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BUILT ON KNOWLEDGE
Abu Dhabi 2019 | ECONOMY | INTERVIEW
TBY talks to Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy, on the growth of the non-oil sector, the benefits of free trade, and growth expectations.
Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori became the Minister of Economy in 2008. He holds a bachelor's in industrial engineering and management systems from Arizona State University and a diploma in computer system analysis from the Institute of Computer Technology in Los Angeles. In addition to his position as Minister of Economy, he is chairman of the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, the Coordinating and Economic Cooperation Committee, the UAE International Investors Council, the Industrial Coordination Council, the Board of Directors of the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Federal Civil Aviation Authority.
What major steps are being taken to reduce dependence on oil and diversify the economy?
The country, in line with UAE Vision 2021, is keen to build a diverse, globally competitive economy based on innovation and knowledge and led by national competencies, find other sources of income away from oil, and develop the non-oil economic sectors that are viable, such as manufacturing, tourism, and SMEs, in addition to the seven sectors identified by the National Innovation Strategy, namely technology, health, education, transportation, renewable energy, water, and space, as well as non-oil sectors that further the government's plans, such as infrastructure, trade, logistics services, and the financial and retail sector, to increase the contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP to 80% by 2021. The country is also keen to support investment spending on several strategic and development projects, especially those in the infrastructure, financial, social, and private sectors related to Expo 2020, expanding the metro, airport, railways, tourist facilities, retail, and energy projects, as well as other priority projects that are mentioned in the government's development plans. The private sector continues to support the government as a major partner in the forward march of the country, and the various initiatives and community development projects undertaken against the backdrop of the Year of Giving have gone a long way in contributing to the development targets of the country. The implementation of policies and the launching of national initiatives that support the SME sector and encourage entrepreneurship, as well as the development of a legislative and regulatory environment that promotes this sector and provides it with incentives for success, continue to play a role in increasing economic diversification, enhancing sustainability and productivity, and stimulating innovation, knowledge, and technology as pillars of development.
How would you evaluate the trade protectionism that has begun to make its presence felt in global economies? Has it affected the industries, exports, and business activities in the UAE?
The UAE has adopted trade and economic policies based on flexibility, economic openness, and free markets, and has benefited immensely from this policy. The country is keen to support all efforts that contribute to trade liberalization and facilitate the movement of goods as one of the main ingredients for global economic growth. This pioneering approach of the country has contributed to building an active and dynamic foreign trade sector that supports national products and industries, promotes its capacity to access new markets, and is considered a major pillar of economic development and an enabler of the country's competitiveness as a major trade and investment hub at the regional and international levels. The country looks at trade protectionism as a factor that undermines an increase in foreign investment and hinders the growth of the private sector, especially export industries, and causes a slowdown in the movement of the intra-global trade of goods and services. While they serve some short-term objectives, they have negative implications for the economies of countries and for medium- and long-term global economic recovery. In this context, the country is keen to support and adopt initiatives that could facilitate the movement of trade and investment and deepen ties with promising international markets as the first Arab country to ratify and deposit the trade facilitation agreement with the World Trade Organization, as well as reiterate its commitment and support to the principles of a multilateral trading system and help in organizing yearly initiatives like the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), which features the participation of more than 120 countries around the world, and "The Week of Global Trade Development," which aims to promote the country's commitment to issues that contribute to facilitating trade and discussing the challenges faced in this regard. The Ministry of Economy works in cooperation with various governmental and private-sector partners in the country to follow up on any protectionist issues aimed at products in various international markets, by measures such as dumping, subsidizing, or increasing imports, in order to promote UAE exports and support and diversify national industries, increasing their competitiveness in the regional and global markets.
The Ministry of Economy expects a GDP growth rate between 3.6 and 3.9%. Looking at the current geopolitical situation in the region, what are the major risk factors that the UAE needs to take into account and what is the best strategy to hedge such exposures?
The Ministry remains confident of achieving AED1.6 trillion in GDP this year as compared to the AED1.49 trillion posted in the previous year, accompanied by a close to 3% increase in constant prices. In line with this, the national economy continues to maintain its position as one of the most diverse economies in the GCC region. The UAE's current ranking across all global economic indices shows its success in implementing non-oil diversification efforts and creating a highly conducive investment and knowledge-based environment. In fact, the country currently ranks third in the economic openness index, fourth in the business environment and infrastructure indexes, and fifth in the global readiness and readiness change indexes. Since 2015, the UAE's economic and financial policies have played a key role in improving the country's ability to cope with global economic pressures while also being able to maintain financial and monetary stability. More policies and structural reforms are planned with the aim of enhancing the business environment and improving access to credit and the modernization of the labor market. To further enhance this, the country has expressed commitment to revising economic policy measures to further synchronize investments across the seven Emirates, drive in more investment opportunities outside free zones, promote competition, and support the government's call to create a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Industry experts have shared that the high level of economic activity associated with hosting Dubai Expo 2020 is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors from around the world and bring in foreign investment in a number of key sectors such as retail, real estate, tourism, and education. FDI is expected to grow by AED50 billion by 2020. The industrial sector has been witnessing continuous growth in the country, accounting for 53% of non-oil exports. The UAE is one of the leading countries in the field of developing clean and renewable energy in the Middle East and aims to rely on it by 2050. The UAE government has also expressed its continuing commitment to study and evaluate the ever-changing social, economic, and political landscape, which is expected to enhance its ability to respond with unprecedented speed to any challenges by developing and implementing new economic policies and regulations aimed at enhancing international market confidence in the country's ability to manage and guide its economy amid global economic changes and meet key challenges such as climate change, security threats, employment polarization, and financial instability.
Abu Dhabi Going Digital
The ICT sector remains on track with strong government support and commitment to turn Abu Dhabi into a truly smart city.
Muhammad Uzzam , Partner, Areed IT Services
TBY taks to Muhammad Uzzam and Farid Khamis Al-Mazroui, Partners of Areed IT Services on the IT sector.
Hamad Al Mansoori, Director General , Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
TBY talks to Hamad Al Mansoori, Director General of Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), on new trends of digital government, net neutrality, and the provision of smart services.
Osman Sultan, CEO , Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du),
TBY talks to Osman Sultan, CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), on disruptive technological developments, connectivity, and Smart Dubai.
Focus: Tackling Unlawful Cryptocurrency Use
Crypto Crime
The rapidity and anonymity of crypto-transactions make them attractive not only to risk-prone investors, but also to criminals. Finding an efficient solution that does not completely undermine or overturn the nature of digital currencies is proving to be extremely hard.
From blockchain remittance payments to highly advanced waste management services, smart solutions are on the rise across the board with public support and private initiative.
Does It
Aside from its initiatives in humanitarian aid and the promotion of the Emirate's assets, Abu Dhabi strengthens its geopolitical role in the region through a more assertive foreign policy aligned with its Saudi Arabian allies.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, Republic of India
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, on India's relations with the UAE, the significance of the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, and fostering greater goodwill.
Juan Carlos Varela, President, Republic of Panama
TBY talks to Juan Carlos Varela, President of the Republic of Panama, on expanding the country's diplomatic footprint, the importance of participating in Expo 2020, and both countries' respective leadership roles as regional entrepôts.
With the Middle East being a key region for African countries in terms of potential investors and consumers, African countries seek closer ties with the UAE.
Firmly Rooted in Shifting Times
Foreign investors have long viewed the UAE, and by extension its financial sector, as a bedrock of stability in a turbulent region, and one of considerable growth potential.
Focus: Equities Market
Bullish Prospects
A recent wave of high-profile IPOs, excessively low valuations, and favorable regulatory measures have dramatically increased the attractiveness of equities on UAE stock exchanges.
Focus: IFRS 9 Standards
Along with the 5% VAT, this year ushered in another regulatory update affecting businesses in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
TBY talks to Rashed A. Al Blooshi, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), on highlighting the opportunities available to companies on ADX, adopting best practices in the field, and further developing the market.
Galal Kulaib, Group CEO, Al Nahdha Investment
TBY talks to Galal Kulaib, Group CEO of Al Nahdha Investment, on the performance of the UAE capital markets, opportunities in the Emirate, and his positive outlook for real estate in Abu Dhabi.
Focus: Insurtech
Risk Teching
Thanks to new tech-friendly measures announced by the government, the insurance sector in Abu Dhabi is spearheading the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation of services.
Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, Director General, the Insurance Authority
TBY talks to Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, Director General of the Insurance Authority, on the history of the institution, new technology, and outlooks for the future.
Insurance Penetration
Though insurance penetration is still relatively low in the region, the insurance industry is becoming a key growth contributor in this part of the world.
With a combination of heavy investments in ambitious upstream projects with Chinese, Indian, and European firms in 2018 and an easing of OPEC production restrictions and rising prices, Abu Dhabi is losing no time in boosting medium- and long-term output.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, ADNOC Group
TBY talks to Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of ADNOC Group, on expanding further into the downstream segment, the significance of its Derivatives and Conversion Parks, and the implications of its ICV program.
Focus: ADNOC's Partnership Model
Spheres of Influence
Following the announcement of an expanded partnership model and a more active approach to managing its businesses and portfolio of assets, a series of cooperation accords position the national oil company as a champion of commercial liberalism.
Hatem Nuseibeh, , Total E&P UAE & Group Representative Total
TBY talks to Hatem Nuseibeh, President of Total E&P UAE & Group Representative Total, on its clean energy strategy, the latest technologies, and Emiratization.
Salem Bin Ashoor, Chief Representative & GM , BP UAE
TBY talks to Salem Bin Ashoor, Chief Representative & GM of BP UAE, on partnering with the Emirate's government, investing in R&D, and reaching the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
Before truly committing to investing in Abu Dhabi, IOCs must first and foremost focus on building firm relationships, particularly with ADNOC.
Ali Al Janabi, Chairman , Shell Abu Dhabi
TBY talks to Ali Al Janabi, Chairman of Shell Abu Dhabi and Vice President of Shell Abu Dhabi & Syria, on looking back at the oil crisis, opportunities in the Emirate, and keeping an eye on the future.
Japanese Partners
As the UAE is an important crude oil supplier to Japan, enhancing bilateral cooperation in the sector is key.
Dr. Uwe Salge, General Manager, Wintershall Middle East
TBY talks to Dr. Uwe Salge, General Manager of Wintershall Middle East, on working with ADNOC on the Shuwaihat field, its capabilities in developing sour gas, and contributing to Abu Dhabi's success.
Focus: ADNOC Downstream Strategy
Value Maximization
ADNOC's Downstream Strategy represents one of the most important milestones for Abu Dhabi to continue to play a crucial role in the global energy market.
hmed Omar Abdulla, CEO, Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge),
TBY talks to Ahmed Omar Abdulla, CEO of Abu Dhabi Polymer Company Ltd (Borouge), on the impact of its new Borouge 4 plant, specialized solutions for global challenges, and the need to continue to invest in innovation.
Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects, Linde Group
TBY talks to Philippe Peccard, President Middle East Engineering & Investment Projects of Linde Group, on being a key partner of its regional partners, developing the downstream value chain, and further enhancing operations with technology.
Focus: In-Country Value
Time to Commit
The announcement of the In-Country-Value program is a significant step for ADNOC and Abu Dhabi in growing the local private sector. Vertically, it will develop the energy industry through a trickle-down effect; horizontally, it will affect other sectors through a multiplier effect in the long-term.
Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO, NPCC
TBY talks to Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO of NPCC, on its major project in India, working in renewables, and appealing to a new generation of Emiratis.
The energy industry's shift to downstream will create new opportunities for EPC contractors, resulting in more investment and a significant increase in workload.
Ali El Ali, General Manager , Zakher Marine International
TBY talks to Ali El Ali, General Manager of Zakher Marine International, on the company's evolution in the last few decades, the impact of technology on the sector, and the shift from oil to gas.
Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO, Bilfinger Middle East
TBY talks to Ali Vezvaei, Executive President & CEO of Bilfinger Middle East, on its keys areas of focus in the UAE, trends in the hydrocarbons sector, and the application of energy efficiency technologies to new sectors.
Live from Abu Dhabi
An incentive-driven legal framework serves as a catalyst for media, TV, and film companies to operate in Abu Dhabi, expanding the Emirate's brand worldwide.
Mohammed Johmani , Managing Director, O2 Network
TBY talks to Mohammed Johmani, Managing Director of O2 Network, on the Media sector.
Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO, Media Zone Authority–Abu Dhabi & twofour54
TBY talks to Maryam Eid AlMheiri, CEO of Media Zone Authority–Abu Dhabi & twofour54, on supporting the cultural ecosystem, key areas of opportunities, and the evolution of the sector.
Al Mansouri, Director General , National Media Council,
TBY talks to Mansour Al Mansouri, Director General of National Media Council, on ensuring common standards, building the media of the future, and empowering the next generation.
Focus: Neuro-marketing
Neuromarketing is bound to revolutionize the way brands deliver their message to consumers, and in Abu Dhabi's competitive market, companies, marketing firms, and consumers are equally likely to benefit.
Samia Bouazza, Managing Director , Multiply Marketing Consultancy
TBY talks to Samia Bouazza, Managing Director of Multiply Marketing Consultancy, on satisfying sophisticated consumers with high purchasing power, targeting different categories of the population, and thinking globally while acting locally.
Under Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, aerospace and defense are set to play major roles in an economy diversified away from oil. The size and reputation of Abu Dhabi-based companies are soaring.
Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General , UAE Space Agency
TBY talks to Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, on the National Space Vision, Mars 2117 project, and establishing a human space flight program.
Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
TBY talks to Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), on the goals of the national space program, attracting youth to the program, and the significance of KhalifaSat.
Focus: Airbus A380
The A380 continues to impress, with Etihad and the UAE continuing to keep the faith with new routes from the capital heading to Europe.
Mikail Houari, President , Airbus Africa & Middle East
TBY talks to Mikail Houari, President of Airbus Africa & Middle East, on the company's core strategies, its role in fostering a new generation of aerospace leaders, and the new aviation data platform called Skywise.
Mansoor Janahi, Acting CEO , Turbine Services & Solutions
TBY talks to Mansoor Janahi, Acting CEO of Turbine Services & Solutions, on the rapidly growing aviation sector in MENA, investing in R&D, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector.
Karl-Erik Neumann, CEO, Exechon Enterprises
TBY talks to Karl-Erik Neumann, CEO of Exechon Enterprises, on raising the UAE's technical capabilities and meeting manufacturing trends of the future.
Focus: F-35 PURCHASE
Long Awaited
The UAE is stepping up its geostrategic presence in the Middle East. The concrete outcome of such a heavier role will most likely be the purchase of the F-35, though the country has come a long way without it.
Steaming Along
The government's focus on heavy industries has raised concerns among major manufacturing players, who seek to establish a direct channel of communication to explore opportunities for cooperation and improving CAPEX by filling in the gaps.
Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO , Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
TBY talks to Abdulla Jassem bin Kalban, Managing Director & CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), on its expansion upstream, strategies to grow the sector, and sustainability initiatives.
Julian Clark, Regional Director , Hatch MENA
TBY talks to Julian Clark, Regional Director of Hatch MENA, on the massive Al Taweelah project, solutions to optimize their operational assets, and advancements in desalination.
Steel Sector
With construction on an upward trajectory, steel producers see brighter days ahead after a rocky few years.
Boris van Thiel, CEO, Union Iron & Steel
TBY talks to Boris van Thiel, CEO of Union Iron & Steel, on reformulating its strategy in the market, the effects of the increase in steel prices, and the need to protect local steel from cheap imports.
Focus: Technology and Energy Management
No Time for Power Naps
Technological changes have spurred communication between private industrial players and the public sector around energy management to maintain competitiveness and create benefits for the whole economy.
Focus: Offshore Support in the UAE
Zakher Marine International
After a few years of setbacks, a number of transportation projects are coming to fruition, giving the sector what it needs to meet the goals set for Vision 2030.
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports
TBY talks to Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, on what makes Abu Dhabi the best destination for FDI, being one of the first ports to work on blockchain solutions, and major expansion plans.
Focus: National Port Strategy
Complementing, not Competing
Despite allegations of competition between Abu Dhabi Ports and DP World, the two operators maintain different, complementary strategies that seek to preserve the UAE's position as the top trade destination in the region.
Bassel El Dabbagh, CEO, Agility Abu Dhabi
TBY talks to Bassel El Dabbagh, CEO of Agility Abu Dhabi, on the impact of online retail, blockchain solutions for the logistics industry, and key growth areas within the sector.
Saed Arar, Chairman , LeasePlan Emirates
TBY talks to Saed Arar, Chairman of LeasePlan Emirates, on specializing in operating leases, partnering with ride-hailing companies, and catering to the UAE's youth through technology.
Focus: Hyperloop Transport
Hyper-Speed Ahead
The development of a hyperloop in the Al Ain region bears triple significance for the infrastructure sector in the Emirate.
Khaled Al Mansoori, CEO, Emirates Driving Company (EDC)
TBY talks to Khaled Al Mansoori, CEO of Emirates Driving Company (EDC), on spreading road-safety awareness to all age groups, changing drivers' attitudes, and learning defense driving skills.
Given the high supply of general medical facilities, Abu Dhabi is moving toward specialized care to raise the bar of its healthcare system.
Robert Ball , CEO, National Ambulance
TBY talks to Robert Ball, CEO of National Ambulanceon, on the Heath sector.
Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman , Department of Health (DoH)
TBY talks to Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health (DoH), on facilitating investment for local and foreign investors and building and maintaining a sustainable workforce.
Mohamed Al Hameli, Undersecretary , Department of Health
TBY talks to Mohamed Al Hameli, Undersecretary of Department of Health, on Abu Dhabi as a medical tourism hub, artificial intelligence, and major projects in the pipeline.
Precision Healthcare
As lifestyle diseases quickly make inroads into the Emirate, a larger modicum of prevention and education are needed to ensure Abu Dhabi's healthcare system provides its citizens and medical tourists with the most advanced methods available.
Often more nimble, private firms are filling niche geographical gaps and maximizing preventative methods to minimize the dissemination of lifestyle diseases, among others.
Focus: Pharmaceuticals
Finding the Right Chemistry
The UAE's pharmaceutical market presents significant growth opportunities for multinational drug makers, yet the impact of lower medicine prices will create challenges for innovative companies operating in the Emirates.
High Marks
Both public and private institutions in Abu Dhabi offer world-class education, and the local authorities are working to advance the sector even further.
Ali Bin Yahia, CEO, NETAQ E-Solutions
TBY talks to Ali Bin Yahia, CEO of NETAQ E-Solutions on the Education sector.
Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director General , ACTVET
TBY talks to Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director General of ACTVET, on aligning with Vision 2030, developing a knowledge-based society, and creating transferable skills for Emiratis.
Abdullah Al Humaidan, General Secretary , Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs
TBY talks to Abdullah Al Humaidan, General Secretary of Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, on inclusivity, technology, and the economy.
Focus: Technical Training vs. Academic Teaching
Balanced Learnıng
Abu Dhabi's technical institutes are growing in popularity among young Emiratis; however, finding a balance with more traditional academic programs is paramount to ensure the development of a truly knowledge-based economy.
Dr. Ahmad Alawar, Managing Director, Institute of Applied Technology (IAT)
TBY talks to Dr. Ahmad Alawar, Managing Director of the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT), on the challenges of a technical education, demand, and expansion plans for the future.
Prof. Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President , Zayed University
TBY talks to Prof. Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, on the value of relationships, areas of research, and new technologies and programs.
The Emirate's leading universities are pulling out all the stops to develop the kind of students who will conduct the necessary research to produce new knowledge.
Prof. Dr. Farouk Hamada, Chancellor , Mohammed V University
TBY talks to Prof. Dr. Farouk Hamada, Chancellor of Mohammed V University, on the origins of the institution, maintaining international standards, and goals for the future.
The Emirate's leading universities are training the next generation of strategists, thinkers, and entrepreneurs with custom-made programs that hone their critical outlook and prepare them for the world.
Rear Admiral James Anthony Morse, President , Rabdan Academy
TBY talks to Rear Admiral James Anthony Morse, President of Rabdan Academy, on the vision behind the academy, interoperability between the public and private sectors, and the impact of AI on warfare.
Focus: Private Schools
Economical Educatıon
The Abu Dhabi private education sector continues to expand as the Emirate pushes for higher teaching standards and overall development of quality education.
Educators are scrapping the old rusty ways of educating the youth by preparing the next generation of productive citizens via a combination of local, regional, and international standards.
Much to Explore
While emerging markets around the world struggled to attract investment over 2018, Abu Dhabi continued to increase its profile as a prime investment destination in the wider region.
Ahmad Bin Ghannam, Acting CEO , Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
TBY talks to Ahmad Bin Ghannam, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), on efforts to improve the ease of doing business, its key goals, and incentives for investors.
Focus: Industry 4.0
Innovation Driven
The transition toward fully integrated digital solutions and artificial intelligence opens a window for investors to act and collect gains as the business model restructuring advances.
Why Abu Dhabi?
The capital of the UAE, with excellent infrastructure, a promising and attractive business environment, and wide range of economic opportunities, is an excellent base for businesses in the region.
Abu Dhabi Scores
The return on hosted sports events in Abu Dhabi throughout 2017 was estimated at USD545.5 million, according to Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Focus: Special Olympics 2019
Sport for Humanity
Abu Dhabi's sporting vision comes to life as the Emirate readies itself for hosting the Special Olympics World Games in 2019.
Beyond merely the pride of hosting a global event, the Special Olympics have resulted in a more inclusive society and a more vibrant sporting culture in the UAE.
Rashid Abdullah Ali, CEO , Al Ain Club Investment Company
TBY talks to Rashid Abdullah Ali, CEO of Al Ain Club Investment Company, on connecting fans and shareholders, the role of sport in the national economy, and reducing the industry's reliance on the government.
Breaking Record After Record
Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister , Culture and Knowledge Development
TBY talks to Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, on the Creative Industries Contributions Index, bridging the AI-culture divide, and adopting a systems leadership approach moving forward.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on the role of innovation, the late Sheikh Zayed's cultural vision, and strengthening cultural engagement among youth.
Focus: Tourism Strategy
Striking a balance between more sophisticated Western visitors and increasing the number of tourists from Asia will prove crucial in ensuring the Emirate's attractiveness.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary , Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
TBY talks to Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, on becoming a beacon of cultural tourism, tailoring its approach to different markets, and penetrating the MICE segment.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO , Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC),
TBY talks to Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), on fast-tracking Abu Dhabi's economic diversification, the importance of the Year of Zayed, and technology's impact on the world of event planning.
Adib Moukheiber, General Manager , Zaya Nurai Island
TBY talks to Adib Moukheiber, General Manager of Zaya Nurai Island, on demand in the sector, Abu Dhabi's attractiveness, and new investment proposals.
Stefan Fuchs, General Manager , Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
TBY talks to Stefan Fuchs, General Manager of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, on the personalized hospitality and product quality that set it apart, providing something for every income bracket, and working to boost demand.
Olivier Thomas, General Manager , Four Seasons Hotel
TBY talks to Olivier Thomas, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel, on setting up in Abu Dhabi, the company's strategy to attract tourists, and the MICE sector.
ENVIRONMENT & GREEN ENERGY
Betting Big on Renewables
Despite its fast-paced urbanization, Abu Dhabi and the UAE are giving environmental conservation their utmost attention.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister , Climate Change and Environment
TBY talks to Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on the UAE's commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, transitioning to a climate-resilient green economy, and the importance of sustainable green finance.
TBY talks to Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Acting General Manager of Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer), on the growing adoption of recycling, improving regulations in the UAE, and new opportunities in waste management.
Focus: SOLAR AND HYDROELECTRIC INVESTMENTS
Sustainable Mix
At a time when new technological breakthroughs are increasing energy efficiencies in the hydrocarbon spectrum, Abu Dhabi remains committed to increasing the role of renewables.
Neri Askland, Vice President , Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil
TBY talks to Neri Askland, Vice President of Middle East and UAE Country Manager of Statoil, on its efforts to help reduce its carbon footprint, opportunities for R&D in the area, and its collaboration with Masdar.
Focus: Nuclear Energy
The Nuclear Option
The UAE is the first country in the MENA region to develop nuclear power, with Abu Dhabi's Barakah nuclear power plant. The Emirate hopes to achieve energy security and embrace alternative sources of energy, ensuring full cooperation and support from the international community.
Christer Viktorsson, Director General , Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
TBY talks to Christer Viktorsson, Director General of Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), on the role of the institution in advancing the nuclear energy regulatory environment, the Barakah Power Plant, and the importance of an integrated network.
Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director , Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC),
TBY talks to Eng. Omar Husain Al Hashmi, Acting Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), on its successes with STEP, helping Abu Dhabi to reduce its carbon footprint, and its successful Emiratization policies.
Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO , Siemens Middle East and Siemens UAE
TBY talks to Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO of Siemens Middle East and Siemens UAE, on its innovative IoT operating system, cybersecurity, and embracing digitalization
Frank Ackland, , Eaton Middle East
TBY talks to Frank Ackland, CEO of Eaton Middle East, on its growth in the region, meeting top safety requirements, and increased investments in data centers.
Hanan Darwish, Cluster President Gulf and Pakistan, Schneider Electric
TBY talks to Hanan Darwish, Cluster President Gulf and Pakistan at Schneider Electric, on major achievements, the IoT, and the smart grid.
More Ground to Break
Used to weathering the cyclical nature of the industry, Abu Dhabi's construction sector is slowly realizing adapting and innovating is the only way forward for sustained, long-term growth.
AGRIBUSINESS & FOOD SECURITY
A Sophisticated Palate
Using the latest technology and with a keen eye for sustainability, Abu Dhabi's agriculture sector is poised to continue its strong, sustained growth.
Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General , Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), on the Farmers Income Support Program, the UAE's agroecological climate, and introducing intelligent control systems.
Nasser Mohammed Al Junaibi, Acting CEO, of Abu Dhabi Farmers Service Center (ADFSC)
TBY talks to Nasser Mohammed Al Junaibi, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Farmers Service Center (ADFSC), on transitioning to modern agriculture, local harvests, and hydroponic technology.
Joachim Yebouet, CEO, Foodco Holding PJSC
TBY talks to Joachim Yebouet, CEO of Foodco Holding PJSC, on its next strategic business plan, the UAE's organic food market, and the role of technology in the FMCG industry.
Focus: Food Security
The Hope mission to Mars, set to be launched in 2020, is the first step of a broader, ambitious plan to build a city on the red planet by 2117.
Tariq Al Wahedi, CEO, Agthia
TBY talks to Tariq Al Wahedi, CEO of Agthia, on on the growth of the company in past decades, its innovative products, and investing in its people.
Review: E-COMMERCE in the F&B INDUSTRY
E-ating
The advent of e-commerce will undoubtedly disrupt the F&B sector in Abu Dhabi. Only those players who are fast to adapt and embrace digital sales channels will stand a chance of surviving in the long term.
URBAN PLANNING, REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION
Oversupply of real estate leads to highly competitive prices, while government initiatives such as 10-year visas for foreigners and increased tourism activity are expected to help demand pick up over the next few years.
Jasim Al Ali , CEO, FAB Properties
TBY talks to Jasim Al Ali, CEO of FAB Properties on Real Estate sector.
Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman, Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM)
TBY talks to Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), on coordinating joint-investment programs and strategic alliances with the private sector and integrating technology within developments and services.
Despite the rapid growth of the various regions, the UAE seeks to ensure its people remain engaged with its culture and values.
Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO, Aldar Properties
TBY talks to Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO of Aldar Properties, on its growth strategy, its joint venture with Emaar, and creating communities in the Emirates.
Sameh Muhtadi, CEO, Bloom Holding
TBY talks to Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of Bloom Holding, on the benefits of a diversified portfolio, partnering with premium education providers, and expanding into the health sector.
Focus: IMKAN'S R&D
New Formula for R&D Efficiency
IMKAN's research strategy gives equal attention to each project's total gross contribution and rate of maturity.
Walid El Hindi, CEO, IMKAN
TBY talks to Walid El Hindi, CEO of IMKAN, on spearheading innovation in the real estate industry.
Mohammed Al Zaabi, CEO, Miral
TBY talks to Mohammed Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, on developing Yas Island into the next top destination, the largest indoor theme park in the world, and SkyTran.
Yaqoob Al Doseri, , Manazel Real Estate
TBY talks to Yaqoob Al Doseri, CEO of Manazel Real Estate, on targeting the mid-market segment, investing recurring income into less volatile sectors, and the importance of business intelligence.
Mohammed Alwan, CEO, Makan
TBY talks to Mohammed Alwan, CEO of Makan, on the Real Estate sector.
Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director , Trojan Holding
TBY talks to Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director of Trojan Holding, on expansion outside the UAE, the role of robotics in the construction sector, and adopting sustainable practices.
Owaidat, CEO, Secure Engineering
TBY talks to Yasseen Owaidat, CEO of Secure Engineering, on trends in the sector, innovative approaches to construction, and retaining its people.
While the UAE's construction market witnesses the usual downtrends, companies have learned to use technology and expansion into other markets as countermeasures.
Sami Asad, CEO, Pivot
TBY talks to Sami Asad, CEO of Pivot, on the benefits of Dubai's real estate sector, incorporating technological innovations, and the importance of healthy competition.
Hamish Tyrwhitt, Group CEO , Arabtec Holding
TBY talks to Hamish Tyrwhitt, Group CEO of Arabtec Holding, on the significance of Expo 2020 for the entire market, Arabtec's growing international footprint, and prioritizing Vision 2030.
Focus: Building Materials
Constructive Changes
A saturated local construction market and technological advancements in the industry are forcing private building materials companies to adjust their business models.
Felix Moral, CEO, Exeed Industries
TBY talks to Felix Moral, CEO of Exeed Industries, on the modern industrial revolution, keeping up with technological advances, and potential export markets.
Abu Dhabi is undergoing significant transformation at the high levels of the public and private sectors to ensure diversified, long-term growth.
Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoor, Minister of Economy, UAE
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Economy
Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, on efforts to enhance the UAE's intellectual property framework, creating a knowledge-based economy, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mubadala Investment Company
TBY talks to Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Mubadala Investment Company, on the company's diversification strategy, its technology investments, and its focus on innovation.
Focus: Economic Stimulus Package
Desert Breeze
Abu Dhabi unveiled the new stimulus package, Ghadan 21, in effort to counter the post-oil crisis slowdown. While it might be too soon to call for the end of austerity measures, it definitely signifies the leadership's commitment to grow the Emirate's economy.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman, Statistics Centre- Abu Dhabi (SCAD)
TBY talks to Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Chairman of Statistics Centre-Abu Dhabi (SCAD), on its efforts to improve data collection and lower costs, innovative statistical development tools, and its Emiratization policies.
Saeed Al Neyad, Director General, Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC)
TBY talks to Saeed Al Neyadi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Centre (ADMCC), on being a critical enabler for various key partner organizations, efforts to increase Abu Dhabi's competitiveness in tourism and commerce, and improving the quality of life for citizens and visitors.
Emiratization
Abu Dhabi has been making significant progress in creating sustainable employment opportunities for UAE nationals, and companies are poised to support the government's efforts.
In order to minimize risk and ensure long-term sustainable growth, holdings continue to focus on diversification and varied sources of income.
Amer Kakish, CEO, Ittihad International Investment
TBY talks to Amer Kakish, CEO of Ittihad International Investment, on the company's achievements, its investment plans, and challenges and opportunities for Abu Dhabi's growth.
Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman, British Business Group (BBG)
TBY talks to Nick Cochrane-Dyet, Chairman of British Business Group (BBG), on Abu Dhabi's forward-looking strategy, the need for British firms to continue to bring value to the Emirate, and areas of opportunity for the UK.
Businesses have to take the nuances of Abu Dhabi's market into account to succeed in a competitive environment.
TBY talks to HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, on SME development and more.
Developing Excellence
TBY talks to HE Eng. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for Economic Affairs, on supporting the non-oil sector's contribution to GDP and working towards a sustainable post-oil economy.


text:
Sony Finally Confirms PlayStation 5 Official Name & Drop Date
Selectism10.08Fashion & Beauty
Sony has confirmed the name and release date of its next generation console, Wired reports. It will be officially called the PlayStation 5 and it's due for a "Holiday 2020" drop.
Sony has also revealed details of the changes the PS5 will boast. The controllers' rumble technology, for example, will be replaced to offer a "broader range of feedback." The R2 and L2 triggers will also change, allowing users to program the resistance to better feel tension when drawing back a bow, for example, or driving through rough terrain.
The PS5 controller reportedly looks like the PS4's DualShock 4 and will include USB-C, a larger battery, improved speakers, and more. It will use 100GB Blu-ray discs but all games will need to be installed to its internal (and super-fast) SSD.
Sony also tells wired that the PS5 will feature a "completely revamped user interface" with more detailed social features on the home screen, which will allow gamers to view specific features on the console's home screen without having to launch the game first.
For more information on the Sony PlayStation 5, head here.
view Selectism
#playstation 5
#video games

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R.I.P. Henry "Hank" Aaron, 86, Baseball Legend and All-Time Home Run Record Holder for 33 Years (VIDEO)
There is no dearth of tributes, short or long, circulating about Henry Louis Aaron (aka "Hank", "The Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank") in honor of his
Celebrities Remember Baseball Legend Hank Aaron
Celebrities remember baseball legend Hank Aaron after his passing on Friday at the age of 86…. Read Full Story
Hank Aaron Transcended Baseball Like Few Ever Have—or Will
By Sports Illustrated The Hall of Fame slugger, known as much for his graciousness as his 755 home runs, died at age 86. Baseball is
Baseball Icon Hank Aaron, Dies at 86
Paul Newberry | Associated Press Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth but went on to break
MLB Hall of famer and humanitarian leader Hank Aaron dies at 86
MLB Hall of famer and humanitarian leader Hank Aaron dies at 86 According to an Aaron family insider, Aaron died Friday morning after suffering a
Hank Aaron, Baseball Legend & Home Run King, Passes Away At 86
Baseball has its icons and its legends. There's the Babe, there's Willie but there's only one "Hammerin" Hank. Hank Aaron, a civil rights legend and
Disney+ Tells the Off-Field Story of Clemson Safety 'Ray Ray' McElrathbey
Raised amid insecurity and addiction, the student-athlete reared his little brother on campus with the help of his teammates. The post Disney+ Tells the Off-Field
Seattle Seahawks Announce Karen Wilkins-Mickey As First VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Seattle Seahawks have hired Karen Wilkins-Mickey as the organization's vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion, a newly created role. "I am thrilled to
Sports Broadcaster Samaria Terry Boldly Rocks Braids On Air For The First Time In Her Career
Sports broadcaster Samaria Terry had her very own "coming out" day at work. For the first time in her career, she showed up on set
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The New Orleans Saints' loss is the Atlanta Falcons' gain! The Atlanta Falcons have hired former Saints' vice president/assistant general manager for pro personnel, Terry
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Deion Sanders on Lack of Resources at HBCUs: 'It's Not a Level Playing Field. It's Unacceptable'
Back in September, Jackson State University had announced that Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Deion Sanders has been named the 21st head football coach in


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Diagnosis and Treatment of Cutaneous Aspergillosis
Kyung Duck Park
Aspergillosis is an opportunistic mycosis caused by fungi in the genus Aspergillus, mostly A. fumigatus and A. flavus. Typical entry portals in primary cutaneous aspergillosis include burns, trauma sites, surgical wounds, intravenous catheters, and macerated skin in underlying occlusive dressings. In individuals who are immunocompromised, the dissemination risk is significant. Skin findings range from firm papules and necrotic papulonodules to hemorrhagic bullae and ulcers. The prognosis is poor but improves when the patient is no longer neutropenic or when corticosteroids are discontinued. Localized primary cutaneous aspergillosis can be excised surgically, followed by oral antifungal administration. For the first-line treatment of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis, isavuconazole and voriconazole are the preferred agents, whereas liposomal amphotericin B is supported moderately.
Aspergillosis Cutaneous aspergillosis
Several studies have been conducted to elucidate the multiple aspects of pulmonary and invasive aspergillosis in patients who are immunocompromised; however, only a few reports are available on primary cutaneous aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is an opportunistic infection that is caused by fungi in the genus Aspergillus, mostly A. fumigatus and A. flavus. Several host factors and clinical conditions are asso- ciated with aspergillosis, including (1) neutropenia, immuno- suppression, immunodeficiency, or structural lung disease for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and (2) burns, sites of trauma, surgical wounds, intravenous catheters, and macerated skin in underlying occlusive dressings as entry portals in primary cutaneous aspergillosis. The prognosis could be poor; thus, clinicians should be aware of this disease. This study aimed to briefly describe the definition, skin findings, histologic exam- ination, prophylaxis, and treatment of cutaneous aspergillosis.
Cutaneous aspergillosis is defined as a skin infection caused by fungi in the genus Aspergillus1 and is categorized into primary and secondary cutaneous aspergillosis. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis presents skin lesions without visceral involvement, whereas in secondary cutaneous aspergillosis, the conidia are inhaled, resulting in a primary lung infection followed by dissemination to the skin. Most aspergillosis cases are Aspergillus infection of the lungs, and cutaneous aspergillosis is considered an opportunistic infection2,3. There- fore, disseminated secondary cutaneous aspergillosis accounts for most cutaneous aspergillosis, and cutaneous aspergillosis cases are rarely reported in patients who are immunocom- petent4,5. Patterson et al. and D'Antonio et al. reported cuta- neous involvement of invasive aspergillosis in 5% and 4% of cases, respectively6,7.
SKIN FINDINGS
As previously explained, cutaneous aspergillosis is considered an opportunistic infection. Thus, secondary cutaneous lesions are well documented, which result from contiguous extension of infected underlying structures to the skin or widespread blood-borne skin embolism4,8. Host factors, such as neutropenia, allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, long-term use of immunosuppressants, and immuno-deficiency are important in secondary cutaneous lesion development. Skin lesions appear as scattered erythematous macules or papules that evolve to hemorrhagic bullae or ulcerative nodules because of the infected internal organs' dissemination9, which often develop as an eschar in time10. Hematogenously disseminated embolic lesions may occur because of the Aspergillus organism's angiotropic nature10. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis arises from either direct physical inoculation, such as a penetrating wound or occlusive dressing site of a wounded skin11. Primary cutaneous lesions usually develop in patients with burns, trauma sites, surgical wounds, intravenous catheters, and macerated skin12. Some patients are immunocompetent, but patients with underlying risk factors, such as malignancies, organ transplantation, and congenital or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, were also reported13,14. Some cases were reported in infants who were premature15,16. Additionally, onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus was also reported17. According to this article, the clinical presentation of onychomycosis was nonspecific, but a distal-lateral pattern was commonly observed17. The reports show that skin manifestations of primary cutaneous aspergillosis vary from macules, papules, nodules, or plaques to pustules10. Among neonates, lesions occurred with purulent discharge16,18. Infection of the paranasal sinuses was also reported as another clinical presentation19,20. This study states that in the inoculated type, the primary lesion develops from macule or papule to nodule or granulated tissue, whereas in the wounded skin type, superficial spreading natured macerated and ulcerative lesion. Additionally, host factors are also important because dissemination occurs easily in patients who are immunocompromised.
HISTOLOGIC EXAMINATION
Histologic examination of lesions of cutaneous aspergillosis includes the following: (1) 45° dichotomous branching of hyaline hyphae; (2) septate hyphae best demonstrated with methenamine silver or PAS staining; (3) suppurative and granulomatous inflammation and/or necrosis; and (4) striking tendency of the fungal hyphae to invade large and small arteries and veins, causing inflammation, thrombosis, and infarction. Inflammation is dominant in the superficial dermis with or without subcutaneous fat layer sparing in primary cutaneous aspergillosis cases. Contrarily, the epicenter of in- flammation in the secondary cutaneous aspergillosis tends to be solely in the deep dermis or subcutaneous fat layer13.
For aspergillosis prevention, prophylactic antifungals are commonly administered to patients undergoing chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, both before and during neutropenic periods. Additionally, a patient with febrile neutropenia who is unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy might empirically receive voriconazole, posaconazole, or one of the echinocandins21.
Nowadays, isavuconazole and voriconazole are the preferred agents for the first-line treatment of invasive aspergillosis21,22, whereas liposomal amphotericin B is moderately supported21. However, the cutaneous aspergillosis treatment guideline is currently unavailable. Localized primary cutaneous aspergillosis can be excised surgically, followed by oral antifungal administration. In this study, disseminated cutaneous aspergillosis was treated appropriately according to invasive aspergillosis. Voriconazole or isavuconazole treatments for severe primary cutaneous aspergillosis were reported15,16. Until recently, itraconazole treatment case reports of patients with primary cutaneous aspergillosis who are immunocompetent are reported5,23.
In patients with this disease, invasive aspergillosis is the major cause of death; thus, dermatologists should be aware of its cutaneous findings. There is limited information on the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of primary cutaneous aspergillosis and onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus, only case reports or small case series in the literature. This study therefore suggests a preliminary classification as presented in Table 1. Further studies are needed to find the optimal treatment for invasive and primary cutaneous aspergillosis.
(Inoculated)
Granulation tissue
Amphotericin B
(Wounded)
Surgical wound
Neonate
Superficial spreading erosive patch
Ecthyma gangrenosum
Hemorrhagic bulla
(Disseminated)
Allo-HSCT
Congenital immunodeficiency
Structural lung disease
Sporotrichoid nodules
Embolic
Ulceration
Eschar
Isavuconazole
Voriconazole
Table 1. The study's preliminary suggestion of cutaneous aspergillosis classification
1. 1. Galimberti R, Kowalczuk A, Parra IH, Ramos MG, Flores V. Cutaneous aspergillosis: a report of six cases. Br J Dermatol 1998;139:522-526
2. 2. Segal BH. Aspergillosis. N Engl J Med 2009;360:1870-1884
3. 3. Latgé JP, Chamilos G. Aspergillus fumigatus and asper- gillosis in 2019. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019;33:e00140-18
4. 4. Bernardeschi C, Foulet F, Ingen-Housz-Oro S, Ortonne N, Sitbon K, Quereux G, et al. Cutaneous invasive asper- gillosis: retrospective multicenter study of the French Invasive-Aspergillosis Registry and literature review. Medicine 2015;94:e1018
5. 5. Liu X, Yang J, Ma W. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in an immunocompetent patient: A case report. Medicine 2017;96:e8916
6. 6. Patterson TF, Kirkpatrick WR, White M, Hiemenz JW, Wingard JR, Dupont B, et al. Invasive aspergillosis. Dis- ease spectrum, treatment practices, and outcomes. I3 Aspergillus Study Group. Medicine 2000;79:250-260
7. 7. D'antonio D, Pagano L, Girmenia C, Parruti G, Mele L, Candoni A, et al. Cutaneous aspergillosis in patients with haematological malignancies. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2000;19:362-365
8. 8. Sato S, Tamai Y. Cutaneous aspergillosis disseminated from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Int J Infect Dis 2019;87:13-14
9. 9. Watsky KL, Eisen RN, Bolognia JL. Unilateral cutaneous emboli of Aspergillus. Arch Dermatol 1990;126:1214-1217
10. 10. Van Burik JAH, Colven R, Spach DH. Cutaneous asper- gillosis. J Clin Microbiol 1998;36:3115-3121
11. 11. Allo MD, Miller J, Townsend T, Tan C. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis associated with Hickman intravenous catheters. N Engl J Med 1987;317:1105-1108
12. 12. Avkan-Oğuz V, Çelik M, Satoglu IS, Ergon MC, Açan AE. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in immunocompetent adults: three cases and a review of the literature. Cureus 2020;12:e6600
13. 13. Murakawa GJ, Harvell JD, Lubitz P, Schnoll S, Lee S, Berger T. Cutaneous aspergillosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Arch Dermatol 2000;136:365-369
14. 14. Palmero ML, Pope E, Brophy J. Sporotrichoid aspergillosis in an immunocompromised child: A case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Dermatol 2009;26:592-596
15. 15. Frankenbusch K, Eifinger F, Kribs A, Rengelshauseu J, Roth B. Severe primary cutaneous aspergillosis refractory to amphotericin B and the successful treatment with systemic voriconazole in two premature infants with extremely low birth weight. J Perinatol 2006;26:511-514
16. 16. Kimura H, Mitsuto I, Taguchi R, Anzawa K, Mochizuki T. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus tamarii in a premature infant with extremely low birth- weight: A case report with short review. J Dermatol 2018; 45:622-625
17. 17. Bongomin F, Batac CR, Richardson MD, Denning DW. A review of onychomycosis due to Aspergillus species. Mycopathologia 2018;183:485-493
18. 18. Perzigian RW, Faix RG. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in a preterm infant. Am J Perinatol 1993;10:269-271
19. 19. Vinay K, Khullar G, Yadav S, Kanwar AJ, Saikia UN, Shivaprakash MR, et al. Granulomatous invasive asper- gillosis of paranasal sinuses masquerading as actino- mycosis and review of published literature. Mycopa- thologia 2014;177:179-185
20. 20. Milošev B, Mahgoub ES, Aal OA, El Hassan AM. Primary aspergilloma of paranasal sinuses in the Sudan. A review of seventeen cases. Br J Surg 1969;56:132-137
21. 21. Ullmann AJ, Aguado JM, Arikan-Akdagli S, Denning DW, Groll AH, Lagrou K, et al. Diagnosis and management of Aspergillus diseases: executive summary of the 2017 ESCMID-ECMM-ERS guideline. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24(Suppl 1):e1-e38
22. 22. Herbrecht R, Denning DW, Patterson TF, Bennett JE, Greene RE, Oestmann JW, et al. Voriconazole versus amphotericin B for primary therapy of invasive aspergillosis. N Engl J Med 2002;347:408-415
23. 23. Thazhathuveettil SK, Mehta H, Vinay K. Multiple painless subcutaneous nodules on the cheek of an immuno- competent man. JAMA Dermatol 2021;157:1500-1501
JMI 2021 December;26(4):83-86(4). 10.17966/JMI.2021.26.4.83 Epub 2022 January 01
Kyung Duck Park, Department of Dermatology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 130 Dongduk-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, Korea.
In relation to this article, I declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Received 2021 November 25; Revised 2021 December 10; Accepted 2021 December 13.


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Cables Management System
Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems
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Exhaust and Ceiling Fans
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Manufacturing in Britain for over 40 years, Centaur has become a leading name in the uPVC cable management market. From conduits and boxes to three compartment trunking, power poles and posts, Centaur has developed a comprehensive range of products to satisfy the commercial and specification markets.
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Design by: LightBlack


The Melvin Jones Fellowship Program was established in 1973 in honor of Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Clubs International (LCI). Melvin Jones Fellowships (MJF) are given to individuals in recognition of unrestricted donations of $1000 to Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF). This allows the Foundation to perform such miracles as preserving sight, combating disability, promoting health and providing disaster relief. New MJF receive an MJF pin, commemorative plaque and a letter from the LCIF Chairman. An additional donation of $1000 moves you to the next level of recogition and giving by joining the Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship Program. (PMJF). There are more than 280,000 MJF and PMJF around the world.
Not sure what to say when asked, "what do Lions do"?
1. Lions are men and women dedicated to serving those in need, whether in their own community or around the world.
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Recruit spouses and family members to join our club. Ask new businesses and new members of our community to become Lions.


text:
Rasmussen College ASCII Encoding Excel Task
Click here to ORDER an A++ paper from our MASTERS and DOCTORATE WRITERS;Rasmussen College ASCII Encoding Excel Task
Your software company wants to use the RSA method to both verify the user's identity and also to send a three-letter registration message.
The company verifies the identity of the user by having the user create a three-character key from the user's name, using the first letter of the user's first name and the first two letters of the user's last name. The user creates a number using the algorithm given below and sends it back to the company as an encrypted message.
The company also periodically sends release notes to the users. In order to authenticate that the notes came from the company, it sends a three-character message as a number to demonstrate that the release notes came from them.
*Note: For the purposes of this assignment, use only Latin alphabetical characters without prefixes or suffixes. Rasmussen College ASCII Encoding Excel Task
ALGORITHM FOR ENCODING LETTERS
Use the ASCII Encoding Table to convert letters to numbers.
ASCII Encoding Table
We will represent three-character strings as a number by first finding the number for the characters, multiplying the number for the first character by 65536, and the number for the second character by 256. We then add these two products and the number for the third character to find the number that represents the string.
For example, if the characters are "GSV", then the number associated with the characters are 71 for 'G', 83 for 'S', and 86 for 'V'. The number associated with the string is then 71 × 65536 + 83 × 256 + 86 = 4674390.
If you have a number that represents a three-character key and want to determine what the key is,
Step 1. Take the original number and find its modulus modulo 256 to find the number of the last character.
Step 2. Divide the original number by 256, throwing away the remainder.
Step 3. Take the quotient from step 2 and find its modulus modulo 256. This is the number of the middle character.
Step 4. Divide the difference from step 4 by 256, throwing away the remainder. This is the number of the first character. Rasmussen College ASCII Encoding Excel Task
The company chooses the prime numbers
2. Fill in your paper's requirements in the "PAPER INFORMATION" section and the system will calculate your order price/cost.


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text:
Q: Swift printing double as int This is my code and I can't figure out how I can make my print in a int format instead of a double. If I change it to an int, my if statements won't work which is why its currently a double.
Is there a way I can print a double as a int?
import UIKit

var strValue = box1.text
var floatValue = Double((strValue as NSString).integerValue)
var strValue2 = box2.text
var floatValue2 = Double((strValue2 as NSString).integerValue)
var text = "1"
var procent = floatValue2 / floatValue * 100

if floatValue < 99 {
    box3.text = " \(floatValue) " // How can "floatvalue" be printed as "xx" and not "xx.xx"
}

A: Yes you can use String format method to format your double as you wish:
let myDouble = 23.12

box3.text = String(format: "%.0f", myDouble)   // "23"

A: Note: I'm not at a computer capable of running Xcode at this time, so I'm going from my memory.
If you want to print the double as an int, but not change all of your variables to Integers, you may be able to just do this:
import UIKit

var strValue = box1.text
var floatValue = Double((strValue as NSString).integerValue)
var strValue2 = box2.text
var floatValue2 = Double((strValue2 as NSString).integerValue)
var text = "1"
var procent = floatValue2 / floatValue * 100

if floatValue < 99
{
box3.text = " \(Int(floatValue)) " // Notice the Int(floatValue). This casts the floatValue to an Integer.
}

A: var strValue = "13.45"
var floatValue = Double(strValue) ?? Double.NaN
var strValue2 = "23.45"
var floatValue2 = Double(strValue2) ?? Double.NaN
var text = "1"
var procent = floatValue2 / floatValue * 100

if floatValue < 99
{
print(" \(Int(round(floatValue))) ")
}

This assumes that NaN is a reasonable default when the text in the box isn't a valid number. You might also choose to handle missing / invalid text more explicitly, as in the example below.
I'm also assuming that you want to do the math as FP, then round the result to int. But the procent variable wasn't ever used, so perhaps you only need to do math with ints:
var strValue = "13"
var strValue2 = "23"
if let floatValue = Int(strValue), let floatValue2 = Int(strValue2)
{
    if floatValue < 99
    {
        print(" \(Int(floatValue)) ")
    }
}

A: Setup for test:
let box1 = UILabel()
box1.text = "23.23"

Conversion code:
let strValue = box1.text!
let strFormatted = String(format: "%.0f", Double(strValue)!)   // "23"

print("strFormatted: \(strFormatted)") // strFormatted: 23

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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Police say a teenager and his mother are under arrest in the death of a Missouri State University football player who tried to stop a fight involving his sister in Las Vegas.
The teenager's name was not released due to his age.
His mother is being held on suspicion of accessory to murder. She's suspected of driving her son away from the scene.


Qu's second feature is a decent follow-up to 'Trap Street' in what is a bleak sociopolitical indictment of the treatment of women in modern society.
A much-needed tonic not just for weary audiences, but for a weary genre, in what is arguably one of the most hilarious movies to come out in recent years.
An intimate and visually intuitive portrayal of one young female teenager's life as she battles her family, friends and school to find her voice and meaning in life in a conservative society.


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Since the past two days, Manikarnika producer Kamal Jain has been battling for life at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, owing to a paralytic stroke. Now, here's news on similar lines. Ashiesh Roy, who is an established TV actor with shows such as Banegi Apni Baat, Remix, Baa Bahu Aur Baby and Sasural Simar Ka among others to his credit, has also suffered one.
The senior actor was supposed to shoot today and had called his driver to pick him up. However, when the driver arrived, he found out that Ashiesh couldn't move and in an attempt to do so, almost fell down. The driver rushed him to CritiCare Hospital, Juhu. His friends and colleagues from the TV industry, Tina Ghai and Jaya Bhattacharya to name a few, rushed to be with him in his hour of crisis.
SpotboyE.com wishes Roy a speedy recovery. Stay tuned for his health updates, right here.


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I think at the small end of the Australian share market there are a good number of companies with the potential to become mid to large cap shares in the future.
This Australian life sciences and health products company is targeting the Asia market with its health and wellness products. One of the key products in its portfolio is its BK18 nutritional health drink which is made with dairy from Waikato, New Zealand and includes an immune boosting probiotic and a range of key vitamins. As we have seen with Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL), demand for health supplements in this market is extremely strong. Time will tell whether Bioxyne can take advantage of this demand.
Bubs is aiming to follow in the footsteps of A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) by winning a share of China's massive infant formula market. Last year the company made significant progress in expanding the availability of its goats milk infant formula range. This includes distribution through supermarkets and pharmacies in Australia and numerous Chinese e-commerce platforms. Now it will be a question of whether it can successfully market its products to consumers in a highly competitive market.
Longtable is a growing food company headed by former Bellamy's Australia Ltd (ASX: BAL) CEO Laura McBain. Last year Longtable raised $43 million in order to fund the acquisition of leading biodynamic-organic dairy products company B.-d Farm Paris Creek. This complemented its only other asset, a 48% stake in Maggie Beer's product range. Progress has been a touch slower than I expected, but with McBain's experience of turning a small cap into a large cap, Longtable is in capable hands.
Finally, here are a few more shares that I'm tipping to have extremely bright futures.
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Blackmores Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.


Let your screen take you to ancient Egypt, the cradle of civilization. See the greatest and most famous Pyramids along with the magnificent statue of their silent guardian – the Sphinx. What are these? The mysterious tombs of the powerful pharaohs erected by the arduous toil of thousands of slaves or inconceivable structures put there millennia ago by aliens from space, the purpose of which remains hidden from us to this day? Take a closer look. Perhaps you will find some clues in this extremely detailed, awe-inspiring 3D screensaver.
Amongst Ancient Egypt's uncovered texts are words of advice that still resonate today. This screen saver quotes some of these wisdom texts with images of Egypt's amazing monuments. The Sphinx, King Tut, and the gods all make an appearance.


The percentage of uninsured patients decreased after implementation of the ACA, especially among low-income patients in Medicaid expansion states.
Trends toward earlier diagnosis were observed for several cancers.
Jemal et al found decreases in the percentage of uninsured patients and trends toward earlier diagnosis among nonelderly patients with cancer after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Their findings were reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The study used National Cancer Data Base data to estimate the absolute percentage change (APC) and relative change in percent of uninsured patients among patients with newly diagnosed cancer aged 18 to 64 years from 2011 to the third quarter of 2013 (pre-ACA) and from the second to fourth quarter of 2014 (post-ACA) in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states according to family income level. Changes in insurance and early-stage diagnosis for the 15 leading solid cancers in men and women (top 17 cancers total) were also assessed.
In the post-ACA period, there was a decrease in the percent of uninsured patients among patients with newly diagnosed cancer in all income categories in both Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states. The decrease was largest in low-income patients in Medicaid expansion states (9.6% to 3.6%, APC = –6.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –6.5% to –5.5%); for low-income patients in nonexpansion states, the decrease was from 14.7% to 13.3% (APC = –1.4%, 95% CI = –2.0% to –0.7%).
The percentage of uninsured patients decreased significantly for all 17 cancers examined in both Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states, with the decreases being greatest in Medicaid expansion states, low-income patients, and for smoking- or infection-related cancers. Small but statistically significant shifts to earlier diagnosis for colorectal, lung, female breast, and pancreatic cancers and melanoma were observed for patients in Medicaid expansion states.
The investigators concluded: "Percent uninsured among nonelderly patients with newly diagnosed cancer declined substantially after the ACA, especially among low-income people who resided in Medicaid expansion states. A trend toward early-stage diagnosis for select cancers in expansion states also was found. These results reinforce the importance of policies directed at providing affordable coverage to low-income, vulnerable populations.
The study was supported by the American Cancer Society.
Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD, of the American Cancer Society, is the corresponding author of the Journal of Clinical Oncology article.


text:
CSH Law
Raleigh, NC: (919) 828-5100
Charlotte, NC: (704) 332-8300
Wilmington, NC: (910) 777-6000
Staff & Paralegals
CSH LawNewsEventsCSH Law Attorneys Judge Mock Trial Competition
CSH Law Attorneys Judge Mock Trial Competition
February 7, 2017 | By CSH Law
On Feb. 4, Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP attorneys volunteered as judges for the High School Mock Trial Competition in Wilmington. Deedee Gasch and Elizabeth King served as judges for the event at the New Hanover County Courthouse.
Ten teams of high school students from the Wilmington area competed in the event by trying a mock civil case involving a high school student who was pepper-sprayed by a School Resource Officer after being suspected of bringing a handgun to school.
The High School Mock Trial Competition is sponsored by the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and the Carolina Center for Civic Education. For more information, visit http://ncmocktrial.org/competitions/regionals/wilmington.
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Copyright © 2020 CSH Law. All rights reserved.


Kickstart your natural living journey by asking yourself this one important question.
You've been wanting to live a more natural, healthy life.
All you see is a huge list of have-tos, shoulds and can'ts – and not a whole lot of extra time or money to get any of it done.
Plus you've got a lot of questions and endless research to do.
Yes, it can be overwhelming. I get it. I've been there myself.
Yes, you read that right! How do you want to FEEL as a result of the changes you make? How do you want your body to feel? How do you want to feel emotionally? How do you want your family members to feel?
The key to making successful habit and lifestyle changes is understanding the motivation behind the actions. What do YOU want out of this? How will natural living benefit YOU and YOUR family? Just being conscious and mindful of these desires is a huge step on the path to natural living! The truth is, you'll never succeed armed with a to-do list alone. You need to tap into your emotions and motivations.
Now that you understand your feelings and motivations, you're ready to start taking meaningful action and get into your healthy living groove!
The next step is to LEARN as much as you can. Here's a great place to GET STARTED – with my most popular posts about natural home, healthy food, better products & DIY!
After that, create some SMART GOALS (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-based) for the changes you want to implement.
Then it's time to DIVE IN and start making those changes! Buy that organic food, swap out those toxic beauty products, start a zero waste challenge, experiment with some natural remedies. Have fun!
But first, I would love to hear your thoughts on how you hope a natural lifestyle with help YOU feel. Please leave me a comment below. I'm excited to know how you're feeling!
I agree! It's important to remember your motivation when the going gets tough. I feel motivated by wanting to keep my children safe and give them the healthiest future possible.
I love this. I need to tap into this sentiment when I'm about to make poor food choices.
Yes, it does help to think about the end goal before we make poor choices. Not always easy though – I get it!
I feel so much better when I am free of any clutter and yet there are certain things I have a hard time of letting go. I have a smart phone that I like and use but I have in my drawer an old Razor flip phone that I loved, is not active but can't get rid of. It was a though phone. Even if I dropped it, it worked. I take it out, look at it and put it right back. REALLY? Am I crazy or what? Certain things just are hard for me to let go (thank goodness not too many thing).
Ahhhh….don't we all! What is one thing that would help you with that peace of mind you crave?
I want to feel content. Content with the things I like and the way I do things enough to be kind to others, instead of defensive; when they question my choices. I want to be confident enough that I can listen intently to people telling me how they live their life with true interest and no need to partake in it. I want to be quiet and simple, creative and compassionate, kind and strong. I want to be me.
Anne – Your family is lucky to have you helping them live a healthier lifestyle! I don't know much about fibromyalgia specifically but I hope you find some healthy tips and ideas here that help!
I want to feel like I'm creating a happy healthy home for my family. We use mostly baking soda and vinegar and lemon oil to clean but I clean homes on the side and some clients prefer me to clean with bleach products. I usually just use the ones they have on hand, but I'm still around them.
I have 5 chronic illnesses right now, and I'd really like to feel better without all the extra medication. Some I know I have to take, but I want to help myself out too. I'm excited to read more of your blog.
So glad you found the blog Kim – I hope you find some good ideas and inspiration here!
I'm very new to natural living but have begun slowly trying to make small adjustments in our household, mostly focusing on cleaning products and processes as a starting point (my boyfriend is being more resistant than necessary lol, but most of the time he doesn't even notice when I've made a change unless I say something). I did have a quick question that may be somewhat trivial but I could not find an answer for in all my google digging! I purchased microfiber dish clothes on amazon last night, and after I bought them I realized they have a "poly scour" side to them. Since they are specifically for dishes, this does make sense and will definitely be useful, but I want to make sure the scour side is still benefiting our eco impact and not something I should be avoiding. I love your blog and have passed it along to others who love it just as much as I do! Thank you for all you do for the eco-friendly community!
Hi Amanda – good question! Microfiber fabric is made from polyester or nylon which are non-renewable resources. However, the benefit is that they are very durable and long-lasting. If your microfiber cloths are replacing disposable cloths then in my opinion, this is still a benefit to the environment!
I want to feel like I'm making a difference in the environment.
I really want to thank you for having this page. I am just starting this journey and its wonderful to have help. I'm 27 and a new mother, I feel like I have wasted so much time not living this way!
Hi Kayli – Thank you! I'm glad you found my blog too! Becoming a mom is the catalyst for many people to make the switch to a more healthy, natural lifestyle – so glad you are ready to make some healthy changes!
I need to get my mojo going again. but with everything that is going on with family health I am in a rut.
I plan on moving this year so I can be closer to family. Hopefully getting a new start will help me. My husband died last November so the one year is bothering me. Another reason to find another place because there are just to many memories here. I need to get back on track to a better life style and better eating habits.
I'm so sorry to hear about your husband and other family troubles. I do think that healthy eating and lifestyle choices are key to feeling better in the long run. I hope you find some helpful info on the blog – and best wishes to you!
Hello Micaela, I have been working on becoming more natural in my decisions for a long time now but have not been consistent. I want to feel better to live a fuller life for myself and my family. I lean in toward a more natural lifestyle but then become exasperated with an overwhelming plethora of information. I do not know where to start. I need more guidance which will then help in my conviction toward a healthier lifetstyle. I hope by my actions that my family will hop on board as well.
Hey Tracy – Thanks so much for commenting! I totally understand how frustrating it is when family members aren't on board with your efforts. My best advice is to keep plugging along with your baby steps. Keep educating yourself and passing that knowledge on to your family and friends in the ways that work best for you. It will be slow and not perfect – but it's real life! Best wishes to you!
I need to write my goals on my mirror so every morning I feel inspired and motivated. I am motivated to live a more natural, healthy life so I feel less stressed and more confident throughout my day about my choices, not only for me but my family and the world I am raising my children in.
Great idea to write your goals on the mirror! Your motivation is similar to mine – keep it up!
I Love the living Green thing. I feel confident knowing I can live a happier life with more energy and still pull off a hectic day. I make my own aromatherapy blends and a few essential oils for myself and my family. because I know just how toxic some of these chemicals are. If they weren't so dangerous, why do they put the POISON Control hotline number on every package? I make all my household cleaning products, laundry detergent and softener, shampoo and conditioner, plus so many more. And I SAVE money doing it. Plus I garden so no chemicals there either. I am looking forward to learning more and about how I can help our Planer survive.
Yes good point about the poison control number on cleaning products – no thanks! Glad you are feeling confident about living a greener, healthier life!


Responsive one page websites are those built using media queries with fluid grids and fluid content, to adapt the layout to the viewing environment. The idea of a responsive web design is to make a website that fits into multiple screen sizes. All one page websites tagged responsive can be viewed on different sized web browsers.


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/**
 *  See Main.java.
 */
public class AudioVisual
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{

    private int yearMade;

    private String category;

    private String name;

    private String desc;

    private Integer runtime;

    private String type;

    // note: digester can convert a string in the xml file to an int.
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    public void setCategory( final String category )
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    public void setName( final String name )
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    }

    public void setDesc( final String desc )
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    // note: digester can convert a string in the xml file to an Integer
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    public void setType( final String type )
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    @Override
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        System.out.println( "  category=" + category );
        System.out.println( "  name=" + name );
        System.out.println( "  desc=" + desc );
        System.out.println( "  runtime=" + runtime );
    }

}


VASE316 Design by Yuka : Assorted Premium Orchids in a vase [VASE316] - $195.00 : Hanamo Florist Online Store, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Quality arrangements using a plethora of the freshest flowers.
Long Lasting! Approx. height : 28 - 30 inch, different types and colours of assorted fresh cut Orchids elegantly arranged together in a quality 12 inch quality tall glass vase. Sample picture shows $195.00 arrangement with Oncidium (Yellow), Phalaenopsis (Pink), Cymbidium (White, Burgundy & light Green). Actual flowers for your order may come in different colour combination, available from $125.00 (less flowers than the sample photo). Please contact us if you have preferred colours.


Music is a big part of my training experiences. Anytime I'm laying out the flow for a training design, or stepping in front of an audience, I have a song playing in my head. Setting the tone, driving the pace, bringing everything together. I've used music as a pre-session and break filler, and even, on occasion, as examples in training (I find the best examples tend to be in ¾ time).
I hadn't reflected on this sage advice in a long time, so I started to wonder: is this as applicable today as it was in those lovelorn late-teen to early-twenties years? Could it apply to training problems? I decided to put it to the test. For those of you who enjoy a good "hum-along," here is some advice that I was able to tap out as I considered a couple of common training challenges.
Training Challenge: A participant asks if it's all right to miss the afternoon.
Response: Should I stay or should I go? If I go there could be trouble.
Training Challenge: Participants want to stay with their table groups instead of pairing up with a learning partner.
Response: It takes two to make a thing go right. It takes two make it outta sight.
Training Challenge: How do I memorize everybody's name in the session?
Response: Well I remember, I remember, don't worry. How could I ever forget? It's the first time, the last time we ever met.
Training Challenge: No one seems to be responding to the questions you ask.
Response: Yeah, let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. There will be an answer, let it be.
P.S. Can you identify all the songs referenced above? Comment below and log your guesses.
Just like you, I've discovered that music can explain and/or give clarity to numerous quandaries, even in adulthood! It's amazing how a song can come out of nowhere at the perfect moment and turn out being my "theme song" for the day.
As for the songs, I knew all of them except the "last time we ever met" one. My guess is it will come to me later today in a moment when it needs to be recalled.
Thanks for pointing out that music is powerful on so many levels and a great ice-breaker!
That one comes from a Phil Collins song.


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When I was younger Halloween was just a day that was celebrated by the people on TV and the 31st was just the last day in October here in sunny S.A.
Well times have changed and Halloween is gaining momentum and has been adopted by many South Africans as we embrace more and more of American culture.
For me 31 October is my wedding anniversary ( 6 years this Friday!), but if you are celebrating this goulish holiday here's some inspiration for you.