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The Cannabis Reporter
Empowering Through Awareness
Browse All EpisodesCatch up on any of the Cannabis Reporter Radio Show episodes you may have missed, hosted by Snowden Bishop.
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cbdMD Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter Record Net Sales
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–cbdMD, Inc. (NYSE American: YCBD) (NYSE American: YCBD.PR.A), a nationally recognized consumer cannabidiol (CBD) brand, announced today preliminary unaudited net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 which ended September 30, 2019. "cbdMD's unaudited net sales were $9.5 million for our last quarter of fiscal 2019, which was an increase of over…
MedMen Opens in Sarasota, Florida
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MedMen Enterprises Inc. (CSE: MMEN) (OTCQX: MMNFF) ("MedMen" or the "Company"), a leading cannabis retailer with operations across the U.S., announces the opening of its latest Florida location in the city of Sarasota. This is the eighth of 12 locations MedMen plans to open in Florida this calendar year. The Company is licensed…
Organigram Wins Top Product Award in High THC Bottled Oil Category at 2019 Canadian Cannabis Awards
MONCTON, New Brunswick–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OGI) (TSX: OGI), the parent company of Organigram Inc. (the "Company" or "Organigram"), a leading licensed producer of cannabis, is pleased to announce that the Company was honoured on November 8 at the Canadian Cannabis Awards Gala in Toronto with the Top Product Award in the High THC…
Medical Marijuana to Methotrexate: Arthritis Patients Make Multidimensional Treatment Choices, Studies Show
UPPER NYACK, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–CreakyJoints®, a Global Healthy Living Foundation patient community, will present five posters, some in partnership with major academic institutions, at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA (Nov. 8-12, 2019) that speak to the decisions patients make when treating and tracking their arthritis. In the poster "Legal Matters: Attitudes Regarding Marijuana…
Alnylam Initiates ILLUMINATE-C Phase 3 Study of Lumasiran for the Treatment of Advanced Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 and Presents New Positive Results from Phase 2 Open-Label Extension Study
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), the leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that the Company has initiated ILLUMINATE-C, a new global Phase 3 study of lumasiran, an investigational, subcutaneously administered RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1). The study will enroll patients of all ages with advanced…
Company Profile for Golden Impressions Marketing, Inc.
–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GOLDEN IMPRESSIONS Celebrating 20 years of service, Golden Impressions (GI) is a public relations, digital and content marketing services firm located in Denver and Silicon Valley. GI delivers high impact, purpose-driven marketing programs and solutions with a focus on tech, healthcare, government plus other vertical markets, including cannabis. GI's mission is to support companies…
Global Wearable Sensors, Pressure Sensors, Fingerprint Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, and Solid State LiDAR Innovations Report 2019 – ResearchAndMarkets.com
DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The "Innovations in Wearable Sensors, Pressure Sensors, Fingerprint Sensors, Ultrasonic Sensors, and Solid State LiDAR" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This issue of Sensor TechVision Opportunity Engine profiles advancements in wearable sensors, pressure sensors, fingerprint sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and solid-state LiDAR. Innovations include skin worn sensors for monitoring physiological activities, a wearable…
Global Textile Market 2019-2023 | Innovations in Textile Industry to Boost Growth | Technavio
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The global textile market is expected to post a CAGR of over 6% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Request a free sample report The increasing consumption of natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, cashmere and jute will drive the global textile market during the…
Tenet to Participate in the Credit Suisse 28th Annual Healthcare Conference
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) will participate in the Credit Suisse 28th Annual Healthcare Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. Members of senior management will speak at the conference at approximately 10:35 a.m. Eastern time (8:35 a.m. Mountain time). A live webcast may be accessed through the investor relations section of…
Israeli study finds cannabis effective for treating cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome
Cannabis has become widely used by cancer patients to stimulate appetite and alleviate the often-debilitating side effects of chemotherapy. Despite the abundance of anecdotal evidence and patient testimony about the efficacy of cannabis for treating a wasting syndrome known as cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS), there has been a lack of clinical data supporting the curative…
22nd Century Group Files 2019 Third Quarter Report
WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE American: XXII), a plant biotechnology company that is a leader in tobacco harm reduction, Very Low Nicotine Content (VLNC) tobacco and hemp/cannabis research, announced today that the Company filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange…
Merida Dual Lists on NEO and NASDAQ
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–NEO is pleased to announce that Merida Merger Corp. I ("Merida"), a newly formed Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation ("SPAC"), made its Canadian public markets debut today on the NEO Exchange. In doing so, Merida has become the first SPAC to dual list and the first NEO and NASDAQ dual listing. Merida's units began trading…
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Apartment Investment and Management Company Announces 2020 Dividend Income Tax Allocation
Flower One Receives Notices of Default on Delayed Debt Payments
The Parent Company Makes Its Public Debut on the NEO Exchange With Global Icon and Entrepreneur Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter
Our mission is to empower widespread acceptance of cannabis through awareness and support advocacy that leads to a healthier, more sustainable and prosperous future.
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Creator of fake LDS apology does his own apologizing, acknowledges causing 'tremendous pain for black Mormons'
(Jeremy Harmon | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appears with NAACP leaders Leon Russell, center, and Derrick Johnson on May 17, 2018, where the two groups emphasized a need for greater civility and called for an end to prejudice.
By Peggy Fletcher Stack
· Published: May 23, 2018
After spending four days defending his fake apology for the LDS Church's past racial ban as "satire" or a discussion starter, former Mormon Jonathan Streeter issued his own mea culpa Tuesday.
"I caused tremendous pain for black Mormons who have patiently waited for so long," Streeter wrote in a letter to The Salt Lake Tribune. "I am deeply sorry."
LaShawn Williams, a member of the grass-roots Black LDS Legacy Committee, noted the prankster did not, to her knowledge, offer his contrition personally to black Mormons.
After all, they were the ones — men and boys, women and girls — who were barred from the Utah-based faith's all-male priesthood and its temples from the mid-1800s until 1978, when the prohibition ended.
Streeter, who lives in Texas, launched his deception May 17, the day LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson and top executives from the NAACP issued historic — and real — statements about working together to promote civility and racial harmony.
The hoaxer posted a document on his website that purported to be from the church's governing First Presidency, falsely quoting Nelson as saying, "I offer a full unqualified apology for the error of racism which was taught from this office and in the tabernacle and over the pulpits of our churches the world over."
At the time, Streeter said he initiated the ruse as a way to "start a conversation" about what he sees as the Mormon church's need to apologize for its past.
About an hour or two before the landmark LDS/NAACP news conference, the fake release went viral. Many in the black Mormon community had been hoping and praying for such an official apology and were devastated when they learned it was a fraud.
They felt "retraumatized" by Streeter's deceit, Zandra Vranes, co-author of "Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons," said in a tear-filled Facebook Live video. "We are not pawns in your game of white people fighting the white church."
The Black LDS Legacy Committee, which includes Vranes and Williams, issued this statement Friday: "This website was created to provoke a response from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members. ... The most profound response came from many of its black members — many of whom have prayed for such an announcement."
The dialogue on "racism and white supremacy in the LDS Church is a complex one," the Legacy Committee wrote. "Allyship demands cooperation and consultation between the group affected and those on the outside who seek to make a positive change. …[but Streeter's approach] was nothing short of manipulative, self-centered and disingenuous."
In Tuesday's concession, Streeter acknowledged that his prank was "very shortsighted, hurtful and ultimately wrong."
"I am responsible for the unintended consequences of my actions," he wrote. ".I have listened to many powerful expressions of the pain I caused and have been humbled further by my own ignorance."
Streeter has removed "the satire apology Web page," he said. "I understand that I cannot remove the deep wounds that I have reopened. … The [phony] apology reflects my sincere desire for healing and progress in the church."
The Legacy Committee found little solace in Streeter's words.
It is "a performance common to many white progressives," the group wrote in an email, "particularly those affiliated with the LDS Church."
The group also had harsh words for "media publications that gave Mr. Streeter a platform for his harmful rhetoric," the statement said. "It exacerbated the harm already experienced by members of the black Mormon community."
The committee remains committed to "stand with those affected by [his] actions," it said, "and to those who are doing the work of building Zion."
pstack@sltrib.com
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Survivors of religious massacres speak out against bigotry
By Carol Morello and Souad Mekhennet | The Washington Post • 1d ago
One of America's top climate scientists is an evangelical Christian. She's on a mission to convert skeptics.
By Dan Zak | The Washington Post • 1d ago
Jana Riess: A swan song for Mormons' Hill Cumorah Pageant
By Jana Riess | Religion News Service • 2d ago

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Spring Festival starts from 4th to 11th February.2nd and 3rd(weekend) is still the working day.
Epay customer service and sales will still provide service for you during the holiday. Please contact us if you have any questions. We will provide better service to you in 2019!


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OGE: 'Excelling through challenging times'
Published: Fri, August 7, 2020 1:05 AM Updated: Fri, August 7, 2020 1:20 AM
A work crew for OG&E holds a pre-job briefing as it prepares to go to work on a project to support the utility's power distribution system. [THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVES]
OGE Energy and its electric utility, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co., innovated their ways through a second quarter that ended with the company posting net earnings of $85.9 million, or 43 cents a share, on revenues of $503.5 million.
In the second quarter of 2019, the company had posted net earnings of $100.2 million, or 50 cents per share, on total revenues of $513.7 million.
Sean Trauschke, OGE Energy's CEO, said the company's adjusted second-quarter 2020 earnings actually shook out to 51 cents per share.
Analysts had expected the company to earn 49 cents per share according to figures compiled by Thomson Reuters, Nasdaq.com reported Thursday morning.
"If I could describe the second quarter in a simple statement, I would use 'excelling through challenging times,'" Trauschke told analysts in a call the same morning.
"The pandemic requires all of us to innovate and lead by example. And, I'm pleased that our employees, as always, have responded to the call with outstanding performance."
Trauschke said the company has added almost 10,000 new customers since this time last year and has nearly 120 megawatts of signed contracts for new large projects expected to be online before the end of 2020, all while delivering a 5% reduction in residential fuel rates.
Completed grid enhancement projects in Arkansas, he noted, are performing between 70% and 93% better during storms. OG&E proposes to undertake similar efforts in Oklahoma, but has put off seeking approval from regulators to recover the anticipated $810 million in costs until October.
Meanwhile, the company has continued to execute on its efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions, achieving a 40% reduction from 2005 levels and seeking to boost that to 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.
It also completed two 5-megawatt solar farms that are fully subscribed in Durant and Davis, is working on seeking approval from Arkansas regulators to build a 5-megawatt solar farm there and responded to several widespread outages caused by severe weather. Throughout, the company has adjusted its business practices to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. The company's utility achieved zero safety-related incidents during the period.
"Our teams are continuing to deliver tremendous results during storm restoration, seasonal heat and humidity and other factors, all while observing enhanced safety and health protocols," he said, adding it sent crews and support personnel to the East Coast this week to aid other utilities that are having to restore power knocked out by Tropical Storm Isaias.
The utility, he highlighted, also has taken care of trying to help its customers here at home as the pandemic has progressed, noting the 5% reduction in fuel costs was initiated before regulators by OG&E early to help provide relief.
Beyond that, it has helped connect stressed customers with assistance programs that have provided them with more than $5 million to help them pay their bills, and has set up installment payment plans that have helped 29,000 customers keep their lights on.
COVID-19's impact was demonstrable on OG&E's operations during the second quarter. The company provided residential customers with 2.2 megawatts of energy during the second quarter this year, compared to 2 megawatts a year ago.
Meanwhile, its commercial sales remained stable, while its sales to industrial and oilfield customers were lower in the second quarter of this year than they were a year ago.
OG&E sold 6.8 megawatts of energy during the second quarter of 2020, compared to 6.9 megawatts during the same quarter in 2019.
Weather-normalized load for commercial customers, Trauschke said, was down 15% in April, compared to the same period in 2019. In June, it only was off by 5%. Load needs of industrial and oilfield customers have rebounded similarly, he observed.
Overall, year-to-date weather normalized load for OG&E is down 3.2%, compared to 2019.
"We continue to see several of our large manufacturing customers beginning to move back to pre-COVID production schedules," Trauschke said. "While we have seen some reduction in the oil and gas industry due to commodity prices, we are seeing projects continue to move forward on the midstream side of the business."
Trauschke
CommentsOGE: 'Excelling through challenging times'


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Q: Opening command prompt to the same directory on different PCs I'm using python to open command prompt on multiple PCs however the file paths differ between the two PCs.
I'm using
os.startfile('C:\\WINDOWS\\system32\\cmd.exe')

on both machines
The first PC opens with this(this is what I need it to open with)
C:\Users\user\Documents\Python>

The second pc runs the same code but opens command prompt with this
C:\Users\user>

How can I get it to open like the first PC does?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Never Enough Nails: Lynnderella Evermore + Good News for Worldwide Lynnderella Fans!
Lynnderella Evermore + Good News for Worldwide Lynnderella Fans!
I really couldn't bear to remove my Color Club Angel Kiss mani from the other day, but I'm trying to wear some of my Early Halloween Resurrected Lynnderellas before my new Season's Glitterings Lynns arrive. So, I decided to layer Lynnderella Evermore on top of Angel Kiss. Evermore is a beautiful assortment of black glitters and TONS of teeny multi-colored glitter in a clear base. I want to share Lynn's own description of Evermore, because I think it's touching. "Evermore is dedicated to two friends: One lovely and brainy and the other a dear feline who has departed for other realms. The ravens may say "Nevermore," but the tabby said "Evermore...." And that's just about how long we will love and miss you. This lacquer contains multiple black shapes with a potent multi-coloured microglitter (think One Nutty Fruitcake amplified). When viewing swatches, how many silhouettes do you see up there? Is that a bird on the Kiwi Fruit? We're calling this the Rorschach effect. Application may require patience and skill."
Evermore is definitely one of those polishes that needs to be dabbed on, not applied with regular brushstrokes. This is two dabbed coats, and I positioned some of the larger glitter pieces. Lynn says application may require patience and skill, but I think it just needs a bit of patience. It's not challenging to apply, it just takes a bit more time. By the way, I don't have a pic, but I got a pretty black heart on my right thumb nail (I could NOT take a picture of my right thumb nail hahaha)! And I loved that giant circle glitter I got on my ring finger.
Now the good news for you international Lynnderlovers, Lynnderella will soon be shipping overseas!!! They just started shipping to Canada and Lynn's blog says worldwide shipping is coming soon! Now you won't have to use the services of a drug smuggling ring to get your glitter fix LOL. Lynnderella polishes are sold in her eBay store.
Happy December 1st!! I think most of my posts for awhile now will be holiday themed, as I really like to wear holiday polish for most of December. I also have a giveaway coming up, I think I'll have the post ready for Monday!
This is absolutely fantastic! We've never seen anything quite like this before. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you like it! I love it too!


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Available Now At: Kensington Community Library
Kensington Community Library (remove)
Minneapolis Public Library (1)
Randolph-Decker Public Library (1)
Russell Public Library (1)
Sylvan Grove Public Library (1)
3-D films (1)
Good and evil -- Drama (1)
New York (N.Y.) -- Drama (1)
Superhero films (1)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Fictitious characters) -- Drama (1)
Time travel -- Drama (1)
» Jonathan Liebesman
Jonathan Liebesman
1) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
[2014] Paramount Pictures
[2014] Paramount
[Blu-ray]
1 Blu-ray videodisc (101 min.) : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in.
The city needs heroes. Darkness has settled over New York City as Shredder and his evil Foot Clan have an iron grip on everything from the police to the politicians. The future is grim until four unlikely outcast brothers rise from the sewers and discover their destiny as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Turtles must work with fearless reporter April O'Neil and her wise-cracking cameraman Vern Fenwick to save the city and unravel Shredder's diabolical...


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Restaurant Month is the Perfect Time to Celebrate San Luis Obispo County's Bounty of Culinary Treats
Unique Local Foods, Spirits And Craft Beers Abound In California's Central Coast
Enjoy January In San Luis Obispo County, The Most Delicious Month Of The Year
San Luis Obispo County, located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California's breathtaking Central Coast, is a culinary paradise offering an assortment of locally-sourced and produced food and drink. The area's range of coastal and inland influences is demonstrated by its broad assortment of gastronomic treats ranging from fresh foods, innovative spirits, unique craft beers and much more.
Visit San Luis Obispo County Logo (PRNewsFoto/Visit San Luis Obispo County)
Indulge in and explore the culinary bounty San Luis Obispo County has to offer during Restaurant Month, January 4-29, 2016*. Once a year, participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus of three courses at$30-$40 per person. Whether taking in San Luis Obispo County's flavors during Restaurant Month, or visiting some of the area's producers throughout the year, the destination is overflowing with an abundance of great products found only on the Central Coast.
(*Days of offerings vary per restaurant and are noted here. See details below per restaurant. Split meals not allowed. Please call individual restaurants for open hours and additional information.)
Locally Sourced Foods Flourish in San Luis Obispo County
There are a wide variety of new and interesting farms and fisheries across San Luis Obispo County that specialize in unique foods including shellfish, meat, produce and dairy products supplying local restaurants and markets. Taste the fresh farm fare from the producers below at one of San Luis Obispo County's restaurants or farmer's markets:
Morro Bay Oyster Company: Morro Bay holds a long-standing history as a thriving seaport with beautiful ocean views and a tranquil yet productive estuary. Morro Bay Oyster Company harvests Pacific Gold Oysters by hand directly from the pristine water, which are then sold to local restaurants and to the public at farmers markets and off its barge in Morro Bay harbor.
The Abalone Farm: The largest aquaculture facility of its kind in the country, The Abalone Farm Inc. produces over 100 tons of California Red Abalone each year. The facility is not open to the public, but its products are available through several distributors.
Adelaida Springs Ranch: Savory and sustainable grass-fed beef and lamb, are the specialties of Adelaida Springs Ranch, where tours offer fascinating information about the area, from the geography and its history to the workings of the ranch.
Rinconada Dairy: Cheesemaking at this Santa Margarita dairy evolved from 25 years of organic gardening and a passion for producing healthful and delicious food. Every step in the process of breeding, lambing, feeding, milking and cheesemaking is hands-on.
Stepladder Ranch: This family-owned ranch in Cambria features Hass avocados, sub-tropical fruits, forest-raised pork, fresh goat cheese and a luxury vacation rental.
Windrose Farm: Located east of Paso Robles, Windrose Farm cultivates vegetable rotations including tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, green and dry beans, and much more. The farm also has a sheep pasture and offers tours and special tastings in partnership with FARMstead Ed.
San Luis Obispo County is also home to dozens of craft olive and walnut oil producers including Pasolivo, Olea Farm, Kiler Ridge Olive Oil, and Limerock Orchards, just to name a few. Sample these and other unparalleled offerings at over a dozen farmer's markets throughout the week.
Distilling Movement Growing in San Luis Obispo County
To rival it's evolving foodie trends, the craft spirit industry in San Luis Obispo County has grown rapidly over the last several years. The movement is a terrific complement to an area known for producing world-class wines and there are a variety of distilleries in the region that offer tours and tastings.
Pendray's Distillery: Having a distillery was always part of the business plan for PasoPort winery and in 2013, winemaker Steve Glossner began production of brandy for fortification of its ports, and has since expanded to brandy and grappa.
Re:Find: The first to utilize premium Paso Robles-grown grapes as their base, Alex and Monica Villicanaoperate Re:Find out of the Villicana winery, making limoncello, gin, vodka and whiskey.
Wine Shine: Co-owners Mark Sahaydak and Patrick Brooks operate this small still house specializing in flavored moonshines, brandies and whiskey.
Discover Craft Beers (and Cider)
There's no shortage of craft breweries in San Luis Obispo County, producing a wide variety of beers including IPAs, porters, sours, and just about any other style you could imagine. Drop by any of the following craft breweries to raise a glass and sample some of their creations. Continue reading →
Culinary/Kitchen festivals
National Geographic Announces Winners of 2015 Photo Contest
Selected from more than 13,000 entries, a photo of a tornado in Colorado was chosen as the grand-prize winner of the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest. The photo, titled "DIRT," was shot by James Smart of Melbourne, Australia. He has won $10,000 (USD) and a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the annual National Geographic Photography Seminar in January 2016.
Dirt – Photo and caption by James Smart
LOCATION: Simla, Colorado, United States
A rare and jaw-dropping anti-cyclonic tornado touches down in open farmland, narrowly missing a home near Simla, Colorado.
Last spring, Smart spent 15 days chasing storms with his brother and some friends who are meteorologists. On the last day, Smart ended up outside of Simla, Colorado, where he shot the winning photo.
"The tornado was slowly getting bigger as it picked up the dust and soil from the ground on the farmland," Smart said. "It wasn't moving very fast, so we kept getting closer as it tracked next to the home as you can see in the image. Driving down a Colorado dirt road, we were lucky enough to be on the west of the tornado, so it was front lit. This really helped to get great detail out of the image and the perfect light for the sky and foreground."
FIRST PLACE WINNER, PLACES
Photo and caption by Francisco Mingorance
LOCATION: Cardeñas, Andalusia, Spain
While preparing a report on Spain's Rio Tinto from the air, I decided to include the phosphogypsum ponds located in the marshes of red, whose radioactive discharges has destroyed part of the marsh. As an environmental photojournalist I had to report this story, but had to do it with an image that by itself attracts the viewer's attention. On a low-flying training flight, this image caught my attention for its resemblance to the impact of an asteroid on its green waters.
HONORABLE MENTION, PLACES
Photo and caption by Jackson Hung
LOCATION: Shalu, Taiwan, Taiwan
This photo was taken during Chinese New Year's Eve of 2015 in Taiwan. I noticed how the light was coming into the room as our family members passed incense sticks to each other, sending our prayers and paying respects to our ancestors. The photo is symbolic, as the passing of incense sticks represents the knowledge and wisdom passed down from generation to generation.
HONORABLE MENTION, PEOPLE
Overlooking Iraq From Iran
Photo and caption by Yanan Li
LOCATION: Shalamcheh, Khuzestan, Iran
In October 2014 in Khuzestan, Iran, I came across a group of female Iranian students on the border between Iran and Iraq. Some of them climbed up the tanks left after the war between the two countries and took pictures of themselves. I pressed the shutter when I saw this girl stretch out her arms and turn to face the Iraqi border.
Joel Nsadha of Binghamton, New York, placed first in the People category for a portrait of a young man on his cherished bicycle in a slum in Uganda, and Francisco Mingorance of Andalusia, Spain, won in the Places category for his photo of a marsh in Spain that has been partially destroyed by radioactive waste. Smart's photo won in the Nature category and will be published in National Geographic magazine.
HONORABLE MENTION, NATURE
Orangutan in the Rain
Photo and caption by Andrew Suryono
LOCATION: Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
I was taking photos of orangutans in Bali, Indonesia, when it started to rain. Just before I put my camera away, I saw this orangutan take a taro leaf and put it on top on his head to protect himself from the rain! I immediately used my DSLR and telephoto lens to preserve this spontaneous magic moment.
Colorful Chaos
Photo and caption by Bence Mate
LOCATION: Mkuze, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
White-fronted bee-eaters gather on a bough before going to sleep in their burrows, scraped into a sand wall. I was working on this theme for 18 days, as there were only five to ten minutes each day when the light conditions were appropriate. Ninety percent of my efforts to capture this image were not successful. I used flashlights to light the bee-eaters sitting on the branch, but not the others flying above. At this angle, the backlight generated rainbow coloring through the wings of the flying birds.
The judges for the contest were National Geographic magazine Senior Photo Editor Jessie Wender, National Geographic Photography Fellow David Guttenfelder and photographer Anand Varma. Judging consisted of multiple rounds of evaluation based on creativity, photography quality and genuineness/authenticity of the content. Contestants submitted photographs in three categories — People, Places and Nature — through National Geographic's photography community, Your Shot. All of the winning photos, along with the honorable mentions, may be viewed at natgeo.com/photocontest.
HGTV Dream Home 2016 Giveaway Now Open for Entries
Fans Can Enter Twice A Day For A Chance To Win First Ever Dream Remodel Located On Merritt Island, Florida
Starting today and continuing through 5 p.m. ET Thursday, February 18, 2016, viewers can start dreaming about moving into the HGTV® Dream Home Giveaway on Merritt Island, Florida. Fans can enter twice a day by visiting hgtv.com/hgtvdreamhome for their chance to win the grand prize package valued at more than $1.5 million. New this year, fans will enjoy one bonus entry into the giveaway via www.realtor.com®. Eligible U.S. residents can log on to www.hgtv.com for full details and the official rules.
The HGTV Dream Home 2016 Giveaway is open for entries through February 18, 2016. For a chance to win, fans can enter twice daily via hgtv.com/hgtvdreamhome. The prize package, valued at $1.5 million, includes the newly remodeled and fully furnished residence on Merritt Island, Florida, a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali, a beautiful new boat, and $250,000 provided by national mortgage lender Quicken Loans. (PRNewsFoto/Scripps Networks Interactive)
In addition to the approximately 3,150-square-foot residence and all its furnishings, the grand prize package includes the keys to a 2016 GMC Acadia Denali® and a beautiful new boat, as well as $250,000 from national mortgage lender Quicken Loans®.
Over the summer, architects, contractors and designers have been busy with an incredible home transformation on the sunny coast of Florida to bring fans the first ever HGTV® Dream Home Giveaway renovation. The waterfront property is shaded by giant royal palm trees and situated on the Indian River Lagoon with Intracoastal Waterway access. The updated, transitional take on Floridian style offers casual elegance with a clever play on classic coastal. The light and bright paradise is built for entertaining and relaxing by the water, complete with a private pool and a three-car garage. With three bedrooms and five bathrooms, the home's decor blends the sophistication of the Hamptons with punches of tropical vibrancy.
"Deciding to remodel an existing home for our 20th HGTV Dream Home Giveaway provided a challenge, knowing the expectations our viewers have for these homes," said Ron Feinbaum, General Manager and SVP of Home Promotions for Scripps Networks Interactive. "Working with interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn, architect Michael Stauffer and builder Steven Price of Steven W. Price Construction, we were able to transform this existing home into a dream residence with ideas and trends that our fans can use in their own homes."
From a stunning coastline of endless sandy beaches to beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the HGTV Dream Home 2016 location is as spectacular as the first 19 HGTV Dream Homes. Learn more about this year's giveaway and its sponsors – General Motors LLC, Lumber Liquidators Inc., GLIDDEN® paint brand, Quicken Loans Inc., Bush Brothers & Company, Cabinets To Go, Delta Faucet, JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, Mars Petcare, Trex Company Inc., Belgard, Ethan Allen Global Inc., realtor.com® and Bose Corporation – at hgtv.com/hgtvdreamhome.
Home/Interiors Interior Decorating/Design
TOSHIBA VISION Stars in New York Times Square 2016 New Year's Eve Celebration
Toshiba Corp. will liven up the annual global countdown event as the official sponsor for the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration. The iconic 60-second countdown to midnight will be enhanced by audio and pyrotechnic effects on the TOSHIBA VISION screen, located directly below the world famous Times Square New Year's Eve Ball.
For this year's New Year countdown, from 6 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. EST, all eyes will be on the TOSHIBA VISION screen atop One Times Square and six mobile LED screens throughout Times Square. The screens will feature New Year's Eve content and entertainment for the more than one million-plus expected revelers including hourly practice countdowns, live and prerecorded video clips of musical performances from Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Demi Lovato, Wiz Khalifa with Charlie Puth, revelers, and celebrities.
TOSHIBA 2015 New Year's Eve in TIMES SQUARE
As well as the Toshiba Hourly Countdown sponsor's content every hour, popular science educator Bill Nye (of the Disney/PBS children's TV show "Bill Nye the Science Guy") will take to the official stage in Times Square to introduce Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision, the science and technology competition sponsored by Toshiba for school students in North America.
Japan Countdown – TOSHIBA 2015 New Year's Eve in TIMES SQUARE
There will also be a "Japan Countdown" event at the main stage especially for Japanese people living in New York, starting at midnight on January 1st, 2016, Japan time (10 a.m. EST on December 31st, 2015). The Japan Countdown event will feature a countdown animation of calligraphy by Masumi Narita on the TOSHIBA VISION screen.
Moreover, Twitter will be transmitting 60 to 120 seconds of video footage of the New Year's Eve celebrations at the top of the hour from the respective time zone in the world. This video feed will be seen on the TOSHIBA VISION from 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m on December 31st, 2015. During each hour, Twitter will also provide tweets from world leaders, celebrities and user-generated content from the respective time zones on the TOSHIBA VISION.
Prominently positioned below the world-famous New Year countdown ball in New York City's Times Square business and entertainment district, Toshiba's massive dual LED signboards, known collectively as "TOSHIBA VISION," serve a variety of promotional and public-service functions. In addition to illuminating the annual New Year countdown for upwards of 1 billion celebrants worldwide, an interlocking system connects both boards in brilliant seasonal displays and animated sporting events. From atop One Times Square Building, one of the most valuable advertising locations in the world, TOSHIBA VISION ensures superb domestic and international media exposure, providing the Toshiba brand with unrivalled quantitative and qualitative promotional benefits.
Next year will mark the 24th anniversary of Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision. Since its inception in 1992, more than 350,000 students from across the United States and Canada have participated in this student science competition. This fun and engaging program can inspire a lifelong love of science, technology and innovation for students and teachers alike. The ExploraVision competition for K-12 students engages the next generation in real world problem solving with a strong emphasis on STEM. ExploraVision challenges students envision and communicate new technology 20 years in the future through collaborative brainstorming and research of current science and technology.
TOSHIBA VISION – New York New Year's Eve Countdown
2016 New Year's Eve live broadcast
Times Square Ball App: Times Square Ball App for Apple and Android devices allows users to participate in the New Year's Eve party. Users can watch a live stream of the events in Times Square leading up to New Year's Eve and throughout the year, as well as the highlights promo and other exclusive video content.
TOSHIBA VISION live streaming : Watch live video of the countdown, as well as year-round TOSHIBA VISION content.
Official website of Times Square
Hyde Lounge at Las Vegas Arena To Debut In Spring 2016
sbe and Las Vegas Arena Announce Revolutionary Arena Nightlife Experience
sbe, the Los Angeles-based leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hospitality venues, announced today the launch of Hyde Lounge at Las Vegas Arena set to open in April 2016. Hyde Lounge Las Vegas Arena will be the exclusive nightclub option at Las Vegas Arena, allowing guests to experience the height of service with views to match in an entertainment and sporting viewing experience unlike any other.
Hyde Lounge at Las Vegas Arena will be located high above the event action with two platforms extending over the arena seating for unparalleled viewing opportunities. The 18,000-square-foot space designed by Dakota Development and DesignAgency, will also feature an intimate lounge experience complete with bottle service, plush couches, high-energy DJs, VIP elevator access, a selection of culinary treats, and skyline views of the famed Las Vegas Strip.
sbe's Hyde brand has been visionary in transforming how spectators enjoy entertainment and sporting events with its first evolution of the nightlife heritage brand Hyde Lounge at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles followed by Hyde at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
Las Vegas Arena, a 20,000-seat venue located between New York-New York Hotel & Casino and Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, has been developed through a partnership between AEG and MGM Resorts International. The venue is scheduled to host more than 100 events annually including UFC, boxing and other sporting events; major headline entertainment, awards shows and special events. The newest landmark will have a significant impact on the city's entertainment landscape while providing Las Vegas visitors and the local community a guest experience second to none.
sbe is a leading lifestyle hospitality company that develops, manages and operates award-winning hotels, restaurants and night clubs. Through exclusive partnerships with cultural visionaries, the company is dedicated to delivering the best in service, design, culinary programming, and entertainment. Already a proven leader in the hospitality and real estate industries, sbe has more than 80 properties currently operating or in development, and has expanded several of its flagship brands including SLS Hotels, Katsuya, The Bazaar by Jose Andres, Hyde Lounge and The Redbury, nationally and internationally. The company will debut a new slate of hotel & residence properties in 2016, including the recently announced Hyde Hotel & Residences. Founded in 2002 by Chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian, sbe is a privately held company. More information about sbe can be obtained at sbe.com or by downloading the sbe App.
Las Vegas Arena is a privately funded $375 million indoor arena set to open in April 2016. The 20,000-seat venue, located west of the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo, is expected to host more than 100 events annually, including UFC, boxing, hockey, basketball and other sporting events, major headline entertainment, awards shows, family shows and special events. Las Vegas' newest landmark will feature 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none.
The Arena has partnered with international iconic brands Coca-Cola, Schneider Electric and Toshiba American Business Solutions Inc., as the venue's first "Founding Partners." These Founding Partners will introduce and brand signature fan initiatives, displays and interactive spaces including Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre entertainment space which will feature a performance stage, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed the venue to meet the U.S. Green Building Council's standards for LEED® Goldh Certification. The Las Vegas Arena is a joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information visit the Las Vegas Arena website at www.renalasvegas.com.
Cruise Ships & Casinos
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? Four Seasons Has The Answer
Start with friends and family, sprinkle in some gourmet food and festive drinks, then top it all off with dancing and postcard-perfect views – that's the ideal recipe for New Year's Eve, according to Four Seasons. Whether you're craving a quiet and cosy night or a raucous ringing-in of 2016, these round-the-globe get-togethers offer great ways to bid farewell to one year and welcome another.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Journey back in time: At Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, revellers can party like it's 1929 at a themed Great Gatsby Party. Enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop Mercury Lounge with a glass of bubbly from the premium Champagne bar in hand while eclectic performers help you count down to midnight. A five-course menu ensures you'll have plenty of energy to dance the night away in true Jay and Daisy style.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Sample a traditional treat: If the final hours of 2015 find you lucky enough to be staying at Four Seasons Hotel Prague, you're in for a sweet surprise. Guests are invited to gather at a lively booth in front of the Hotel fortrdelník, a popular delicacy made from sugar-rolled dough that's wrapped around a stick and grilled slowly until the sugar caramelises. Then, it's finished with an irresistible combo of sugar, cinnamon and crushed walnuts. Savoured in the night air, this snack offers a taste of the past with a nod to the future.
Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel
Roll out the barrel: Cocktail connoisseurs planning to spend New Year's Eve at Regent Singapore, A Four Seasons Hotel have been invited to create their very own barrel-aged beverage. A month before arrival, the mixology team at Manhattan Bar contacted party-goers to learn their spirit preference before filling a barrel for them. These barrels will be opened and used to create a memorable cocktail for saying "Cheers!" at the stroke of midnight. The Hotel also offers limousine transportation, a five-course meal and free-flowing bubbly all night long.
Take a walk on the "wild" side: Located just a short bicycle ride away, the Santa Barbara Zoo was the inspiration for the "Under the Big Top" party theme at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. The oceanfront La Marina Ballroom will be decked out in vintage circus design, creating a backdrop for a celebration that PT Barnum himself would approve of.
Start spreading the news: Enjoy a classic New York celebration without the crowds at Four Seasons Hotel New York. As the ball drops in nearby Times Square, you'll watch live from TY Bar after an evening of endless bubby, gourmet food (think: crab profiteroles and foie gras sushi), and a live band to bring out all your best dance moves. Enhancing the elegantly "chill" atmosphere is an ice bar that will be installed on the Hotel's mezzanine, serving bottomless drinks. See and be seen at the Big Apple's most stylish soirée!
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
Visit the happiest place on earth: At Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, New Year's Eve offers delicious options at multiple venues. Capa, a rooftop steakhouse, serves up a three or five course prix fixe dinner with a choice of early or late reservations. Families might also enjoy the buffet at Ravello, which specialises in modern Italian cuisine. Regardless of which dinner you attend, you'll be guaranteed entrance to the "After Party" in the Resort's Grand Ballroom, complete with desserts, DJ and balloon drop. If Mom and Dad are craving a little alone time, Kids for All Seasons is throwing its own gathering for the younger generation.
celebrations Fine Living Fine Wines & Liqueur Food Hotels and Hospitality Lifestyle Living/Travel Social/Life Travel Travel & Tourism


The first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals with US master's degrees or higher are exempt from this cap, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said in a statement yesterday.
US businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.
Such workers include scientists, engineers and computer programmers among others.
Software professionals from India are said to be the biggest beneficiary of this visa.
USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received and will notify the public of the date on which numerical limit of the H-1B cap has been met, the statement said.
If USCIS receives more petitions than it can accept, it may on the final receipt date randomly select the number of petitions that will be considered for final inclusion within the cap, it said.


This collection of five pots has been designed to commemorate Shakespeare's 450th birthday in 2014. Perfect for both gardening and Shakespeare fans, this collection is both practical as well as decorative.
1140 0.00cm - 0" 0.00cm - 0"