6], 14 p., [24] leaves carrying [25] pl. (5 dble., 2 fold.): illus. (t.p. vignette); 545mm. (Broadsheet).
[T.p., dedic.] - List of Subscribers - [Text] - [Plates].
Responsibility Note
The title-page vignette and all plates are signed as designed by R. Willett, except plate [18] (Athens), which is signed as designed by James Stuart. All but three are signed as drawn by Wm. Collins (one is unsigned; pl. [24] is signed as painted by Richard Wilson, pl. [25] as painted by Sol. Delane). Most are signed as engraved by James Caldwell or James Record, but some are signed as engraved by Wm. Sharp, Ryley or B.T. Pouncy.
The work is dedicated by the author to the King (George III).
T. Knox, 'The library at Merly', in Apollo, 152 (2000), p.38-45; S. Jervis, 'The English country house library', in N. Barker, ed., Treasures from the libraries of National Trust country houses [exhibition catalogue] (1999), p. 12-33; J. Brewer, The pleasures of the imagination: English culture in the eighteenth century (1997); A. Masson, Le Décor des bibliothèques du moyen age à la Révolution (1972); D. Stillman, 'The gallery for Lansdowne House', in Art bulletin 52 (1970), p. 69-80; A.G. Thomas, 'Ralph Willett', in Book collector, 12 (1963), p.439-48.
ESTC, T88028
Summary Note
The text is in English and French in parallel.
The work provides an example of a thematic decoration of a library in the eighteenth century. The theme chosen for the library at Merly was that of the rise and progress of civilization and the arts. The plates show: 1. Quarter round of the center compartments; Ground plan of the Library. 2. Book case. 3. Zoroaster. 4. Mahomet. 5. Moses. 6. Christ. 7. Alfred. 8. Confucius. 9. Osiris. 10. Manco Capac. 11. Painting. 12. Sculpture. 13. Geography. 14. Astronomy. 15. Patagonia. 16. Otaheite. 17. Egypt. 18. Athens. 19. Britannia. 20. Tablets of the Chimnies, Terms and Angular Ornaments. 21, 22, 23. General Arrangement of the Ceiling. 24. Athens in its Flourishing State. 25. Athens in its present State of Ruin.
The library had been built in 1772, to house Willett's collection of finely-printed books. In 1776 he had printed an octavo description; and in 1785 not only the present work but also octavo versions in English and in French. In 1790 he would publish an octavo catalogue of the library. After his death the building was torn down, and its contents (of which a sale catalogue survives) were auctioned off (1813).
Originally purchased from the author for 4 guineas in the Lady Day quarter of 1785. Willett however returned the money and presented the book instead in January 1786 (see RA Quarterly Cashbook 1769-1795; RA Council Minutes, II, 19).
Copy Note
Imperfect: lacks the List of Subscribers.
Binding Note
18th-century half calf, marbled-papered boards; rebacked and recornered in 20th century; red morocco spine-label lettered 'Merly Library'.
Libraries (rooms) - Library bookcases - Ceilings - Interior decoration - Country houses - Great Britain - Dorset - Merly (Dorset) - History - 18th century
Civilization - Arts - Iconography - 18th century
Pictorial works - Great Britain - 18th century
George III King of Great Britain, dedicatee
John Nichols, printer
William Collins, draughtsman
James Caldwall, engraver
James Record, engraver
James Stuart, draughtsman
Solomon Delane, source artist
William Sharp, engraver
Charles Reuben Ryley, engraver
Benjamin Thomas Pouncy, engraver
Richard Wilson RA, source artist
Ralph Willett, source artist, previous owner, donor
MARC Record view


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In today's legal and regulatory environment, the need for organizations to promptly investigate and respond to allegations of misconduct is more important than ever. The cost of ignoring these allegations can be severe, including the loss of grant funds, debarment, waiver of critical defenses in litigation and regulatory enforcement proceedings, legal liability, increased legal fees, fines and costs and even corporate criminal prosecution.
Conducted an internal investigation for a well known Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods company into allegations of age and race discrimination in decisions related to employee compensation, promotions, and discipline.
Conducted an internal investigation for a state government agency into allegations that the agency took improper enforcement action against a licensee for political purposes.
Conducted an internal investigation for a state government agency into allegations that its policies governing alternative education had a disparate impact on minorities.
Conducted an internal investigation for a mid-sized medical billing firm into allegations of race discrimination in the workplace.
Investigated and litigated a case against a regional archdiocese concerning allegations brought against a priest by a former altar boy.
Many dozens of investigations at institutions of higher education concerning allegations of research misconduct.
When faced with allegations of wrongdoing, corporations, educational institutions, non-profit groups, and other entities rely on Cohen Seglias' Internal Investigations Group to expose waste, fraud, abuse, and other misconduct within their organizations in a confidential and cost-effective manner. Our attorneys conduct comprehensive internal investigations that discreetly uncover the truth so that our clients can make informed and legally defensible decisions.
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In the United States the field of basketry has evolved to include work that stretches the traditional concept of what a basket is. While many people continue to make baskets in both the Native American and immigrant traditions, others are using basketry techniques and materials that challenge the definition of a basket as being a functional vessel… or even being a vessel at all.
The National Basketry Organization, which was founded in 1999 and currently has over 600 members throughout the states and overseas, welcomes all basket makers whether their work is a traditional willow basket or a sculpture made of wires and cords. One purpose of the organization is, in fact, to keep all these people connected. It also provides educational opportunities and promotes basketry in general.
Communications are central. NBO publishes a quarterly magazine with features on individual artists, techniques and exhibitions as well as how-to articles. It also maintains a vibrant website full of information and links and reaches out to non-members on social media and with its electronic newsletter Over/Under.
Every other year NBO hosts a national conference drawing people from all over the country to work with studio level basket makers.
In conjunction with the conference, NBO sponsors a juried exhibition that features the full scope of basketry work being done as well as a non-juried exhibition for those who simply want to share their work with others at the conference.
NBO has a history of catalogs that have accompanied these exhibitions and serve as an important archive on American baskets.
The organization is currently in the final planning stages of a major traveling exhibition call Rooted, Revived, Reinvented: Basketry in America, which will begin a four-year tour of the country in January 2017. This show will have a companion publication.
We invite our European colleagues to follow us on Facebook and to visit our website at http://nationalbasketry.org where they can sign up for our free newsletter. And we would welcome you as members (if enough of you join, we will have to change our name!).
Above left: Pamela Zimmerman, Catching the Pale, Pale Moon (Photography by Ronald L. Sowers Photography).
Above right: Peggy Wyman, Awakening.
Bottom: Katherine Lewis, Sorted out.
Find this article in Le Lien Créatif, Spring 2016.
Posted	on Monday, March 7th, 2016 at 7 h 31 min	under Associations, Useful addresses.


Giles Duley will travel to five case study states – Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Palestine, Ukraine and Vietnam – to document and tell the stories of persons with disabilities during and following armed conflict.
Antonio Coco: From the Geneva Academy to Oxford!
Our alumnus and teaching assistant Antonio Coco was recently appointed Departmental Lecturer in Law at Oxford University.
The Geneva Academy Team Wins the Prize for the Best Defence Memorandum at the 2017 Nuremberg Moot Court!
Congratulations to the Geneva Academy team – Tafadzwa Christmas, Elena Piasentin, Lina Rodriguez, Caroline Siewert and Thomas Van Poecke – for winning the Prize for the Best Defence Memorandum at the 2017 Nuremberg Moot Court!
From Geneva to Solferino in Four Days!
Alexis Comninos, Elena Engelke and Giovanni Papotti cycled from Geneva to Solferino in four days to raise funds for a scholarship to allow a student with limited financial means to enroll in the upcoming LLM programme in September.


text:
Exclusive: Mbappe advises star to join Tottenham amid £107m offer in fee/wages
Date: 25th June 2019 at 7:00pm
EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe is among the France stars who have advised Tanguy Ndombele to join Tottenham this summer, Football Insider can reveal.
Spurs are in talks with Ndombele's club Lyon to sign him this summer as they look to fend off rival interest from the likes of Juventus.
As revealed by Football Insider, the Londoners have offered £107million in fee and wages to land the central midfielder, including an offer of £55million including add-ons as well as contract package worth £200,000-a-week.
A Spurs source has told Football Insider that France skipper Hugo Lloris, who has the same status at Tottenham, has urged Ndombele to make the move from Ligue 1 to the new White Hart Lane stadium.
It is a stance echoed by Mbappe, who has told Ndombele he will be key player at the Londoners and the are a club where he can go to the next stage in his career.
Lyon have admitted they are set to cash in on Ndombele this summer, but they are adamant that buyers must match their valuation for him to be sold.
The France international is increasingly leaning towards moving to Tottenham and that could prove decisive in securing a breakthrough in negotiations.
Ndombele, 22, has earned rave reviews for his performances at Lyon in the last two seasons after initially joining from Amiens on a season-long loan.
His athleticism, industry and technical ability has persuaded Spurs to make him one of their priority summer targets as they look to beef up their central midfield.
In other Spurs news, it can be REVEALED that the club have pulled out of the race to sign a top-notch international midfielder.


The Cambridge rattan dining set is the perfect solution for smaller patios or dining rooms. With its compact rectangular table, this 7-piece set comes with four stackable seats to limit use of space- as well as two multifunctional reclining chairs which are useful for sunbathing as well as dining. Beautifully designed, this elegant dining set would complement any garden design or home décor for an effortlessly elegant way to eat and socialise with family or friends.
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text:
Pepperoni Foods set for nationwide expansion
Pepperoni foods, one of the leading fast food companies in Nigeria is set to expand its tentacles across the country. With the opening of its seventh service outlet, Pepperoni Foods Limited is set for its nationwide expansion plan which started eight years ago in Port Harcourt.
Speaking recently at the opening of the Ada George Road outlet in Port Harcourt, Eric Idogun, chief executive officer, Pepperoni Foods Limited, said he would continue to focus on providing healthy food to customers of the fast food restaurant, which is currently located in four states in the Niger Delta. His long-term plan, he says, is to open branches that will meet the needs of upwardly mobile people in major cities of the country.
The ultra-modern outlet, which is the second in the Garden City, is set to change the business of quick service restaurants in the area.
Idogun disclosed that the organization, which includes a bakery, table water company and other auxiliary subsidiaries, has provided jobs for over 570 young people, who are dedicated to leaving its customers with memorable experience.
On the growth of the company, he said: "The Company has gradually gained acceptance among various demographic strata and has become the preferred restaurant in its various locations. Our objective is to provide quality healthy food to customers in a warm and friendly environment. This vision has continued to drive Pepperoni, which is the reason the brand has remained consistent in its product offerings in all its locations".
Idogun described the latest achievement and the facility as a pointer to "a new dawn in the growth of the business, noting that the outlet has come to change the landscape of the neighborhood.
"The various healthy food recipes, ambiance and service delivery incorporated in the design and operation of the world-class outlet sets Pepperoni apart as a leading brand in the fast food industry. It is a new era where innovation and excellence is now intricately factored into products and service offering", he said.
Pepperoni, according to him, is set to change the style and glamour of outside dinning for its existing and prospective customers. Products on offer at the new outlet include a wide array of continental and Nigerian dishes. Confectioneries will include snacks, cakes, ice cream, sharwama and barbeque meals. The outlet will also feature other products of the company, such as Xyno water, Pepperoni bread and Fotizo photo studio.
During the commissioning, OkeyWali (SAN), president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), commended the step taken by Pepperoni to contribute in rebuilding the lost glamour of the city.
He noted that the Garden city is a centre of relaxation and that Pepperoni has provided another option for fun-loving residents of Port Harcourt and visitors to enjoy their favorite meals in a cozy environment.
For its unique business model, innovation and robust corporate social responsibility (CSR), Pepperoni received the prestigious African Awards for Entrepreneurship in 2011. It emerged from over 3,300 companies drawn from 48 African countries for evaluation.
SANUSI: Sins, Strength, Stewardship And Successor
FG, states, LG share N629.12bn for January


Drop in to Vestry House this Saturday to discover fascinating stories from the Waltham Forest archives and learn how to research the history of your family, home or local area.
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With just a day left for the eventual launch of the All New HTC One, the leaks still don't stop coming. We have had a shabbily made hands-on video of the device in the past but we have a new leaked hands-on video, which shows off the All New HTC One in high-definition glory.
HTC already has a countdown in place for the New HTC One launch and they will be live streaming it as well. The HTC flagship should be launched in some countries tomorrow itself. All the specs of the New HTC One are all but confirmed and you can check out the expected specs below. We recently also came to know the price at which the device should retail. You can also get all the scoop on the All New HTC One here.
We will bring you all the news around the All New HTC One when it finally goes official tomorrow so stay tuned at MobiGyaan for more.


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Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, Inc.


When you want a home that makes you smile!
You have come to the right place. Please, have a look around. You may want to get started by using the home search box at the top of this page. Just type in an address, zip code, neighborhood name, etc. and see what homes you find. As you become more familiar with the tool you will be able to narrow your search.
Remember, many of the better homes are sold before they are ever advertised! If you are serious about finding just the right home, you should contact me immediately. I often know of homes that will be coming on to the market before they are listed in the online search engines.
You can use the form below to contact me with any questions about the real estate or my services. No question is too mundane and there is no cost for asking a question. I want to help!
Jim, I want a home that makes me smile!