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Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)
Judged by: 51 gamers
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After security officer Adam Jensen is wounded in a terrorist strike, he is operated upon with bio-augmentations that keep him alive, while simultaneously giving him superhuman abilities. Now tasked with finding out who was behind this fatal attack, Adam travels the world as he uncovers conspiracies, secrets and machinations that can bring the world to the brink of destruction.
In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, players face a challenge of choices - between lethal and non-lethal approaches, between stealth and action, between moral decisions and between deciding who is right and who isn't. In a complex and deep story, it is now up to Adam to find the truth about the world and about himself.
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Deus Ex: Human Revolution Reviews
Role-Playing Game
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brokenbeauty78 3 weeks 4 days ago
One of my favorite games on my endless list of favorite games! Reminds me of the Matrix clashing with Halo!! Action pack and always something to challenge you and keep you busy.
MaxwellDenton 1 year 4 months ago
I loved playing Deus Ex: The Conspiracy and Deus Ex: Invisible War. And I was not disappointed with the story line that this game presented. The fact that it required extreme stealth in certain levels forced me to find multiple ways to solve problems I didn't know I had. Choosing your cybernetic enhancements is important as it determines how you will move through certain areas of the game. Will you enhance your strength and rip through your enemies with sword arms, or will you silently put them to sleep and let them take a nap behind some boxes? Choose wisely, because your reputation might be affected.
RKChauhan 2 years 9 months ago
Nice gameplay and, storyline, a good combo of stealth, shooter and a slight rpg flavor. It also offers a little challenge and the way you build your character with upgrades and level ups, its truly a game that everyone should give a try.
legr96 2 years 10 months ago
Didn't like as mush as I thought I was going to like it. Past the first half of the game I was rushing just finish it, nice story and ambientation though.
AbovEviL 4 years 2 weeks ago
Cyberpunk RPG that shines from every angle (well, not so bright in the graphic department). The freedom that is put in front of the player is magnificent. Do you want to kill all enemies in the guns blazing shoot first ask questions later way? Not a problem. Maybe today you are feeling like some Sam Fisher's colleague from the third echelon? Ok, do your stealth thing; it's harder but more rewarding. Evolve Adam Jensen in a way that best suits your playing style, discover dark and gritty story of humanity's attempt to rise above the natural course of evolution, then finish the game and think about it for the rest of the day, or the rest of your life. This game tackles some important questions that deal with the very nature of what defines as humans, and where is the limit of what we can do to ourselves and still remain Homo sapiens and not turn into Homo Roboticus.
JoshDarling 4 years 3 weeks ago
There are few games that reward the element of player choice quite as well as Deus Ex: Human Revolution. From seemingly minor slights that cause a pissed-off cop to attack you with his handgun, to whether you decide to upgrade your character's stealth abilities or his strength, every choice the player makes feels satisfyingly significant. Right on up to an endgame situation that forces the player to deeply consider the nature of humanity, this is a game best enjoyed thoughtfully- and boy, will you enjoy it.
Kmhaner428 4 years 4 weeks ago
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a narrative-heavy game driven by choices and a player's opinion on the issues at hand. Cybernetically-enhanced human Adam Jenson is on a quest to discover the truth behind the conspiracy that triggered his transformation into something other than human, the potential of human augmentation through technological improvements. Along the way, you are given choices to augment Adam with enhanced or new abilities, which customizes gameplay. These customizations are tested by a fairly intelligent enemy AI without a set order of actions/reactions. The story is guided by the player's actions and choices, and caters to both the stealthier gamers and the guns-blazing commandos. All in all, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a game with an unusual depth of story, well-designed combat, and beautiful art that deserves a place on any gamer's shelf.
JonathonWW 4 years 1 month ago
Adam Jenson, a minced human turned cyborg, stars in this decision driven RPG by Eidos Montreal. While the boss fights are lacking in any mechanical depth, unique and imaginative abilities paired with a suitably revolutionary story make this game about changing times a must have.
Dream3r 4 years 1 month ago
I have never had so much fun breaking into people's apartments and using my cyborg like strength to pick up their fridge and place it on their beds. In short, this game offers a good story with choices you never thought were going to have a significant impact doing just that. People will die and stay dead because of your actions, not your decisions, and it's possibly the greatest way to reward or punish a player. The future is bleak and completely worth experiencing. Plus that soundtrack is good
Joseph8 4 years 1 month ago
You are a mature young –or old it doesn't matter- bored by game? You think this is always the same. Same weapons, same gameplay, same characters? Deux Ex is back. And by playing this game, I discovered a deep, strong and mature atmosphere. Indeed, Deus Ex: Human Revolution plays with your brain –for the best- and go beyond spending fun time.
Valkarin 4 years 1 month ago
Apart from the fact that Human Revolution is actually a prequel to the original game, it's more than worthy sequel to the legendary Deus Ex from now distant, year 2000. This must-play cyberpunk crossover between RPG, FPS and stealth game will keep you glued to your seat for hours. Storyline and atmosphere are pretty much what you would expect from a Deus Ex game, and total freedom to complete quests the way you see fit, only adds to the charming amalgam on which Eidos Montreal worked so hard.
Neo1988 4 years 1 month ago
This game...is a masterpiece. If you played Deus Ex 1, you'll get pretty familiar with this sequel. 2nd sequel received mixed opinions, but this one is a masterpiece. Why? The story. It is fantastic. And it serves as a prequel to the first Deus Ex. It's futuristic ambient is so deep and will definitely draw the player inside and once you start playing it, you will not be able to stop until you finish it. Enhancements are great and there's plentiful of them, from better jumping, to hacking.
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You are here:	Lexxion > State Aid Blogs > State Aid Uncovered > Advantage through Contracts
Advantage through Contracts
3. April 2018 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides
A price below the regulated normal price confers an advantage. Competition is distorted even when the aid recipient does not expand its operations.
An undertaking can obtain an advantage without receiving an outright grant. The advantage may be hidden in a contract for the supply of an essential input at reduced prices. This is the issue tackled by the General Court in its judgment of 13 March 2018 in case T-542/11 RENV, Aluminium of Greece v Commission concerning action for annulment of Commission decision 2012/339.[1]
In 1960, Aluminium of Greece [AoG] entered into a contract with the state-owned Public Power Corporation [PPC] for the supply of electricity at a reduced tariff. The contract was to expire in March 2006 unless the two parties agreed to renew it. In February 2004, PPC notified AoG of its intention not to renew the contract. As a result, AoG initiated legal proceedings against AoG. In 2007, a local court suspended the termination of the contract until a decision on the substance could be reached.
In January 2010, after receiving a complaint, the Commission launched the formal investigation procedure. In July 2011, the Commission adopted decision 2012/339 in which it found that Greece had granted incompatible State aid in the period after the expiry of the contract [for the period before expiry of the contract, the aid was considered to be "existing", as the contract was signed before Greece acceded to the EU].
AoG appealed in January 2012 and the General Court ruled in October 2014 that the Commission erred in law. This judgment was reviewed here on 18 November 2014
[http://stateaidhub.eu/blogs/stateaiduncovered/post/429]
PPC, in turn, appealed to the Court of Justice and requested the annulment of the judgment of the General Court. In October 2016, the Court of Justice set aside the original judgment of the General Court [case C-590/14 P, PPC and Commission v Aluminium of Greece], on the grounds that even a national court can grant State aid by extending a measure that provides electricity at reduced prices and by so doing confers new aid. The Court of Justice returned the case back to the General Court. The judgment of the Court of Justice was reviewed here on 8 November 2016
[http://stateaidhub.eu/blogs/stateaiduncovered/post/7418]
Consequently, the General Court had to re-examine the case and correct the mistake identified by the Court of Justice.
AoG submitted ten different pleas. Only those that relate to the concept of aid and State aid procedures are analysed in this article.
Competence of the Commission
The General Court examined first the claim that the Commission did not have competence to determine whether the extension of the contract or, to be more precise, the suspension of the termination of the contract between AoG and PPC contained new aid. The local court adjudicated on a contract dispute under national law.
The General Court recalled that the application of the system of State aid control, as indicated by Article 108 TFEU, is a matter for the Commission and national courts. The Commission determines the compatibility of aid while national courts determine the existence of aid and whether it has been notified to the Commission. This is because Article 108(3) has direct effect and its purpose is to protect the rights of competitors. [paragraphs 51-54 of the judgment]
It follows that although the Commission does not have exclusive competence to rule on the existence of State aid, it does have exclusive competence to assess the compatibility of the aid.
The Commission must examine any new aid and any substantial modification of existing aid. The latter means that any amendments to existing aid must be notified to the Commission. Accordingly, the Commission was entitled to interpret the contract between AoG and PPC and the applicable national legal framework in order to decide whether there was new aid. On the basis of this reasoning, the General Court rejected the plea concerning lack of competence on the part of the Commission.
Another plea of AoG was that the Commission failed to apply Article 107(1) TFEU correctly and, in particular, to establish the existence of an advantage.
The Court first noted that a preferential tariff for the supply of electricity could constitute State aid. Then, it observed that AoG enjoyed a tariff that was lower than the normal tariff applicable to the large industrial clients of PPC. The normal tariff was regulated at national level and was binding on PPC. AoG was the only large industrial consumer to whom the preferential tariff was applicable. As a result, the Court concluded that AoG's costs were lower than otherwise.
Then the Court acknowledged that an advantage does not constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU if it is objectively justified by economic considerations. But it is not for the Commission to decide on the existence of such considerations. They have to be raised by the Member State that confers the advantage. The Commission carries out its assessment on the basis of information provided by the Member State. [paragraphs 124-126]
Since PPC argued convincingly that it was not compensated in any other way for the cheaper electricity it supplied to AoG, the preferential tariff could not be justified by any economic reasons.
Then AoG claimed that the Commission made an error by classifying the preferential tariff as a selective measure because the Commission did not demonstrate that that measure differentiated between undertakings which, in the light of the objective of the measure were in the same factual and legal situation.
The General Court pointed out that PPC under the principle of equal treatment, had to apply a differentiated tariff in relation to other industrial consumers on the basis of their consumption. In this connection, AoG contended that the preferential tariff was also applicable to another undertakings.
The Court first noted that a preferential tariff is not selective when it is justified by the nature of the electricity pricing system for energy-intensive users. However, this was not the case because the lower tariff was applied only in the context of the AoG-PPC agreement. [paragraphs 145-147]
Effect on trade and distortion of competition
AoG also contested the impact of the preferential tariff on intra-EU trade. Although it did not deny that aluminium was extensively traded, it considered that the Commission failed to demonstrate that the lower tariff enabled it to strengthen its market position since prices were determined by global competition.
The General Court first recalled that the effect on trade between Member States and distortion of competition are, as a rule, inextricably linked. [paragraph 155] Where State aid strengthens the position of an undertaking compared to other undertakings competing with it in the EU, it must be considered that that trade is affected by the aid. [paragraph 156]
In assessing those two conditions, the Court stated, the Commission is required to ask only whether the aid is capable of affecting trade between Member States and of distorting competition and not of proving that such aid has a real effect on trade between Member States and that it indeed distorts competition. It is not necessary that the Commission delineates the relevant market and analyses its structure and its competitive relationships. [paragraphs 157-158]
Since aluminium was extensively traded and the preferential tariff reduced the operating costs of AoG, the Commission correctly concluded that competition was distorted. [paragraph 162]
Then the Court made the interesting observation that AoG was confused about the difference between revenue and profit. Even if prices were fixed by international competition, AoG could still increase its profits on account of the lower operating costs from the cheaper electricity. [paragraphs 163-164]
The Court could have also pointed out that even if prices of aluminium were fixed, AoG was able to remain in the market because it could lower artificially its costs. Without the cheaper electricity tariff it could have gone out of business. The aid perhaps did not strengthen its position in the way it is normally perceived, but it could have enabled it to remain in the market.
AoG also raised several other pleas on procedural issues all of which were rejected. AoG also contested the methodology used by the Commission to calculate the amount of aid that had to be recovered.
Recoverable amount
AoG argued that the Commission wrongly calculated the advantage on the basis of the normal price for other large industrial consumers instead of taking into account the price that would have prevailed had PPC not enjoyed a monopoly position. Furthermore, AoG claimed that PPC abused its dominant position by charging higher prices. The Court did not accept those arguments.
First, it considered that the allegation of infringement of Article 102 TFEU to be irrelevant. [paragraph 233]. Second, it found that Commission rightly decided that the amount of the aid to be recovered was the difference between the normal tariff and the preferential tariff. [paragraph 235]
A final comment
AoG should have known that those arguments would not be successful. It should have pursued a different line of reasoning. It could have claimed more plausibly that it would have consumed less electricity if it had to pay a higher rate. Therefore, the advantage it derived was less than the difference in tariffs multiplied by the amount of electricity it consumed.
It must be said, however, that the case law does not, as a rule, consider counterfactuals in such situations [for an exception see the infamous Italian decoders case]. But unlike a straight grant of State aid whose counterfactual is zero aid, in this case AoG could have argued that in the absence of the contract with the PPC it would have bought less of more expensive electricity. Therefore, the amount of aid it received was the amount it would have paid minus the amount it actually paid. The counterfactual to the aid in this case is determined both by the normal price and the likely quantity at the normal price. For example, assume that the normal rate is 10, the reduced rate is 6 and that AoG consumed 100 units of electricity. It appears that the amount of aid is 400 [= (10 x 100) – (6 x 100)]. But if at the higher rate, it would have consumed only 70 units of electricity and therefore it would have spent 700, the amount of the advantage would be only 100 [= (10 x 70) – (6 x 100)]. Admittedly, this is a line of reasoning that has not been endorsed by EU courts. But I am not sure whether it has been tested before EU courts. I would appreciate receiving your views on this issue.
[1] The full text of the judgment can be accessed at:
http://curia.europa.eu/juris/fiche.jsf?id=T%3B542%3B11%3BRAL%3B1%3BP%3B1%3BT2011%2F0542%2FJ%2F1&pro=&lgrec=en&nat=or&oqp=&dates=%2524type%253Dpro%2524mode%253D8D%2524from%253D2018.03.08%2524to%253D2018.03.16&lg=&language=en&jur=C%2CT&cit=none%252CC%252CCJ%252CR%252C2008E%252C%252C%252C%252C%252C%252C%252C%252C%252C%252Ctrue%252Cfalse%252Cfalse&td=%3BALL&pcs=Oor&avg=&mat=PEM%252CCONC.AIDE%252Cor&etat=clot&jge=&for=&cid=843360
advantage Article 108 TFEU competition economic advantage intra-EU trade price regulation
by Rita Aleixo Gregório
I tend to agree with the suggested line of reasoning in respect to the calculation of the recoverable amount. It seems a more plausible and frankly more realistic and fair method of calculation, considering that the purpose of recovery is to re-establish the situation that existed on the market prior to the granting of the aid. It seems to me that such line of reasoning would, nonetheless, introduce speculative elements around these matters as, most of the times, it would be difficult to demonstrate straightforwardly the exact amount of electricity that a company would have bought in the absence of a contract for the supply of electricity at a reduced tariff. I am not sure either whether this line of reasoning has been tested before the EU Courts, but I would be surprised if the Commission or/and the EU Courts would be willing to accept it, particularly considering the implications that it may have for the immediate and effective execution of a recovery order.
by Dr. Hans Arno Petzold
This is an interesting point, indeed. But I have doubts whether this argument will carry through. Any counterfactual scenario must be realistic and credible in itself. In this case, AoG would have had to argue that higher costs for electricity would have deteriorated their competitive position on the market, thus led to reduced sales, reduced production, and reduced consumption of energy. This would necessarily imply that they were not able to compensate for higher prices for electricity at some other point in their calculation or cost structure, and that this claimed reduction was inevitable and coherent in itself. I find this a rather daring approach, considering the complexity of markets and cost calculations, which I would not necessarily advise to my client, if only for the sake of the argument. N. B. In this case we are not talking about the presence of aid, but only discussing its amount, aren't we?
by Melvyn Waumsley
There is of course a good argument for not calculating the aid from the counterfactual perspective. Given that there was an actual amount of electricity consumed with the help of the concessionary price, the resulting aluminium produced was driven by this reduced price, therefore the effects on trade relate directly to value of the unit price concession multiplied by the real number of units of electricity consumed in the period.
by Phedon Nicolaides
All good points. As I wrote, I do not think there is a precedent for the use of counterfactual in the case law. For sure it will not be easy. Since the argument put forth by AoG was hopeless, I suppose defendants will have to come up with more innovative approaches. I was testing a possible option.
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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You need to be offered next day Portable Dumpster in Santa, ID so you can get your livelihood started as well as done speedily. The dumpster organization should inform you about what size dumpster you should have to complete your livelihood. Let the personnel know exactly what you would be adding the dumpster. Using this method, he or she can inform you about what size you should have. Make sure you know very well what the dumpster organization does not permit to be disposed of inside of the dumpster. As an illustration, harmful chemical substances such as Freon is not permitted. For those who have left over color in the course's basement, wet paint is not aloud yet dry color cans are generally aloud.
Whenever calling something you will want to speak a person in comparison to a machine documenting, because there are several different sizes and styles of dumpsters that one would definitely wish for some assistance deciding on which container will best match their needs. Several sizes as well as containers be more effective fit for certain job sites; you would not rent the largest dimensions for adding a deck to your home, nor would you purchase the smallest dumpster with regard to apartment making demolition. A spin off package is obviously not something that could well be purchased often, so when it appears to trash removal, where the alternatives become progressively limited, the dumpster is the best software for the job. As soon as the proper size of the package is determined, the different materials becoming hauled will be decided, because risky materials and also fragile things such as glass have a much higher risk of triggering damage owing to improper dealing with, and for that reason are generally handled in another way. If there is possible of recycling where possible materials, that'll be explored additionally, as information mill and should very well be, becoming more environmentally conscious.
As a socially liable citizen, trying to keep the environment pollution free is definitely falls among your preceding duties. You may need to take up the duty handling the particular waste removal without hurting the environment. Perhaps the biggest issue at this point is to build your own area to dump inside the waste. You will discover different ways of dealing with the squander, you can either accumulate all the wastefulness in some location at the back in your home or business taking of course that it gets wiped off on its own. But that could not be the right deed as a socially liable citizen. The simplest way out to the problem is to rent the dumpster so that you can very easily pullout some area to dump inside the waste.
Your dumpster company you get hiring will assist you to make your decision on which dumpster you should have. They can clarify your options. You need a large dumpster, moderate dumpster or maybe even a smaller dumpster. Depending on the size of the job would depend on which dimensions you will need.


The natural or (equilibrium) level of unemployment is determined by calculating the level of unemployment when the labour market is in equilibrium.
The labour force includes everyone of working age who is either working or looking for work.
The Aggregate Supply (AS) of labour is every one who is able and willing to supply their labour.
The difference is that not everyone in the labour force will actually be able to supply their labour, and this leads to the natural rate of unemployment.
What does the natural rate of unemployment include?
The natural rate includes frictional and structural unemployment.
Frictional unemployment occurs when workers are in between jobs, for example, it will take time for graduates to find a suitable job.
Structural unemployment occurs due to occupational and geographical immobilities. For example, some workers may not have the necessary skills to apply for a job, therefore they cannot supply their labour even though jobs are available.
The natural rate of unemployment is therefore caused by supply-side factors. Even when the macroeconomy is at full output or a "full employment level of output" there can still be unemployment, this unemployment is the natural rate.
Therefore the natural rate is not determined by a deficiency of AD.
In the Monetarist model, a rise in AD causes a temporary fall in unemployment and higher inflation. Initially, higher nominal wages encourage people to work more because they have higher real wages. However, the fall in unemployment proves temporary because workers realise real wages haven't increased. Therefore, unemployment returns to the natural rate (or NAIRU) of 6%. Unemployment can only be reduced by increasing aggregate demand and accepting a higher rate of inflation. To reduce this 'natural rate' requires supply-side policies – reducing labour market inflexibilities and overcoming occupational immobilities.
This shows the rate of unemployment in the UK. The spikes in unemployment are due to the recession causing a fall in demand. The natural rate of unemployment can vary. In the 1980s, the natural rate was quite high. But since 2010, we have seen a fall in the natural rate. This is due to more flexible labour markets and a reduction in long-term unemployment.


text:
class Batch < ActiveRecord::Base
  belongs_to :course

  has_many :students
  has_many :archived_students
  has_many :grading_levels, :conditions => { :is_deleted => false }
  has_many :subjects, :conditions => { :is_deleted => false }
  has_many :exam_groups
  has_many :fee_category , :class_name => "FinanceFeeCategory"
  has_many :elective_groups
  has_many :additional_exam_groups

  has_and_belongs_to_many :graduated_students, :class_name => 'Student', :join_table => 'batch_students'

  delegate :course_name,:section_name, :code, :to => :course

  validates_presence_of :name, :start_date, :end_date

  named_scope :active, :conditions => { :is_deleted => false, :is_active => true }
  named_scope :deleted, :conditions => { :is_deleted => true }

  def validate
    errors.add(:start_date, 'should be before end date.') \
      if self.start_date > self.end_date \
      if self.start_date and self.end_date
  end

  def full_name
    "#{code} - #{section_name}  #{name}"
  end

  def course_section_name
    "#{course_name} - #{section_name}"
  end

  def inactivate
    update_attribute(:is_deleted, true)
  end

  def grading_level_list
    levels = self.grading_levels
    levels.empty? ? GradingLevel.default : levels
  end

  def fee_collection_dates
    FinanceFeeCollection.find_all_by_batch_id(self.id,:conditions => "is_deleted = false")
  end

  def all_students
    Student.find_all_by_batch_id(self.id)
  end

  def normal_batch_subject
    Subject.find_all_by_batch_id(self.id,:conditions=>["elective_group_id IS NULL AND is_deleted = false"])
  end
  def elective_batch_subject(elect_group)
    Subject.find_all_by_batch_id_and_elective_group_id(self.id,elect_group,:conditions=>["elective_group_id IS NOT NULL AND is_deleted = false"])
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


environment for the robust corporate growth in the country.
incorporation fee of only Rs 2000 under offline mode and Rs 1,000 under online mode, online payment of fee through online funds transfer and credit cards, online submission of application for obtaining digital signatures from NIFT, free of charge certified copies, expanding the SECP's outreach through the establishment of CRO in Gilgit and facilitation counters in Sialkot, Gwadar and Abbottabad apart from existing 8 CROs.
In spite of aforesaid measures, the promoters generally do not apply to the SECP directly for companies' incorporation, increasing time and cost of doing business. The SECP has enabled a regime, which facilitates the promoters in forming a company without the help of any third party and complete assistance is being provided by the SECP's facilitation officers.
It is needed to promote an environment where direct interaction of stakeholders with the SECP prevails.
The need is to join hands for mutual cooperation and assistance for the growth of the corporate sector and to reduce the cost of doing business in the country.


Goodreads Summary: Twelve-year-old June Farrell is sure of one thing—she's great at making pies and she plans to prove it by winning a blue ribbon in the Champlain Valley Fair pie competition. But a backlash against Vermont's civil union law threatens her family's security and their business. Even when faced with bullying, June won't give up on winning the blue ribbon; more importantly, she won't give up on her family.
What Kellee Thinks: June Farrell is 12 years old and wants this summer to be perfect. She is going to spend her time with her best friend Luke, swimming and boating, and entering her delicious pies into the Champlain Valley Fair pie competition. But this summer was more than she bargained for. Everything changes for June when her mother's girlfriend Eva moves in with them and they decide to get married as Vermont has just passed civil unions.
My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer is a fresh early middle grade novel which deals tactfully with a relevant present topic that many children are dealing with but struggle with finding themselves in books. June will be a great addition to protagonists that they can connect with. I also find that although the book is pro-civil union, it never is preachy, it just shows how normal June's family is and the book is about June herself getting used to a change just as any child would when their mother is getting married and they will have a step-parent.
I also loved how food and the ocean were described throughout. June is a master pie maker and the way that pies and berries are talked about in the book are so full of gustatory imagery- YUM! June also lives on Lake Champlain and would rather live in her bathing suit on a boat or in the water than do anything else and the way the lake is described makes me want to join her.
What Jen Thinks: I definitely think of this book as a coming-of-age story. June learns a lot about herself and who she is during this mixed-up berry blue summer. When I think about a coming-of-age story, I think about a character who really grows up but at the same time learns how to be true to him or herself. June does just that. Her mom has a girlfriend and wants to get married now that civil unions are legal in Vermont. This puts June into a difficult situation when her best friend's family disagrees with this and when others in town do, too. June just wants to enjoy her summer and enter her pie into the pie contest but she ends up having to manage her relationship with her mother, her soon-to-be stepmom, her friends, other kids her age, and even people in town. It isn't easy but she ends up learning how to be true to herself and her own needs while realizing who are her true friends. She reminded me so much of Marlee from Lions of Little Rock. Marlee faces a different kind of prejudice but has to learn to be strong and stand up for what she believes in, too.
Writing Prompts: Write about a time in your life when you stuck by a friend when others weren't kind to him or her.


text:
Public Release: 13-Dec-2017
At long last, a urine test for accurate tuberculosis detection
Scientists have finally developed a noninvasive tuberculosis test for a pool of people for whom such assessments have previously been difficult: people who don't have HIV. The researchers' test detects active tuberculosis infections from urine samples. They say the technology has urgently needed and broad implications for screening, transmission control, and treatment management. Tuberculosis is one of the most common bacterial infections, with 9.6 million cases and 1.5 million deaths reported worldwide in 2014. Previous attempts to develop urine tests for TB (ideal in low-resource settings because samples can be collected noninvasively and without specialized training) have only detected infections in HIV-positive patients, possibly because immune suppression leads to substantially elevated bacteria levels in the body. Seeking to capture small amounts of a sugar called LAM (which partially comprises the tuberculosis bacterium's outer coat) in urine, Luisa Paris and colleagues screened 37 compounds to narrow in on a copper complex dye called RB221 that they embedded in tiny hydrogel meshes to form structures called nanocages. The RB221 nanocages trapped LAM from urine, increasing detection sensitivity by 100- to 1,000 fold, all while excluding interfering compounds from the samples that could confound results. In 48 Peruvian HIV-negative tuberculosis patients who hadn't yet been treated, the new test detected infections with greater than 95% sensitivity. What's more, elevated LAM concentrations in urine correlated with increased amounts of bacteria and more severe disease (as measured by weight loss or cough). The researchers also created nanocages to trap and detect other hallmarks of infection including very low abundance molecules named ESAT6 and CFP10. According to the authors, their next steps are to compare urinary LAM in patients before and after therapy to evaluate potential treatment-induced changes.
Science Press Package
scipak@aaas.org
@AAAS
http://www.aaas.org
Science Translational Medicine
INFECTIOUS/EMERGING DISEASES
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.aal2807


text:
When is Christmas
The main Christmas period is from the 24th December to 26th December, with schools and offices each taking different days of between December and January. Christmas Day is the 25th December and Christmas Eve is the 24th December and then the 26th December is Boxing Day.
What is Christmas
Christmas for those that are religious is a sacred holiday day and for others is more of a commercial phenomenon and a great excuse to get together with the family.
For Christians Christmas is a holy day that marks Jesus Christs birth, often Christmas for those that are religious features a midnight mass in which they remember Jesus and all that he did for them.
Christmas celebrations are different for different people as every family has developed their own Christmas Day Traditions.
What is the Origin of Christmas
Christmas for Christians is the day that they celebrate Jesus Christ's life and mourn his death. When this idea of birthday celebration was first put forward there was big resistance because the church believed that saints, martyrs which included Jesus should be celebrated on their religious birthday.
The 25th December was first assigned as Jesus' Birthday by Julius Africanus in 221AD and was eventually widely accepted.
Popular Christmas Traditions and their Origins
Christmas Trees- Saturnalia, was a Roman celebrated holiday around Christmas where they celebrated Saturn their god of agriculture. During Saturnalia the Romans would decorate their temples with fir trees, this tree tradition was kept when Christmas was celebrated instead of Saturnalia.
It is thought that Martin Luther a German theologian was the first to bring the Christmas Tree in doors. Luther was apparently in awe of natures beauty and decided to bring one of the trees around him into his house and attach candles to the branch.
The Germans decorated their trees with edible decorations and were also the first to create tinsel. Electric lights were created in 1895 by an American Ralph Morris.
It wasn't until 1830 that the Christmas Tree became popular in Britain and in 1841 Prince Albert commissioned a Christmas Tree for Windsor Castle and then in 1846 the traditional annual Royal Family portrait was sketched by the Christmas Tree. This photo encouraged others to not only bring Christmas Trees inside to help celebrate the holiday but also to take their official holiday photo there too.
Santa Claus and Christmas Stockings- Saint Nicholas was a bishop who lived in Turkey, Saint Nick had a kind and generous reputation. Saint Nicholas was known to give money to the poor and once it was said he dropped a bag of gold down a struggling families chimney so they could pay for their daughter's dowry. The father tried to find the generous stranger and Saint Nick pleaded with him not to reveal it was him but word soon spread and from that point on when an anonymous gift was given it was presumed to be from St Nick.
As time progressed the stories of Saint Nick changed and became less popular, as a result Saint Nicholas became known as Father Christmas. In 1822 his stories of generosity and anonymous gift giving were rediscovered and updated to feature St Nicholas flying house to house in a sleigh drawn by reindeers to fill stockings for the nice and deserving people.
Why does Santa wear red- There are multiple different stories about how Santa Claus' suit became red. One is that Coca Cola launched an incredibly popular marketing campaign that dressed Father Christmas in a red and white Santa suit to match their company colours.
Whilst that is a great story the more likely case is that the red and white Santa suit derived from the traditional bishop robes. Historians disagree with this because bishops robes appeared in many different colours but over the years St Nick and Father Christmas became linked with the red Santa suit we see today.
In ancient drawings of St Nicholas he was seen as a thin intellectual this changed due to Coca Colas advertising who created the rod jolly white haired big beard man we see today. So, even if Coca Cola weren't responsible for the red Santa suit they definitely played a part in creating the Father Christmas we see today.
Why do we eat turkey during Christmas- Whilst there are multiple different meats that are seen during Christmas from the Christmas ham to even the Christmas Goose, the Christmas Turkey has become iconic. It is believed that King Henry VIII ordered a turkey feast for Christmas and since then it became traditionally in Britain to have a Turkey during Christmas. A big bonus to the Turkey is that is usually is a large bird and therefore will have enough meat to feed all the family members who reunite over the holidays.
Christmas Pudding- Christmas Pudding dates all the way back to the 14th century. The Christmas Pudding was originally eaten as a fasting meal preparing people for the huge Christmas feast.
Where did the Advent Calendar come from and What is the Advent Calendar- In the 19th century Germans would mark the days of advent by lighting a candle and some even drew lines using chalk.
The first wooden Advent Calendar was created in 1851 and at this point the popularity of advent calendars just grew and grew. With Chocolate Advent Calendars being introduced and some Advent Calendars even had small presents hidden behind each door.
Mistletoe, Why do people kiss under mistletoe- The traditional use of mistletoe was to cure menstrual cramps and even some spleen disorders which is interesting because if you eat the berries you will almost instantly feel very unwell.
Ancient druids believed that the mistletoe was a sign of life because it had the ability to grow even during the harshest winters. It wasn't until the 18th century that people begun hanging mistletoe in their homes and eventually the superstition of kissing people under the mistletoe started.
Christmas Cards- In 1843 Sit Henry Cole and John Callcott Horsley designed and sold the first Christmas Card. A regular card that depicted several traditional Christmas scenes. It was so popular and year on year the tradition has stood against the test of time.
Christmas Tradition and their dark origins
The dark truth about Good King Wenceslas- Many know Good King Wenceslas from the popular Christmas song about a kind man who helps the less fortunate in a snowstorm. The song was based on a real person Wenceslas who in 935AD was on his brothers orders repeatedly stabbed and dismembered while he prayed.
Christmas Carollers- In the early 1700s Christmas Carollers would turn up on peoples doorsteps and demand food and drink. If they didn't get what they wanted often the carollers would become violent and destroy the home or worse.
The creepy Nutcracker- The story of the Nutcracker we know today is based upon an 1816 version called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The original story was written by a German Author Hoffmann and was about a young girl- Marie who cut her arm after a toy nutcracker came to life and startled her. Her godfather tells her of a old wives tale about how the nutcracker was cursed by a heartless queen and could only be freed by true love. Marie proceeds to tell him that she would love the Nutcracker no matter what he looked like, at this moment Marie is whisked away by the nutcracker to the doll kingdom to marry him. The dark side of this is that in the story Marie was only 8 years old.
Santa and the chimney- The idea of someone sneaking into your house via the chimney while you sleep is inherently scary and has been used in many scary tales and movies. In the Middle Ages it was believed that Witches would enter people houses unannounced through the chimney.
Christmas Around the World
France- In France Children leave their polished shoes out on Christmas Eve in the hopes that they will wake up on Christmas to them filled with sweets.
Italy- It is popular in Italy to see the nativity scene which is usually displayed in places of worship and town squares. For Italians in particular those that are religious this is the most important Christmas decoration.
Germany- German decorations are often very elaborate featuring twinkling lights and traditional glass ornaments. However, they also often only put their Christmas tree up on Christmas Eve.
England- Some people in England began their Christmas decorating as early as November and these are quite over the top with reindeer light displays outside or multiple Christmas trees. It is tradition to take the tree down by the 12th night after Christmas and if you fail to do this it is considered bad luck.
Norway- In Norway children wait for Julenisse who brings them presents on Christmas Eve.
Iceland- Similar to France, Icelandic's leave their shoes out so Santa Claus can fill them with goodies. Often celebrations in Iceland begin on Christmas Eve with a midnight mass and a pre Christmas meal.
Philippines- A Filipino Christmas Traditions is called parol which is used to describe a beautiful decorate star of Bethlehem which is made out of colour paper and bamboo. The lantern sits in the middle of the star and can be lit which represents the star shining the way for Mary.
Australia- Due to the seasons Australians often spend Christmas outside on the beach enjoying the beautiful weather and often some carollers are organised to sign along the beaches.
South Africa- South African celebrate a slightly different Christmas meal which is called a braai. A braai is a Christmas barbecue.
Christmas Day Facts
In the 12th Century in France, nuns would leave socks full of fruit and in particular tangerines. This tradition grew and is occasionally still seen today with tangerines being placed inside stockings.
One of the first Christmas Cards made by Henry Cole was sold in 2014 for just under £10,000.
The robin became a popular Christmas icon in the last 1800s due to the increase in red vested postman who would be seen delivering Christmas cards during the holiday.
If you are superstitious it is believed that eating one mince pie every day of the 12 days of Christmas will bring you good luck.
Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies and all gluttony puddings in the 17th century and the law still hasn't been overturned so technically it is still considered illegal to do so.
Green, Red and Gold are traditionally Christmas colours which derived from the green which is a symbol of life and rebirth and then the red is both the blood of Christ and represents St Nicks bishops clothes and gold represents the wealth people hope for the upcoming year.
The most popular Christmas song is Bing Crosbys White Christmas.
The Beatles hold the most number of Christmas number one songs with a total of 4.
Silent Night is the most loved Christmas Carole in the UK.
The most popular Christmas Film is Home Alone.
The largest Snowman was built in Maine and was 113ft tall.
The most expensive Christmas Tree was decorated in Abu Dhabi in 2010 and cost just under £7million.
The amount of beer that is drunk in the UK over Christmas could fill 57 Olympic swimming pools.
Popular Christmas Movies
It's a Wonderful Life
Eloise at Christmas
Elf (Fun Fact the role of Elf was originally going to be given to Jim Carrey before Will Ferrel was selected)
Die Hard (Big debates happen whether Die Hard is actually a Christmas film or not)
Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Other Christmas Names
Saint Nick
Christmas Mascots
Santa Claus and Mrs Claus
Elves / Elf
Radley Christmas Bags we Love
Arlington Court- Medium Zip-Top Multiway Bag
Meet the must-have handbag of the season. Take our Arlington Court Suede multiway bag through the working week with ease, featuring multi-compartments and a soft suede finish this design will keep you organised without compromising on style. Wear across your body or use the grab handles and be on your way!
Selby Street- Small Zip-Top Cross Body Bag
The ultimate piece of arm candy for all your festive soirees, this cross bag will make a striking statement with ease. Crafted in luxurious velvet, the front is accented with beaded embellishment, with an understated plain reverse. It's hands-free and fuss-free thanks to the detachable shoulder strap, which means you can focus on looking stylish on the dance floor.
Bell Court- Small Zip Around Clutch Bag
There are clutch bags that are guaranteed to steal the spotlight with ease. The Bell Court, rounded clutch is just that. A modern take on an essential style, it's crafted in satin and accented by beaded embellishment detailing for an opulent feel. Carry it as the finishing touch to every ensemble this festive season.
The Daisy Bag- Medium Zip Around Cross Body Bag
This season we've been influenced by vintage trends with a contemporary twist! This cross body bag from our Magpie Lane collection is inspired by vanity cases, updated with a woven leather hoop handle and double tassel zip pulls to make the perfect evening companion. A silhouette beautifully crafted from sleek faux croc textured leather, it'll stay with you for years to come.
Radley Christmas Purses we Love
Winter Holidays- Large Zip Around Pouch
Inspired by our much- loved Pocket Bag, this lightweight and spacious large pouch is perfect for taking away on your travels. A front slip pocket gives you even more space to fit in everything you could possibly need!
Stay Magical- Large Bifold Matinee
Shoot for the stars and add a dose of magic to your everyday essentials with this purse. The classic silhouette is updated showing a Scottie, sat on a pink, metallic moon, scattered stars, cloud appliqués with the words 'Stay magical.' Beautifully crafted from smooth leather, it opens to plenty of slip and card compartments, so you can keep smiling for more reasons than one!
Angel Walk- Large Multiway Phone Case
While we love a black shoulder bag, one in metallic feels like a fresh and equally stylish alternative. Just in time for the festive season, the Angel Walk multiway bag is here in a beautiful, gold hue to make a stylish statement. We love the multiple internal compartments – perfect for keeping all your essentials safe in one place, while never compromising style.
Christmas Quilt- Large Tech Pouch
Step away from your black leather clutch this festive season and opt for a quilted one in a merlot hue instead. This design is crafted in sumptuous velvet – the perfect fabric for elevating your party look. It has a zip fastening with a gold star keyring, and it has enough space to fit in all those all-important essentials and more without looking bulky. Tuck it under your arm and dance the night away.