text: TOYBOYTHE TOYBOY (leads to my first cocksucking experience).We both stared at his cock in awe. This was the erection of youth, iron hard and standing vertically from his groin. Connie smiled and reached out and touched it with her fingertips. It twitched as she touched the sensitive head. This was hers and she knew she was going to enjoy it.I suppose the story is an all too familiar one. We had been married a long time, and while we still loved each other the physical side of our life had diminished. My once active libido had slowed to almost non-existence, but at least on the rare occasions I fancied sex Connie was always up for it. In fact she wanted it a lot more often than I did and was disappointed that I couldn't, as try as much as she could I would rarely get hard. We had been through all the usual solutions, porn, role play, toys and even pills but they no longer worked for me.I suppose we both knew the final solution but were afraid to mention it. Eventually I broached the subject to make it easier for her, but knowing it was not going to be easy for me. I asked her if she would like to get a fuck-buddy, someone who she could meet occasionally for sex to satisfy her needs. But what about you, she asked, won't it be painful for you to know someone else is having me? I agreed, but it was about the only solution for her to get the satisfaction that she wanted that I could not provide. We talked over the idea and what would be best; should we meet another couple so we could both enjoy it, but I thought I would only fail there too, but would she prefer another woman that would at least mean she wasn't getting fucked by a stranger but could still have a lot of fun. She thought about that for a minute but finally decided that, while it may be a lot of fun (she had never been with another woman before) it was a good old-fashioned fuck that she wanted. After talking about it for quite a while we finally decided she would try it once to see how we both felt about her doing it. That decided it just needed to find a suitable man, and whether or not she should do it away without me knowing. I was not happy with that as it was much too risky meeting a total stranger on her own where anything might happen, so we agreed it would be in our house and I would be in another room in case she needed me.It sounded easy to just go on the internet to find a suitable man but in fact it wasn't. We tried a few web sites but in the main all the single men who responded, and there were hundreds, all ruled themselves out pretty much straight away. There are a lot of strange guys out there and many of the responses we got were quite unpleasant. And any person whose first response was a picture of his cock got crossed off as we wanted someone who might be more than a fuck with whom Connie could feel comfortable and could converse sensibly. We had decided that personality was the most important factor and cock size less so, After a month or so of advertising we had narrowed down the list to just half a dozen possibles with whom we chatted online to try and get to know them. One or two dropped away as they weren't interested in chatting, they just wanted to meet, but we were being more careful than that. Some of them were really quite a long way away and so we decided there was little future in that if after the first meet it might turn into a regular thing. We were down to two, one was almost ruled out as being much younger, in his twenties, though he was in fact the most intelligent and pleasant to chat with, but the other, an older guy, was going away on business and would be away for a while.Eventually we decided on the younger man, reasoning that if the situation turned out to be OK for Connie & me we were not committed to the first guy but could look for someone else if we wanted to repeat it on a relatively regular basis. So we chose John who had described himself as in his twenties, clean shaven, quite tall and with dark hair. He said he was 'about average' cock size, circumcised and was able to cum more than once in a session which was an added bonus that we had not considered. Strangely, without being elusive, he had not said anything about why he was single and we didn't press the issue, though we did find out later. We suggested to John that we set up an initial meeting at a nearby country pub to which he agreed. We had no trouble finding each other as we had exchanged photos dressed and almost naked but John had never sent us a picture of his cock which is one of the reasons we had liked him, and similarly, we had only sent him pictures of Connie in a swim suit, never naked, and he agreed that was one of the reasons he had liked us. He was at the pub before us and we saw him straight away at a table on his own, and Connie looked at me and said he really looked very young and as we had wanted someone more mature she was beginning to get cold feet. We sat down with him and I got us some drinks and we began chatting like old friends as we had exchanged lots of emails and knew quite a lot about each other. Time rather flew by and we were getting on well so we ordered more drinks and food from the bar and nattered on into the evening.Our intention had been to meet John to see casino oyna what he was like but nothing more on the first meeting. I went to the bar to pay for our meal and when I got back to the table Connie said that John had agreed to come back with us for a coffee before going home. I was a bit surprised by this but as it was already agreed there was not much I could do, so we drove home and John followed us. We got home and Connie made coffee and I poured a couple of drinks for her and myself but John declined as he had to drive home. Connie and I settled on the sofa and John in a chair near Connie, and what with the drinks she had had and the fact that there was no-one to overhear us Connie asked John how he felt about us now we had met, and he said he was very pleased that we were such pleasant people and was quite happy to continue. We had explained about our 'situation' early on so he knew what it was all about and the conversation between him and Connie turned to sex and what they each liked to do and have done to them.John was surreptitiously trying to adjust his pants as the conversation got hotter and I could see Connie was fidgeting on the sofa and I guessed that she was also getting randy as the evening wore on, being so close to this guy who we had found to fuck her and hearing from him what he would like to do to her. Eventually she told John to come over to her which he did and stood in front of her as she sat on the settee. She reached for his belt buckle and started to fumble with the waistband of his trousers, but as he went to help her she pushed his hands away as this was her present and she was going to unwrap it. Finally she got his trousers undone and pushed them down to the floor revealing his boxer shorts which had an ominous bulge in them so holding the waistband she lifted it over the obstruction and as she pulled his shorts down his erect cock sprang out.We both stared at his cock in awe. This was the erection of youth, iron hard and standing vertically from his groin. Connie smiled and reached out and touched it with her fingertips. It twitched as she touched the sensitive head. This was hers and she knew she was going to enjoy it. She trailed her fingers down its length until she reached his balls hanging in their sack and she slipped her hand under them and lifted them to feel their weight. John had been very honest when he had said he was about average as his erect cock was a good seven inches or more, circumcised. His cock was at her eye level and she stared at its beauty. The head was pale pink and sort of pointy to the slit at the end. With no foreskin the shaft was smooth and taut with veins under the surface and she trailed her fingers along its length, feeling the iron hardness of it. At the base was a halo of coarse pubic hair which spread down and over his ball sack. His balls were big and round, their shape obvious in the thin skin of the scrotum, and she squeezed them gently, feeling them slide around in her hand.I sat and watched this display open-mouthed. It had been our intention for me to be in another room while they got on with it, just to be available in case of any trouble. Instead I was sat in front of my wife watching her playing with this young man's genitals, both of them oblivious to my presence. Connie was staring at the erection inches from her eyes, smiling in the knowledge that it was soon to be inside her, and she gently stroked its length, marvelling and feeling its hardness, running her fingertips across the taut, pink helmet, her other hand cupping his balls feeling them move in the palm of her hand. She could have played with him all evening but she looked up at him as he stood there, his head tilted back and his eyes closed, obviously enjoying the sensations. Connie stood up and proceeded to undress him, peeing off his clothes and feeling his exposed body as she uncovered it, until he was standing there stark naked, his rampant erection sticking up. She walked round him, looking at and touching his body, sliding her hands over his young skin, feeling everything he had and watched as his cock twitched when she felt his sensitive nipples and when she slid her hand down the crease of his bum. When she had admired his body she told him to undress her, and he dutifully undid her blouse and slid that off. He was going to undo her bra to reveal her breasts but she said to leave that and take her shirt off, which he did, sliding it down her legs and off. She stood in front of him in her bra and pants and he ran his hands over her as she had to him, and she shuddered with barely supressed excitement as he did so. She told him he could remover her bra and he carefully unclipped it and lifted it off her shoulders. Her breasts settled in their natural position, their roundness topped with her dark aureoles and proud nipples. His ran his hands over the smooth mounds and fingered the nipples making them grow hard and erect. She had her eyes closed and was loving every moment, forgetting this was a total stranger, enjoying the arousal he was awakening in her. She told him to remover her panties, so he got down on his knees in front of her and holding each side of the waistband pulled them down her slot oyna legs. Her pussy was at his eye level and he stared at the curve of her belly where it met the tops of her thighs and the bush that barely concealed her sex. He moved his face closer and breathed in the aroma of her arousal. Unthinkingly she put her hands on his head and pushed his face onto her sex, and he began to lick through the coarse hair and along the crease of her pussy. She was so aroused that she opened to him straight away and he was able to run his tongue along the wet slit from her vagina to her clit. She jumped at that and was barely able to stand so took his head away reluctantly so she could settle down more comfortably.Connie sat back on the sofa and John knelt down between her open legs. He paused for a moment to look at and admire the open pussy in front of him before lowering his head and resumed his oral work-out on her sex. She writhed as he lashed his tongue against her most sensitive parts, alternately flicking against her clitoris and then pushing into her vagina, lapping up her secretions and then sliding back up to suck on her clit. All the while she was playing with her boobs and pinching her nipples, then put one hand on his head to push his face harder against her pussy, lost in the ecstatic sensations that were running through her.They were both oblivious to my presence so I felt there was no reason for me to leave as had been intended, indeed, the sight of the two of them naked, with this stranger sucking on my wife's pussy was beginning to turn me on. This was not a porn movie, this was the real thing, happening right in front of me, so close that I could smell the sex. There was a stirring in my pants as my cock began to react to the eroticism of the situation, something that hadn't happened for a long time. Without thinking I undid my trousers and pulled my dick out and was pleased to see it was growing. I stroked myself as I watched the two of them and my cock continued to grow in my hand. I saw John looking at me out of the corner of his eye and he reached out a hand and took hold of my stiffening cock and began to stroke it. I couldn't believe it; I had never been touched by a man before and here he was wanking me! The situation was so weird that I grew harder still and was now at almost full erection, something I hadn't had for ages.Connie was moaning louder and louder with the action on her pussy and was obviously close to cumming. She grabbed John's head and pulled him up to her and just said to him 'FUCK ME', and with that she grasped the rampant erection in front of her and pushed the helmet down against her open, waiting pussy. With a single thrust John's stiff cock slid straight up her pussy with no resistance until his full length was buried inside her, and with just a few strokes of his cock inside her she gave a final gasp as she tripped over the edge into an orgasm. John fucked her as she came, thrusting his cock in and out as she shouted and thrashed about in the throes of her orgasm. Slowly she subsided and John slowed down, but she told him to keep going as she wanted to feel him cum inside her, so he speeded up his action, pounding against her pussy and Connie continued to orgasm, one climax hardly subsiding before the next shot through her brought on by the feeling of having such a hard cock inside her again.John had let go of me as he fucked my wife but I was fully stiff by then so I stood up and stripped off. I was overtaken by the intensity of the situation and slipped my hand between John's legs to feel his cock sliding in and out of Connie's pussy. She was very wet and sloppy and every thrust spread more juice over John. I felt his hard member as it slid in and out and occasionally I touched his helmet as he almost pulled out. His balls were tight up against his cock and he was probably ready to cum. I don't know what made me do it, but with my hand all wet with Connie's copious secretions I slid my fingers behind his balls and felt his crinkly hole. Was it accidental or deliberate – as his bum shuttled back and forward my finger slipped inside him but he just kept going, so I pushed my finger fully in and he was now shuttling in and out of her and at the same time moving up and down on my finger. That must have triggered him and he grunted and with a final thrust he buried his cock deep inside her and started to pump his cum which I could feel as his arse contracted rhythmically on my finger. What had been his shiny cock sliding into her pussy was now all coated in his cum, the copious ejaculations of sperm squelched out and ran down his cock and with his final strokes he spread the mess all over her. Slowly he stopped fucking and Connie came back down from her high and they slowed to a stop. I pulled my finger out and John pulled out of Connie's pussy and the two of them collapsed on the sofa to rest.I was amazed; I had never had any bi- tendencies but here I was feeling a young man's cock and balls and slipping a finger up his bum and got a real hard-on while he fucked my wife. John seemed to have enjoyed it too as he had held and wanked my cock as he fucked! As they rested I continued to stroke my member, looking at John's canlı casino siteleri which had softened a bit but was still not soft and was covered in the mess of his sperm and Connie's juices and I was very tempted to suck it but resisted.While we rested I asked John if he minded me feeling him, and he responded that in fact he was bi-sexual and loved the attention we were both giving him. He was on his own as he couldn't find anyone who was happy with his swinging both ways and he didn't want to be tied to one person, be it woman or man. He had thought that our advertisement, being from a couple, may lead to some bi- action. How right he was.We sat together on the sofa with John in the middle and while we chatted Connie was idly playing with his cock which was growing back to full erection and he had a couple of fingers in her sloppy pussy that was still leaking the mess he had put in there, some of which was running down her thigh. She had the same thought that I had and she lowered her head into his lap and took a long look at the hard meat in her hand, admiring it and running her fingers along its shiny length. After a while she lowered her head and closed her mouth over his helmet and he threw his head back and moaned as she went to work on his cock with her mouth and tongue. She was lapping up the sticky mess from their first fuck, swallowing the mixture of his sperm and her juice and appeared to be enjoying the taste. After sucking his cock for a while she couldn't wait any longer and she got on top of him, kneeling either side of his cock and, holding her pussy open, settled down onto his pole and I watched as she slid down it until she was sitting on his balls, a look of ecstasy on her face. Then she started to ride him, up and down, each time his cock appeared and then she squatted down on it again. Sitting next to them I had a close up view of the action and the smell of sex filled my nostrils so I started to stroke my own cock which was still hard. John smiled at me and took hold of my cock and stroked it for me, sliding his hand up and down in time with Connie on his cock, just brushing the rim of my cock-head each time and I just watched as he wanked me.Connie was riding hard with her breasts bouncing and jerking and she had a hand between her legs feeling his slippery shaft sliding in and out of her and playing with her clit, and after a while I could see she was reaching a climax again and she cried out as it hit her and her body jerked and writhed on John's cock as she orgasmed. When she slowed down she rolled off him and collapsed back onto the seat, satisfied, but lightly stoking her pussy and her clit to soothe the dying embers of her orgasm. I was ready, my cock was hard, and I wanted to fuck. I got onto my knees on the floor between her legs. I lifted her legs up and outward and looked at my wife's cunt where I had not been for so long. With her legs spread wide she was as exposed as it is possible to get, her sex smeared with wetness, glistening in her coarse hair, her pussy pink and her lips peeled wide open, her clit showing as a little ping bead under its hood, her gash smeared with her white cream and the dark tunnel of her sex wide open and waiting. I put my cock in. Oh! Joy, that fabulous sensation as the warmth of her cunt closed over my cock-head. I sank in, sliding all the way without resistance, feeling the heat of her body tightly wrapped around my shaft. Automatically I started to fuck her, slipping in and out of that wet tunnel, looking down at my cock as it came out all coated with her copious juices, before pushing back into that soft heaven.John was watching as we fucked and then he got up and stood beside me and presented his cock to my face. Without thinking I just opened my mouth and sucked his cock in. It was amazing, I had never even dreamed of doing such a thing but now I revelled in the sensation of his hard, smooth cock in my mouth, and the taste of Connie's cunt which was coating him. We continued our three-way for a while but we were all nearing the end. My mind was in turmoil as I fucked Connie and sucked John's cock. And then I felt warmth flooding my mouth and I was filling up as John's cock pumped his cum into me. I didn't know what to do and just accepted his cock shuttling in and out of the sticky mess in my mouth. Eventually he pulled out and I was left with a mouthful of his cum but I didn't want to swallow it and I couldn't just spit it out. I leant forward over Connie to kiss her and as we opened our mouths to kiss the first dribble escaped me and fell on her chin and then we were together, her tongue naturally exploring my mouth and she looked into my eyes with a surprised look on her face as she realised what it was. We shared John's cum as my own cock reached the limit of my self-control and with a final desperate lunge I thrust my cock deep into her and my spunk poured from me in a final climactic orgasm.The meeting was a great success. Connie got properly fucked which is what she wanted. I found my erection again and had a whole new experience with the young man, which I would very much like to repeat and get to know his body better, and to be able to fuck my wife. John also said he had had a great time so we are proposing to meet again as there are many things we missed in our haste at this first meeting and would like to try at leisure, and so it may become a regular event. I can't wait for the next installment . . . . !


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Juventus v Napoli Preview
|In Football, Serie A
A fantastic weekend of football awaits and Napoli's trip to Juventus seems set to produce fireworks.
The Bianconeri have won all seven of their competitive fixtures this season, while despite some initial issues, the Partenopei are unbeaten in four and Carlo Ancelotti will see his return to Turin as a chance for his side to set their stall out.
All good for Allegri
After a summer of success in the transfer market, most notably signing Cristiano Ronaldo, who received a reprieve in the week after only being handed a one-game ban for his sending off in the Champions League, Juve are bubbling under nicely.
Massimiliano Allegri is still finding his best combinations and formation, but the signs are good and Wednesday's 2-0 win over Bologna was as routine as it gets.
The 51-year-old is again likely to tinker on Saturday, but the depth of his squad shows just why they are the 1.78 favourites to take the points.
Napoli not quite there yet
Ancelotti was appointed by Napoli with the idea that he would bring a bit more stability to proceedings, after three years of brilliant but occasionally unpredictable football under Maurizio Sarri.
A run of four games unbeaten suggests he is getting it right and the Partenopei warmed up nicely for their trip to Turin by beating Parma 3-0.
'Carletto' spent a couple of years in charge of Juve and will relish the underdog tag, with his side the value pick at 5.20, while the draw is 3.75.
Napoli are still developing their more pragmatic style, but are undefeated in 33 of their last 35 Serie A away games and a win on Saturday would indeed show they are heading in the right direction.
Goals could be at a premium
Funnily enough, both of the fixtures between these sides last season finished 1-0 to the away side and it could be another tight affair at Allianz Stadium.
Juve have kept clean sheets in their last three outings and the return of Leonardo Bonucci has only further solidified a magnificent back-line.
The Partenopei themselves have avoided conceding in three of their last four and with so much as stake in terms of landing an early psychological blow in the race for the Scudetto, the teams are likely to build from the back.
Another case of under 3.5 goals is 3.45, while a 1-0 home win is 7.50, with an away victory by that score 13.00.
Watch out for Ronaldo
When he announced his intention to leave Real Madrid, Juventus was always Cristiano Ronaldo's preferred option and this looks the perfect chance for him to really announce himself in Italy.
The 33-year-old has had an eventful start to his Bianconeri career, scoring three times and being sent off in seven appearances.
After conquering the Premier League, La Liga and the Champions League, Serie A is now his goal and he continues his bid to surpass the Gods (in his opinion at least).
Ronaldo is 3.60 to score first on Saturday, and in what looks set to be a tight contest, that may not be such a bad bet.
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Our planet's temperature rises. There is ample proof for that. CO2 emissions are the main reason, we know that for sure as well. We cannot deny that our wealth and craving for energy have caused this. But we can hardly answer the question whether this will have dire consequences for our planet.
Surely, we will witness major and minor changes. Around the equator, the consequences will be more severe than in temperate climates. Some even regard the availability of very large areas of land in Canada, Russia and Siberia as an opportunity to house and feed the growing world population.
We can hardly grasp the magnitude of the energy problem because of the large numbers involved. That also holds true for the climate problem. Often, the understanding of the underlying numbers is so lousy that people come up with all kinds of almost absurd solutions. Take CO2 as an example. The idea that CO2 is the villain is correct. But generally the concept of simply capturing the gas, store it underneath the surface or produce useful products from it, is naïve. There are two simple reasons for this: the very low energy content of CO2, and the immense volumes that we should process in order to have any effect at all. CO2, like water, is the end product of the use of fossil fuels. Reuse of CO2, for any purpose, would imply adding at least the same amount of energy that we obtained by their previous incineration. And that holds true for water likewise.
In principle, we could capture CO2 by growing massive amounts of fast-growing crops like bamboo – if we had the water. But where to store the enormous amounts of materials produced?
Reuse of both CO2 and water will require major amounts of energy. Such a reuse would only make sense if that energy would be supplied by the sun, in an efficient, safe and sustainable way. But simply installing more solar panels would do the same job. We already know how to do that, and we know that it works. And nature has already solved the problem for us: photosynthesis. If we would cover the Sahara with fast-growing bamboo, we would indeed recover CO2 from the air. But would that be realistic? Just imagine the amount of water required by such a scheme. Moreover, this solution testifies to the immense magnitude of the CO2 problem. Even if we could capture major volumes of CO2 and process it to useful products using sunlight, we would face a big problem in storing this volume of materials. The total volume of annual materials production by mankind is less than 10% of the yearly consumption of oil, coal and gas. Unless we could use the CO2 for food production or for creating vast new natural areas, this scheme makes no sense. And in both instances, we would make use of photosynthesis again. Therefore, the development of so-called biosolar cells is interesting. The idea is to duplicate the natural photosynthesis process in these cells, while including major improvements. This scheme again, is about capturing and using sunlight in the most efficient way.
The story about water and the hydrogen economy does not differ from that about CO2. It is relatively simple to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity, i.e. energy. Both hydrogen and oxygen are very useful for purposes like preserving life or fuelling motor cars. But again: only if we produce the electricity required using sunlight, will we contribute to a more sustainable society. Research into this area has been going on for half a century.
Our options are clear. We will have to use energy much more efficiently, and shift to solar power as quickly as possible.


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After the update I am getting mor 3vs4 ranked matches
Games Halo Infinite
WolfpakPanda August 27, 2022, 11:48am #1
after the update, I am getting 3vs4 ranked matches again… Can anyone relate to this? so weird after some months this game released, this problem hasn't been completely solved
Darwi August 27, 2022, 11:56am #2
It's so frustrating.
Only 8 games into placement and two of them ended up being 2v4.
Interestingly the post match stats on Waypoint showed a markedly decreased number for expected kills. I literally played a team rated 1100 and needed 15 kills in the game before - and in the next game, also vs 1100, I only needed 6 in the match where two players quit.
General_Fox August 27, 2022, 12:08pm #3
It's a problem that will always exist as long as you rely on the matchmaker to find you teammates instead of picking them yourself unfortunately. That's the only real way to address it.
The matchmaker will never beable to give you reliable teammates consistently. It's just not possible.
WolfpakPanda August 27, 2022, 2:02pm #4
where can you see those stats?
Darwi August 27, 2022, 2:24pm #5
https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-gb/halo-infinite/players/YOURGAMERTAG
You may need to close / refresh your browser to get them to come up.
There is a graph of the last 20 games. Click on each vertical line to bring up the values in a list.
You can also get them via the Waypoint phone app - if you want to quickly check them while you are waiting for the next game to load.
JayPDeee August 27, 2022, 2:27pm #6
I really wish they are able to detect game crash with those who just left the game and would put a heavy penalty to those quitters
Lenchy August 27, 2022, 2:30pm #7
The best part is that you still lose MMR and CSR from those matches. And you can't quit an unfair match without getting banned, even if you queued up for a 4v4 game mode. It's like they want to drive off the remaining 10k players.
hey, thanks for sharing!
Lenchy:
The best part is that you still lose MMR and CSR from those matches.
Maybe not as much MMR as you thought.
I've only got a couple of examples - but the expected kills for a couple of games I played 2v4 were a third of what I had for similar ranked opponents that played out 4v4.
Dormiglione August 27, 2022, 8:10pm #10
Same here. Since the update rolled out, It happens a lot in ranked that during the match, people leave the match. Dont know if they quit or if they were disconnected, kicked whatever. I was also disconnected from ranked match once after the update.
Datassette August 27, 2022, 8:30pm #11
Same 4 out of my 10 qualifying matches were out of balance once in my favor, three times not. To be expected at this point.
LudoHT August 27, 2022, 8:34pm #12
That's very unfortunate for you.
Nemerith August 27, 2022, 9:32pm #13
its a widespread issue for certain. Ive palyed mayve 15-20 games today and almost half are short players. Hard to say from that alone why but ive heard in chat others complain "this is my 4th game in a row 3v4 from the starT" and I say the same thing back.
whorigin August 28, 2022, 1:16am #14
So the other day when i had to play my 10 matches to get a rank… 4/10 games i played was only with 3 teammates. Needless to say we lost those matches and my starting rank after the 10th game was Gold 5.
redforce789 August 28, 2022, 2:19am #15
343 should make it so that you only lose, say, 50%-80% CSR if you lose. And make it so that you gain lots of CSR if you clutch and win the 3v4.


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Fintech in Africa (Part 1): African tech boom is more than a buzz; future is bright
September 2, 2022 - 5 Minutes Read - By Susan Njeri
The financial industry has benefited greatly from the buzz surrounding the African tech boom, with reports of African fintech businesses raising money becoming commonplace in tech media. It accurately reflects how much venture capitalists and investors have attracted financing to the fintech sector.
Fintech has continued to take a sizable portion of investments in companies across Africa. Data from tech industry researchers, Disrupt Africa, show that 50% of the more than $2 billion raised by African digital startups in 2021 came from the fintech sector. In 2021, total investments in the industry exceeded $1 billion, matching the amount invested the year before in the larger African tech startup ecosystem. Fintech is expanding across the continent in spite of the political, economic, and epidemic difficulties it is facing. The number of tech startups in Africa increased between 2020 and 2021 to reach about 5,200 businesses. A little less than half of these are fintech companies that make it their business to undermine and improve established financial services.
African financial services are undergoing a structural shift. According to research carried out by McKinsey Global, it was observed that 10% of transactions in Africa are digital. Fintech revenues in 2020 accounted for at least $4-6 billion which is a 3-5% fintech penetration in line with global leaders and that fintech solutions were up to 80% cheaper and savings returns three times higher.
This definitely is not a disruption anymore but an eruption. With average deal sizes rising and the percentage of fintech funding in Africa increasing over the past year, African fintech is emerging as a hotbed for investment, delivering growth and jobs to African countries. The story has only begun, after all. Noteworthy, a number of African nations have a huge chance to take advantage of the momentum of recent years to unlock more potential in the sector as financial services on the continent reach an inflection point as fintech grows.
McKinsey takes the further view that bearing in mind around 90% of transactions in Africa still involve cash, there is enormous room for growth for fintech income. Additionally, they project that African fintech revenues might increase eight times by 2025 to reach $30 billion by the year 2025, if the industry as a whole can achieve penetration levels comparable to those found in Kenya, which is lauded as a nation with one of the highest levels of fintech penetration in the world.
The changing structures
A young, quickly expanding, and rapidly urbanising population, together with a number of trends like rising smartphone ownership, falling Internet costs, and expanded network coverage, are all contributing to the development of fintech enterprises. Even while the Covid-19 epidemic caused enormous misery and disrupted lives and livelihoods across the continent, it has expedited current tendencies toward digitization and produced a favorable climate for new technology players. If African fintech sectors follow the trend of more developed countries, they may be entering a phase of exponential expansion due to these characteristics, together with an injection of financing and more benevolent regulatory frameworks.
The future of fintech growth is determined, with digital becoming a way of life across Africa. The potential exists for African fintechs and other stakeholders, like governments and investors, to think about how the industry might become sustainable in the long run. However, despite the amount of activity observed on the continent, only a small number of unicorn startups—startups valued at $1 billion—have emerged from Africa, and the financial viability of many businesses is shaky. This indicates that much work needs to be done in order to create the conditions needed to realize the sector's potential.
The eruption
Although the African fintech market is expanding rapidly, the ecosystem's growth is still in its infancy. Fintechs have significantly increased their presence in Africa, but there is still a lot of space for growth. On the path to sustainability, fintech businesses in Africa must overcome four major obstacles: achieving scale and profitability, navigating an unpredictably regulatory environment, managing shortages, and establishing strong corporate governance foundations.
Thus, McKinsey opines that while matching a fintech's value proposition to the right market may be a critical first step in building a successful startup, to maintain momentum it is necessary to define routines, norms, and processes that are shared and understood by everyone in the organization. The most successful African tech startups have six traits in common with those of globally successful businesses. They have also tailored their business models to the particular economic conditions and consumer demands of Africa.
All indications point to the first stage of African fintech's development coming to an end. Fintechs are now significant actors in the African financial services industry, with increased funding and value creation. Access for consumers is also at an all-time high. A developing fintech sector has the potential to generate income, employment, skills, and opportunities across the continent. The fintech boom in Africa is creating an ecosystem that may have a positive impact on society as a whole by, among other things, expanding access to finance in important industries like agriculture and healthcare and facilitating more widespread access to insurance and healthcare. Additionally, the newcomers are helping to advance financial inclusion, particularly among women.
Stakeholders, including governments, investors, the traditional financial services sector, and fintechs, have a crucial role to play in fostering sustainable growth and fostering innovation in order to scale up these benefits. Regulators, for example, might think about taking action to formalize data systems, encourage predictable regulation, and keep up with changes in the fintech landscape. Investors, meanwhile, might look to expand local opportunities, inform African investors about potential opportunities on the continent, and concentrate on the real value startups add rather than just their sale valuation.
There is a need for the fintechs and incumbents to concentrate on developing future talent and training programmes as well as seeking to form collaborations with regulators and one another to create the ecosystems required to sustain the expansion of the fintech industry alongside other national development priorities. The future of African fintech is bright, and the next African unicorn is poised to emerge if stakeholders can collaborate to build on the momentum gained in recent years.


phase, trial status, end points status and sponsor type. Report also provides prominent drugs for inprogress trials (based on number of ongoing trials).
Assists in formulating key business strategies with regards to investment.
Helps in identifying prominent locations for conducting clinical trials which saves time and cost.
completed and uncompleted (terminated, suspended or withdrawn) trials.
Facilitates clinical trial assessment of the indication on a global, regional and country level.
proprietary databases, primary and secondary research.
an ingenious concoction of data parameters.
Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by relapsing eczematous lesions in a typical distribution. It can be frustrating for pediatric patients, parents, and health care providers alike. The pediatrician will treat the majority of children with atopic dermatitis as many patients will not have access to a pediatric medical subspecialist, such as a pediatric dermatologist or pediatric allergist. Atopic Dermatitis Global Clinical report provides up-to-date information regarding the disease and its impact, pathogenesis, treatment options, and potential complications. The goal of this report is to assist pediatricians with accurate and useful information that will improve the care of patients with atopic dermatitis.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that has been shown to progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This article reviews the prevalence of NAFLD and the factors associated this disorder, and with the more advanced stages of NAFLD.
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and find out.


text:
Q: Add delay to publish post I am running multiple servers and have an issue when people Publish a post immediately after uploading a Featured image, the image is is not available on all server immediately.
I know that I can have everyone schedule posts BUT I would ideally like to simply insert a delay when the click on Publish of several minutes. Any ideas on how this might be accomplished would be super helpful.

A: I think that by adding a delay you're not really fixing the issue, you're simply hiding it, until you grow and add more media and servers, so lsyncd will take longer, and you'll have to increase your delay every time.
Also what about updating existing posts? People might add media items and update, or add more items to a gallery, you'll have to add delays on every save action, sounds very hacky, fragile and bad UX.
I can think of three approaches to fix the problem. First, you can proxy requests to wp-content/uploads to your "master" server if the requested file was not found on the target server. I think you can do this with try_files in nginx:
try_files $uri @proxy;
location @proxy {
    proxy_pass http://master:80;
}

This should work well with your current setup, and @proxy will kick in when replication with lsyncd hasn't finished yet.
The second approach would be to use a distributed filesystem, such as GlusterFS or Ceph. You can use them in an NFS-like fashion, i.e. mounted, readable and writable on several nodes at once, so you no longer have to have a "master" web server -- every one of them would be able to write to the filesystem.
Note, however, that doing lots of file IO on a mounted remote filesystem can very easily become a performance bottleneck (#31066 comes to mind) so make sure you have some kind of disk io caching and very low latency (same rack or same datacenter at least) between your web servers and the filesystem cluster.
Third option would be object storage, preferably with HTTP access, like Amazon S3. It'll require more heavy-lifting since now you'll have to move all your uploaded files to a remote destination (don't be fooled by s3fs, it's a can of worms) and you won't be able to easily do things locally, such as regenerate thumbnails, read EXIF data off of a local file, etc.
Now, to answer your original question. Instead of adding a delay I suggest you look into scheduling a post to be published, say 5 minutes from when the users hit the Publish button. For that I'd look into the transition_post_status action, watch for the draft => publish transition and change it to future with wp_insert_post().
Hope that helps!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Heinz Tobolla (* 19. September 1925 in Hindenburg O.S.; † 18. März 2013 in Aachen) war ein deutscher Bildhauer und  Lehrbeauftragter an der FH Aachen.

Leben und Wirken
Der Sohn eines Stadtamtmannes wurde in der Stadt Hindenburg/Ostschlesien geboren und absolvierte bedingt durch einen Ortswechsel der Familie seine Schulzeit in Frankenstein, wo er im Jahr 1943 sein Abitur bestand. Anschließend wurde er zum Kriegsdienst verpflichtet, welchen er bei der Luftwaffe absolvierte. Ein Jahr später geriet er in amerikanische Gefangenschaft, aus der er 1946 entlassen wurde.

Nach seiner Entlassung strebte Tobolla unverzüglich die Verwirklichung seines Jugendwunsches an und meldete sich an der Werkschule Münster an. Bis 1953 erlernte er unter anderem bei Franz Guntermann und Kurt Schwippert das Handwerk der Bildhauerei und bei Vincenz Pieper Grundzüge der Maltechnik. Darüber hinaus erwarb er sich am anatomischen Institut der Universität Münster die für seine Arbeit notwendigen Kenntnisse der menschlichen Anatomie und erstellte als Plastiker, Maler, Zeichner und Präparator bereits seine ersten größeren Werke.

Nach seinen Studienabschlüssen wechselte Tobolla 1953 nach Aachen, wo er sich als freischaffender Künstler niederließ. Mit seinem preisgekrönten Entwurf für die Plastik Menschen im Gespräch, für die er 1962 je eine Goldmedaille beim Premier Prix International de Sculpture à Monte Carlo und beim Prix Special Jury à Monte Carlo erhielt, konnte Tobolla seinen Bekanntheitsgrad erheblich steigern. Allein diese Skulptur wurde in den Folgejahren mehrfach und in verschiedenen Größen immer wieder neu angefertigt. Bereits ein Jahr später, im Jahr 1963, erhielt er von der Staatlichen Ingenieurschule für Bauwesen, die 1971 letztendlich in die Fachhochschule Aachen aufgegangen war, einen Lehrauftrag für plastisches Gestalten, Freihandzeichnen und Moderne Kunst, den er bis 1983 wahrnahm. Zugleich erhielt er jetzt auch von Städten außerhalb Aachens vermehrt Aufträge zur Erstellung von Skulpturen und Brunnenanlagen für Straßen- und Platzgestaltungen, zu denen später noch Arbeiten in sakraler Kunst hinzukamen. In einer ersten großen Ausstellung im Jahre 1965 im Aachener Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, welcher in einem annähernden Zehn-Jahres-Rhythmus weitere Ausstellungen folgten, konnte Tobolla seine bisherigen Werke einem interessierten Publikum darbieten.

Nach dem Zerfall des Ostblocks nahm Tobolla wieder verstärkt Kontakt zu seiner Heimatstadt Zabrze auf und besuchte diese 1991 erstmals seit seiner Kindheit. Daraus entstand ein intensiver künstlerischer Dialog und auch die Idee, neben einigen ausgesuchten deutschen Städten auch mehrere polnische Städte für eine große Wanderausstellung einzuplanen, die dann erstmals 1993/94 stattfand und in den Jahren 2006/07 mit einer Retrospektive eines Großteils seiner ab 1945 erstellten Werke in größerem Rahmen wiederholt wurde. Zwischenzeitlich schuf Tobolla im Jahr 1997 als Zeichen der Dankbarkeit und Freundschaft für seine Geburtsstadt die 3,50 m hohe Bronzeplastik Konfrontation mit dem eigenen Ich, gestiftet von einem Aachener Unternehmerehepaar und einer Aachener Versicherung.

Nachdem Tobolla bereits im Jahre 1990 mit dem Sonderpreis für Völkerverständigung, Aussöhnung und Frieden des Kulturpreises Schlesien des Landes Niedersachsen bedacht worden war, erhielt er im Jahre 2007 auf der letzten Station seiner zweiten großen Wanderausstellung im Aachener Dom die Ehrenbürgerurkunde seiner Geburtsstadt Zabrze.

Tobolla, der in den Materialien Holz, Stein, Keramik, Bronze, Gips, Stahl, Kupfer, Messing, Blei, Beton, Glas und Kunststoff arbeitete, hat in seinem Leben ein Œuvre von mehr als 500 Einzelwerken geschaffen, davon etwa 100 in Überlebensgröße. Tobolla nahm an insgesamt 44 Wettbewerben teil, die ihm 16-mal einen 1. Preis sowie mehrere zweite und dritte Preise einbrachten.

Neben seiner praktischen Arbeit im Atelier und seinem Lehrauftrag an der FH Aachen engagierte sich Tobolla ehrenamtlich in verschiedenen Gremien für die Kunst und die Künstler. So leitete er ab dem Gründungsjahr 1972 mehr als zehn Jahre lang als erster Vorsitzender die Interessengemeinschaft Bildender Künstler in Aachen. Darüber hinaus wurde er 1974 in den Vorstand des Vereins der Freunde der Neuen Galerie der Stadt Aachen gewählt, die als "Neue Galerie – Sammlung Ludwig" anfangs in den Räumen des Alten Kurhauses Aachen ihren Sitz hatte und aus der 1991 das Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst mit Sitz in der vormaligen Aachener Schirmfabrik Brauer hervorging. Ferner gehörte Tobolla seit 1987 dem Vorstand des Suermondt-Ludwig-Museums Aachen an und war zwischenzeitlich auch zehn Jahre lang als Bürgerschaftsvertreter Mitglied im Bauausschuss des Stadtrates Aachen.

Ausstellungen (Auswahl)
 1965: Plastiken. Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, Aachen
 1975: Mensch und Architektur. Plastiken, Entwürfe und Modelle 1962–1975. Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, Aachen
 1986: Arbeiten aus den Jahren 1980–86. Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, Aachen
 1986: Vier Jahrzehnte Plastik, Skulptur und Objekte. Mensch – Zeit – Raum 1953–1993. Wanderausstellung u. a. in Zabrze, Ratingen, Aachen
 1993–1994: Wanderausstellung u. a. in Zabrze, Kattowitz, Neisse, Breslau und Ratingen
 2006–2007: Heinz Tobolla. Das Werk – Dzieło. Das bildhauerische Werk 1946–2005. Wanderausstellung u. a. in Kattowitz, Breslau, Stettin, Krakau, Ratingen, Münster, Jawor, Aachen
 2007: Heinz Tobolla – Skulpturen und Fotografien eines oberschlesischen Künstlers. Foyer der nordrhein-westfälischen CDU-Landtagsfraktion, Düsseldorf

Werke (Auswahl)

 Menschen im Gespräch, mehrere Städte, 1962
 Menschen leben miteinander, Foyer Kernforschungsanlage Jülich, 1965
 Menschen gehen einander vorbei, Innenhof Kernforschungsanlage Jülich, 1966
 Der Dulder Hiob (St. Jobs), Würselen, Broichweiden vor St. Lucia, 1970
 Röhrenbrunnen, Aachen, 1971
 Kehrmännchen, Aachen, 1973
 Schirmfrauen, Aachen, 1974
 Kappesbuur, Rheindahlen, 1977
 Kristallnachtdenkmal in Form eines Davidsterns, Synagogenplatz Aachen, 1984
 Das Mahnmal trägt die Inschrift: "Und der Herr sagte, es ist zu wenig, daß du Israel mein Knecht bist, nur um die Stämme Jakobs wieder aufzurichten. Ich mache dich zum Licht für die Völker, damit mein Heil bis an das Ende der Erde reicht. Jesaja 49,6"
 Ein Gedenkstein am Fuß des Mahnmal trägt die Inschrift: "Dieses Denkmal errichteten die Evangelische und die Katholische Kirche der Stadt Aachen zur Mahnung gegen jeglichen Haß und jede Feindschaft. 8. November 1984"
 Eine Stahltafel hinter dem Mahnmal ist beschriftet: "Das Denkmal stellt dar: Die Geschichte Israels als Stern aus David. Trotz vieler Schläge ragt er in seinem Wesen unzerstörbar in die Zukunft. – Die Bürger Aachens erinnern sich an diesem Platz an die Synagoge, die am 19. September 1862 ihrer heiligen Bestimmung übergeben wurde, von den Nazis am 8. November 1938 geschändet und zerstört."
 Der Durchbruch, Aachen, 1984/85
 Der Nachbar Bahnhofsplatz Grevenbroich, 1984
 Altarkreuz, ev. Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche, Aachen, 1985
 Das Paket, Grüngürtel Köln, 1986
 Kreuzsymbol, Kirchvorplatz ev. Friedenskirche, Aachen, 1986
 Wasserfall, Brunnenanlage, Neukirchen-Vluyn, 1987
 Der Andere, Odenkirchen-Geistenbeck, 1986
 Wasser und Leben, Brunnenanlage Aachen-Burtscheid, 1989
 Begegnung mit zwei eigenem Ich, Zabrze, 1997
 Du – Ich. Alt – Jung, Gangelt, 1999
 Hiob, Katholische Universität Lumen Gentium Kolumbien, 2002
 Sigrid-Pless-Brunnen, Bad Soden am Taunus, 2005

Literatur und Quellen
 Ernst Günther Grimme: Der Bildhauer Heinz Tobolla. In: Aachener Kunstblätter Nr. 27, 1963, S. 209–214.
 Museumsverein Aachen (Hrsg.): Heinz Tobolla. Plastiken. 13. Juni – 1. August 1965. Katalog zur gleichnamigen Ausstellung, Suermondt-Museum, Aachen 1965.
 Museumsverein Aachen (Hrsg.): Heinz Tobolla: Mensch und Architektur. Plastiken, Entwürfe und Modelle (1962–1975). Katalog zur gleichnamigen Ausstellung, Aachen 1975.
 Museumsverein Aachen (Hrsg.): Heinz Tobolla: Arbeiten aus den Jahren 1980–86 – eine Ausstellung des Suermondt-Ludwig-Museums vom 11. Mai bis 22. Juni 1986. Katalog zur gleichnamigen Ausstellung, Aachen 1986.
 Peter Ludwig: Heinz Tobolla: vier Jahrzehnte Plastik, Skulptur und Objekte. Mensch – Zeit – Raum 1953–1993. Katalog zur gleichnamigen Ausstellung, Stiftung Haus Oberschlesien, Ratingen 1986.
 Heinz Tobolla: Das Werk. Eine Ausstellung des Oberschlesischen Landesmuseums in Ratingen-Hösel und des Schlesischen Museums in Kattowitz. Katalog zur gleichnamigen Ausstellung, Ratingen 2005, ISBN 83-918246-5-9.

Weblinks

 Waldemar Zylla:

Einzelnachweise

Bildhauer (Aachen)
Hochschullehrer (FH Aachen)
Person (Schlesien)
Ehrenbürger in Polen
Person (Zabrze)
Deutscher
Geboren 1925
Gestorben 2013
Mann

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Roing Legislative Assembly constituency is one of the 60 Legislative Assembly constituencies of Arunachal Pradesh state in India.

It is part of Lower Dibang Valley district and is reserved for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Tribes.

Members of the Legislative Assembly

Election results

2019

See also
 List of constituencies of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly
 Lower Dibang Valley district

References

Lower Dibang Valley district
Assembly constituencies of Arunachal Pradesh


Popcornflix LLC is a website and over-the-top (OTT) service offering free ad-supported streaming video of feature-length movies and webisodes. It is owned by Screen Media Ventures.
Popcornflix was conceived in July 2010, and went into live beta in March 2011. The site primarily streams independent feature films, many of which come from Screen Media's library. The service is currently accessible in the United States and Canada, with plans to launch in more territories in the future.
In addition to full-length independent movies, Popcornflix features original content including web series and film school originals.
^ Hachman, Mark (21 March 2011). "Popcornflix.com: a (Free) Hulu for Big Stars, Obscure Movies". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
^ Hoffelder, Nate (23 March 2011). "Hulu has a rival – Popcornflix.com". Mediabistro.com. Retrieved 7 October 2011.
^ "Screen Media Ventures Chooses Brightcove to Support Free Online Digital Movie Platform Popcornflix.com". Satellite Spotlight. 25 April 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
^ "Popcornflix App on Roku". Roku Guide. 30 September 2011. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
^ Luchter, Les (6 June 2011). "Popcornflix Joins Ad-Supported Streaming Movie Race". MediaPostNews. Retrieved 20 September 2011.


text:
Symmetrischema striatella is a moth in the family Gelechiidae. It was described by Mary Murtfeldt in 1900. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. This species has also been accidentally introduced to New Zealand.

The wingspan is 11–13 mm. The forewings are light brown or brownish ocherous, sparsely speckled with black. There is a subcostal black, longitudinal line extending from the base to the apex, curving upward slightly and intensifying at the latter. Beneath this, two more or less definite blackish striations, the one on the inner margin being quite broad and diffused, while the discal streak is variable, not continuous, often consisting of two or three dashes. The hindwings are silken, ashy white, shading to cinereous (ash gray) at the tips.

The larvae feed on the berries of Solanum nigrum.

References

Symmetrischema
Moths described in 1900


Anton Blank, director of Te Kahui Mana Ririki, appeared on TV1 yesterday and spoke with great clarity about the child discipline issue and child abuse. Anton argues that there are no quick fixes, and it will take generations of sustained effort to realise significant change.
Smacking is just another form of violence against children that sits on a continuum of violent behaviours that includes maiming and killing our children, and all those behaviours need to be eradicated.


text:
Togo, född i oktober 1913 i Little Squaw Creek i Alaska, död 5 december 1929 i Poland Spring i Maine i USA, var en amerikansk slädhund. Han var den ledarhund som förde Leonhard Seppalas ekipage den svåraste och längsta etappen av den berömda hundslädefärden som förde serum till Nome i januari 1925 över en sträcka på 1 085 kilometer i västra och norra Alaska.

Togo var en siberian husky och en ättling till Leonhard Seppalas tidigare ledarhund "Suggen". Han fick sitt namn efter den japanske amiralen Tōgō Heihachirō. I början visade Togo inga tecken på att han skulle kunna bli en bra slädhund. Han var mindre än normalt. Vid vuxen ålder vägde han 22 kilogram. Han hade en svart, brun och grå päls, som fick honom att alltid se smutsig ut.

Som valp var han sjuk och krävde mycket vård av Seppalas fru Constance. Han var djärv och ostyrig, och hans beteende tolkades som att han blivit bortskämd under vårdtiden för sin sjukdom. Eftersom Seppala inte ansåg honom lämplig som slädhund, skänkte Seppala bort honom som sällskapshund vid sex månaders ålder. Efter några få veckor som husdjur, hoppade Togo genom ett fönster och sprang många kilometer tillbaka till Seppalas kennel. Efter detta fick han stanna hos Seppala.

Vid åtta månaders ålder visade Togo sin förmåga som slädhund. Han hade sprungit efter Seppalas hundspann och sovit, utan att något märkt det, i närheten av Seppalas övernattningsstuga. Nästa dag såg Seppala honom på långt avstånd och Togo fortsatte sedan att störa Seppala i hans arbete genom att försöka leka med arbetshundarna och förleda dem till att lämna spåret och göra utfall mot renar. Seppala nödgades sätta dragsele på Togo för att få kontroll över honom och spänna honom sist i spannet. Där lugnade Togo ned sig, och Seppala flyttade steg för steg upp Togo utmed draglinan till dess Togo mot slutet av dagen delade ledarpositionen med ledarhunden "Russky". Togo hade tillryggalagt 121 kilometer under sin första dag i dragsele, vilket var en prestation för en oerfaren slädhund, speciellt för en unghund.

Seppala påbörjade därefter träning av Togo, och efter några år meriterade han sig för rollen som ledarhund. Han blev en av Seppalas mest uppskattade hundar, och den ömsesidigt givande relationen dem emellan fortsatte till Togos död. Vid serumtransporten till Nome 1925 var han tolv år gammal och hade varit ledarhund i sju år.

Serumtransporten
Huvudartikel: Serumtransporten till NomeDen första omgången med 300 000 serumdoser mot ett begynnande utbrott av difteri i Nome levererades med tåg från Anchorage till Nenana, där den togs om hand av den första av tjugo slädförare och över ett hundra hundar, vilka transporterade serumet i stafett den 1 085 kilometer långa sträckan till Nome.

Togo och Seppala tog sig 274 kilometer från Nome på tre dagar för att hämta upp serumet i Shaktoolik den 21 januari. Temperaturen beräknas ha varit minus 34 °C och stormvindarna åstadkom ett vindavkylningsindex på minus 65 °C.

Återfärden gick tvärs över den utsatta öppna isvidden över Norton Sound. Nattmörkret och snöstormen förhindrade Seppala att se spåret, men Togo navigerade hundspannet fram till raststugan vid Isaac's Point på stranden klockan åtta på kvällen, vilket räddade sällskapet från en säker död. Efter att ha färdats 134 kilometer under en dag, sov sällskapet sex timmar, innan slädfärden återupptogs klockan två på natten. Vinden ökade till 29 meter/sekund. Ekipaget färdades över is som höll på att brytas upp, följandes strandkanten. De kom tillbaka till fast mark för att köra över Little McKinley Mountain, en klättring på 1.500 meter i höjdled. Efter att ha kommit ner igen till nästa raststuga i Golovin, överlämnade Seppala serumet till Charlie Olson, som i sin tur lämnade över det till Gunnar Kaasen med dennes spann, med Balto som ledarhund.

 Efter serumtransporten

I oktober 1926 gjorde Seppala, med hundspann och med Togo i ledningen, en färd från Seattle i delstaten Washington till Kalifornien. Seppala och Togo lockade stor publik till stadion och varuhus och de uppträdde också i en reklamkampanj för cigarettmärket Lucky Strike. I New York körde Seppala sitt hundspann från Stadshuset längs Fifth Avenue och gjorde en sväng genom Central Park. Sällskapet framträdde flera gånger i Madison Square Garden, där Roald Amundsen också överlämnade en guldmedalj till Togo.

De ställde framgångsrikt upp i flera tävlingar med hundslädar i New England. Togo pensionerades i Poland Spring i Maine, där Seppala satt upp en kennel. Han avlivades där i december 1929 vid 16 års ålder.

Seppala berättade på gamla dagar att "jag hade aldrig en annan så bra hund som Togo. Hans uthållighet, lojalitet och intelligens kunde inte vara större. Togo var den bästa hund som någonsin tagit sig fram på Alaskaleden."

Se även
Balto
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Källor
Togo på National Park Services webbplats
Denna artikel baseras delvis på artikeln Togo (dog) på engelskspråkiga Wikipedia.
Noter

Litteratur
Gay Salisbury och Laney Salisbury: The Cruelest Miles'', W.W. Norton & Company 2003,

Externa länkar
Togo's Final Journey på www.workingdogweb.com

Berömda hundar
Draghundsport
Nome


text:
The producers of student teams participating in the School of Media Arts & Studies 14th annual 48-hour Shootout will gather in Baker University Center, Room 347 at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 to mark the official start of the film competition.
Teams will randomly draw the genre, prop and line of dialogue Friday evening that will shape their short film, then disperse immediately following the drawing to begin shooting. Teams have only 48-hours to write, cast, shoot and edit their entire short film in this competition. Therefore, meeting the Sunday, Feb. 7 deadline at 5:59 p.m., may require some intergalactic inspiration.
"We're doing kind of a pseudo "Star Wars" theme," Frederick Lewis, a professor in the School of Media Arts & Studies and faculty advisor for the shootout said. "One of our former students, John Swartz, is a co-producer of the "Star Wars" movie, so it's kind of a wink and a nod to John who participated in this event."
Swartz's team was disqualified from a past MDIA 48-hour Shootout for missing the deadline by five minutes, Lewis said. Swartz holds a BSC '05 from the Honors Tutorial College and an MA '06 from the School of Media Arts & Studies.
The three-to-five-minute student films will be screened at a free event on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
"I think it's just a great opportunity to see how creative students can really be in a short period of time," Lewis said. "Working together under pressure is something that all of us have to do at one time or another, so I think it's a great example of how students adapt to those types of circumstances."
The public is invited and highly encouraged to attend the viewing of the finished films on Sunday night. The event showcases the talent and hard work from all of the students in the School of Media Arts & Studies and is always a fun event to attend.
Original article by Maygan Beeler
Posted on Tue, February 2, 2016 by MDIA


Discussion in 'Cats - all breeds / types' started by cool254, Feb 13, 2017.
My current city gets pretty cold sometimes and was wondering how other cat owners keep their cats warm during cold seasons. I asked for advice from a co-worker who is also a cat owner and recommended heated cat beds, i am pretty new to this but just wanted to know if anyone else here uses these heated beds. Here is how they look like http://www.petstreetmall.com/Heated-Cat-Beds/373.html just in case you haven't had a chance to check them out before. Any recommendations/advice on this? Thank you in advance.


text:
Tag Archives: constitutional morality
Presenter and Discussant, ICON-S Conference 'Courts, Power, Public Law', University of Copenhagen, 5-7 July 2017
Posted on July 1, 2017 | Comments Off on Presenter and Discussant, ICON-S Conference 'Courts, Power, Public Law', University of Copenhagen, 5-7 July 2017
Looking forward to presenting next week on 'The European Court of Human Rights' "constitutional morality" in the religious domain'. The paper forms part of a panel on 'Judicialisation of Human Rights Law and Policy: A Vehicle for Effective Protection of Fundamental Rights?'
The description of this panel reads as follows:
'The panel introduces the Leiden Research Group 'Effective Protection of Fundamental Rights in a Pluralist World'. Though judicialisation is in itself not a new phenomenon, in the context of today's globalizing world and the increasing interaction between legal systems, judicialisation is taking on entirely new dimensions and is giving rise to new and complex issues. This is especially true in the field of fundamental rights. At first sight, this judicialisation in the area of human rights seems to be a positive development that furthers the effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms at the international regional and domestic level. However, judicialisation also raises a number of issues that need to be addressed, such as the democratic basis of law-making and separation of powers. Against this background, judicialisation as a means to further fundamental rights protection is very much in need of new and innovative research concerning its meaning workings and impact. Three elements merit particular attention during the panel: a.Conceptualization of judicialisation in the area of human rights; b.Judicialisation in relation to substantive areas of human rights; c.Potential and limitations of judicialisation for the effective protection of fundamental rights.'
My second paper presentation in Copenhagen is titled 'In Defense of the Classical Liberal Conception Regarding Religious Freedom', and will take place during a panel on 'The Separation of Civil and Religious Powers'.
You can read the abstract of the paper here:
'Leading U.S. scholar of constitutional interpretation Michael Paulsen has developed an interesting theory of religious freedom called 'The Priority of God'. Paulsen distinguishes, first of all, a liberal conception of religious freedom, according to which it is widely assumed that religious truth exists in a society and the state is tolerant towards the various faith and other traditions. The U.S. however, has developed in the direction of a modern conception of religious freedom, which no longer recognises religious truth although the state remains tolerant. Moreover, still according to Paulsen, several European countries have adopted a postmodern conception of religious freedom. This conception does not just no longer recognise religious truth, but also implies a considerably less tolerant state as secularism becomes the established 'religion'. This view paradoxically resembles the preliberal stance of religious intolerance out of the conviction that religious truth exists. In response to such developments and in light of the meeting's general theme with special attention to the role of courts in achieving this, the proposed paper will make a case for the classical liberal position with respect to religious freedom. In light of the current religious diversity in society, this position still appears to be most conducive to safeguarding the position of religious minorities in public life in the increasingly secular, majoritarian contexts of Western liberal democracies.'
Finally, I will serve as discussant for Mathew John's paper on 'Framing Religion in Constitutional Power: A View from Indian Constitutional Law' during the latter panel. Mathew John received his Ph.D. at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2012. Since that year he has been working as an Associate Professor at the Jindal Global Law School Sonipat. Since January 2017 Ph.D. Mathew John is Fellow at the Käte Hamburger Center for Advanced Study in the Humanities 'Law as Culture'.
For the full program of the ICON-S Conference, see: https://icon-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/ICON-S-Conference-2017-Programme.pdf.
Upcoming Speaking Engagement: 2017 ICON∙S Conference on 'Courts, Power, and Public Law', Copenhagen, July 5-7;
Press Release: 'Hans-Martien ten Napel has book published "Constitutionalism, Democracy and Religious Freedom. To Be Fully Human"'.
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Tagged classical liberalism, constitutional morality, european court of human rights, liberal democracy, liberalism, political legitimacy, public law, religious freedom, secularism, separation of powers, tolerance
Upcoming Speaking Engagement: 2017 ICON∙S Conference on 'Courts, Power, and Public Law', Copenhagen, July 5-7
Posted on April 6, 2017 | Comments Off on Upcoming Speaking Engagement: 2017 ICON∙S Conference on 'Courts, Power, and Public Law', Copenhagen, July 5-7
My two scheduled presentations during the conference are entitled: 'The European Court of Human Rights' "constitutional morality" in the religious domain', and 'In Defense of the Classical Liberal Conception Regarding Religious Freedom'.
About the general conference theme:
'The overarching theme of the ICON-S 2017 Annual Meeting will be "Courts, Power, Public Law". The expanding role of courts is arguably one of the most significant developments in late-20th and early-21st century government. Today, courts around the world play an increasingly central role in defining the relationship between different organs of the state, as between state, non-state actors and individual citizens, and between national and supranational levels of governance. Domestic courts routinely interpret and enforce constitutional provisions guaranteeing the separation of powers, federalism and civil and political rights. Many domestic courts also now play a role in safeguarding democracy, and protecting and promoting social rights. In doing so, many domestic courts are also in active 'dialogue' with regional and international tribunals, as well as with transnational investment agreements or legal norms; and international courts likewise rely on regional and domestic human rights and public law norms in developing international jurisprudence.
What explains this increasingly dense network of judicial control over public power, and transnational judicial interaction? To what extent do courts succeed in achieving their goals, and under what conditions? In the midst of concerns about national and international security, how should courts respond to such concerns without compromising ideals of constitutional democracy? What should be the appropriate remit of international tribunals in balancing the competing claims of a just peace and individual responsibility? What are we to make of the role of courts in the management and mismanagement of the national and international economic crisis, and how it has called into question some of the classic institutions of democracy? Answering these questions requires close attention to the social, economic and political context for judicial review. It also invites attention to questions of public power: how, and under what conditions, do courts enjoy the power, legitimacy and independence necessary to serve as a meaningful check on national and transnational actors? How does the social and political power enjoyed by political elites, citizens or social movements contribute to the creation or success of judicial review in different settings? Do we need to rethink the conventional ways of understanding how courts mediate between the international and the national? Addressing these questions is a key focus for much of the leading scholarship on comparative constitutional law, comparative politics, comparative administrative law, and international law and governance today. It is also the focus of the ICON-S 2017 Conference.'
About ICON-S:
'The initiative to create an International Society of Public Law emerged from the Editorial Board of I·CON – the International Journal of Constitutional Law. For several years now I·CON has been, both by choice and by the cartographic reality of the field, much more than a journal of comparative constitutional Law. I·CON has expanded its interests, range of authors, readers, Editorial Board members and, above all, issues covered to include not only discrete articles in fields such as Administrative Law, Global Constitutional Law, Global Administrative Law and the like, but also increasingly includes scholarship that reflects both legal reality and academic perception, and which in dealing with the challenges of public life and governance combines elements from all of the above with a good dosage of political theory and social science.'
Source, and all additional information:
https://icon-society.org/2017-conference/.
Comments Off on Upcoming Speaking Engagement: 2017 ICON∙S Conference on 'Courts, Power, and Public Law', Copenhagen, July 5-7
Tagged civil and political rights, classical liberalism, comparataive administrative law, comparative constitutional law, comparative politics, constitutional democracy, constitutional morality, courts, democracy, european court of human rights, federalism, global constitutionalism, governance, government, international law, judicial review, legitimacy, non-state actors, political elites, political theory, power, public law, religious freedom, separation of powers, social rights, social sciences, state


If you have a calling for something greater, then just make up your mind you are going to go for it and do what it takes. Pull yourself up. Do the work. Get the job done. Learn what you must….
Are you at risk of CONFORMING?!
I want to ask you to check-in with yourself to make sure you aren't conforming to someone else's ideal. Sometimes you may want the respect or admiration of someone you look up to and so you bend to their ideals….
I can. I will. And how to spot fear talk.
We don't half tell ourselves some disempowering stories. 'Life is hard. I never get what I want. Success is for other people, not me. They have something I don't. I'm not good enough. I don't know enough. I'm not ready….


Tests performed on a high-differential meter, venturi meter, and orifice indicated changes in the discharge coefficient with changes in upstream velocity distribution. These tests along with those by other investigators lead to the conclusion that all pressure-differential meters are affected by upstream velocity distributions when defined in some characteristic manner. This effect is increased as the beta ratio increases.
Ferron AG. Velocity Profile Effects on the Discharge Coefficient of Pressure-Differential Meters. ASME. J. Basic Eng. 1963;85(3):338-342. doi:10.1115/1.3656594.


You are passionate about dancing and have a dream of becoming a professional choreographer but never knowing how to start with choreography.
Come to Star Camp UNLOCK you will be communicated about the origin of the dance genre, direction choreography thinking in the entertainment industry, the artwork but also the opportunity to invest in the release of Dance products.
On July 29, 2018 Star Academy (SAA), in collaboration with Sky Music JSC/Nhaccuatui.com, successfully debuted the first showcase of Star Camp 2018's participating singer-songwriters in which they perform their first products.


Dr. Bradley Thatcher– we miss you deeply!
N-tigen Insights lost a great friend, scientist and thinker. A man with unique insights to create and deliver magic in protein science. Solving difficult puzzles brought great joy to Bradley.
He lived his life to the fullest, experiencing all the highs and lows. His last few months ended on a high note. He saw a paper submitted, filed a patent, saw the products he developed on the website and looked forward to a long earned break.
My close friend and colleague passed away too suddenly and young. We will miss him and his contributions to the world.
Dr. Thatcher passed away on Wednesday, 5 November 2014. He is survived by two daughters, his two sisters, his parents, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews.
We send our condolences to his colleagues, friends and family on this sad occasion.
N-timer™ molecules are small, highly specific and can complement your antibody work.
N-tigen Insights is proud to announce the major introduction of our first set of 12 N-timer™ molecules allowing researchers to visualize specific internal proteins of interest for imaging of live cells.
Introductory Pricing on all N-timer™ products. Limited time offer.
You can now see or sort cells based on internal biomarker(s). These molecules are engineered to meet your own needs to label internal targets, without the intensive labor of creating fusion proteins and transgenic models. It also allows you to mark or sort your cells and keep the cells viable for further experiments.
Another major milestone for N-tigen Insights and its N-timer™ technology.
These molecules are versatile tools for researchers allowing them to visualise proteins found inside the cells. The first set of N-timer™ molecules focus on diabetes, neuroscience and cancer.
Unique tools for live cell imaging, FACs or cell sorting.
N-tigen Insights AB graciously accepts the generous support from Sten K Johnson Stiftelse for patent application and its intellectual property rights strategy.
The award allows us to develop a forward looking IPR strategy to strengthen our position to bring unique products to market.
Link to Sten K Johnson Stiftelse.
N-tigen Insights succeeds at VINNOVA!
N-tigen Insights is excited to be recognized by VINNOVA as one of its "Unga Innovativ Företag". Their support provides us with an opportunity to make a mark in Sweden and to provide our customers with our N-timer™ molecules to enable their research. The award speaks for our technology and Chief Science Officer's ingenuity and know-how. N-tigen Insights AB is a resident company inside Lund Life Science Incubator in Medicon Village site.


FieldWorkMobility empowers an organization's field work force by offering an integrated app with Auto Dialer and Mobile CRM for field agents.
We offer an Integrated solution to empower your field workforce within your organization.
We also offer a customized solution utilizing our existing product to support and manage your existing field workforce operation.
FieldWorkMobility empowers an organization's field work force by offering an integrated app with Auto Dialer and Mobile CRM for field agents. It offers a dashboard on the cloud for the stakeholders/managers to effectively allocate the tasks/prospects to the field agents. The solution also measures field workforce productivity as well as Geo-track the individuals from the centralized office.
Our solution can also be customized to fit into an organization's existing workforce management infrastructure.
Once you have installed this salesforce app in your a/c. Your agent would need to install Android or iOS app of FieldWorkMobility for syncing their field activity/data to the salesforce dashboard.
The apps can be downloaded from Google Play or App Store.
Your Sales Agent would need Android or iOS App to sync the data.
While salesforce.com periodically conducts security reviews of publicly listed AppExchange apps, it is important that customers understand the security and architectural implications of installing third-party applications with access to data.


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Brexit and UK's boats in Spain
BREXIT AND UK'S BOATS IN SPAIN
Once BREXIT is effective and the United Kingdom becomes an extra-community country, British-flagged vessels will suffer the same fate.
One of the aspects of recreational nautical that will be affected by BREXIT is the charter with British-flagged boats and vessels in Spain.
With the publication of Law 2/2020 of 15 October on urgent and extraordinary measures for the boost of economic activity and administrative simplification within the public administrations of the Balearic Islands to alleviate the effects of the crisis caused by COVID-19, the Balearic Government has taken the opportunity to amend different rules of economic activity, including Decree 21/2017 of 5 May regulating the rental activity of boats and pleasure ships.
The change in the Decree affecting vessels and extra-Community boats, including the British, is found in Article 3.2. If before you could rent a vessel (more than 14 metres in length) or a pleasure vessel flagged outside the European Union, it was necessary to demonstrate that the specific characteristics of that vessel or vessel to be rented make it different from the rest so that there are no such vessels or vessels flagged in another country of the European Union or the Agreement on the European Economic Area, it will now be sufficient to state that circumstance.
The current wording of the article is as follows: Where the applicant declares that, by the specific characteristics of the vessel or vessel to be rented, it does not have vessels or pleasure vessels from the European Union or from countries signatories to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, the rental activity can be carried out by means of vessels or pleasure vessels flagged outside the European Union (more than 14 metres in force), which must be subject to Spanish legislation in everything that refers to maritime safety, and must have all the necessary certificates in force.
This solution is in line with the position of the Dirección General de la Marina Mercante who in the recent INSTRUCTION No. 3/2020 on NAUTICAL LEASE OF BOATS AND RECREO SHIPS eliminated the flag waiver requirement of Articles 256 and 257 of Royal Legislative Decree 2/2011, 5 September, which approves the consolidated text of the Law on State ports and the Merchant Navy, maintaining the validity of the Spanish or Community pavilion reserve for pleasure craft under 14 metres, as established by Article 1 of the Ministerial Order of 4 December 1985 for the rental of pleasure craft.
What will happen to British-flagged boats and vessels? Since January 2021, British-flagged vessels of less than 14 metres will not be able to charter in Spain. And vessels of more than 14 metres may charter in Spain provided that the person who will be operating the charter vessel or pleasure vessel declares that there are no other vessels with such flags in a country of the European Union or the Agreement on the European Economic Area.
In practice, it will be difficult for a boat between 14 and 24 metres length under a UK flag to be able to meet that exclusivity requirement and if this happens is may mean that it does not get a charter licence, because it will be hard to prove that there are no other vessels registered in other Member States of the European Union with those specific characteristics.
For vessels which currently hold a charter licence valid until 2021, it is not known whether they will maintain the validity of that licence until the expiry date or, on the contrary, BREXIT will have an immediate effect that overrides any type of authorisation.
However, and it is an opinion, a British-flag vessel with VAT paid could continue to charter in Spain because while its flag is or will be non-EU, having vat paid becomes Community merchandise and would therefore be equated to any other vessel in the European Union. It will be interesting to know what the opinion of the different competent administrations in this field will be.
In any case, the solution to this new situation, whenever possible, is to make a change of flag and register the vessel in a country of the European Union.
In Palma, 27 October 2020.
León von Ondarza
LVOF Abogados


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Scrobipalpa monumentella is a moth in the family Gelechiidae. It was described by Vactor Tousey Chambers in 1877. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from Colorado and California.

Adults are pale ocherous, irrorated (speckled) with pale gray and with several small fuscous specks on the forewings, two of which are on the fold, and a series of indistinct ones around the base of the cilia.

The larvae feed on Francenia grandiflora.

References

Scrobipalpa
Moths described in 1877


text:
Is Your Antidepressant An MAOI?
Abilify
Lamictal
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the first antidepressants ever created. They typically have more serious side effects than newer antidepressants. In particular, they can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure when taken with certain medications or foods.
Because of these side effects, it's important to know whether the antidepressant you're taking is an MAOI.
Is Zoloft An MAOI?
Zoloft is the brand name for an antidepressant called sertraline. It's not an MAOI.
Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs increase the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate your mood.
Is Lexapro An MAOI?
Lexapro is the brand name for an antidepressant called escitalopram. It's not an MAOI. Instead, like Zoloft, it's a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Is Wellbutrin An MAOI?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for an antidepressant called bupropion. It's not an MAOI.
Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called NDRIs, which stands for norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors.
NDRIs increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Norepinephrine is a brain chemical that helps regulate your emotions, energy, and stress reactions. Dopamine is a brain chemical that helps regulate your mood, motivation, and ability to feel pleasure.
Is Sertraline An MAOI?
Sertraline is an antidepressant that's often sold under the brand name Zoloft. It's not an MAOI. Instead, it's a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Is Prozac An MAOI?
Prozac is the brand name for an antidepressant called fluoxetine. It's not an MAOI. Instead, it's a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Is Fluoxetine An MAOI?
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that's often sold under the brand name Prozac. It's not an MAOI.
Is Effexor An MAOI?
Effexor is the brand name for an antidepressant called venlafaxine. It's not an MAOI.
Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs). These drugs increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain.
Is Bupropion An MAOI?
Bupropion is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It's often sold under the brand name Wellbutrin. It's not an MAOI.
Is Xanax An MAOI?
Xanax is the brand name for a prescription drug called alprazolam. It's used to treat anxiety and panic. It's not an MAOI.
Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (or "benzos"). It makes you feel calm by increasing the activity of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Is Cymbalta An MAOI?
Cymbalta is the brand name for an antidepressant called duloxetine. It's not an MAOI. Instead, it's a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Is Trazodone An MAOI?
Trazodone is an antidepressant that's often sold under the brand names Desyrel, Oleptro, and Trazodone D. It's not an MAOI.
Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain.
Is Celexa An MAOI?
Celexa is the brand name for an antidepressant called citalopram. It's not an MAOI. Instead, it's a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Is Escitalopram An MAOI?
Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that's often sold under the brand name Lexapro. It's not an MAOI.
Is Duloxetine An MAOI?
Duloxetine is a prescription drug that's often sold under the brand name Cymbalta. It's not an MAOI. Instead, it's a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Is Abilify An MAOI?
Abilify is the brand name for a prescription drug called aripiprazole. It's not an MAOI. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics (also called second-generation psychotics). It's used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
Is Lamictal An MAOI?
Lamictal is the brand name for a prescription drug called lamotrigine. It's not an MAOI. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It's also considered a mood stabilizer. It's used to treat bipolar disorder and certain seizure disorders.
Some people abuse their antidepressants by using them in a manner not prescribed.
If you or someone you love struggles with antidepressant abuse, please contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer a variety of evidence-based services to help you recover from drug abuse and addiction.
Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience - Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors: A Pharmacological Comparison
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus - Aripiprazole
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus - Trazodonet
National Library of Medicine: StatPearls - Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)
MAOIs vs SSRIs
Are MAOIs Effective?
List Of SSRIs
How Do SSRIs Work?
List Of Non-Benzo Anxiety Medications


Today we want you to look back at all of the challenges you've done so far, and redo your favourite one. You could even redo the one you wish you did differently or had longer to do. Have you missed a challenge you fancy trying? Now's your chance!


Although dental fillings are typically recommended to strengthen a tooth suffering from decay (a cavity), they can also repair teeth that are cracked, broken, or worn down. For patients who need dental fillings in Sterling, VA, Dr. E. Richard Hughes offers tailored treatment options to fit your budget and lifestyle. Fillings can be made of gold, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored composite, and Dr. Hughes will help determine the best choice for you. If you have a cavity and it is not treated, it will worsen and could require more extensive restorative dentistry such as a root canal or extraction. Fortunately, getting a tooth filled with Dr. Hughes is a simple, comfortable procedure that can effectively restore strength to your tooth. To schedule an appointment, contact our friendly, professional staff today.
With today's modern dentistry techniques, patients can choose from several different types of dental fillings. Each kind has properties that determine its suitability. These are typically based on the extent of tooth decay, aesthetic concerns, insurance coverage, and budget.
Dr. Hughes weighs the advantages of different types of dental fillings placed at his Sterling, VA, practice. He offers both metal and tooth-colored fillings. He can also replace old amalgam fillings for a more aesthetic restoration that will last for years with proper care.
This type of filling is very durable and long-lasting. If it is correctly prepared, a cast gold filling will never break or fracture. Placed by a skilled dentist like Dr. Hughes, gold fillings support and protect the enamel margins of the tooth to prevent breakage far better than other types of filling materials. The gold itself will not wear down or erode, even after many years. Gold also expands and retracts similarly to the tooth's structure, which is important to withstand temperature variances in food and beverages. Because gold does not blend with enamel like tooth-colored fillings, it is used almost exclusively on the back teeth. Gold is also the most expensive type of dental filling, and they require two visits to place.
These fillings are also very strong and durable, and they can last for years (though not as long as gold). Silver amalgam is the least expensive type of filling, and it is usually covered by insurance. Although concerns have been raised about the mercury in amalgam fillings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers them to be safe for adults and children over six years old based on credible scientific evidence. Like gold, silver amalgam stands out against the natural color of teeth, so placement will be a major consideration. Amalgam fillings also do not expand and contract as well as other materials. This does not necessarily cause problems, but needs to be taken into account.
The great advantage of tooth-colored fillings is their ability to seamlessly integrate with the rest of the tooth, making them preferable for highly visible areas. The composite material is also versatile because it can be used to repair other kinds of damage like chips, cracks, and wear. Though quite durable, these fillings do not last as long as gold or silver amalgam and they are not as strong. Composite fillings are more expensive than amalgam fillings, but typically insurance covers part of the cost (up to the cost of a comparable silver amalgam filling, with the patient paying the difference). Placement is important, since they may not be suitable for large fillings or back teeth that withstand large amounts of chewing force. In these cases, an inlay or onlay (also called an indirect filling) may be the best choice.
To place a filling, Dr. Hughes will numb the area first with a local anesthetic so you will be comfortable. He will clean and prepare the tooth by removing the decayed structure. The cavity will then be filled with the chosen material and polished to completion. Composite fillings require a few extra steps because the material is applied in layers, and each one is hardened with a special curing light. Any excess composite material also needs to be trimmed to maintain proper bite alignment.
Fillings are a simple way to restore your tooth and prevent more damage from occurring. Dr. Hughes provides personalized care with the right kind of filling for aesthetics, durability, and cost considerations. To schedule your appointment, get in touch with our office today.


So did Ashoka's missionaries reach the Celts and establish Buddhism as far west as Britain?
Is the meditating figure on the Celtic Gundestrup Bowl the Buddha of the West, Virupaksha?
So perhaps the Druids were influenced by or adopted the Buddhist teachings they encountered.
The Druids were pan-Celtic and travelled unhindered from one end of the Celtic world to the other, ie from Galatia in the east, westward through Balkans, Austria, Helvetia, Gaul, Galicia, Britain and Ireland.
The main Druidic college was in Britain on the Isle of Anglesey. It drew teachers and students from Ireland, Britain and Continental Europe.
Origen attributed the rapid and unobstructed growth of Christianity in Britain to the foundations laid by the teachings of the Druids and Buddhists.
The Gundestrup bowl, a beautiful piece of pre-Christian Celtic craftsmanship, seems to show a meditating Buddha.
Triskeles - classic Buddhist symbols - also appear in pre-Christian Celtic designs.
Celtic mystical art often displays elaborate knotwork designs, which symbolize the interconnectness of all phenomena. Similarly Buddhist philosophy is concerned primarily with interconnectness. In fact, it is the relationships, the interdependencies that are the reality, since objects or subjects are nothing but their connections to other objects and subjects.
The Celtic theologians Pelagius and Johannes Scotus Erigena demonstrate an understanding of human nature that has more in common with the Buddhist view of innate Buddha-mind clouded by delusions and misdirected will, than with the Christian doctrine of corruption of the soul by Original Sin. Pelagius may have been influenced by the Druids or a Druid himself.
The Buddhist teaching on Dependent Relationship states that phenomena exist in three fundamental ways. Firstly, phenomena exist by dependence upon causes and conditions. Secondly, phenomena depend upon the relationship of the whole to its parts and attributes. Thirdly, and most profoundly, phenomena depend upon mental imputation, attribution, or designation. According to John Michael Greer, Druid philosophy has a similar division into three 'elements' which are known in old Welsh as Gwyar (change, causality), Calas (structure) and Nwyfre (consciousness).
Another great blog! I also wanted to point out the possible connection between the Hindu Vedas and Northern European belief systems. Another interesting point to consider is the presence of the "red-haired" mummies discovered in China. They are so well preserved and are clearly wearing something akin to a tartan. "Recent excavations in the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang province have uncovered more than 100 naturally mummified corpses of people who lived there between 4,000 and 2,400 years ago, indicating that the Aryan race of red and blonde hair with blue eyes lived in this area at one time. The bodies were amazingly well preserved by the arid climate, and according to the New York Times "...archaeologists could hardly believe what they saw."


I spent all my money. Europe in May 2017 was a great adventure and I really enjoyed it. So many great experiences.
But now, I'm out of money. I basically had two months of no work. So back to work I go. And it's definitely hard to go back to work after two months off. I'm sure school teachers feel similar. I know, I know. I am privileged enough to travel for a whole month and not work for two months. Do I even deserve to complain? Yes, I can hear myself. And I remember being poor, so I am very grateful.
But I also knew I wanted a change. I have worked pretty hard to get my kids the life they have and make sure I didn't live in poverty. And now, I want to do more of what I want. But it takes money. So back home and back to work I go. But now my work is only in education. My next time available for any serious vacay is when other people are going too, between semesters. Instead, I'll be at home walking my new doggy.
Next trip: move my kid back to college in Sept?
Let me know what you'd like to do on Sunday! Is a halfway point do-able? Would you like traveling to Oxnard? Should I go to a favorite spot of yours with the kiddos? Hit me up!


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Billie Eilish Threatens Not To Release New Album If Fans Do Not Stop Making Fun Of Her Green Hair
The 19-year-old singer-songwriter said she may change her hair colour after the release of her documentary in February.
Billie Eilish has begged fans to stop making fun of her lime-green hair.
The 19-year-old singer is tired of hearing snide comments about her statement hairdo and threatened not to release her upcoming album if they do not stop dissing her look.
Sharing a video on Instagram Story, she said: "F*** you guys. Stop making fun of me, my god! I'm f****** making you an album. I will not put it out if you keep making fun of my hair. Shut up!"
However, the 'Bad Guy' hitmaker has suggested she may be changing her look after the release of her documentary Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry on Apple TV+ February 26.
She continued: "I'm changing it after the doc comes out. It'll be the end of an era, I'ma give you a new era … I have announcements to make, I got some s*** to put out. Anyway, leave me alone. Let me live with my f****** hair that I've had for way too long. Okay? Shut the f*** up."
It is not the first time Billie has lashed out on trolls who have criticised her look as she previously revealed she dresses in leisurewear to stop people commenting on her body.
She said: "Nobody can have an opinion because they haven't seen what's underneath. Nobody can be like, 'She's slim-thick,' 'She's not slim-thick,' 'She's got a flat ass,' 'She's got a fat ass.'"
The pop star first developed her distinct style at a young age whilst she was fighting body issues that contributed to her depression. Billie started puberty early and she didn't feel mentally prepared for the changes her body was going through.
She said: "I just hated my body. I would have done anything to be in a different one. I really wanted to be a model, really bad, and I was chubby and short. I developed really early. I had boobs at nine. I got my period at 11. So my body was going faster than my brain. It's funny, because when you're a little kid, you don't think of your body at all. And all of a sudden, you look down and you're, like, 'Whoa. What can I do to make this go away?"
Watch the trailer for her Apple TV+ documentary here:
— BANG
Photo: TPG News/Click Photos
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