text:
Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease: Predicting the need for neonatal intervention
M. D. Quartermain, A. C. Glatz, D. J. Goldberg, M. S. Cohen, M. D. Elias, Z. Tian, J. Rychik
Objective To identify prenatal echocardiographic markers that could predict the need for neonatal intervention in fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Methods This was a retrospective study of 52 fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Echocardiograms were evaluated for fetuses with either two-ventricle anatomy with a large ventricular septal defect or single-ventricle anatomy. Fetuses with pulmonary atresia were excluded. Parameters were compared between groups that did and did not require an intervention at age < 30 days. Results Fifty-two fetuses were studied; 20 (38%) underwent neonatal intervention and 32 (62%) did not. The most common diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot (n = 32). Fetuses with two ventricles that required an intervention had lower pulmonary valve diameter Z-score (PV-Z-score) (-4.8 ± 2.1 vs -2.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.0002) and lower pulmonary valve to aortic valve annular diameter ratio (PV/AoV) (0.53 ± 0.15 vs 0.66 ± 0.1; P = 0.003). Using a PV/AoV ratio of < 0.6 or a PV-Z-score of < -3 at final echocardiographic examination was highly sensitive (92%) but poorly specific (50%), whereas classifying direction of flow in the ductus arteriosus as either normal (all pulmonary-to-aorta) or abnormal (aorta-to-pulmonary or bidirectional) was both highly sensitive (100%) and specific (95%) for predicting the need for a neonatal intervention. Parameters for the single-ventricle cohort did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Analysis of the pulmonary outflow tract and ductus arteriosus flow in the fetus with complex congenital heart disease can aid in identifying those that will require a neonatal intervention to augment pulmonary blood flow. This has important implications for the planning of delivery strategies.
Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.11196
fetal echocardiography
10.1002/uog.11196
Dive into the research topics of 'Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease: Predicting the need for neonatal intervention'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Heart Diseases Medicine & Life Sciences 100%
Fetus Medicine & Life Sciences 98%
Pulmonary Valve Medicine & Life Sciences 68%
Ductus Arteriosus Medicine & Life Sciences 47%
Ventricular Outflow Obstruction Medicine & Life Sciences 47%
Aorta Medicine & Life Sciences 30%
Anatomy Medicine & Life Sciences 28%
Quartermain, M. D., Glatz, A. C., Goldberg, D. J., Cohen, M. S., Elias, M. D., Tian, Z., & Rychik, J. (2013). Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease: Predicting the need for neonatal intervention. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 41(1), 47-53. https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.11196
Quartermain, M. D. ; Glatz, A. C. ; Goldberg, D. J. et al. / Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease : Predicting the need for neonatal intervention. In: Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2013 ; Vol. 41, No. 1. pp. 47-53.
@article{91be8d75496045638b8538f4335d3fd5,
title = "Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease: Predicting the need for neonatal intervention",
abstract = "Objective To identify prenatal echocardiographic markers that could predict the need for neonatal intervention in fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Methods This was a retrospective study of 52 fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Echocardiograms were evaluated for fetuses with either two-ventricle anatomy with a large ventricular septal defect or single-ventricle anatomy. Fetuses with pulmonary atresia were excluded. Parameters were compared between groups that did and did not require an intervention at age < 30 days. Results Fifty-two fetuses were studied; 20 (38%) underwent neonatal intervention and 32 (62%) did not. The most common diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot (n = 32). Fetuses with two ventricles that required an intervention had lower pulmonary valve diameter Z-score (PV-Z-score) (-4.8 ± 2.1 vs -2.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.0002) and lower pulmonary valve to aortic valve annular diameter ratio (PV/AoV) (0.53 ± 0.15 vs 0.66 ± 0.1; P = 0.003). Using a PV/AoV ratio of < 0.6 or a PV-Z-score of < -3 at final echocardiographic examination was highly sensitive (92%) but poorly specific (50%), whereas classifying direction of flow in the ductus arteriosus as either normal (all pulmonary-to-aorta) or abnormal (aorta-to-pulmonary or bidirectional) was both highly sensitive (100%) and specific (95%) for predicting the need for a neonatal intervention. Parameters for the single-ventricle cohort did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Analysis of the pulmonary outflow tract and ductus arteriosus flow in the fetus with complex congenital heart disease can aid in identifying those that will require a neonatal intervention to augment pulmonary blood flow. This has important implications for the planning of delivery strategies.",
keywords = "congenital heart disease, fetal echocardiography, pediatric cardiology",
author = "Quartermain, {M. D.} and Glatz, {A. C.} and Goldberg, {D. J.} and Cohen, {M. S.} and Elias, {M. D.} and Z. Tian and J. Rychik",
doi = "10.1002/uog.11196",
journal = "Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology",
Quartermain, MD, Glatz, AC, Goldberg, DJ, Cohen, MS, Elias, MD, Tian, Z & Rychik, J 2013, 'Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease: Predicting the need for neonatal intervention', Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 47-53. https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.11196
Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease : Predicting the need for neonatal intervention. / Quartermain, M. D.; Glatz, A. C.; Goldberg, D. J. et al.
In: Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol. 41, No. 1, 01.2013, p. 47-53.
T1 - Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease
T2 - Predicting the need for neonatal intervention
AU - Quartermain, M. D.
AU - Glatz, A. C.
AU - Goldberg, D. J.
AU - Cohen, M. S.
AU - Elias, M. D.
AU - Tian, Z.
AU - Rychik, J.
N2 - Objective To identify prenatal echocardiographic markers that could predict the need for neonatal intervention in fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Methods This was a retrospective study of 52 fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Echocardiograms were evaluated for fetuses with either two-ventricle anatomy with a large ventricular septal defect or single-ventricle anatomy. Fetuses with pulmonary atresia were excluded. Parameters were compared between groups that did and did not require an intervention at age < 30 days. Results Fifty-two fetuses were studied; 20 (38%) underwent neonatal intervention and 32 (62%) did not. The most common diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot (n = 32). Fetuses with two ventricles that required an intervention had lower pulmonary valve diameter Z-score (PV-Z-score) (-4.8 ± 2.1 vs -2.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.0002) and lower pulmonary valve to aortic valve annular diameter ratio (PV/AoV) (0.53 ± 0.15 vs 0.66 ± 0.1; P = 0.003). Using a PV/AoV ratio of < 0.6 or a PV-Z-score of < -3 at final echocardiographic examination was highly sensitive (92%) but poorly specific (50%), whereas classifying direction of flow in the ductus arteriosus as either normal (all pulmonary-to-aorta) or abnormal (aorta-to-pulmonary or bidirectional) was both highly sensitive (100%) and specific (95%) for predicting the need for a neonatal intervention. Parameters for the single-ventricle cohort did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Analysis of the pulmonary outflow tract and ductus arteriosus flow in the fetus with complex congenital heart disease can aid in identifying those that will require a neonatal intervention to augment pulmonary blood flow. This has important implications for the planning of delivery strategies.
AB - Objective To identify prenatal echocardiographic markers that could predict the need for neonatal intervention in fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Methods This was a retrospective study of 52 fetuses with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Echocardiograms were evaluated for fetuses with either two-ventricle anatomy with a large ventricular septal defect or single-ventricle anatomy. Fetuses with pulmonary atresia were excluded. Parameters were compared between groups that did and did not require an intervention at age < 30 days. Results Fifty-two fetuses were studied; 20 (38%) underwent neonatal intervention and 32 (62%) did not. The most common diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot (n = 32). Fetuses with two ventricles that required an intervention had lower pulmonary valve diameter Z-score (PV-Z-score) (-4.8 ± 2.1 vs -2.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.0002) and lower pulmonary valve to aortic valve annular diameter ratio (PV/AoV) (0.53 ± 0.15 vs 0.66 ± 0.1; P = 0.003). Using a PV/AoV ratio of < 0.6 or a PV-Z-score of < -3 at final echocardiographic examination was highly sensitive (92%) but poorly specific (50%), whereas classifying direction of flow in the ductus arteriosus as either normal (all pulmonary-to-aorta) or abnormal (aorta-to-pulmonary or bidirectional) was both highly sensitive (100%) and specific (95%) for predicting the need for a neonatal intervention. Parameters for the single-ventricle cohort did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Analysis of the pulmonary outflow tract and ductus arteriosus flow in the fetus with complex congenital heart disease can aid in identifying those that will require a neonatal intervention to augment pulmonary blood flow. This has important implications for the planning of delivery strategies.
KW - congenital heart disease
KW - fetal echocardiography
KW - pediatric cardiology
U2 - 10.1002/uog.11196
DO - 10.1002/uog.11196
JO - Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
JF - Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Quartermain MD, Glatz AC, Goldberg DJ, Cohen MS, Elias MD, Tian Z et al. Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction in fetuses with complex congenital heart disease: Predicting the need for neonatal intervention. Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2013 Jan;41(1):47-53. doi: 10.1002/uog.11196


It was a cold, gray morning. Drizzle painted the German road outside the 16 enormous convention halls that housed the Düsseldorf boat show. When I stepped inside, however, I felt as if my ruby-red boat shoes transported me to a magical world for boat nuts. From surfboards and kayaks to center consoles and super yachts, the annual show is a pilgrimage for the European marine industry that brings 1,600 vendors from 60 different countries together to debut their offerings for the new year.
Besides filling a notebook with news of all the models bound for our shores, this show gives me the chance to spot a host of industry trends. This year I noticed more enthusiasm than ever about the use of carbon fiber in boat-building. The size of windows and sunroofs continues to grow by the year, as does the creativity that designers are putting into bow lounges and social spaces.
One trend—an alarming one—that rose to the surface in various talks with overseas builders, marketers, and journalists is the aging demographic of boat owners, and the lack of millennials entering our sport. A study I read in our sister publication, Trade Only, before flying out to the show was referenced in many of my conversations. According to the report by Info-Link Technologies, in the U.S. today there are nearly as many boat owners over the age of 80 than there are under 30. It took a few moments for the weight of that statistic to sink in.
I mentioned that alarming report to Sunseeker's Marketing Manager Bryan Jones after dinner one night. Jones has been seeing similarly alarming trends in the U.K. and is on several boards aimed at combating them.
The contributing factors, we agreed, are formidable. Student loan debt is a barrier to entry for many millennials around the world. As a millennial myself, I see other obstacles, most pressing perhaps is the absence of free time. People are busier than ever. In today's world of social media and instant gratification it's getting harder to put everything on hold and sneak off to the cove for the weekend.
I thought back to my colleagues Capt. Bill Pike and Simon Murray and a cruise they went on last year. I'd tasked Simon and Bill—opposites in many ways outside of their chosen profession—to spend a long weekend together navigating the St. Johns River in Florida. It was an assignment made under the guise of producing a cruising story, but my hope was that a dash of Bill's passion for boating would rub off on Simon and that he'd be hooked on the benefits it can bring to your life.
I was relieved when both reported it was a trip neither would ever forget (for better or worse). Bill and I have been patting ourselves on the back recently as Simon's begun talking about ditching his apartment and moving aboard a boat.
"I think you're onto something there," I replied to Jones. "Yes, that is a very good idea," nodded the German journalist.
As I was flying home from Germany, I realized these conversations gave me a deepened understanding of how much boating needs younger people. And if I think about it, I realize younger people probably need boating now more than ever, too. So, I offer this challenge: Clear some time in your hectic schedule. Grab your kids, grandkids—hell, take your neighbors and their kids—and get them out on the water. Start sharing your passion for boating.


text:
University receives Broderick review into St Paul's College
Home / News & opinion / News / September / University receives Broderick review into St Paul's College
2020: all news
University receives Broderick review into St Paul's College
College has committed to all recommendations
The University of Sydney has today received a report from Elizabeth Broderick on cultural renewal at St Paul's College.
"I thank all the students and broader community who contributed to the review and shared their stories with the Broderick team.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence
The University of Sydney has today received a report from Elizabeth Broderick on cultural renewal at St Paul's College, welcoming the College's commitment to the recommendations outlined in the review.
Under the leadership of Warden Dr Don Markwell, the College has apologised unreservedly and issued an action plan to implement all recommendations outlined in the report, assuring its community they will do whatever is needed to achieve change.
University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence welcomed the review and the commitment from St Paul's College to implement all changes.
"This action plan represents meaningful and substantial leadership on the part of the College," said Dr Spence.
"This review would not have been possible without the many courageous women and men who came forward to tell their stories.
"I also thank Ms Broderick and her team for the significant effort they had made in engaging with the college communities and preparing the report."
Dr Spence also acknowledged the progress of St Paul's under Dr Markwell, who was appointed as Warden in February 2018.
"He is to be commended for his deep commitment to cultural renewal and a strong stance against sexism, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
"I am confident that under his leadership the college will build on strong foundations to enable all students to flourish."
The report is the final in a series of reports commissioned by the University's associate residential colleges after reports by Elizabeth Broderick on Sancta Sophia College, St Andrew's College, St John's College, Wesley College and the Women's College were received in November last year.
"We share a commitment to ensuring all of our students feel safe and we will continue our work with St Paul's and our other residential colleges to make sure all students feel comfortable on campus and college grounds at all times," said Dr Spence.
On the St Paul's College website
Annika Dean
Media and PR Adviser
annika.dean@sydney.edu.au
Student Affairs Unit
1800 SYD HLP (1800 793 457)
Jane Foss Russell Building G02
Safer communities on campus
Sexual health and consent
Supporting students in distress (Staff Intranet)
Support for staff (Staff Intranet)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Seniors now car mkters' focus. Why campaigns need mobile. Ad viewability down. (RBDR 8.18.2015) – RFL Communications, Inc.
Today on RBDR: 1) Automakers have discovered a bustling new market: seniors. 2) The Mobile Marketing Association SPOX study, conducted by Marketing Evolution & InsightExpress, pinpoints the percentage of a campaign that should be devoted to mobile in order to maximize its impact. 3) There may not be an accepted measurement for advertising viewability, but Integral Ad Science's Q2 2015 Media Quality Report details 5% drops in view ability during the past year.


- Cycling, cycle touring, alpine collars(passes), MOUNTAIN BIKE, downhill MOUNTAIN BIKE, passage and stage of the Tour de France.
- Marche in mountain, hiking trails, discovered by high mountain pastures, by fauna, flora. Taken out with guides, including with animal of company and porterage: asses of High Giffre, ride allocates of the Lac Bleu of Morillon, visits of farm in high mountain pasture, production of cheeses farmers: reblochon farmer, tome, cheeses of mountain. Visit of one farm museum " Clos Parchet " 6 km.
- Leisure centre of the Lac Bleu (Morillon): entertainments for children, concerts, craft market, fireworks, model making, training courses of stained glass.
- Paragliding with departure of the plateau of Saix and The Bourgeoise. Sommand Mieussy paragliding resort (15 kms). Baptème of the air(sight) and walk in ball(balloon) allocates Carroz 15 km.
- Museum of watch-making and scrwmachining (Cluses, 18 kms), museum of mechanical music (Les Gets, 20 kms).
- 3 golf courses between 12 and 40 km (Flaine, Gets, Chamonix).


S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), became law on Dec. 10. It calls itself "An Act to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that every child achieves." – As if Congress could achieve its aim by words alone.
Have you heard of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)? That was the previous version of the law, enacted in 2002. ESSA extends K-12 authorizations through 2020. It doesn't eliminate or significantly roll back NCLB's annual testing mandates. It allows K-12 spending to continue its rapid growth. It retreats on school choice. It lacks an opt-out provision for states. It contains new programs that represent new federal encroachment on parents and local communities. It is a betrayal of America's families. The Department of Education is celebrating its passage. Secretary of Education Duncan wrote a Dear Colleagues letter praising the bill for accomplishing a number of key administration objectives.
It is another "conference committee" bill, produced on Dec. 1, approved by the House on Dec 2 and by the Senate on Dec. 9. How can our representatives read and comprehend and intelligently vote on such a huge bill in such a short time? How can we get them to stop this madness?
Senators Burr and Tillis voted for the bill, which passed 85 to 12. Rep. Ellmers voted for the bill, which passed 359 to 64.
Remember these votes in the March 2016 election primary.


text:
Q: stanfordNLP Pipeline - Python I was wondering how to actually use the StanfordNLP Pipeline through python using the stanfordnlp library. There doesn't seem to be any clear documentation as to how to actually enter the annotators, their attributes, etc.?
For example, nlp = stanfordnlp.Pipeline() sets up a new pipeline. Is there a way to specify which annotators it uses?
For example, I want to specify the following commands:
-annotators tokenize,ssplit,pos,lemma,ner,depparse,coref,quote -coref.algorithm statistical

How would I do that using the stanfordnlp.Pipeline() command?

A: There are two pipelines:

*

*the native Python pipeline runs tokenize,mwt,pos,lemma,depparse

*the traditional Java pipeline

If you want to use the Java pipeline, you need to use the server.
There is detailed discussion of this here: https://stanfordnlp.github.io/stanfordnlp/corenlp_client.html

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Each of us are local to the Wirral and perfectly equipped to help with all of your property related needs!
Hewitt Adams take the time and effort to understand your reasons for moving. By understanding our clients' motivations, we ensure we find them the right buyer for them as well as obtaining the best possible price for their home.
Need a free valuation of your property?


text:
Q: Change string with sql UPDATE query Question
How could I change the following code from SGC1-0001[ to SGC1-001.
The table is stations with column code.
I need to use an update query, but not sure how to use it.
There are more records in the column that differ slightly but I should be able to work it out with an example to do one.
Sample Data
I would like to do them in chunks though not one at a time.
SGC1-0001[
SGC1-0002[
..
SGC1-0019[
SGC1-0021[
SGC2-0001[
SGC2-0002[
..
SGC2-0016[
SGC2-0017[
SGC3-0003[
SGC3-0004[
...
SGC4-0018[
SGC4-0021[
SGC4-0022[
SGC4-0025[
SGC4-0029[

Logic (pseudo code)
Delete first 0 and last [ from all

A: If you're wanting to trim the last character of all records in that column as well as remove the leading 0, the following should do the trick:
UPDATE stations
SET    code = REPLACE(LEFT(code, LEN(code) - 1), '-0', '-')

If you're just wanting to replace the leading 0, following should do:
UPDATE stations
SET    code = REPLACE(code, '-0', '-')

Also, the following may be of interest:
String Functions

A: Try This, Update query
Because all your code have '[' at last then you can use this query. it will delete the last '[' and first 0 after '-' from all records
UPDATE stations
SET  CODE = LEFT(replace(code,right(code,1),''),4) + '-'+
            RIGHT(RIGHT(replace(code,right(code,1),''),4),3)

It will replace
SGC1-0029[ to SGC1-029 AND
SGC1-0001[ to SGC1-001
Better to refer some sql basic tutorials


HUDDERSFIELD hospital chiefs have apologised after a disabled pensioner missed an appointment because of a blunder.
Former nurse Gusti Mann, 79, had to re-schedule her visit to the Royal Infirmary after her transport - arranged by the hospital - did not turn up.
She had been due to have a barium meal - a solution which helps when X-raying the upper alimentary canal - at 9.45am last Wednesday.
Mrs Mann, of Meltham, said she waited at home from 8am, after having had nothing to eat since 11pm the day before.
She added: "The transport just didn' t turn up. It was so frustrating."
Mrs Mann rang the radiology department twice to check her transport was coming and was told it was on its way.
"I had waited weeks for that barium meal and missed it because the transport didn't turn up.
"If I was the worrying type I could have been worried - but I am positive.
"But I am very angry about it," she added.
Mrs Mann was told she would have to wait for another appointment message to be sent following the blunder.
But she has since being contacted about her missed appointment and arrangements have been made for her to be seen this week.
A spokesman for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Hospital Trust said: "The trust would like to apologise to Mrs Mann for the mix up encountered with her transport.
"As soon as the error was highlighted a new appointment was booked and transport arrangements made."


Apple's new music streaming service—really an update to Beats Music that is integrated with iTunes—launched this week to great fanfare. If you're familiar with successful streaming music services like Spotify, Apple Music will seem very familiar. But the service is a curious mix of the conservative and the quirky, and should be a compelling choice for those who rely on Apple for their digital media needs.
As you may know, I'm traveling in Ireland this week, and while I'm mostly on vacation, I'm also working from time to time. I was able to upgrade my laptop to Windows 10 build 10159 last night, thanks to a better-than-expected Internet connection at the Bed & Breakfast here in Kinsale. And I updated my iPad and iPhone 6 Plus to the latest iOS update, and Apple Music with it, the day before in Dingle. This has helped me keep up better with some of this week's more interesting developments.
With regards to Apple Music, I suspect the service will be a surprise only to those people—and there are of course many millions of them—who fell for Steve Jobs's baloney about people want to own music. I've been using subscription music services for years—Pandora, Spotify and Zune Music Pass/Xbox Music Pass among them—and find the ability to listen to any music from a catalog that is tens of millions of tracks deep to be quite compelling. And I suspect many music lovers will as well.
The question, of course, is how Apple Music stacks up. And whether it's worth it's worth paying for. Here are some early thoughts and impressions.
You (pretty much) have to pay for it. Unlike Spotify, Apple Music does not offer a free, ad-based version of the full service. But you can trial Apple Music free for 90 days, which is quite liberal, and if you're at all curious, I recommend you do so. (That said, be sure to turn off the auto-renew option in iTunes on PC or the Music app in iOS lest you be charged for a subscription you may not want to continue past the free trial.) Also, the Beats 1 radio station (see below) and the former iTunes Radio stations are free, but the latter still includes advertising and playback limitations around skipping songs you don't like.
Apple Music is right-priced for an individual, but a tremendous deal for a family. Like many other streaming music services, a personal subscription to Apple Music costs $9.99 per month and there is no way to pay for a year up front and save money. You can only play music on one device at a time. But a family subscription is quite the deal, though there is likewise no way to save money by paying for a year up front. For $14.99 per month, up to six people can stream music simultaneously, though you need to enable Family Sharing, which also allows family members to share app and e-book purchases through the iTunes Store.
You will need to upgrade. If you're using an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you will need to upgrade to iOS 8.4 to get the new version of the Music app, which enables Apple Music compatibility. On Windows, you will need to upgrade iTunes to version 12.2 or higher.
It works with popular device and PC platforms. Obviously, Apple Music supports Apple's own devices—iOS devices running iOS 8.4, plus paired Apple Watches and Macs with iTunes. It will even support Android (via a new Music app) starting this fall. And while Windows users are all set thanks to iTunes, Windows Phone users are of course out of luck, and I can't imagine Apple will ever support that platform.
Catalog. Apple doesn't provide an exact size for its music catalog, and competing services usually claim 20-30 million tracks. But based on my experience with iTunes, I'd be surprised if Apple didn't have the best and biggest catalog.
Streaming. Apple Music lets you stream virtually anything from the iTunes music library plus the service's own radio stations and playlists. If you're online, just select the item you wish to hear and press play.
Radio features. Apple Music is brimming with radio stations and radio-like features. There's Apple's new uber radio stations, Beats 1, which broadcasts live from around the world. There are the former iTunes Radio stations, which provide mood and genre-based playback (Pure Pop, The Mixtape, All-City, and so on). There are personalized playlists based on your likes and favorite groups. And you can select a song, album or artist and create an instant playlist based on that item. That's some serious variety, and with real human curation on a lot of that, the ability to find high quality music you'll actually like.
Offline. Like other paid music subscriptions, Apple Music lets you download any content to a device so you can play it offline. This includes songs, albums, artists (though it's not clear to me yet if this option is literally every song by that artist) and even music videos, and also radio stations/playlists.
Connect. One of the more overlooked aspects of Apple Music is its ability to connect you with your favorite artists and, conversely, to connect artists with their fans. You do so via the Connect area of Apple Music, which lets you follow artists, so you can find more of their music, discover music videos, and, if they've joined the service, read and comment on social networking posts. Musicians can even post additional songs, and will allegedly respond to comments.
It's still early days, and I'm not really able to spend as much time with the service as I'd like while traveling—go figure, but my wife's parents aren't super-interested in my musical choices—but it's pretty clear that Apple is providing a credible alternative to existing services like Spotify and Xbox Music with Xbox Music Pass. I'll keep playing around with it—ahem—throughout the free trial period and see how it goes.


With much of the structural work complete, the builders created corridors inside of each major wing with new 1- and 2-bedroom apartments on either side. A fitness room, bicycle storage room, community room with kitchen, and other amenities were added. In the attic of the 1842 wing, a hauling wheel framed with heavy timbers — believed original to the building—was discovered, as well as an enormous chest of drawers once used to store spare machine parts. Both artifacts have been placed in the community room for display.


Emergency Situation Plumber Chicago Services can arrive fast to fix any plumbing issues. We have personnel on call waiting to serve you even on days or nights and twenty-four hours a day. We are readily available on weekends and vacations too. If you have a pipes emergency, then you have actually come to the ideal place indeed. No other plumbing company can beat our terrific low prices and guarantees. We are the pipes specialists who can serve you without delay. Require your pipes winterized for ice and freezing protection? Let our certified plumbing professionals cover your pipelines to secure them from busting throughout the extreme winter season temperatures. Conserve yourself all the trouble.
Hot water heater: One of the most aggravating things that might ever occur to you on a Monday early morning is entering the shower and finding that the water heater is broken. The idea of bathing with cold water could be frightening. With Chi-Town Plumbing, you can reinstall your hot water heater in a matter of hours. As quickly as you contact us, we come to your rescue. We can change your tank with a more efficient and more long lasting tank.
Hot water heating systems help supply homes with easy access to hot water. If you need to know how exactly they work and how they heat up water without spreading heat throughout the rest of the house, take a look at the following video.
As Chicago Sewer and Chicago Drain specialists, your Chicago Sewer and Drain cleansing, setup and repair requirements are a distant memory. From emergencies to regularly set up upkeep, The Scottish Plumber can keep your home or service Chicago pipes tidy and clear.
Please note that sewage system rodding may be required to clear the path for video evaluation. Drain rodding on a regular basis can likewise effectively prevent major drain issues in the future.
Drip Repair Services: Our pipes are almost all contained within our walls, floorings, and ceilings. When a leak does spring, any hesitation could result in major water damage and supply the ideal conditions for mold growth. Wherever a leakage strikes, a Four Seasons plumber will find the issue pipeline and remedy the scenario.
Tubs and Showers: Do you wish to update your tub and shower? Or you only wish to repair broken fixture. Chi-Town Plumbing has got you covered. We repair water pressure issues, hidden leaks, and complete replacement of your tub or shower.


Brand new completely renovated condominium overlooking the golf course of the Boca Raton Resort and Club. No expense has been spared to detail. Italian marble slabs throughout entire living area. Every aspect in condo has been updated including Hurricane impact windows and doors, all new Electrical System (LED lighting throughout), Plumbing, WASHER AND DRYER CLOSET IN UNIT, and more. Open kitchen with Silestone counter tops, Italian glass back splash, and top of the line appliances. Perfect for the discerning buyer looking for the Downtown Boca life-style. Walking distance to Mizner Park, Royal Palm Plaza and the Beach.
I was searching for a Property and found this listing (MLS® #RX-10500415). Please send me more information regarding 300 E Royal Palm Rd #0310, Boca Raton, FL, 33432. Thank you!
I'd like to request a showing of 300 E Royal Palm Rd #0310, Boca Raton, FL, 33432 (MLS® #RX-10500415). Thank you!
Luxury Real Estate Group LLC.


This plugin creates a system where your player can change classes through the main menu allowing for more customization!
NOTE: If you are using the Class Change Core and are wondering why skills from other classes are appearing in other classes, it is because you are using the same skill type. This is an intended function. The same way if you were to NOT use the Class Change Core plugin and use RPG Maker MV's default class changing event, any skills acquired from the class you changed from will remain in the character even after changing. That is just how it works and I have no plans on changing that. If you wish to distinguish your skills to certain classes, then make different skill types for those classes and set those skills to those new skill types.
Fox's JP Levels – This Plugin adds levels to the Yanfly's JobPoint System, like Final Fantasy Tactics had. It allows for restrictions on what skills your allowed to buy with the SkillLearnSystem based on the current classes' Job Level. It allows for restrictions on what class your allowed to equip with the ClassChangeCore based on the current classes' Job Level. The Job automatically gains levels just by gaining JobPoints.
This plugin adds the ability for your player to freely change the classes of actors outside of battle from a menu. When changing classes, this script gives the option for the developer to choose whether or not classes have their own levels (causing the actor's level to reset back to the class's level) or to maintain the current level.
The following are some notetags you can use with the Class Change Core plugin.
This actor will have class(es) x unlocked at the start of the game in addition to its current class and access to any of the global classes.
When this actor's class is x, the actor's character sprite will become 'filename' and index y on the fieldmap.
If you prefer to use class names instead of the class ID, use the above format. When this actor is this class, the actor's character sprite will become 'filename' and index y on the fieldmap.
When this actor's class is x, the actor's face graphic will become 'filename' and index y for menus.
If you prefer to use class names instead of the class ID, use the above format. When this actor is this class, the actor's face graphic will become 'filename' and index y for menus.
When this actor's class is x, the actor's battler sprite will become 'filename' in battle.
If you prefer to use class names instead of the class ID, use the above format. When this actor is this class, the actor's battler sprite will become 'filename' in battle.
Sets the icon for this class to x. This icon is used in the Class Change menu listing.
Sets the help description for the class to the specified text.
Sets the requirements for unlocking that particular class. The unlocking of the class will require classes x to be at level y. Insert multiple of the strings in between the two opening and closing notetags to require all of the class levels to be met.
If you prefer to use class names instead of the class ID, use the above format. This will set the level requirement for the mentioned class to y. If there are multiple classes with the same name, the class with the highest ID value will be taken.
Included in this plugin are multiple Plugin Commands to help assist you with class changing for your game.
This opens the class changing scene.
This shows the Class option from the main menu.
This hides the Class option from the main menu.
This makes the Class option enabled.
This makes the Class option disabled.
This allows Actor 5 to unlock Class 6.
This causes Actor 5 to no longer access Class 7.
This unlocks Class 8 for the global pool.
This removes Class 9 from the global pool.
Also, as some goodies, I've uploaded the images I've used to make those custom appearances for those who want the class images for Harold and co.


text:
namespace MindEngine.Core.Scene.Widget.Element.Style
{
    using Property;

    /// <summary>
    /// This class describes a rectangular region, in which is a non-interactive
    /// graphical unit. This basically describes a textured rectangle region.
    /// </summary>
    public class MMElementStyle : MMWidgetDesign
    {
        public MMElementStyle(string name) : base(name)
        {
        }

        private MMElementStyle()
        {
        }

        public MMPositionProperty Position { get; set; }

        public override void Clone(MMWidgetDesign source)
        {
            base.Clone(source);
            this.CloneExtra(source as MMElementStyle);
        }

        private void CloneExtra(MMElementStyle source)
        {
            if (source != null)
            {
                this.Position = (MMPositionProperty)source.Position.Clone();
            }
        }

        public override object Clone()
        {
            var clone = new MMElementStyle();
            clone.Clone(this);
            return clone;
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Mary Ellen Moros Negrete, 83, of Oberlin, died Thursday, November 8, 2018 in Carolyn's House of Hospice of Central PA, Susquehanna Twp.
She was a retired Registered Nurse at Harrisburg Hospital, a graduate of the Women's Medical College School of Nursing, Philadelphia, and a member of St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church, Swatara Twp. and the Paxtang Art Assn.
Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Romanchek Moros and the widow of Maxim Negrete. She is survived by three sons, Philip A. Negrete and his wife, Barbi of Oberlin, Louis S. Negrete of Oberlin, and Michael I. Negrete of Mechanicsburg; two daughters, Christine M. Negrete of Hagerstown, MD and Cynthia A. Dragovich and her husband, Paul of Nazareth; one sister, Gloria A. Moros of Hazleton; three grandchildren, Michael A. Dragovich and his wife, Cassandra of Nazareth, Matthew A. Dragovich and his wife, Natalie of Manhattan; and Stephen L. Negrete and his wife, Shawna of Harrisburg; and one great granddaughter, Cassidy M. Negrete.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 11:00 am in St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church with Very Rev. Neil S. Sullivan, VF, her Pastor, as Celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am in her church. Arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Steelton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church, 4000 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17111.


Today I'm so excited to announce the launch of Happy Handmade! This is a brand new kids craft ebook that contains 115 pages of unique and fun crafts to make with and for your kids!
If you could see me now, you'd see that I'm grinning ear-to-ear right now because I'm so proud of how this book turned out!
To celebrate the launch of this awesome ebook, we're offering it at a discounted price of $9.99 for one week only! Afterwards, the cost of the ebook will return to $12.99. So buy it now, to get it an a discounted price! Woo-hoo for bargains! And, for all you international readers out there, Paypal will take care of the currency conversion for you!


text:
London Book Fair seeks world's best bookstore
The London Book Fair has just issued a press release announcing a search for the world's best bookstore, as part of its new LBF International Excellence Awards 2016. Online submissions are now open, until January 15th, 2016.
According to the release, the LBF International Excellence Awards 2016, launched in association with the UK Publishers Association (PA), "are back for a third year to celebrate publishing success across the world and across sectors, with categories including Academic, Education and Trade publishing. Companies or individuals can enter for the awards via the LBF website by 15 January 2016. Publishers are also encouraged to nominate companies or individuals who they feel deserve to be recognised for outstanding achievement in publishing this year."
By and large, I am admittedly very sniffy about the London Book Fair, and its devotion, alongside the PA, to the interests of publishers above those of readers, writers, bookstores, and even books. But I do believe that good bookstores are an invaluable cultural asset worth recognizing and celebrating.
Richard Mollet, Chief Executive of the PA, said in the release: "Our focus this year on finding the world's best bookstore aims to highlight the absolutely vital role bookshops play worldwide in not only promoting new titles but also advising readers on the many excellent books already published but yet to be discovered."
Ten out of the Awards' 13 categories are open to entrants outside the UK. "The shortlist will be announced in March 2016. The winners will be announced at an invitation-only ceremony on Tuesday 14 April 2016, at LBF, Olympia, London." Full details on entry criteria can be found on the LBF website at www.londonbookfair.co.uk/awards.
Why not head on over there and nominate your favorite bookstore now?
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The Biblio-Mat is the book lover's dream slot machine


Mid-division, 6th halfway, smooth progress entering straight and close 2nd when bumped last, under pressure and drifted left run-in, led final 100 yards and kept on well.
Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, progress to lead after 2 out, jumped right last, headed under pressure and bumped by winner 100 yards out, no impression close home.
Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace.
Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, dropped to 6th after 3 out, pushed along after 2 out and 4th at last, no extra run-in.
Led, jumped right 5th, pushed along and headed after 2 out, no impression and dropped to 5th before last, no extra.
Held up, ran freely, 5th halfway, progress to go 2nd briefly approaching 2 out, pushed along and lost place entering straight, no extra in 6th before last.
Held up in rear, no impression and not fluent 2 out, soon ridden and no extra, behind and pulled up before last.


text:
A play-by-play preview of the day's congressional news
Get the Huddle Newsletter
How Biden's Cabinet picks are playing on the Hill
By MELANIE ZANONA
Presented by The National Domestic Workers Alliance
CABINET CORNER -- President-elect Joe Biden started rolling out his Cabinet selections and building his White House team this week. So, what kind of reception are his picks getting from Congress? As we've mentioned here before, the battle over his Cabinet will be Biden's first real test of his Hill prowess. And so far, he's managing to keep the peace.
Among Republicans … We haven't seen a ton of reaction, with the Senate on recess and some Republicans still in denial that Biden won the election. But Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) told reporters in the Capitol yesterday: "I'm glad he's resisting the far left on most of the picks to date."
Meanwhile, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, signaled broad opposition to Biden's early choices: "Biden's cabinet picks went to Ivy League schools, have strong resumes, attend all the right conferences & will be polite & orderly caretakers of America's decline. I support American greatness. And I have no interest in returning to the 'normal' that left us dependent on China."
Of course, if Biden is hunting for GOP votes, he'll be turning to the center of the conference. The GOP senators to keep an eye on are Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.
And among Democrats … progressives might not be in love with Biden's first round of choices, but they can live with them, write Holly Otterbein and Laura Barrón-López. The pattern that's emerging thus far: Biden is picking people who haven't alienated the left, but who aren't considered major wins for progressives, either.
If liberals had their way, they'd have Sens. Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren in the Cabinet. But Biden seemed to cast doubt on that idea during an interview with NBC's Lester Holt, saying it's important to have strong leaders in Congress to help enact a progressive agenda.
"Taking someone out of the Senate, taking someone out of the House — particularly a person of consequence — is a really difficult decision that would have to be made," he said. Much more on all this from Holly and Laura: https://politi.co/3l89aIe.
Related reads: "Biden picks a Goldilocks Cabinet, neither too left or right," by Evan Halper: https://lat.ms/3nV2wqB; and "AOC and Ilhan Omar want to block Biden's former chief of staff," via Axios' Alexi McCammond: https://bit.ly/3kYXojq.
A message from The National Domestic Workers Alliance, Community Change Action, and FWD.us:
We can't fight this pandemic without essential workers, many of whom are immigrants. For almost a year, essential workers have risked their lives to care for those most at risk for COVID-19 without access to relief given to other workers or assurance that they would be safe from being torn from their families. They are getting us through this crisis, so relief plans must include a fast track to citizenship for essential workers>>
TOTAL DICK MOVE -- Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois is already the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, and was just re-elected as minority whip. Now, Durbin is also launching a bid for the coveted top Democratic spot on the Senate Judiciary Committee next year.
His power play has sparked some grumbling among Dems, who are questioning whether that's too much for one senator to take on. And Durbin will also have to overcome resistance on the left, which is pushing for Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) to take the job instead.
After Durbin, Sheldon is next in line in terms of seniority. He hasn't thrown his hat into the ring, but he did put out this interesting statement last night: "In the wake of Ranking Member Feinstein's announcement, I look forward to the question of succession on the Senate Judiciary Committee being decided by the caucus. I will abide by the caucus's decision." The dispatch from Burgess and Marianne: https://politi.co/3m4wFmN.
FIGHT NIGHT -- After a disappointing night at the polls, House Dems are preparing to pick a new campaign chief next week. And it's going to be an incredibly important role for the caucus, with the party fighting to hang on to its slim majority in 2022.
The heated contest has come down to a two-way race between Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, who represents a Trump district in New York and is touting his experience running as a gay man with a biracial family, and Rep. Tony Cárdenas, a fundraising powerhouse from California who is trumpeting his ability to connect with Latino voters.
Democrats across the board agree the party needs a new message, which was widely seen as a weak spot in 2020. "I don't think a one-size-fits-all message works for the Democratic Party," said Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), a frontliner who supports Cárdenas. "We need to make it more tailored and more specific so that people don't think that we're just throwing out empty words." The story from Heather, Sarah and Ally Mutnick: https://politi.co/371UyoU.
Related read: "Democratic Women's Caucus members split endorsements for House campaign chief," via The Hill's Rafael Bernal: https://bit.ly/366aFme.
HAPPY WEDNESDAY! Welcome to Huddle, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Nov. 25, where your host is wishing everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Quick programming note: Huddle will take a break this Thursday and Friday, but we'll be back Monday, Nov. 30.
TUESDAY'S MOST CLICKED: USA TODAY's story on how Rep. Jim Clyburn helped Joe Biden win the White House was the big winner.
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris introduce their nominees and appointees to key national security and foreign policy posts at The Queen theater, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) | Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo
A NEW YEAR, A NEW WASHINGTON, A NEW PLAYBOOK TEAM: Ryan Lizza, Tara Palmeri, Eugene Daniels and Rachael Bade take the reins of Playbook this week to set the agenda for the political day and days ahead; break news and make sense of it; and provide a steady dose of insider nuggets and intrigue for and about the power players in Washington. Delivered to your inbox twice a day, POLITICO Playbook keeps you up to speed with everything happening in the world of politics as a new administration enters the White House. Subscribe today to the unofficial guide for official Washington.
GET ON MY LEVEL -- Top appropriators in the House and Senate reached a bipartisan agreement on spending levels for all 12 annual funding bills — a major step toward clinching a deal on a broader omnibus and avoiding a government shutdown. The current funding patch runs out on Dec. 11.
There's still a lot more work to be done, of course. And spending bills — which are ripe for poison pills — are always a heavy lift. But both sides want to get a deal done, and the agreement on topline numbers represents real progress. The deets from Caitlin Emma: https://politi.co/363CPho.
Meanwhile … a group of Democrats is urging appropriators to block funds for Trump's recent "Schedule F" executive order, which would allow agencies to reclassify certain career positions. "We write with great urgency to request that the forthcoming continuing resolution or omnibus spending bill include language that reverses the implementation of this executive order and requires the immediate return of any federal employee reclassified pursuant to it," they wrote. The letter.
STABENOW ON STIMULUS -- As the pandemic rages, some cracks are starting to emerge among Democrats when it comes to a coronavirus relief bill. More from Roll Call's Doug Sword: "A top Senate Democrat said Tuesday that she's engaged in bipartisan discussions on COVID-19 aid and urged quick action even if that means 'a short-term package for the next few months.' 'We need to act,' said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., the fourth-ranking Democrat in that chamber as Democratic Policy and Communications Committee chairwoman.
"House Democrats and Senate Republicans have been in a standoff for months. House Democrats passed Oct. 1 a slimmed down version of their relief package, though it still weighed in at $2.4 trillion. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had been discussing a package worth nearly $2 trillion, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the estimated $519 billion aid package Republicans introduced in September is sufficient." The story: https://bit.ly/39eoAbz.
Meanwhile … another member of Congress, Rep. Rick Allen (R-Ga.), has tested positive for coronavirus. That brings the total to at least 35 lawmakers, according to USA TODAY's ongoing tally.
Related: "Congress Isn't Passing Pandemic Relief, But They Are Passing The Coronavirus," by BuzzFeed News' Paul McLeod and Zahra Hirji: https://bit.ly/3m4BmwV.
SILENT NIGHT -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been silent on Biden's victory thus far, even after the GSA ascertained that he's the president-elect. The latest from WaPo's Mike DeBonis: "McConnell's ongoing silence, even as the Trump administration moves to allow Biden to start his transition, leaves a question mark over what could be the most important Washington relationship of the next two years — between an incoming president who promised to tackle the nation's most pressing concerns and the win-at-all-costs Capitol Hill operator who may well serve as his legislative gatekeeper.
"The two men — Senate colleagues for 24 years and sparring partners in several high-stakes negotiations during Biden's time as vice president — still have not spoken since the election, according to a GOP aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly.
"McConnell has not publicly commented since Nov. 17, when he offered circumspect remarks on the election and Trump's legal challenges based on unfounded claims. 'What we all say about it is frankly irrelevant,' he said. 'All of it will happen right on time, and we'll swear in the next administration on Jan. 20.'" The story: https://wapo.st/3m77ShV.
Related: "Congressman seeks to have Rudolph Giuliani disbarred over attempts to overturn election," from WaPo's Kim Bellware: https://wapo.st/3q3VlP0.
DON'T KNOCK IT UNTIL YOU'VE TRIED IT -- Democrats will knock on doors to campaign for the Georgia runoff races, resuming a tactic that they ditched during the pandemic — and a decision that some in the party have questioned. More from James Arkin, Andrew and Maya King: "Democrats largely halted the practice earlier this year, but the party's candidates this week returned to in-person canvassing in the Peach State as they seek to juice turnout in two critical runoff elections on Jan. 5.
"The new efforts are being coordinated between the two Democratic campaigns and follow strict health guidelines created in consultation with an epidemiologist. The transition back to door-to-door canvassing comes after a November election marked by asymmetrical tactics: Democratic candidates generally moved their mobilization efforts online and over the phone, while many Republican campaigns still worked the doors to contact voters.
"Both sides recognize that turning out their bases in Georgia will be paramount, and as a result their efforts are focused less on persuading undecided voters and more on getting supporters to the polls or to return absentee ballots. It's why the two Democratic candidates — Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock — and a litany of outside groups are set to resurrect door-knocking despite the health concerns." More: https://politi.co/39gkxvl.
JOIN THURSDAY TO HEAR FROM SELECT MAYORS ACROSS THE U.S.: On Thursday, Jan. 21, The Fifty: America's Mayors will virtually convene select mayors from across the U.S. for back-to-back interviews during inauguration week to discuss bold ideas and policy proposals for their cities to move forward post-COVID-19. The mayors will also discuss their cities' needs from state and federal government to recover from the economic and public health crises and how they'd like to work with President Biden as he begins in the White House. This virtual program will feature an executive conversation between POLITICO CEO Patrick Steel and Microsoft's President of U.S. Regulated Industries Toni Townes-Whitley. REGISTER HERE.
Tyler Haymore will be COS for Rep.-elect Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). He most recently was COS for Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.).
Emily Kolano is now legislative director for Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.). She most recently was senior legislative assistant for Rep. Denny Heck (D-Wash.).
Sally Tucker has returned to Rep. Joe Neguse's (D-Colo.) office as communications director. She had taken a leave to be Colorado press secretary for the Biden campaign.
Corine Weiler is now director of scheduling for Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.). She previously was executive assistant to the President and CEO of the Humane Society.
TODAY IN CONGRESS
The House and Senate are out.
AROUND THE HILL
Tumbleweeds.
TUESDAY'S WINNER: Peter Roff was the first person to guess that three bureaus were removed from the jurisdiction of the Treasury Department: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the United States Secret Service and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
TODAY'S QUESTION: Who was originally supposed to design the Capitol building — and why were they fired from the job? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Huddle. Send your best guess to [email protected].
GET HUDDLE emailed to your phone each morning.
5.2 million essential workers in the U.S. are undocumented immigrants, serving in frontline industries. They care for our sick, put food on our tables, and risk their health and lives to serve their neighbors. We can't get through this without them. Yet they've been left out of previous stimulus relief packages and live in fear of being torn away from their families by a cruel immigration system.
We call on the new Congress to build a more fair, humane, and functional immigration system. This begins with putting immigrant essential workers on a fast track to citizenship as a part of the COVID recovery package. These workers sacrifice for their communities every day, and deserve stability. If you agree, join us in thanking an essential worker by telling Congress to include them in the next COVID relief bill.
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About The Author : Melanie Zanona
Melanie Zanona is a congressional reporter and Huddle author at POLITICO.
Prior to joining the team in 2019, Melanie was a staff reporter for The Hill, where she primarily covered House leadership. Before that, she was a policy and legislative action reporter for CQ Roll Call.
Melanie is a Chicago native and University of Illinois graduate. In her spare time, she likes to cook Italian food, play with her boxer named Bodie and root for her favorite Chicago sports teams.
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The University of Newcastle and Newcastle's Civic Precinct will undergo a major transformation thanks to a $30 million funding injection announced today by Higher Education Minister Sharon Bird and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson.
Under the University's Building Access and Attainment in the Hunter region project, its Faculty of Business and Law will move from Callaghan Campus to a new purpose-built Education Precinct in the city centre.
The funding is a result of the University's successful bid under the Federal Labor Government's Regional Priorities Round of the Education Infrastructure Fund and will create new opportunities to study for thousands of young people in the Hunter region.
"This $30 million investment will transform the University of Newcastle and the city centre, and have widespread benefits for the region," Ms Bird said.
"This is a demonstration of the Federal Labor Government's commitment to world class, accessible universities and to regional centres like Newcastle.
Ms Grierson said the project heralded the next chapter in Newcastle's higher education history and would significantly boost local economic activity and job opportunities and enhance the student experience.
"Construction is expected to create 300 jobs and the infrastructure, once operational, will create almost 200 jobs in teaching, learning and student administration," Ms Grierson said.
"The University's anticipated $95 million city campus project will add to the revitalisation of inner city Newcastle and will be a major catalyst for further investment into the city centre.
"Major economic and social changes will result with thousands of students and staff moving into and commuting to the city centre.
Member for Charlton Greg Combet welcomed the Gillard Government's investment in higher education for the region.
"It doesn't matter where you're from or where you live, everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed," Mr Combet said.
"This investment in the Newcastle campus is great news for the Hunter and will greatly benefit students from the Shortland electorate," Ms Hall said.
As part of the project, the university will also invest in a major refurbishment at the Callaghan Campus, with vacated space to be refurbished to develop an innovative service hub for students undertaking enabling courses.
This hub will be a one-stop shop for students new to higher education and will boost participation of Indigenous students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.


Organizations of all kinds find scaling IT infrastructure to accommodate rapid application delivery or rapid increases in usage to be a challenge. A little over a decade ago, DevOps came to fruition seeking to facilitate aggressive resource creation. In a nutshell, the DevOps integrates development, operations, and infrastructure teams to expedite service launches. Silos are eliminated across the IT business unit. Cross-functional assembly lines, known as pipelines, are created across departments, using sophisticated tools and automation techniques to speed up application launches.
The challenges implicit in supplying compliant infrastructure in time for new application launches are prevalent hiccups slowing down IT organizations that follow traditional software development and infrastructure management principles. Besides struggling with availability, infrastructure and operational groups often lag when it comes to accommodating network, identity and access management (IAM) and the security changes required by new applications.
Maven Wave implements DevOps schemes for customers that need help automating cloud infrastructure consumption and deploying applications on existing traditional infrastructure.
There's no official DevOps playbook. It's a cultural practice that is continually evolving. Every implementation should be customized according to the practitioner's unique cultural DNA in order to be effective and fully optimized. But IT organizations too frequently don't know where to start. That's where Maven Wave comes in.
IaC leverages tools that seek to remove the need for administrators to manually log into servers and change configurations by storing server configurations in programmatic, but human-readable files in source code.
CI/CD aims to allow development teams to make more frequent changes in code by storing deployment-ready configurations in an easily accessible repository. We create CI/CD pipelines for automated delivery and configuration of deployment packages and containers to facilitate rapid and finely tuned infrastructure for applications with varying profiles.
We leverage the leading tools to solidify our customers' adherence to DevOps principles. Maven Wave facilitates container management and orchestration with Docker and Kubernetes. We leverage Terraform to implement IaC and Jenkins to establish CI/DC platforms. In all areas, Maven Wave brings reusable code kickstarters to shorten implementation timelines.
Ultimately, we work closely with all business units to ensure our customers can rapidly execute changes to on-premises and cloud environments in an automated and compliant manner. We replace bottlenecks with collaboration and partnership, which is difficult to establish without the help of an external expert who's not bogged down by internal politics. Our operations teams are equipped with advanced monitoring and tools to increase production environment uptime and reliability. IT costs are reduced with efficiencies and operations gains, and security profiles are enhanced with more stable and controlled environments.
Highly reusable code and pipelines to automate rapid and agile deployment of scalable cloud environments.
Automation for rapid provisioning of infrastructure. We build and deploy containers to Kubernetes environments and enforce governance standards.
Advanced monitoring and analytics to increase production environment reliability and response.
Cloud-readied, enterprise secrets management service for storing and managing enterprise passwords, keys, and other data.


A clean, fresh facility makes a great first impression on your customers and an easy working environment for your employees. But a dirty, disorganized, and smelly office is more than just unprofessional; it's unhealthy. Carpets, break rooms, bathrooms, computers and office surfaces can harbor harmful dust, allergens, and viruses. And no matter what business you're in, dusty odors and dingy floors are anything but appealing.
Clean Right Southeast, we provide dependable, high-quality commercial office cleaning services. Our goal is to provide you with a clean, healthy environment for your employees and customers. The cleaning professionals at Clean Right Southeast are carefully trained to provide a meticulous clean at each and every visit. And because your satisfaction is our highest priority, we're committed to providing nothing less than the very best customer service.
Vinyl flooring is cost effective, attractive, remarkably sturdy and wear resistant, and with proper care it will retain its original beauty for years.
But the key is proper care. All vinyl flooring requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure its durability, appearance and safety. Because of the high volume and type of traffic on commercial flooring, it is important to set up a maintenance program designed specifically for each location. Clean Right Southeast professionals understand the maintenance requirements of various types of flooring and installations and are trained to provide a high level of service.
Prior to undertaking any project, we will carefully inspect your flooring, study traffic patterns and devise a plan to do the job right. Our crews are carefully screened before we hire them and trained before they start work. We work nights and weekends and will develop a maintenance program to keep your commercial flooring looking its best.
When it comes to your construction cleanup projects, you can count on Clean Right Southeast for service that shines. At Clean Right Southeast, we approach your construction cleaning projects like we do every other cleaning project: with the customer always in mind. From construction debris removal to fine detailing, Clean Right Southeast always keeps your property and your image looking spotless.
Clean Right Southeast offers this value-added service with the flexibility to work around your schedule. We work with you and your general contractor without ever inconveniencing tenants, customers or visitors.
Do not trust your carpet cleaning to an inferior cleaning company when Clean Right Southeast can provide experienced carpet cleaners who will do a superior job. Even if your carpets are heavily soiled, high trafficked, or pet odder they're no match for the talent and skills of our professional carpet cleaners. We have the knowledge and workmanship it takes to provide a deep and lasting clean to your carpets without damage. We guarantee that you'll be more than happy with our results, and we'll address any issues promptly.
As a worldwide organization that touches all corners of the globe, we are committed to providing all of our clients with safe and environmentally responsible cleaning solutions to help reduce contaminants harming our earth. We use environmentally preferable green cleaning products, microfiber systems, floor matting and HEPA/ULPA vacuums, and specialized chemical dispensing systems.
When the last table is bussed and the kitchen closes, Clean Right Southeast restaurant cleaning services goes to work. Our staff is ready to provide the best in restaurant cleaning solutions to make sure your satisfaction is met. You have high standards and serve only the highest quality food, so it's important those same standards carry over to the cleanliness of your restaurant. Having a clean restaurant not only allows your customers to be happy, but also your entire restaurant staff to be happy.
With restaurant cleaning services by Clean Rights Southeast, your work environment and dining area will be ready for action every day and in pristine condition for the next service time. When you want restaurant cleaning services that make dining experiences memorable and your staff motivated, Clean Right Southeast is your best choice. We are here to give you the results you need and deserve.
why pressure washing is not enough but can sometimes be too much.
Some companies offer to pressure wash your outdoor surfaces and that's all. And maybe you think that's enough. But let Clean Right Southeast show you why it's not enough. Before pressure washing, Clean Right Southeast uses a proprietary foaming cleaner that clings to surfaces and lifts out the dirt, mold and mildew that has set in over time. Then, when we follow up with our controlled pressure washing, we don't need to power it at full blast. When is pressure washing too much? When it's uncontrolled, full blast. Pressure cleaning that's too strong can damage your outdoor surfaces, along with nearby flower beds! Don't let someone gouge your wood deck, concrete, siding, or precious rose beds. Call Clean Right Southeast to have the job done right the first time.
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RDS-A - Royal Dutch Shell plc
NYSE - Nasdaq Real Time Price. Currency in USD
As of 1:21PM EST. Market open.
Market Cap 220.579B
Beta (5Y Monthly) 0.83
PE Ratio (TTM) 11.08
EPS (TTM) 5.02
Earnings Date N/A
Forward Dividend & Yield 3.76 (6.72%)
Ex-Dividend Date Nov 13, 2019
1y Target Est 75.30
DIRECTOR CHANGES, APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHAIR AND SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR AND BOARD COMMITTEE CHANGES
ROYAL DUTCH SHELL PLC DIRECTOR CHANGES, APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHAIR AND SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR AND BOARD COMMITTEE CHANGES Royal Dutch Shell plc (the "Company") announces.
Hess (HES) Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates on Oil Price Slump
Hess' (HES) fourth-quarter earnings are affected by lower commodity price realization and increased operating expenses, partially offset by higher hydrocarbon production.
Can ExxonMobil's (XOM) Upstream Operations Aid Q4 Earnings?
ExxonMobil's (XOM) upstream operations are expected to have been affected by lower commodity prices in the fourth quarter.
TOTAL Sells 50% of Its Solar & Wind Power Assets in France
TOTAL (TOT) decides to sell 50% of its current wind and solar assets in France. It is set to continue pursuing further development of renewable assets in the region.
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and BP
The Big Dirty Secret of the World's Biggest Companies
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Lots of companies talk a good game about cutting planet-heating greenhouse emissions but their disclosures and targets have tended to focus on the emissions over which they have direct control and which are easiest to measure. That's fine in an industry such as cement, where the bulk of carbon pollution occurs during the production process. From an environmental perspective these direct, or "Scope 1," emissions are the main problem caused by these particular companies.But the approach falls down in companies working in oil, mining, carmaking, finance, and even fashion, because oftentimes most of their carbon footprint is contained in the products they sell or help finance — not their own operations.An oil giant can boast all it likes about how it's reduced gas flaring; if car drivers are still filling up with its gasoline, the planet will keep getting hotter. The same goes for an iron ore producer that touts how its mining trucks are incredibly fuel efficient but whose main product is the basis for steel production. Luxury goods suppliers may run the greenest workshops imaginable, but use fabrics and materials that are deeply damaging to the planet.In the past, so-called "Scope 3" emissions — the pollution contained in products sold to customers or in goods and services purchased from suppliers — either weren't calculated or were seen as someone else's problem. Thanks to pressure from institutional investors and activists, plus leadership from a few enlightened chief executives, corporate attitudes about this subject are evolving fast. "Scope 3 is the elephant in the room," Mark van Baal of investor advocacy group Follow This told the Norwegian oil major Equinor ASA's annual meeting last year.The new impetus is welcome because unless companies try to reduce the environmental damage of their products and purchasing decisions, efforts to limit catastrophic climate change will fail. At the World Economic Forum in Davos last week the bosses of some of the world's biggest oil producers debated setting targets for Scope 3 emissions, which typically make up about 90% of their carbon footprint. BP Plc's new boss Bernard Looney is poised to abandon his predecessor Bob Dudley's opposition to targeting customer emissions, according to Reuters. Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Repsol SA and Total SA have already set Scope 3 targets.In mining, Rio Tinto Plc argued it had "very limited control" over customer emissions but later bowed to pressure by promising to work with its customer (and China's top steel producer) Baowu Steel Group on lowering the steel sector's emissions. BHP Group Ltd. and Vale SA have gone further by promising to set goals for Scope 3 emissions. In BHP's cases these are almost 40 times greater than its direct pollution.The European Union's new guidelines on climate reporting also recommend that large companies disclose customer and supplier emissions. Banks and insurers, whose direct emissions are typically pretty negligible, should focus on their counterparties' emissions, the guidelines say. Unfortunately, this is not yet legally binding.Reluctance to target this stuff is hardly surprising because the numbers can be huge. Volkswagen AG acknowledged last year that its vehicles are responsible for about 2% of all the CO2 produced by humans.(3)Among the largest Scope 3 polluters are companies that the public probably don't immediately think of as big climate sinners. It's no surprise that Shell and Petrobras make the list, but I hadn't thought about Cummins Inc., which sells truck engines and industrial power generators, Nexans SA, whose cables transport electricity and data, and Daikin Industries Ltd, which builds air-conditioning units.I'm not knocking these companies; at least they're disclosing these emissions and some are setting targets to reduce them. Cummins plans to reduce absolute lifetime emissions from newly sold products by 25% by 2030, for example.Calculating the emissions from sold products is a pretty complicated exercise too. ThyssenKrupp AG's massive Scope 3 emissions include those contained in the steel in the cars we drive around, the cement plants its factory construction unit helped build and the elevators in office buildings. Daikin has to consider the probable lifespan of its air conditioners, their energy consumption and what kind of electricity they're powered by, plus probable leakage rates of planet-heating refrigerants.Fortunately there's no shortage of organizations and methodologies to help compile these data. (Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg News and its parent Bloomberg LP, chairs the FSB Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures).Regrettably, not all large manufacturers have seen the light through the smoke. The copious sustainability reports of some companies still don't spell out the total emissions of the products they sell. Volvo AB told me there's no globally harmonized standard on how to calculate and disclose Co2 from heavy duty trucks, but that it's evaluating opportunities to report on this in future. Daimler AG, which wants a completely CO2 neutral truck fleet in key markets by 2039, plans to start disclosing Scope 3 emissions for trucks in its next sustainability report.(1) You know something's up when it takes a hedge fund to tell a company to clean up its act. The shortcomings in aircraft maker Airbus SE's Scope 3 emissions reporting were highlighted in a critical letter late last year from Chris Hohn's TCI Fund Management, the world's most profitable activist fund. Airbus and rival Boeing have committed to halving the aviation industry's net emissions by 2050. It would help focus minds on that urgent task if they fully accounted for their own role in flight pollution.(2) If Shell can do it, why not them?(1) Like other truck manufacturers, VW doesn't report Scope 3 emissions for heavy trucks but made the estimate based on its market share andthe truck sector's contribution to global emissions (plus its carbon footprint from cars)(2) It already does so for cars.(3) Boeing's environment reportonly counts Scope 3 emissions from business travel. Airbus has urged the aviation sector to develop a common methodology for Scope 3 emissions to aid consistency in reporting.To contact the author of this story: Chris Bryant at cbryant32@bloomberg.netTo contact the editor responsible for this story: James Boxell at jboxell@bloomberg.netThis column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.Chris Bryant is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies. He previously worked for the Financial Times.For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinionSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Is Shell Oil (RDS.A) a Great Value Stock Right Now?
Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.
It's Earnings Time for Big Oil Stocks: Here's What to Expect
ExxonMobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS.A) and BP plc (BP) are scheduled to come out with fourth-quarter earnings in the next few days.
5 Reasons Why Big Oil Is Here To Stay
Big Oil has faced an onslaught of negative sentiment in recent years as climate activists ramp up their rhetoric, but the supermajors aren't going anywhere anytime soon
What Awaits Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) This Earnings Season?
Shell (RDS.A) expects its fourth-quarter LNG liquefaction volumes to expand to 8.8-9.4 million tonnes from its previous year's quarterly output of 8.78 million tonnes.
Oil Traders Made Billions in 2019 as Conflict Shook the Market
(Bloomberg) -- The world's largest energy traders enjoyed one of their best ever years in 2019 as pipeline outages, dramatic changes in ship fuel regulations and Middle East conflicts shook up the global oil market.The bonanza extended beyond the independent traders like Vitol Group and Trafigura Group Ltd. to the in-house units of oil giants Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Total SA and BP Plc, which made billions of dollars in profits."By all accounts, 2019 was among the best years ever for the energy trading industry," said Marco Dunand, the chief executive of Mercuria Energy Group Ltd., one of the five largest independent oil traders.For the independents, the bumper year all but guarantees a fat bonus season for a group of companies that's largely owned by their executives and senior staff. For the European oil companies, the trading boom will help Shell, BP and Total to weather a tough year in other parts of their business.In interviews with senior traders and top executives, the consensus is that the industry benefited from a lucky mix of factors in the oil market. Recent investments in trading natural gas, power and liquefied natural gas also started to bear fruit.First, a series of supply outages boosted the premiums that oil refiners pay over the benchmark price for some crudes. Early in 2019, Washington imposed sanctions on Venezuela, disrupting flows. Then, Russian shipments into Europe via the key Druzhba pipeline were halted after oil was tainted with a corrosive pollutant. And in September, Saudi exports were hindered after a terrorist attack against the country's most important petroleum facility.Some traders also profited from the so-called IMO2020 rules that force the world's merchant shipping fleet to use fuel with a lower sulfur content. The rules have upended the oil-refining and maritime industries, causing gyrations in the price of fuel-oil and marine diesel.The results provide some breathing room for a sector that's under assault from falling margins. Brent crude, the world's most important benchmark, traded in a relatively narrow range of $52.51 to $75.60 a barrel through the year.Vitol, Glencore, Shell, BP and Total all declined to comment on their results.The trend was already clear in the results of Trafigura, which reports earlier than others due to a fiscal year ending in September. Trafigura said its oil unit delivered a record gross profit of $1.7 billion last year.$1 Billion YearElsewhere executives also expect a stellar year, even as they caution that they haven't yet audited their financial statements or decided on the final writedowns against 2019 results. The oil-trading unit of Glencore Plc., for example, enjoyed its best ever result, according to people familiar with the matter. One person said Glencore expects to report earnings before interest and taxes of more than $1 billion in oil trading.At Gunvor, chief executive Torbjorn Tornqvist said 2019 was "up there among the best years ever" for the trading house, in part thanks to its expansion into LNG, super-cooled natural gas that can be transported by vessel. "We have a good year across the board."Vitol, the world's largest independent oil trader, expects to report earnings near $2 billion, one of its best results, according to a person familiar with the matter. Mercuria also enjoyed a "very good year," its chief executive said.Inside Big Oil, it was also a trading bonanza. Although better known for their oil fields, refineries and pump stations, Shell, BP and Total also run in-house trading businesses that are larger than the better-known independent dealers. Shell alone trades the equivalent of 13 million barrels a day of oil, dwarfing the nearly 7.5 million barrels a day at Vitol.For BP and Shell, 2019 was one of the best years ever in trading, making several billions dollars, according to two people familiar with the matter. Shell alone made at least $1 billion in fuel-oil trading linked to the IMO2020 changes.The results came despite mounting legal and regulatory pressures on some of the biggest trading houses. Glencore is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Meanwhile, Vitol and Trafigura had their Geneva offices raided by Swiss prosecutors as part of a bribery investigation in Brazil. And Gunvor had to pay $95 million in Switzerland to settle a case that saw a former employee pay bribes to secure oil deals in the Republic of Congo and Ivory Coast.\--With assistance from Andy Hoffman, Jack Farchy, Ronan Martin and Francois de Beaupuy.To contact the reporter on this story: Javier Blas in Davos at jblas3@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: Will Kennedy at wkennedy3@bloomberg.net, Emma Ross-Thomas, Helen RobertsonFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Lundin pledges to become carbon neutral by end of decade
One of Europe's largest independent oil producers is pledging to become carbon neutral by the end of the decade and will drop "petroleum" from its name as the industry comes under increasing pressure on emissions from investors. in decades, is aiming to reduce emissions from its own operations to zero by 2030, largely by replacing gas turbines that power offshore platforms with renewable electricity from land but also by buying carbon offsets. , Lundin is not giving any targets yet for reducing emissions from when its oil is burnt or used — by far the largest part of greenhouse gas pollution — as it has no refining operations so has little direct influence over how its oil is consumed.
Nigeria Ex-Justice Minister Charged Over $1.3 Billion Oil Deal
(Bloomberg) -- Sign up to our Next Africa newsletter and follow Bloomberg Africa on TwitterNigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Mohammed Adoke, a former justice minister and attorney general, for allegedly taking a bribe to facilitate a $1.3 billion oil deal.The anti-graft body filed 42 charges against Adoke and accused him of receiving a 300 million naira ($831,000) payment from businessman Aliyu Abubakar in relation to the acquisition of Oil Prospecting License 245 in the Gulf of Guinea, the commission said in an emailed statement.Adoke pleaded not guilty to all the charges and the case was adjourned to Jan. 27 when bail applications will be heard, the EFCC said.Abubakar is also being tried alongside other parties, including the local units of Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Eni SpA. The two companies, who deny any wrongdoing, are accused of improperly settling disputes over the oil field.OPL 245 was created in 1998, when then-petroleum minister Dan Etete carved out the offshore license and awarded it to his own company, Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd. Through successive regimes it was taken from him, awarded to Shell, and then given back, locking the companies and government in legal disputes.To win control of OPL 245, Shell and partner Eni paid the Nigerian government $1.1 billion. The companies agree the payment was made, but disagree about whether those funds went to bribes.Read more:To contact the reporter on this story: Tope Alake in Lagos at talake@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Osae-Brown at aosaebrown2@bloomberg.net, Hilton Shone, Jacqueline MackenzieFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Big Oil Stocks: Why Chevron's (CVX) the Best Right Now
Chevron's (CVX) stellar record of generating free cash flows point to its ability to take care of dividends. buybacks and debt repayment.
Exclusive: Guyana opening search for oil firm to trade its crude - official
Guyana's government next month plans to begin a search for an oil company or trading firm to market its share of the South American country's crude, the director of the Department of Energy, Mark Bynoe, said in an interview. The government is entitled to a portion of the light, sweet crude that a consortium led by Exxon Mobil Corp began producing last month after making 15 discoveries in recent years. The finds are set to transform the economy of Guyana, an impoverished country of fewer than 800,000 people.
Dambisa Moyo: Defunding oil companies is a 'naive' way to address climate change
Zambian economist Dambisa Moyo says it is "naive" to advocate for fossil fuel divestment, days after 17-year-old activist Greta Thunberg called on the world's elite to do so.
Shell Launches In-Car Fuel Payments Through UConnect Market
Shell (RDS.A) aims to tap the growing opportunities in the in-car payments space and offer better retail experience to its customers through payments from UConnect Market.
Oil CEOs at Davos Debate Tougher CO2 Cuts as Pressure Mounts
(Bloomberg) -- Sign up here to receive the Davos Diary, a special daily newsletter that will run from Jan. 20-24.The bosses of some of the world's biggest oil companies discussed adopting much more ambitious carbon targets at a closed-door meeting in Davos, a sign of how much pressure they're under from activists and investors to address climate change.The meeting, part of a World Economic Forum dominated by climate issues, included a debate on widening the industry's target to include reductions in emissions from the fuels they sell, not just the greenhouse gases produced by their own operations, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.The talks between the chief executive officers of companies including Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Chevron Corp., Total SA, Saudi Aramco, Equinor ASA and BP Plc showed general agreement on the need to move toward this broader definition, known as Scope 3, the people said, asking not to be named because the session was closed to the press. The executives didn't take any final decisions.Shell and Aramco declined to comment. Media representatives for Chevron, Total and BP weren't immediately able to respond to requests for comment. Equinor confirmed its CEO Eldar Saetre attended the meeting.Climate FocusTargeting Scope 3 emissions would be a big shift for an industry that produces the bulk of the world's planet-warming emissions, once that could eventually require them to sell far less oil and gas. The simple fact that the industry's top executives were considering it underscored how climate concerns suddenly came into focus in Davos this year.For the first time, environmental risks occupied the WEF's top five long-term concerns. Business leaders from BlackRock Inc. CEO Larry Fink to Allianz SE boss Oliver Baete used their platform at the event to focus on sustainable investment. The two highest-profile attendees at the forum -- President Donald Trump and climate activist Greta Thunberg -- made headlines as they staked out opposing positions on the issue.The oil and gas executives debated a document produced by the WEF on "neutralizing emissions at the pump," a reference to the gasoline and diesel sold to customers. There's an urgent need to shift the industry's target from production to emissions from end users, said one person.Several companies have already set targets for Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gases, which come directly from pumping and refining hydrocarbons. Yet these account for less than 10% of total emissions from the life cycle of oil and gas. Some of their pledges have also focused on curbing emissions intensity -- the amount of carbon dioxide released per unit of energy -- which wouldn't necessarily lead to a reduction in the volume of greenhouse gases produced if a company's output is growing.Among major energy groups, only Shell, Total and Madrid-based Repsol SA have publicly announced that they are either targeting or monitoring Scope 3 emissions.The Spanish company made the boldest move, promising net-zero emissions in 2050 by diverting investment into wind and solar power. Shell has taken more modest steps, pledging to offset the greenhouse gases produced by fuel sold to drivers on their loyalty-card programs in the U.K. and Netherlands.Eni SpA Chairman Emma Marcegaglia said in a Bloomberg TV interview that the company is committed to becoming carbon neutral on a Scope 1 and 2 basis by 2030. The Italian oil and gas giant is in discussions about Scope 3 emissions, but needs more guidance from the government on how to do so, she said.Other companies, notably U.S. majors Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron have so far resisted specific pledges to cut total emissions, with the latter focusing instead on the carbon intensity of the energy it produces. BP CEO Bob Dudley, who retires later this year, has agreed aims for Scope 1 and 2 gases but in the past opposed a Scope 3 target."We need to reduce our carbon intensity, everyone in the industry agrees on that," Dudley said in an interview in Davos. However, he cautioned that shareholders and companies were using multiple definitions of Scope 3 emissions. "We need to get a common definition" so the industry "can work together in a powerful way."(Updates with Aramco comment in fourth paragraph)\--With assistance from Laura Hurst, Francois de Beaupuy, Matthew Martin, Francine Lacqua and Mikael Holter.To contact the reporter on this story: Javier Blas in Davos at jblas3@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: James Herron at jherron9@bloomberg.net, Rakteem KatakeyFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Transaction in Own Shares 22 January 2020 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Royal Dutch Shell plc (the 'Company') announces that on 22 January 2020 it purchased the following.
Shell Farms-in On North Sea Blocks, Awaits Nod From Regulator
Shell (RDS.A) will acquire a working interest in two UK North Sea licenses of Egdon Resources and incur most of the 3D seismic survey costs to secure OGA's approval.
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Roche, Royal Dutch Shell, Citigroup, UnitedHealth and Costco Wholesale
Top Stock Research Reports for Roche, Royal Dutch Shell & Citigroup
Brazilian energy, logistic companies Cosan and Raízen appoint new CEOs
Brazilian energy and logistic conglomerates Cosan SA and Raízen announced executive changes at their helms on Tuesday, with both appointing new chief executives, according to a market filing. Marcos Lutz, who headed Cosan for over a decade, will step down and become a member of the company's board.
Premier Oil Nears North Sea Takeover, Awaits Creditors' Vote
Premier Oil (PMOIY) recently said that it will spend $625 million to acquire the Andrew and Shearwater assets from BP plc, plus another $246 million to buy a separate set of North Sea properties.


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Deion Sanders shares positive health update
by Steve DelVecchio
Deion Sanders wound up in the hospital with what he said were serious complications from foot surgery, but the Hall of Famer had some good news for his fans on Wednesday.
Sanders announced on Twitter Wednesday morning that he has been released from the hospital. The Jackson State coach thanked his supporters and said he is "going to be smart and continue to adhere to my wonderful team of doctors' orders."
Good morning and God bless! @GoJSUTigersFB @GoJSUTigers @SMAC @barstoolsports pic.twitter.com/ojrLjcFFtV
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) November 10, 2021
While he has not revealed many details of his health issues, Sanders has hinted that he tried to do too much after undergoing foot surgery recently. He said in a previous update that his recovery from surgery took longer than anticipated "mostly because I could not sit my butt down somewhere."
Sanders missed his third consecutive game on Saturday, and a report said he has dealt with significant trauma. It's certainly a good sign that he has finally been released from the hospital.
Sanders, 54, is in his second season as Jackson State's coach. There has been talk of him being in the mix for a much more prominent coaching job.
Photo: Jackson State University head football coach Deion Sanders speaks to media during a press conference at JSU's Walter Payton Recreation and Wellness Center in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. Eric Shelton/Clarion Ledger via Imagn Content Services, LLC


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The Office By Andy Greene
Narrated by: Brittany Pressley, Holter Graham, P.J. Ochlan, full cast
The Office AudioBook Summary
An instant New York Times best seller
The untold stories behind The Office, one of the most iconic television shows of the 21st century, told by its creators, writers, and actors.
When did you last hang out with Jim, Pam, Dwight, Michael, and the rest of Dunder Mifflin? It might have been back in 2013, when the series finale aired…or it might have been last night, when you watched three episodes in a row. But either way, 15 years after the show first aired, it's more popular than ever, and fans have only one problem – what to watch, or listen to, next.
Fortunately, Rolling Stone writer Andy Greene has that answer. In his brand-new oral history, The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s, Greene will take listeners behind the scenes of their favorite moments and characters. Greene gives us the true inside story behind the entire show, from its origins on the BBC through its impressive nine-season run in America, with in-depth research and exclusive interviews. Fans will get the inside scoop on key episodes from "The Dundies" to "Threat Level Midnight" and "Goodbye, Michael", including behind-the-scenes details like the battle to keep it on the air when NBC wanted to pull the plug after just six episodes and the failed attempt to bring in James Gandolfini as the new boss after Steve Carell left, spotlighting the incredible, genre-redefining show created by the family-like team, who together took a quirky British import with dicey prospects and turned it into a primetime giant with true historical and cultural significance.
https://rg.to/file/74afe48952facf9a21ff794b20896cf8/Andy_Greene_-_The_Office.zip.html
On Having No Head By Douglas Edison Harding
Being Nobody Going Nowhere By Ayya Khema
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